2 minute read 

Much more than just a game, football is intrinsic to Mexican culture. The team you support becomes a fact of core identity, like being right or left-handed, or what color your eyes are. It’s not something you choose; it chooses you. Allegiances to local teams up and down the country are inherited, passed down through families, neighborhoods, and cities.

You’ll see the legacy of ‘the beautiful game’ everywhere: colorful jerseys worn day to day, street food stands that become live commentary studios on match days, games unfolding over mezcal and tequila. And on the big wins, celebrations spill into the streets, complete with car horns, cheers, and strangers embracing like long-lost friends.

Mexico’s Estadio Azteca, set to host the 2026 opening match between the home nation and South Africa, has already witnessed some iconic World Cup moments. Pelé raised the trophy here for Brazil to the roar of more than 100,000 fans in 1970. Sixteen years later, Maradona produced one of the most standout performances in football history on the same turf, in Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England. Some of the defining stories of the sport were written on this land, and with the World Cup returning this year, anticipation is building for an electric atmosphere to sweep the country once more. 

Ultra-Elevated Access in the Heart of the Action 

We’ve curated an exclusive way to experience Mexico City during this cultural moment. At a time when global attention turns to the capital, Journey’s deeply rooted relationships open doors into its most coveted spaces.

The country is expected to welcome more than five million visitors for the tournament, but there’s no need to worry about the traffic that comes with it. Arrive to your hotel suite straight from the airport by private helicopter, the buzz of the cityscape stretching out beneath you. Throughout your stay, soar from one helipad to another, between cultural landmarks, private viewings, and Michelin-starred tables.

Soak in the atmosphere of the crowd at the opening game as you take your place amongst the legends who have come before at Estadio Azteca. Later, retreat from the energy to your executive suite at the Four Seasons, a sanctuary of calm in the heart of it all.

When the city is at its busiest, experience it at its most intimate: after-hours access to the Anthropology Museum, private entry to Chapultepec Castle, ancient Aztec ruins explored alongside your own expert archaeologist. Savor a private dinner at Frida Kahlo’s home, seated where the icon herself once gathered guests.

This high-touch journey puts you at the very heart of CDMX, and at the center of access during the 2026 World Cup.

Reach out to us if you’re interested in booking this itinerary.

5 minute read 

Mexico’s Frida Kahlo is one of the most recognizable artists in the world. Her art and paintings, daily life, and carefully constructed image offer a powerful lens into both the artist herself and the Mexico that shaped her: anti-colonial, politically charged, and creatively electric. Exploring her world in Mexico, from Frida Kahlo museums like Casa Azul to her life alongside Diego Rivera and the politics that influenced her work, reveals why Frida the artist remains so deeply relevant today.

While Frida held only a couple of solo shows during her lifetime, today the self-taught painter from Coyoacán is a global icon. Her work is celebrated in major museum exhibitions, collected for record prices, and referenced across fashion, film, and popular culture. Designers such as Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier have created Frida-inspired collections, Salma Hayek portrayed her in the 2002 biopic, and Madonna counts with several of her paintings.

More than 70 years after her death, Frida continues to draw crowds. Lines of admirers spill out of Casa Azul, her cobalt-blue home in Mexico City. Nearby, Museo Casa Kahlo, which opened in 2025, explores her early family life, while the Tate Modern’s highly anticipated exhibition in London examines her lasting influence and the making of “Frida Kahlo.”

Here are five influences that shaped the life and art of Frida Kahlo:

THE MEXICAN REVOLUTION

Frida was born into one of the most transformative decades in Mexico’s social and cultural history. The Mexican Revolution was a decade-long struggle from 1910 to 1920 that reshaped the nation’s politics, land ownership, and cultural identity, particularly through the renewed recognition of Indigenous heritage. While the Mexican Independence movement a century earlier secured sovereignty from Spain, the Revolution redefined who Mexico was for and who held power within it.

Aligning herself with the cause, Frida adjusted her birth year and proclaimed herself a “Daughter of the Revolution.” She carried its anti-colonial ideals throughout her life, joining the Mexican Communist Party, sharing political convictions with muralist husband Diego Rivera, and offering refuge to exiled revolutionary Leon Trotsky at Casa Azul. Her paintings, public statements, and even her funeral, where her coffin was draped with a Communist flag, reflect a lifelong commitment to left-wing politics and social justice.

Walking through Mexico City’s historic center, traces of the Revolution appear in everyday ways. Avenida Madero honors one of the movement’s early leaders, while the Monumento a la Revolución houses the remains of figures such as Pancho Villa and Venustiano Carranza. Nearby, Diego Rivera’s murals at the National Palace, Bellas Artes, and Diego Rivera Mural Museum continue to narrate the revolutionary story, celebrating workers, Indigenous communities, and the ideals that reshaped the nation.

PAIN AND THE BODY 

Inside Casa Azul’s beautifully preserved rooms, you are drawn into Frida’s creative world while sensing the pain that shaped her radically honest style of painting.

As a child, Frida contracted polio, which left her right leg permanently shorter and eventually led to amputation in her final years. At 18, a catastrophic trolley accident shattered her spine and pelvis, leaving her immobilized in a full-body cast for months. Frida lived in constant dialogue with pain and death, a reality that gives her work its intensity and emotional force.

