Of Mexico's 289 beaches, 273 are considered “clean." (Unsplash)
Heading to your favorite Mexican beach anytime soon? If so, you might first want to check Playas MX, a new smartphone application designed to provide real-time updates on seawater quality at 289 beaches in 17 coastal states.
Available for free through both Google Play and the App Store, the app was developed jointly by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris).
During the platform’s official launch earlier this month, Semarnat head Alicia Bárcena said the app will allow “people to have timely information about the water quality of our beaches from their cell phones … Mexicans [have a] right to know which beaches they can go to without problems.”
“We would like to achieve plastic-free beaches, and that’s why working in synergy with Cofepris seems fantastic to demonstrate the quality of the seawater that residents will encounter,” Bárcena said. “We want to reduce coastal pollution and, of course, restore ecosystems like mangroves.”
During her speech, Bárcena emphasized that “in Mexico, we have 12,000 kilometers of beaches and 3 million square kilometers of maritime surface, equivalent to 62% of the national territory.”
With the app, people can get information — or provide it.
“People can tell us if a beach isn’t as clean as reported, or give us suggestions,” Bárcena added.
Available for free through both Google Play and the App Store, Playas MX was developed jointly by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) and the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris). (Alicia Bárcena/X)
The app displays monitoring results from 393 sampling points, reflecting data collected during the 2025 summer vacation season.
According to Cofepris, 94% of the beaches tested meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards: fewer than 200 colony-forming units of fecal enterococci per 100 milliliters. In all, there are 273 such “clean” beaches (some beaches had more than one testing point) — including a top 10 cited in Mexico News Daily.
The worst-rated beaches are Tijuana Beach I (Baja California); El Real Beach (Tecomán, Colima); Carabalí, Hornos, Caletilla and Papagayo beaches (Acapulco, Guerrero); Cuale and Camarones beaches (Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco);Mismaloya Beach (south of Puerto Vallarta); La Bocana Beach (Huatulco, Oaxaca); and Nexpa, Boca de Apiza, Jardín, Las Peñas, Chuquiapan and Caleta de Campos (Michoacán coast).
“Samples collected during the July period indicated that bacterial concentrations exceed the permissible limit of 200 MPN/100 ml, which represents a risk to the health of bathers,” authorities noted.
Exposure may cause “gastrointestinal, dermatological and respiratory infections.”
Armida Zúñiga Estrada, the head of Cofepris, the federal agency charged with protecting the public by regulating health-related risks, called the Playas MX app “a technological innovation that offers reliable data on the microbiological monitoring of primary contact water.”
The app features geolocated search, color-coded suitability indicators and a feedback section for users.
With Mexico ranking as the world's seventh most visited country in 2025, properties from Los Cabos to Mexico City offer profitable investment opportunities for rentals and resale. (Selva & Co Realty)
Whether for vacation, living or investment purposes, having a property to stay in or rent out that’s near a major airport is a great idea; a destination within convenient reach of the airport will automatically increase your property’s value.
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mexico, featuring some of the world’s busiest airports, is currently ranking as the seventh most visited country in 2025. So, if you’re thinking about buying a vacation property for yourself or to rent out as a business investment, one thing you’ll want to consider is how close your purchase is to an airport.
To give you an idea of the possibilities out there, let’s take a look at some examples of excellent real estate investment options you can find within an hour of an international airport in some of Mexico’s most popular destinations.
Baja California Sur
A property near San José del Cabo’s Costa Azul beach is a competitive vacation rental. (Selva & Co Realty)
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is an example of what’s available in the heart of San José del Cabo‘s desirable hotel zone, directly in front of stunning Costa Azul beach. It boasts the kind of tourist-friendly amenities you’ll want to look for in this sort of property, such as a common area with an exquisitely designed pool, breathtaking views, a gym and a tennis court. Spanning 158 square meters (1,700 square feet) in a prime location, this is a perfect example of an excellent investment property candidate you can rent out or resell easily.
Sleep in peace by the ocean in your own getaway in quieter Cozumel. (Immuebles 24)
Quintana Roo has the blockbuster tourist destination of Cancún, of course, but you might also consider Cozumel, where you can find beachfront apartments like this 190-square-meter (2,045 square feet) standout, located on Cozumel’s west side — which sees little sargassum — close to Cozumel International Airport. It offers stunning views, tennis courts and excellent common areas, including a dining room, a gym and a pool. Are you seeing a pattern? These are the amenities to find in a place you plan to rent out to vacationers.
In addition to having quick access to Cozumel International Airport, you can easily access Cancún International Airport from Cozumel as well, via a one-hour ferry ride.
Playa del Carmen, located an hour from Cancún International Airport, is one of the cities in the Mexican Caribbean with the highest added value. Property prices here can naturally get steep, so if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, look outside the hotel zone for something like this two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment, located closer to where full-time residents live but still a taxi ride away from the heart of the party.
This modern property spans a more modest 89 square meters (957 square feet) but still includes a pool, gym and grill area in the complex. Located just 10 minutes from the beach and surrounded by picturesque, lush vegetation, this is the kind of destination popular with vacationers who want a quieter beach getaway not surrounded by partiers.
Yucatán
A modern home with traditional Mexican décor touches in downtown Mérida? Yes please! And still less than an hour from Mérida International Airport. (Global Realty Bienes Raíces)
Situated in the heart of lovely, safe downtown Mérida, this sort of home has significant added value. With amenities like a lovely lap pool, high ceilings, a blend of colonial and modern architectural styles and a spacious living room, this two-bedroom property is an excellent option for investment, for living in yourself full-time or for use as a vacation home. It’s also located less than one hour from Mérida International Airport.
Have you heard of Chelem, a fishing village not far from Mérida that’s becoming a more popular destination with expats? For those who like a quieter vacation or retirement destination, Chelem’s beautiful beaches, friendly locals and chill vibe is still a place you can find an ample, reasonably priced apartment like this four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 185-square-meter beauty right in front of the beach. It also includes a jacuzzi, a garden, a large terrace and an infinity pool with sea views in the common areas. The property also offers 24-hour security and even a bar.
Chelem appeals to folks who like to rent a beach house rather than stay in a resort. The town provides the charm of interacting with locals, but you won’t lack basic everyday services like supermarkets. It’s an acceptable 48 minutes from Mérida International Airport.
Jalisco
Sayulita, a beach town still surrounded by plenty of untouched jungle, attracts surfers and wellness seekers wanting a bohemian, less developed vibe. (MOOBI Expertos Inmobiliarios)
It’s still possible to find affordable luxury in the charming beach town of Sayulita, like this exceptional though tinier 60-square-meter apartment (645 square feet) with a view of the ocean, yet just an hour from Puerto Vallarta International Airport.
Here you can still find spectacular views of the ocean and the surrounding jungle. This development, for example, features its own infinity pool and beautifully designed common areas, which include a pool, restaurant and bar.
