2025 looks like it will be a big year for Mexico With huge investments in tourism and infrastructure traveling the country has never been easier With new roads and airports across the country this could be the year that you get out and really explore what Mexico has to offer from mountain peaks to glorious coastlines Xalapa is the coastal state of Veracruz’s hidden gem and culture into an unforgettable experience Dubbed the “Athens of Veracruz,” this mountainous college town enchants visitors with cobblestone streets cloud forests and the tantalizing aroma of locally grown coffee Begin with a lechero at La Parroquia before exploring the Anthropology Museum home to awe-inspiring Olmec artifacts like colossal stone heads Xalapa’s culinary delights reflect its rich heritage. Savor mole xiqueño from the nearby town of Xico, local speciality fish dish huachinango a la Veracruzana or enjoy wood-fired enchiladas at Cerro Gordo. Botanists can take a stroll through the misty Clavijero Botanical Garden or visit Coatepec, Mexico’s coffee capital. Engage in lively conversations at Parque Juárez or the bustling Mercado Jáuregui The city also boasts the highest number of Mexico News Daily contributors per capita in the world Why it’s easy to love Xalapa like Ulysses S. Grant OK, so this one is a road trip that takes you through several destinations, ending in what might be Mexico’s most authentic city Weave through vibrant landscapes and rich culture in a journey inspired by the annual Guelaguetza festival a week-long adventure through Mexico’s heartland that blends history There is too much to mention about Oaxaca here Highlights include the vast and historically important Monte Albán ruins and rooftop dining overlooking the illuminated Templo de Santo Domingo Oaxaca is the most unapologetically itself which has rightfully earned it a reputation as a must-visit destination Eager road trippers might also fancy a drive down the mountain to the Pacific coastal towns of Mazunte thanks to the new highway that has dramatically cut transit times From Mexico City to Oaxaca: a road trip to remember Is San Carlos Mexico’s best secret beach destination? dramatic desert landscapes and a wealth of outdoor adventures The town is far from the bustle of La Paz or Los Cabos and charms visitors with boutique hotels Accessible via a 90-minute drive from Hermosillo the journey is as picturesque as the destination Adventure seekers can dive into “the world’s aquarium,” as Jacques Cousteau called the Gulf of California hiking and biking in the region’s lunar-like terrain are equally enthralling Don’t miss the Mirador Escénico for breathtaking views of rugged canyons and the iconic Tetakawi peak San Carlos’ culinary scene is a seafood lover’s paradise From fresh aguachile at Mesa Cortez to casual delights at Tortuga’s Whether it’s vibrant sunsets or unparalleled tranquility you come in search of San Carlos promises an unforgettable escape The northern location of San Carlos means it doesn’t suffer from the overtourism of other major beachside destinations in the area like Mazatlán and the Riviera Nayarit — so you can have a taste of what Mexican oceanside life is really all about If San Carlos seems a bit too isolated, consider Bucerías, Nayarit it offers a serene alternative to the bustle of Puerto Vallarta and a seemingly endless beach define this charming getaway Bucerías embodies the magic of a classic Mexican retreat without the crowds known for its ocean-view rooms and relaxed elegance a lively eatery serving seafood tacos and killer margaritas before catching a fiery sunset on Playa Bucerías Saturday highlights include exploring the Bucerías Art District and savoring beachfront meals at Karen’s Place Dinner at Mar y Sol offers unforgettable seafood with ocean views Bucerías, Nayarit: A perfect weekend guide Sunday invites treasure hunting at the bustling local tianguis market before making your way conveniently back to Puerto Vallarta’s excellently connected international airport Holbox is a slice of island paradise off the Yucatán Peninsula The car-free island boasts stunning natural beauty eco-conscious accommodations and a vibe reminiscent of Mexico decades ago Arriving via ferry (or even by private plane) the journey feels like a passage into a simpler more serene world — which it most certainly is boutique gems like Casa Cat Ba with its zero-waste ethos and sunset views or the tranquil Las Hamacas Club de Playa for luxurious privacy Dining is equally memorable — savor innovative fusion at Parador 33 or fresh avocado toast with Caribbean sunrises Why Holbox is Mexico’s perfect island paradise Holbox isn’t just for lounging though — but it is perfect for that if that’s your jam — and activities like kiteboarding and long beach swims keep active travelers happy you’ll