A Guide to Mexico’s Newest Hotels & What’s to Come

We’ve put together this comprehensive list of Mexico’s luxury hotel openings and transportation news, so you’ll know what’s arrived and what to watch.  

Newly Opened Hotels in 2023

Belmond Maroma, Riviera Maya

Rooms: 72
Tucked between the lush jungle and soft sands of the Mexican Caribbean, Maroma, A Belmond Hotel has made its eagerly awaited return, revealing ten brand-new waterfront suites, a nature-focused wellness program in collaboration with Guerlain, forward-thinking sustainability initiatives and new culinary direction by Mexican chef, Daniel Camacho. 

 

St. Regis Kanai Resort, Riviera Maya

Rooms: 124
Nestled on a premium stretch of coastline between serene Punta Maroma and the buzz of Playa del Carmen, the St. Regis Kanai is a contemporary resort that stands out for its unique, curved architecture floating above mangrove forest. Access to the St. Regis’ Signature Butler Service comes included with all guest rooms, while 19 ocean view suites and a 2-bedroom Presidential Suite take luxury to the next level. Wining and dining can be enjoyed at Toro, the property’s flagship restaurant, on the top floor St. Regis Bar, and at the adults-only speakeasy, Jack’s Club. 

 

Numu Boutique Hotel, San Miguel de Allende

Rooms: 44 

Set in the charming city center, Numu hotel in San Miguel Allende blends a slick, earthy design with touches of tradition and color that nod to the town’s rich history and vibrant cultural scenes. Enjoy guest rooms with private terraces and balconies, or upgrade to the Master and Presidential Suites. The rooftop pool terrace with 360 cityscape views, treatments at Nubye Spa, and El Huerto de Don Enrique restaurant are highlights.

 

Otro Oaxaca, Oaxaca City

Rooms: 16 

Grupo Habita’s boutique hotel Otro Oaxaca in Oaxaca City  has a prime location right across from the Church of Santo Domingo in the city center. Behind the hotel’s historic façade, find a  contemporary minimalist design that nods to colonial and ancient cultures. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool and mezcal bar overlooking the church domes, the “bunker” cultural space, and the sub-level Otro Mundo spa, complete with a heated plunge pool that’s naturally illuminated by a porthole overhead.

 

Andaz Mexico City Condesa, Mexico City

Rooms: 213
Making its debut in the capital right at the start of 2023, Andaz Mexico City brings its bold, contemporary aesthetic to the hip Condesa neighborhood. Art installations and Mexican design details give guest rooms and common spaces plenty of personality, while the rooftop pool terrace boasts panoramic views over the city. Enjoy restorative treatments at Pasana Spa & Wellness, plus Mexican seafood and signature cocktails at Cubaya.

 

Colima 71, Mexico City

Rooms: 16
Opened in February 2023, Colima 71 is a boutique hotel in Mexico City  that mirrors the essence of its surroundings in La Roma neighborhood, a bohemian hub of art galleries, café culture and gastronomy. The work of contemporary artists weaves through the space and the hotel´s 16 king suites offer  intimate quarters to rest after a day exploring the big city.

 

 

The Riviera Maya Edition at Kanai

Rooms: 182 
A neighbor of the St. Regis in the up-and-coming Kanai development, this is Edition’s first property in Mexico. Natural materials like bamboo and local limestone harmonize with vistas over lush mangroves and the Caribbean Sea. Suites feature plunge pools and terraces with ocean/mangrove views, and the Sky Rooftop Villa is as spacious as it is luxurious at 27,000 sq. Ft. The lobby’s tranquil water design is echoed by the lagoon-inspired swimming pool and So’ol Beach Club’s infinity pool. An organic Bamboo structure hosts the hotel’s yoga space and spa fitted with hydrotherapy pools, a Turkish hammam, and an infrared capsule room.

 

Volga, Mexico City

Rooms: 50
Set one block away from the city’s iconic Reforma Avenue, this boutique hotel is in the pulsing heart of the megalopolis. Volga brings music, art, and gastronomy together in an immersive experience, from its signature restaurant curated by Ado Kobayashi, concept store, and exhibition space, to live performances in the underground Music Room or up on the rooftop terrace surrounded by city views. 

 

 

 

In Other News

Soho House CDMX House, the opulent members’ club, has arrived to Mexico City’s Juárez neighborhood (next door to Roma and Condesa). Once a private residence, the historic casa boasts Baroque and French influences and features an open-air swimming pool, dedicated tequila bar, an underground vinyl listening room and an impressive collection of works by artists with a personal connection to Mexico. JW Marriott Mexico City has overhauled many of its public spaces including the lobby, bar, events and meeting rooms, in addition to establishing four new restaurants.  Over on the Pacific Coast, the St. Regis Punta Mita´s multi-million-dollar renovations encompass completely redesigned restaurants and bars. 2023 also saw Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets and Secrets Tulum Resort & Beach Club open their doors.  

new belmond maroma resort beach view

Maroma, a Belmond Hotel – Riviera Maya

numu boutique hotel main

Numu Boutique Hotel in San Miguel de Allende

 

 

New Hotels in Mexico 2024 

 

Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos

Rooms: 79
Grand Velas added to its Los Cabos portfolio with a second property between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Opened in January 2024, the adults-only boutique offers an intimate option for relaxing romantic getaways with a private beach, wellness center and spa, ocean view infinity pool, personalized service and access to its neighboring sister property.

 

Habitas Mazunte

Rooms: 28
Mazunte has become a cornerstone for free spirits exploring the premier surf breaks, stunning beaches, and laid-back lifestyle of the Oaxacan Coast. Inspired by the tiny beach town’s gorgeous natural wealth and wellness culture, Habitas Mazunte is a place to slow down, relax and feel good. The hotel will perch on a jungle-clad cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, featuring a wellness center and yoga shala, a clubhouse with a pool, bar and restaurant, and activities such as snorkeling, surfing, hiking, and the release of baby turtles.  

 

SHA Wellness Clinic Riviera Maya

Rooms: 100 + 35 private residences
SHA is open for bookings in the Mexican Caribbean. The award-winning wellness clinic has unveiled its latest addition amongst the tropical beauty of Costa Mujeres, a secluded stretch of coastline just north of the Riviera Maya. Luxurious accommodations join state-of-the-art facilities within 17 acres of coveted beachfront, offering a next-level wellness experience that combines therapies and practices from both natural and scientific medicines.

 

Kimpton Virgilio Mexico City

Rooms: 48
Kimpton Virgilio brings the brand’s first hotel to Mexico City, slated to open in winter 2024. The property will claim its place in the capital`s Polanco neighborhood, home to art galleries, many upscale restaurants, and one of the city`s fanciest shopping streets. The hotel will offer a rooftop bar and pool, a signature Spanish-inspired restaurant and amenities such as a fitness center, bikes, yoga mats, and 24-hour in-room dining.

 

Todos Santos Boutique Hotel

Rooms: 10
The intimate Todos Santos Boutique Hotel is set right in the heart of town amongst the charm of art galleries, cobblestone streets, and cafe culture. The historic building dates to the late 19th century and has undergone a transformation to reinstate its original grandeur with rich colors, dark wood, hand-painted murals and meticulous craftsmanship. In addition to its sumptuous design, highlights include the rooftop breakfast terrace, lavish La Copa Bar, and lazy afternoons by the pool. Now open for bookings. 

 

Banyan Tree Veya, Valle de Guadalupe

Rooms: 30
The Banyan Tree Veya will be the Banyan Tree Group’s fourth Mexican property, offering a luxury experience of Mexico’s rapidly growing wine tourism scene. Just a couple of hours drive south of the US border, Veya sits amongst the rolling hills of Valle de Guadalupe. Expect sleek villas with private pools, the brand’s first signature winery, culinary concepts, swimming pools, and the Banyan Tree’s award-winning Spa. Coming in spring 2024.

 

Four Seasons Cabo San Lucas at Cabo del Sol

Rooms: 96 + 61 residences
Expected to open in early 2024, the resort will blend Mexican and Mediterranean vibes within the coveted Cabo Del Sol community on one of the region’s few swimmable beaches. Enjoy classic Four Seasons hospitality alongside amenities like a private beach club, a kid’s club, luxurious spa and wellness facilities, plus dining and shopping experiences

 

Chablé Sea of Cortez, La Paz

Rooms: Approx 50
This huge resort covering some 15 acres of beachfront desert is estimated to open sometime in 2024, landscaped to blend into the surroundings. Guests can expect incredible sea views from luxury pod-type accommodations with private terraces, gardens and plunge pools, alongside a luxury spa.

 

More Hotel News

  • We’re still looking out for the updated opening date of the new Nauka, Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the Riviera Nayarit’s Costa Canuva. The property will host over 90 luxury hotel rooms, 14 suites, 20 residences, a spa, a private beach club, and access to the private community´s signature 18-hole golf course.    
  • After being pushed back from its 2023 opening, the St. Regis Los Cabos Quivira resort is expected to get the green light in fall 2024, launching 140 guest rooms, luxury residences, and fine dining restaurants just 15 minutes away from downtown Cabo San Lucas. 
  • This summer in the Baja Sur desert, Paradero Todos Santos is scheduled to complete 24 luxury residences that will offer one to three bedrooms, designed for families with fully equipped kitchens, rooftop jacuzzi terraces, stargazing nets and private pools. 
  •  The newly built beachfront ME by Melia Sayulita is on the cards to have 125 rooms and villas, a trio of restaurants, a beach club, rooftop bar, swimming pool, gym and spa.
  • Located north of Puerto Escondido on Palmarito Beach, OCN Resort and Residences is expected to launch in the summer months, with culinary concepts by award-winning chef, Brad Kilgore.
  • Adults-only, all-inclusive Hotel Mousai will open a second property in Cancun, slated for May 2024.
  • In the Riviera Maya, the adults-only Secrets Playa Blanca Costa Mujeres is due to open around February 2024 and just across the Caribbean Sea, the all-inclusive Almare is also expected this year. 
wellness hotel in cancun by sha clinic beach

Sha Wellness Clinic & Resort – Cancun

 

Hotels Coming to Mexico in 2025

Milaroca, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Nayarit

Rooms: 57 + 27 private villas
Located at a 40-minute drive north of Puerto Vallarta Airport, Milaroca will settle into a lush 105-acre, pristine beachfront estate, built as a low-density project with non-invasive practices. The property will encompass several open-air swimming pools, six unique dining venues, a wellness center, organic farm, and curated shopping experiences. 

 

Waldorf Astoria, San Miguel Allende

Rooms: 120 + 24 private residences
The Waldorf Astoria plans to open its third Mexican property in UNESCO-recognized San Miguel. Wellness-inspired amenities will include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga and meditation areas, and a destination-inspired spa, as well as a rooftop space with pools looking out over city vistas. 

 

Rosewood Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit

Rooms: 140
Now rescheduled to open in 2025, this will be Rosewood’s fourth property in Mexico. Set between the Sierra del Vallejo Mountain range and a one-mile stretch of pristine beach, the property will offer suites and villas with panoramic views, three bars and restaurants, three pools, a fitness center and a signature spa with 10 treatment rooms.

 

More to Come

2025 should also witness the opening of Amanvari on Baja Sur’s East Cape, tucked between the Sea of Cortez, farmland, and wild desert. Inland destinations will see the additions of ME by Melia in San Miguel de Allende and Grand Hyatt in Mexico City, while Zel Sayulita by Melia and Park Hyatt Cancun will arrive on Mexico’s Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. 

 

 

Hotels Opening in Mexico in 2026 & 2027

 

Six Senses Xala, Costalegre

Rooms: 51 + 25 private residences
The end of 2023 brought the big news that Six Senses will be unveiling its first Mexico property along the Pacific coast’s breathtaking Costalegre – set to open in 2026. The property will become part of Xala, a socially and environmentally conscious development that has been underway for several years, with beachfront and elevated all-pool accommodations that fit into a village-like design. Embracing Xala’s sustainable angle, Six Senses will join the cause with reforestation and turtle conservation projects as well as making improvements to the community’s infrastructure.

 

Montage Punta Mita + Pendry Punta Mita

Both Montage and Pendry resorts will make their way into the private peninsula community of Punta Mita in Mexico’s Pacific Coast in 2026. Spread across 63 acres, Montage Punta Mita will offer 140 guestrooms, 91 branded residences, treatments at Spa Montage and a fitness center, together with a collection of culinary experiences, a swimming pool, the Compass Sports and outdoor activity center, meeting and event spaces, a game room, and the signature Paintbox children’s program. Pendry Punta Mita will claim its place on 30 acres of beachfront, with views over one of the Riviera Nayarit’s fabulous surf breaks. The property plans to feature 115 guestrooms, 30 fully serviced Pendry Residences, and similarly to Montage, wellness at Spa Pendry, several culinary options, a resort pool, the Compass Sports center, meeting and event spaces, a game room, and Paintbox for the kids. Both resorts grant guest access to Punta Mita’s top-end amenities, including two signature Jack Nicklaus golf courses and five beach clubs.

 

More to Come

Futher hotel openings anticipated in 2026 include the 200-room Nobu in Tulum, Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, the all-inclusive Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, Grand Hyatt Los Cabos, W Costa Mujeres, and Hyatt Place, which will be conveniently located just a 10-minute drive away from Cancun Airport.