In her bedroom, visitors can still see the mirror her mother placed beneath the bed’s canopy, allowing Frida to paint self-portraits while lying on her back. This is where she began to hone her craft, using painting as a way to cope with pain, solitude, and confinement.

In the garden, rotating exhibitions of Frida’s clothing and personal objects reveal how she transformed physical limitations into part of her visual identity. Illustrated orthopedic corsets, floor-length skirts, and her prosthetic leg adorned with a red lace-up boot reflect both resilience and self-expression.

FRIDA’S FATHER GUILLERMO 

Mexico City’s new Museo Casa Kahlo delves into a lesser-publicized side of Frida: her family life. Once the Kahlo family home, just doors from Casa Azul, the house-museum displays childhood drawings, family photographs, and personal letters that reveal Frida the daughter, sister, and aunt.

Frida was especially close to her father, Guillermo Kahlo, whose influence on her artistic development is often overlooked. A German immigrant, Guillermo built a respected career documenting Mexico’s landscapes, architecture, and interiors in the early 20th century.

At Casa Kahlo, visitors can see the same darkroom where Frida spent hours alongside him, learning photography, image retouching, and how to pose for the camera. This early exposure shaped the deliberate, frontal quality of her self-portraits, later defined by her own visual language, iconic monobrow, and unwavering gaze.

INDIGENOUS PRIDE

Frida Kahlo’s reverence for Indigenous culture was a lifelong devotion shared with Diego Rivera. Through her bold appearance, art, and daily life, she presented herself as she wished to be seen, using symbolism to express identity and pride.

Her choice to wear Tehuana dress appears throughout her photographs and self-portraits. The traditional attire includes embroidered square blouses known as huipiles, long enagua skirts, and braided hair threaded with ribbons and flowers. These garments originate from Zapotec communities in Oaxaca’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec, where women have long held visible social and economic roles. Through this dress, Frida expressed admiration for a living Indigenous culture and aligned herself with a matriarchal tradition that values women as leaders and providers. Across Mexico today, traditional dress remains a symbol of resilience and continuity, linking past and present.

At Casa Azul, Frida lived surrounded by folk art, ex-votos, crafts, and pre-Hispanic objects. The kitchen, filled with vibrant yellows and blues, reflects Mexican handcraft traditions through pottery, wooden utensils, clay cooking pots, ancient metate grinding stones, and a wood-fueled stove. Together with Diego Rivera, Frida believed Indigenous culture formed the foundation of Mexican identity. Rivera’s passion for ancient Mesoamerican relics culminated in the Museo Anahuacalli in Coyoacán, a temple-like space housing his 50,000-strong collection of relics, and dedicated to Indigenous civilizations.

FRIDA KAHLO’S HUSBAND, DIEGO RIVERA 

Diego Rivera’s murals still cover stairwells, corridors, and courtyards across Mexico City’s historic center, depicting themes of revolution, oppression, liberation, and Indigenous visibility. 

When Frida first encountered Rivera at the Escuela Nacional Preparatoria, she was studying medicine and sought his opinion on her paintings as he worked on a mural. Rivera encouraged her to take her art seriously, and through his work, Frida saw how art could carry social meaning and challenge political ideas. 

Through Rivera’s networks, Frida entered artistic and intellectual circles in Mexico, the United States, and Europe, immersing herself in post-revolutionary nationalism and Marxist politics that deeply influenced her work. At Casa Azul, the couple hosted legendary dinner parties where artists, writers, Hollywood figures, and revolutionaries gathered to debate late into the night. At Casa Azul, the couple hosted legendary dinner parties that became meetings of minds, where artists, writers, bohemians, Hollywood stars, and revolutionaries feasted, debated, and talked late into the night.  

Their marriage was marked by passion, infidelity, and emotional pain, themes that became central to Frida’s work. Rivera was both muse and wound, shaping her art through love, conflict, and shared ideals. 

 LEARN ABOUT FRIDA KAHLO’S LEGACY ON YOUR NEXT TRIP 

Frida’s impact endures because it was never only about art. It was about identity, pride, and self-definition. Exploring her world in Mexico today offers a deeper understanding of the culture that shaped her, and the spirit she helped amplify. 

Find out how to weave immersive connections with both the painter and her Mexico into your next journey, from private access at Casa Azul to exploring Indigenous identity in Oaxaca. Chat to our expert travel planners about your ideas and design a tailormade itinerary created around your pace and passions. 

5 minute read 

There’s a certain magic that ties together a perfectly timed taco, a chef’s table dinner, a vineyard lunch, or a simple picnic on a remote beach. Each setting becomes a story, shaped by the people around you and the flavors that anchor you in the moment. Mexican food is UNESCO-recognized as an evolving expression of history, geography, and creativity. It’s about gathering and connection, linking diners to the land, the ingredients, and the hands that bring each dish to life. 

