Enjoy a Taste of Mexico: Where Flavor is Everything

Mexico’s culinary scene is much more than tacos. It’s trailblazing restaurants, pioneering distilleries, and boutique vineyards. It’s where the future and tradition meet in a taste explosion.

You can’t experience it at home, you’ve got to be here. To smell the freshness, to hear the sizzle, to taste the result. Book a trip to Mexico and discover one of the planet’s top gastronomic destinations. To help you find your ultimate culinary journey, here are some sample itineraries we carefully crafted to show off the very best of Mexican food…

Our Unique Food and Wine Experiences

Foodie Tour Through Mexico City & Oaxaca

Take a week-long culinary odyssey through two of Mexico’s most celebrated foodie destinations and encounter an explosion of tastes and aromas. Take privately guided tours through traditional markets, eat at the best road-side food stands, and journey through Mexico’s rich gastronomic history.

 

Food, Wine, and Tequila in Colonial Mexico

Cuna de Tierra

Experience Mexico’s culinary delights at their most authentic. This eight-day trip offers tequila in Tequila, chef-led cooking classes, and expertly guided market tours.

 

Blissful Riviera Maya Escape at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

Stay at the Belmond Maroma Resort to enjoy their delightful “Gastronomic Experiences” which includes cantina nights, chocolate tasting, and an evening of tequila sampling.

 

Culinary Tour Through Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, & Puebla

Book this new and exclusive tour for gastronomic bliss in a trio of foodie destinations. The ten-day trip will gratify the taste buds throughout with guided tours of traditional and contemporary markets plus tastings across the three cities. It will also delight drinks connoisseurs with VIP experiences at celebrated tequila and wine producers.

 

Where to stay

Hacienda Petac


Sleeps 4-14 | 2-7 Bedrooms | Outside Merida

Experience the next level of culinary pleasure with a stay at Hacienda Petac, a regal 17th century estate with its own sensational chef and waiting staff plus an in-house cooking school. Menus have been carefully crafted to highlight authentic Yucatan recipes, while meals can be enjoyed in a variety of locations throughout the majestic estate.

Mexico City Named in World’s Top Cities to Visit in 2020 by Rough Guides

Rough Guides has named Mexico City as one of the top places to visit in 2020.

The travel experts placed the capital in its annual “Best Places to Travel In…” guide, naming it among seven other cities.

They praised Mexico City for its mix of ancient wonders, buzzing artistic scene, and culinary delights, saying: “There’s a real buzz around Mexico City at the moment, but it’s certainly not the first time. The city has long been one of the world’s great metropolises.”

In particular, the capital’s blooming gastronomic scene received heavy praise. “You’ll find ramshackle markets, old-school cantinas and traditional street food stalls standing alongside some of the country’s best Michelin-starred restaurants,” the article read.

To experience the very best of Mexico City, book a once-in-a-lifetime vacation with Journey Mexico. As the local experts, we have the knowledge and experience to book trips and tours that others just don’t have access to, including off-hours visits to the capital’s most famous landmarks. To inquire, speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner. Simply gives us a call or fill out or Contact Us form, and we’ll get right back to you.

For inspiration, check out our 4-day Weekend in Mexico City Escape, which includes a privately guided tour of the city center, a visit to the trendy neighborhoods, and an exploration of the flourishing art scene.

Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling: What You’ll See and Where to Do It

A Puerto Vallarta snorkeling adventure offers the opportunity to see some of the Pacific’s most spectacular creatures. Manta rays, turtles, and colorful fish all call the Bay of Banderas home, but where are the best places to dive? And when’s the best time to go?

Here we discuss everything you might need to know about snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta. If there’s anything we’ve missed, ask us in the comments below, and we’ll try to get you an answer!

Is Puerto Vallarta good for snorkeling?

Yes, Puerto Vallarta is a great place to go snorkeling. Go to the right spots (revealed below), and you’ll almost definitely see a wide variety of marine life. If you’re lucky, you may even see some of Vallarta’s larger residents including turtles and rays. During the winter months, the Bay of Banderas is also home to migratory humpback whales, which provides excellent whale watching opportunities.

However, if you’re looking for a snorkeling-specific vacation, then the Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya are better suited to your needs. There you can snorkel next to whale sharks and visit the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art.

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Best time to snorkel in Puerto Vallarta

The best time of year to snorkel in Puerto Vallarta is winter and spring (November to May). Visibility is typically at its best around this time, thanks to a lack of rain and calmer waters. The sea temperature is slightly cooler – around 65oF (18oC) to 75oF (24oC) – but still comfortable.

When you start moving away from the coast, to the Marietas Islands for instance, you might consider wearing light to medium wetsuit, especially if you’re prone to getting cold.

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Best snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta

Los Arcos National Marine Park

Jutting out of the sea near Mismaloya, on the south side of the bay, is Los Arcos National Marine Park. This stunning protected habitat – once called Las Peñas – is home to an array of marine life, including turtles, octopus, and giant Pacific manta ray. Visibility is typically very good, plus there’s a wealth of caves and tunnels to explore. With the arches a little way out to sea, however, it’s best to organize a tour to get there.

Marietas Islands

Home of the famous Hidden Beach, the Marietas Islands also offer some of the best snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta. Taking a boat there is essential. The ride can take up to an hour and will probably take longer during the winter months as you stop to watch the leaping humpback whales.

When you get there, however, you’ll be rewarded with excellent visibility and lots of fish plus, if you’re lucky, manta rays and turtles. The islands are also great for bird watching – look out for the blue footed booby with its tell-tale dazzling blue feet.

Playa Colomitos

A tiny beach on the south side of the bay, Colomitos is a true hidden gem in Puerto Vallarta. Inaccessible by car, there are two ways to get there. The first is to hike from Boca de Tomatlan, a small fishing village outside of Puerto Vallarta, which takes you along the coast and through jungle foliage. The second is to hire a boat. The journey from Boca takes around five minutes and provides gorgeous views of the coast and towering mountains behind it. Once there, you should find excellent visibility and plenty of underwater rocks in which fish hide.

Playa Conchas Chinas

Conchas chinas, one of the best Puerto Vallarta snorkeling spots

Nestled in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta, Conchas Chinas, the beach of the same name offers some great snorkeling opportunities. Just a short drive from the town center, Conchas Chinas is easily the most accessible of our recommended dive spots. The best snorkeling is found slightly past the rocks jutting out to sea. There you’ll find hidden boulders and plenty of fish swimming around them. Make sure to go in the morning when the sea is at its calmest. Not only is the safest time to swim, but it’s also when you’ll get the best visibility.

