Mexico: Stories About the People, Places, and Eats

GoNOMAD’s 20th ebook in the Plane Reader Series

By Alyssa Pirrello

From art to adventure, this plane reader ebook makes it clear that Mexico has it all. The culture, in addition to the paradise, paints Mexico as a country that everyone would love to visit. Along with encouraging travelers to go to Mexico, this plane reader also provides some practical tips on transportation, food, traveling on a budget, and more.

Mexico: An Artist’s Haven

In the article “Painting and Dancing on Mexico’s Pacific Coast,” it’s clear that Mexico is a place where artists could be inspired. In the small fishing village of Boca de Tomaltan sits Casa de Los Artistas, a house where artists and non-artists alike can create their own masterpieces 10 miles away from Puerto Vallarta.

The top floor of Casa de Los Artistas is completely open: it’s a huge painting and dancing studio looking over the ocean and the Rio Horcones. During the winter and spring, a different art class is held each week. From oil painting to Latin dancing, Casa de los Artistas touches on many different forms of Art, making it a great vacation destination for the creative type.

Adventuring Throughout the Country

For anyone interested in outdoor adventure, the article “Mexico’s Matacanes: Underwater Rivers, Cliff Jumping, and Rappelling” is a must-read. The beginning of this adventure starts by rappelling down a cliff next to a waterfall after hiking through the forest in wet suits- and no, you don’t have to have any experience repelling to do this.

At about fifteen feet above a pool of water, you’re able to unhook yourself and jump, giving you confidence before the next part of the adventure- canyoning.

Those who want to continue the high adrenaline adventure should consider looking into the article “Swimming with Sharks in Yucatan, Mexico.” The author, Matt Scott, wrote “the shark’s open mouth, over a meter wide, was just in front of my face; I could do nothing except stare at this huge fish as it sucked in whatever came between its jaws and wonder if I would meet the same fate.”

While the presence of sharks can never be guaranteed since they are migrant, it is highly likely that you will be able to swim with the sharks in Yucatan if you travel there between June and September.

A Traveler’s Paradise

When many people hear Cancun they think of college students on spring break, but it’s actually a great destination for travelers who aren’t college students as well. The article “Cancun, Mexico: For All Sorts of Reasons, A Perfect Paradise” describes Cancun beautiful beaches, white sand, and lagoons.

Cancun isn’t only considered a paradise for the environment- it’s also a paradise due to how simple vacationing there can be. There’s no need for a rental car, and all-inclusive resorts make things easy and save money. Additionally, the plethora of activities that are available make Cancun the perfect vacation spot for families with kids of any age.

Transportation

Biking is not only a great form of exercise, but it’s also an excellent way to take in the scenery and truly experience another culture. In “Biking in Mexico City: On Any Sunday” Max Hartshorne explains how the mayor of Mexico City declares some roads car-free on Sundays, leaving them open for people to walk, bike, or rollerblade without the traffic.

Another travel option in Mexico is taking a bus. In the article “Bussing Mexico,” the author describes the benefits of taking a bus to travel around Mexico, mainly how inexpensive it is. This is how the locals travel, so taking a bus in Mexico can further expose a traveler to Mexico’s rich culture.

Eating in Mexico

Many agree that one of the best parts of travel is the food, and Mexican food won’t let and visitor’s down. “Eating in Puerto Vallarta- Ceviche is Just the Beginning” discusses numerous foods sold in Puerto Vallarta. The author speaks of meeting with a man named Mr. Concepcion, a man who sells tuba, which is a secret recipe kept within his family that tastes like fruit water with a smooth texture.

Food can help a traveler learn more about a culture. The author of “Eating Like a Local in Mexico City: The Quest for True Sabor” speaks of eating with the locals. She eats tender roasted meat, called barbacoa, with stewed cactus, which is called nopales. The new foods are full of flavor and allow travelers to have another new experience in Mexico.

For the traveler with food restrictions due to allergies or religion, food can actually be an issue. The author of “Puebla: Eating Gluten Free in Mexico” traveled with her family to Mexico. The entire family kept Halal, Muslim dietary restrictions similar to Kosher, and her husband and daughter were also gluten-free. While this presented many challenges, they figured out the best questions to ask along with an easy meal that can be made in most restaurants: chicken soup. Additionally, they came to learn that most restaurants in Mexico would cook you something not listed on the menu if you just ask!

Mexico on a Budget

Those looking to save money should definitely read “Budget Beaches of Sayulita, Mexico.” With rare black and white sand beaches that families can visit easily every day, Sayulita is an easy choice. A few blocks from the center of town sits Playa Centro, the town’s main beach. Other great beaches to check out include Playa Pilitas, Las Cuevas, San Pancho, and Playa de Los Muertos. There are numerous low-cost activities that families, couples, and individuals can pursue at thee beaches. From swimming and fishing to horseback riding and kayaking, this article details numerous ways people can enjoy Mexico without spending a ton of money.

Buy Mexico: Stories about the people, places and eats of Mexico here.

Alyssa Pirrello is a former Editorial Assistant and Travel Writer for GoNOMAD.com.