Across this vast and varied country, meals center on family, community, and sharing – we love to bring this feeling to our guests, from assembling tacos together at a sizzling street stall and learning how to shop at the market to create a traditional Mexican mole and enjoying private themed dinners in cultural landmarks. Here’s some inspiration for creatively eating your way around Mexico: 

Mexico City Tacos, the Journey Way

Walk Santa Maria la Rivera neighborhood (a glimpse into how the trendy Roma and Condesa districts used to feel pre-popularity), learn how to make tortillas – the foundation of a great taco – and dive in flavor at a super local taco stall, contrasted with a second stop at a contemporary spot.

Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe

Stay at a luxury boutique, explore the vineyard scene and savor dishes at renowned restaurants, expertly paired with wines from the valley.

Tijuana’s Urban Culture

Take a deep dive into a city shaped by migration and imagination. Visit the city’s beloved food trucks, a buzzing hangout with mouthwatering dishes dreamed up by boundary-pushing chefs.

Lobster Burritos 

Make a stop in northern Baja’s coastal Puerto Nuevo and eat like the locals do – fresh lobster, beans, and flour tortillas – getting messy is part of the fun! 

 Sip Mexican Spirits 

 Ride RZRs to a raicilla distillery near Sayulita to explore the grounds, the process, and taste agave spirit full of folklore and local pride. Take part in a cooking class in the open kitchen and learn how to shake raicilla cocktails with a mixologist. 

PHOTO 

 Frida Kahlo Dinner Party 

The iconic painter’s Casa Azul house-museum delights our travelers with an inside look at the artist’s world – celebrate life with food and good company as Frida did with a private dinner in her garden. Interest is especially high this year with a major Tate Modern exhibition coming to London in 2026 and the opening of Mexico City’s new Red House Museum celebrating her origins and family ties. 

Diego Rivera Mural Museum 

We’re hosting personalized dinners in front of the artist’s legendary work: Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central. Enjoy creative themes, from pre-Hispanic plates to a typical spread from Rivera’s revolutionary era.  

The Original Salsa Tool 

 Journey from San Miguel de Allende to the town of Comonfort, where you’ll meet a master artisan of “molcajetes”, Mexico’s pestle and mortars crafted from volcanic rock – a timeless tool for mixing delicious salsas (you’ll try some of those too!) 

Xochimilco’s Hidden Flavors 

 In southern Mexico City, take a traditional trajinera boat to explore Xochimilco’s chinampas with our partner, Arca Tierra. See how crops are grown using techniques from the ancient Aztecs, before visiting Baldio for lunch: Latin America’s first zero-waste restaurant where the fresh produce is cooked into imaginative dishes. To go deeper, make a stop at Baldio’s lab – the eatery’s experimental headquarters that ferments, pickles and innovates what would usually go to waste. 

HOW TO INCLUDE MEXICAN GASTRONOMY IN YOUR NEXT ITINERARY 

Chat with us! Let us know what your tastebuds crave (link to contact form?), and your dedicated travel planner will design a fully bespoke journey tailored to your style. We specialize in travel that feels personal and authentic, bringing you closer to Mexico’s layered landscapes, cultures, and ways of life. 

5 minute read 

What is shaping travel to Mexico in 2026? After months of scouting, creating, and refining, we’re ready to share the trends and experiences we can’t wait to bring to our guests.

Journey Mexico was born from the spirit of adventure and a vision of what luxury travel in Mexico could be. Over two decades on, we keep dreaming big.

The end of each year is an invitation to look back and look ahead. The way our travelers light up when talking about the most impactful parts of their journeys inspires us to keep paving the way, with the type of authentic moments that become lifelong memories.

VALLE DE GUADALUPE: MEXICO’S EMERGING WINE COUNTRY 

Valle de Guadalupe is quickly becoming one of Mexico’s most exciting wine regions and is increasingly in demand. Our team recently explored further in northern Baja, discovering innovative wineries, boutique stays, and a culinary scene rooted in local pride that travelers are loving. 

Read five key takeaways from our team’s recent Baja exploration in Valle de Guadalupe and beyond. 

GO BEYOND THE GUIDEBOOK IN POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Travelers are increasingly seeking more than a checklist. They want to feel a place, ask questions, and scratch beneath the surface, trading the role of spectator for something more engaged and meaningful. While iconic destinations and landmarks still inspire, they can often feel scripted, leaving little room for the personal sense of discovery that every traveler deserves. 

Journey Mexico bridges that gap through curated experiences shaped by our own constant exploration and the long-lasting relationships we build along the way. These trusted, insider connections with passionate local experts, storytellers, and innovators open doors that are not available to most, giving our guests a richer perspective and a deeper understanding of the places they visit. We invite travelers to explore each destination in context, from a different angle, and as a welcomed guest rather than a visitor passing through. 

Xochimilco’s Hidden History: Explore ancient chinampas with Arca Tierra, visiting the restored “floating gardens,”, meeting the farmers reviving them, and sharing a private chinampa-to-table lunch rooted in Mexico City’s past and future. 

Curated Afternoons with Artists: Through deep local relationships in San Miguel de Allende and the Yucatán, guests are welcomed into artists’ private homes. Share conversation, creative exchange, and unhurried moments that turn meetings into genuine connection. 

 Urban Art in the Capital: Explore Mexico City’s murals and graffiti with a local expert, decoding symbolism and stories behind the art. Guests can also meet a graffiti artist and try their hand at creating their own – a fun experience for families. 