Marine life you might see snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta

Snorkeling safety in Puerto Vallarta

While snorkeling in Puerto Vallarta is generally safe, you still need to follow standard safety procedures. Here are eight rules you should follow:

  • Check your equipment before you enter
  • Snorkel with a friend
  • Never enter unknown waters
  • Watch the waters before you get in
  • Keep a safe distance from rocks and animals
  • Wear sunblock (make sure it’s reef-safe to protect the local sea life)
  • Stay hydrated
  • Organize a tour with an expert snorkeling guide who can help to keep you safe

Book a Snorkeling Tour in Puerto Vallarta as part of your Customized Itinerary

Having the very best Puerto Vallarta snorkeling experience is about knowing exactly when and where to go. Organize your Puerto Vallarta trip through Journey Mexico, and we’ll take you out with local experts who can tell you everything you need to know (and keep you safe!).  Start by browsing our customizable sample itineraries on our website or simply contact us and a Journey Mexico Travel Planner will get back to you.

Tlalpujahua: The Mexican Town Where It’s Christmas Every Day of the Year

Tlalpujahua sits a long way from Santa Claus’ North Pole residence – around 5,000 miles as the sleigh flies. But in this small Michoacán town in the middle of Mexico, it’s Christmas every day of the year.

Once a gold and silver mining village, the residents of Tlalpujahua are now almost solely dedicated to the production of ornate glass baubles manufactured using traditional glass blown techniques.

Estimates put production of these ubiquitous Christmas decorations at around 70% of the local economy, while tourists come from across the world to see the local artisans at work and to buy a souvenir or two.

However, the town’s dedication to creating Christmas baubles is a relatively recent phenomenon. Until around 80 years ago, Tlalpujahua was better known for its gold and silver mines.

Dos Estrellas Mine

Dos Estrellas Mine, now a museum

For centuries, the indigenous people and later the Spanish conquerors had been extracting minerals from the lands.

But at the beginning of the 20th century, a French engineer by the name of Francisco J. Fournier (quite literally) struck gold by opening Dos Estrallas Mine. From 1908 to the end of the 30s his mine was among the world’s most productive.

In 1937, however, disaster struck in the form of a major landslide. One-third of the town was buried, 300 people died, and the Dos Estrellas Mine was destroyed. The golden age of mining was over.

By the end of the Fifties, the extraction of gold and silver had collapsed entirely in Tlalpujahua and the town required a new income source.

Although they didn’t know it, their economy boost was sitting more than 2,000 miles away in Chicago in the form of Tlalpujahua native, Joaquin Muñoz Orta.

Muñoz Orta had immigrated with his wife to the United States, creating Christmas decorations and ornaments for a local business and unwittingly gathering skills that would one day save Tlalpujahua. In the mid-60s he decided to return to Mexico, setting up a Christmas decoration workshop.

At its height, his company employed around 1,000 people and was the largest Christmas decoration workshop in Latin America. His success then inspired others to create their own bauble businesses.

Unfortunately, his company is no more, but around 250 local families are keeping his traditions and skills alive, creating tens of millions of baubles each year.

Tlalpujahua Christmas store

A shopper in one of Tlalpujahua’s Christmas stores

Today’s artisans use a traditional blown glass technique to produces their wares. First, they light a gas torch before bringing the roaring flame to one end of a glass tube. Then, they blow through the other end of the tube to create an orb shape.

Once set, the spheres are painted with intricate metallic designs before a cap is added to the top.

While the traditional sphere shape continues to be the most popular, the Tlalpujahua artisans have flexed their creative skills and now create everything from simple star designs to intricate monkey and avocado shapes.

Unsurprisingly, a year-round Christmas workshop in the mountains of Mexico is an intriguing prospect for curious travelers. Tourists from across the globe now come to this small Pueblo Magico to pick up a Christmas decoration and to see the artisans at work.

Tlalpujahua also holds an annual celebration from around the start of October to the middle of December known as the Fair of the Sphere (Feria de la Esfera). Here, the town’s artisans display their finest products in the Municipal Auditorium.

In-the-know travelers combine their Tlalpujahua experience with a visit to the other artisanal towns in the same area. Journey Mexico, for example, has a magical eight-day Winter Holiday in Colonial Mexico trip that combines a visit to Tlalpujahua with tours of Tzintzuntzan, Patzcuaro, San Miguel de Allende, and Mexico City.

Contact a Journey Mexico Travel Planner or fill out our Trip Planner to secure a dream Holiday Season in Mexico.

Inside 50 Mils: The Four Seasons Mexico City’s Innovative Cocktail Bar

The Four Seasons Mexico City doesn’t do average. The signs are everywhere: an unbeatable location on Reforma Avenue; a grand hacienda-style inner courtyard; plush, exquisite suites. No, average is not part of its lexicon.

It comes as no surprise then that its bar is nowhere near your average hotel bar. Elegant, innovative, inspiring; 50 Mils has been disrupting Mexico City’s drinks scene since it opened in 2015.

Its trophy cabinet is as well stocked as its drinks shelves: both individual accolades for its expert mixologists (including multiple World Class awards) and being named in The World’s 50 Best Bars.

Central to that is a highly innovative menu. The selection pays homage to traditional drinks (with a few surprise ingredients, of course) and offers up its own creative concoctions.

But, as beautiful and tasty as the drinks are, it’s only a small part of what makes 50 Mils a world beater.

One of their number, mixologist Joshua Ramirez, tells me: “We make the best cocktails in Mexico because it’s not only cocktails – it’s a greater experience.”

He could be talking about the bar’s beautiful setting. I was lucky enough to take a sneak peek during closed hours and it’s a truly spectacular place to be. As an Englishman, it felt familiar. Decadent wall hangings and Chesterfield sofas are deliberately reminiscent of the grand British homes of yesteryear. Think Downtown Abbey and you’re not too far off the mark.

 


JM Tip: What to Try at 50 Mils

When you’re sitting at the beautiful marble bar at 50 Mils, opt for the Bugs Bunny: Tanqueray 10 gin, carrot juice, lemongrass syrup, lemon juice, three chilies bitter, fresh cactus, fernet perfume, and salt. If you’re a more traditional drinks fan go for the Extraordinary Margarita: Don Julio 70 tequila, Aperol, Cointreau, lemon, citrus salt, pepper, and cardamom.


 

However, there’s no fustiness to speak of. It’s an innovative take on a classic look.

As I said, he could have been talking about the bar’s beautiful setting. Instead, it’s the people that push this hotel bar beyond your average.

“The biggest difference is the hospitality,” Joshua tells me. “When you arrive at our bar you have a new family. In Mexico, you have a new family.”

Warm staff, an extraordinary setting, an unforgettable menu, and a home inside one of the most beautiful hotels in Mexico City – it’s easy to see why 50 Mils is so much more than your average hotel bar.

