If you’re looking for the best hotel in Merida Mexico, The Diplomat Boutique Hotel Merida is a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and attention to detail. Nestled in a beautifully restored colonial building, this charming oasis is one of the top choices for places to stay in Merida. The stunning Mexican tile, lush courtyard, and […]
Why Visit Merida A Merida vacation offers a unique cultural experience. The city is rich with Mayan heritage, delicious Yucatecan cuisine, and stunning colonial architecture. If you travel to Merida, Mexico, you’ll find it’s a perfect base for exploring the Yucatan Peninsula, offering countless day trips from Merida to nearby archeological sites, cenotes (natural underground
When deciding where to stay in Holbox, it’s essential to find a balance between comfort, location, and tranquility. During our stay, we found that Casa Mar delivered on all three fronts. Whether you’re searching for a peaceful retreat or a convenient base close to the beach, this charming Airbnb in Holbox Mexico is a great
Holbox is an otherworldly island that feels completely different from the rest of the Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula. While it’s a perfect spot to relax and disconnect, there’s also plenty to explore. In this Holbox travel guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know, including what to do in Holbox, Mexico, the island’s
Traveling between Cancun, Isla Holbox, and Merida requires some planning, but there are a few transportation options for each budget and travel style. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Holbox from Cancun, as well as your options for traveling from Holbox to Merida. For all of my posts in the Yucatan and
Puerto Escondido is growing at lightning speeds, which means that the infrastructure is struggling to keep up with demand from Airbnbs, hotels and tourists flooding in. Amid this bustling tourist influx, Casa de la Tierra stands out as an eco-friendly Airbnb that not only reduces its impact on natural resources but also offers a luxurious
Though I’ve visited the Oaxaca coast countless times, it took me years to stay in Huatulco because I had trouble finding a Huatulco boutique hotel. There aren’t many, this area is mostly filled with very large all-inclusive resorts. That’s just not my preferred travel style. So when I found the charming Huatulco accommodation of Villas
My schedule was a bit complicated this summer but when I suddenly had the opportunity to take time off, I threw together a 10 day Mexico road trip itinerary, to get out of town quick and “do something simple but fun” (I thought). Our road trip was actually a super epic incredible 10 days exploring
My favorite pueblo magico is now Cuetzalan, Puebla, the absolutely gorgeous traditional town in the northeast of Puebla state, tucked into the lush tropical mountains. I based myself from the beautiful Cuetzalan hotel, Posada La Vereda, which was a perfect choice to enjoy both the incredible nature and quick access to the amazing town of
We visited the beautiful towns of Mineral del Monte Pueblo Magico and Huasca de Ocampo Pueblo Magico recently during an epic road trip and they were beautiful and interesting towns to get to know Hidalgo. We based ourselves in two Airbnbs in Mineral del Monte, La Fortaleza and La Mision. I’ll share all the details
What’s better than waking up on vacation and seeing the ocean’s waves outside your room window? Better yet, swimming in an infinity pool with a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean and a long beautiful beach below? If you’re looking for a Oaxaca beach hotel in Puerto Escondido, Blater Hotel is an affordable, comfortable stay
For years, Zihuatanejo was at the top of my Mexico travel list. I finally made it in 2022, and immediately loved it as much as I thought I would. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the deep bay that the town sits on give you striking views at almost any angle: sweeping aerial views from many hotels
When I truly love a place, I take sooo many pictures. At my lovely 3 night stay at Casas Maria Matilda, I took 1500+ pictures and video 🙂 . This Punta Pajaros Airbnb quickly rose to the top of my ‘where to stay in Puerto Escondido’ list, hands-down. So why is it so special? Do
After a few days staying near Playa La Ropa, we retreated to the tranquil Zihuatanejo Mexico beach hotel, Puerta Paraiso. This hotel on Playa Larga is beachfront, so you can enjoy the sight and sound of the waves from many of the vantage points of the rooms and common areas. We spent 3 very relaxed
Zihuatanejo had been at the top of my list for years. I had been saving pretty hotels in the area on my Instagram, and at the top of my wishlist was Casa del Cielo, a boutique hotel in Zihuatanejo with gorgeous decor and a stunning view of La Ropa Beach and the picturesque bay.
