Tuck into the best of Mexico's fresh food this month, as August brings new delights. (Inspired Pencil)
For me, summertime is all about fresh fruits and delicious salads. Refreshing citrus flavors to make my taste buds sing. We’re lucky in Mexico: Abundant fresh fruit and vegetables are everywhere in August. Here are three delicious things in season, and three delicious summer salads to enjoy!
Sweet corn: Esquites
(Cookie and Kate)
Mexico and corn go hand in hand, and I’ll take sweet corn anyway I can get it. Steamed with butter, grilled, barbecued, boiled, or on the cob, walking down the street. It’s one of Mexico’s favorite street foods for a reason: it’s delicious! A nice big cup of esquites is hard to resist, so grab a few fresh cobs and enjoy esquites at home!
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh corn kernels (cut off about 4 medium cobs of corn)
1 jalapeño minced
2 garlic cloves minced
¼ cup cotija cheese crumbled (more for garnish)
¼ cup mayonnaise (or sour cream if you prefer)
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
Chili powder, to taste
1 teaspoon chili lime seasoning (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn, butter, jalapeño and garlic, stirring occasionally for five minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool then cut off the kernels.
Add the mayonnaise, or sour cream, cotija cheese, lime, cilantro and salt. Mix thoroughly and add the chili powder to taste plus any other optional ingredients.
Garnish with a wedge of lime and sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Serve immediately.
Ejotes: Green Bean Salad with Feta
(Aggies Kitchen)
It was love at first bite the first time I made this recipe. Hands down, this is my favorite way to eat green beans. It’s the perfect recipe because it’s quick, super easy to make and bursting with flavor. Now, when I see gorgeous fresh green beans, I always grab them and make this recipe. It’s just as good the next day!
Ingredients:
350g green beans
1 red onion, finely chopped
3-4 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 radishes, sliced or diced
75 g feta
1 tsp fresh oregano (or ½ tsp dried)
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
80 ml olive oil
Cherry tomatoes halved, chopped pepper (optional to serve)
Instructions:
Steam the green beans for 5 minutes
Add beans, onion, radish, and cilantro in a bowl and sprinkle with the feta.
Whisk olive oil and red wine vinegar together and pour over.
Mix well and serve.
Cucumber: Refreshing cucumber Margaritas
(Dishes Delish)
I don’t know about you, but I love the variety of cucumbers available during summer. I can get four different types where I live! But July’s rains have finally come, so it’s time to make the most of the last days of summer. What better way than with a nice cold cucumber margarita?
With only five ingredients and taking only five minutes to make, it’s the perfect end to those hot summer days. This recipe serves five.
Ingredients:
2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped
2 ½ ounces tequila of choice (¼ cup + 1 tbsp)
2 ½ ounces triple sec (¼ cup + 1 tbsp)
2 ½ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice, (¼ cup + 1 tbsp) 2-3 limes
2 tablespoons agave
Lime wedges, for rimming
Salt for rimming
Ice cubes, for serving
Fresh mint or jalapeño (optional)
Instructions:
Pureé cucumbers in a large blender until smooth. Pour through a fine mesh strainer and into a bowl to separate the pulp and the juice.
Put the cucumber juice, tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave nectar in the pitcher. Stir to combine. Taste and add more agave if you like it a little sweeter.
Grab your glasses and run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass. Turn upside down and dip the rim in salt then fill each glass halfway with ice.
Pour the cucumber margarita into the prepared glass and serve. Add a couple of cucumber slices for garnish if desired. Freshen your Margaritaby adding fresh mint to taste, or spice it up by pressing a couple of slices of jalapeño with the back of a spoon to release its oil for a nice kick.
Bel Woodhouse, Mexico Correspondent for International Living, is an experienced writer, author, photographer and videographer with more than 500 articles published both in print and across digital platforms. Having lived in the Mexican Caribbean for over seven years now, she’s in love with Mexico and has no plans to go anywhere anytime soon.
An initial inspection found 900 kilograms of cocaine and 180 kg of methamphetamine, but a more exhaustive search by the authorities led to the discovery of 1.8 tonnes of cocaine, 232 kg of meth, 11 firearms and 24 magazines. (@Gendarmerie/X)
France announced over the weekend that officers in French Polynesia made a historic drug bust, seizing approximately US $381 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine found on a sailing vessel.
The sailboat was en route to Australia from Mexico, according to investigative reporters with Aristegui Noticias. It was boarded by French authorities after it made a stopover in Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands, one of five archipelagos that make up French Polynesia.
An initial inspection found 900 kilograms of cocaine and 180 kg of methamphetamine, but a more exhaustive search by the authorities led to the discovery of 1.8 tonnes of cocaine, 232 kg of meth, 11 firearms and 24 magazines.
Officials are calling the bust the largest narcotics haul ever recorded in the territory.
The two men on board — a Dutchman and a German — were arrested.
France’s Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau praised the work of the French Customs Service, the local gendarmes and officials with the French Office for Biodiversity.
“The State will never give in to the drug trafficking that plagues our regions,” Retailleau said in a social media post. “Throughout the country, drug traffickers will be relentlessly pursued.”
#ContreLeNarcoTrafic ❌ Saisie record en #Polynésie française !
➡️ 1,6 T de cocaïne, 232 kg de méthamphétamine, 11 armes de point et 24 chargeurs
Une excellente coopération #douanes, antenne #Ofast de Papeete et commandement de la gendarmerie de Polynésie🤝 pic.twitter.com/dvhG5XKsHD
According to the news magazine Proceso, French Polynesia is a popular route for methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking, which “primarily originates from clandestine laboratories located in Mexico.”