Looking forward a few years to 2027, Belmond will further expand its Mexico portfolio with the launch of Katanchel, a Belmond Property near Mérida in the Yucatán, restoring a traditional, hacienda-style estate that dates back to the 17th century.

new montage hotel in punta mita mexico render

Montage – Punta Mita

 

Transportation & Connectivity Updates

Following the return of Mexico’s aviation safety rating being restored to the highest level (as announced by the US government in September 2023)  additional routes have popped up between the two countries, increasing connectivity from Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte and Miami (American Airlines), Fort Lauderdale and Orlando (Spirit), Atlanta (Delta), Newark, LA, Chicago O’hare, Houston (United) and New York’s JFK Airport (JetBlue).   The Aeroméxico-Delta partnership plans to fly 30% more seats between the U.S and Mexico next July, and the the low-cost Mexican airline, Viva Aerobus will launch six routes in the first half of 2024, linking Monterrey with Austin, Denver, Miami, New York City, the Bay Area and Orlando. The Mexican army-run airline, Mexicana, has returned to national skies, networking Mexico City’s second airport, Felipe Angeles (NLU/Mexico City AIFA), with a whole host of domestic destinations.

 Tulum’s highly anticipated airport opened in December 2023, cutting travel time from Cancun Airport in half, and Puerto Escondido’s airport expansion is slated for 2024, which will include a new passenger terminal, parking lot, the modernization of buildings and rehabilitation of existing areas.  The long-awaited highway project to connect Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca City is also underway, and although rumor has it that it will be completed in 2024, the finish date remains unknown. And of course, we must mention the Tren Maya (Maya Train), a controversial railway project that debuted its first phase in December 2023 and is expected to fully open in the spring of 2024.

 

New Experiences Offered by Journey Mexico

We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to create new experiences for our travelers to engage with Mexico in a unique and authentic way. With a focus on intimately exploring the country´s gastronomy and cultures we’re excited to share Journey Mexico´s new experiences for 2024. As part of our commitment to  positive impact and socially conscious travel, we´ve developed experiences that directly benefit local communities and the environment, like our day trip connecting with the Mexico City-based Milpa Alta community to learn about their sustainable farming legacy and get hands-on with local culinary heritage. Read more about our new experiences here.

tour in mexico city to milpa alta nopal cactus and corn husk cleaning

 

Start Planning Your Vacation at one of Mexico’s New Hotels

Whether you have the seeds of an idea or a fully-fledged vacation dream, our Mexico specialists can help you to make it a reality. Get in touch with our travel planners to find your perfect accommodation and create a customized itinerary with private transfers, authentic experiences and expert local guides. We invite you to take a look at our sample itinerariesprivate villas and luxury Mexico hotel profiles to spark inspiration! 

 

Ease Into the New Year: Wellness Meets Nature at Be Tulum & Nomade Holbox 

Welcome to 2024! Stepping into the new year can often be a time of reflection, intention setting, and renewal. Starting afresh is a whole mood, and for every mood, there’s a space. We’re bringing a duo of boutique hotels to the table that we think create the perfect cocoon to reset, relax, and get inspired for the year ahead. From the Mexican-Caribbean’s hippest destination to tranquil, island magic, read on to unveil our favorite things about Be Tulum and Nomade Holbox 

How to Get There

Be Tulum: This icon of barefoot luxury is easier to reach than ever thanks to Tulum’s new airport (TQO), cutting the 2+ hour drive from Cancun airport (CUN) in half. Set between lush jungle and the sparkling Caribbean Sea, the hotel invites its guests to enjoy tropical paradise with a twist of boho. The surrounding area is full of treasures to uncover, from the overgrown temples and spellbinding biodiversity of Sian Ka´an, to crystalline cenotes (natural swimming holes) and ancient Maya cities. We love arranging authentic, luxury travel experiences for our guests to connect with the wonders of a destination – we’re that well-traveled friend with the best insider tips!  

Nomade: Located on easygoing Holbox Island, the journey to this peaceful hotel adds to the sense of adventure and remoteness. Drive around 2.5 hours from Tulum (or approx. 2 hours from Cancun airport) to the small port town of Chiquilá, where you´ll take a 20-minute ferry before catching a golf cart to Nomade near the end of Punta Coco – Holbox is a car-free island! Does that sound tiring? We’ve got you! Journey Mexico will take care of all the arrangements so you can enjoy a seamless, door-to-door transfer. 

 

What’s the Vibe?

Both properties are the creation of Argentinian architect, Sebastian Sas, born from a vision to blend luxury and nature, while “bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern wellness”. Empathy with the natural world and the value of a holistic lifestyle are at the heart of both hotels, while each expresses its own unique personality and sense of place.  

Following a remarkable boom over the past decade or so, Tulum has become synonymous with the boho aesthetic, moonlight dance parties, and new-age spirituality. From sleepy fishing village to hipster rite of passage, Tulum offers its own eclectic mix of postcard-perfect tropical landscapes, Maya history, world-class DJs, yoga retreats, and a stylish carefree crowd. 

Holbox offers a glimpse into the essence of Tulum from yesteryear – think fewer people, getting off-the-grid, and melting into a laid-back way of life. A true natural sanctuary, the island is known for its impossibly blue waters and spectacular white sands – it´s the kind of place you come to slow down and drink coconuts in the sunshine.   

vibes at be tulum be tulum hotel in tulum nomade holbox beach vibes

 

Don’t Miss at Be Tulum

  • Yäan Healing Sanctuary: A place where ancient healing techniques meet contemporary wellness culture – a visit to this legendary spa in the hotel grounds must not be missed on any trip to Tulum. Beautifully landscaped into the jungle, the center features a cenote-inspired, therapeutic water circuit – a practice enjoyed before every treatment – and therapies performed with herbs and flowers from the spa´s organic rooftop garden. Come to Yäan and get rejuvenated with sensorial temazcal ceremonies, energy cleanses, restorative bodywork and yoga sessions in a treetop studio. 
  • Design-forward Accommodations: Be Tulum’s guest rooms are a masterclass in boho chic. Framed by naturally magical surroundings and housed within structures made from recycled wood, gorgeously curated interiors take cues from the queen herself, Mother Nature. Stone, wood, and palm leaves weave through the design while neutral tones and soothing dark hues drape across premium bed linens and furnishings. Bathe in outdoor showers, plunge into private pools, and relax on rooftops wrapped in jungle leaves. Take privacy to the next level at the stunning ocean front Be Haus villa. 
  • Responsible Culinary Experiences: The hotel’s Mexican fine-dining restaurant, Ocumare, harvests its vegetables from a local organic orchard run by Mestiza de Indias. As part of the growing regenerative agriculture movement, the project strives to recover heritage crops using ancient cultivation methods and fair labor practices, while combatting the harmful effects of Mexico’s agrochemical industry. Ocean front Maresias also sources thoughtfully, working closely with local fishermen to secure a variety of freshly caught seafood. Tip: go for dinner, stay for great cocktails and DJ sets, Tulum-style in the sand. 
  • Picture-perfect: If Instagram enticed you here, you’ll have endless opportunities to get those beach-ready, boho shots. Be Tulum is so photogenic you can look hip without even trying. But whether you envisage your snaps in the enchanting blue waters, unwinding on a waterfront daybed, or sipping a cocktail under a palapa, we have a hunch that photos will be the last thing on your mind once you`ve surrendered to the entrancing natural beauty of the surroundings. 

 

be tulum pool vibes be tulum reception vibes be tulum hotel vibes journey mexico be tulum dining experiences

 

What we Love about Nomade Holbox

  • Architectural Beauty: Nomade has got the wow factor, pulling out all the stops to create truly unique builds while keeping its impact on the environment to a minimum. We were genuinely mesmerized by the treehouses – bejuco structures that reach 7 meters into the air with rooftop decks for stargazing – and the dramatic woven vaults of the main space. The materials are natural, the technology is forward-thinking, and with just 30 rooms, a smaller crowd gets to enjoy this intimate property. 
  • Wellness Program: The hotel’s extensive offerings encompass water healing therapies, different styles of yoga, cacao ceremonies, sound journeys, breathwork, and meditations in the Gratitude Tent, presented in a rolling weekly schedule. This comprehensive program is enriched by a roster of visiting practitioners who deliver private sessions on anything from astral chart readings to dream decoding. Nomade Holbox is a hit for both travelers who love their holistic treatments, and those who are curious.  
  • Magical Mixology: In a place where reflection and a sensitivity towards nature are inevitable, a sundowner watching day fade to night feels almost ceremonial. Nomade’s creative mixologists lend sunset rituals a helping hand. Be it a velvet soda, tangy elixir shot, mezcalita, or tropical smoothie, grab your tonic and head to the beach. 
  • Nature’s Embrace: People who value connection with nature and the elements will be in heaven at Nomade Holbox. Set on the west side of the island, this is one of the few places on the peninsula where you can see the sun set over the water. There are birds everywhere, including those who find refuge in Yum Balam nature reserve each year on route from north to south, and word has it you can see bioluminescence right on the hotel’s beach when the conditions are right.  
nomade holbox architecture nomade holbox view nomade holbox moon temple

Ready to plan a trip to Tulum and Isla Holbox?

Experience the natural sanctuary and wellness offerings of Tulum and Holbox for yourself! To start planning, we`ve put together an inspirational itinerary  to show you how to best combine both  Be Tulum to Nomade Holbox into one trip. All our example itineraries can be personalized into your dream vacation – simply get in touch with our travel planners, tell us what you love, and start planning your trip.   

10 New Experiences to Add to Your Mexico Trip in 2024

What a ride 2023 has been, and we’re excited to share a collection of sensational travel experiences to take your Mexican escapades to the next level in 2024! We created these adventures to connect you to a kaleidoscope of artistic wonders, the beating heart of vibrant cities, nature’s jaw-dropping marvels, and the cultural curiosities that make Mexico unique. The experiences below can be added to any personalized itinerary that includes accommodation – get ready for authenticity and plenty of ´wow´ moments!

 

OAXACA 

 

1. The Magic of Oaxaca City with Behind-the-Scenes Art Experience  

Get immersed in the magic of Oaxaca City, a place where past and present come together in a sensorial explosion. Think street performers, colorful facades and sizzling food stalls, surrealist folk art, hand-woven textiles and bustling markets that tell stories of generational tradition. See colonial history expressed through intricate churches and feel the pre-Columbian soul of the city, where over half of the population identifies as indigenous. Finish your exploration with an artistic twist at Quetzalli Gallery, where the renowned curator and art critic, Guillermo Santos, will guide you through the contemporary pieces on display. 

Oaxaca Day of the Dead

 

2. Ancestral Cuisine in Portozuelo: A Community-led Culinary Experience

Curated by renowned chef, Alejandro Ruiz, this culinary adventure takes you on a journey into the heart and soul of Oaxacan cuisine in Zimatlán village. Hosted by La Raya community, connect to sustainable practices exploring the orchard, farm, and compost area, before relaxing in an open-air kitchen fueled by wood and charcoal as skilled cooks guide you through the richness of local flavors, ancient techniques, and the deep-rooted traditions of the region. Get ready to uncover specialties like memelitas, chicharrón, and guajes!
foodie tour in oaxaca in portozuelo woman over comal

 

3. Uncover the Flavors of Mezcal: A Private Tasting Session

 If you have a passion for mezcal or a penchant for spirits, this one´s for you. Enjoy an intimate tasting session in a historic, colonial-style house in Oaxaca City. As you´re guided through the distinct aromas and notes of an insider curation of mezcals, learn about this magical spirit´s fascinating origins and history. Your hosts work closely with the local mezcal families whose craftsmanship preserves ancestral elaboration processes, giving this mezcal experience added meaning. 

private mezcal tasting tour in oaxaca

  

4. Oaxaca’s Art Scene: Workshop Hopping

Oaxaca City is a hub of artistic expression, from bold street art and fantastical carved ´alebrijes´, to the cultural identities conveyed through embroidered dresses. Join the celebrated art expert, Guillermo Santos, as you visit up to three local workshops that specialize in a range of creative fields, like painting, textiles, graphics, and sculpture. This insider experience not only offers you a fast track into the city´s vibrant arts scene, but also allows you to cultivate a deeper connection with the creators behind the artwork. 

art gallery tour in oaxaca at quetzalli

 

 

YUCATÁN 

 

5. Kayaking in the Yucatán Peninsula at Chuburná with a Hidden Beach Picnic

 Get off the beaten path and bask in the Yucatán Peninsula`s natural beauty with a trip to the coastline north of Mérida. Explore a pristine area of mangrove forest by kayak, paddling through peaceful channels that lead to a crystalline natural spring. A private lunch will be served on a secluded beach, where you can enjoy local flavors alongside breathtaking views. Tip: Visit between September and April to see flamingoes in their natural habitat. 

kayak tour in yucatan peninsula with flamingos at chuburna maya community

 

 

6. Uxmal Maya Ruins & Lunch by a Private Hidden Cenote

  The ancient Maya civilization is revered for its extraordinary engineering, astronomical, and social achievements. Dive into the stories of the past with a private expert at Uxmal – one of the Yucatán´s most important Maya archaeological sites – as you observe important temples, quadrangles and monuments. Finish the afternoon in the awesome beauty of a private cenote, a native natural wonder that was held sacred in Maya culture. You´ll have these fresh, crystalline waters all to yourself, with the added luxury of a catered lunch. Swim, relax, eat, and try your hand at making tortillas if the mood takes you! 