I put off writing this post for years because I wasn’t sure there needed to be another “where to eat in Mexico City” guide out there. But because food is such a huge part of my travel experience and connection with culture & since I have several other posts about CDMX and I continue to
Bianni Beuú is hands down one of my favorite places I’ve ever stayed, and it’s the best beach Airbnb in Oaxaca for groups of friends or families who want a gorgeous place to stay with lots of space and comfort. It’s the kind of place you never want to leave, as this Mexico vacation rental
For digital nomads and many modern travelers, fast reliable internet is a must, and can be stressful to find in a hotel or airbnb. Countless times I’ve scoured airbnb and hotel reviews about wifi to see if I truly can feel confident it won’t be a problem during my stay (and many times it has!).
I’ve stayed in many hotels and airbnbs in Puerto Escondido, La Punta, each with their distinct personality and pros and cons. The neighborhood of La Punta is growing extremely fast, and many new accommodation options are popping up, but I’m always searching for the perfect balance of design, location, value, and comfort. Casa Baba La
I’ve stayed in many hotels and lots of towns on the Oaxaca coast, but one of my favorite places to stay is the gorgeous Monte Uzulu hotel in San Agustinillo. This impeccably designed Oaxaca beach hotel is perched on a hill overlooking the San Agustinillo beaches. The lush leafy greens, artistic shadow and light play,
The line between typical mezcal and Mexican gin is hazy (but delicious), when it comes to agave gin. By definition, gin is a grain based alcohol that has been distilled with juniper and/or botanicals. Though mezcal is not grain-based (it’s made from agave), in Oaxaca, there has been a tradition of mezcal that is similar
It’s been a minute since I posted a recipe, but I know we are all still looking for new cocktails to devour. I’m so excited to share these below two cocktails from one of my favorite bartenders, Leslie Cobos. She put together a couple versions of classic mezcal cocktails including a mezcal collins recipe using
Many people only plan a long-weekend Oaxaca trip, and miss out on so much food, culture, and beauty in the city and pueblos. I can’t tell you how many times those visitors have started planning their next trip before their first is over. So we’re going on a 7-day itinerary in Oaxaca full of mezcal,
Travel Daydreaming is a virtual travel series, where I take you day-by-day through an itinerary in one of my favorite places. Today we will spend 1 week traveling to the best Oaxaca beaches, including Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, San Agustinillo, Zipolite and Punta Pajaros. I’ll take you to my favorite restaurants, wildlife tours, cocktail bars, day
What are the best mezcal brands in the USA (and beyond)? This is a question I often get. It’s actually a bit tricky because most of the mezcal brands sold in the USA or abroad, aren’t the bottles that we purchase locally in Oaxaca. So this will be a guide to how to buy mezcal
Mezcal makes everything better, doesn’t it? Including the classic moscow mule, transformed into a robust mezcal cocktail that’s still refreshing. This mezcal mule recipe walks you through making a fresh ginger concentrate for an authentic ginger flavor. This ginger concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator to add to other ginger cocktails like dark and
The goal of this post is to compile a bunch of options I’ve found to support local farms, small businesses and local designers during this time of COVID-19 in Oaxaca. I know some others have already made some great lists about restaurants offering delivery, so will link to those, but wanted to try to compile
Today’s cocktail comes from Cristian Valenzuela Teran, a mixologist from Mexicali Baja California, who trained at the renowned Criollo in Oaxaca, but now creates delicious drinks at Malia Ocean Bar in Ensenada, Baja California. He’s sharing his signature drink, the Cranky Gin with us. Check out this refreshing gin cucumber cocktail recipe below, plus a
During this COVID-19 pandemic, almost every industry, and therefore employees, are suffering the loss of business and jobs. I know many are concerned, and want to do anything they can to support others in their community at this time – especially small businesses and the employees without safety nets. If you live in Mexico City,
It’s mango season in Oaxaca, that means I am trying to find more ways to incorporate them into my diet. 🙂 So a couple weeks ago I tried making a spicy mezcal cocktail with mango and habanero. It was so good that I’ve since tried a couple other versions. I love simple mezcal cocktails, so
Flavored waters, or aguas frescas/aguas de sabor are a very important part of Mexican cuisine. If you go to any almost any local restaurant, they’ll have at least one agua for the day. They can be flavored with fruits, herbs, vegetables, flowers, or a combination of things. One of my favorites is cucumber flavored water,
Post and recipe in collaboration with: Perrito de Mercado There is something so comforting (and juicy) about a homemade burger, so we decided to try out a Oaxaca style version and the result was so, so good. The main star in these homemade spicy burgers is the chile de arbol – one of my favorite
During this strange time, I’ve been cooking as my main form of connecting with my community, myself, and enjoying simple pleasures. It’s been a really fun way to play with Oaxacan ingredients and dishes, so I want to share some of these recipes with you. First up will be vegetarian-friendly jamaica tacos – or tacos
On my last trip through Chiapas and Guatemala, I spent the first two nights and the last two nights of my 2 week journey at the beautiful oasis of Sombra del Agua. This is one of the best designed Chiapas hotels in San Cristobal de las Casas for the thoughtfully curated decor, leafy patios, beautiful
On my first trip to Chiapas, I ran out of time to make it to the Lacandona/Montes Azules Chiapas jungle and I really regretted it. So on my last trip to Chiapas, I made it a priority to make it to this remote and lush natural region. So I booked 4 days at Las Guacamayas
One thing I love about the Oaxaca coast is that there are so many different types of beaches and hotels, you can find something perfect for every type of traveler. Villasol is one of the overall best hotels in Puerto Escondido because it fits the needs of so many – families, groups, couples, and more.