Traffickers take advantage of the vast expanse of ocean to ship their drugs from South American and Mexican sources to the Australian market. This makes effective patrolling by authorities extremely challenging, according to the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre.
French Polynesia’s vast maritime zone comprises 5.5 million square kilometers.
In late June, the Assembly of French Polynesia urged the French government to declare the fight against meth a national priority. The past year has seen a 28-percent rise in drug-related court cases with the increasing involvement of minors, according to Radio France Internationale.
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) reported on Friday that income from remittances totaled US $5.201 billion in June, down from $6.207 billion in the same month of 2024. (Shutterstock)
The amount of money Mexico received in remittances fell 16.2% annually in June, the largest year-over-year decline for any month in more than a decade.
Analysts partially attributed the sharp decline to fear of going out to work among Mexicans in the United States, where the U.S. government is pursuing an aggressive deportation agenda.
The vast majority of remittances to Mexico are sent from the United States, where millions of Mexicans — both documented and undocumented — live and work.
The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) reported on Friday that income from remittances totaled US $5.201 billion in June, down from $6.207 billion in the same month of 2024.
The 16.2% year-over-year decline was the biggest annual drop in remittances to Mexico for any month since September 2012. Considering only the month of June, it was the largest annual decrease on record.
“Remittances plummeted in June due to low job creation for Mexicans in the United States and the fear of migrants to go out due to the possibility of being deported,” Gabriela Siller, director of economic analysis at Banco Base, wrote on X on Friday morning.
Jesús Cervantes González, director of economic statistics at the Center for Latin American Monetary Studies, said “there are indicators that show a weakening of employment for Mexican immigrant workers in the United States.”
“That could be due both to a genuine decrease in demand for such workers and to their irregular presence at their workplaces out of fear of being deported,” he said.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has carried out immigration raids in various U.S. cities this year, including in Los Angeles in June.
United States President Donald Trump has pledged to carry out “the largest deportation operation in American history.”
Remittances declined more than 5% in first half of 2025
But in the first six months of 2025, income from remittances fell 5.6% annually to $29.576 billion, according to Banxico.
The amount of money Mexico received in remittances also declined in annual terms in May, April and February.
Siller, the Banco Base analyst, said that the data for June indicated that “remittances could continue to decline for the rest of the year, affecting consumption in Mexico.”
Analysts from the banks Banorte, BBVA, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan also believe there is a risk that remittances will continue to decline in the second half of 2025, according to the newspaper El Economista.
Analysts predict remittances will continue to decline in the second half of 2025, negatively impacting household income and spending. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
Such an eventuality would affect millions of Mexican families that depend on remittances to meet their basic needs. It would also affect the Mexican economy, reducing consumption and thus contributing to what is widely forecast to be a lower level of growth in 2025.
The United States will impose a 1% tax on remittances sent in cash on Jan. 1, 2026, prompting the Mexican government to promote a government bank card that can help Mexicans living in the United States avoid the tax.
Remittances data in detail
The $5.2 billion sent to Mexico in remittances in June came in 12.7 million individual transfers. The number of transfers declined 14.3% compared to June 2024.
The average individual remittance to Mexico in June was $409, a 2.2% annual decline. While the average remittance declined in annual terms in June, the amount was the highest since August 2024.
Mexico received 76.19 million individual remittances in the first six months of 2025, a 4.4% decline compared to the first half of 2024.
The average individual remittance in the first half of 2025 was $388, a 1.3% annual decrease.
Between January and June, 99.1% of all remittances to Mexico were sent electronically. The remaining 0.9% of remittances were “cash and kind” (0.7%) and money orders (0.2%).
The decline in the number of individual remittances to Mexico indicates that fewer Mexicans sent money home in the first half of the year.
BBVA said that “the recent actions and immigration policies of the United States government are marginally affecting” the transfer of remittances to Mexico.
The bank said that the decline in remittances to Mexico in the first half of the year is “mainly explained by a lower incorporation of new Mexican migrants to the United States labor market.”
The peso value of an average remittance declined on a sequential basis every month in first half of 2025
On Jan. 31, Banxico’s closing USD:MXN exchange rate was 20.69, whereas on April 30 it was 19.61 and on June 30 it was 18.76.
Using those rates, a $388 remittance was worth 8,027 pesos on Jan. 31; 7,608 pesos on April 30; and 7,279 pesos on June 30. Therefore, a $388 remittance was worth 9.3% less in pesos at the end of June compared to the end of January.
The Pyramid of the Magician at the Maya ruins at Uxmal in Yucatán, one of many ancient cultures considered part of the Mesoamerican region. (ecstk22/Shutterstock)
For those living in or interested in Mexico, the term “Mesoamerica” is unavoidable: Just look at how often the word comes up in Mexico News Daily.
In June of this year alone, Gabriela Solis told readers that Tenochtitlán — present-day Mexico City — was Mesoamerica’s largest city, Andrea Fischer described how New Age mumbo jumbo is passed off to unsuspecting tourists as ancient Mesoamerican wisdom and Chris Sands recalled the quesadilla’s Mesoamerican roots. But what was — or is — Mesoamerica in the first place?
What is Mesoamerica?
Major settlements in Mesoamerica.
Mesoamerica is a historical cultural area that encompasses the area from what is now central Mexico down to northwestern Costa Rica, spanning all of present-day El Salvador and Belize and the western halves of Honduras and El Salvador. Alongside Iraq, China, India, Egypt and Peru, it is recognized as one of six “cradles of civilization,” or a location where civilization originated independently.
The term “Mesoamerica” — literally “middle America” in Greek — was never used by the region’s ancient inhabitants and is relatively new. It was first coined in 1943 by the German-born anthropologist Paul Kirchhoff, who spent the second half of his life in Mexico, where he helped to found the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH).