 Templo Mayor: Explore Mexico City’s origins through a private, after-hours visit to the Templo Mayor Museum with archaeologists, uncovering artifacts from the Mexica empire, later known as the Aztecs, and the lake-bound city that once stood beneath today’s Zócalo. 

Depiction of the ancient Aztec center, now Mexico City’s Zócalo. 

Fifa 2026 World Cup: Mexico will host the opening match of 2026’s Men’s World Cup on June 11 in the capital city’s Estadio Azteca. Mexico’s thirteen World Cup matches will be hosted across three cities, with five in Mexico City, four in Guadalajara and four in Monterrey. Watch this space. 

LOCAL HOSTS BRING GUESTS INSIDE TRADITION

There’s a big difference between admiring a finished craft and understanding the dedicated path that shaped it. When guests truly step into the world of local makers and guardians of tradition, they gain a richer appreciation for how deeply each practice is tied to place. These customs, passed down through generations, give a grounding sense of continuity and a feeling of belonging to something larger. Participating in such rituals prompts reflection on our own values and connections, revealing the beauty of a skill refined over centuries and carried forward by countless hands. 

Traveling with local hosts invites genuine exchange and a deeper bond with the culture, shaped by the privilege of being welcomed into traditions rather than simply observing them. 

Day of the Dead 2026 

• Curated programs in Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca City, Chiapas and more. See what to expect in our blog on where to celebrate. 
• Immersive moments: sipping Oaxacan hot chocolate at a twilight cemetery vigil, calling in at a family home to learn about traditions, hand-selecting materials at the neighborhood market to create your own personal altar, transforming into a ‘catrina’ skeleton with a local makeup artist, soaking in the Tzotzil Maya community’s celebration of life at a sacred burial hill. 
• Availability for Day of the Dead travel becomes extremely limited quickly; we strongly recommend booking a year in advance to get your first-choice.

Catch of the Day with Ensenada’s Tight-knit Fishing Community 

• Join Ensenada’s fishermen as they set out in the morning   
• A slow and scenic fishing journey in northern Baja 
• See another, hyper-local side of Baja beyond Los Cabos resorts 
• Learn directly from those who’ve lived off the sea for generations 
• Back on shore, cook the catch of the day Baja-style and eat together 

See it in an itinerary 

Learn About the Everyday Rituals Preserving Maya Heritage 

• The Yucatán’s Maya artisan communities carry a lineage of diverse crafts and cooking methods passed down through families
• Meet up with the Xcanchacán community: sit and talk about traditions with the makers of hammocks, Melipona honey, and herbal medicine
• Sow seeds, harvest crops and cook with the women who work with the earth to feed their villages
• Learn about the ancient “pib” underground oven technique as you prepare a Yucatecan favorite in palm leaves and share a meal with your hosts.

See more community-led experiences 

MAXIMIZE SPECTACULAR NATURE WITH SPECIAL GUIDES AND SPECIAL ACCESS

Nature moves on its own schedule, and witnessing its most extraordinary moments comes down to being in the right place at the right time with someone who truly understands the land. Many of these experiences are remote, hard to reach, or easy to miss altogether, especially when crowds or timing get in the way. Journey Mexico removes that uncertainty with precise planning and responsible practices that bring even the wildest places into reach. 

 Our expert naturalists and local guides open doors to rare encounters, creating the conditions for guests to be fully present while we manage the details. The result is a clear, unobstructed connection to nature’s grandeur, whether in quiet seclusion or in awe-inspiring settings that feel like they were made just for you. 

Baja Sur: The Gateway to Marine Megafauna 

Mexico’s westernmost peninsula is surrounded by water: the meeting of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez creates the conditions for biodiversity to thrive. We partner with experts who know these waters by heart and are committed to conscious encounters that respect Baja’s incredible ocean giants, while giving our travelers the chance to experience something profoundly moving. 

 The thrill of getting out onto the water to witness animals in the wild often comes from the elements of surprise and spontaneity – that’s what makes a sighting feel so special. It’s a magical moment when the ocean reveals life below the surface: 

• Humpback whales teaching their babies in Magdalena Bay 
• Mobula rays leaping from the waves near La Paz 
• Watching playful pods of dolphins 
• Slipping into the water alongside graceful whale sharks 
• Getting close to mighty orcas 

Spend the Day at a Magnificent Cenote with Nobody Else Around

Getting private access to pristine nature is a luxury, and one we love to extend to the Yucatán’s magnificent, cavernous swimming holes: cenotes. This peninsula, a vast platform of porous limestone, used to be completely submerged in tropical seas. Over millions of years, tectonic shifts, multiple glacier cycles and asteroid impact created the longest underwater cave system on the planet – connected to the Earth’s surface through thousands of prehistoric cenotes. This incredible system sustains all life in the area, and the lagoon-like sinkholes are beautiful places to spend time with nature. 

 Journey Mexico takes guests away from the crowds for the ultimate cenote experience: 

• Private and personalized with an al fresco lounge 
• Yucatecan lunch in an otherworldly setting 
• Swim and snorkel in crystalline waters 
• Guided dives to discover underwater rock formations 
• Waterside Maya blessing ceremony 
• Traditional Maya warrior dance performance 

Cozumel Island: Snorkeling and Oyster Pearls 

 Experience Cozumel’s quieter side by private boat, from snorkeling El Cielo’s starfish-filled shallows to the island’s remote north, where a family-run pearl farm offers rare insight into Caribbean craftsmanship and tradition. 

