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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.”
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!
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:
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.
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 itinerariesbelow 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!
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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 CorazónPunta 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.
We recently teamed up with the Puerto Vallarta Ecology Department and Casa Hogar Emmanuel Children’s Group Home for a river clean up. After the cleanup, we had the privilege of sharing breakfast with the wonderful boys of the youth home. We got to interact in ways that brought laughter, happiness and connection to all. Moments like these remind us of the opportunity we have to make a positive difference in the lives of others and our environment. We hope our #JourneyGivesBack efforts inspire others to spread love in their communities.
“I attended the river-clean up event with my 7 year old daughter. It was really nice to be able to help out in this way, and it was especially gratifying to be able to lead by example showing not only to my child, but to all the children there, that there are always little ways we can give back. Every action matters!”
– Jenifer B., Supplier Relations Assistant
Mexico stole the show on Travel + Leisure´s 2023 Best Cities in the World list, with five incredible cities voted in by its travel-savvy readers. Oaxaca took the top spot for the second year in a row, while old favorites like San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City featured high on the agenda. Get a taste of what these diverse and wonderful cities are like with our sensory snapshots below!
OAXACA CITY Voted #1 Best City in the World
Looks like…Color everywhere expressed in textiles, crafts, folk art, markets and traditional dress, the blue silhouette of the surrounding Sierra Madre mountains, colonial churches, bustling stalls, cobblestone streets and colorful facades, mesmerizing ´calenda´ street parades.
Tastes like…Indigenous cooking techniques and native ingredients – stringy quesillo cheese, cacao and rich mole sauce, smoky mezcal, salty grasshoppers, grilled tlayudas, pan de yema dipped in hot Oaxacan chocolate, foamy tejate, banana leaf tamales.
Feels like…A mix of pre-Columbian culture with Spanish colonial and contemporary Mexican influences, magic and charismatic energy, celebration and strong indigenous identity.
Sounds like...A mix of Spanish and indigenous languages, street musicians that serenade from the heart with guitars and accordions, mariachi ensembles and marimba groups playing everything from folk music to takes on modern classics.
Smells like…Altura coffee beans grown in the mountains, a jumble of aromas from street food vendors, the earthy scent of cempasúchil (marigold) flowers during Day of the Dead.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE Voted #5 Best City in the World
Looks like…Cobblestone, hilly streets lined with beautiful Spanish colonial-era architecture, colorful facades, alleyways, tin ´milagro´ hearts, lush courtyard gardens hidden behind old doors, laurel trees and fountains, rooftop bars under the stars that look onto the pink parish´s neo-Gothic spire.
Tastes like…International fine-dining and spicy Mexican breakfasts, wine tasting at neighboring vineyards, sipping tequila at Casa Dragones tasting room.
Feels like…Mexican tradition meets cosmopolitan flair, hipster café culture, 18th century churches, a jewel in the crown of colonial-era architecture, an art enclave where the bohemian air of 60s artists and poets lingers on.
Sounds like…Locals gathering and chatting under the shade of trees in the main square, a bell ringing out of the pink Parroquía, the contagious joy of ´callejoneada´ wedding parades in the streets, mariachis at sunset.
Smells like…The cool,fresh air of Mexico´s central mountains, slow cooked ´barbacoa´ stew at the local market and corn masa crisping on the comal.
Looks like…A fascinating tapestry of old and new, soaring modern skyscrapers alongside meticulously preserved colonial architecture, Art Deco gems, intricate Baroque churches, awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Teotihuacán and Templo Mayor.
Tastes like…Some of Mexico’s best street food, pastor tacos, blue corn tlacoyos, quesadillas stuffed with squash blossoms, ´torta de chilaquiles´ mega-sandwich, world-class cuisine from Pujol´s 1000+ day-old mole sauce to seasonal creations by the world´s best female chef of 2023, Rosetta´s Elena Reygadas.
Feels like…An explosion of energy, contrasts and possibilities – urban, gritty, stylish, frenetic, peaceful, pulsating.Cosmopolitan vibrancy with a rich indigenous past and history. Luxury at hotels like Casa Polanco, Four Seasons and Sofitel.
Sounds like…A cacophony of city life – traffic, street musicians and organ grinders, market bustle, the rhythmic shouts of street vendors selling anything from flowers to knife-sharpening services.
Smells like…A kaleidoscope of aromas, sizzling tacos, marigolds and gardenias, second-hand books, fresh tortillas, sweet bread, earthy mezcal and the spice of chili and cinnamon.
Looks like…Paseo de Montejo´s grand colonial-era mansions, hacienda-inspired pasta tile floors and arches, wide palm-tree lined avenues, the narrow streets of the center with pastel facades, shopping and artisan workshops, skilled Mayan craftsmanship in woven hammocks, henequin bags and embroidered ´huipil´ textiles.