Kirchoff’s definition of the region had to do with language and culture. Mesoamerica’s peoples spoke languages belonging to six major language families — Uto-Aztecan, Totonacan, Oto-Mangue, Mixe–Zoque, Mayan and Chibchan — as well as a handful of other families and some language isolates.
The inhabitants of Mesoamerica also had a long list of shared features in their material and intellectual cultures, and though many features also appeared in cultures outside their area, it was only in this region that they were all brought together. Archaeologists and ethnographers since Kirchhoff have built on and critiqued his original list, but most agree that Mesoamerican cultures shared traits including the following: Agriculture: The ancient peoples of Mesoamerica domesticated the turkey and dog and cultivated crops including cacao, agave, chia, cotton, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocados and — most importantly — the central trio of corn, beans and squash. They developed agricultural techniques so effective they are still used today, including terrace farming, the “floating gardens” called chinampas and the milpa system, which grows corn, beans and squash simultaneously in the same parcel.
Architecture: From Cañada de la Virgen in Guanajuato to Garrobo Grande in Nicaragua, Mesoamerica is dotted with stepped pyramids, probably the region’s most iconic type of ancient structure. Monumental public plazas and buildings oriented around the movements of the heavenly bodies are also common throughout the region, as are the courts where athletes used rubber balls to played the many variations of what archaeologists call the Mesoamerican ball game.
The calendar: Mesoamerican cultures were skilled in astronomy and developed a dual-calendar system, using a 365-day solar calendar and a sacred 260-day calendar with 13 months of 20 days each, with five inauspicious or unlucky days to complete the 365-day cycle. This system was related to Mesoamerica’s base-20 number system and the fact that 13 was a sacred number in several of the region’s cultures; the Nahuas of central Mexico, for example, believed in 13 heavens. This calendar is still used in some communities across the region: some Maya peoples of Guatemala, for example, train Day Keepers who maintain the sacred calendar for ritual purposes today.
Writing: On tanned deer skins and amate bark paper, Mesoamericans created folding books we now call codices in which they recorded the histories of their city-states and kept extensive tax records. The writing systems of Mesoamerica were diverse, including the logographic systems used by the Maya — in which a symbol represents a sound or word, as with ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs — and pictographic Mixtec writing. Tragically, countless written records were destroyed by the Spanish during the colonial period, but surviving examples continue to shed light on pre-colonization Mesoamerica.
Quetzalcoatl, or similar snake gods, were a feature of most Mesoamerican cultures. (Chocante)
Other common features of Mesoamerican cultures include a polytheistic religion featuring deities representing forces of nature and a feathered serpent god — Quetzalcoatl among the Nahua and Qʼuqʼumatz for the K’iche Maya, for example — ritual execution and self-sacrifice in the form of bloodletting, as well as specialized markets and the use of earrings.
When was Mesoamerica?
For Kirchhoff, Mesoamerica was bounded not only in space but in time, existing from roughly 2500 B.C. to 1521 of the present era. A.D. 1521 marks the fall of Tenochtitlán, the leading city of the Triple Alliance — better known as the Aztec Empire — to the Spanish and their Indigenous allies. Although several Mesoamerican peoples successfully resisted colonization for generations and dozens of cultures have survived to the present day, colonialism marked the end of Mesoamerica as a distinct cultural region in the same way as it had previously been.
Historians and archaeologists divide Mesoamerican history into five main periods. These are the Paleo-Indian, Archaic, Preclassic, Classic and Postclassic, and each is further divided into sub-periods. Mesoamerican civilization properly begins in the Preclassic, with the Paleo-Indian period seeing human beings first arrive in the region, perhaps as early as 30,000 years ago, and live as hunter-gatherers, developing agriculture and leaving the nomadic life behind in the Archaic period between around 8000 and 2000 B.C.
The Preclassic period, falling roughly between 2000 B.C. and A.D. 250, saw social complexity skyrocket and the first flourishing of great civilizations, including the Olmecs of the Gulf Coast, sometimes considered the “mother culture” of other Mesoamerican civilizations. The oldest Mesoamerican writing and calendrical systems appeared during this period.
The monumental city-states that we associate with Mesoamerica emerged during the Classic period, with the most famous example being Teotihuacán, in present-day México state. This city dominated politics and trade in the region for centuries, with its influence stretching as far away as the Maya cities of the Yucatán Peninsula — which also reached the height of their splendor in this period — and its fall around the 7th or 8th century AD created a power vacuum across Mesoamerica.
The holy city of Teotihuacán was the largest in present-day Mexico, and the most influential politically and commercially in the Mesoamerican region. (Beatriz Quintanar Hinojosa/INAH)
The post-Teotihuacán void came to be filled by the trading city of Xochicalco and later the Toltecs of present-day Tula, Hidalgo, during the Postclassic period, which lasted from A.D. 900 to 1521. The Toltecs themselves were succeeded by the Mexica (Aztecs), who at the head of the Triple Alliance between the cities of Tenochtitlán, Texococo and Tlacopan achieved control of central Mexico unseen since Teotihuacán. Whatever further consolidation might have happened under the Mexica was shattered by the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico in 1519.
Oasisamerica and Aridoamerica
You may have already noticed that, though extensive, Mesoamerica doesn’t cover all of modern-day Mexico. A great deal of it, in fact, is left out: Most of the territory of the northern border states and all of the Baja California Peninsula fall outside of the region, for example. If this wasn’t Mesoamerica, what was it?