Monarch Butterfly Migration: See Thousands of Orange Wings Flutter in the Forest

Journey Mexico guides guests to Michoacán’s high-altitude forests at the ideal moment to witness the Monarch migration: millions of butterflies filling Oyamel firs in one of nature’s most moving, fleeting spectacles.

Stay in Colonial Valladolid and Explore Ek Balam After Hours 

• Valladolid combines colorful streets, colonial architecture, and authentic local culture away from the coastal crowds. 
• Stay at Oriundo Boutique, an intimate 12-villa property with its own private cenote, set in the heart of this Pueblo Mágico (link blog). 
• Ideally located between Cancún and Mérida, perfect for a two-night stop. 
• Explore the quieter, jungle-immersed Ek Balam archaeological site, less visited than the region’s larger ruins. 
• Enjoy exclusive after-hours access to Ek Balam, with sunset views and stargazing from the ancient Maya structures 

Underwater Adventures in the Riviera Maya 

Explore the Riviera Maya’s thriving underwater world with a private ocean expert, from reef diving and shipwrecks to encounters with turtles and bull sharks, guided by one of Earth’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. 

DIFFERENT WAYS TO EAT IN MEXICO  

Mexico’s mouthwatering gastronomy is UNESCO-recognized as an evolving expression of history, geography, and creativity. It’s about gathering and connection, linking diners to the land, the ingredients, and the hands that bring each dish to life. 

Read our blog for ideas on eating your way around Mexico in 2026! 

NEW LUXURY HOTEL OPENINGS IN MEXICO 

 2025: 

BAJA CALIFORNIA
Park Hyatt Los Cabos at Cabo Del Sol  

MAINLAND PACIFIC COAST
Rosewood Mandarina
Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
 

2026:

MEXICO CITY
Pendry Mexico City 
Kimpton El Castelar Polanco
Park Hyatt Mexico City (Date TBD) 

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
Park Hyatt Cancún
Kimpton Tres Rios
Banyan Tree Veya Bacalar
St. Regis Costa Mujeres Residences
Mondrian Tulum Hotel & Residences

BAJA CALIFORNIA
Amanvari by Aman, East Cape (TBD, Estimated Spring 2026)

2027: 

BAJA CALIFORNIA
Conrad Los Cabos
Siro Palmilla, Los Cabos 

MAINLAND PACIFIC COAST
Montage Punta Mita
Pendry Punta Mita
Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit
Six Senses Xala

MEXICO CITY
Rosewood Mexico City 

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
Ritz Carlton 

JOURNEY INTO 2026 WITH US 

2026 is set to be a dynamic year for travel in Mexico. From nature-rich escapes and cultural immersion to rare access and expert-led exploration, Journey Mexico designs experiences that invite deeper curiosity and genuine connection, with moments that resonate long after the return home. 

5 minute read 

Pueblo Mágicos (or Magic Towns) are hubs throughout Mexico that are recognized by the government for their ‘magical’ qualities, whether that be their rich cultural history, remarkable nature or local traditions.

Among the more famous Pueblo Mágicos is Tequila – the home of the world-renowned spirit. But, for the most part, these towns are lesser-known gems, waiting to be discovered by explorers looking to for authentic pockets of Mexico.

HOW MANY PUEBLOS MÁGICOS ARE THERE?

Today, 177 towns hold this badge of honor. When the program launched in 2001, there were just three; that number that has grown steadily as more communities are recognized for championing Mexico’s extraordinary cultural and natural heritage.

HOW DOES A PUEBLO BECOME MÁGICO?

To earn the title of Pueblo Mágico, a town must meet a set of stringent criteria to ensure it meets the required high standards. There’s a formal application process, ongoing evaluation, and a commitment to preserving the things that make the place special: its culture, history, landscapes, and traditions. It’s not a label handed out lightly. The designation recognizes communities that protect their heritage while welcoming travelers in a well-managed way, ensuring that the experience you find there is authentic.

We love these spots, because they allow travelers to genuinely connect and experience the real Mexico in all its richness. As our team hails from up and down the country, and spends their days exploring it relentlessly, we asked them which Pueblos Mágicos they love the most.

Here are some of their top picks…

1. CREEL, CHIHUAHUA

Creel is one of northern Mexico’s most striking Magic Towns, known for its epic canyon scenery, pine forests, and strong indigenous heritage (specifically Tarahumara and Rarámuri). Built directly into the mountainside and sitting at the threshold to the Copper Canyon (one of the largest canyon systems in the world), it is visually striking, with a rugged, high-altitude personality.

Best For: Dramatic landscapes, indigenous culture, outdoor exploration.