Feels like…An elegant colonial-era city with Mayan heritage, vibrant center of artisanal crafts, a blend of rituals and beliefs, hot and leafy.
Sounds like…Horns, dings, clangs and toots that tell you when the ice cream, bread, fresh fruit, or ´tepache´ vendors are nearby, Yucatecan trios playing swooning ´trova´ music on guitars in the square at night.
Smells like…The intense aroma of spices and chilis, slow-roasted pork, zesty salsas and steaming tamales.
Looks like…Impressive neocolonial architecture, emblematic buildings and plazas in the historical center, hipster cafes, bars and eateries on Chapuletepec Avenue, cozy cantinas and sprawling markets with belts, boots, and cowboy hats.
Tastes like…Tortas ahogadas – pork in crusty rolls bathed in spicy sauce, birría – a rich marinated meat stew, corn-based drink ´tejuino´ with a scoop of lime sorbet, and of course, tequila.
Feels like…A big city steeped in tradition, expressed through its gastronomy, architecture, and local culture, a wave of trendy places to eat, drink and dance.
Sounds like...The strings, trumpets, and romantic vibrato of Mariachi music, passionate shouts at a Mexican rodeo (Charrería), heels stomping to the classic Jarabe Tapatío folkloric dance.
Smells like…Smooth, sweet, and fruity tequila notes, smoky carne asada, and lots of leather.
ARE YOU READY TO VISIT T+L´s FAVORITE MEXICAN CITIES?
Let us know which cities you can´t wait to visit and how we can put together your dream trip. Our sample itinerariesare a great starting point to get inspired, then you can contactour expert travel planning team who´ll 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.
Mexico has made a big impression on Travel+Leisure´s seasoned readers, who´ve chosen their favorite 25 cities around the globe. Not one but five Mexican cities have earned their place on the list, including Oaxaca City as the coveted #1 top spot for the second year running!
In this post, we´re spotlighting why Oaxaca has stolen the hearts of travelers, and including insider tips from one of Journey Mexico´s operations superstars, Carlos Diaz, who shares some favorites in his hometown.
Oaxaca is a place where tradition, gastronomy and culture collide to create a magical experience in an idyllic location, nestled into a fertile valley of the Sierra Madre Sur Mountains. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Oaxaca is the deep presence of pre-Columbian culture, which intertwines with Spanish colonial and contemporary Mexican influences to weave a rich tapestry of modern-day life. Magnificent colonial churches stand in the UNESCO-listed city center alongside museums, galleries and restaurants, while markets and street vendors serve the Oaxacan specialties that keep age-old recipes alive.
In the surrounding valleys, incredible indigenous villages conserve century old artisan traditions, dress, and language, layers of Zapotec and Mixtec history are revealed at Monte Alban archeological site, and roadside mezcal distilleries called ´palenques´ harbor the generations of work behind one of the world´s most complex spirits.
There´s a captivating sense of magical realism in Oaxaca, where myth and legend are brought to life through storytelling, folk art and dance. Think carved wooden figures (alebrijes) painted as bright fantastical creatures, getting caught up in colorful street parades called ´calendas´, and of course, Day of The Dead, when the streets are transformed with elaborate processions, skeleton costumes, and beautiful candlelit altars.
Q&A with our Oaxacan Local
Meet Carlos, a Oaxaca native and Journey Mexico’s Groups Operations Manager. Here are his tips and insights for Oaxaca City.
Oaxaca City has been voted T+L´s #1 city in the world, again! Why do you think so many travelers have fallen in love with it? As well as proud, I feel passionate about Oaxaca. I believe that things done with heart always bear fruit, and that´s the case with Oaxaca and its people. As well as discovering a colorful city that´s vibrant and full of history, you´ll always find a friendly smile, a kind gesture, and a genuine welcome. There´s a lot of love in every dish, drink, textile and artisan piece.
Favorite restaurant? Breakfast: La Casa del Tio Güero
Lunch: El Tendajón (the arrachera tacos and a michelada are a must!)
Dinner: For street food, Tlayudas de Doña Pao or the yellow mole empanadas at El Carmen Alto. And restaurants like Levadura de Olla, Casa Oaxaca, Los Danzantes or Pitiona.
Favorite bar? El Pollo´s Cantina in the Xochimilco neighborhood, Terraza Agavero, Archivo Maguey or Terraza Liquen.
Favorite thing about Oaxaca City? The culture you´ll find in every corner of the city like music, art, painting, sculpture, dance…
Tip for first time visitors: Bring comfortable shoes! The best way to discover the city is walking through its streets and neighborhoods.
Ready to plan a trip to Oaxaca with one of our local experts?