In Puerto Vallarta, there are still opportunities to be found like Casa Muñeca, a 4,232-square meter (45,552 square feet) home in the downtown. This sort of property — which embodies rustic colonial Mexican charm with its traditional adobe walls, high ceilings and talavera tiles — is the kind of property that vacation renters looking for a traditional, more authentic Mexico experience will love.
View from the terrace of Casa Muñeca, the kind of expansive, well-located homes you can find in Puerto Vallarta’s Gringo Gulch. (Puerto Vallarta Sotheby´s International Realty)
Of course, you’ll pay a lot more for a property like this — closer to U.S. prices — but with three bedrooms and details like stunning views of the sea, a picturesque rooftop palapa, and a mother-in-law apartment on the ground floor, this property in PV’s Gringo Gulch neighborhood could be considered part of the city’s cultural heritage.
For more affordable options, there’s the town of San Juan Cosalá, just a half hour from the popular expat haven of Chapala and a mere 9 kilometers outside of Ajijic. Here you can find properties like Casa Trinidad, a 350-square meter (3,767 square feet), four-bedroom, five-bathroom home with a pool sited on a 717-square-meter (7,717 square feet) lot. Part of an exclusive development of eight luxury homes that share gardens and recreational areas, it’s a reasonable 50 minutes from Guadalajara International Airport.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a popular destination with plenty of new builds. But if you love Mexico’s historic architecture, buildings like this with traditional facades but with modernized interiors are available in some of the capital’s most central neighborhoods. (Espiral BR Desarrollos)
And finally, yes, you can still find great properties in the heart of Mexico’s capital, for far less than you’d pay for a condo in many comparable U.S. or Canadian metropolitan hubs.
This 10-apartment development, for example, located in the iconic Santa María La Ribera neighborhood, features two- and three-bedroom apartments with a throwback California Mission-style facade but with updated, modern interiors. Located in the central Cuauhtémoc borough, one of Mexico City’s most valuable areas, it’s the kind of property that you’ll always be able to rent or simply enjoy whenever you visit.
Ana Paula de la Torre is a Mexican journalist and contributor for Milenio, Animal Político, Vice, Newsweek en Español, Televisa and Mexico News Daily.
The protesters — including many university students — walked from the Alameda Central Park to the Zócalo, the capital's central square. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
Around 200 people participated in an anti-gentrification march in Mexico City on Saturday, the third such protest in the capital this month.
The “Third March Against Gentrification” began at the Benito Juárez Hemicycle in the Alameda Central Park in the historic center of Mexico City on Saturday afternoon.
The protesters — including many university students — walked to the Zócalo, the capital’s central square, and subsequently returned to the departure point before the march concluded at the nearby Juárez metro station, the Mexico City government said in a statement.
The government said that the march “took place peacefully” and noted that “various collectives” and citizens expressed their “rejection of the phenomenon of social displacement and the increase in the cost of housing in different areas of the city.”
The protesters had planned to march to the United States Embassy on Mexico City’s famous Paseo de la Reforma boulevard, but took a last-minute decision to change the route.
“Previous [anti-gentrification] demonstrations occurred in the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods on July 4 and the Tlalpan neighborhood on July 20. Some in those groups vandalized property and threw rocks at people perceived to be foreigners. U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid the demonstration area,” it said.
Foreigners, especially U.S. citizens, have been blamed for causing, or at least exacerbating, gentrification in certain neighborhoods of Mexico City, such as Roma and Condesa.
‘Decent housing for Mexicans’; ‘Get out Airbnb!’
Among the placards held up by protesters during Saturday’s march were ones that read, “Decent housing for Mexicans”; “Get out Airbnb”; “The [historic] center is not for sale; and “Our neighborhood is not a warehouse.”
The final message alluded to the fact that scores of buildings in the historic center of Mexico City have been turned into warehouses to store goods sold at Chinese-operated shopping plazas.
Protesters also denounced the ubiquity of short-term accommodation in Mexico City’s downtown and other parts of the capital.
“Many buildings that were [long-term rental] apartments, offices or hotels before have been turned into properties exclusively dedicated to short-term rentals, Airbnbs in other words,” a young man identified only as Leonardo told the newspaper Reforma.
“In that process, families have been displaced,” he said.
The news outlet Sin Embargo reported that protesters also chanted anti-United States slogans during Saturday’s march. “To gentrify is to colonize,” said a message scrawled in graffiti on a roller shutter protecting a shop.
As was the case at the previous anti-gentrification protests this month, some demonstrators carried Palestine flags to demonstrate their support for the besieged residents of Gaza and their opposition to Israel.
At the end of the protest, members of the collective Frente Joven por la Vivienda (Youth Front for Housing) pledged to “defend our neighborhoods, our histories and our way of living,” Sin Embargo reported.
“… What unites us is not just anger, but also our hope for a better tomorrow,” they said, adding that they would continue their fight until “living in dignity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
Weapons seized and Metro station vandalized
While the Mexico City government reported that the march took place peacefully and concluded “without incidents,” it did acknowledge that police seized “various objects” that “could have been used to attack or cause damage to public furniture.”
The seized items included bats, chains and a hammer as well as a “backpack that contained a Molotov cocktail and aerosol paint,” the government said.
The confiscation of the weapons reportedly provoked scuffles between police and protesters.
The Mexico City government noted in its statement that police and other officials accompanied the protesters during the entire march. The government said that their presence — which was opposed by the protesters — prevented “confrontations” and encouraged “an orderly and safe protest.”
Foreigners, especially U.S. citizens, have been blamed for causing, or at least exacerbating, gentrification in certain neighborhoods of Mexico City, such as Roma and Condesa. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)
However, police and other officials were unable to stop a group of protesters from defacing parts of the interior of the Juárez metro station with graffiti.
Gentrification — an issue that isn’t going away
Saturday’s march came two weeks after Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced that her government would create thousands of affordable housing units as part of a long-term strategy to tackle gentrification.
Last October, Mexico City’s Congress approved a reform that established a 180-day-per-year limit on online vacation rentals, including Airbnb, and prohibited government-built social housing from being rented to tourists via online rental platforms.
According to the Youth Front for Housing, the “next step” in the fight against gentrification in the capital will be the staging of the first “Regional Conference against Gentrification and Dispossession” at the National Autonomous University (UNAM) on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Members of the collective said they aren’t against change per se, but are opposed to “change that excludes and erases us.”
“Gentrification is not development,” they said. “It’s dispossession disguised as progress.”
The island of Cozumel, along Mexico's Caribbean coast, receives 66% of visiting cruise ship passengers. (Elizabeth Ruiz/Cuartoscuro)
Shifting political tides and growing ecological concerns have put plans for a cruise ship dock on hold in the Caribbean island of Cozumel in the state of Quintana Roo.