To book a stay at the Four Seasons Mexico City contact Journey Mexico and speak to one of our expert Travel Planners. Not only will they be able to secure your accommodation but they can organize unique experiences and elite tours of this magical city.

Merida Named World’s Best Small City by Conde Nast Traveler

Merida in Mexico has been named the world’s best small city by Conde Nast Traveler while Puerto Vallarta and Puebla were also named in the top 10.

The Colonial gem in the Yucatan Peninsula was praised by CN Traveler for its colorful streets of colonial architecture and rich Maya history.

It beat second-placed Dresden in Germany while Quebec City in Canada completed the top three.

Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco came fifth with CN Traveler saying: “There’s winter whale watching in Banderas Bay, an artisan market with local goods, and, just a half-hour boat ride south, the quiet shores and waterfall hikes of Yelapa Beach.”

A trip to Merida Cathedral is essential for travelers to the world’s best small city

Puebla in the state of the same name came eighth with CN Traveler adding: “The secret is out on Puebla. A popular day trip from Mexico City, Puebla is more than worthy as a destination on its own. The city is known for its Baroque architecture, and with 365 churches and more than 1,000 colonial-era buildings, there is plenty to explore.”

Book a trip to Merida, Puerto Vallarta, or Puebla with Journey Mexico and experience a once-in-a-lifetime vacation in one of the world’s best small cities. We can organize everything from luxury accommodation to world class tours and round-trip private transportation.

To read more about why Mexico is one of the world’s top destinations, read our blog post: Puerto Vallarta Named Among World’s Best Beginner Surf Spots

Puerto Vallarta Named Among World’s Best Beginner Surf Spots

Puerto Vallarta and its nearby towns of Sayulita and Punta Mita have been named among the world’s best beginner’s surf spots.

The trio of Mexican beach destinations were praised for being the “hub of user-friendly waves in mainland Mex, with soft beach breaks and mellow points” by the surf experts at Magic Seaweed.

The article also said of the Pacific Coast spots:

“Since the area is accustomed to tourists, there are lots of accommodation and food options at a range of prices, and the area remains relatively safe.”

A Sayulita surfer takes on some larger waves

A Sayulita surfer takes on some larger waves

For intermediate and expert surfers, Mexico has a number of excellent destinations including southern Baja and the famous barrels of Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca.

To arrange a luxury surf break to Mexico, speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can organize everything from your accommodation to beginners’ lessons with a surf pro, hiring boards, and private round-trip transportation.

To read more about Mexico’s surf scene check out our blog post: Five of the Best Surfing Spots in Mexico

My Marvelous Journey To Meet Chiapas’ Local Communities

Journey Mexico’s Dalia Cruz goes on an exciting adventure in Chiapas, a Mexican state in the very south of the country, to meet local communities, explore traditional villages, and visit ancient archeological sites. Here she tells us what she discovered and the lessons she learned…

I found Chiapas full of marvels; its magical history still alive. Travelling around its famous city of San Cristobal de las Casas, I saw and met communities unwilling to let their ancient traditions, culture, and customs die. Men, women, and children are rejecting the modern trends of throwaway fashion, fast food, and prefab architecture.

They maintain their traditional clothing; women sporting thick braids and wearing brightly embroidered blouses and full skirts, while the men wore crisp linen pants and light straw hats.

As we explored the main plaza (zócalo) and watched the painted church fill with parishioners and artisans, San Cristobal felt genuinely magical. Marimba music filled the plaza, while artisans, who had traveled in from the surrounding towns, set up ground cloths to display their handmade goods to the city dwellers leaving church.

After exploring San Cristobal, we journeyed to the surrounding villages where the paved roads end but the sky goes on forever, an immense blue backdrop for the adobe houses and green rolling hills.

A stop at the town of Zinacantan brought an exploration of a gorgeous market where the stalls overflow with fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the mountains. Undoubtedly, the bananas we ate from the market were some of the tastiest I’ve had in my life!

We also had the great honor of visiting a local artisan, watching her transform wool taken from her flock of sheep into huipiles, the traditional Chiapan shirt.

In a mixture of broken Spanish and Maya Tzotzil, she explained her life’s work: how she learned the trade from her grandmother and how she is now passing her skills on to her daughter and granddaughter. Hiding behind a timid smile, her granddaughter translated the pieces of the conversation we could not understand with hand gestures and giggles.

My absolute favorite part of traveling through Chiapas was exploring the ancient Maya site of Palenque.  We timed our visit for when it was virtually empty and only shared our exploration with the resident howler monkeys and squawking birds.

As our guide took us to the site’s famous pyramid towers over the lush jungle and explained the fascinating rise and fall of B’akaal, its most famous governor, I couldn’t help but imagine the sights and secrets these ruins have witnessed over the centuries.

Now back from Chiapas, I’ve had time to reflect on my adventure and the Chiapan communities that are so proud of their land and history. Their enthusiasm to protect their culture and traditions is contagious – I feel prouder than ever to be Mexican and to share my amazing country with the world.

If Dalia’s adventure has inspired you to explore Chiapas, speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can organize the perfect vacation for you. To get some inspiration on what you might like to do, check out our 8-day Chiapas Adventure which includes ziplining, waterfalls, and ancient ruins.

Mexico City Sightseeing: 6 Essentials to Bring With You on a Tour

Going on a Mexico City sightseeing tour is the perfect way to acquaint yourself quickly with one of the truly great megacities. Whether you opt for a taco tour, art adventure, or cantina crawl, there are certain things you’ll want to bring with you to make your day much more comfortable.

Below is a list of six items that should be taken on every Mexico City sightseeing tour you go on. And if you’ve not yet booked your tour, speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can organize your perfect adventure for you.

 

Six things to bring on a Mexico City sightseeing tour

Comfortable shoes

Much of your Mexico City exploration will be done on foot, particularly if you’re visiting the Zócalo and its surrounding area. But if you’re spending all day on your feet, it will take a toll on those poor soles of yours.

Make your adventure much more pleasant by wearing your comfiest pair of shoes. Sneakers work, just make sure they don’t rub otherwise you might have to curtail your adventure — and no-one wants that!

 

Sun block

Just because you’re not taking a beach vacation in the Riveria Maya or unwinding in a luxury Puerto Vallarta villa, doesn’t mean you’ll be immune from the sun’s rays. In fact, Mexico City gets pretty sunny, so make sure to bring sun block with you. It’s essential.

Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and follow the instructions on the bottle. Remember to take all the precautions you can, including wearing hats, clothes that cover your skin, and sticking to the shade.

 

Bottle of water

When you’re going on long walks, you can easily get dehydrated without being aware of it. Make sure to bring a bottle of water with you every time you leave your accommodation. If you do accidently leave your H2O at home, there are plenty of shops and stands around Mexico City that sell bottles at a reasonable price.

 

Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City

Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City

 

Sunglasses

Mexico City is a treasure chest of beautiful architecture, stunning statues, murals, and displays, all of which can’t be appreciated quite as well when the sun is glaring right into your eyes. Remember to bring those sunnies. Bringing the correct eyewear, with protection from the sun’s UV rays, will also help to prevent eye damage.

 

Camera

A lot is going on in Mexico City, much of it eye-catching and beautiful, and you will want to keep those memories for life. For that reason, remember to take your (fully charged) camera with you. If you have a DSLR-style camera, all the better, but many top-end cell phones will do just as good a job for the amateur photographer.

JM Tip: If you’re going to rely on using your cell phone, it might be wise to take a portable charger with you depending on the battery life of your cell.

 

Change

As you will discover walking around Mexico City, and particularly the Zócalo area, there are plenty of musicians, side shows, and entertainers offering a performance for a bit of cash. Many of the performers in the area will astound you with their skill, and are well worthy of the change in your pocket… if you have any.

Make sure to keep at least some pesos on you to give to these well-deserving entertainers. Additionally, you may find some of the street-side vendors — particularly the taco stalls — won’t accept card payments. Don’t miss out on a culinary delight just because you forgot to put some pesos in your pocket!

 

Sightseeing in Mexico City: Booking your tour

Booking a tour in Mexico City is a must, especially for first-time visitors. The capital is a sprawling, buzzing metropolis with seemingly endless side streets of baroque churches and gorgeous architecture. Seeing them is one thing, but getting the background behind them takes the experience to a whole new level.

Make sure you enjoy the very best tours in Mexico City by booking with Journey Mexico. With an elite level of service and private tours, you’ll get the very most out of your Mexico City sightseeing adventure. Contact Journey Mexico to organize your perfect trip.

6 Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta and Nearby

The best beaches in Puerto Vallarta can rival any of Mexico’s other sun-and-sand destinations, thanks in no small part to the area’s ethereal beauty. The magic lies in the twin gems of the twinkling Bay of Banderas in front and the towering Sierra Madre behind — both uniquely beautiful by themselves but combined create a magnetic pull that keeps travelers returning year after year.

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, however, you’re spoiled for choice. To make things a little easier, here’s a list of Puerto Vallarta’s best six beaches and very nearby with a bonus two private beaches that will take your Puerto Vallarta vacation to the next level.

Six best beaches in Puerto Vallarta

1.   Playa del Amor aka The Hidden Beach

Best for: Beauty

The most celebrated of Puerto Vallarta’s beaches, Playa del Amor — also known as the Hidden Beach — is also the only one on our list that doesn’t sit on the shores of Bahia de Banderas. Instead, it’s concealed within a group of unpopulated islands known as the Marietas Islands (Isla Marietas) in the middle of the bay.

Its worldwide fame is down to the unique formation of the beach which sits inside an open-top geological abnormality, said to have been formed when military testing blasted a hole in the roof of a cave.

Access to Playa del Amor is regulated which means you must go with a licensed tour operator. Talk to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner to arrange a trip to Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Beach.

 

2.   Playa Los Muertos

Best for: Restaurants, fiestas

The bustling Playa Los Muertos is Puerto Vallarta’s most action-packed beach with waiters shuttling margaritas to their clients at a furious pace. Pop and reggaeton hits push out through the speakers as vacationers attempt to shake off their exertions from the night before.

For the traveler looking to make new friends, drink cool drinks, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, Playa Los Muertos is perfect. But it’s also home to some of the very best restaurants in the region. In particular, a local favorite is La Palapa — a gourmet eatery serving “tropical Mexican cuisine” under a romantic beach-side thatched roof.

 

JM Tip: For a more sedate version of Playa Los Muertos, book a stay at Puerto Vallarta Beach Club. As the furthest hotel on the beach, you’ll be away from the crowds that congregate towards the center of town, but still close enough that a five-minute walk will take you into the thick of it.

 

3.   Playa El Caballo

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••Playa del Caballo ? ? #bestof2017

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Best for: Peace

On the southern curve of Bahia de Banderas lies Playa El Caballo, an almost-always deserted beach strip nestled against lush, jungle foliage. To get there, you’ll either need to hike from Boca de Tomatlan — a beautiful walk in its own right — or take a water taxi to the neighboring Las Animas beach.

The effort is undoubtedly worth it. While you might get the odd hiker passing through, the majority of your time will be spent in utter peace. Take a good book and your beach bag for a day in paradise.

 

4.   Colomitos

Best for: Hidden gem

Colomitos is tiny. But what it lacks in size, it certainly makes up for in beauty. While it is possible to get a water taxi there, the hike from Boca de Tomatlan is the way to do it. Making your way through the jungle, you will suddenly spot its breath-taking jade green waters before its yellow sands come into view.

Clamber down — and it is a bit of a clamber — to claim your spot on the beach. To get the full Colomitos experience, get there early before the small beach fills up and the clear waters have too many people cooling off in them.

 

5.   Quimixto

Best for: Surfing, hiking

Just along from Playa El Caballo lies the beautiful, authentic Mexican village of Quimixto and its beach of the same name. Here you’ll find great surfing opportunities, particularly if you’re a beginner looking to test yourself against some gentle waves.

Quimixto has the added benefit of a gorgeous nearby waterfall, accessed either on foot or horseback, with a swimmable plunge pool. Getting to Quimixto is simple, just take a water taxi from Boca de Tomatlan to the village pier.

 

6.   Playa Esmeralda

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La vida es más sabrosa en la playa

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Best for: Relaxing

Near to the famous Garza Blanca hotel on the south side of the city lies Playa Esmeralda, a secluded beach with a beautiful man-made bay. The protection from the bay makes swimming easier than on some other beaches in the area, while the sea’s emerald-green color is undeniably beautiful.

A little way off the main tourist route, Playa Esmeralda is all but devoid of vacationers who tend to prefer the ease of either Playa Los Muertos or Playa Camarones. To get to Esmeralda, you can either take a bus from town (although you’ll need to ask the driver to stop there as it’s not an official alighting point) or get a taxi (much easier).

 

Private beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Playa La Troza

Best for: Families

La Troza with its own private beach

Book a stay at the stunning villa, La Troza, with Journey Mexico and enjoy the delights of your own secluded beach. The expansive eight-bedroom property sits on beautiful yellow sands, the ideal spot for relaxing with a good book and soaking up the Pacific Coast sunshine. If you’re a bit of an adventurer, you’ll be delighted to hear this Puerto Vallarta villa comes with snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards.