In the 1950s, Paul Kirchhoff answered this question, building off the work he had done a decade earlier. Mesoamerica had two northern neighbors, he wrote: Arid America and Oasis America. These culture regions had essentially been created by the landscape and climate of what is now northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. The former, now called Aridoamerica by archaeologists, was inhabited by peoples like the Wixárika (Huichol), Pai Pai and Yaquis. Aridoamerica’s rough terrain and extreme climate, combined with its lack of rainfall, did not lend itself to sedentism or the consolidation of large political units and made a semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle best suited to its environment.
What is now called Oasisamerica, on the other hand, was a cultural region of farmers living in settled villages, an arrangement made possible by the milder climate and more readily available water. It spanned parts of Chihuahua, Sonora, and Baja California, as well as several states of the U.S. Southwest. The modern-day Pueblo and O’odham peoples descend from the cultures of this area, and the cliff dwellings of the U.S. Southwest are among the most striking examples of their architecture. Oasisamericans maintained much stronger links to Mesoamerica than their Aridoamerican counterparts did, farming corn and participating in complex trade networks that brought Arizonian turquoise to central Mexico and scarlet macaws from modern Veracruz to Paquimé, in what is now northwestern Chihuahua.
Writing a travel guide to Mexican culture feels like it ought to be easy, but with so much great art, architecture and history everywhere you look, it's more challenging than you might think. (Booking.com)
There’s a certain kind of traveler who comes to Mexico not just for the sun, but for the soul. The ones who understand that culture isn’t something you read in a book — it’s something you taste in a grandma’s mole poblano, hear in the rhythm of an Indigenous language, and feel in a centuries-old celebration.
It was this yearning to connect with Mexican culture that drew me to San Miguel de Allende, where I’ve lived for the past two years with my family. We were living in Playa del Carmen before that, fully embracing the outdoorsy lifestyle and international community. But something was missing: We felt like we were in a bubble, disconnected from the true spirit of Mexico.
San Miguel is, of course, a veritable mecca of Mexican culture, but there is so much more to discover across the country. (Schiffer Publishing)
When we moved our home base to San Miguel, the shift was apparent. It didn’t take long for our family to connect with the local community and build friendships with welcoming Mexicans who all eagerly shared their foods, traditions and way of life. The vibrant festivals, colorful markets and amazing people here have helped us to truly immerse in Mexican culture and get under the skin of Mexico.
In that spirit, I introduce you to the next installment of the Where to Travel in Mexico 2025 series, where we pick out the best of the country tailored to different types of travelers. Here are six destinations for culture travelers, each offering a unique window into Mexico’s identity.
Pátzcuaro: For Purépecha traditions
(Eric Sánchez/Visit Michoacán)
Forget what you think you know about Día de Muertos from animated movies. To truly understand its profound, soulful roots, you must come to the source: the Lake Pátzcuaro region in Michoacán. While the island of Janitzio gets most of the fame, the real magic is found in the smaller lakeside villages and the enchanting Pueblo Mágico of Pátzcuaro itself.
This is the heartland of the Purépecha people, a unique Indigenous group whose ancestors have existed since pre-Hispanic times. Their language, crafts and food are on full display in Pátzcuaro. My favorite thing to do here is sit by Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Mexico, listening to the Purépecha language spoken around me and getting a sense of the culture that has endured for centuries.
Here, you’ll also see women in traditional dress selling intricate embroidery and copper goods from the nearby town of Santa Clara del Cobre. With extra time, you can visit the surrounding artisan villages, each with its own specialty, from wooden masks in Tócuaro to woven reed mats in Ihuatzio. Explore the Tzintzuntzan archaeological site, the ancient capital of the Purépecha, where a majestic row of five circular pyramids stands overlooking Lake Pátzcuaro. Then take a boat to the island of Yunuén for a quieter, more authentic experience than Janitzio.
Zacatecas: For baroque architecture
(Hoteles Emporio)
If the crowds of Guanajuato or San Miguel de Allende feel overwhelming, let me introduce you to their lesser-known, equally stunning cousin: Carved from pink cantera stone and nestled in a high desert valley, Zacatecas is arguably one of Mexico’s most charming colonial cities.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Zacatecas built its wealth on silver, and that opulence is etched into every corner of its dramatic, baroque architecture. The city’s cathedral is a masterpiece of Churrigueresque detail (a dramatic style of Baroque architecture infused with Mexican touches). Don’t miss the city’s phenomenal museums — including the Rafael Coronel Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of Mexican masks and the Manuel Felguérez Museum of Abstract Art, a world-class institution set in a former seminary.
But the culture here isn’t just in the past. Zacatecas has a surprisingly edgy and artistic soul. Ride the teleférico (cable car) across the city for staggering views, and head up to Cerrito de la Fe to see the largest statue of Jesus Christ in Latin America. Then, do something you can’t do anywhere else: go clubbing inside a former mine. La Mina Club, located deep within the 16th-century El Edén mine, is an unforgettable experience.
Oaxaca’s Central Valley: For Zapotec art
(Carolina Jiménez/Cuartoscuro)
Yes, Oaxaca City is a cultural hub, but the true heart of its artistic traditions beats in the small villages that dot the surrounding valley. A visit to the Central Valley is about cultural immersion and understanding the deep connection between the Zapotec people and their land.
Basing ourselves in Oaxaca City, my family took several day trips out to the valley and found ourselves diving deep into the Zapotec culture. In San Martín de Tilcajete, we visited wood carving workshops and met artists who magically turn them into fantastical creatures known as alebrijes. In San Bartolo Coyotepec, we watched craftsmen magically transform a lump of grey clay into gleaming black pottery. I remember watching a weaver in Teotitlán del Valle dipping raw wool into a bubbling pot of marigold, transforming it into a vibrant crimson wool rug that the village is so famous for.
The best experience of all was visiting a palenque (traditional distillery), getting to know the family who owns it, and trying mezcal made the ancestral way using wood-fired pit ovens and hand-shredded agave. The stories they told were woven into the very fabric of the smoky, earthy mezcal we were sipping. Each sip carried the weight of generations, the warmth of the sun-baked earth, and the echo of their laughter around the fire.
Valladolid: For Mayan culture and cenotes
The San Bernardino convent in Valladolid. (Goats on the Road)
Just two hours from Cancún, Valladolid is a small, charming pueblo mágico with pastel-colored walls and cobblestoned streets. But beneath that Spanish veneer beats a powerful Mayan heart. You’ll see indigenous Mayan ladies strolling about town in their embroidered huipil, people speaking Mayan language and vendors selling Mayan ingredients like Achiote in the markets.
As the nearest town to Chichén Itza, Valladolid serves as an authentic base for exploring Yucatan’s wonders. While most people only pass through Valladolid on their way to the world-famous archaeological site, it’s wise to spend a few days exploring this culturally rich town. Walk the photogenic pedestrianized street Calzada de los Frailes, before exploring the immaculately preserved Convent of San Bernardino of Siena. Enjoy dinner at IX CAT IK where you can learn about Mayan cooking and try foods prepared with ancestral recipes and homegrown produce.
One of the highlights of Valladolid for me is Cenote Zaci, a semi-open cenote right in the middle of town. Plunging into that cool, impossibly clear water, in a limestone cavern dripping with vines, you feel like entering another world. For the ancient Mayans, these natural sinkholes weren’t just swimming spots; they were sacred portals to the underworld, Xibalba. On your last day, rise early to reach Chichén Itzá at 8 am (before the tour buses arrive), and you’ll have the place to yourself.
Tepoztlán: For spiritual traditions
(Wikimedia Commons)
Two hours south of Mexico City lies a town cradled in a dramatic valley topped with a pyramid-shaped cliff. Since pre-Hispanic times, Tepoztlán has been considered a place of powerful energy. Today, it’s a fascinating blend of ancient tradition, Catholic faith and New Age spirituality. It’s where you’re just as likely to see a traditional street procession as you are to find a yoga retreat or a temazcal sweat lodge.
If you’ve never tried the temazcal, this is the place to do it. The pre-Hispanic sweat lodge ceremony, led by a local guide, is an intense but incredibly cleansing experience that uses heat, steam and sacred herbs to purify the body and spirit. It’s a powerful, tangible link to Nahuatl healing traditions. Many resorts here, such as Amate Camp, also offer wellness experiences such as the traditional cacao ceremony, sound bath meditation and breathwork.
For a more profound connection to the town’s ancient roots, make the rewarding hike up the steep, forested path to the Tepozteco pyramid. Reaching the top, breathless, and looking out over the valley from this temple dedicated to the god of pulque, feels like a true pilgrimage.
Puebla city: For artistic and culinary culture
(Anil Wasif/Unsplash)
Puebla is a city of high art, and I mean that in every sense – you see it in its architecture, streets and food. I once took a cooking class here to learn the tricks to the well-known regional dish, mole poblano. This iconic sauce is a rich, flavorful blend of chiles, spices and chocolate — and the most famous version of it was created right here in Puebla.
The entire historic center feels like an open-air museum. I found myself constantly looking up, captivated by the historic buildings adorned with intricate blue and white Talavera tilework, a signature style of the region. This Poblano Baroque architectural style is particularly evident in the Capilla del Rosario within the Templo de Santo Domingo, a chapel lavishly covered in gold leaf. Entering the church feels like stepping inside a treasure box.
To soak in Puebla, start with a stroll down the famous Calle de los Dulces (Street of Sweets), where generations-old shops offer a taste of the city’s confectionary traditions. Continue to Biblioteca Palafoxiana, a magnificent wood-paneled library recognized as the first of its kind in the Americas. For a glimpse into the city’s living artistic soul, spend some time in the artisan neighborhood, Barrio del Artista, and watch painters at their easels. End your trip on a high note at the nearby El Viejo Rosario, and indulge in their decadent mole poblano.
San Cristóbal de las Casas: For social history
(Audley Travel)
The air in San Cristóbal de las Casas is thin and crisp. Perched high in the Chiapas mountains, this city is a cultural crossroads where backpackers, artists and Indigenous peoples from surrounding Tzotzil and Tzeltal villages come together. The city’s life spills out onto its network of cobblestoned andadores (pedestrian streets), flanked by centuries-old churches and amber-colored buildings.
The city hums with a palpable social and political consciousness, a direct legacy of the Zapatista movement that put Chiapas on the world stage. The 1994 uprising, led by the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN), was a fight for Indigenous rights after centuries of neglect. That history continues to shape the city’s identity today, where social justice is part of the daily conversation.
The most powerful cultural experience I had in San Cristóbal was in the village of San Juan Chamula, just 10 kilometers away. Inside the town’s famous church, the floor is covered in pine needles and families kneel among hundreds of flickering candles, chanting in Tzotzil and making offerings of Coca-Cola and pox (a local spirit), blending Mayan spirituality with Catholic belief. Note that photography is strictly prohibited in the church; please adhere to their rules as it’s a deeply sacred space that demands respect.
What’s right for each type of traveler?
We’ve put together a table summarizing which destination would suit culture travelers based on their experience in Mexico.
Beginner travelers are those with limited international experience; maybe this is their first trip to Mexico. Ideal for first-timers who prefer margaritas with training wheels. These travelers stick to well-trodden paths, mastering “¿Dónde está el baño?” while clutching a phrasebook. They thrive in destinations where guacamole arrives with optional spice and the hotel staff speak Google Translate.