The suspension was announced last week by Muelles del Caribe, the company in charge of the project, after lengthy discussions with the federal Environment Ministry (Semarnat) and state authorities.
Ayer tuvimos el privilegio de bucear en el área en donde pretenden construir el cuarto muelle en la isla de Cozumel.
Habíamos dado una leída al manifiesto de impacto ambiental y nos imaginamos un arenal con uno que otro ejemplar y ya.
— Guillermo DChristy 🇲🇽🇺🇦 (@gchristy65) June 15, 2025
The new dock was originally approved by Semarnat in December 2021 and the ministry issued a concession title in January 2022, but the project has faced increasing opposition ever since.
Especially vocal were activists and local tourism operators who claimed the dock would damage the Villa Blanca coral reef located just outside the island’s national marine park.
Greenpeace called the project “the continuation of a massive, predatory tourism model driven by a handful of private interests that devours nature and excludes the local population.”
Emergency responders also voiced concern, saying the pier project — which would occupy 59,000 square meters of federal maritime zone — would obstruct Coast Guard routes and potentially inhibit rescue missions in southern waters.
Construction on the dock — which would have been Cozumel’s fourth pier for cruise ships — had not yet begun as Muelles de Caribe was awaiting the issuance of municipal permits.
During a July 4 visit to Cozumel, Environment Minister Alicia Bárcena said the project “was causing more problems than solutions.” (@aliciabarcena/X)
In a statement, the company said it had agreed to “a suspension” of the project.
“This determination reflects our firm commitment to social, environmental and corporate responsibility, and reaffirms our dedication to the sustainable economic development of the island of Cozumel and the state of Quintana Roo,” the company said in a press release.
However, on July 17, Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón said City Hall would not approve the new pier, adding that he had sent a letter to federal officials stating just that.
According to Cozumel authorities, in 2023, nearly 8.8 million people arrived on the island, which is home to roughly 110,000 people. In mid-April, officials were expecting upward of 80,000 tourists during Easter Week alone.
The proposed pier consists of an L-shaped dock covering 1.16 hectares with capacity for 362 meter-long ships. The project also features a terminal building for passenger boarding and disembarking and a road linking the dock to downtown Cozumel.
August is a quiet time in Los Cabos, the perfect moment to take advantage of the array of the regular monthly events taking place. (Arturo Verea/Shutterstock)
August is the slowest month of the year for big events in Los Cabos, slower even than September, which at least offers the fiestas patrias associated with Mexico’s Independence Day. Indeed, outside of Bisbee’s East Cape Offshore, which started in July and concludes during the first few days of August, there are no major events scheduled in Los Cabos this month.
That’s not to say, however, that there aren’t plenty of things worth doing, and this seems an opportune time to spotlight some of the smaller, often recurring events at area hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants.
Not only does this class offer the opportunity to tour the property of one of the most acclaimed farm-to-table restaurants in Los Cabos, but it also provides participants with a chance to learn how to prepare a few delicious Mexican specialties from scratch.
Dates: Weekdays, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in August Location: Acre Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, C. Rincón de las Animas, Animas Bajas, San José del Cabo Cost: 2,100 pesos per person
Best known as a 29-key boutique hotel in the heart of San José del Cabo’s Gallery District, Drift also prides itself on its weekly Yoga + Mimosas event, held each Saturday. The yoga and first mimosa are complimentary for those who RSVP, but rental mats for non-guests or brunch afterward at Drift Kitchen + Mezcal Bar are extra.
Dates: Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Location: Drift, Miguel Hidalgo 613, Gallery District, San José del Cabo Cost: The class is free, but RSVP to ensure space availability
Some things never go out of style. For instance, jazz and martinis have each achieved classic and forever stylish status. Up to four signature examples of the iconic cocktail are featured on Saturday nights at elegant, Ritz-Carlton-based Humo.
Dates: Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Location: Zadún, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Blvd. Mar de Cortez, San José del Cabo Cost: Call (624-172-9000) for reservations
Playa Grande, a beachfront resort under the Grupo Solmar banner, celebrates traditional Mexican music and dancing each Monday night with its Fiesta Mexicana. Mexican culinary favorites are also featured, with tacos and margaritas headlining the buffet and open bar.
Dates: Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25 Location: Playa Grande, Playa Grande 1, Cabo San Lucas Cost: US $52 for adults, free for children 5 and under
If you can’t catch dinner while shore fishing in the Pacific Ocean at luxury resort Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, don’t worry. Your chef guide has fresh fish and ceviche to serve up for this memorable breakfast activity.
Viceroy Los Cabos has been showcasing cocktails from some of the world’s best bartenders this summer. In June, it was Kevin Tocino from Aruba Day Drink in Tijuana. This August, it’s Claudia Cabrera from Kaito del Valle in Mexico City.
Dates: Aug. 7 Location: Viceroy Los Cabos, Zona Hotelera, San José del Cabo Cost: Open to guests of the resort, rates start at US $500 per night
Retro music from the 1980s and ’90s rules during weekly Boogie Nights at Rooftop 360, the bar with spectacular views set above Playa El Médano at Corazón Cabo Resort and Spa. Women enjoy two-for-one prices on domestic drinks from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Chris Sands is the Cabo San Lucas local expert for the USA Today travel website 10 Best, writer of Fodor’s Los Cabos travel guidebook and a contributor to numerous websites and publications, including Tasting Table, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, Porthole Cruise, Cabo Living and Mexico News Daily. His specialty is travel-related content and lifestyle features focused on food, wine and golf.
Ever-increasing investment and development aimed at tourism has brought Puerto Vallarta to international prominence, but the rapid pace threatens to permanently erase any collective memory of its history. (Hello Cinthia/Shutterstock)
Puerto Vallarta has become one of Mexico’s most recognizable tourism success stories. Its skyline silhouette of hacienda-style, all-inclusive resorts alongside luxury condos is a testament to its appeal among both sunseekers and investors. But long before resorts lined the Marina or high-rises climbed the Conchas Chinas cliffs, this port town was a rural fishing and trading village tucked between jungle-covered mountains and the curve of Banderas Bay.
But that history is in danger of being forgotten, thanks to decades of investment and development in Puerto Vallarta as a tourism destination. But there are still traces of that history, if you know where to look.
There is still history in Vallarta for those who try to seek it out. (Shutterstock)
To walk the cobblestone streets of its historic center today is to glimpse the enduring spirit of a Vallarta that existed before the tourism boom — one of riverside washerwomen, stevedores at the pier and evenings spent in the plaza sharing stories and tamales.
“‘Old Vallarta’ is a fond memory and a collective recollection filled with nostalgia,” says Lic. Moisés Hernández López, the city’s official chronicler. “It was a period marked by strong community relations, a human scale in everyday life and a pace distinct from what urban development would later impose.”