Why we love it: “Creel is so unique. It’s the gateway to the Copper Canyon, so it’s surrounded by towering cliffs, striking rock formations and traditional Tarahumara villages. It’s home to the Rarámuri indigenous community and feels so culturally rich – the markets, the museums, the day-to-day life. The changing seasons are also captivating: warm, sunny summers, crisp and cozy winters, and even the occasional snowfall, which completely transforms the landscape. It’s a dream for hikers, and one of the highlights of the famous El Chepe train route (the long-distance passenger train). For adventure seekers, the nearby Copper Canyon Adventure Park offers ziplines, the iconic canyon funicular, and breathtaking viewpoints.” – Ismael Pedraza, Destination Development Manager

We love Hotel Mirador to stay in Creel. Surrounded by pine trees and built right into the cliff edge, it has award-winning views over the canyon stretching out below.

2. SAN SEBASTIAN DEL OESTE, JALISCO

San Sebastián del Oeste is a quaint, colonial mining town, characterized by whitewashed houses, cobblestone streets, and 17th-century architecture. Tucked high into the rolling Sierra Madre mountains, the air is noticeably cooler up here. You can enjoy stunning views out over the lush green landscape, and when the mist rolls through, it gives the place a very atmospheric feel.

Best for: Colonial architecture, coffee culture, mountain scenery.

Why we love it: “I love escaping the summer heat for a weekend in San Sebastian. As you drive up into the mountains, pine forests replace palm trees, and the air turns fresh and cool. There’s something about the atmosphere of the town I find deeply relaxing; it’s like time stops. In the day, you can wander the cobblestone streets with its old architecture and quaint red and white houses, full of clues about San Sebastian’s mining history, or take an ATV up to La Bufa for panoramas of the Sierra Madre, sometimes peeking out from rolling mist. The town square is my favorite for moments with friends – gathering round a steaming taco stall, sipping atole or raicilla in the cold evening air, and enjoying the pueblo’s simple life.” – Sally Wells, Senior Content Editor

3. MAZUNTE, OAXACA

Mazunte is a small, sleepy beach town on the Oaxacan coast, known for its laid-back energy and postcard-worthy views of the Pacific. The Mexican National Turtle Center based here, and in winter, you can often spot humpback whales offshore. Enjoy surf spots nearby, incredible sunset vistas, and plenty of local spots serving Oaxacan cuisine staples for dinner afterwards.

Best for: Coastal wellness, Pacific sunsets, nature and marine life.

Why we love it: “What makes Mazunte so special for me, is the chilled-out vibe of the place. It’s not an overly busy tourist spot, but more of a hidden gem that has kept that feeling of a small, local town. Some of my favorite bits: at Punta Cometa you can find the best sunset on the Oaxacan coast; Playa Mermejita has unusual dark sand and is such a peaceful spot, ideal for disconnecting; and the Mercado Artesanal has some great artisan products and amazing food. It’s the perfect spot for a calm beachy getaway” – Maria Quero, Travel Planner

Speak to our team about the best places to stay in Mazunte!  We love La Valise and Cocolia, as peaceful sanctuaries perfect for a coastal escape.

4. ATLIXCO, PUEBLA

Atlixco is a blooming colonial town at the foot of the Popocatépetl volcano, known for its mild climate and long-standing tradition of flower cultivation. Gardens, plazas, and nurseries bring bursts of color to Atlixco, alongside murals and colonial buildings.

Best for: Vibrant traditions, colonial charm, traditional cuisine.

Why we love it: “I had a lovely time when I visited Atlixco with my parents and was surprised at how different it feels from Puebla, even though it’s just a short drive away. What really struck me was how genuine it was: from the people to the food, and the flower-filled streets were full of character. It’s charming in a very down-to-earth way, and the mole here is amazing, that alone is worth the trip!” – Gerardo Tovar, Sales Manager

5. VALLADOLID, YUCATÁN

Set in the heart of the Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid is known for its colorful streets, central cenotes, and easy access to nearby Maya sites (it’s one of the best bases for exploring the region!). The pastel buildings, leafy plazas, and local markets give it a relaxed feel, with a food scene that leans proudly into regional Yucatecan flavors.

Best for: Cultural exploration, archaeological sites, cenote adventures.

Why we love it: “I have visited Valladolid many times – it’s the perfect gateway to Chichén Itzá and Ek’ Balam. The main square with its large church is beautiful, and the traditional coconut ice cream that you can get here is to die for! There are charming, boutique-lined streets to stroll, and cultural gems like the Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, which is truly something to behold. Around the convent, a lovely park along with a few small cafes make it the perfect place for a relaxing afternoon. What’s really cool about Valladolid, is that there are several cenotes within the city, so you can make the most of these without having to travel far. A favorite restaurant of mine is Mesón del Marqués – they serve excellent cochinita pibil, and you can see them making tortillas by hand right at the entrance!” – Jose Pineda, Director of Sales

The truth is, all 177 of these spots are special. Here’s a few more of our favorites…

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas: A cool highland town known for its Indigenous heritage and colorful streets.

Sayulita, Nayarit: A lively surf spot with a bohemian feel and great waves.

Izamal, Yucatán: A colonial gem with deep Maya roots.

Tepoztlán, Morelos: A mystical hub in the mountains known for its pyramid hike and weekend market.

Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí: A remote desert enclave with ghost-town charm and wide-open views.

We could talk about Pueblo Mágicos all day. Those featuring in this blog are some of our most cherished, but there are loads more that we’ve enjoyed exploring. We love how these places continue to honor and celebrate Mexican heritage and set the standards high for the caliber of authentic hubs that guests can visit across Mexico.

