Hola Reader,
Last week marked my first anniversary as a full-time travel writer!
June 13, 2023 I decided it was time to cut the tethers and plunge headfirst into helping travellers explore Mexico through my website on a full-time basis.
I wish I could say it was pure bravery that got me there but if I'm honest, a toxic work environment gave me a (big) nudge.
A year later She Roams About is not only going strong but growing every month. It takes a lot to keep my little empire ticking over but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Best of Mexico Recap
To commemorate my one year milestone I've decided to recap my favourite things from my travels around Mexico (so far)!
Let me know if you've tried any of these or plan to add them to your itinerary.
Taking a hot air balloon has been a bucket list item for me and this year I decided to celebrate my birthday floating over the pyramids of Teotihuacan under a big balloon. This will go down in history as one of the best things I've ever done. |
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Best Nature Experience: Releasing Baby Turtles In PV
Last fall I released baby sea turtles at Tortuguero Bocas de Tomate conservation camp in Puerto Vallarta. The experience is free (donations encouraged), just keep an eye on their Instagram stories August - December for when they are having a release (almost every night) and reply to reserve. They speak English! |
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The Mexico City market tour far exceeded my expectations. It's a market tour/food tour/cooking class all in one! We visited super local places tourists would never go, chatted with locals, ate street food, and learned to make salsa verde the traditional way with a local family. I talk more about this experience on this podcast episode. |
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I keep visiting archeological sites and Monte Alban is still my favourite. There's something magical about how it sits up high surrounded by nothing but blue skies and mountains. It's also really inexpensive to visit and lacks all the touristy vibes of places like Chichén Itzá. |
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I've stayed at a lot of great places in Mexico but Casa Florida was the only one that felt like home. If you want to be catered on hand and foot, this isn't the place for you, but if you like rooftop terraces, a prime location, and stylish comfort, this is the place! |
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Choosing a best restaurant in Mexico is a tall order but Tostévere is one I think about a lot. This is a tiny little spot serving up outstanding Mexican food and delicious cocktails with some of the best service I've ever had, all at a reasonable price. This is also the place I hear the most rave reviews from readers about! |
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Best Café: Cafeología, San Cristóbal de Las Casas
Mexico is known for excellent coffee, for me nothing beats Cafeología. I stayed at in the hotel rooms of the coffee shop and woke every morning to the most incredible Chiapas coffee. They serve an amazing brunch alongside the coffee dreams are made of. I can't wait to get back here soon! |
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I'm sure many of us have seen these mountainside pools on Instagram but there's SO much more to this hot spring park. The hot tub-like cave with chilly, refreshing waterfall and the vibrant, milky blue river were the highlights for me. This place is out of the way but well worth the journey. |
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Hit reply and let me know what you think!
In the coming weeks I'll be adding San Cristóbal de las Casas to my coverage. I can't wait to share it with you as it's one of my favourite places in the country.
And later this year I'll be heading back to Mexico City, exploring Yucatán and Mérida, and trying out the Tren Maya.
Let me know if there's anything you think I should check out! Is there anywhere you'd like me to explore next?
Hasta luego,
-Ashlea