Though difficult to pinpoint to one decade, “old Vallarta” is generally considered the era between 1920 — when Las Peñas officially became the municipality of Puerto Vallarta — and the early 1960s, just before the arrival of modern tourism.
Hernández describes a tightly knit community shaped by both its natural surroundings and its isolation.
“Puerto Vallarta’s uniqueness lay in its geographic isolation, combined with a strong community identity. The town was a crossroads of maritime trade and agricultural life, where cooperation and solidarity were everyday realities,” he says.
The early economy relied on fishing, copra (coquito oil) extraction, tobacco, plantains and the high-end wood trade. Tile-making, brickmaking, and the physically demanding port work defined the town’s labor force. Infrastructure milestones such as the arrival of electric lighting and the telegraph brought progress, but never eclipsed the community’s collective spirit.
Licienciado Moisés Hernández López is Puerto Vallarta’s official cronista, or chronicler. He is on a mission to preserve the memory of Puerto Vallarta’s history. (Moises Hernández López/Facebook)
That sense of cohesion still pulses in certain corners of the city. According to Hernández, Puerto Vallarta’s historic center — which is not, in fact, the Zona Romantica, but rather the area that stretches from Calle 31 de Octubre to the Cuale River — is one of the “last bastions” of the city’s earliest identity.
“It preserves the original layout of the old Villa de Las Peñas,” he explains, referring to the original 19th-century settlement that would become Puerto Vallarta.
Here, the parish church of Our Lady of Guadalupe rises above the rooftops, an enduring spiritual and architectural symbol. Hernández is quick to name the Saucedo Theater as another historic landmark worth attention.
Designed in 1922 by Italian architect Ángel Corsi — who also designed various historic buildings in Guadalajara — Puerto Vallarta’s Saucedo Theater became a gathering space for cinema, music and community events, with its significance lingering long after its lights dimmed.
As for the maritime heritage, the leading lights, popularly known as the Vallarta lighthouses, are still preserved. One is located on the malecón at Calle Morelos, and the other is on Matamoros Street at the foot of the hill. Both were built to guide ships and are now considered historical heritage sites. The Matamoros lighthouse, in particular, has been adopted as a popular lookout point for its views of the bay and the historic center.
But perhaps the deepest traces of old Vallarta are not found in stone or plaster, but in tradition. The December pilgrimages in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe still wind through the streets, a tradition so integral to Vallarta’s identity that it has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by the state of Jalisco.
Likewise, the paseadas of Las Palmas (picnic-style horseback rides hosted by long-established families) and the charrería equestrian tradition kept alive by local families like the Ibarrias, echo the town’s rural roots.
“There are still palaperos (trained constructors of palapas), tile-makers, and fishermen who carry on the old trades,” Hernández notes, though they face increasing pressure from modernization, he says.
“Simple but meaningful customs, such as chatting on the sidewalk, sharing food with neighbors, or participating in social gatherings, have gradually disappeared,” Hernández says. “The arrival of tourism transformed daily rhythms and altered the relationship between the space and its inhabitants.”
One way to learn about Puerto Vallarta’s history is to talk to people who lived through it, says Hernández. Talk to longtime Vallarta residents you meet in everday life on the street or at the municipal market. (Puertovallarta.net)
And that, he warns, is the biggest threat to Vallarta’s soul: Rapid growth, land speculation and short-sighted development have often treated the city’s memory as expendable.
“The past has too often been seen as a hindrance to development, rather than as a foundation for the future,” he says. “But memory, when well managed, can be a valuable tourism and economic asset.”
Still, signs of hope remain. Preservation efforts have gained momentum, both from official bodies and grassroots collectives. The historic center is a protected zone, even if enforcement is inconsistent. Nonprofit groups and academics are working to catalog buildings in Puerto Vallarta, interview elders and train new generations of historians.
“There’s a growing network of artists, architects and scholars committed to preserving our heritage,” says Hernández. “And young people are beginning to show interest, too, recognizing that history isn’t something distant but something you can see in the window grills, the rooftops, and the voices of your neighbors.”
If you want to experience the old Puerto Vallarta, he suggests starting with an early morning stroll through the historic center. Cross the suspension bridge over the Cuale. Visit the market and taste its food. Climb the hill to the Matamoros lighthouse for a quiet moment of reflection. And, most importantly, talk to the locals — from the fishermen and the vendors to the abuelos on park benches.
“There, between words and silence,” he says, “you will find a true haven of Puerto Vallarta.”
As the city hurtles into its next chapter, shaped by foreign investment, real estate speculation and rapid expansion, these last bastions of Vallarta’s history serve as both anchor and guidepost. They remind us that heritage is not merely what we preserve in stone but also what we choose to carry forward in spirit.
Because without memory, even paradise can lose its way.
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.
No experience required: Tandem paragliding in Valle de Bravo offers heart-pounding thrills just two hours from Mexico City. (Nellie Huang)
The wind whips across my face as the paraglider whisks me high into the air. My feet, which were just running frantically off the edge of a mountain, now dangle 1,000 feet above ground. The town of Valle de Bravo sprawls into the distance — a patchwork of green fields blanketing the wooded mountains, punctuated by the deep-blue lake.
This is the Mexico I fell in love with. My real passion for this country wasn’t born on a beach in Cancún but in moments just like this: moments of breathless wonder, of heart-pounding thrill. It’s a feeling I’ve chased across the country, from the rugged slopes of Chihuahua’s Copper Canyon to the waterfall-studded region of Huasteca Potosina to the sultry jungles of Chiapas.
One of the few megadiverse nations on the globe, playing host to over 10% of the world’s species, Mexico is an ideal destination for outdoor adventure travelers who love to get outside and interact with nature. (Nellie Huang)
Mexico, teeming with life, is one of the world’s few megadiverse nations. Over 90 million hectares — an area larger than the United Kingdom and France combined — are designated natural protected areas. There is so much to explore beyond the busy coastlines and tourist-popular spots.
In this edition of the Where to Travel in Mexico 2025 series, we venture into the untamed and explore six of Mexico’s best spots for outdoor adventurers. Pack your boots, and get ready to head into the wild!
Valle de Bravo: For mountain bikers and paragliders
Destinations in Mexico like Valle de Bravo offer perfect conditions year-round for paragliding, allowing outdoor lovers to soar high above breathtaking landscapes. (Nellie Huang)
This lakeside town, snuggled in pine-forested mountains two hours south of Mexico City, is far more than just a pretty Pueblo Mágico. Its unique geography creates reliable thermals, making it a bucket-list destination for paragliders and hang gliders. As the owner of Flumen Paragliding School shares with me, it’s one of the few places on Earth where it’s possible to fly all year round, thanks to the perfect weather conditions.