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 Oaxaca 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 Oaxaca.
Pueblos Magicos are towns recognized by the Mexican government for their “magical” qualities, whether that be their astonishing beauty, rich history, or extraordinary legends.
Among the more famous Pueblos Magicos is Tequila – the home of the world renowned spirit. But, for the most part, the towns on the Pueblos Magicos Program are lesser-known gems, waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers looking to experience authentic Mexico.
Read on to find out more about Mexico’s Pueblos Magicos or contact Journey Mexico to take privately guided tours of these beautiful and unique magic towns.
Pueblo Magico, Tequila
What is a Pueblo Magico?
Meaning Magic Town, a Pueblo Magico is a Mexican town granted Pueblo Magico status by the Mexican government for its “magical” qualities. This could be its beauty, historical importance, or its natural wonders.
Ultimately, the term “Pueblo Magico” is a mark of excellence and an excellent signal that the town is worth exploring for a day or two.
Which were the first Pueblos Magicos?
The Pueblo Magico Program was created by Mexico’s Ministry of Tourism (with help from several other agencies and regional governments) in 2001. Initially, there were three Pueblos Magicos: Huasca de Ocampo in Hidalgo, Real de Catorce in San Luis Potosi, and Tepoztlan in Morelos. The latter lost its status in 2009 but won it back the following year.
How many Pueblos Magicos are there?
The list grows almost every year. As of August 01, 2023, there are 177 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico.
How do towns become Pueblo Magicos?
Towns aren’t just handed Pueblo Magico status, they need to earn it. The first step is to hit the criteria of having a population of at least 5,000 people and be within relatively easy reach of a city.
After, the town needs to form a Pueblo Magico committee, who will be in charge of applying.
Then, various plans for developing tourism must be agreed which includes earmarking money for generating and maintaining tourism.
Finally, once the Pueblo Magico status has been granted, the committee must make sure the commitments to developing tourism are kept.
Magical Sayulita in Jalisco
Pueblos Magicos by state: The full list
Looking to find your nearest Pueblo Magico? Here we order each Pueblo Magico by the state in which it sits. Look for the state you’re in or heading to and see which Magic Towns are there. If you’d like to take a tour of your nearest Pueblo Magico with an experienced guide, fill in the Journey Mexico Trip Planner and we can organize the tour for you including private, round-trip transportation.
Aguascalientes
Real de Asientos (2006)
Calvillo (2012)
San José de Gracia (2015)
Pabellon de Hidalgo (2023)
Baja California
Tecate (2012)
Baja California Sur
Todos Santos (2006)
Loreto (2012)
Santa Rosalia (2023)
San Cristóbal de las Casas (2003)
Chiapa de Corzo (2012)
Comitán (2012)
Palenque (2015)
Ocozocoautla de Espinosa (2023)
Copainalá (2023)
Chihuahua
Creel (2007)
Batopilas (2012)
Casas Grandes (2015)
Guachochi (2023)
Hidalgo del Parral (2023)
Coahuila
Parras de la Fuente (2004)
Cuatrociénegas de Carranza (2012)
Arteaga (2012)
Viesca (2012)
Candela (2015)
Guerrero (2015)
Santa Rosa de Múzquiz (2018)
General Cepeda (2023)
Colima
Comala (2002)
Durango
Mapimí (2012)
Nombre de Dios (2018)
Guanajuato
Dolores Hidalgo (2002)
Mineral de Pozos (2012)
Jalpa de Cánovas (2012)
Salvatierra (2012)
Yuriria (2012)
Comonfort (2018)
Guerrero
Taxco (2002)
Ixcateopan (2023)
Zihuatanejo (2023)
Hidalgo
Huasca de Ocampo (2001)
Real del Monte (2004)
Mineral del Chico (2011)
Huichapan (2012)
Tecozautla (2015)
Zimapán (2018)
Zempoala (2020)
Acaxochitlán (2023)
Metztitlán (2023)
Jalisco
Tapalpa (2002)
Tequila (2003)
Mazamitla (2005)
San Sebastián del Oeste (2011)
Lagos de Moreno (2012)
Mascota (2015)
Talpa de Allende (2015)
Tlaquepaque (2018)
Ajijic (2020)
Cocula (2023)
Sayula (2023)
Temacapulín (2023)
State of Mexico
Tepotzotlán (2002)
Valle de Bravo (2005)
Malinalco (2010)
El Oro (2011)
Metepec (2012)
Aculco De Espinoza (2015)
Ixtapan de la Sal (2015)
Teotihuacán (2015)
Villa del Carbón (2015)
Tonatico (2020)
Jilotepec de Molina (2023)
Otumba (2023)
Michoacán
Pátzcuaro (2002)
Tlalpujahua (2005)
Cuitzeo (2006)
Santa Clara del Cobre (2010)
Angangueo (2012)
Tacámbaro (2012)
Jiquilpan (2012)
Tzintzuntzan (2012)
Paracho (2020)
Cotija (2023)
Mexcaltitán (2001*)
Jala (2012)
Sayulita (2015)
Compostela (2018)
Ahuacatlán (2023)
Amatlán de Cañas (2023)
Ixtlán del Río (2023)
Puerto Balleto (2023)
San Blas (2023)
Nuevo León
Santiago (2006)
Linares (2015)
Bustamante (2018)
General Terán (2023)
General Zaragoza (2023)
Oaxaca
Capulálpam de Méndez (2007)
Huautla de Jimenez (2015)
Mazunte (2015)
San Pablo Villa de Mitla (2015)
San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula (2015)
Santa Catarina Juquila (2020)
Bernal (2005)
Jalpan de Serra (2010)
Cadereyta de Montes (2011)
Tequisquiapan (2012)
San Joaquín (2015)
Amealco de Bonfil (2018)
Pinal de Amoles (2023)
Should you visit a Pueblo Magico in Mexico? Absolutely. However, picking the right one and organizing logistics and finding an English-speaking guide can sometimes be more challenging to arrange than some of Mexico’s more popular destinations. Speak to Journey Mexico or fill out our Trip Planner to learn about how you can incorporate an expertly guided tour to a Pueblo Magico into your custom-designed itinerary. We will take care of hotels, touring, and private round-trip transportation, which means all you need to do is enjoy the beauty of Mexico’s off-the-beaten-track gems.
Each year from October 31st to November 2nd, Hanal Pixán is celebrated by the Mayan communities that live on Mexico´s Yucatán Peninsula. Meaning ´food for the souls´ in Maya, this observance is similar to the Day of the Dead festivities that take place in other parts of Mexico, dedicated to remembering friends and families who´ve passed on and honoring their lives.
Like Día de Muertos, Hanal Pixán incorporates rituals like creating an ofrenda (altar) adorned with foods such as pan de muerto (seasonal “bread of the dead”), bright yellow marigolds, and photos of deceased loved ones alongside their favorite objects. The celebration is made unique by the traditional Mayan dishes that are prepared for the occasion. Resembling a large tamale, mucbipollo is made by stuffing corn dough with fresh vegetables, herbs, and meat or poultry, before wrapping it in banana leaves to be cooked in a pre-Hispanic pit oven in the ground called a ´pib´. Orange, mandarin, jicama and ground chili are thrown together to create xec salad and the Yucatecan x’pelón and vaporcito tamales are cooked, washed down with balché, a local spirit made from tree bark andtan-chucuá, a tasty beverage prepared with corn dough, cocoa, pepper, and anise.
In our mission to provide socially sensitive travel that prioritizes community connection, we support two experiences in the rural Maya communities of Granada and Yaxunah. We invite our travelers to participate in a special cultural exchange that gives a rare insight into the local traditions which date back thousands of years. We love the mindful, low impact approach these experiences take – there is a very limited number of visitors allowed per day – while promoting and supporting the cultural and natural wealth of Mayan heritage.
Yaxunah Community Experience
Join the Maya Yaxunah community in the village of Yaxcabá, southeast of Mérida, where you´ll be received with flower garlands at local homes. Start to uncover Mayan gastronomy as your hosts share their knowledge, and get hands-on with a ´mucbipollo´ cooking session under their expert guidance. As the dish is cooking, visit a ´milpa´ field to see how local produce is cultivated while learning about sowing and harvesting processes, as well as tasting different types of ´atole´, a traditional, hot, corn-based drink. You´re also invited to a family home where you can observe an authetic ofrenda and learn about its significance to the Mayan community. Explore the past at Yaxunah´s archaeological zone – a large Mayan site surrounded by dense vegetation – and visit a one of the area´s native cenotes, natural freshwater sinkholes that are sacred in ancient Mayan cosmology.
The Granada community is located in the Mayan town of Maxcanú, just southwest of Mérida. Begin in the traspatios (backyards) of local homes, where a group of Mayan women cultivate and tend their gardens daily as an important source of nutrition for their communities. Depending on the season, you´ll sow seeds or harvest vegetables on the patio, enjoying contact with the earth and engaging with local cultivation practices. Try your hand at shaping fresh tortillas Yucatán style, prepared with organic corn, and learn how to cook typical appetizers along with Mucbipollo. Observe the family home´s intimate altar and find out why it´s a quintessential part of Hanal Pixán for the community. You´ll also get to discover the importance of Melipona bees to the local environment, tasting the Mayan delicacy that´s renowned worldwide for its medicinal benefits.
Ideal for: Travelers staying in/around Mérida, Izamal, or Hacienda Xcanatún
A Mindful Approach to Travel
These meaningful, one-of-a-kind experiences with the Yucatán´s Mayan communities have three main goals: to enhance the exchange between locals and visitors, to create a space for open dialogue between the community and travelers about their conceptions of food, and to recover the value of ancient knowledge about the earth, which instructs the intricate cultural systems built around it in Mayan culture.
We seek to support experiences like these that enhance the knowledge, respect, and appreciation of the Yucatán Peninsula´s biodiversity. This is key to conserving the animal and vegetable varieties, cultivation systems, food processing techniques and forms of consumption that sustain the alimentary safety of native communities.
To bring you this experience, we collaborate with the Fundación Haciendas del Mundo Maya (Mayan World Haciendas Foundation) who strives to “generate actions that promote the identity, the acknowledgement, and the recovery of Mayan culture¨. They assist Mayan communities in overcoming extreme poverty by providing opportunities in fields including education, health, and sustainable development. We believe that in order to develop a successful community project, it is vital that local people take an active role as their own promoters and managers.
Before participating in our cultural exchanges, we request that our guests read and agree to follow a code of conduct. For Journey Mexico, it is of the utmost importance that the communities are treated with the respect they deserve and not made to feel like folklore objects.
If you want to celebrate Day of the Dead in Mexico, there are some fundamentals you’ll need to know. The first – and possibly most important – is that Dia de Muertos is certainly not Halloween! Where Halloween originated from an ancient Celtic festival to scare off spirits, Dia de Muertos is a commemorative celebration of lost loved ones.
Having said that, it’s fair to say that due to their proximity in the calendar and the fact both offer the chance to dress up in elaborate costumes, the separate holidays have conflated in recent years.
The beginnings of Day of the Dead can be found in a month-long Aztec celebration which honored the gods of the underworld, Mictlantecuhtli and Mictlancíhuatl. Despite taking place in August, this ancient celebration has similarities to the modern Day of the Dead, particularly in the giving of offerings or ofrendas to the deceased.
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistadores attempted to introduce Catholicism to the native people and essentially eradicate the religions of the indigenous people. They were semi-successful. While the festival moved to the beginnings of November to coincide with the Catholic All Saints Day and All Souls Day, many of the pre-Hispanic traditions continued.
When is Day of the Dead?
Day of the Dead is officially on November 2. However, in some parts of Mexico, the Dia de Muertos celebrations have evolved to include October 31 (Halloween) and November 1 (Dia de los Angelitos).
Day of the Dead 2023 will run from Tuesday, October 31 to Thursday, November 2 – if you include Halloween – or Tuesday, November 1 to Wednesday, November 2 if you don’t.
Did you know: Day of the Dead has been recognized by UNESCO in its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Day of the Dead Traditions
Day of the Dead traditions run from solemn rituals that pay tribute to deceased relatives to brightly colored celebrations of incredible costumes and face painting.
While there are “Dia de Muertos traditions”, it’s also important to note that the Dia de Muertos festivities vary widely throughout the different regions of Mexico. Here are some things to look out for:
Building Altars For many, building altars (also known as ofrendas) to deceased loved ones is the focal point of the Day of the Dead celebrations. These ritual alters can be built in family homes, cemeteries, and even in public spaces (particularly for former civic leaders). Tradition has it that these altars will help the spirits find their way back to the land of the living for Day of the Dead.
Ofrendas As well as building altars, friends and families will decorate them with offerings or ofrendas for their loved ones. Typical ofrendas include candles, pan de muerto (more on that later), photographs of the deceased, and their favorite food and drink. It’s not uncommon to see the dead’s favorite packet of cigarettes or the jersey of their soccer team adorning their alter.
Sugar Skulls Sugar skulls have become the world-wide symbol for the Day of the Dead and, arguably, an icon of Mexico itself. If you’re celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico, you’ll see these small skulls made of sugar everywhere during the celebration. They’re typically decorated with colorful patterns of icing and other vibrant motifs, and carry the name of the deceased. Despite being edible, they usually aren’t eaten – think of your teeth! – but instead used as a decoration.
Catrinas Along with sugar skulls, catrinas are Dia de Muertos’ most iconic symbol. Also known as Mexico’s Grand Dame of Death, the image has become a central representation of the whole Day of the Dead festival. The modern version of La Catrina, an upper-class female skeleton, was popularized by artist Jose Guadalupe Posada in his etching La Calavera Catrina. Throughout the Dia de Muertos celebrations you will see catrinas (or catrins if they’re male) everywhere.
Calacas/Calaveras Calacas are skeleton statues dressed in human clothing while calaveras are their skull equivalent. Throughout Dia de Muertos you’ll see displays of La Catrina calacas, but also other skeletal characters as well. The figures are often brightly painted, happy, and could be dancing or playing an instrument. Their joy indicates that life after death is a happy one.
Pan de Muerto and other food
If you spend Day of the Dead in Mexico then you won’t be able to get away from its traditional foods. Central to this is Pan de Muerto, a bread often covered in sugar, that you will see left at alters as an ofrenda. Additionally, dishes such as tamales and mole negro are usually enjoyed as part of the celebrations.
Credit: Cafe Sketck/Facebook
Marigolds/Cempasúchiles Marigolds (also known as flor de muerto or cempasúchiles) are everywhere during the festivities, but most commonly found as part of the ofrendas. It’s thought that these beautifully orange flowers will help bring the souls of deceased loved ones back to the land of the living.
Papel Picado Papel picado is the thin, papery flags you’ll see strung across streets and in homes. It has become the traditional flag of the Day of the Dead celebrations and will often have related imagery cut into the pieces.
Those who have seen James Bond tearing through the Mexico City streets in Spectre are forgiven for thinking that the capital’s colossal parade is traditional. In fact, this grand spectacle was an invention of Hollywood. Thanks to the film’s popularity – and particularly that opening scene – Mexico City now puts on a James Bond-esque parade with massive floats and thousands upon thousands of attendees.
Whether you see it as an inevitable commercialization of the celebration or a glorious way to celebrate Day of the Dead in style, there’s no doubting that it’s a truly magnificent sight. If you’d like a smaller version of the Mexico City parade, plenty of towns and cities will throw their own version.
What is Dia de los Angelitos?
November 1 is traditionally referred to as Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels) in Mexico and is the day to honor infants and children who have died. November 2 is the actual Dia de los Muertos when families honor adults whom they have lost. It is believed that on these days, the souls of the deceased return to earth to be with their families and loved ones.
Where to Celebrate Day of the Dead
Day of the Dead in San Miguel de Allende As November approaches, families stream in and out of local cemeteries to scrub tombstones, clear weeds, and lay out flowers and candles. In the weeks before the celebration, a special market is set up near the Plaza Civica where everyone shops for decorations among stalls of sugar skulls, miniature coffins, skeleton puppets and the familiar skeleton masks and figures, known as calacas. The city annually celebrates The Calaca Festival hosting various artistic and cultural events for children and adults. Read more on our blog:Day of the Dead in San Miguel Allende
Day of the Dead in Michoacán In the Magic Town of Patzcuaro, Michoacan, there is a small island called Janitzio that many Purepecha indigenous people call home. This indigenous group, also known as Tarascans, have elaborate Dia de Muertos rituals that include processions to the cemetery where they stay from the night until dawn singing and praying. It is traditional for the women and children to create ofrendas (offerings) above their loved one’s tomb while the men gather together to drink and admire from afar. When dark falls, candles illuminate the way to the cemetery, a ritual considered scared by the community.
Day of the Dead in Oaxaca Oaxaca transforms during Dia de los Muertos as the city prepares to welcome their loved ones’ spirits back to earth. The week starts with Plaza de los Muertos, in which the marketplaces begin to sell everything related to Dia de los Muertos traditions: pan de muerto, calaveras, papel picado, cempasuchils, incense, and so forth. With this, families can buy what they need to create their colorful and vibrant altars in their homes. Arches of bright cempasuchils provide a welcome to spirits who are crossing over. For visitors, Oaxaca has elaborate Day of the Dead altars set up throughout the town and sand tapestry competitions. Important:Day of the Dead Oaxaca trips need to be booked minimum 8-10 months in advance.
Day of the Dead in Mexico City While Mexico City holds several events to commemorate the traditions and icons of Dia de Muertos, the most traditional can be found in Mixquic. In the center of this neighborhood is one of Mexico City’s oldest cathedrals and its surrounding cemetery. An incredible altar and intricate carpets sit at the end of the church adorned with gold. Candlelight processions and mourning families join in the graveyard at their loved one’s tombstone throughout the night. Outside, the gate is a complete change of scenery; the neighborhood is a full fair with rides, carnival games, face painting, and entertainment including artistic performances and interpretations of the holiday.
As mentioned previously, Mexico City now throws a vast Dia de Muertos parade. Launched in 2016, this grand, colorful, and noisy parade is a must for anyone in the capital at this time. Expect to see giant skeleton figures, fabulous floats, and face-painted participants wind their way through the heart of the city through Reforma Avenue past the Angel of Independence and finishing at the Zócalo. Want to live this experience for yourself?