carry the island’s peaceful charm with you Yucatán’s Convent Route is a history lover’s dream blending Maya ingenuity with colonial charm in a day trip south of Mérida Skip the crowds at Chichén Itzá and instead explore hidden gems like Acancéh where ancient stucco masks of the sun god Kinich Ahau and a vibrant colonial church coexist Tecoh beckons with its pyramid-perched church and nearby Hacienda Sotuta de Peón a glimpse into the historic henequen industry that made the Yucatán what it is today offers quiet ruins that are ideal for (responsible) climbing and reflection including Mama’s bell-shaped dome and Chumayel’s ties to the legendary Maya Chilam Balam texts the Pueblo Mágico of Maní enchants with its vibrant market and the haunting history of burned Maya codices Don’t miss Poc Chuc at El Príncipe Tutul Xiu for a delicious finale Take a trip down the Convent Route to see the best of Yucatán which can take place in a single day or be spread out into a vacation in its own right provides a window into the regions Maya history that other more developed sites have now overlooked as they are consumed with mass tourism the route also offers visitors the chance to understand how the Maya community lives in the region today and what life is like for the descendants of those who constructed such magnificent monuments Nestled in the misty hills of Puebla’s Sierra Norte mountain range, the sleepy town of Cuetzalan is a mass of vibrant culture and authentic charm. Cuetzalan is home to much of the region’s outstanding artisan industry providing the town with a wonderful character all of its own This character is made even cozier by the cobblestone streets cascading waterfalls and a culture as rich as its landscapes colonial architecture and alleyways of the town isn’t for you rappelling and the chance to get up close and personal with nature before retiring for mouth-watering local dishes and delicious cocktails made with traditional regional herbs How a ‘girls trip’ to Cuetzalan showed me the real Mexico Cuetzalan’s Sunday market showcases local coffee Cuetzalan promises a feast for the senses and a touch of magic that the major cities of the country struggle to offer Chris Havler-Barrett is the features editor at Mexico News Daily ADVERTISE WITH MND COMMUNITY GUIDELINES Subscription FAQ's Privacy Policy Mexico News Daily - Property of Tavana LLC Courtesy of Chef Eliodoro Xicum Cobá which tells the story of the Mayan people and the Yucatecan Maya kitchen “I am a chef who belongs to an indigenous community but above all pride in showing a little piece of my land The dish serves as a reminder of home every time the chef from restaurant La Villa in Tekit, leaves his land “They are the flavours that I always have in mind and they make me yearn to return to try They are ingredients from each region of my state." Cobá was inspired to create the dish after having returned home from the market with some pumpkins one day to find his mother cooking empanadas in the kitchen. “Every time I cook it it reminds me that you never have to give up It reminds me of those moms who will always look for some way to bring something to eat at home,” he says The dish is traditionally cooked on a comal an iron or clay disk that is placed over fire and the corn dough is mixed with one of the most representative ingredients of Yucatecan cuisine - the chaya all the local ingredients Cobá uses in this recipe can be substituted for more readily available ingredients the dish “ tastes like a small town in Mexico” Blend the chaya with the water and add to the dough to mix Chef tips: Chaya is a leaf used in the Yucatan peninsula to make tamales or stews 'Chile Xcat ic' is representative of the cuisine of the South of Mexico and is not so spicy. It can be substituted with fresh jalapeño chillies Chef's tips: 'X´top' Pumpkin is a variety of pumpkin characteristic of Yucatecan Maya Gastronomy add the Longaniza and cook for 5 minutes. Add the squashed pumpkin and stir for another 5 minutes make tortillas and put two tablespoons of the filling in each close and cook on a hot comal or frying pan for 3 minutes on each side Sauté the other half of the garlic and the onion pass through the blender then pass through a strainer. Return to the fire and add the ball cheese (reserve 20 gr of cheese) Place the pumpkin flower on the comal over a very low heat for approximately 40 minutes while turning every 5 minutes A base of banana and cheese sauce is placed on one side of the chancham and decorated with pumpkin flower and cheese Chef Eliodoro Xicum Cobá is the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award winner for the Latin America Region It doesn’t matter which month you come to visit there will most likely be a festival somewhere Did you know that many of the festivals have religious origins?  