Tandem paragliding, where you’re strapped to a professional pilot, requires no experience or specific fitness level.My 10-year-old daughter tried paragliding for the very first time in Valle de Bravo and could not get enough of it. Marko, her pilot, kept her safe, gave her clear instructions and made her feel confident throughout the flight. Upon landing, the first thing she said was, “Again! Again! I want to do it again!”
But Valle’s appeal isn’t just in the sky. The surrounding mountains are crisscrossed with world-class mountain biking trails. Living for Bikes rents out high-quality bikes and has a bike park where you can practice technical descents and jumps. Lake Avándaro itself is a playground for sailing, water skiing and stand-up paddleboarding. The calm and peaceful waters, together with the warm air that blows in from the coast of Michoacán, bring in excellent gusts for sailing.
Huasteca Potosina: For waterfall chasers
The stunning Minas Viejas waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina area of San Luis Potosí is a highlight outdoor adventure travelers shouldn’t miss. (Nellie Huang)
The Huasteca Potosina is a natural playground for those who love splashing around dreamy cascades and swimming in jade green natural pools. This region in the state of San Luis Potosí is a crumpled landscape of limestone karsts carved by impossibly turquoise rivers. The result is a wonderland of hundreds of waterfalls, caves and crystalline pools perfect for a high-octane itinerary.
Prepare to get wet and your heart pumping! A typical week involves white-water rafting on the Class III rapids of the Tampaón River, rappelling down the 167-foot Minas Viejas waterfall and cliff-jumping into the cerulean pools at Puente de Dios. To tone it down a notch, you can hop on a boat to get up close to Cascada Tamul — it does not flow year round; be sure to check before booking — or go ziplining and skybiking over the Cascada Micos.
Those with kids can also spend a frolicking good time at the family-friendly Cascada Tamasopo, complete with Tarzan swings and jumping boards. Just avoid visiting during the Mexican holidays, and you should have the waterfalls all to yourself.
El Potrero Chico: For rock climbers
Climbers from across the globe are drawn to El Potrero Chico’s dramatic, spired peaks and hundreds of bolted routes. (Government of Nuevo León)
Just a two-hour drive from the metropolis of Monterrey, the earth splits open to reveal a canyon of sheer, towering limestone walls. This is El Potrero Chico, Mexico’s rock climbing paradise. The dramatic, spired peaks and seemingly endless rock faces attract climbers from across the globe. In fact, a climber friend who travels the world for the best rock calls Potrero Chico one of her favorites — so much so that she makes a point to return for a climbing trip every year.
What makes El Potrero Chico special is the incredible concentration of high-quality climbing. There are over 600 bolted routes, from beginner-friendly slabs to legendary, 23-pitch multi-day ascents that take you thousands of feet off the canyon floor. The limestone here is known for its grippy, textured surface filled with natural pockets that create an intuitive style of vertical face climbing, making it perfect for beginners.
Campsites like La Posada offer gear rentals and instruction, making a day on these famous walls achievable for almost anyone. Seasoned climbers often arrive with just a rope and harness. Once you arrive, everything you need — food, lodging and the climbs themselves — is within walking distance. Spend your days on the wall and evenings sharing stories with fellow adventurers; you’ll feel like a part of the climbing community within days.
Copper Canyon: For the back country hiker
Explore the breathtaking depths of Mexico’s Copper Canyon, a network of six interconnected canyons deeper than the Grand Canyon. (Nellie Huang)
Sprawling across the northern state of Chihuahua, the Copper Canyon is a network of six interconnected canyons that are deeper — and in parts wider — than the Grand Canyon. This is the ancestral home of the Rarámuri (Tarahumara) people, best known for their legendary long-distance running abilities. I saw this firsthand when I met Rarámuri guide Lorenzo, one of the incredible athletes who has tackled the annual 80-kilometer Caballo Blanco ultramarathon, a grueling race that snakes up and down the canyon’s steep trails.
The best way to get around Copper Canyon is on board the El Chepe train, a scenic rail journey that weaves through rural towns and the imposing mountains, even teetering on the canyon rim in some parts. The rail line itself is an engineering marvel, stretching over 656 km of track and 37 bridges, it took over 60 years to build. While the train offers spectacular views, the real magic happens when you get off and hike into the canyon’s depths.
Base yourself in a town like Divisadero and arrange guided hikes from there. Spend a day at the nearbyParque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre, home to one of the world’s longest ziplines. You can also do a multi-day hike down to the remote canyon-floor villages of Batopilas or Urique. The journey from the pine forests to the subtropical riverbeds will help you gain a profound appreciation for the Rarámuri’s connection to this landscape.
Loreto: For sea kayakers and divers
The Gulf of California is a marine wonderland, making Loreto Bay National Park a premier destination for kayaking and other outdoor adventures. (All Trails)
For underwater adventurers, the Baja California Peninsula is a superhighway for magnificent marine animals such as the whale shark and mobula ray. Here, the deep blue of the Pacific meets the rich waters of the Gulf of California, creating a theater for some profound wildlife encounters. It’s for good reason that world-famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau named this “the world’s aquarium.”
The heart of Baja’s marine adventures lies in Loreto, a tranquil town and gateway to Bahía de Loreto National Park. Its calm, protected waters and chain of uninhabited islands make it a top-notch sea kayaking and scuba diving destination. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, sign up for the multi-day kayaking expedition, paddling from Isla Danzante to Isla Carmen. You’ll spend your nights camping under a star-dusted sky, miles from civilization, and your days gliding over crystalline waters, spotting dolphins, sea lions and, in winter, majestic blue whales.
Just two hours south of Loreto lies Magdalena Bay, an excellent spot to see gray whales from January to late March. From a small panga boat, my family had an incredible wildlife experience: a pair of curious mothers and their newborn calves approached our boat, close enough to be touched, lingering for almost 30 minutes. It was a transformative experience that truly connected us to these gentle giants. Note that these whale interactions are entirely whale-initiated and closely regulated to ensure no harm or stress is caused to the animals.
Pico de Orizaba: For hardcore mountaineers
This dormant volcano, also known as Citlaltépetl, offers a serious mountaineering challenge for experienced hikers, culminating in unparalleled views from the “roof of Mexico.” (Nailotl/Shutterstock)
Rising imposingly between the states of Veracruz and Puebla, Pico de Orizaba is Mexico’s highest peak and North America’s third highest. At a breathtaking 18,491 feet (5,636 meters), this dormant volcano offers a serious, non-technical mountaineering challenge that rewards climbers with unparalleled views stretching from the central highlands to the Gulf of Mexico.
But this is no casual day hike. Only experienced hikers with the right equipment and skills should attempt to climb this mountain, also known as Citlaltépetl. Summiting it is a two-day affair requiring proper acclimatization in a base town like Tlachichuca. It’s important to go with a reputable expedition company like 3Summits; they know the routes intimately and will manage the logistics and monitor for altitude sickness.