Intermediate travelers are those with some international experience who can handle moderate language barriers and cultural differences. Ready to trade resorts for real-deal experiences, these travelers navigate cobblestone streets without face-planting. They’ve graduated to ordering “tres tacos al pastor” without pointing and can haggle for a sombrero in Oaxaca’s markets… but still overpay by 20%.
Advanced travelers are those with extensive experience navigating complex destinations independently. These wanderers treat Mexico like a choose-your-own-adventure novel written in Spanglish. They’ve adopted a street dog named Churro, debate the merits of different artisanal mezcals and know which mercado stall has the best tamales oaxaqueños.
Nellie Huang is a professional travel writer and author based in San Miguel de Allende with her family. She has contributed to BBC Travel, CNN, International Business Times, and National Geographic, and co-authored Lonely Planet’s 2025 Mexico guide. Read about her adventures worldwide on wildjunket.com and follow her updates on Instagram @wildjunket.
Dare to do something different with these amazing Puerto Vallarta tours. (Vallarta-adventures)
When you live in Puerto Vallarta, you become pretty good at spotting the difference between a worthwhile tour and a tourist trap. I’ve tried dozens of tours in this city over the years. Some I’d never repeat, others I still recommend to friends and family visiting without hesitation.
What makes a tour actually worth it for me is about the people. These tours are led by locals who are passionate about food, culture, wildlife, and community. They avoid the cookie-cutter scripts and deliver experiences that offer connection. These tours are engaging for everyone, from first-time visitors to residents who have been living here for years.
If you’re planning a trip (or looking for a fun way to enjoy the place you live) and looking for Puerto Vallarta tours that are actually worth your time and money, these four standout experiences rise above the rest.
1. Vallarta Food Tours: The flavors of Versalles
(Abulón Antojería del Mar/Facebook)
Let’s start with the tour that changed my course in Puerto Vallarta (literally). I signed up for the Vallarta Food Tours’ Versalles Neighborhood Tour a few years ago, not realizing that I’d end the day smitten with more than just tacos. This tour introduced me to a new culinary avenue of Puerto Vallarta, a beloved neighborhood just outside the main tourist zone, where family-run restaurants run the show.
The walking tour includes stops at spots I now frequent weekly, including El Puerco de Oro, where the pork belly tacos are slow-cooked to melty perfection, and Abulón, Antojería del Mar, a seafood-focused restaurant where the shrimp al pastor tacos are tangy and fresh, served atop fluffy blue corn tortillas. You’ll also hit places for handmade tortillas, local birria, and creative desserts. It’s a deep dive into Vallarta’s foodie scene, led by local guides who know the chefs, the stories, and the secret menus.
If you want to experience Puerto Vallarta like a resident, this tour is where to start.
2. Rhythms of the Night: Believe the hype
(Vallarta-adventures)
There are a lot of sunset cruises and dinner shows in Puerto Vallarta, but none quite like Rhythms of the Night. I was skeptical at first. A sunset boat ride, buffet dinner, and jungle performance sounded like a stretch of tourist cliches. I could not have been more wrong.
The experience begins with a scenic catamaran ride across the Bahia de Banderas just as the sun dips into the Pacific. You arrive at a secluded beach only accessible by boat, where hundreds of flickering candles line jungle paths to a stunning open-air amphitheater. Dinner is served buffet-style beneath thatched palapas by the beach, with better-than-expected food (and unlimited drinks). The show is Cirque du Soleil meets ancient Mexican mythology. The aerial acrobatics, fire dancing, and live music unfold under the stars, backed by the sound of waves.
3. Chica Locca Tours: A day on the bay
Looking for the best day trips from Puerto Vallarta?
Before you raise an eyebrow, I will confirm that yes, this is a boat tour. But no, it’s not that kind of party boat. Chica Locca Tours is an all-inclusive catamaran experience that will change your opinion of party-heavy catamaran experiences. My suggestion is to book their tour to Islas Marietas, a protected marine park famous for its volcanic rock formations, endemic wildlife, and the elusive Hidden Beach.
From the moment you board the oversized boat, complete with hammocks, bean bags, and shaded lounge spaces, you know you’re in for a comfortable ride. There’s an open bar and snacks from the get-go, but the focus is really on the water activities. You can snorkel, paddleboard, or lounge on the foam lily pads. If the tide allows, you’ll even swim through the cave to reach Hidden Beach, an experience that everyone should do at least once.
It’s family-friendly, fun, and well-run, with an enthusiastic crew that keeps things organized and upbeat without going full spring break.
4. Eco Tours Vallarta: Whale watching with a purpose
(Explora Vallarta)
From December through April, humpback whales return to Bahia de Banderas to breed, give birth, and put on one of nature’s greatest shows. While many companies offer whale-watching tours, Ecotours Vallarta stands out for its ethical and educational wildlife encounters.
Operating since 1994, Ecotours was founded by biologists and continues to be led by experts who are passionate about conservation. Each tour is small and respectful, without loud music or any crowding of the animals. Instead, the guides provide thoughtful narration about whale behavior, biology, and migration, often supported with hydrophones so you can hear the whales sing.
It’s a far cry from the crowded booze cruises that race out into the bay for a quick whale sighting. The emphasis is on understanding and observing these gentle giants without disturbing their natural way of life. It’s ideal for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a more meaningful connection with the Pacific coast’s wildlife.
Meagan Drillinger is a New York native who has spent the past 15 years traveling around and writing about Mexico. While she’s on the road for assignments most of the time, Puerto Vallarta is her home base. Follow her travels on Instagram at @drillinjourneys or through her blog at drillinjourneys.com.