Day of the Dead in Aguascalientes Aguascalientes is the birthplace of Jose Guadalupe Posada, the artist who created the La Catrina symbol that is now very representative of Dia de los Muertos. The city celebrates with a 10-day festival called Festival de las Calaveras. The festival is intended to rescue and preserve the traditions of Dia de los Muertos and pay tribute to Posada. Artists fill the festival recreating some of Posada’s images and actors participate in thematic tours. Cinematic performances, music shows, a Skulls’ Parade, altar building contest, and pan de muerto contest are also essential parts to the festival’s celebration.
Day of the Dead in Riviera Maya/Cancun Riviera Maya hosts an annual Festival de la Vida y la Muerte (Festival of Life and Death) at Xcaret park in honor of the Dia de los Muertos. At this festival, visitors are encouraged to participate in music and dancing, shop for Day of the Dead trinkets, and try typical Yucatecan fares. Guests can watch parade performances and tour the cemetery to learn about the Mayan burial rituals.
Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta puts on a raft of Dia de Muertos activities, usually starting around a week before the day itself. These include alters in the Plaza de Armas and dance performances at Parque Hidalgo. On Dia de Muertos, the city also holds a catrina parade in which local schools, businesses, and organizations dress up and put on floats.
Day of the Dead in Chiapas Chiapas is a very special and unique place to experience Day of the Dead as the traditions and customs of the indigenous Tzotzil Maya group remain present to this day. From the fiesta-filled celebration at the sacred burial hill of El Romerillo, to the more solmen grievances of the Amatenango del Valle Cemetery, taking part in these regional traditions is an intimate cultural encounter that is sure to impact any traveler. Read more on our blog:Day of the Dead in Chiapas
Book a Day of the Dead tour in Mexico
The Day of the Dead celebration is one of the most colorful, moving, and authentic cultural experiences one can have in Mexico. While the festivities differ throughout Mexico, the requirement of planning does not (we recommend at least one year in advance). If you’re interested in traveling to Mexico for Day of the Dead, browse our customizable sample itineraries below or contact Journey Mexico today.
Take luxury to new heights with a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Mexico City, while connecting to the heart and soul of Mexico’s capital with our authentic experiences. Set within ten levels of one of the capital´s tallest skyscrapers, the hotel looms above sweeping Reforma Avenue. We can´t get over the Ritz´s unparalleled panoramas across the pulsing cityscape and verdant Chapultepec Park, Mexico City´s largest green space!
Glass walls are integral to the Ritz-Carlton wow factor, maximizing those jaw-dropping vistas and instilling a sense of place – rather than a backdrop, the city has an unwavering presence throughout.
The hotel is singular in its aerial vantage point, which sets the guest room experience apart from the rest. Out of 153 accommodations, 120 boast private open-air terraces, and if you really want to indulge, corner suites feature soaking tubs perfectly positioned to contemplate the city´s mesmerizing skyline while you unwind. Perhaps the only way to surpass the magnificence of these views is to literally get on top of the city – arrive in exhilaratingstyle, descending from the sky to touch down on the 58-story tower´s helipad.
In the spirit of bird´s eye views, Journey Mexico can arrange an unforgettable way to experience the ancient city of Teotihuacán. We´ll whisk you away to enjoy an early morning hot air balloon ride, where you can appreciate the grandeur of the Sun and Moon Pyramids from above and take in the surrounding landscape as the sun comes up. After a traditional landing toast and breakfast, you´ll head into the site on foot to uncover its fascinating past with one of our expert guides.
Culinary Delights
Awaken your senses at Samos all-day restaurant and Carlotta Reforma Skybar on the 38th floor. Enjoy spellbinding city views as the evening comes alive with twinkling city lights.
Chef Jonathan Felix Maldonado is at the helm of Samos, offering up creative proposals for Mediterranean-influenced food with a Mexican twist. Enjoy beautifully presented dishes in the venue´s Art-Deco-inspired interiors or secure an intimate table on the open-air terrace for front-row cityscape seats.
Perch at Carlotta Reforma´s striking island bar or sink into a plush sofa to sip through a serene cocktail hour. Gourmet snacks accompany all the old favorites along with signature mixology that pays homage to Mexico´s heritage. Think intense orange hues as an ode to Michoacán´s monarch butterfly migration and ingredients that represent Mexico City´s fusion of cultures.
We recommend going deeper into Mexico´s culinary history with our insider cooking class hosted by professional chef, Alfredo Chavez. On this exclusive foodie journey, you´ll hit the local market with your mentor to meet local vendors and see how to select the best fresh produce, before heading to your chef´s city apartment in the vibrant gastronomic district of Polanco. Chop, boil, and grind seasonal ingredients under top-notch guidance to prepare a 6-course meal that celebrates the origin, culture, and joy of Mexican cooking.