You’ll first start with a predawn alpine start, trekking up scree slopes before strapping on crampons and wielding ice axes to navigate the Jamapa Glacier. The final push to the crater rim is a grueling test of physical endurance and mental fortitude, but the prize — a 360-degree sunrise from the roof of Mexico — is a major achievement for any aspiring mountaineer.
What’s right for each type of traveler?
We’ve put together a table summarizing which destination would suit 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.
Carlos Zarate and Alfonso Zamora's 1977 match in Los Angeles, nicknamed "La Batalla de los Zetas" in Mexico and "The Battle of the Z Boys" in the U.S., drew a total of nearly 14,000 spectators from both countries. (World Boxing Council)
Mexico has produced a long line of Mexican world boxing champions, most of whom have fought in the lighter weights. Between 1969 to 1985 is considered the golden era for Mexican bantamweights, with Mexico producing nine world champions alone in t hat era.
No match during this golden era created as much anticipation as the so-called “Battle of the Z Boys,” the 1977 confrontation between Mexican boxing champions Carlos Zárate and Alfonso Zamora.
Fans from both the U.S. and Mexico attended the Zarate vs. Zamora match at Inglewood. (Round 13 Boxing Club/Facebook)
Both men came into the fight with world titles — Zárate the WBC title, and Zamora the WBA. Both were undefeated, and both were knockout specialists, who between them stopped 73 of their 74 opponents. So the scene was set for a dramatic showdown.
Friends and boxing stablemates
Zárate and Zamora shared some similarities beyond their raw talent. Both had been born in tough areas of Mexico City: Zárate, the older by close to three years, had been raised in the barrio of Tepito, where fighting and getting in trouble was part of life. Zamora also got into street brawls and had all the other problems of a young boy living on mean streets. Zamora’s father took him to the local gym, where the boy did odd chores and pounded the bag after everybody had left. The coach noticed and started Zamora on his amateur career.
Both men also came through the amateur ranks with distinction: Zárate was a Mexican Golden Gloves champion in 1969 and ended his amateur career with a record of 33 wins and 3 losses. Thirty of his fights had been won by knockouts. Zamora stayed in the amateur ranks until 1972 and was rewarded with an Olympic silver medal at the Munich games. By then, Zárate had won his first 14 professional fights.
At the start of their careers, both men were managed by Arturo “Cuyo” Hernández, which was hardly surprising, for this was an era when any Mexican boxer with world potential wanted to be in the Hernández stable; he was the forger of Mexican boxing’s world champions, the creator of its bantamweight golden age.
Hernández had been an average fighter, but as a manager he was unequaled. His knowledge, his temper tantrums and his ability to close a deal had guided three of Mexico’s greatest boxers — Rodolfo “Chango” Casanova, José “Toluco” López, and Rubén “Púas” Olivares — to world titles. He had an eye for talent, the vision and the ruthlessness to bring out the best of the young fighters he spotted.
During Mexico’s golden era of boxing, Arturo “Cuyo” Hernández, second from left front, was the trainer to work with if you had world title aspirations. (David Faitelson/X)
Similar paths, different profiles
While their careers had followed similar paths, Zárate and Zamora were miles apart in appearance. Zárate stood 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches) and had the chiseled build of an athlete. Zamora was shorter at 1.63 meters (5 feet 4 inches), and his power came from a stockiness rather than a bodybuilder’s physique; his strength wasn’t notable until you saw him in action in the ring.
Zamora made his professional debut in April 1973, with a second-round-knockout win over Luis Castañeda. Over the next 13 months, he won 15 fights, all by knockouts, with only one opponent making it past the third round.
This pushed the young Olympic medalist rapidly up the world rankings, and on March 14, 1975, Zamora won the WBA bantamweight title by knockout, defeating Korean Hong Soo-hwan soon after Zamora had celebrated his 21st birthday. He would defend his title five more times before the fight with Zárate, according to a 1976 Sports Illustrated article about the desire among boxing fans to see the two Mexican champions face off in the ring.
On May 8, 1976, Zárate became the WBC world bantamweight champion, knocking out defending champ Rodolfo Martínez in the ninth round. By February 1977, Zárate had made his third successful title defense, stopping Filipino Fernando Cabanela in the third round.
Unsurprisingly, by late 1976, discussions of a showdown between the two Mexican boxing champions were picking up momentum.
A Mexican matchup at Inglewood
Both Zárate and Zamora had won their titles in Los Angeles, at the “Fabulous” Forum stadium in Inglewood, the center of L.A.’s boxing scene, which was one of the world’s most active. L.A. had a significant Hispanic population, so Mexican fighters were always popular there.
The biggest fights also drew fans from across the Mexico-U.S. border. They bought tickets in Tijuana or Mexicali, which gave them trouble-free 72-hour U.S. visas. So there was plenty of excitement in both the U.S. and Mexico at the announcement that the two Mexican bantamweight titleholders would face off at Inglewood.
Surprisingly, however, although the group of businessmen brokering the matchup had promised each competitor a US $125,000 purse, it would not be a title fight. The usual explanation given for this is that neither boxing organization was willing to lose one of their biggest champions. However, unification fights were big business, more courted than avoided, so boxing politics might have been involved.
Zamora, who stayed friends with Zarate his whole life, told Sports Illustrated in 1976 that he was eager to fight Zarate, but he initially balked at the idea of not fighting for a title. (Internet)
But we have to wonder if there was concern about one or the other fighter making the weight limit. This nontitle showdown was agreed to with the required weight being at just one pound over the normal bantamweight limit.
Yet, nothing took away from the excitement this matchup provoked. The two managerial teams carried on a war of words in the lead-up to the fight, which was enthusiastically amplified by the Latin American sports media, helping to sell 13,966 tickets. The fighters themselves remained above the nonsense and remained friends in their later lives.
A 4-round disaster
The first round started with Zamora the more aggressive competitor, but Zárate took one of his best punches and stayed steady. Still, Zamora looked dangerous with his counterpunches. With both men known as knockout kings, there was doubt the bout would last long.
“What are the odds of this going the full rounds?” the match’s American commentator asked rhetorically. “You may want 100 to one.”
Zamora started the fight looking for that one winning punch. This might have been confidence, instinct or the fear that Zárate would outlast him if the fight went beyond three or four rounds. Zamora was only 22, but he had already fought 30 professional fights in his lifetime. He later suggested he was not at his best for this fight and might well have been tiring of the routine of daily training.
Carlos Zarate vs Alfonso Zamora - Highlights (BATTLE of the Z BOYS)
The fight started out seemingly evenly matched, but by the fourth round, Zamora was no longer able to compensate for Zárate’s superior height and reach.
The second round saw Zárate holding the center of the ring, and while Zamora was throwing out punches, he was not dancing around so much. With a minute to go, Zárate landed a powerful left to Zamora’s chin. The taller man had clearly won the round.