You may, however, prefer to enjoy the villa’s gorgeous beach views from the estate’s infinity pool or reclining next to it on a sun lounger.

 

Playa Xinalani

Best for: Beach yoga

Xinalani's beach, one of the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Nestled within the lush Puerto Vallarta jungles is Xinalani, a world-class yoga retreat with its very own private beach. Yoga lessons can be enjoyed on the sands of Playa Xinalani or in one of three jungle yoga studios. The rest of the time can be spent reclining on the sun loungers, chilling at the beach club, or cooling off in the infinity pool.

Guests can take their adventures even further by swimming out to the resort’s floating hammock, which bobs in the sea, or by walking to the nearby waterfall in Quimixto.

 

Best beach in Puerto Vallarta

“Where is the best beach in Puerto Vallarta?” is an impossible question to answer. It all comes down to what type of vacation you’re looking for. For a world of utter peace, Playa El Caballo is a fantastic, while exceptional beauty can be found at Puerto Vallarta’s Hidden Beach. If you’re looking for a bit of fun then Los Muertos is great while Quimixto offers great opportunities for adventure.

Hiring a villa or staying at a luxury hotel is probably your best bet for getting it all — privacy with resort-like amenities. Speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can help you organize the ultimate beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta.

Huaraches: The Rags to Riches Tale of Mexico’s Famous Sandals

The story of huaraches, Mexico’s ubiquitous leather sandal, is a Hollywood-worthy, rags to riches tale. Starting life as footwear favored by farm workers, these humble, handmade leather sandals went on to inspire one of the world’s most popular sneakers.

 

Origin of huaraches

Lamentably, the true beginning of the huarache tale is lost. We do know they were favored by farming communities in the pre-Columbian era, particularly around the states of Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, and Yucatan.

However, there is no evidence to say whether they originated in one of these states or a separate one entirely.

We do know, however, that the early sandals were practical, all-leather constructions typically made from deer hide. They were cheap, strong, and comfortable enough for long days working in the field — attributes which lead to a widening popularity across the country.

Did you know?: The name huarache comes from the word kuarache, meaning sandal, from the Tarascan language spoken by the Purépecha people of Jalisco

Surprisingly, the Spanish colonization of Mexico in the early 16th century did little to dent their spread, although the introduction of cattle saw a move to cow leather rather than deer hide.

By the turn of the 20th century, huaraches had conquered the country. Designs varied, but the shoe’s essence stayed the same. In the 1930s, rubber soles were added, cut from cut tires, while, in the 1960s, their popularity spread north of the border thanks to the hippie movement, which adopted them as their footwear of choice.

 

Running on huaraches

Perhaps the most famous adoption of huaraches, however, is found in the undulating landscape of Chihuahua’s Sierra Madre Occidental, where the indigenous Rarámuri people live.

With communities spread across vast lands, the Rarámuri developed the ability to run superhuman distances; some say more than 250 miles in a single day.

To make things even more curious, they do it without the benefit of hi-performance running shoes. They do it in huaraches.

 

While it might seem counter-intuitive, it’s been argued that the relatively simple nature of the sandals makes them perfect for running. It’s said that without the support found in modern running shoes, the huaraches better emulate the barefoot gait of our ancestors, which could be better for our bodies.

 

The feats of the Rarámuri, captured by TV crews and writers, meant the legend of huaraches is secured. However, there was one more development that would turn them into a household name across the world.

 

A giant joins the race

Nike Huaraches

Nike Huaraches Credit: Wes C/Flickr

By the mid-20th century, huaraches had spread across North and South America. But it was in 1991, when sports giants Nike released their Huarache range, that they became a global sensation.

Despite looking very different from the traditional sandal, Nike’s effort continued huaraches’ famed comfort, advertising their shoes with the tag line: “Have you hugged your foot today?” Success was not instantaneous, but their popularity grew and grew.

Nearly 20 years later, and the Huarache became Nike’s best-selling range of sneakers with around 4 million pairs sold globally every year. The tale of huaraches — from humble sandal to global superstar — had found its Hollywood ending.

 

Pick-up your own authentic huaraches

To own a pair of authentic huaraches you will need to buy them at source. Journey Mexico’s expert travel planners can help you put together the ultimate shopping vacation, visiting everything from the luxury shops of Mexico City to the authentic markets and local artisans of Oaxaca. Simply fill out our Trip Planner and one of our knowledgable Travel Planners will get back to you.

Journey Mexico CEO Named Among World’s Best Travel Advisors

Journey Mexico CEO Zachary Rabinor has been named one of the world’s top travel advisors by industry experts Travel + Leisure.

For the ninth straight year, he was awarded a place on their prestigious A-List, which highlights the very best agents and tour operators in the industry.

In the announcement, T+L said: “Passionate about the arts, Rabinor loves exposing travelers to Mexico’s rich artistic heritage, whether through gallery tours in Mexico City or artist meet-and-greets in Oaxaca.”

He was also praised for providing an insider’s perspective on Mexican travel as well as his on-going dedication to service throughout vacations.

The award comes hot on the heels of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine also naming Zachary among the world’s best travel advisors in their Top Travel Specialist 2019 awards.

To see the full list of honors won by the Journey Mexico team, head to our awards page.

Formula 1 Return Confirms Mexico City as Top Sporting Destination

Mexico City has cemented its position as a world-class sports destination by securing three more years of Formula 1 races.

The city’s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will stage a Grand Prix until at least the end of 2022 after an agreement was struck between the sport’s promoting body and the Government of Mexico City.

Formula 1 chairman and CEO, Chase Carey, said: “This event has always proved to be amazingly popular with the public and fans, not just in Mexico, but also around the world. Proof of this is the fact that the race promoter has won the FIA award for the best event no fewer than four years in a row and, in those four years, over 1.3 million spectators have attended the Grand Prix.

“The Grand Prix has also been an important economic driver for the city, reinforcing its credentials as a center for tourism.”

The Mexico Grand Prix has proved a vital fixture in recent years with driver Lewis Hamilton securing the championship there in the 2018 and 2017 editions.

If you’ve secured tickets to this year’s event, book Mexico City accommodation and private transport through Journey Mexico. As the country’s top end-to-end luxury travel provider, we can help you plan and book your trip from start to finish. Speak to our expert travel planners today for a hassle-free Formula 1 trip.

A Guide to the Puuc Route: The Yucatan’s Culture Trail

The Puuc Route (Ruta Puuc) is a collection of five ancient Maya sites in the Yucatan, around 85km south of Merida. Thanks to its collection of well-preserved towering pyramids and grand palaces, it has become a must-visit attraction for culture-loving visitors to the region.