cenote tour in the yucatan peninsula

MEXICO CITY 

 

7.  The Milpa Alta Route: Sustainable Agriculture & Mexico’s Culinary Heritage

 This multifaceted gastronomic experience showcases the ingredients and flavors of Mexican culinary heritage while taking you behind the scenes at La Ruta de Milpa Alta. The project connects rural fields south of Mexico City, working with local families to revive sustainable agricultural techniques and uphold the farming lifestyle as a noble way to earn a living. Learn about pre-Hispanic crops that are still staples today as you visit corn and nopal cactus fields, grind ´mole´ sauce the traditional way, and transform corn kernals into Mexican specialties at a hands-on workshop. Finish with a 4-course signature lunch dreamed up by renowned chef, Jorge Córcega. 

tour in mexico city to milpa alta nopal cactus and corn husk cleaning

 

8.  Chinampas & Axolotls in Xochimilco: Nature & Conservation in Mexico City

Led by the environmental education and conservation non-profit, REEDUCA, this meaningful experience takes you back in time to Mexico City´s pre-colonial past. In a gondola-style traditional boat, explore the back channels of Xochimilco, a hidden natural oasis that feels far removed from the bustling megalopolis. Visit a working ´chinampa´ and learn about the efforts to rescue this ingenious Aztec crop technique, enjoy lunch prepared with love by local cooks, and meet the quirky axolotl salamanders that call Xochimilco´s canals home. Read more about our Xochimilco and axolotl tour here.

xochimilco tour cuemanco dock nature mexico city sunrise

 

 

9. Beyond the Buzz: Explore the Roma & Condesa Neighborhoods Through an Insider Lens

Feel like a local as you get to know La Roma and La Condesa with your guide, David,  a born and raised New Yorker who has lived in Mexico City for over three decades. As a seasoned journalist and the author of two award-winning books that vividly capture the essence of the city, your expert has unique insights into the capital’s trendiest neighborhoods. Explore modern influences and timeless traditions, diverse architecture, and the bustling sights and sounds of daily life.  

what we love about cdmx - mexico city trending - la roma neighborhood

 

10. Uncover Mexico City´s Historic Center, Murals & Cantinas

 On another insider adventure with David, unveil seven centuries of society in Mexico City´s historical center, decode captivating murals and hear the stories about the artists, and feel like a local at your guide´s favorite cantina. With David´s unique grasp of the capital´s culture, this is an amazing opportunity to get under the skin of one of the world´s most dynamic cities.  

 

 

BONUS DIA DE LOS MUERTOS TOURS

3 Night-  Day of the Dead in Mexico City: Join the Celebrations

On this purposeful 4-day Day of the Dead tour through Mexico City, become part of Mexico´s vibrant  traditions. Heartfelt remembrances, artistic expression and age-old customs come together in a meaningful celebration of life. Explore displays at renowned museums and admire intricate altars dedicated to lost loved ones, join tributes at a local cemetery, create your own personalized altar-making experience, and indulge in a gastronomic adventure.    mexico city day of the dead tour dia de los muertos skulls

 

6 Night –  Day of the Dead in San Miguel Allende: Enchanting Celebration of Souls

Embark on an authentic Día de Muertos tour in the UNESCO World Heritage city of San Miguel de Allende. Guided by one of our local experts, go deeper into the history, traditions, and meaning of a cherished celebration that’s as vibrant as it is profound. Our exclusive itinerary is interwoven with cultural immersion and exchange to give you a genuine experience of this legendary festival.

dia muertos dead cdmx catrina tour

 

 

ADD ONE OF OUR NEW TRAVEL EXPERIENCES TO YOUR BESPOKE ITINERARY FOR 2024 

Get in touch with Journey Mexico´s team and speak to a travel planner to begin customizing your itinerary. You may want to start by browsing our inspirational itineraries to the Yucatán, trip ideas for Mexico City,  or Oaxaca travel itineraries as a first step. Our personalized trips are tailormade to reflect your individual interests and include accommodation, private transfers, and unique experiences with a private, English-speaking guide. Trips start at from $1,000 or $1,800 USD per day for two travelers depending on your destination. 

 

Meet Mexico’s Changemakers: Ancestral Agroecology in Mexico City with Martin Sanchez

Our Changemakers series tells the stories of the people proactively responding to challenges faced by Mexico`s natural world and communities. Our aim with these articles is to spread the word, share knowledge, and inspire action.  

Today, we`re journeying to Xochimilco`s waterways in the south of Mexico City to meet Martin Sanchez, a biologist, lifelong advocator for sustainability, and chairman of the board for REEDUCA, a Nonprofit Civil Association formed in the capital.

In this article, we’ll be zooming in on Martin`s work with Chinampas en Movimiento project, part of a wider movement to restore and protect the chinampa farming system, which we support through Journey Mexico`s Positive Impact Fund. This brilliant initiative strives to reactivate the pre-Hispanic “chinampa” ecosystem through an agroecological, sustainable, and collectively responsible model. Through restoring, maintaining, and working the chinampas to cultivate fresh produce, the project provides jobs, raises awareness about food security, preserves ancient agroecological techniques and provides refuge for local wildlife, including the endangered axolotl salamander. 

Journey Mexico`s content writer, Sally (SW), had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with Martin and tapping into his knowledge. But before we dive into the highlights of our Q+A, let’s step back in time for some context:

What is REEDUCA ?

The organization began as a grassroots network initiated by parents seeking to enrich the environmental education programs at their children`s schools, before formalizing in 2021 to focus on conservation and the sustainable use of Mexican biodiversity. Now, REEDUCA`s multidisciplinary team of biologists and educators runs and collaborates on several campaigns in Mexico City and the Pacific Coast: 

  • Chinampas en Movimento: reactivating pre-Hispanic, agroecological crop cultivation techniques in Xochimilco`s chinampas (man-made plots of fertile land). 
  • Jardines Polinizadores: promoting the creation of pollinator gardens in collaboration with CONABIO (National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity) to encourage the health of local ecosystems. 
  • Supporting and/or facilitating bird and sea turtle conservation projects. 
  • Organizing events, workshops and training related to the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems. 

 

Did you know Mexico City rests in the remains of an ancient lake?

The Aztec Empire`s capital, Tenochtitlan, was built on an island in Lake Texcoco, the largest of five interconnected lakes in the Valley of Mexico and home to the famous scene of an eagle perched on a cactus, eating a snake. As instructed by Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec God of sun and war, this was the place to build their spectacular city, which they did, and connected it via waterways. The Aztecs innovated man-made squares of fertile land fixed to the shallow canal beds called `chinampas`, complete with complex drainage systems to avoid flooding and networks of canals for canoes to pass through. The chinampas were used for sustainable crop cultivation, a feat of engineering and agriculture that also supported a great diversity of plant and animal life.

Fast forward five centuries to a cityscape that sprawls across the empty lake basin (eventually drained by the Spanish) with some wetlands to the east, and the last remaining waterways to the south that once connected the lower lakes to Tenochtitlan. While axolotls once thrived in the huge lake system, today, they are critically endangered due to habitat reduction, pollution, and the introduction of imported fish species. Our Changemakers chapter takes place here, in present-day Xochimilco, where we`ll hear Martin`s story about reviving Mexico City`s last remaining chinampas. 

 

 

Martin’s Background in Sustainability

SW: As a biologist, when did you feel the call to start working within sustainable development?

MS: Since forever! I feel very fortunate because I had many opportunities as a young person to explore Mexico and understand the need to care for nature. A turning point in my life was when I was 13 years old, and I went to Chacagua´s lagoons on the Oaxacan coast. There is an area where the crystal-clear sea water merges with the coffee-colored water of the lagoon. Seeing that contrast, the flocks of parrots, and hundreds of birds, observing the crocodiles, I was so amazed. I remember my mom telling me, ‘son, pay close attention to this and enjoy it because it won’t be here forever,’ and I asked, ‘why?’. She said, ‘people have needs, and at some point, this will be destroyed,’ and I thought, ‘NO!’. From that point, I felt responsible for working towards conserving places like Chacagua. It gave my life meaning. 

SW: What was your path to becoming chairman of the board for REEDUCA? 

MS: I started studying biology at the UAM (Autonomous Metropolitan University), and there, I took part in a project on axolotls when I was 19. Additionally, during my high school summers, I participated in conservation camps where we did community work in protected areas and studied environmental education. In 2021, I volunteered for a civil association, Cuerpos de Conservacion Mexicanos, where we also conducted conservation programs with young people in the south of Mexico City. Later, I worked with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) where I was responsible for a conservation project specifically in the Chacagua lagoons, so it came full circle. I oversaw conserving various endangered species, and I learned how to make policy decisions for their conservation. Afterward, I wanted to start my own civil association, and that’s when I joined REEDUCA, focusing with my collaborators on biodiversity conservation. 

            “Ecotourism plays an important role in raising awareness
            and realizing the need to care for places;
            we don’t protect what we don’t know.” 

 

How does the Chinampa project work?

SW: How did REEDUCA start working with the chinampas? 

MS: The chinampa where we currently work was rescued 13 years ago by another civil association called ‘Redes.’ It went through a crisis because it was a non-productive, demonstrative chinampa, so it focused on more academic and donation-based activities, such as seed and seedling exchanges with neighbors, consultations, providing training on production issues, and evaluating the conditions of the chinampa. 

REEDUCA took over the chinampa during the pandemic, when Redes stopped receiving donations, making it unsustainable. We took the reins and began working within the framework of a productive chinampa that sustains itself through the sale of its agricultural products. Families in the city outside Xochimilco pay a monthly membership to receive regular hampers with produce from the chinampa. We call these families ‘co-farmers,’ and they also have access to go and help at the chinampa. Currently, we have 17 families receiving baskets, but ideally, we need more to reach a good number, around 25 families. We´re looking for families in Mexico City who want to receive baskets and support the project! Everything received directly by REEDUCA from the sale of vegetables goes towards fair salaries for our farmers and the maintenance of the chinampa itself.

SW: How has the local Xochimilco community received the chinampas project? 

MS: People have received it very well; we´re in contact with the neighbors, many of whom cultivate agricultural produce or offer services. The economic spillover from the income generated by the chinampa goes directly into the community, so it`s well-regarded. We have a good relationship with the local community and follow the unwritten rules – which allows us to continue operating – such as treating people fairly, speaking with accessible language, approaching them directly to communicate, and making person-to-person agreements to be able to maintain both the chinampa and provide tours.  

                      “Sustainability also involves being economically viable;
                     the project has to sustain itself.”

 

Protecting the Endangered Axolotl Salamander

SW: Can you tell us about the chinampas project´s work with axolotls? 

MS: We`re currently in a certification process conducted by the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and are now recognized as a ‘Chinampa Refuge´. This means that the water in our ´apantles´ (man-made irrigation canals) is high quality and suitable for receiving axolotls. We have a simple filtration system where water passes through channels with plants to retain fish that pose a threat to axolotls, such as carp and tilapia. The same plants also retain bacteria, microorganisms, and even invertebrates that can negatively affect water quality. Additionally, we have filters, nets, and rock mounds that further filter what passes through. So, in the two apantles we have, the water quality is much better than  in the main canals. It’s a straightforward filter that has had a significant impact. We conduct water assessments that confirm the water quality is suitable for the axolotls as well as for irrigating the vegetables people will consume. 

We´re planning to restore more apantles to accommodate axolotls from a project by the Biology Institute at UNAM and their ecological restoration laboratory. We are in the final stage of improving the apantles, where we`ll have a designated area specifically for the axolotls to live and reproduce. 

                  “We currently have two microchipped axolotls
that Journey Mexico´s travelers can meet.”

axolotl

A Nature Haven in Mexico City

SW: We love showing our travelers that an area of such natural beauty exists in the bustling metropolis. How do your visitors react to Xochimilco? 

MS: It’s a truly surprising experience, I can tell you that it astonishes 100% of the people who live it. I have not seen a single person who goes to Xochimilco to observe nature, experience the chinampas, and navigate in a trajinera, who is not left amazed. Many of them are so impressed that they come back to have the same experience. 

m very passionate about birdwatching. In the past, I was hired to collect data on birds in Mexico City´s wetlands. I realized what a great treasure birdwatching is here and created my own bird guide that I give to Journey´s clients. In the protected area of Xochimilco, there are currently 187 registered bird species. On outings, we usually see around 25 species, and once, we spotted around 70! 

                                   “I have not seen a single person who goes to Xochimilco
                                    to observe nature, experience the chinampas,
                                   and navigate in a trajinera,
                                   who is not left amazed.”

 

Visting Xochimilco’s Chinampa with Martin/Journey Mexico

SW: We´re so happy to offer our clients such a meaningful experience with your team in Xochimilco. What do you think makes it extra special? 

MS: It’s incredible that Xochimilco is in the middle of the city, it`s such a beautiful place. It’s a truly unique site; you can go anywhere in Mexico, and there’s not even a slightly similar place. 

It’s like a journey through time because it’s the way the Xochimilcas used to live. The indigenous roots are deeply embedded in the traditions—the way of moving around, the houses situated in the middle of the canals in certain areas, and the conservation of the area. 