By the third round, as Zamora started to tire, Zárate’s height, reach and boxing skills were putting him in control. The one time Zamora did connect, Zárate brushed it off. By the end of the round, Zamora was knocked to the floor for the first time in the fight. Zamora later recalled that he thought he’d done well for three rounds, after which he didn’t remember much.
Certainly, the fourth round was a disaster for him: Zárate was now the more aggressive, and he dropped Zamora twice, at which point Alfonzo Zamora, Sr. threw in the towel. The white cloth landed over his son’s face, and while that was probably an accident rather than a sign of disrespect, the father was not showing much compassion. With barely a glance at his son lying on the canvas, he strolled across the ring and started a fight with Cuyo Hernández.
Life after the ‘battle’
After this fight, Zamora was never the same fighter. He lost his title in his next fight against Jorge Luján, lost three of his next seven matches and walked away from boxing when he was just 26.
Zárate, in contrast, was at the top of his game for a few years, a man Ring Magazine later summarised as “handsome and well-mannered” and blessed with what the magazine called “his extraordinary punching power that was the soul of his fantastic mystic.”
Zarate won five title defense matches for big purses after “The Battle of the Z-Boys” match. He eventually lost his title to bantamweight Lupe Pintor. (YouTube)
Zárate won his next five title defense matches — all for big purses — which brought him the good life, including a yacht, an Acapulco apartment and cars. But when he tried moving up a weight category to fight super bantamweight Wilfredo Gómez, Zárate suffered his first defeat.
Coming down with the flu as he arrived in Puerto Rico for the match, Zárate’s team fed him orange juice, but that caused him to put on weight; Zárate had to take saunas and dehydrate himself to make the weight limit. This was probably the one time in his career that Zárate didn’t want to fight, and he was not happy with his manager’s determination to put him into the ring.
After the Gómez fight, Zárate dropped back to bantamweight, and there were two more wins before, in 1979, he stepped into the ring at Caesar’s Palace to face former training partner, Lupe Pintor. Pintor had been fighting well leading up to the fight, but this still looked to be a match well within Zárate’s capabilities. Surprisingly, they went the full distance, with even Pintor looking shocked when the referee raised his arm as the winner.
Like many fighters, Zárate found retirement difficult, made harder by financial problems. After a five-year break, he returned to the ring and had 12 wins in a row, but once he came up against the big names — Jeff Fenech and Daniel Zaragoza — for world title fights, it was clear that age had caught up with him.
There were then problems with drugs, from which the champion finally emerged, thanks to family and religion. He recovered, watched his son and nephew box, and in 1994 was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
Next year will be the 50th anniversary of Zamora and Zárate’s great fight, which will no doubt bring on a flood of nostalgia for an age when Mexican boxers were the world’s best fighters.
Bob Pateman is a Mexico-based historian, librarian and a life term hasher. He is editor of On On Magazine, the international history magazine of hashing.
When I was a kid and winter rolled in — or when we inevitably caught a nasty cold — my mom, following doctor’s orders, would hand us little slices of guava drenched in honey and sometimes a splash of lime.
The smell of guava is intense. Some would even call it overwhelming. The flavor? Same story. Bold, unapologetic, and absolutely delicious. That flavor is part of Mexico’s cultural fabric. You’ll find it in candies, desserts, moles, aguas frescas, and, of course, the legendary Boing de guayaba.
This is the ideal taste of Mexico. You may not like it but this is what peak flavor looks like. (Facebook)
Guayabas Before the Conquest
Guava is native to Mesoamerica — specifically, southern Mexico and Central America. We know this because archaeological remains have been found in places like Teotihuacán, even though the guava tree doesn’t grow there naturally. That means it was imported, which also gives us a glimpse into the complexity of ancient trade networks. There’s also evidence of guava in Chiapas dating back to 1000 A.D.
In the Nahuatl-speaking world, guava was known as xolócotl or cuahuitl. I haven’t cracked the etymological code linking those words to “guayaba” yet, but I’m working on it.
In the Florentine Codex, guavas are described as “fragrant little apples, unknown to us, sweet and sour, and quite useful for stopping diarrhea.” A fruit with Renaissance-level multitasking skills.
Other historical records note that both the fruit and its leaves were used to treat digestive issues, infections, viruses, and skin conditions. So while it wasn’t a daily staple like chile, corn, or beans, guava was always there — quiet, healing, and humble.
Fast-forward to colonial Mexico, where Spanish culinary techniques met native ingredients. That’s when guava got its chance to shine. It became the star of jams, preserves, pastries — and eventually, the classic ate de guayaba.
When we visited our grandparents and they had no interest in making or buying dessert, they’d play the “Tenemos ate” card. Out came the guava paste from the pantry, along with manchego cheese. Thin slices of each, paired together. Best. Dessert. Ever.
Ate is one of Mexico’s most traditional sweets, born out of the need to preserve fruit long before refrigeration. Think of it as the unholy lovechild of jelly and marmalade, but with a dense, almost creamy texture. A sliceable slab of nostalgia.
Another classic? Atole de guayaba. At some point during the three-century-long colonial period (don’t ask me exactly when), someone had the divine idea to add guava to atole. Whoever that person was — gracias. The sweet, floral guava perfectly balances the subtle acidity of the atole. With its nutritional punch, it’s better than any post-workout supplement on the market.
And then there’s mole de guayaba, a regional dish from the Bajío. Sounds weird, right? Sweet fruit in a savory sauce? But guava’s tart-sweet punch deepens the mole’s complexity. It doesn’t taste like dessert — it just works.
I can’t leave out the most commercial — but no less beloved—way of enjoying guava. In Mexico, we have a long-standing love affair with fruit-based aguas frescas and juices. In the 1960s, the already iconic soda brand Pascual launched Boing, a fruit-based drink made with real pulp. With seven different flavors, guava remains one of the most cherished among us loyal fans. Some might scoff, but trust me—pair a cold Boing de guayaba with tacos from a street stand, and that’s not just a meal. It’s a rite of passage.
Super guava powers
Forget oranges and lemons — guava has more vitamin C than both. Suddenly, my pediatrician’s remedy makes sense: load up on guava and honey.
It’s also rich in vitamin A, B-complex (even B12), and E. You’ll find calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus packed into its juicy flesh and tiny seeds.
What does that mean for you? Regular guava consumption boosts your immune system, fights oxidative stress, supports your skin and eyes, and even helps your brain’s neurotransmitters do their job (thanks, B6). It’s good for your blood pressure, your nervous system—and yes, if your digestive system is out of whack, guava’s got your back. Pre-Hispanic medicine had it figured out.
Got ulcers? Guava won’t cure them, but it might take the edge off.
What the hell can you do with guava?