If you’re heading to the area, do take time out to journey along the route, learning more about the people who lived there, their religion, and how everyday life would have been. Check out this guide to the Puuc Route for an idea of what to expect.

 

Guide to the Puuc Route

Uxmal

The Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal
The towering Pyramid of the Magician in Uxmal

Uxmal (rather pleasingly pronounced oosh-mal) is among Mexico’s greatest archeological sites, famed for its towering structures and intricate carvings. It’s thought the city flourished from 700 to 1,000AD with anything from 20,000 to 25,000 people inhabiting the city.

On the site, you’ll find a wealth of Maya ruins including the intricately decorated Governor’s Palace, a Maya ball court, and the Great Pyramid, which you can still climb.

Uxmal’s most eye-catching ruin, however, is the Pyramid of the Magician (also known as the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, Pyramid of the Sorcerer, or — oddly — the Pyramid of the Dwarf). The legend surrounding the name has been muddied over the years, but typically involves a magician (or dwarf hatched from an egg) being challenged to build a pyramid in one night. With magic on his side, the sorcerer completes the task, leaving the structure we see today.

 

Kabah

El Palacio in Kabah Credit: Secretaria de Fomento Turistico del Estado de Yucatan

Uxmal to Kabah: 23km/14.5 miles, 25 minutes

The second stop on the Ruta Puuc is Kabah, another important Maya city which flourished at around the same time as Uxmal. Undoubtedly, its most enticing attraction is the Palace of Masks, an ancient temple decorated with more than 300 masks of the rain god, Chaac.

It’s thought the Maya deity was a particular favorite in the region as, unlike many other sites in the Yucatan, there are no cenotes from which to collect fresh water. Instead, the Puuc people were forced to rely on rainwater, hence their devotion to Chaac.

Aside from the Palace of Mask, there is the Arch of Kabah, The Palace, and many more ruins to explore.

 

Sayil

El Palacio in Sayil Credit: Olivier Bruchez

Kabah to Sayil: 10km/6.5 miles, 10 mins

The mid-point of the Puuc Route is Sayil, another important city that hit its height around 900AD. Here you will find the magnificent El Palacio, an 85-meter-long stone behemoth constructed in three separate stories. Its façade is a tribute to Puuc design, displaying typical décor from the region including masks of the famed rain god, Chaac.

Also in Sayil, you will find El Mirador, a temple with a crown-like upper-story, and a fascinating stela dedicated to a god of fertility.

 

Xlapak

The ornate palace in Xlapak Credit: Gary Todd

Sayil to Xlapak: 5km/3 miles, 6 mins

The fourth stop on the route is Xlapak, a small site featuring a nine-room palace with an ornate exterior. Xlapak is not as feature-rich as some of the other stops on the Puuc Route, which is why it is sometimes skipped altogether. However, the palace itself is an excellent demonstration of classic Puuc decoration, which includes a plain lower half and intricately decorated upper half.

 

Labna

Labna Arch Credit: Oliver Bruchez

Xlapak to Labna: 3.5km/2 miles, 5 mins

The final stop is Labna, which appears to have hit its heights around 600 to 900AD. Perhaps its most famous structure is the intricately carved Labna Arch. This intriguing ruin once served as the entrance to two courtyards and has remained extremely well preserved.

Elsewhere in Labna, you will find El Palacio, a stretching ruin decorated with more Chaac masks, and El Mirador, a pyramid topped with a temple.

 

Bonus stop: Grutas de Loltun

Inside Loltun Caves Credit: Secretaria de Fomento Turistico del Estado de Yucatan

Labna to Grutas de Loltun: 19km/12 miles, 25 mins

If you’ve got time at the end of your day, stop at the Loltun Caves, a beautiful collection of underground caves with a rich history and gorgeous natural features. We know the caves have been inhabited by humans for more than 2,000 years while archeologists have also made intriguing finds including cave paintings, fossils, and Maya handprints.

Aside from their historical importance, the caves are also undeniably beautiful with gorgeous stalagmites and stalactites and other beautiful geological formations. Well worth a visit.

 

Where to book your tour of the Puuc Route

Journey Mexico offers an in-depth tour of the Puuc Route, which includes an expert bilingual guide and private transportation. Speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner today to organize your trip.

How to Spend 24 Hours in Punta Mita

Punta Mita’s enviable spot on the northern tip of the Bay of Banderas brings with it a host of exciting activities.

Surfing, sport-fishing, whale watching, and jungle climbs are just the start of what the ultra-exclusive enclave has to offer.

Twenty-four hours is nowhere near enough time to explore this secluded vacation hotspot, but enough for a small sample of what’s on offer.

Here’s how you could spend 24 hours in Punta Mita.

 

7am

With a busy day ahead, you’ll need a substantial breakfast. For that, you should head to Dos Catrinas, a trendy restaurant at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel. Breakfast is served from 6.30 am, so if you want to start earlier, you can. First enjoy an energy-boosting smoothie, perhaps their Green Wonder made from coconut water, banana, strawberries, and spirulina.

Next, take a pick from the Mexican specialties range. Try the enfrijolada made of chicken-stuffed corn tortilla, black bean salsa, chorizo, sour cream, epazote, red onion, and cotija cheese. Finish your meal with Mexican coffee; regular coffee with cinnamon, brown sugar, orange, and cloves.

 

9am

Hit the waves in Punta Mita

Grab your board and head to the coast for some surfing, one of Punta de Mita’s favorite past-times. There are plenty of surfable beaches to choose from, but La Lancha is better for more experienced riders and El Anclote better for beginners.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for something a bit gentler, head to Imanta Resort to enjoy one of the finest spas in Mexico. Nestled within the jungle, you can enjoy a range of treatments based on Aztec and pre-Hispanic healing methods while listening to the gentle breeze shift the overhead canopy.

 

1pm

Whether you’re full of energy from surfing or relaxed from a spa session, it’s now time for lunch. Head to Si Senor, a celebrated Mexican seafood restaurant which prides itself on serving national dishes created with the freshest ingredients. Start with shrimp pastor tacos with guajillo chile and pineapple. Move on to a catch of the day and finish with one of their margaritas made with natural ingredients.

 

2.30pm

A bird’s-eye view of Playa del Amor, the Hidden Beach

Now, it’s time to explore one of the area’s most fascinating and famous landmarks, the Hidden Beach in the Marietas Islands. Also known as Playa del Amor, this secluded retreat has become an icon of the region and is regularly named among the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Once a flooded cave, it is thought artillery tests carried out on the island blasted a gaping hole in the roof and opened the beach up to the sun’s rays. While this theory is unconfirmed, there’s no doubt the result is stunning.