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Northern Mexico

Baja California

• Tecate
• San Felipe

Baja California Sur

• Loreto
• Todos Santos
• Santa Rosalía

Chihuahua

• Batopilas
• Casas Grandes
• Creel
• Guachochi
• Hidalgo del Parral

Coahuila

• Arteaga
• Candela
• Cuatro Ciénegas
• Guerrero
• Múzquiz
• Parras
• Viesca

Durango

• Mapimí
• Nombre de Dios

Nuevo León

• Bustamante
• Linares
• Santiago

Sinaloa

• Cosalá
• El Fuerte
• Mocorito

Sonora

• Álamos
• Magdalena de Kino
• San Carlos
• Ures

Central & Bajío Mexico

Aguascalientes

• Calvillo
• Real de Asientos
• San José de Gracia

Estado de México

• Aculco
• El Oro
• Ixtapan de la Sal
• Jilotepec
• Malinalco
• Metepec
• Otumba
• San Juan Teotihuacán y San Martín de las Pirámides
• Tonatico
• Valle de Bravo
• Villa del Carbón
• Xochitepec

Guanajuato

• Comonfort
• Dolores Hidalgo
• Jalpa de Cánovas
• Mineral de Pozos
• Salvatierra
• Yuriria

Hidalgo

• Acaxochitlán
• Huasca de Ocampo
• Huichapan
• Metztitlán
• Mineral del Chico
• Real del Monte
• Tecozautla
• Zempoala
• Zimapán

Jalisco

• Ajijic
• Cocula
• Lagos de Moreno
• Mascota
• Mazamitla
• San Sebastián del Oeste
• Sayula
• Talpa de Allende
• Tapalpa
• Temacapulín
• Tequila
• Tlaquepaque

Michoacán

• Angangueo
• Cotija
• Cuitzeo del Porvenir
• Jiquilpan
• Paracho
• Pátzcuaro
• Santa Clara del Cobre
• Tacámbaro
• Tlalpujahua
• Tzintzuntzan

Morelos

• Tepoztlán
• Tlaltizapán de Zapata
• Tlayacapan

Querétaro

• Bernal
• Cadereyta de Montes
• Jalpan de Serra
• Tequisquiapan
• San Joaquín
• Pinal de Amoles Wikipedia

Tlaxcala

• Huamantla
• Tlaxco

Pacific Coast & West

Colima

• Comala

Nayarit

• Acuatlán
• Amatlán de Cañas
• Compostela
• Ixtlán del Río
• Jala
• Mexcaltitán
• Puerto Balleto (Islas Marías)
• San Blas
• Sayulita
• Oaxaca
• Capulálpam de Méndez
• Huautla de Jiménez
• Mazunte
• San Pablo Villa de Mitla
• San Pedro y San Pablo Etla
• Teposcolula

Gulf Coast & Southeast Mexico

Campeche

• Candelaria
• Isla Aguada
• Palizada

Chiapas

• Chiapa de Corzo
• Comitán de Domínguez
• Copainalá
• Ocozocoautla de Espinosa
• Palenque
• San Cristóbal de las Casas

Puebla

• Atlixco
• Chignahuapan
• Cholula
• Cuetzalan
• Huauchinango
• Pahuatlán
• Tetela de Ocampo
• Tlatlauquitepec
• Xicotepec
• Zacatlán

Quintana Roo

• Bacalar
• Cozumel
• Isla Mujeres
• Tulum

San Luis Potosí

• Aquismón
• Real de Catorce
• Xilitla

Veracruz

• Coatepec
• Coscomatepec
• Orizaba
• Papantla
• Xico
• Zozocolco de Hidalgo

Yucatán Peninsula

Yucatán

• Izamal
• Maní
• Valladolid

2026 Travel Trends Preview

Our full 2026 Travel Trends content for Mexico and across the Journey portfolio is currently in development.

For now, travel advisors can preview what’s ahead by watching our recent webinar, Journey Presents: A First Look at 2026, led by Zach and our regional teams. Highlights include:

• Mexico
  Evolving cultural and culinary experiences, along with notable hotel openings and destination refinements heading into 2026.

• Costa Rica & Panama
  A stronger focus on private estates, villas, island escapes, and expanded access to adventure, including helicopter routes and remote regions.

• Brazil
  New boutique hotels, expanded boat journeys, and emerging regions beyond Lençóis gaining traction with discerning travelers.

These early insights reflect what’s shaping client demand in 2026 and will be expanded upon in our upcoming written travel trends series.

→ Watch the 2026 Preview Webinar

The full 2026 Travel Trends blogs for Mexico and all Journey destinations will be published soon. Come back soon!

5 minute read 

Named after the golden Copa de Oro flower that grows wild along Mexico’s Pacific coast, Las Alamandas takes its name, and its spirit, from nature. As owner Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño says, “Las Alamandas is the result of my love for nature.” It’s an affection that’s visible in every corner of this secluded retreat, characterised by tropical gardens, vivid architecture, and ocean views as far as the eye can see. 