The reason I started this blog years ago, is because I worked in a creative industry (fashion) but was burned out & craved inspiration (alongside my insatiable urge to travel). Learning from local artisans, seeing amazing architecture, and visiting museums would fill me with ideas and a renewed desire to create. That’s why I think
I studied fashion design, then proceeded to work in the seemingly glamorous business in New York for 5+ years. I hated it. Mostly because the industry is structured to cut corners and value the bottom line above all else. This almost always hurts those who work in their factories the most, not to mention the
When planning my trip to this colorful colonial city, I was searching for the best hotel in San Miguel de Allende to base myself. While there’s no shortage of options, I had a harder time than expected finding one that felt like it hit all of my needs + was beautifully designed. Then I came
Planning my Palenque tours from San Cristobal was probably the most difficult part of my Chiapas travel planning. The Palenque ruins are quite far from San Cristobal, and there is mixed information online about the safest way to get there. So after lots of research and actually doing the trip, I want to write about
Last month I had the pleasure of staying in the beautiful and welcoming Casa Lum Boutique Hotel San Cristobal, Chiapas. For 4 days and 3 nights. I felt at home in the thoughtfully decorated hotel, taken care of by the attentive staff, and was just steps away from everything I wanted to see and do
Before my trip to San Cristobal de las Casas, I did some searching for where to eat and drink in the city. I had a hard time finding info that wasn’t only directing me to tourist restaurants – and while some tourist restaurants are fine, I love to get a taste of typical local food
After years of dreaming about Chiapas travel, I finally had a chance to explore the southernmost state in Mexico. It’s a beautiful and unique place, really different from anywhere else I’ve been in the country. If you like visiting places with stunning, wild nature or cultural destinations, you will love this region. Over my week
There is very little that gets me more excited than learning from talented, master artisans in their homeland. In fact, the original reason I came to Oaxaca years ago was because of its reputation for gorgeous textiles and traditional artisan work. A couple years ago, I discovered Thread Caravan’s artisan Oaxaca tours (as well as
One of my most frequently asked questions is – where to stay in Oaxaca? So I put together a list of the best hotels in Oaxaca. I will only be including hotels that I have stayed at and loved or that I have very strong recommendations from trusted sources. There are hundreds of hotels in
One of my favorite things about our lovely weekend trip to Puebla was our stay in the gorgeous boutique hotel in Puebla – Meson Sacristia de la Compañia . This Puebla hotel is a sight for sore eyes – a vibrant pink courtyard, carefully curated antiques, lots leafy plants, pretty filtered light, and thoughtfully decorated
Contemplating a quick trip to Puebla? Many people skip over this huge, historic city, but if you have even a couple of days to detour here, you’ll find tons of cool things to do in Puebla city. So I’ve put together a quick Puebla travel guide to tell you my favorite highlights. You could easily
My favorite way to spend time on the Oaxaca coast is to divide my time between the larger surf town of Puerto Escondido, and the laid back beach villages of Mazunte, San Agustinillo and Zipolite. My first time making the journey between Puerto Escondido and Mazunte, I scrapped together details from lots of forums and
This is my most asked question about the Oaxaca coast – how to get there?! That’s because this remote area is surrounded by rugged mountains and there just isn’t a lot of info online. So I want to share what I’ve learned over the last few years about all the ways you travel Oaxaca to
This is probably the #1 question I get about the Oaxaca coast – how do you get there? So I want to put together the best info I’ve gathered over many years about how to get to Puerto Escondido. This will mainly focus on the Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido, but I’ll also mention how to get
The Oaxaca coast is full of different cove beaches and towns. The unique thing about this coastline is that every Oaxaca beach and town has a totally different vibe, so you can find a place for any type of traveler or travel style. So this Oaxaca coast guide is going to break down the best
I’ve been on a spree of writing blogs about the Oaxaca coast because it’s such a gorgeous area that few people know about. My new favorite part of the coast is the tiny, relaxing, off-the-beaten path town of San Agustinillo. Last trip we settled ourselves into Zazil Retreat, a beautiful San Agustinillo hotel that was
As a digital nomad and former full-time traveler, I can attest that I am (sometimes too) aware of international wifi roaming options. I’ve lived and worked in 17 countries, and spent lots of time being stressed out about having adequate wifi to meet deadlines and make meetings. Whether you are a digital nomad or a
The Oaxaca coast is still outside of the mainstream tourist itinerary, so you can escape the crowds here and be treated to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. One of my favorite parts of this coast are the adjacent towns of San Agustinillo and Mazunte, Oaxaca. They are so close you can walk
I visit La Punta Zicatela, Puerto Escondido often from my home in Oaxaca. I’ve gotten a good handle on all the best things to do in and around Puerto Escondido – including releasing baby turtles, cliffside walks, and the best swimming beach in town – so I wanted to share them here, along with some
I’ve been learning Spanish for years now. First in high school/college, then out in my travels, and then pretty heavily over the last 3 years as I’ve traveled full-time in Latin America. I’ve tried lots of language learning tools, some I’ve found effective, and some not so much. But one of the best ways I’ve
The time has come for me to put together a comprehensive Oaxaca food guide of all the best restaurants in Oaxaca, a place that has pulled me into its orbit again and again. After years in this city, I’ve been able to experience living in different neighborhoods as well as villages outside the city, eating
Mezcal is one of my favorite things, this is not news to anyone who knows me. I usually prefer to drink it straight – the way it’s meant to be sipped. But sometimes, it’s nice to have a refreshing cocktail, and Mexico City mezcal cocktails are among the best! In my many collective months spent
One of my favorite things to do in Mexico is eat, especially on the street. Mexico’s street food is full of the most traditional, well-prepared, delicious food and I like to take it upon myself to try it all. So when I was in Puerto Vallarta for my second visit, I decided to do some
In my humble opinion, the Puerto Vallarta beaches south of the city are the most Instagram-worthy, beautiful, and dramatic beaches, and yet they are usually mostly empty. It baffles me because they are SO easy to get to, whether you have a car or are taking the bus. During my last trip to Puerto Vallarta,
When you travel 100% of the time for over 3 years, you learn some things about what things you REALLY need and what things you don’t. I’ve made lots of tweaks and changes to my location independent travel packing list over the last couple of years, including some major ones at the end of last
I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me until recently, but food tours are my new favorite way to get to know a city and a culture. So when I was planning my trip to Pacific coast of Mexico, I contacted Pitaya Food Tours to set up a Puerto Vallarta Food Tour asap. The
One of my favorite things to do in any Latin American city or town is visit the local markets to quickly get a feel for the local culture and taste the traditional food. I’ve been to the most famous Oaxaca Markets – Mercado Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre – dozens of times, but never
Oaxaca is such an amazing foodie city that I don’t want to make one “must eats” post – I don’t think that does the traditional food culture here justice. Instead I want to focus on certain important dishes (like tlayudas), markets, and food collections in separate posts. One of the most important culinary gems
It shocked me to find so little info online about what mezcal distilleries to visit on a Oaxaca mezcal tour. Sure there are lots of articles about the trendy spirit – but almost all focus on what mezcal is with a brief mention that Oaxaca is the place to find it. Then there are many
Tlayudas in Oaxaca are what street tacos are to Mexico City, or pizza is to New York City. They’re the quintessential meal/snack/post-bar grub/hangover food/etc.. Every restaurant has their own version, plus plenty of street food stands. At worst I’ve had a couple tlayudas that were “good.” But at best, they are ricisimo (delicious) ! So
After spending years in Oaxaca, I’ve made it my mission to visit just about every Oaxaca mezcaleria in the Centro. I’ve narrowed down my list of favorites, each with their own vibe, depending on your mood. I think mezcal is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tasted. (I love mezcal so much, I
One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to take photos. While a lot of people say that you miss enjoying the scenery when you’re focused on your camera (or phone) lens, I actually think I notice details a lot more. When I walk down any street, I zero in on the colors,
When I mention to someone that I’m currently living in Mexico City, I get two very distinct reactions. Sometimes my statement is met with enthusiasm (usually from someone who has already done some Mexico City travel), but more often it’s met with a pause and some confusion. Many Americans, Canadians, and even Europeans are very misinformed
15 Ways to Travel Latin America by Bus, Boat, Tuk-Tuk & More! Have you ever felt a little intimidated, or even terrified, to figure out how to navigate the plethora of options for transportation in Mexico, Central and South America? Don’t panic and book the incredibly overpriced private transportation you find online. Take a few
Are you scared of hostels? Do you fear pre-booking a budget hotel, only to walk into the bedroom and find stains on the sheets and cockroaches in the corner? Fear not, there are tons of great budget hotels and hostels in Central America, South America and Mexico. I’ve traveled through this region for years, staying
Mention Tulum and you’ll get some strong opinions. Some people love it, while others think it’s over. I just visited Tulum for the second time, and I loved it just as much as the first time a few years ago. However, because it’s now quite touristy, I think there is a specific way you should
It’s ironic that I’m writing this recommendation for a Yucatecan restaurant in Mexico City when I am actually in the Yucatan Peninsula. But Mexico City does cuisine from every region of the country incredibly well, and Cochinita Power is no exception! During our last trip to Mexico City, we stayed in the historic neighborhood of San
Anytime I have a chance to pass through Mexico City, I’m thrilled. I’ve been lucky enough to spent many months here over the years, staying in tons of airbnbs and hotels from Roma, Condesa, Coyoacan, Anzures, to San Rafael. They all have their own personalities and charms, but El Patio 77 boutique hotel in Mexico
The first time I ever came to Oaxaca was mainly due to the rich textile culture here. I’ve always been on the search for the best Oaxacan textiles: the most traditional techniques, high quality fibers, beautiful natural dyes and amazing huipiles. Guided Tour vs. Solo Exploring for the Best Oaxacan Textiles When you have a
It’s probably pretty obvious by now that Oaxaca is one of my favorite cities in the world. Few places have it beat for its high level of culture, complex food, delicious mezcal, colonial architecture, and surrounding natural beauty. So when I was planning my second trip to the city, I knew what I wanted in my
When I look for the perfect hotel in Latin America, I always like to find accommodation that balances authentic local charm with modern and comfortable amenities. LA FE Hotel and Arts does this perfectly. This boutique hotel in Guadalajara is set in a gorgeous 1930’s mansion that has been converted into a quaint 7 room hotel. Almost all of
You know all those people who say not to eat street food because it’ll make you sick. IGNORE THEM, please. In my opinion, street food is safer than a meal in a restaurant, as everything is done right in front of you. Don’t like the look of the kitchen? Think the food doesn’t look fresh?
The first thing you must do in Oaxaca is eat. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Eat second breakfast, mid-day snack, and late night treat. Eat! Between meals, you should fit in some of the other activities the city has to offer. The five things below may or may not be in the guidebooks, but if
Complex sauces made from 30+ ingredients, chile roasted grasshoppers, and soup made of squash flowers – what do these foods have in common? They are a few of the local dishes that make Oaxaca famous for their complex cuisine. How about some suckling pig, artisanal hot chocolate or small batch mezcal? Did you know
My husband and I rented a fantastic apartment in Oaxaca, Mexico for a week in April. The aptly named Casa de los Abuelos (House of the Grandparents) made us feel right at home during our stay. When thinking over the pros and cons for this list, I really struggled to come up with any cons. I think
We haphazardly threw together a vague day-trip plan the night before – get up early, rent a car, and knock out three adventures – a boat tour of Chacahua lagoon, then on to the turtle sanctuary in Mazunte, and finally drive up high into the inland mountains to explore the tiny, coffee-growing village of Pluma
I’m not sure exactly when I became fascinated with surfer culture, but I think it was around the time I first saw Endless Summer, the wonderfully cheesy 60’s documentary with a bangin’ soundtrack about a couple of dudes who travel the world chasing the perfect wave. I was ready to buy a VW van and
It’s rare to find a budget hotel with a great beach view directly from your room. So when booked a room at Hotel Buena Vista for $36/USD a night, I was thrilled. Our room was huge, with two beds, a kitchenette, private bathroom, and a huge balcony that overlooks Playa Zicatela below. I spent every