Dose of Nature
Location is everything in a big city, and the Ritz-Carlton is perfectly placed at the entrance to Chapultepec Park. It´s super easy to take a tranquil stroll through Mexico City´s green lung or visit the park´s many art galleries and museums, such as the Modern Art Museum, Chapultepec Castle and the National Museum of Anthropology. The leafy neighborhoods of trendy Roma and Condesa are also just a short taxi ride away.
While gazing over the infinite cityscape from the Ritz-Carlton, it´s hard to imagine that this area once encompassed the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán built atop Lake Texcoco, part of a series of lakes that used to cover the Valley of Mexico from Teotihuacán down to the southern reaches of present-day Mexico City.
We love taking our travelers to uncover a key part of this history and experience another area of nature that´s survived the metropolis. In the south of the city, the Xochimilco waterways are well-known for colorful “trajinera“ boat rides, where floating taco vendors and mariachis make for a fun afternoon with friends, but we like to show our guests another side. Back in the day, these canal networks made up most of the city and were used for “chinampas”, plots of land built up from the shallow canal beds used to sustainably cultivate crops. We´ll take you discover this Aztec agricultural heritage system, while exploring with a member of the local chinampa rescue project and learning about agroecology.
Chapultepec Park
Xochimilco
Don´t Miss…
The Ritz-Carlton´s Spa. Relax in an urban sanctuary with treatments inspired by the healing traditions of Mexico City’s Aztec culture. Luxury amenities include a steam room, sauna and an indoor heated pool with spectacular views of the city.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE HIGHS OF THE RITZ-CARLTON MEXICO CITY?
We love taking our travelers on a journey through the customs, cuisine, and creative happenings of Mexico City! Start planning your trip and get the ideas flowing by checking out our sample itinerary – Weekend Escape to Mexico City – then contact our travel planners and tell us how to personalize your perfect stay in the capital! Trips start at $1,000 USD per day for two travelers.
The celebrated NIZUC Resort and Spa is a glittering treasure chest of luxury experiences. Guests can enjoy access to several gourmet restaurants, a high-end spa, and cutting-edge suites – all exquisitely designed with the beauty of the Mexican-Caribbean acting as a backdrop.
While the number of luxury experiences is too numerous to count at Cancun’s NIZUC, here are three we know you’ll love.
1. Unique Dom Pérignon Experience
Ramona at NIZUC Resort and Spa
Enjoy an exquisite evening in the Ramona restaurant’s beautiful wine cellar, sampling Dom Pérignon as you tuck into a gourmet seven-course meal. Courses one to four are accompanied by a glass from the world-famous Dom Pérignon range while course five offers a tequila tasting and course six a glass of Hennessy X.O Cognac.
As each new drink arrives, enjoy expert insight from NIZUC’s knowledgeable staff who will explain the unique characteristics of each pairing, plus the history and creative processes behind the world’s most famous champagne brand.
2. A Taste of Cuba Night
Havana Cigar Lounge at NIZUC
The very best of Cuba comes to Mexico’s Caribbean coast at NIZUC’s Havana Lounge. Taking inspiration from Cuban design, this experiential cigar lounge boasts an extensive range of rum- and tequila-based cocktails produced by highly trained and innovative mixologists.
Start the evening with a mojito (what else?!), before moving to the edge of the resort’s mirror-like reflecting ponds for a hand-rolled cigar. Then, as the night draws in, dance or simply watch the live band play a selection of songs from Cuba.
3. Mayan Mindfulness Spa Treatments
NIZUC’s ultra-luxurious spa
Spend a day at NIZUC’s world-class spa, the first ESPA-branded spa in the Mexican Caribbean, to enjoy a selection from its exquisite Mayan Mindfulness range. Using the power of ancient Maya healing, highly trained staff deliver a complete reboot for body and mind.
Guests can choose from three different treatments – Mindful Massage, Mindful Facial, or the Couple’s Mindful Journey – or enjoy all three across their vacation. Each begins with guided breathing and visualization techniques to calm the mind and ease the guest into a wonderfully relaxing experience.
START PLANNING YOUR VACATION AT NIZUC
Ready to experience this special slice of paradise for yourself? Start by checking out our Sample Itinerary: Magical Times in the Yucatan Peninsula with Nizuc. This will give you ideas and inspiration on all the unique and distinctive experiences you can have on your next vacation -including beyond the hotel! Then, get in touch with our expert travel planners to start designing your custom trip. Trips start at $1,800 USD per day for two travelers.
“Thank you so much for all the organisation behind our recent trip to Mexico – we had a marvelous time and everything ran so smoothly. All the guides and drivers provided were excellent. I will recommend Journey Mexico to any friends considering it as their holiday destination!”
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.
Joe Alarcon, webmaster: 
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!”