Far from the polished predictability of larger resort-style properties, Las Alamandas has long drawn travelers in search of something different: a slice of luxury in Mexico that remains very much its own. Romantic, creative, and inherently connected to its surroundings, it’s a truly authentic Mexican hideaway in every sense. While it’s captivating year-round, we love visiting between November and April, when the days are warm, the air is clear, and the coast is at its most inviting.  

ARRIVAL ON THE COSTALEGRE

Wind down a rustic stretch of dirt road until the landscape suddenly gives way to lush greenery, a sparkling fountain, and those vibrant pink walls: you’ve arrived, welcome to Las Alamandas. Sitting proudly against the tropical blue sky of Mexico’s unspoiled Costalegre coast, this boutique hideaway is a unique gem, its bold hues and coastal vistas ready for any Instagram grid. 

Perhaps arrival with a touch down on their private airstrip is more your style… Either way, set across 2,000 acres of preserved nature, you are greeted by a collision of jungle and coastline in a pop of colour, encased in beautifully curated gardens. The surrounding area remains blissfully untouched: with wild beaches, rugged landscapes, and the soft flow of the ocean to remind you that you’ve truly escaped. 

With 8 villas hosting 18 suites, all generously sized and individually designed, Las Alamandas feels refreshingly personal; more like staying in someone’s colorful, character-filled home. Each room bursts with personality and charm, alive with Mexican artistry and warmth. With suites opening to the sound of the waves, it feels as though you’re floating on the ocean itself as you drift off to sleep at night. 

THE SPIRIT OF MEXICO IN THE GUEST EXPERIENCE 

At its heart, this property is a celebration of Mexico. Every corner reflects the vision of its creator, Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño, from the vibrant architecture to the hand-painted tiles, woven textiles, and carefully selected local art that fill each room. Oozing with character, it feels more like a private Mexican home, and unlike any other resort you may have visited before. You can even find a stack of DVDs beside the television, a charming nod to simpler times, that somehow fits perfectly here. 

The meals showcase that same authenticity. Fresh fish caught that morning, hand-pressed tortillas, carne asada (grilled beef) with beans, freshly picked tropical fruit, all served in the way that locals enjoy best. Much of the produce comes from the resort’s organic orchard, and the menus change with what’s freshest – if you’re looking for a relaxed, barefoot style of luxury dining, with a side explosion of flavor and traditional flare, then this is the place for you. Dinner is served at Oasis Restaurant, adorned with candlelit tables under the stars and a tropical tequila and margarita bar which draws on herbs and fruits from the resort’s own gardens. At La Palapa Beach Club, you can dine midday with toes in the sand, Pacific waves just beyond your plate. 

Much of the soul defining this property comes from Isabel herself. Still calling this place home, Isabel lives in a house perched up on the hill above the property. She returns from her travels across the country with paintings, sculptures, and textiles that now fill the small on-site boutique gallery, each one a reflection of her deep affection for Mexico.  

A CURATED OCEANFRONT LIFESTYLE  

Las Alamandas has been welcoming guests for decades, but its appeal remains timeless. This year, the property has refreshed its suites with new touches while still keeping the character that makes it so beloved. A newly opened games room adds a touch of old-school fun, complete with pool and ping-pong tables, and there are now pickleball courts too (a hit with returning guests). 

Days here move at a slower pace. Mornings might start with a horseback ride along the sand, followed by a private picnic lunch on a hidden stretch of beach. Guests can try their hand at tennis, basketball, or croquet, or perhaps enjoy a quiet wander along the shore, on the lookout for seasonal humpback whales. Finish your day sipping some delicious cocktails while admiring the sunset melt into the horizon. Ahead of time, Journey Mexico will help curate the perfect itinerary for you, balancing relaxation with immersive activities that allow you to make the most of this spectacular setting.   

For families or groups of friends, it’s perfect for a buyout. With its intimate size (only 18 suites) and a whole stretch of the Pacific at your doorstep, it feels like a private villa compound in a fairytale setting. Some suites, like Bougainvillea 2, feature double showers with hot-pink hand-painted tiles for that extra flourish. The festive season is especially magical: no minimum stay from December 19 – 27, and a five-night celebration from December 27 to January 1, complete with mariachis, fireworks, and a Mexican fiesta beneath the stars. 

A RARE GEM: FROM THOSE SEEKING SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Las Alamandas is the kind of place we at Journey Mexico love introducing to the types of discerning travelers seeking intimacy over scale, character over convention, and a true sense of place. Distinctive and full of spirit, it offers a unique style of luxury: quietly confident, remote, and unmistakably Mexican. 

We love designing journeys around Las Alamandas and think it pairs perfectly with a visit to Mexico City; contrasting the capital’s energetic and vibrant pulse with the stillness of the Pacific coast. It also makes a spectacular long weekend escape or private buyout, where the entire estate becomes your own: gardens, beaches, and staff devoted solely to you and your guests. Evenings bring their own magic, with seaside barbecues, clifftop cocktails, and romantic dinners with the ocean as your backdrop. 

For those looking for something beyond the ordinary, Las Alamandas is an experience that captures the heart of the country while maintaining its own unique charm. Every time we return, we’re reminded that places like this are rare: a celebration of the setting, the people, and the spirit of Mexico.