Discovered in Mexico centuries ago, the world has gone wild for vanilla — a true taste of Mexico. (GoncharukMaks/Shutterstock)
Can you imagine the world of pastry without chocolate or vanilla? Both are staples of the modern dessert menu, all of them gifts from the pre-Hispanic world. But today, let’s talk about just one of them: vanilla.
Try to picture it. Half the perfumes on earth? Gone. Cakes without that signature warm sweetness? Ice cream with no baseline of vanilla to contrast more adventurous flavors? Vanilla is everywhere — and yet, few people know how deep its roots run.
(Sidath Vimukthi/Unsplash)
Tlilxóchitl
A member of the orchid family, this delicate bloom thrived along the Gulf of Mexico, from the lush jungles of Veracruz to the Yucatán Peninsula, and even as far as Michoacán and parts of Brazil. The Totonacs of Veracruz called it caxixánat. The Maya knew it as zizbic. And for the Aztecs, it was tlilxóchitl, or “black flower.”
And yet, unlike corn, beans, or squash, vanilla was never truly domesticated. Pre-Hispanic cultures harvested its pods in the wild, then dried them in the sun, releasing the rich oils responsible for its unforgettable scent and flavor. Then that precious oil was used as perfume, as sweetner to ceremonial cacao drinks and used as medicine — for coughs, digestion, even during childbirth.
In Totonac tradition, vanilla was sacred. It was offered to Kiwikgolo, the guardian god of the forest who presided over all natural life. Over centuries, the Totonacs perfected their techniques: waiting patiently for melipona bees and hummingbirds — vanilla’s only effective natural pollinators — to fertilize the flowers. Once harvested, the green pods were laid out under the sun on cloths, then wrapped in blankets to “sweat.” This laborious process, known as beneficiado, transformed the pods into the dark, wrinkled, fragrant vanilla we recognize today.
Vainilla
When Hernán Cortés returned to Spain in the early 16th century, he brought vanilla and cacao with him. The Spanish court fell in love. Soon after, it swept across Europe. Queen Elizabeth I’s personal physician used it as a spice, believing it to be an aphrodisiac. A century and a half later, Madame de Pompadour — King Louis XV’s famed mistress — did the same.
For centuries, Mexico held a global monopoly on vanilla production. But in 1841, a 12-year-old enslaved boy named Edmond Albius on the French island of Réunion (that tiny dot right next to Madagascar) discovered a method for hand-pollinating the vanilla orchid. This changed everything. France surpassed Mexico in production. Today, Madagascar and Indonesia dominate the market. Mexico, once the heart of vanilla, now ranks third.
Still, real vanilla is extraordinarily labor-intensive — and expensive. That’s where the story takes another turn.
Synthetic vanilla
In 1874, two German chemists synthesized vanillin, the primary compound responsible for vanilla’s aroma and flavor. Today, 99% of all vanilla consumed globally is synthetic. It’s in everything from soft drinks to cookies to “vanilla”-flavored protein powder. That scoop of vanilla ice cream? Probably doesn’t contain a single molecule of the real thing.
Which is why, on days when I’m feeling particularly discerning, I avoid vanilla desserts altogether — unless I’m certain they’re made with the real thing. Of course, by the next evening, I’m halfway through a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Consistency isn’t my strong suit.
The health benefits of real vanilla (yes, there are some)
Used sparingly, natural vanilla has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some early studies suggest it may have anti-cancer potential and cardiovascular benefits. The aroma alone has been linked to calming effects, better sleep, and reduced anxiety.
(Sidath Vimukthi/Unsplash)
But moderation is key. Real vanilla extract contains alcohol, and consuming too much could lead to liver damage or stomach upset — not to mention a very strange hangover.
According to researchers at Universidad Veracruzana, the recommended dose of natural extract is up to 25 drops per day, added to coffee, milk, tea, or smoothies. For baking, 3–5 ml per kilo of dough is ideal — or 1–3 grams if you’re using concentrated vanilla paste.
My go-to: Homemade vanilla greek yogurt
I love the creamy texture and health benefits of Greek yogurt, but some days I miss the unapologetic sweetness—and sugar rush—of my childhood favorite: pineapple Danone. For those moments, two or three drops of natural vanilla extract into the tub is all it takes. It’s a small ritual, but one that connects me to a time when I didn’t give a second thought to nutrition labels.
So the next time you taste vanilla — whether in a dessert, a drink, or even a fragrance — pause for a moment. Think about the flower that grows deep in the tropical forest. About the people who first gave it meaning. About the long journey from sacred orchid to synthetic stand-in.
Do you use real vanilla in your kitchen? Or are you just now discovering what you’ve been missing? Let’s talk in the comments.
María Meléndez is a Mexico City food blogger and influencer.
Immigration goes hand in hand with social tension, but also incredible opportunites for bicultural connection and even economic growth. What would happen if Mexico decides to open its doors wider to immigrants? (Shutterstock)
For those of you already wishing to tune me out based on the title alone, please stick with me and let’s look at some facts and figures that will help to connect the dots on my argument.
The foreign-born population of Mexico — and Americans in particular — have been getting a lot of attention lately.
(Please don’t scold me for using the term “American.” I am aware that all people born in the Americas are technically Americans but right or wrong, most people refer to people born in the United States as Americans and I will do the same in this article.)
Some would say the fuse was first lit with foreigners complaining about local music on the beach in Mazatlán or others asking for “salsa que no pica.” Here in San Miguel de Allende, the tension is usually around foreigners complaining about the fireworks and the stress it causes on their dogs. Imagine for a moment a foreign-born population moving into the United States and complaining about how a local long-standing tradition negatively affected their dogs … How well would that go over?