To get there, hire a private water taxi and take a short hop (around 15 minutes) across the Bay of Banderas. Once there, you will have the chance to enter the cave-like structure, swim its crystal-clear waters, and take a few pictures on the sands. It should be noted that access to the beach is subject to sea conditions.

You can also paddle-board in and out of the islands’ many caves. If you’re lucky, you may also spot the odd dolphin or humpback whale.

 

5pm

As you ease your way into the evening, enjoy some pre-dinner drinks at Rosa Mexicano, a traditional Mexican diner with gorgeous views over the Pacific Ocean. This unfussy eatery serves excellent Mexican classics and enjoys a vibrant atmosphere complete with live music.

Order their signature cocktail, the Tequila Rosa Margarita, sit back, and enjoy the views. If you’re feeling a bit hungry, try one of their famous guacamoles prepared right at the table.

 

7pm

The elegant offerings at Carolina Credit: Carolina/Facebook

When it comes to dinner, you could continue your stay at Rosa Mexicano and enjoy a sublime meal. But, in a bid to experience as much of Punta Mita as you can, head to Carolina, a contemporary Mexican restaurant nestled within the St Regis Resort.

An AAA Five Diamond Award winner, Carolina takes traditional Mexican cooking methods and combines them with modern innovations to produce an outstanding gourmet experience. Its ever-evolving menu dips into traditional Mexican cuisine and the flavors of Punta Mita but continues to elevate the food to unprecedented levels.

 

9pm

Finish your evening with a nightcap at Mala Suerte, a relaxed beach bar with a boho-chic vibe and drinks served right on the sands. Its fire pit is the perfect place to gather, mingling with your group to discuss the day’s adventures.

 

Where to stay

If you've only got 24 hours in Punta Mita, stay in Imanta
A villa in Imanta sparkles as the sun sets

Like a child trying to see something they shouldn’t, boutique resort Imanta pokes its head over a lush jungle canopy to sneak views of the breath-taking Bahía de Banderas.

Half-hidden by tropical palm trees, this collection of luxury casas and casonas is one of the finest places to stay in all of Punta Mita.

Their elegant suites are nothing short of extraordinary. A standard jungle suite offers magnificent views of the tropical palms and mountains, while the standard ocean view suite includes the glittering bay.

For a larger group, Imanta offers even grander accommodation. Their Casona Los Templos, a three-bed villa, comes with a Jacuzzi/hot tub and two master bedrooms connected a swimming pool.

For the ultimate in luxury living, The Tree House has it all. Nestled into the mountain-side, guests will enjoy complete solitude, only the sounds of sea birds and a gentle breeze break the silence. The three-story vacation villa includes a waterfall that fills three private pools.

 

Book a trip to Punta Mita

Punta Mita’s natural beauty, elite amenities, and world-beating hotels have turned this once sleepy fishing town into one of Mexico’s most exclusive getaways which, in turn, has attracted some of the world’s biggest celebrities.

If you’d like to join them, make sure to book your trip with Journey Mexico. As end-to-end travel planners, we can organize every detail of the vacation, so you don’t have to. As local experts, we have the insider knowledge to craft a unique experience that allows you to visit the best sites and lesser-known beauties.

Now Is The Time To Experience Mexican Street Food

Netflix’s excellent new show, Taco Chronicles, opens with a dramatic burst of fire. Flames blow tempestuously onto a spinning hunk of meat which sizzles and browns.

“What do you see?” the narrator asks the audience.

Cue more food shots; this time of a white onion expertly chopped; cilantro cut; tortillas lifted from the griddle.

“This is the perfect balance of sweet and savory.”

And that’s it. A Hollywood introduction to Mexico’s most famous handheld food.

The opening episode of the series covers tacos al pastor — ‘the taco that cares for you’ according to the narrator. And where else could you start?

The ubiquitous street food was recently named the world’s tastiest dish by Taste Atlas, cementing Mexico as one of the world’s great foodie destinations. If you like food, you’ll love street food. If you love street food, there is no better than tacos al pastor.

But, as any traveler to Mexico will know, al pastor is just the beginning of the country’s rich culinary offerings. In its following episodes, the Taco Chronicles covers tacos carnitas, canasta, asada, barbacoa, and guisado. And that’s just tacos. Mexican street food also includes tamales, tortas, sopes, tostadas, and quesadillas — each of which can be enjoyed in several different ways.

The fact that tacos have been honored with their own Netflix series proves how popular Mexican street food is right now. But that can also be seen in the success of the country’s finest restaurants, which take skills learned on the street into highly polished kitchens.

For example, Pujol, number 12 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, has curated a menu unashamedly based on ‘Mexican ingredients and techniques’. There’s mole, tlayudas, and tacos — all executed in a manner befitting one of the world’s great restaurants — but still the same names you’d see hand-drawn on a road-side cart.

The accolades for Mexican street food don’t end at the country’s borders, either. Daniela Soto-Innes, who was born in Mexico City but is now a resident in New York City, has recently been named the world’s best female chef.

Once again, the offerings at her restaurant, Cosme, are heavily influenced by traditional Mexican dishes and boosted by her extraordinary talent and vision.

The success of Mexican street food is not, as one might think, just down to the flavors. Yes, your first good taco is a mind-blowing experience, but it is the culture behind street food that turns a delicious dish into a world-beating experience.

As the end of episode one of Taco Chronicles draws to a close, it discusses the culture behind tacos al pastor.

“Al pastor tacos are a part of our Mexican identity,” says one lady. “Saying, ‘let’s grab some tacos’ means hanging out, fellowship is implied.”

And there it is, captured in a sentence. The driving force behind it all and the reason why the world is raving about Mexico’s food.

Eating tacos, and Mexican street food in general, is much more than filling your belly. It’s about chatting with friends, it’s sharing stories, it’s bonding. It’s doing what every person in the country has done for decades. It’s ingratiating yourself into a world and seeing it through the eyes of a local and being accepted. And, most importantly, it’s about love.

Love for the food and love for one another.

Chef Roberto Solis has the episode’s final word: “Ultimately, that is what we want to achieve when making a taco, to make a connection with people’s souls, and if they are not Mexican, they can become Mexican through tacos.”

Experience Mexican street food at its source by taking our Culinary Tour Through Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca. This 12-day trip takes you to three of Mexico’s great foodie destinations to discover the country’s most delicious dishes.

Tacos Al Pastor Named The World’s Tastiest Dish

It’s official. No more arguments. Tacos al pastor is the best dish on the planet… and you won’t find anyone in the Journey Mexico office arguing against that.

Mexico’s beloved street food has been crowned the world’s number one by food experts Taste Atlas seeing off stiff competition from Thailand, the Philippines, and Italy.