It’s a comprehensive 360-degree experience because we work within the local economy. The rowers of the trajineras (traditional, colorful, gondola-like boats) that take you to the chinampa are our collaborators; we know their names, know who they are, and are familiar with their life stories. We don’t use motorized boats; we do it in the traditional way by rowing and it creates a welcoming, cozy atmosphere. We have a special lunch menu for Journey Mexico`s guests where the food selection has meaning. Local cooks share their traditional daily food with pride and love, it`s intimate experience where visitors can get as hands-on as they like, grinding corn on the `metate` and making salsa in a `molcajete`. 

By participating, you are genuinely contributing to the conservation of local biodiversity and ecosystems by supporting the chinampa that’s at the heart of the experience. You get to see how a system operates 100% sustainably and the cherry on top is getting to meet the axolotls, which we only do with Journey Mexico. Thanks to the chinampa project, we are truly taking care of their habitat. 

                    “The other guides and I have known the chinampa system
for a long time,
so in biological, social, and historical terms,
it allows us to give an insider perspective.”
 

 

 

THE ROLE OF ECOTOURISM

 SW: How important do you think ecotourism is to this and other projects? 

MS: I believe any form of tourism that allows people to respectfully get to know and recognize places like Xochimilco is meaningful. Ecotourism plays an important role in raising awareness and realizing the need to care for places; we don’t protect what we don’t know. If you`ve experienced it in some way you will do something, be it a photo on your Instagram, to say this place is important. 

                    “Our goal is to have a transgenerational impact
                     and leave a truly sustainable legacy for those who follow.” 

xochimilco tour nature

xochimilco waterway tour

 

FUTURE ACTION

SW: What´s next for REEDUCA and Chinampas en Movimiento? 

MS: In the short term, our goal is to restore the apantles and be able to welcome axolotls within a matter of months. Cleaning the apantles is a very specific task that requires specialized equipment from a provider and has an elevated cost, so there are a few elements at play. 

At some point, we`d like to acquire our chinampa (we`re currently renting) so that it stays with the farmers and the same practices continue, ensuring that it is sustained in the short and long term, and future generations can enjoy what we have, or something even better. 

We constantly have a flow of local young people who are volunteering or visiting the chinampa to have a different experience. I’m also a teacher at a high school where we have a social service program, and the students spend their time helping with chinampa tasks. This way, they become aware there is a place that is important; tomorrow, they`re the ones who’ll make the decisions. Our goal is to have a transgenerational impact and leave a truly sustainable legacy for those who follow. 

 SW: What parting message do you have for our readers? 

MS: Give yourself the opportunity to visit! This is a genuine experience where you get close to and reconnect with nature. Your visit will have a direct impact not only through supporting Xochimilco`s conservation but also by conveying the message that you`re in a significant place. 

 

Ready to travel back in time and visit Xochimilco’s chinampas?

A regenerative travel experience  created exclusively for Journey Mexico, you can find more details about our signature chinampas tour here.  Our Mexico-expert travel planners are happy to include this in any Mexico City itinerary you wish to plan – get in touch to start planning your very own personalized itinerary.  Custom made trips to Mexico City start at $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. 

 

 

The above excerpts were taken from an interview conducted via video call and translated from Spanish. Some editions have been made for brevity and clarity.   

 

 

Author: Sally Wells

The British-born writer first fell for Mexico’s magic while studying Spanish in Guadalajara. A decade later, she’s taken her time getting to know the country’s multifaceted personality, and now calls Puerto Vallarta home. Sally has always had a soft spot for the written word and finds inspiration in life’s subtleties as much as the big moments. She loves stepping into someone’s world, listening to their experiences, and making connections. A firm advocate for candid communication, Sally believes storytelling has the ability to empower, enlighten, and spark empathy.

 

Journey Mexico is Officially B-Corp Certified

We’re excited to announce that Journey Mexico is now officially B-Corp Certified 

 

What`s the B all about?

Much more than an award, our B-Corp Certification recognizes a steadfast commitment to responsible and transparent business practices, which prioritize having a positive impact on people and places as much as making a profit. In fact, the B stands for `benefit for all`, and that’s what we stand for too. We believe that Mexico’s natural world and the communities we engage with should benefit from Journey Mexico’s operations as well as our team, travelers, and partners. 

 

How do you get Certified?

B Lab is the non-profit organization behind the prestigious global movement – widely considered the gold standard for sustainability and positive impact. Getting B-Corp certified is a rigorous process and one that we’ve been dedicated to for the past 12 months. It involves digging into a company`s operations to measure their social and environmental impact. We`re thrilled to join this global community of organizations working towards a shared goal. 

 

Our B in Action  

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved during our 20 years of serving our guests and motivated by the challenge of the B-Corp Certification processWe welcome the ongoing challenge of digging into every aspect of our operations to see where we can do more, be better, and making those changes. Our brilliant team has been busy working with our partners to create more community-led travel experiences, getting hands-on with local volunteering opportunities, establishing Journey Mexico`s Sustainability Committee, and taking part in sustainability workshops on this year’s annual company retreat in Puebla. 

 

What`s Next?

We feel privileged to be able to help social and environmental causes while still connecting our travelers with Mexico’s breathtaking diversity of landscapes, the warmth and wisdom of our people, and the country’s rich cultural heritage. This is just the beginning, we’re committed to keep educating ourselves, learning from our mistakes, making improvements, and striving to be the leader in positive impact travel in Mexico. For us, the sustainability journey is the destination. 

Visit our sustainability page for more information about our projects and efforts. 

b corp certified in mexico

 

 

El Callejon del Beso: The Story Behind Guanajuato’s Famous Alleyway

The heartbreaking story behind El Callejon del Beso (the Alley of the Kiss), an enchanting narrow alleyway in the equally magical city of Guanajuato, is a Shakespearean tale of forbidden love and murder. Here’s how it goes…

The sign marking Callejon del Beso Credit: Wiki Commons

The sign marking Callejon del Beso Credit: Wiki Commons


The Story of El Callejon del Beso

Ana was the daughter of a controlling Spaniard who was determined she marry a wealthy man. He was so single-minded in his plans for her that he would go to great lengths to stop her speaking to anyone he deemed too poor.

However, one day, as she strolled through the streets of Guanajuato, she met a handsome but humble miner named Carlos, and the pair instantly fell in love.

Going against her father’s wishes, Ana met with Carlos in secret.

However, after hearing rumors of the pair’s meet-ups, Ana’s father followed her and caught the pair together. Furious, the father threw Ana into her bedroom and locked the door, vowing to marry her to an old, rich nobleman from Spain.

Separated from his love, heartbroken Carlos went to visit Ana’s house. When he got there, he noticed Ana’s bedroom sat in a very narrow alleyway and, within touching distance, there was another home with a balcony facing her bedroom.

With renewed hope, Carlos went to the owner of the home and offered to purchase it. The owner refused, asking for more money. Carlos raised his offer, again the owner refused. Carlos raised his offer again, but the owner refused once more.

Starting to get a little irritated with Carlos’ persistence, the owner raised the praise so high that he thought Carlos would leave him alone.

However, Carlos accepted, gathering every last coin he had to pay the man.

Now the proud owner of a house within touching distance of Ana’s bedroom window he called to his love. The pair embraced and promised to see each other every night.

But one night, as the lovers were lost in a passionate kiss, Ana’s father entered her bedroom. Seeing his daughter in the arms of the humble miner, the father went into a violent frenzy, picking up a dagger and plunging it into his daughter’s chest, killing her.

Some say that, in his desperation to protect his love, Carlos attempted to jump from his window into Ana’s bedroom, but crashed to the floor, hitting the third step and breaking his neck.

Others say that, overcome with grief after seeing Ana’s lifeless body, he committed suicide in his place of work, La Valenciana Mine.

the alley of the kiss

The Alley of the Kiss with Carlos and Ana’s two balconies Credit: Wiki Common


Visiting the Alley of the Kiss

Today, El Callejon del Beso is one of Guanajuato’s most famous tourist attractions. It’s said couples should stand on the third step (helpfully painted in red) and kiss to enjoy a lifetime of luck in love — which some say is delivered by the spirit of Carlos himself.

You can find the famous alley, which measures just 168cm (66 inches) wide, on the Cerro del Gallo hill, a gorgeous 18th century neighborhood of colonial architecture and winding cobblestone streets.

And, whether you choose to believe the story of Ana and Carlos or not, it’s undeniable that Guanajuato City has a romantic charm to it, found in few other places around the world.

From high up, you will see a collection of brightly colored buildings colored in cobalt blue, terracotta, baby pinks, and more. Perhaps its most eye-catching feature, however, is its iconic yellow church, Our Lady of Guanajuato Basilica.


Ready to  Book Guanajuato and El Callejon de Beso with Journey Mexico?

Let us know when you’re ready to come visit and how we can put together your dream trip to Guanajuato, and we’ll create something special just for you. Our seven-day tour of Guanajuato and San Miguel Allende is a traveler-favorite to experience a complete immersion into both of  cities, enjoying museum tours, cooking lessons, and art explorations. Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in interior Mexico,  contact us now to start planning and Journey Mexico mexpert will get back to you within 24 hours.

 

 

Main photo credit: Wiki Commons

Our Virtuoso Communities: Sustainability and Ultra Luxe

We`re excited to announce our acceptance into the Virtuoso Communities of Ultra Luxe and Sustainability. Incase you’re unfamiliar, Virtuoso is the leading global network of luxury travel advisors who work with a vetted portfolio of the best travel brands globally (that’s us!). We can`t wait to engage our advisors who specialize in these niches, helping them to develop their knowledge within Mexico`s diverse destinations and share insider expertise with their clients.  

SUSTAINABILITY

 

The Virtuoso Sustainability Community connects Virtuoso partners and advisors who are passionate about responsible travel. This space allows the network to increase its collective impact through learning and sharing best sustainability practices, inspirations, and success stories. Our acceptance into the sustainability community was based on the following criteria:

 

 

  • Celebrating Culture – We showcase local culture including art and gastronomy. This involves respectfully interacting with local people and supporting cultural preservation. Our Day of the Dead trips  are a great example of how to participate in meaningful traditions and learn from local communities.
     
  • Supporting Local Economies – Internally, we created the Green Champion Race as a way to educate and motivate our team members to make more sustainable choices at home. We love hearing from our staff about how they’ve consciously started buying produce from independent shops and making donations to support local charities.
     
  • Protecting the Planet –  We always require our guests to follow strict guidelines on our nature experiences. For example, respecting all restrictions and rules for swimming with whale sharks, when witnessing the Monarch butterfly migration, snorkeling with sea lions, and observing whales in Baja Sur.  

 

ULTRA LUXE

 

The Virtuoso Ultraluxe Community is reserved for travel professional who curate one-of-a-kind travel destinations and exclusive experiences including yachts, special access, private charters, and villas. Our inclusion into the ultra luxe community was based on our ability to provide the following:

 

 

  • Unparalleled Privacy –  Our bespoke, award-winning trips in Mexico offer our guests memorable moments and the utmost privacy. Think days out on opulent yachts, after-hours museum visits, and private catered cenotes. Our spectacular luxury Mexico villa portfolio exclusively features personally inspected properties that have been handpicked by our expert team. Our close relationships with our partners allow us to secure hard-to-get dates, outstanding services, and the best rates for our clients. We specialize in creating a discreet and tranquil environment for VIP guests.
     
  • World-Class Service –  We are guide-owned and operated with a collective experience of over 40 years. We take immense pride in connecting our guests with Mexico`s unique, authentic and unexpected travel experiences. Our logistics and site knowledge are unparalleled, and a deep mission of service is ingrained in company culture, evident from our sales process to our seamless service on the ground. We specialize in tailor-made itineraries that are customized to cater to each traveler`s interests and preferences.
  • Elite Travel Modes –  We provide a diverse range of luxury private transportation options by land, air, and sea, such as deluxe sprinters, charter planes, yachts and helicopters, or yachts that carry helicopters for ultimate exploration.
  •  Privileged Access: Our extensive black book of contacts provides exclusive private access to some of Mexico’s most coveted archeological sites, museums, private estates, and activities. We take pride in crafting personalized itineraries that connect ultra-luxury travelers with some of the country’s best-kept secrets. For example, private dinners in Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul gardens, sunrise access to Mayan archaeological sites, authentic shamanic blessings, and participation in local family traditions during Day of the Dead. Our expertise makes the impossible possible.

 

READY TO PLAN A TRIP TO MEXICO WITH EXPERTISE IN SUSTAINABILITY AND LUXURY?

Let us know when you’re ready to come visit and how we can put together your dream trip, and we’ll create something special just for you. Our  sample itineraries are a great starting point to get some ideas flowing before you contact our expert travel planning team, who´ll tell you everything you need to know. Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in the interior of Mexico and $1,800 USD per day for two travelers in beach destinations.

 

 

Posadas in Mexico, a Christmas Tradition

For many Mexicans, the word posadas evokes chilly nights surrounded by family and friends, singing, enjoying a warm meal, and spreading holiday cheer all around. If you have never been lucky enough to be invited to one of these celebrations, read on to find out what posadas in Mexico are all about.

What are posadas?

