Mexico is a popular destination among Britons. However, those heading to the sun-drenched hotspot have been given important advice ahead of their visit.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has issued a new alert focusing on potential health and safety risks of spiritual cleansing ceremonies that involve hallucinogens.
The FCDO has added specific information about these rituals, which "might cause health, welfare and mental issues to anyone undergoing these rituals".
While Mexico remains a popular holiday destination for Britons, authorities are now highlighting dangers associated with traditional ceremonies marketed as spiritual experiences that many tourists partake in.
Strong hallucinogens used during the ceremonies are illegal in the UK
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The warning comes as part of broader safety advice for travellers to the country.
The FCDO warned: "Traditional hallucinogenic tea, ceremonies and practices such as Yagé, Ayahuasca, and Bufo are organised and marketed to tourists as spiritual cleansing."
These preparations typically contain dimethyltryptamine (DMT) or 5-metoxi-N, N-dimetiltriptamina (5-MeO-DMT).
The Foreign Office notes these are "strong hallucinogens that are illegal in the UK and many other countries".
Officials emphasise that consumption of these substances is not regulated, creating significant risks for tourists who participate.
The warning forms part of the FCDO's "Safety and security" guidance for Mexico, which reports that "intoxicated travellers have been assaulted and robbed" during these ceremonies.
There have also been "reports of sexual assaults" occurring at these events. Health risks associated with these substances "are not well understood," with some people suffering "serious illnesses and, in some cases, mental breakdowns or death".
The location of these retreats presents additional dangers, as they are "often a long way from medical facilities," according the FCDO.
Some retreats offer basic medical services, but others have no established plan for accessing emergency healthcare. This isolation compounds the risks for tourists who experience adverse effects.
British tourists in Mexico should also be aware of the broader political situation in the country.
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British tourists in Mexico are being urged to be cautious
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The FCDO advised that "political demonstrations are common in Mexico City and can happen across the country".
These demonstrations "can be tense and confrontational and could potentially turn violent".
Travellers are urged to "monitor local media and avoid all demonstrations". The Foreign Office emphasises that "it is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activities in Mexico".
Such participation "may result in detention and deportation." Officials warn that "politically motivated violence can happen across the country" and "onlookers can be quickly drawn in."