In the website’s Top 100 list, the pork-based taco dish scored the highest rating overall with 4.6 out of five. Second-placed pad thai from Thailand scored 4.3, while third-placed crispy pata from the Philippines also scored 4.3.

Mexico’s second-highest scoring dish was enchiladas (4.2) while chile relleno came third (4.2).

The world’s top 10 dishes                                                                                            

1. Tacos al pastor, Mexico (4.6)

2. Pad thai, Thailand (4.3)                                                  

3. Crispy pata, Philippines (4.3)

4. Tom yum, Thailand (4.3)

5. Kare-kare, Philippines

6. Trenette al pesto, Italy (4.3)

7. Khachapuri, Georgia (4.2)

8. Cevapi, Bosnia and Herzegovina (4.2)

9. Ceviche, Peru (4.2)

10. Lasagne alla Bolognese, Italy (4.2)

To experience the very finest tacos al pastor speak to Journey Mexico today and take our Culinary Tour Through Mexico City, Puebla, and Oaxaca.

 

Main photo by City Foodsters/Flickr

10 Mistakes Tourists Make in Mexico

If you’re a first-timer to Mexico, then you’ve probably got some preconceived notions about what you might find. But it’s time to throw those out the window. Come on… do it now! That’s because Mexico is far too culturally rich, vast, and varied to be stereotyped.

But because of the beliefs people have before they arrive, they tend to make the same mistakes time and time again. To make sure you don’t fall into those same traps, read through the following 10 mistakes tourists make in Mexico… and try not to repeat them yourself.

 

10 Mistakes Tourists Make in Mexico

1. Only visiting sun-and-sand destinations

Thanks to the popularity of Mexico’s beach destinations in the Riviera Maya and Pacific Coast, it’s very easy to just think of Mexico as a white-sand, sparkling-seas vacation destination. But doing so means missing out on some of the country’s most fascinating and rewarding locations.

In fact, three of the world’s top five cities can be found in Mexico, according to Travel + Leisure magazine, proving its cosmopolitan centers are just as vacation-worthy as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos.

 

2. Just drinking beer and tequila

When it comes to alcoholic drinks, many tourists will stick to the national beers and tequila. However, if you want to experience the whole gamut of Mexico’s drinks industry, you need to try some of the less heralded beverages.

The other Mexican spirit many people are aware of is mezcal (of which tequila is a type). However, drinks such as pulque, sotol, and raicilla, are gaining popularity on a global scale. You may also be surprised to learn that Mexico has a thriving wine region, Valle de Guadalupe, which produces vintages rivaling the very best in the world.

 

3. Thinking Mexico is unsafe

Perhaps the most common misconception of them all, many potential tourists continue to believe that Mexico is unsafe, meaning they miss out on one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world.

There are areas of Mexico in which it would be unwise to travel (like in many countries in the world). But to dismiss a whole country on these grounds would be a huge mistake. The United States government currently advises travelers to Mexico to “exercise increased caution”. To put that into perspective, that’s the same caution they give to visitors heading to France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

JM TIP: If safety is a concern, speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can help you organize your Mexico trip from start to finish, including transport and hotel bookings.

 

4. Only carrying credit or debit cards

In much of the United States or Canada, you can pretty much getaway with living a cashless life. That’s not the case in Mexico, particularly if you’re looking to eat at the local food stands or buy boutique gifts and handicrafts from smaller shops.

Make sure to carry a range of notes and coins with you — they will come in very handy throughout your trip. American dollars are accepted in many of the tourist destinations, but you will most probably receive an unfavorable rate. Best to pay with pesos.

 

5. Sticking to the tourist attractions…

Mexico is full to the brim with tourist attractions. The most famous of all is (probably) Chichen Itza, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and a truly breath-taking feat of design and architecture. But did you know there are many other pyramids in Mexico apart from El Castillo in Chichen Itza?

By visiting the less-trodden path, you get to see some truly magnificent sights without the throngs that tend to accompany the more popular destinations. Your experience will be more pleasant, less rushed, and a lot more comfortable.

 

6. … Or missing the tourist attractions

With that said, the tourist attractions are popular for a reason. It would be very difficult, for example, to visit the Yucatan Peninsula and miss Chichen Itza altogether. Instead, you need to be a bit clever about when you go.

For example, Journey Mexico can help you organize an off-hours private visit to Chichen Itza. By doing this, you still get to see the incredible site, but without jostling for position with other tourists. The trick to having an authentic Mexican vacation without it being ruined by other travelers is to vary your itinerary. See Chichen Itza, of course, but then visit a lesser-known cenote the following day.

JM TIP: Speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can help you organize a vacation that hits the major landmarks and off-the-beaten-path wonders.

 

7. Expecting everyone to speak English

In the major tourist destinations, resorts, and hotels, many people will speak English to an exceptionally high level. However, you should not expect everyone to speak your language. Learning a few words before you go will be helpful, even if it’s just please (por favor) and thank you (gracias).

You shouldn’t be afraid to test out your high school Spanish, the majority of locals are very gracious to the tourists who at least give it a shot. If it’s something that puts fear into you, Journey Mexico can provide you with a bi-lingual guide, who will also be able to tell you more about the cities and destinations you visit.

 

8. Only trying tacos and quesadillas

Much like venturing beyond tequila and beer, you have to push beyond tacos and quesadillas when it comes to Mexican cuisine. On no circumstances should you miss them altogether — they’re a must for any Mexican vacation — but you should try plenty of other delicacies.

Each region of Mexican has its own variation of national cuisines plus dishes unique to that area. Take, for example, the city of Pachuca in Hidalgo. There you will find delicious pasties, which were introduced by settlers in the 1800s from Cornwall in the United Kingdom. That’s just one of the hundreds of different culinary quirks you will find across Mexico.

 

9. Thinking every salsa will be hot

Another culinary correction that we must make is that every salsa will blow steam from your ears. When translated, salsa means sauce. So in just the way that not every sauce is spicy, not every salsa is either.

Many salsas are created without chili but, instead, rely on other ingredients to pack a punch. A classic bowl that you will see in many taquerias is a salsa Mexicana, named so because the red tomato, white onion, and green cilantro and chili represent the colors of the Mexican flag. These are not necessarily hot, but spiciness varies from taco stand to taco stand. Just ask!

 

10. Going without a plan

Finally, going to Mexico without an itinerary is a mistake. You don’t need to plan every minute, but having a rough idea of the attractions you would like to visit is recommended. Mexico is a massive country, so you may need to pick and choose what you see carefully.

Cramming too much in can make the holiday feel rushed while seeing too little means you might not get the full experience. For help creating the perfect Mexico itinerary, speak to Journey Mexico. We’ve got years of experience crafting perfectly balanced vacations that take in Mexico’s wonders and leave enough time to enjoy the good weather.