A scene from one of the posadas in Mexico

A scene from a posada in Mexico

The word posada means inn or lodging, and traditionally posadas are a celebration of the Christmas story. They take place on nine nights from December 16 to 24 and commemorate the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place to stay where Jesus could be born. Posadas in Mexico feature hot food and drinks, sweets, music, and piñatas.

Throughout Mexico, churches and communities still celebrate these festivities with their traditional, religious elements. Today almost any party held around Christmas is called a posada. Schools often host posadas as end-of-the-year parties for students and teachers.

Read more: Mexican Celebrations: A Month-by-Month Guide to the Holidays and Festivals
Don’t Miss: Holidays in Mexico and the History of the Traditional Nativity Scene


How did posadas originate?

Posadas in Mexico began as a way for the Spaniards to teach native people about Christmas. During the nine days leading up to Christmas Day, masses would include representations of Mary and Joseph. Following mass was a party where people were blindfolded before hitting a piñata with a stick, a representation of faith defeating temptation with the help of virtue. The fruits and sweets that poured out of the piñata represented the joys of union with God.

In time, posadas started to be held in neighborhoods and people’s homes, becoming a more familiar and tightly-knit occasion, as well as preparation for Christmas. At the beginning of a posada, people are divided in two groups, the ones “outside” representing Mary and Joseph, and the ones “inside” representing innkeepers. Then everyone sings the posada litany together, re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s search, going back and forth until they are finally “admitted” to an inn. After this tradition, the party proper starts. Posadas have spread to other countries — such as Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela; the celebrations vary by location.

 

Must-haves for a successful posada

Piñatas

Traditional piñatas typically have seven spikes to represent the seven deadly sins. Although piñatas have mostly lost their original religious meaning in most parts of Mexico, they remain an essential part of las posadas.   They are commonly filled with candy (originally representing the forgiveness of sins and a new beginning.) In more traditional celebrations you’ll find them filled with small fruits, cookies, and peanuts.

Aguinaldo or Bolo

These are little candy bags that hosts hand out to the guests at the end of the posada.

traditional posada in tlaxcala mexico

Ponche Navideño (Mexican Christmas Fruit Punch)

A hot, flavorful drink that for many is synonymous with the holidays. Its ingredients vary from state to state, but it is traditionally prepared with tejocote (Mexican hawthorn), sugarcane, tamarind, apple, pear, guava, and cinnamon sticks. Some hosts will also offer their adult guests ponche con piquete – punch with a sting of alcohol, usually tequila or rum.

Tamales

Tamales, a posada treat

The warm treats of tamales are made of steamed corn dough filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. They date from pre-Columbian times. You can find tamales throughout Mexico year-round, but they’re especially popular during the holiday season.

Singing

The posada litany is essential. Many people also sing Christmas carols, and during modern posadas, people break out a karaoke machine and sing into the night.

 

The posada litany

Spanish English
Afuera:
En el nombre del cielo os pido posada pues no puede andar mi esposa amada.
Outside:
In the name of Heaven I beg you for lodging, for she cannot walk, my beloved wife.
Adentro:
Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante, yo no debo abrir, no sea algún tunante.
Inside:
This is not an inn, so keep going, I cannot open, you may be a rogue.
Afuera:
No seas inhumano, tennos caridad, que el Dios de los cielos te lo premiará.
Outside:
Don’t be inhuman; have mercy on us. The God of the heavens will reward you for it.
Adentro:
Ya se pueden ir y no molestar porque si me enfado os voy a apalear
Inside:
You can go on now and don’t bother us, because if I become annoyed I’ll give you a trashing.
Afuera:
Venimos rendidos desde Nazaret, yo soy carpintero de nombre José.
Outside:
We are worn out coming from Nazareth. I am a carpenter, Joseph by name.
Adentro:
No me importa el nombre, déjenme dormir, pues que yo les digo que no hemos de abrir.
Inside:
I don’t care about your name: Let me sleep, because I already told you we shall not open up.
Afuera:
Posada te pide, amado casero, por sólo una noche la Reina del Cielo.
Outside:
I’m asking you for lodging dear man of the house, just for one night for the Queen of Heaven.
Adentro:
Pues si es una reina quien lo solicita, ¿cómo es que de noche anda tan solita?
Inside:
Well, if it’s a queen who solicits it, why is it at night that she travels so alone?
Afuera:
Mi esposa es María, es Reina del Cielo y madre va a ser del Divino Verbo.
Outside:
My wife is Mary, she’s the Queen of Heaven and she’s going to be the mother of the Divine Word.
Adentro:
¿Eres tú José? ¿Tu esposa es María? Entren, peregrinos, no los conocía.
Inside:
Are you Joseph? Your wife is Mary? Enter pilgrims; I did not recognize you.
Afuera:
Dios pague, señores, vuestra caridad, y que os colme el cielo de felicidad.
Outside:
May God pay, gentle folks, your charity, and thus heaven heap happiness upon you.
Adentro:
¡Dichosa la casa que alberga este día a la Virgen pura. La hermosa María!
Inside:
Blessed is the house that shelters this day the pure Virgin, the beautiful Mary.
Todos juntos:
Entren, Santos Peregrinos, reciban este rincón, que aunque es pobre la morada, os la doy de corazón.
All together:
Enter, holy pilgrims, receive this corner, for though this dwelling is poor, I offer it with all my heart.

Litany translation by Tony Rosado.

 

Ready to Start Planning Your Holiday Trip to Mexico?

Our sample itineraries in Mexico are a great starting point to get inspired for your next trip. Be sure to check out our holiday season in Mexico City & Riviera Maya itinerary that combines both culture and beach; or if you’re looking for something more traditional check out our eight-day tour of Colonial Mexico to experience the full spectrum of the holiday celebrations. Visit the town of Tlalpujahua, known as Mexico’s Santa’s Workshop, while a visit to Tzintzuntzan offers the chance to create your own Christmas decorations. After, head to San Miguel de Allende to see their posada and pastorela events. Once you have an idea in mind,  contact our expert travel planning team who will help to personalize your vacation to perfection.  Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in interior Mexico, and $1,800 per day for two travelers in beach destinations. 

 

Winter Holiday in Colonial Mexico

Holidays in Mexico City & the Riviera Maya

 

The holiday season is a wonderful time to visit Mexico and be a part of its rich traditions. Contact one of our expert travel planners and let us put together a custom trip for you and your family.

Introducing Our Newest Pacific Coast Villas

We´re so excited to show you the latest additions to Villa Journey Mexico´s hand-picked luxury villas portfolio on the spectacular Mexican Pacific coast, from the Riviera Nayarit to the sun soaked Costalegre. Before being added to our curated collection, each villa goes through a meticulous vetting process to make sure they meet our incredibly high standards. Discover which properties made the cut below

 

Villa Akama – Punta Mita

Sleeps 20 | 9 Bedrooms
You´ve got it all at your fingertips at Villa Akama, a palatial beachfront villa in Punta Mita: a sweeping infinity pool just steps from the ocean, a personal chef, a private cinema, rooftop bar, and central grand palapa lounge. We love this villa for big get togethers with family and friends.
Villa Akama, luxury villa in Punta Mita

 

One&Only Mandarina Villa 16 – Riviera Nayarit

Sleeps 16 | 5 Bedroooms
Nestled on a scenic hilltop at One&Only Mandarina and accessed by a private road, Villa 16 delivers ultimate seclusion. Thanks to its elevated position, the two-story private home offers dramatic views over the Pacific Ocean and majestic Sierra Madre mountains.
luxury villa punta mita

 

Villa Mixto – Puerto Vallarta

Sleeps 20 | 6 Bedrooms
Let time slow down for a while in the sleepy fishing village of Quimixto. Accessed only by boat, get off the beaten path and relax in the villa´s private swimming pool and day beds on the sand. The penthouse´s upper-level deck is perfect for yoga (or lounging) at sunset. Villa Mixto is managed by Xinalani hotel and with just a 5-minute walk away, includes full access to the property.
private villa xinalani

 

Casa Ventana – Puerto Vallarta

Sleeps 4 | 2 Bedrooms
Casa Ventana luxury villa in Puerto Vallarta takes the prime penthouse spot on the top floor of Indah Tower. Located in the upscale Conchas Chinas neighborhood, the villa offers spectacular views over Puerto Vallarta´s ocean-meets-mountain cityscape, complemented by pristine, modern interiors.

 

Casa Nautica – Puerto Vallarta

Sleeps 14 | 6 Bedrooms
Nestled into the beautiful shoreline south of Puerto Vallarta,  Casa Nautica is an oceanfront estate that boasts vistas over the rock formations of Los Arcos Marine Park. Hand-selected artwork and regal furniture add character to interiors, with a generous infinity pool patio outside.
luxury villa in puerto vallarta

 

Casa Las Glorias – Costa Careyes

Sleeps 14 | 7 Bedrooms
Casa Las Glorias in Careyes is a private estate is spread over a rocky cliff top, featuring panoramic vistas across sparkling turquoise ocean. Interiors are colorful, fitted with elegant furnishings, Mexican artwork and traditional artisan crafts. The villa also has its own tennis and squash courts.
luxury villa in costa careyes

 

Casa Paloma Blanca – Las Rosadas Costalegre

Sleeps 12 | 6 Bedrooms
This gorgeous estate showcases the owner´s contemporary Latin American art collection, featuring bright paintings, surrealist sculptures, and stone carvings. From the spacious jacuzzi and infinity pool, take in sumptuous views over a coconut palm grove, wild beaches, and the Pacific Ocean. Casa Paolma Blanca at Las Rosadas is the largest of the private villas on property.

 

Villa La Joya & Villa Na Praia  – Las Rosadas Costalegre

Sleeps 6 | 3 Bedrooms
Villa La Joya and Villa Na Praia are two separate 3-bedroom casitas at Las Rosadas. They are a love letter to the Mexican Pacific. Wall-length sliding doors maximize the mesmerizing views over dry tropical forest, cerulean waves, and an archipelago of islands. Choose La Joya for sunset drinks on a private firepit terrace.

luxury villa las rosadas

 

Casa Garrobo – Zihuataenjo

Sleeps 18 | 7 Bedrooms
This secluded villa cascades over a cliffside, with an amazing sun deck above crashing waves plus three swimming pools. Spread across three structures, Zihuatanejo private villa Casa Garrobo offers plenty of space for entertainment and relaxation, including a huge open-air palapa lounge.

 

Niku House – Puerto Escondido

Sleeps 12 | 5 Bedrooms
Niku House is an oceanfront villa in Puerto Escondido that looks over a wild beach on the Oaxacan coast with nobody else around. Unwind at the property´s swimming pool and stylish, al fresco lounge area gazing out to the waves. A private cook and bartender provide daily meals and cocktails.

private villa in puerto escondido

 

Ready to book your luxury villa rental?

Contact Annel, our Mexico Villa Specialist to get started or browse our full collection of villas here. We have a curated portfolio of villas in Puerto Vallarta, private rental homes in Costa Careyes,  and luxury rental villas in Punta Mita  for you to look through! All Journey Mexico trips provide guests with personalized service and a 24/7 in-country travel assistant.

 

www.villasbyjourneymexico.com

 

 

#JourneytoPuebla: Highlights from Journey Mexico´s Annual Retreat + 20th Anniversary

2023 marks a significant milestone for Journey Mexico as we reach our 20th anniversary! A sense of celebration permeated this year´s annual retreat when our team members got together from across the country to be reunited in our host city, the spectacular Puebla. Our annual retreats are not just a chance to revel in the beauty of Mexico’s breathtaking destinations, but also an opportunity to connect – meeting the team´s new faces, deepening old friendships, and aligning our goals for the future. 

We got to step into the shoes of our travelers, with a tailored itinerary that operated seamlessly, including guided walks, special access, amazing sustainability workshops and family-style dinners around town. 

Relive the highlights of Journey Mexico´s 2023 company retreat in Puebla with us below:

 

Banyan Tree Puebla

The Banyan Tree Puebla was nothing short of a tranquil haven, where we discovered the essence of the brand’s sanctuary-like charm. This beautiful property became our home-away-from-home, accommodating our entire team with grace. Some of us were lucky enough to uncover the hotel’s best-kept secret – the captivating ruins of an ancient convent and monastery on-site, accessible through an underground tunnel. The Banyan Tree Puebla was ideal for our needs with its strategic location – close to town – and spacious meeting room for our sustainability workshops. A few of us even managed to steal a moment of serenity at the hotel´s remarkable rooftop pool, boasting breathtaking panoramic views over Puebla’s rooftops and chapel domes. The sunset vistas from this privileged vantage point set the perfect tone for our welcome dinner.  

 

 

Los Volcanos Permaculture and Agroecology Center

Located in the town of Santa María Tonantzintla, this project was formed in 2019 by a group of friends, in response to concerns about the negative impact of climate change and the loss of biodiversity. Los Volcanes is founded on community work, running its amazing model of permaculture and agroecology with the help of volunteers. The center hosts workshops, courses and training on a wealth of topics that spotlight the environment, a sustainable lifestyle, and personal wellbeing. 