(Ossama Safi/Unsplash)
Honestly? Anything. Make jam. Blend it into smoothies, aguas frescas, juice, sorbet, jello (pro tip: guava + yogurt = magic), tamales, cakes, pies, eclairs—even meat glazes for that perfect sweet-sour contrast.
But if you want to keep it simple, yet wildly satisfying, here’s one of my go-tos—a little homage to my pediatrician:
Mascarpone toast with guava (serves 2)
Ingredients:
• 2 slices of good bread (sourdough, masa madre, or even bolillo)
• 4 tbsp mascarpone
• 1 ripe guava, thinly sliced (2 if they’re small)
• 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
• Pinch of sea salt
• ½ tsp lemon or orange zest (if you’re feeling like a pro chef)
• Fresh mint or basil
• Crushed pistachios, walnuts or almonds nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread. If you want a bit more flavor, add butter.
2. Spread a thick layer of mascarpone over the toast.
3. Fan the guava slices on top.
4. Drizzle with honey, then sprinkle sea salt and zest.
5. Garnish with mint or basil and nuts if you’re feeling extra.
6. Serve with coffee or tea. Then take a moment to thank yourself for making excellent life choices.
Vegan Version: Whipped Tofu Toast with Guava
Ingredients:
• 2 slices of toasted bread
• 150g firm tofu, drained
• 1 tsp coconut or olive oil
• 1 tsp agave syrup
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 guava, thinly sliced
• Sea salt, zest, mint, and nuts (same as above)
Instructions:
1. Blend the tofu with oil, agave, lemon, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
2. Spread the whipped tofu on your toast.
3. Top with guava slices and all your favorite toppings.
4. Serve and wait for someone to say, “Wait… this is vegan?”
Amigos, guayaba is one of Mexico’s boldest flavors—even if it’s often underestimated. It’s been medicine. It’s been dessert. It’s been here long before Columbus got lost. If you haven’t tasted it yet, now’s the time. And if you have, but somehow forgot about it—welcome back!
María Meléndez is a Mexico City food blogger and influencer.
Nuestros Tiempos is, well, a story about our time, and how things have changed in Mexican society since the 1960s. (Netflix)
Humanity, by definition, has an incredibly short memory. It’s not completely our fault; history is hard to focus on and also by definition, gets longer as time goes on. We just don’t live long enough, and by the time we’re old and wise and actually have some sure-footed advice that might help others, we 1) don’t get listened to because we’re old, and 2) die. Our pictures might sit on someone’s Day of the Dead altar for two, maybe three generations. But after that, unless you’re super famous or super infamous, you’ll be completely forgotten.
I don’t say this to depress you, but as an introduction for the movie topic of the day. “Nuestros Tiempos” (Our Times), a Mexican movie currently on Netflix. It’s a film that reminds us of the extent to which how we live, and even how we love, is shaped by the circumstances of time and place.
Nuestros tiempos | Tráiler oficial | Netflix
It’s also a reminder of how quickly things can change. It boggles my mind to remember that when my mother came of age, she couldn’t get a credit card (in the U.S.!) without a male relative co-signer. She grew up in a time when pants were not permitted as part of the dress code for girls, and she couldn’t take birth control pills. She certainly couldn’t count on being taken seriously at work.
Hell, the little girl who first stepped into a newly integrated school,Ruby Bridges, is still alive and not even that old! It happened before I was born and in my mind is ancient history. See? Nothing truly “exists” for us if we weren’t alive when it did.
Movie: Nuestros Tiempos (Our Time)
This movie, honestly, did not do super well with critics. It was a little Polyanna-ish, I’ll admit, with all nothing-but-earnest characters who were just a little too perfect and gracious. But I still thought it was sweet. It made for both a good story and a sort of “look how far we’ve come” reflection around women’s rights.
The story centers around a married couple, two physicists who are deeply in love. In 1966, they both work at the UNAM (Universidad Autónoma de Mexico) in Mexico City. Their main project is a time travel machine that the physics department has sunk a lot of money into.
While they both teach, the wife is allowed to more as a favor than anything, and has trouble getting her higher-ups to listen to her — they openly prefer to deal with her husband. When their boss comes to dinner, it’s she who prepares a homemade meal and answers the door while her husband relaxes with a cigarette and a newspaper.
The film centers around a scientist couple who create a functional time machine, traveling into the modern day. (Netflix)
As you can likely guess, they get their time machine working one night and are thrust nearly 60 years into the future. Lucky for them, the leader of the current UNAM is a former student who’d fan-girled all over la doctora in the past, and she helps them settle and continue their work on the time machine.
The crux of the movie is that, without the overly patriarchal system of the past to boost him, the husband finds himself taking a backseat to his wife’s popularity and brilliance. Given his advantages in the past, it’s not a place he’s accustomed to occupying. The husband is never painted as bad or a bigot — just a product of his time.
Some of the moments of them discovering the future together are adorable. The first stop outside of the time machine is at an OXXO. They assume the cashier is deaf because she’s wearing earbuds and not responding to them. The cashier assumes their staring means they’re trying to pick out flavored condoms from a display behind her. “How could I ask for condoms with two ladies present?” the husband responds. Their fascination with the modern smartphone and how it works is also endless.
Others are a bit more heart-wrenching. When the wife returns with goodies from a sex shop, the husband is impressed with the lingerie, but shocked at a “retardant” for him. “How could you have shared things about our intimate life with someone else?”
Later, when the wife is nominated to give a special talk on an International Women’s Day event, the loss of status proves to be too much for her husband. In one of the most cringey moments of the film, he pops up and goes to the podium when her name is called. He recites anextremely cringy poem that would have elicited warm nods and smiles in “his time.” In 2025, though, he doesn’t seem to notice the uncomfortable shifting and staring among the audience.
Soon after this experience, he decides he wants to return to 1966. He wants his wife to go back with him, but — you guessed it — she likes actually being able to do her work and be respected for it.
The film is now available on Netflix. (Netflix)
To me, the real magic of this movie is in answering this question: does love hang around when power dynamics shift? And it’s not as if his wife is now more powerful than him; she simply stands, suddenly, on equal footing.
In “his time,” the husband is an exceedingly kind and encouraging person. In modern times, he feels the frustration that his wife did. The difference is that she’d known no other life, whereas he felt the punch of sudden loss of power and respect all at once.
It’s easy to be gracious when you’re consistently in a position to show grace with no risk to your status. When the world around you has changed but you haven’t things get stickier.
I won’t give away the ending. Don’t expect fantastic acting, but it’s worth a watch, and an especially interesting to compare the different sensibilities of the times in Mexico.
I wasn’t there, of course. But I see how women who came of age in that time period behave today, and that tells me more than anything how different things are now.
For my older readers out there, I’d love to hear from you — what changes have you noticed over your lifetime when it comes to gendered behavior?
