Mexico is much more than its all-inclusive resort reputation, as many towns and bustling metropolises are home to myriad cultural institutions showcasing the best of Mexican culture, arts, and culinary delights.
Zachary Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico, sees an uptick in custom itinerary requests for access to these communities, as travelers seek to get out of resorts and into the heartland of Mexico where its culture shines the brightest.
“Mexico offers world class opportunities for culture, wildlife, active travel, and more,” said Rabinor. “Ranking seventh in the world for UNESCO World Heritage Sites—we have 34—and with the U.S. dollar at an all-time high relative to the Mexican peso, the time to get off the beaten path in Mexico is now.”
Here, Journey Mexico’s tips for exploring five of the country’s most revered cities and towns.
For the Oenophile: San Miguel de Allende
The secret is out about San Miguel de Allende: The cobblestoned streets of this UNESCO World Heritage City are already home to hotels like Rosewood San Miguel de Allende and Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, the perfect bases to explore restaurants, markets, and flourishing boutiques in the city.
Rosewood, San Miguel de Allende (Photo: Dave Lauridsen)
But the area is also host to several boutique hotels, private homes, and haciendas celebrating the region’s cuisine and wine. Just outside San Miguel de Allende, the Guanajuato wine route begins: Starting at the vineyards of Cuna de Tierra, explore the vineyards on a wagon ride and visit the barrel room to discover how San Miguel de Allende’s wine differs from the rest of the world’s production—the Dolores Hidalgo region has produced wine since the 16th century, a history propelling the area to craft Mexico’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Nebbiolo.
Continue the trail to Bodega Dos Búhos and Vinícola Toyán before taking a horseback ride on the Antiguo Camino Real for the best views of the Guanajuato Sierra and the Golden Corridor of San Miguel De Allende, all while trotting past hacienda ruins, villages, and 450-year-old chapels.
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