We received an iconic welcome from Popocatépetl Volcano, billowing smoke clouds in the distance as we walked past fields of flowers and corn crops to Los Volcanes. At the center, it was inspiring to see what´s possible with hard work, the right knowledge, and dedication. The project´s leaders showed us around, giving an insight into the elements behind a self-sustaining community with zero waste, from the eco building materials and techniques, to the garden used to grow Mexican herbs for natural medicine use, and the pre-Hispanic Milpa (Three Sisters) planting system used to cultivate squash, beans, and corn. We got our hands (and feet!) dirty cutting back plants and learning how to make ´cob´, a sustainable building material made with mud, clay, and straw. To finish, we tasted the project´s super fresh, organic flavors ourselves with a garden-to-table lunch in the sunshine. Thank you, Los Volcanes, for showing us the way towards a greener, brighter future! 

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Puebla Walking Tour & Foodie Experience

What a great way to soak up Puebla – following the steps of an expert guide, our foodie tour became a sensorial experience exploring the city´s historical center and quintessential flavors. Looking up at buildings and peering into shop windows, you begin to see the patterns of Puebla unfold. Big, beautiful Talavera tile facades, traditional textiles modeled on mannequins and intricate church domes. Hot oil sizzling chalupas, the smoky welcome of a taco arabe stand and baskets of bread rolls waiting to become cemitas. Turning a corner into the Zócalo (main plaza) never gets old, this verdant social hub is lined with cafes and eateries, and home to the city´s striking 16th-17th century cathedral.  

 

Off-Hours Private Visit to Palafoxiana Library

In true Journey Mexico style, we had an exclusive visit with special off-hours access to Puebla´s legendary Biblioteca Palafoxiana. You can feel the history in this 17th century library, recognized by UNESCO as the first and oldest of its kind in the Americas. The smell of wood and books set the scene as our host described the story of the library and its astonishing collection of literature, initiated by the donation of 5,000 books from the prodigious bishop, Juan de Palafox y Mendoza. 

 

JM 20th Anniversary

We kicked off our last night of celebration with dinner and dancing at Hook Rooftop – tip: this restaurant has one of the best views over the cathedral, which lights up in the evenings. We loved honoring our own journey from humble beginnings to a 60-strong team and leaders in authentic luxury travel experiences in Mexico. It was the perfect chance to take a moment to recognize our Sustainability Committee and the winner of this season´s Green Champion Race too.  

Check out our reel for a snapshot of the night, the energy was high!

 

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Cholula

No trip to Puebla is complete without an afternoon in Cholula, a pretty town 30 minutes outside the city where ancient history meets contemporary life. Our local guide walked us through pre-Hispanic and colonial history as we traversed the largest pyramid base in the world. While some of the foundations have now been excavated, when the Spanish arrived the overgrown pyramid resembled a hill, and the conquistadors built a Catholic church on top. We climbed up the many steps to be rewarded with 360-degree views over Cholula and the surroundings volcanoes, before entering the church, adorned with gold and hundreds of lilies.  

We got to tap into the town´s trendy scene too, with games and a tasty dinner at Cervecería Cholula, where our CPO, Matteo, got dunked in cold water as a forfeit! 

 

 

Sustainability Seminars

This year at Journey Mexico, we’ve taken a deep dive into our own operations as a luxury travel company, and we continue to make changes on our journey towards sustainability and impactful travel. This means we believe that business can and should make a positive impact on the environment, local communities, our staff, our travelers, and our collaborators. We got our teeth into two fantastic seminars over the weekend with Technology for Impact. It´s not always easy to talk about the challenges that our planet is facing, and these workshops felt like a safe space to voice our concerns, ask those burning questions, and listen to the perspectives of our team members. Thanks to interactive, collaborative, and engaging sessions, we got the opportunity to unite our goals, self-reflect on leading more sustainable lifestyles in and outside of work, and plant the seeds of hope and action.  

Thank you for reminiscing with us! If you´re ready to start planning your own adventure in Puebla, get in touch with our expert team here and let us know how to personalize a trip that´s exactly to your taste. Take a look at our latest inspirational itinerary from Puebla to the Yucatán to see how to connect the Banyan Tree´s three Mexican properties on an unforgettable journey. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Mexico City Luxury Traveler Insider Podcast

Journey Mexico´s Director of Operations, Tim McBride, was recently invited to appear on the Luxury Travel Insider podcast´s panel of Mexico City virtuosos. Hosted by Sarah Groen, the CEO of Bell and Bly Travel, this episode is dedicated to Mexico´s incredible sprawling capital, a fascinating paradox of ancient and contemporary, vast and intimate, gritty and magical.

After planning to visit for just a few months, Mexico City got under Tim´s skin and he´s now called the capital home for over a decade! An expert on all things logistical in the city, Tim works closely with our guests to ensure they have a seamless and supportive experience during their time in Mexico City and beyond.

We love connecting our travelers with Mexico City´s diversity of adventures, designing personalized experiences that go deeper into the capital´s wealth of museums and art galleries, get to the heart of an exploding gastronomic scene that´s backed by over 1000 years of culinary legacy, and uncover the city´s lesser-known jewels, like the agricultural heritage of Xochimilco, a canal system that once connected the majority of the city.

Listen to the Luxury Travel Insider podcast here to hear Tim discuss Mexico City´s neighborhoods, why a long lunch is a cultural must, and his favorite travel experiences Journey Mexico can put together for our discerning guests, from the folkloric ballet to meeting up-and-coming designers.

 

More Ways to Listen:

Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcher Radio  – Google Podcasts 

 

Ready to Visit Mexico City?

If you’re interested in visiting Mexico City, contact travel expert (and podcast host!), Sarah Groen and let her know which of our  Mexico City sample itineraries you would like to start personalizing! Trips to Mexico City start at $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. 

 

Exploring the Purpose Behind Journey Mexico’s Sustainability Committee

 At Journey Mexico, we believe it´s crucial to align all our operations to the principles of responsible travel. As part of our commitment to sustainability and community  impact, one of our initiatives was the creation of a dedicated team to dive deeper into addressing the environmental, social, and ethical issues within the travel industry.  Read on to explore the reason and role of our Sustainability Committee, and the impact of its efforts.  

 

Why do we have a sustainability committee?

We convened our passionate committee as a proactive response to the increasing environmental and social challenges our planet is facing. We believe that our business can and should positively impact Mexico´s natural world and it´s communities. At the same time, we fully acknowledge that travel inherently implies some negative effects, like the carbon emissions that contribute to global warming. Our goal is not only to reduce these consequences, but to increase the far-reaching benefits of travel that we have seen for ourselves, such as supporting local economies and preserving natural and cultural heritage.

 

What does Journey Mexico’s Sustainability Committee do?

The committee carries out several principal responsibilities: 

  • Development of Sustainable Policies and Objectives: We formulate policies and set objectives to ensure that our business operations are ethical as well as environmentally and socially responsible. 
  • Monitoring and Measurement: We implement measurement and tracking systems to assess and control our sustainability performance. This encompasses aspects such as resource management, carbon emissions reduction, and social impact. 
  • Education and Awareness: We promote awareness of sustainability practices amongst our employees, partners, and clients, fostering a collective culture committed to these values. 
  • Collaboration: We work closely with various areas of the company and establish strategic partnerships with external organizations to exchange knowledge and best practices. 
  • Green Champion Race: Our Green Champions Race is a monthly initiative and seasonal competition where team members can earn points for implementing sustainable practices at home, which are linked to the 17 goals established by the Climate Change department of the UN. The contest is incentivized by eco-conscious prizes such as a stay at a leading sustainable hotel.

The impact of our objectives

  • Staff Development: By creating an ethical and sustainable work environment, we help to boost our team´s morale, sense of purpose, and commitment. 
  • Brand Positioning: Our mindful approach attracts luxury travelers that are increasingly interested in sustainability, driving demand for our consciously crafted services. 
  • Product Innovation: Providing authentic and sustainable travel experiences that reduce our environmental footprint and have a positive impact on local people, such as our experiences led by the Mayan communities of Yaxunah and Granada in the Yucatán.  
  • Team Eco-incentives: Competitions like our ´Green Champion Race´ encourage staff to make changes at home and take conscious steps to minimize harm to the environment.  
  • Responsible Technology: Making informed and efficient decisions to minimize negative impacts and maximize sustainable benefits. 
  • Volunteering: Our team takes part in beach and river clean-ups, and organized events that support local initiatives such as Los Volcanes Agroecology & Permaculture Center in Puebla and Emmanuel Children´s Home in Puerto Vallarta. Read more about some of these initiatives here!

  The Sustainability Committee helps us work towards our vision: to be a leader in responsible luxury tourism, providing the exceptional travel experiences Journey Mexico is known for, while protecting and uplifting our planet and the communities we meet. For us, sustainable travel is a journey, not a destination. We´ll keep listening, learning from our mistakes, and implementing our practices with transparency as part of our commitment to positive change.  

 

Journey Mexico’s Sustainability Committee 2023

 

 

Independence Day in Mexico: The Tale Behind the Fight for Freedom

Most countries around the world celebrate an Independence Day, commemorating the date of a country’s statehood. The stories and circumstances of independence vary from peaceful transitions to horrific wars. Mexico is no exception, and the story of Independence Day in Mexico is complex and intriguing.

The land that is now Mexico has been inhabited for thousands of years. Great civilizations have grown, thrived and ended during this time — from Mexico’s oldest known civilization, the Olmecs, to the last great pre-Hispanic civilization, the Aztecs. By 1519, Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire and site of modern-day Mexico City, was one of the largest cities in the world with more than 200,000 inhabitants.

 

Hernán Cortés

Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés Credit: Wiki Commons

 

Thousands of years of history changed in a single day when, on April 22, 1519, Hernán Cortés set foot on the shores of “Mexico” near modern-day Veracruz. This day marks the beginning of the 300 years of Spanish rule in the land that would become Mexico.

Mexico, or New Spain as it was called at the time, became an important jewel in the Spanish crown. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Spain was the leading power in the world, elevated by the riches generated from precious metals, spices, textiles and other luxuries from its American colonies.

All of this wealth generated for the crown also created great affluence in New Spain. Yet this new prosperity in the colonies was centralized, benefiting only the top of a race-based societal hierarchy called the casta. Those born in Spain with fully Spanish blood reaped the greatest financial gains while the members of society who were indigenous, mixed-heritage, or even Spanish-born in New Spain (criollos)  were considered of lower classes. Over time, this attitude did not sit well with these oppressed people.

 

map of new spain

Map of New Spain created in 1771 Credit: Wiki Commons

 

Though uprisings took place over the years, none were successful in overturning Spanish rule. Yet the tides started to change with the destabilization of Spanish power in Europe. The growing Age of Enlightenment and Napoleon Bonaparte’s 1808 invasion of Spain opened the doors for new movements of independence in Spanish America, as the second-tier criollos and other lower classes felt discomfort and desired a redistribution of land, justice for the poor, and racial equality.

On September 16, 1810, a criollo priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who had been secretly planning a revolt, learned that his plot for revolution had been discovered. Before the Spanish could do anything to stop Hidalgo, he ran to a church in the city of Dolores, Guanajuato.

Father Hidalgo called on the people to revolt against the Spanish rule by any means. His famous speech, of which the exact words are unknown, became known as El Grito de Dolores (the Cry of Dolores). This speech inspired the people and began the final revolt against the Spanish rule, while Father Hidalgo came to be recognized as El Padre de la Patria (the Father of the Nation).

 

Miguel Hidalgo, who started the fight which lead to Independence day in Mexico

The Father of the Nation, Miguel Hidalgo Credit: Wiki Commons

 

Hidalgo went on to lead many successful revolts against the Spanish over the following year before being captured and killed in July 1811 at the age of 58. In Hidalgo’s absence, other leaders continued the fight. José María Morelos, also a priest and military general, lead the revolt until his capture and death in December 1815. From 1815 to 1821, most of the fighting was done by small bands of guerrilla fighters led by Guadalupe Victoria and Vicente Guerrero.

At this time, a colonel in the forces representing Spanish rule, Colonel Agustín de Iturbide, who had fought hard against the independence movement, made a bold move. Unsettled with a military coup back in Spain against the monarchy of Ferdinand VII and changes to Spain’s Constitution following the coup, Iturbide decided to support the revolt and fight for the independence of New Spain, joining forces with Guerrero and rebels across New Spain.

On August 24, 1821, representatives of the Spanish crown recognized the new nation as an independent state by signing the Treaty of Cordoba, coincidentally in Veracruz where Spanish colonization started with the landing of Cortes.  On September 27, 1821, Iturbide’s army entered Mexico City; the following day, he claimed independence for the newly formed country and named it the Mexican Empire.

 

Independence Day in Mexico now

Today, Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16. Celebrations abound across the country with parades, festivals and a mass gathering in the central plaza in central Mexico City, to hear the President perform El Grito de Dolores, which goes:

 

Spanish English
¡Mexicanos!
¡Vivan los héroes que nos dieron patria!
¡Viva Hidalgo!
¡Viva Morelos!
¡Viva Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!
¡Viva Allende!
¡Viva Aldama y Matamoros!
¡Viva la Independencia Nacional!
¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!
Mexicans!
Long live the heroes who gave us our homeland!
Long live Hidalgo!
Long live Morelos!
Long live Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez!
Long live Allende!
Long live Aldama and Matamoros!
Long live the nation’s independence!
Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico!

 

This is an incredible time to experience Mexico and its celebrations. If you are intrigued, contact Journey Mexico and let us put together a custom trip for you to experience this proud celebration in Mexico.