Tensions, of course, have heated up recently with anti-gentrification protests in certain neighborhoods of Mexico City — as well as valid complaints about rapidly rising rents, English-language menus and increasingly bland salsas. But as is often the case in emotionally charged issues, facts and figures tend to be overlooked. So let’s take a minute to review some of them with respect to the foreign population and foreign visitors in Mexico.
Mexico has a population of 132 million people, of which an estimated 1.6 million are American, 400,000 are Canadian, and another several hundred thousand are from Central America, South America, Europe and the rest of the world. Reasonable estimates would be a maximum of 2.5 million foreign-born people in the country — less than 2% of the population. Americans make up around 1.2% of the population in Mexico.
Americans make up 1.2% of the population in Mexico — far less than Mexicans in the United States. (Edgar Negrete Lira/Cuartoscuro)
For some perspective, the foreign-born population in the United States is now over 53 million or nearly 16% of the population. People of Mexican origin living in the United States make up almost 12% of the U.S. population. The foreign-born population in Canada is now 8.4 million or nearly 22% of the population. In other words, the foreign-born population in the United States is eight times more than Mexico’s while Canada’s is 11 times more. Other big countries with large economies in Europe also have significant foreign-born populations. To name a few, Germany’s foreign-born population is 21%, the United Kingdom’s is 17%, and in France it’s 14%.
A major influx of foreign-born residents does not come without its problems and challenges. We have seen first hand across the globe how a large inflow of foreigners (especially when it happens quickly) has caused problems with housing availability and costs, the labor market, and at times led to social issues. In many countries, a rightward move in politics has occurred, with anti-immigrant or closed border candidates increasingly winning elections. That being said, most would agree that immigrantion has a net positive affect on a country — due to everything from an influx of labor, an increase in GDP, and an increased richness of culture in everything from food to traditions to music. Imagine for a moment the U.K. without Indian food! 🙂
So let’s look specifically at Americans in Mexico. To begin with, they are spread out across the country. Even San Miguel de Allende, which has been “ground zero” for gringo-gentrification in Mexico for decades, is still less than 10% American. Think about that for a minute: The Mexican city with the highest percentage of Americans and a nearly 100 year history of American residents is still at only 10% … compared to the ENTIRE United States being 12% Mexican. The exact number of Americans living in Mexico City is difficult to estimate, but even if you take the very highest estimates, it is still far below one half of one percent of the city’s population!
But there’s another important aspect to the foreign-born population discussion, beyond the raw numbers: What impacts are the foreigners having? In the case of immigrants in the United States and Canada, most people would agree that they are often coming to work, earn more money and give a better life to their families. Arguments have been made that they are “taking jobs from locals,” but they tend to be quite weak and with little evidence. That being said, immigrants are likely suppressing wages in some areas and certain industries. They are also often putting a strain on everything from housing to schools to medical resources to government services. In other words, they provide a clear economic benefit, but also create some very real and difficult strains on local communities.
Rising home prices caused in part by a short-term rental boom have strained housing supply in Mexico City and other areas of the country. (Gatitos contra la desigualdad/X)
In the case of Americans and Canadians in Mexico, the vast majority historically have come to retire. They buy or rent a home and spend their retirement money locally. They are rarely taking the job of a local, and likely not putting a strain on public schools, public housing, government services, or public healthcare. They are certainly contributing to housing prices rising in many areas. They likely don’t pay any payroll or income taxes (as they often aren’t working) but they pay property taxes on their homes and IVA taxes on items that they buy.
I looked into the number of foreign tourists coming into the country as a percentage of total population to see if that might be part of what makes it “feel like” there are more foreigners in Mexico. In 2024, Mexico had nearly 45 million international tourists — 34% of the population. That compares to 72 million international tourists to the U.S., representing 21% of the population. Canada’s 2024 international tourist arrivals were almost 20 million, or 48% of the population. In Spain, which has experienced a backlash in tourism levels, the number of international tourists as a percentage of the total population is a whopping 193%! In the UK it is 61%, France 146% and Italy 116%. Based on this data, Mexico in comparison still receives a relatively low number of international tourists given the size of its population.
A final consideration and very important reality check — Mexico’s economy is not growing. In GDP growth it has underperformed compared to the U.S. for years, and current expectations for this year, 2026 and even 2027 are for flat growth at best. With tariff threats on Mexican-made goods and a U.S. push for reshoring of manufacturing in the U.S. (versus in Mexico), growth might even be negative for years to come.
In a previous article, I argued that Mexico’s economy needs a rethink. I think a big part of that rethink needs to focus on how to attract significantly more foreigners (and yes, Americans) to the country to vacation, live, work and invest. A focused plan to attract two times more tourists and five times more foreign residents would have a hugely positive impact on Mexico in terms of investment and economic growth. This influx of foreigners most certainly would not come without its share of headaches, but an economy that has a large young population and no economic growth will have other significant issues. For those of you that disagree with my thinking here, what would you suggest to get the economy going again and improve living standards for many?
I think that is such an important point. As the foreign-born population coming to Mexico to live, work and vacation likely continues to grow, it will become more important than ever for them to take María’s comments seriously. For sure there will be issues — cost of living increases, being offered bland salsa options in restaurants, increasingly being asked if we have any allergy restrictions, and too many people (including myself) wearing shorts in the cities. That being said, I have no doubt that the net impact of a lot more Americans (and foreigners in general) in Mexico would be a positive one.
You can be assured that Mexico News Daily will do our part in helping these new arrivals better understand and respect the country and its wonderful people.
Travis Bembenek is the CEO of Mexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for nearly 30 years.