They are known as the “Patron Saint Festivals I encourage you to read about them and check out what is going to be happening while you are here—or maybe even plan another visit to make sure you catch them Every January, the city sets out to celebrate the founding of Mérida—January 6 During Mérida Fest you will find many dance performances a march between Santa Lucía Park and Plaza Grande This takes place on January 5 in the evening and ends at midnight with the Mañanitas: the traditional Mexican birthday song www.merida.gob.mx/meridafest     and lots of color await you every year during the Carnaval de Mérida The date changes yearly and is based on Easter Sunday.  More info: www.merida.gob.mx/carnaval      Activities during the festival include traditional Yucatecan dances This is a festival where it is customary to make a garment for the image of Christ and lay down at its feet.  FB: Fiesta Tradicional De Chumayel     You will not believe everything that you are going to see made from our beloved Queso de Bola, or Edam Cheese. This festival highlights street food, traditional dishes, and inventions made from this popular ingredient. It has been held at the Motul main square, but also at different locations in Mérida This is a delicious event with plenty of offerings so it’s a good idea to keep up with them on Facebook FB: Festival Nacional del Queso de Bola-Yucatán This festival is oh-so-perfectly refreshing for breaking up the tropical heat in the summer Besides offering ice cream and popsicles you will also find frappés the dates and location may vary; we’ll keep you posted FB: Festival del Helado en Yucatán     From July 14 to August 4 the town of Halachó is in festival mode and the local fair are all festivities you shouldn’t miss.   FB: H. Ayuntamiento Halachó 2021-2024     Honoring Santo Domingo de Guzmán the first two weeks of August FB: H. Ayuntamiento San Felipe Yucatán 2021-2024     The Dzityá artisans get together every summer (late July/early August) and offer the best of their products, which include stone, wood, textiles, and jewelry. Food and fair activities are also offered. Just minutes north of Merida This year the dates are from July 25 to August 3 www.merida.gob.mx/tunich     Welcome to the village of Tekit, the Capital of the Guayabera, where you will find the finest garments. The good news? This fair is held twice a year in August and December, and is only a 50-minute drive from Mérida The 2024 summer edition is from July 20th to August 4th.  FB: Feria de la Guayabera Tekit     October is when we honor our departed loved ones is a time when the local traditions and culture relating to death are lived by all You will see altars honoring departed loved ones www.merida.gob.mx/animas     and goods exhibitions attract thousands of people during the last three weeks of November to this fair www.feriayucatan.gob.mx      Stands, decorative figures, parade floats decorated with citric fruits,  plus cultural events, dances, and contests are all part of this mega agricultural fair. Can you imagine an enormous sculpture of the Pyramid from Chichén Itzá crafted out of oranges? You’ll find it in Oxkutzcab (known as the “orchard of the state”), located 1.5 hours from Mérida This 2024 it will be from December 7 to the 17th.  FB: H. Ayuntamiento Oxkutzcab     December 8 is when the yellow town of Izamal honors Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The statue of this saint is housed in the San Antonio de Padua Convent. Festivities begin on November 29 and go on for two weeks. Visit Izamal and enjoy the pilgrimages and the serenade to the Virgin on December 7 in the evening FB: Feria Izamal 08 DIC     This religious celebration and fiesta is held from December 19-26 in the village of Espita Things begin in the church with the lowering of the saint from its niche on December 19 FB: Ayuntamiento de Espita     this festival begins when the Three Kings or Wise Men statues are lowered from their niches in the church an Alborada (march from a Ceiba tree to the bullfight ring) including lots of food stands and mechanical rides.  FB: Tizimín de Reyes  Yucatecan communicologist. Writer, blogger, and bookstagrammer in her spare time. She also experiments with TikTok. In Yucatán Today, we accompany the traveler so that they can experience the authentic essence of Yucatán. SYNTH ANATOMY uses affiliation & partner programs (big red buttons) to finance a part of the activity. If you use these, you support the website. Thanks!  Klevgrand Jussi Synthesizer Saturday Jam Video Positive Grid announced BIAS Delay Pedal Cross-Platform Delay Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae484cb9b1c11963af6dcc1c6f497a9b" );document.getElementById("edab391f36").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning