Donde He Estado
Mexico is a land of vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, offering unforgettable experiences at every turn. From the charming beach towns of Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta to the bustling cities of Mexico City and Guadalajara, each destination exudes its own unique charm. Exploring the historic streets of Tepoztlán and admiring the silver craftsmanship in Taxco were personal highlights, while San Miguel de Allende's lively atmosphere left a lasting impression. Mexico's beauty, from its lush greenery to its stunning coastlines, continues to captivate, promising endless adventures and cherished memories.
01
Mexico City
Mexico City is undoubtedly one of my favorite cities worldwide, reminiscent of New York City in many ways. It was my initial destination in Mexico back in 2016, and I have returned every year since, making it my home since 2021. I adore the city's diverse offerings, which cater to all tastes, and I've found it both enjoyable and effortless to forge meaningful connections here. The climate is delightful, and the city's rich cultural provides ample opportunities for engagement and exploration.
02
Acapulco
Not Cancun, nor Tulum, but Acapulco was my inaugural beach destination in Mexico. I've visited twice, the first being an impromptu trip during my initial visit to Mexico City. The experiences were vastly different, with seven years between them. During my first visit, there was a notable military presence, indicative of safety concerns due to prevalent criminal and gang activity. Nonetheless, I appreciated seeing many local families vacationing, lending an authentic charm not often found in more tourist-saturated destinations. Acapulco boasts beautiful homes and delectable cuisine, making it a delightful retreat despite its challenges.
03
Tulum
While I thoroughly enjoyed Tulum during my visit in 2018, I haven't felt the urge to return since. Tulum is what I'd call 'Instagramable'; everywhere seems perfectly set up for an influencer photoshoot, with aesthetics that are truly 10/10. The restaurants served delicious and flavorful cuisine, but the prices were exorbitant, comparable to those in New York. Despite being a traveler myself, I found Tulum to be too homogeneous; there weren't many Mexicans around. Nonetheless, the beaches were absolutely stunning, and day trips to Chichen Itza and Bacalar were effortlessly fun and enjoyable.
04
Bacalar
I took a day trip to Bacalar from Tulum, and it was an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend renting a car in the Yucatan area because there is so much to explore. Bacalar is known for its stunning blue lagoon, and I had an amazing time swimming in its crystal-clear waters. Although I didn't get to explore the city as much as I would have liked, sticking to the lagoon and the surrounding restaurants and bars was a delight. I'm excited to go back and delve deeper into what the city has to offer.
05
Puerto Escondido
Puerto Escondido is easily one of my favorite places in the world. I've fallen in love twice in this romantically beautiful spot. Originally, I thought my move to Mexico would lead me here, but things didn't work out that way. Puerto is just a vibe; it's serene, stunning, and the weather is always perfect. I've visited about eight times and plan to continue returning throughout my life. The sunsets there are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and Puerto Escondido makes me feel like I could live an easy, simple life on the beach. Someday, I will own a beautiful home there.
06
Zipolite
About an hour's drive from the beautiful Puerto Escondido, I went on a day trip this year with some friends. It was my first time at a nude beach in Mexico. I didn't go nude myself, but that didn't stop many others from letting it all hang loose, which was rather amusing. The beach was lovely, conveniently located near other popular beach cities, offering a variety of restaurants and bars. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a surfer hippie vibe. I had a great time and can definitely see myself making another trip out there.
07
Huatulco
Hailing from the stunning state of Oaxaca, located about a two-hour drive from Puerto Escondido, I embarked on an impromptu two-day trip with a friend to this beach city. To be honest, I don't recall much about this town; it seemed just like another beach to relax at. It was certainly less popular and less crowded than some of the other beach towns in Oaxaca. However, I do vividly remember the vast amount of mosquitoes that were constantly attacking me. It was an experience, but I don't see myself making it a priority to visit again anytime soon.
08
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel was the epitome of a Pueblo Magico, a magical town indeed. From the exquisite food to the charming streets, the overall aesthetic was simply enchanting. It was a delight to explore the city's art and stunning architecture. I indulged in delicious meals, wandered through the beautiful streets, and had the time of my life. Without a doubt, it's my favorite pueblo in Mexico, and I can't wait to return, next time for romantic getaway.
09
Merida
I only spent a few days in Merida, as my intended destination was about an hour away. I wanted to make the most of my time by visiting this popular city first before heading to Progreso. Merida was charming from what I saw, with its great architecture, but I didn't have the chance to see and do as much as I wanted. I'm excited to go back and explore further what this city is know for.
10
Progreso
I can't see myself returning; I honestly did not have a good time at all. From the moment I arrived, I wanted to leave. It was lifeless, with barely any people or movement, which was quite depressing, to be honest. I even shed a few tears during the trip. While the beaches were okay, the weather wasn't cooperating, so being outdoors wasn't enjoyable. Many places were closed or under construction. However, I did find the malecon beautiful and spent a lot of time walking up and down it.
11
Guadalajara
I feel like I need to give Guadalajara another chance. The highlights for me were the tequila tour, which was both fun and fascinating to learn about the process and history, and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a truly fantastic and beautiful museum where I spent hours. However, other than that, I wasn't too impressed, which was surprising considering the way Guadalajara was sold to me by people I spoke with. The downtown historic center is beautiful at night with all the lights, but overall, I was very underwhelmed and ready to leave after day 2. I've heard such wonderful things, so I want to give it another shot, but this time not as a solo trip, but with friends or a partner.
12
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta was charming, undoubtedly one of the larger beach towns I've visited in Mexico. It felt more like a beach city, with better infrastructure than some other beach towns I've experienced. I spent my time snorkeling and lounging on the beach, although it was probably the most crowded beach I've encountered in Mexico, which was a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the sight of dead fish washing up on the sand was a bit concerning. Despite its lively atmosphere and charm, Puerto Vallarta isn't a favorite of mine, and I would prioritize other beach towns in that area over PV.
13
Suyulita
What a gem! My time in Sayulita was short but oh-so-sweet. I spent the entire day exploring this charming little town and lounging on the beach. Just an hour north of Puerto Vallarta, it's the perfect escape to enjoy Mexico's pristine coast without the crowds. I'm excited to return and give this adorable beach town the attention and time it deserves.
14
Zihuatanejo
Absolutely breathtaking. I chose Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo because I wanted to explore more of Mexico's beach towns, and it didn't disappoint. The town itself was very pretty, especially when driving through it. Renting a car is necessary as it can be difficult and expensive to get around otherwise. I made sure to visit as many different beaches as possible and loved every moment spent in the water. From what I saw, it didn't seem to be a very popular tourist destination, still somewhat of a well-kept secret for most Mexican nationals to vacation. However, it appears that this place will start developing more and more to attract additional business. I'm excited to go back and see how it's changed in a positive way.
15
Tepoztlán
What an unexpected delight! I visited Tepoztlán to shoot a music video, so I didn't have much time for touristy activities, but I was enchanted by what I saw. The lush greenery, abundant nature, and divine air quality left a lasting impression. We shot at several stunning locations, and I could easily envision returning for a charming weekend getaway. It's a very nice escape.
16
Taxco
For all your silver jewelry needs, Taxco is the place to be. I took a short day and a half trip with a group of girlfriends for the weekend. My mission was to start a silver jewelry collection, and that's exactly what I did. I had a custom silver ring made and purchased nine other jewelry pieces. Be prepared for lots of hill climbing, but it's absolutely worth it! I'm excited to add to my growing collection.
