A Trip To Mexico
Daydreaming of my next visit, I wanted to share my adoration for Mexico. This enchanting country is a tapestry of colour, flavour, and spice, offering a unique experience unlike anywhere I’d ever been. With its vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, Mexico truly holds a special place in my heart.
I feel so blessed to have travelled to Mexico with my sister Chloe and two of our beautiful friends Tabs & Lola, who are also sisters. We explored Quintana Roo, a state nestled along the Caribbean coast known for its serene beaches, cenotes and energetic nightlife, as well as the state of Yucatán, home to the astounding Mayan sites, vibrant traditional cuisine and the elegance of Spanish colonial architecture graced towns like Mérida and Valladolid.
In this blog post, I dive into Mexico’s treasures and recount my most cherished experiences from this trip… my hopes are that perhaps you'll find yourself inspired to take off on your own Mexican odyssey too.
Unwind by the Caribbean Sea at Tulum & Akumal
The pristine beaches of Tulum and the gentle, turtle-filled waters of Akumal are gems on the Riviera Maya that invite you to refresh in the heat and relax. With powdery white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Tulum Beach is an ideal setting for swimming and enjoying fresh mangos and coconuts while basking in the sun. There is a cafe at Tulum Beach that the girls and I couldn’t get enough of, called ‘Raw Love’. This place is situated right behind the beach, and it also has an entrance to the most perfect spot to relax all day. The food was fresh, healthy, and vibrant - just what we were after to fuel ourselves from all the walking and swimming in the heat. For a calmer beach experience, venture to Akumal, renowned for its tranquil bays and abundant marine life. We decided not to pay to swim with the turtles, but we instead discovered a beach that was completely empty and covered in the most gorgeous white shells.
Explore the pastel village of Valladolid
Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of our Mexican adventure was our exploration of Valladolid. Here, it felt like stepping into a pastel-hued fairytale tucked away in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. This colourful destination invites you to embark on a journey through time, where colonial architecture and vibrant hues transport you to a bygone era. As we wandered through the cobblestone streets, we fell in love with the pastel-coloured buildings adorned with ornate balconies… the entire scene was a work of art. For a taste of Valladolid's culinary delights, make your way to the bustling Mercado Municipal. Here, we sampled traditional Yucatecan dishes bursting with flavour and immersed ourselves in the lively atmosphere as vendors sell fresh produce, aromatic spices, and handmade crafts. We took the chance to try enormous creamy avocados, fresh tamales, boiled plantain, hibiscus and chaya juice, and lots of chocolate.
Uncover Chichen Itza & the Mayan Ruins
Step into a world of ancient wonder as you uncover the site of Chichen Itza and explore the Mayan ruins. I was truly awestruck. The iconic El Castillo pyramid stands tall, rising above the surrounding landscape. Its intricate architecture reveals the Mayans' deep understanding of astronomy and their ability to create structures that align with the cosmos. As you wander through the ruins, the air is thick with history. The complex stone carvings and sculptures tell stories of heroes and events, revealing glimpses of an advanced and complex culture that once thrived within these grounds. Even if you’re not that into history or ancient sites, if you’re visiting Yucatán, this place is a must-see!
Dive into a fresh water cenote
If you're in search of natural beauty, venture to a cenote. These are sacred sinkholes revered by the Mayans and are scattered all over Quintana Roo and Yucatan. These stunning natural formations offer an other worldly experience, where you can swim in turquoise waters surrounded by limestone walls draping with lush vegetation. As you swim, you'll discover delicate stalactites and stalagmites - more natural art for you to explore. Schools of fish accompanied us on our underwater journey, dancing gracefully through the ancient pools. And oh, the relief of that cool, refreshing water! We visited during sweltering heat, and plunging into these little (and sometimes big!) oases was nothing short of reviving.
Create a traditional Mexican food ‘To Try’ list!
Here I am saving the best of the best until last… the food! We embarked on a delicious foodie adventure, having our taste buds tantalised as we explored the rich pallet of Mexican cuisine. Chloe and I created a traditional Mexican food ‘To Try’ list, where in the notes app on our phones we jotted down every single thing we wanted to try on our travels, and then ticked each dish off as we ate our way through the country. I am so glad we did this as it really pushed us to try new things, get out of our comfort zone, and discover new favourites… plus, it made eating out so fun and exciting every single time. We recommend adding tacos, quesadillas, gorditas, fajitas, enchiladas, tamales, chiles en nogada, guacamole, tostadas, panuchos, Mexican coffee, and mezcal to your list!
Thank you for reading!
As I bring this blog post to a close, I want to take a moment to thank you for joining me on this virtual adventure through my Mexico travels. Your support and interest in my experiences have been so encouraging to share these stories and photographs I collect along the way. Mexico is a kaleidoscope of vibrant culture, colour, and flavour. Throughout this blog, I hope I've been able to capture even just a small fraction of the beauty and diversity that this incredible place has to offer. Whether you've been inspired to plan your own Mexican adventure or simply enjoyed reading my words, I'm thankful for your presence here.
I hope you'll continue to explore the world, whether near or far, and that you'll continue to find inspiration in the stories you encounter. Stay curious, keep wandering, and never stop exploring.
¡Hasta luego, mis amigos!
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