Read more: The Story of El Grito and Mexico’s Independence Day
How to Celebrate Independence Day like a Local

How to Celebrate Mexican Independence Day like a Local  

Every year in mid-September, Mexico gets dressed up in the national colors of red, white and green to commemorate ´El Grito´, the moment when Miguel Hidalgo called for freedom from Spanish rule in 1810, sparking a revolution that would eventually lead to Mexican independence in 1821. 

Over two centuries later, the day is honored with a national holiday in Mexico on the 16th, a government reenactment of Hidalgo´s speech on the 15th, and quintessential Mexican fiesta. Read on to find out how to celebrate like a local and see what our team gets up to on Mexican Independence Day! 

 

CONVIVIR + COMER

The first stop is getting together with loved ones to hang out and EAT! Whether a party at a family home, in a friend´s backyard, or at a restaurant, setting the scene is key. Decorate with huge Mexican flags draped across walls, themed hats, face paint and streamers in green, white and red, and ´papel picado´, a type of bunting with cut-out designs. Turn up the mariachi music as the tequila and beers start to flow, and dive into a feast of traditional cuisine like tacos, pozole and enchiladas, or a big carne asada (BBQ). For this celebration we love ´chiles en nogada´ – poblano chiles stuffed with ground meat and topped with creamy walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds, representing the colors of the flag – and mole – a rich pre-Hispanic sauce made by grinding cacao, nuts and an array of dried Mexican chilis.  

Our community manager, Marysol Ojeda, told us about her favorite way to spend Independence Day: 

 “I usually get together with my family or friends, and we dress in the colors of our Mexican flag or typical Mexican attire. Besides eating the traditional antojitos (specialties), we usually make ´frijoles charros´ – pinto beans, sausage, coriander, onions, and spices simmered into the most flavorful broth. Everyone’s favorite. We also play ´lotería´ (Mexican bingo), which is something I really like because everyone can join in, from the little ones to the abuelas (grandmothers). We all have a great time and celebrate through our traditions!”

Rafael Mendez, Journey Mexico´s marketing manager shared some of his favorite bites for the occasion:


“My tradition is gathering with some of my friends and eating Mexican food (it´s the perfect night to break the diet!) like enchiladas, gorditas, tostadas, and my favorite, pozole – a brothy soup made with hominy and topped with chili, radish, shredded cabbage and lots of lime. I love sipping on ´cantaritos´ too, a tangy mix of tequila, citrus fruits and grapefruit soda served in clay cups with salt and chili on the rim.”

 

To experience some of these tasty traditional dishes for yourself, get in touch with our travel planners and ask for our seasonal cooking class in Puebla to learn how to prepare chiles en nogada, or our  culinary session in Coyoacán, Mexico City, where you´ll craft sopes (corn patties), red mole and pre-Hispanic tamales to enjoy with a pairing of Mexican spirits.  

 

Chile en Nogada Cooking Class – Puebla

Cantaritos and cazuelas of Tlaquepaque, Exploring the towns of Gudalajara tour

 

EL GRITO

The president gets involved in this part! An enormous crowd gathers in Mexico City´s Zócalo to see the head of state appear on the National Palace´s balcony and pay homage to Mexico. At 11pm, the president recites El Grito Mexicano, a speech that honors the heroes of the independence movement and the nation´s greatness, and rings the same bell that Hidalgo used in the town of Dolores (just outside of San Miguel Allende) many moons ago, inciting the people of Mexico to rise up together against Spanish forces. Get ready to belt out ´¡Viva México!´ (long live Mexico!). TV´s across the country are tuned in to watch from home and main plazas come alive to celebrate with a screening of El Grito, special events and performances.  

We asked our team to remember some of their favorite El Grito experiences: 

Joe Alarcon, webmaster: “When I was little in Cancún with my parents, we used to walk up to the Government Palace amongst waves of people. My dad put me on his shoulders so I could see the projection of Mexico City in the square and the enormous, beautiful Mexican flag. I can remember everyone in the crowd shouting ´viva!´ at the top of their lungs. Now, I usually get together with lots of friends at a house, we´ll put El Grito on the TV and have a DJ playing or sing Mexican karaoke songs by famous artists like Vicente Fernandez and Luis Miguel.”  

Adriana Marines, operations coordinator: “Coyoacán is one of the most traditional spots to celebrate El Grito on September 15th. The square and parks are packed with families and friends, ready to party, eat and scream VIVA MEXICO! It´s one of my favorite days in town. A mezcal or tequila at La Coyoacana, La Puerta del Sol or La Celestina is a must.”

Tim McBride, operations director: “I went to the Grito celebration on Reforma once, the huge avenue that connects the city. You can drink a great dirty vodka martini at the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis and watch the sun set over the city, then head down to the festivities. Last time they had a stage set up with lots of locals and families up until late having fun.” 

To learn more about the origins of El Grito and the Mexican Independence Movement on your next trip, ask our travel planners to include our experience in the town of Dolores Hidalgo near San Miguel de Allende, or explore contemporary, colonial and pre-Hispanic history with our guided walk in Mexico City´s Zócalo. 

 

El Grito in Mexico City’s Zocalo – Mexico City Historic Center

 

 

FIREWORKS + FIESTA

After observing El Grito, the sound of fireworks echoes all over Mexico, with dramatic displays lighting up the evening skies. The fiesta overflows at street parties, in plazas, houses and bars where you can dance, hang out and sip tequila into the early hours of the morning.

Our CEO and founder, Zach Rabinor, is something of a connoisseur when it comes to tequila – “I like the crisp, ultra-refined texture of Casa Dragones Joven to start a meal. The stronger, unadulterated flavor and essence of Don Julio Blanco balanced with soda and lime on the rocks for the moderated pace of an extended night. And for a night cap, the woody, softer flavor/texture of Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo, Don Julio Real Extra Añejo or better yet, Don Fulano Extra Añejo!”

 

Journey Mexico´s content writer, Sally Wells, loves heading to Puerto Vallarta´s Malecón boardwalk for the festivities, “…the square by Our Lady of Guadalupe Church is a great spot for Mexican Independence Day. You´ve got loads of traditional food stalls, people of all ages out and about, and beautiful decorations – last year the trees were filled with red, white and green ribbons. Then the magnificent fireworks display draws everyone onto the boardwalk, I love watching them explode over the palm trees!” 

For a more intimate experience our villas specialist, Annel Aquino, recommends watching the fireworks go off around the bay from one of Puerto Vallarta´s luxury villas – her favorite property is Villa Luna Creciente thanks to its spectacular vistas over the Pacific Ocean and the rock formations of Los Arcos National Park.” 

If you´re looking for the ultimate tequila experience, ask our team about a weekend getaway to the eponymous town from Guadalajara where you´ll learn about the generational work behind the spirit, witness majestic agave fields, and compare tasting notes with master ´tequileros´. We also love arranging a session at Casa Dragones´ tasting room for our travelers staying in San Miguel de Allende.   

 

Fireworks light up the bay in Puerto Vallarta

Tequila drinking in the town of no other than – Tequila!

 

REST + RECOVER 

After a big celebration, let yourself sleep in the next morning, it´s a national holiday after all! We suggest recovering as the locals do, with leftover pozole, birria tacos and a big agua fresca!  

 

Read more on Mexico’s Independence Day:
 Independence Day in Mexico: The Tale Behind The Fight For Freedom
The Story of El Grito and Mexico’s Independence Day
Celebrating Fiestas Patrias in Mexico City: An Unforgettable Trip to Mexico

 

Celebrating Fiestas Patrias in Mexico City: An Unforgettable Trip to Mexico

Travelers who enjoy immersing themselves in exciting, colorful cultural events will be thrilled by Mexico’s Fiestas Patrias (patrioric parties).  Taking place on September 15 and 16 every year, the Fiestas Patrias celebrate Mexico’s independence. The people of Mexico enjoy gathering with family and friends for parties and get-togethers in the days leading up to these important holidays. Here are some tips on how to enjoy Mexico’s independence day celebrations:

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Immerse Yourself in Mexican Culture

Contrary to popular belief outside of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo isn’t the day on which the Mexican people celebrate their independence. While May 5 commemorates an important battle victory, the real independence day occurs on September 16. This patriotic holiday is celebrated throughout Mexico with parades, parties and public gatherings.

The Fiestas Patrias events actually begin on the evening on September 15. High-ranking government officials and many individuals throughout Mexico re-enact an event called the Grito de Dolores. This call to independence was issued by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest who incited the people to revolt and claim their independence.

Travelers who are interested in experiencing Mexican culture from the inside out will enjoy attending public events and festivities during Fiestas Patrias. The majority of citizens celebrate whole heartedly during this time. Thanks to beautiful fall temperatures, it is truly a perfect time for visitors to dive into Mexican culture.

 

Enjoy Fiestas Patrias in Beautiful Mexico City

There is no better city in which to celebrate the Fiestas Patrias than the nation’s capital, Mexico City. A private tour of this charming, historic city offers the perfect way to familiarize one’s self with Mexican history and culture. The site of the Aztec capital in the 14th century, Mexico City became the capitol of New Spain in the 16th century after conquistadors conquered the Aztec empire.

Today, visitors to Mexico City can take in archaeological sites dating from both pre-Columbian and Colonial eras. Some of the most important public areas used by both the Aztec and Spaniards have been transformed into modern-day gathering places and performing arts centers. A wide array of cathedrals, government buildings and theaters will delight travelers with discriminating tastes. Mexico City is widely regarded as one of the most labyrinthine cities in the world.

While it is certainly possible for visitors to wander from fascinating site to fascinating site, travelers who explore with a private guide will have a better opportunity to truly understand the city’s rich cultural and political history, as well as the distinct communities that make up Mexico City. Visitors who want to experience the best of Mexican culture while visiting the nation’s capital are well-served by visiting during the Fiestas Patrias. Travelers will be able to enjoy these vibrant, exciting festivities while visiting some of the most important historical sites in Mexico. The charm of Mexico City will not be lost on visitors who are looking for a truly immersive cultural experience.

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READY TO VISIT MEXICO CITY?

If you’re interested in visiting Mexico City during September or any other time during the year, browse our Mexico City sample itineraries below or  contact Journey Mexico today to start designing your custom trip. Trips to the heartland of Mexico start at $1,000 USD per day for two travelers. Be sure to check out our Sample Itinerary: 5-Day Highlights of Mexico City Tour for ideas and inspiration on all the unique and distinctive experiences you can have on your next vacation!

 

¡VIVA MEXICO!

 

Celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day at NIZUC Resort & Spa

You’re invited to celebrate with NIZUC Resort & Spa this September and to experience Mexican culture through the innovative reinterpretations of contemporary Mexican cuisine at Ramona restaurant.

Authentic Mexican cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its depth of flavors, vibrant colors, and rich history. The origins of Mexican gastronomy date back to the pre-Hispanic period when its foundations were rooted in native ingredients including corn, cocoa, chilis, avocado, tomatoes, and beans. When the Spanish arrived, they introduced new ingredients such as fruits, sugars, oils, cereals, and spices that enriched and expanded the country’s cuisine.

At NIZUC Resort & Spa’s Ramona restaurant, Chef Irving Cupul honors Mexico’s rich culinary history by focusing on local flavors and ingredients with a contemporary twist. This September, to celebrate Independence Day, the Chef will serve one of Mexico’s most emblematic dishes, Chiles en Nogada, all month long. This classic dish is full of Mexican history dating back to 1821 when it is believed Chiles en Nogada was first prepared by the Augustinian nuns of Santa Monica in Puebla during the Mexican War of Independence. Made with local ingredients, the dish was served to the visiting Mexican Army General Agustin de Iturbide who was instrumental in winning the Mexican War of Independence. Made with the freshest Poblano Chiles smoked and stuffed with the local ingredients including apples, peaches, pears, walnuts, almonds, and pine nuts mixed with ground beef and pork, providing a diverse range of tastes and textures.

Chef Cupul will also present a specially curated menu available for two nights over Mexican Independence Day this September 15th,16th & 17th. 

 

START PLANNING YOUR  VACATION AT NIZUC

Ready to experience this special celebration at Nizuc?  Get in touch with our expert travel planners to start designing your custom trip around Nizuc hotel. Trips start at $1,800 USD per day for two travelers. Be sure to check out our Sample Itinerary: Magical Times in the Yucatan Peninsula with Nizuc for ideas and inspiration on all the unique and distinctive experiences you can have on your next vacation!

 

 

Mexican Beach Destinations Without Sargassum

For the past few years, headlines of sargassum affecting parts of the Caribbean coast has some travelers concerned about booking a vacation on the east side of Mexico. As we say on our regularly updated sargassum page, this phenomenon poses no threat to health but it understandably can put a damper on any beach vacation.

For those who are looking for options to avoid sargassum, we have trip ideas in Riviera Maya outside of the beach (think: exploring underground secret caves, beautiful blue cenotes, and colonial towns!). But of course, Mexico also has plenty of beautiful and easily reached alternatives to the beaches of the Mexican Caribbean coast.

Take a look at the Mexican beach destinations without sargassum below and pick the perfect option for you.

Mexican Beach Destinations Without Sargassum

Puerto Vallarta

A dreamy beach-side city on the Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta offers a dreamy mix of cobble-stone streets and old-fashioned adobe houses. Much of the tourist action takes place on El Malecon, the beautiful palm-lined beach promenade, and the Romantic Zone, where boutique shops and restaurants jostle for attention.

Resort suggestion: Xinalani – For an utterly blissful beach vacation, stay at Xinalani, an eco-chic yoga retreat with its own private beach. See full list of luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta.

Villa suggestion: Villa Kismet – A six-bedroom, oceanfront villa, Villa Kismet boasts an ideal location in the gated community of Sierra del Mar with a beautiful beach club. See full list of luxury villas in Puerto Vallarta.

Suggested itinerary: Take our eight-day Pacific Coast Blissful Escape for utter relaxation. With stays at beachfront Garza Blanca in Puerto Vallarta, and Punta Mita’s idyllic Imanta, you’ll get to know the best of the vibrant surroundings. See more Puerto Vallarta trip ideas.

 

Punta Mita

Around a 45-minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita is a privately gated community sitting on the tip of the Bay of Banderas. Here, luxury resorts – such as the Four Seasons and St Regis – mingle with ultra-luxurious villas, private beach clubs, and two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf courses.

Resort suggestion: Imanta – One of the finest resorts in Punta Mita, Imanta, boasts gorgeous casitas hidden within the jungle and its own quiet beach. See full list of luxury hotels in Punta Mita.

Villa suggestion: Palmasola – Like a mini resort, the nine-bedroom Palmasola villa offers everything one could need, including highly professional staff, direct beach access, kayaks, and paddleboards. See more luxury villas in Punta Mita.

Suggested itinerary: Take our eight-day Punta Mita Luxury Beach Villa Vacation and explore the neighboring beach town of Sayulita, while also enjoying healthy activities such as stand-up paddleboarding, a detox cooking class, and yoga. See more Punta Mita trip ideas.

 

Los Cabos

The golden sands of Santa Maria beach in Los Cabos

Los Cabos, which refers to the twin gems of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas plus their connecting corridor, boasts some of the most luxurious resorts in the world. Tourists come from across the planet to enjoy swimming with whale sharks, sport fishing, and snorkeling among the tropical fish.

Resort suggestion: One&Only Palmilla – Sat on a gently sloping hill above the Sea of Cortez, One&Only Palmilla boasts gorgeous views across the waters. Not all beaches are swimmable in Los Cabos, but the resort’s Playa Pelican is. See full list of luxury hotels in Cabo.

Villa suggestion: Villa Estero – Situated in the private beach community of Puerto Los Cabos, Villa Estero has a coveted beachfront location with great outdoor areas for entertaining. Head to the rooftop terrace for gorgeous views over the sea and surrounding landscapes while sipping a cool drink. See full list of luxury villas in Cabo.

Suggested itinerary: Enjoy San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas in style on our eight-day Cabo Opulence and Culture vacation. Explore the highlights of the region with a private yacht tour, kayak, and snorkeling excursion, and bird-watching expedition. See more Los Cabos trip ideas.

Read more: 7 Swimmable Beaches in Los Cabos

 

Baja California

A beach in Baja California without sargassum

A region of Mexico with an almost unlimited number of natural adventures to enjoy. Baja California and Baja California Sur is home to blue whales, humpback whales, sea lions, giant sea turtles, and whale sharks at various times throughout the year. While it’s obviously a dream destination for nature lovers, it’s also full of culture and home to artistic towns and beautiful resorts.

Resort suggestion: Costa Baja Resort – Enjoy simply gorgeous views over the Sea of Cortez with a stay at the Costa Baja Resort. Guests enjoy the benefit of excellent restaurants, bars, a spa, and fitness center. See more luxury hotels in Baja.

Villa suggestion: Casa Bellamar – Located up the East Cape, Casa Bellamar is a favorite for groups. The private home is set up similarly to a hotel with 8 private bedrooms featuring a bathroom and kitchenette. The villa is also great for surfers looking to watch waves at Shipwrecks Beach.   See full list of luxury villas in East Cape of Los Cabos.

Suggested itinerary: Take our four-day Weekend Escape to Todos Santos and visit the sea lion colonies at Espiritu Santo Island, go on a private cliff walking tour, and explore the Pueblo Magico of Todos Santos with a personal guide.  See more Baja Sur trip ideas.

 

 

Puerto Escondido

The rolling, sargassum-free waves of Playa Zicatela

Puerto Escondido has long been known as a surfer´s heaven, particularly for the world-famous barrel waves at Playa Zicatela. If you’re not much of an action sports fan, more gentle breaks can be found throughout Puerto Escondido, while no-one can fail to enjoy the area’s laidback, boho vibe.

Resort suggestion: Hotel Escondido – The ultra-trendy Hotel Escondido offers luxury living right on the beach. Direct access to private sands makes this perfect for the beach lover. See more Puerto Escondido hotels.

Villa suggestion: Samora – Just 20 minutes south of Puerto Escondido, the eight-bedroom Samora boasts an utterly gorgeous swimming pool stretching to a private beach plus private bungalows and suites in palapa-style accommodations.

Suggested itinerary: Take our nine-day Best of Oaxaca Vacation: Culture, Mezcal, & Beach and experience the highlights of Oaxaca with days in Puerto Escondido.

 

Ready to Book Your Mexican Beach Without Sargassum?

As on-the-ground specialists with unrivaled contacts across the country, we know the best beach destinations around and can help to organize unique and exciting sea-based adventures. To make an inquiry, head to our Plan Your Trip page and speak to one of our Travel Planners using your desired method. Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in interior Mexico, and $1,800 per day for two travelers in beach destinations. Contact us here.

 

 

From Hidden Gems to Lavish Retreats – Unveiling Our Latest Hotel Adventures

Our team has been out and about in Mexico´s diverse and wonderful corners, staying at the top hotels we work with from coast to coast. We caught up with the Journey Mexico team to get their insights on an array of properties from Oaxaca City and Punta Mita to San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City.

What makes a property special?

The properties that we work with go beyond the basics, impressing with their historic architecture and unique design, state-of-the-art amenities and expansive natural grounds. While chatting with our team, we noticed they had an enormous amount of praise for the hotel staff who´d made their time extra special. As the saying goes, “people will never forget how you made them feel”, and that rings true for any hotel stay – take a look at some reflections below:

 

Brenda, Sales Assistant:The warmth of the team at Andaz Mayakoba is impressive; attentive service from the moment of arrival makes you feel at home. It’s a marvelous place to disconnect, with comfortable nooks, picture-perfect backdrops, and most importantly, respect for the natural environment.”

 

 

 

Amberley, Business Development:Casa Polanco is the most serene hotel I have ever stayed in in ANY city. From the moment you arrive you feel at home, greeted with kindness and a warmth that makes you feel instantly relaxed.”

Jessica, Director of Marketing:At Las Ventanas al Paraíso, the staff anticipated everything in terms of service and worked meticulously so each detail was perfect, whether it was setting up hundreds of candles for a private romantic dinner, or carefully raking special messages in the sand for a guests’ special occasion. They constantly went above and beyond in the details.”

Maria, Travel Planner: “The friendly service at Casona Sforza in Puerto Escondido made me feel relaxed and right at home. I felt spoiled throughout my stay!”

 

Jose, Director of Sales: “The warm welcome from the One&Only Palmilla team and their attention to our preferences elevated the experience – they spoiled my mom during the whole stay with special touches like her favorite cookies, wine, and snacks! The beach club was an amazing spot for us to spend the day together, and the complimentary activities such as paddleboarding and snorkeling were great extra details.”

 

 

 

Making the Grade: JM´s High Standards

At Journey Mexico we´re known for our incredibly high standards, which are built on a deep mission of service throughout the travel process, from crafting unforgettable itineraries with our travel planners to supporting our discerning guests 24/7 during their trip. As part of this, we´re proud to provide Mexico´s finest accommodations that we´ve tried and tested ourselves. We love working with a range of luxury properties across the country that go beyond the grade in areas like comfort, a sense of place, privacy, environment and location. After their stays, we asked our team members why they thought the hotel reflected Journey Mexico´s values. See their thoughts below:

 

 

Gabriela, Travel Planner: Casa del Alma, San Cristóbal, combines all the elements in a hotel that we recommend: safety, comfort and service.”

 

 

 

 

Brenda, Sales Assistant:From the moment you arrive at Pug Seal Zapoteco, you feel at home, the staff is lovely and gives you the confidence to ask anything about the hotel and Oaxaca City. They always talked to me about my day and prepared a box breakfast when I had an early start.”

Gerardo, Senior Manager of Travel Planning:
Susurros del Corazón Punta Mita, has a strong sense of place and provides personalized service – even though it´s part of a “brand” it feels very relaxed and authentic, not corporate. The property offers a high level of standard services plus sustainable products and experiences, making it a perfect match for Journey Mexico’s clientele.”

Zaira, Senior Travel Planner: “I loved Pug Seal Zapoteco because it had a very different vibe and concept from other hotels in Oaxaca. The artwork and murals that adorn the colonial architecture make it feel like a fun and funky space while still retaining that old-world charm and sense of place. The staff was genuine and friendly, making me feel right at home with exactly the level of service and warm hospitality we expect for our travelers”

 

Jessica, Director of Marketing: Chablé Maroma hit all the right marks for me: ultra-luxury rooms with local design and details, privacy provided by lush gardens and overall harmony with nature – the cutest little creatures get to call Chablé home! The spa is one of the absolute best in the Riviera Maya, plus there´s a beautiful white sand beach and a strong sense of place with Mayan cultural influences and ceremonies. Sustainability is at the forefront, with a genuine care and concern for implementing responsible practices throughout the resort, which can be seen at every level of operation.”

 

 

Finding the Right Hotel for You

We´re experts at finding our seasoned travelers the right property for their individual needs, and we start by listening. The human touch should never be underestimated and rather than making suggestions based on an algorithm, we want to understand the nuance of what each guest is looking for, before delving into our own knowledge to meet the request. Take a look at some of our team´s impressions:

Jessica, Director of Marketing: “Las Ventanas al Paraíso Los Cabos is by far, one of Mexico’s most pet-friendly hotels – they treat pups just like any other VIP guest! It’s also great for parents with babies – they won´t have to worry about packing 10,000 things, the hotel has it covered and ready in the suite. The level of service provided is truly “don’t worry about a thing & don’t lift a finger”, exactly what new parents need and deserve!”

Casa de Sierra Nevada is a great choice for mature travelers who want a slower pace and a piece of authentic San Miguel de Allende charm, which oozes from the hotel´s old casonas. It’s also pet-friendly! :)”

 

Maria Quero, Travel Planner: Casona Sforza in Puerto Escondido is well suited to young adults looking for a relaxed getaway and amazing surfing, while staying at a hotel with super-creative architecture.”

Gerardo, Senior Manager of Travel Planning: Susurros del Corazón Punta Mita, caters to young adults, couples, and honeymooners as it´s a perfect spot to rest and relax, enjoy a beautiful beach, drinks, and great casual meals. The whole vibe is relaxed yet refined. It´s a good fit for families that don’t necessarily require tons of services or amenities and more independent travelers that are looking for a smaller alternative to big resorts. That being said, their Kid’s club is well equipped and a fun place too.”

 

Insider Tips

Of course, one of our specialties is being on the inside track. As an in-country travel company with locally based staff, we know all the secret spots and how to maximize your stay. Take a look at some tips below!

 

Gerardo, Senior Manager of Travel Planning: Susurros del Corazón, try their freshly brewed coffee with a pinch of cinnamon (café de olla) and the chilaquiles for breakfast.”

Zaira, Senior Travel Planner: “Be sure to take the complimentary nature boat tour that Andaz Mayakoba offers around the complex, you get an amazing view of the green golf course, while spotting birds, turtles and even crocodiles on a lucky day.”

 

Jessica, Director of Marketing: “Don’t miss dining at Chileno Bay in Los Cabos’ newest restaurant, Yaya. Chef Eliana from Mexico City beautifully fuses together Mexican and Mediterranean cuisines with delicious details! Any plate with freshly baked bread or pita is a win, and don’t miss the fresh hummus or the kaleidoscope of pickled vegetables. Weather permitting, head to the outdoor seating for dinner to enjoy a bohemian vibe with great views overlooking the resort.”

Amberley, Business Development: “While Casa Polanco doesn´t offer a spa, they do have the best masseuse on speed dial. Just ask at the desk and everything will be arranged for you. Also, there are lots of communal outdoor spaces – take your wine to a balcony and meet other guests or relax and watch the world go by.”

Jose Pineda, Director of Sales: “At One&Only Palmilla, the spa is not to be missed; I had one of the best massages ever! Additionally, the complimentary access to all their wet areas is great during your full stay. My other tip would be to make sure you go to Agua Bar in the evening to enjoy live music and be sure to order their special, signature craft beer.”

 

TAP OUR KNOWLEDGE AND CUSTOMIZE YOUR MEXICO TRIP WITH OUR EXPERTS!

Allow us to use our insider knowledge to craft you your ultimate dream vacation! Our travel experts can help you find the perfect accommodation and plan experiences that will connect you to the heart of your chosen destination(s). Journey Mexico´s sample itineraries are a great starting point to get some inspiration before chatting through your ideas with our team.