Bienvenidos
Just a 2.5 hour drive from Los Angeles, and literally right across the border from San Diego, you will find Mexico’s new capital of cool. From new boutique hotels, to independent shops, art galleries, and a food scene unlike any other in Mexico, you’ll want to spend more than a day here.
Coined the Napa of Mexico, Valle de Guadalupe is home to over 100 wineries, producing 90% of all of the wine that comes from Mexico. In the last few years “Valle” as the locals call it, has become the weekend hot spot for Mexican nationals and visitors from Southern California. Offering everything from fine dining to first class boutique hotels, Valle de Guadalupe has garnered the attention of publications such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler and the LA Times. An easy day trip from San Diego, but we recommend at least 2-3 day stay.
One of our favorite destinations and a top destination for nature and adventure lovers, La Paz is just 2-hour drive north of Cabo, but with a totally different local vibe.
Coined by Jacques Cousteau as the “The World’s Aquarium”, tourism feels different here, smarter, more conscious, and still a good time. People in La Paz have a deep love for the environment, for both enjoyment and education and their businesses reflect this, something Alma Explores always supports.
A nature lovers paradise, snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, sailing to offshore islands, scuba diving, and enjoying their award-winning sunsets, are just a few of the activities you can enjoy.
Loreto, Mexico is one of those hidden gems on the Baja Peninsula that we want to keep all to ourselves. A small that shuts down around 10PM, this is the perfect place to relax. Don’t expect rows of tourists sunbathing on the beach; this is a laidback town. Board a boat or let us arrange a catamaran for you to enjoy the local islands surrounded by striking desert. Loreto is located on one of Mexico’s most important reserves, the Loreto National Marine Park, that is home to over 800 species of fish and marine life. Although we could spend a lifetime there, Loreto is that perfect place for a 3 day getaway.
Built on the ruins of the ancient Aztec city of Tenochtitlan, the largest city in North America, Mexico City, is one of the culture capitals of the world. Not only does it have the greatest number of museums than any other city in the world (last count was 170 and growing, yes even more than Paris and New York City). Whatever it is you can need you can find it in Mexico City. Whether you want to immerse yourself in its thriving art scene, experience all things culinary, shop the latest local Mexican designers, take an architecture tour, or visit pyramids, we got you covered! We recommend at least one week in this sprawling metropolis.
Located in the central highlands of Mexico’s southern-most state, Chiapas, San Cristobal de Las Casas’ cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, vibrant markets, and beautiful indigenous communities, will definitely leave you planning a second visit.
From pottery classes with Chiapas foremost potters, to learning the textile trade, taking a chocolate making class, or simply enjoying a coffee tasting, San Cristobal de Las Casas will immerse you in its culture and make you one with Chiapas. One of the best times to visit is during their Day of the Dead festivities, November 1st and 2nd. We recommend at least one week in San Cris.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morelia is often called the most colonial city in Mexico. There is always something to experience in Morelia, from the annual Morelia International Film Festival (in October) bringing everyone from Salma Hayek to Quentin Tarantino in town, to the nearby annual migration of the monarch butterflies, and by far, one of the most colorful places to celebrate Day of the Dead, Michoacán is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and underrated destinations.
The birthplace of tequila and mariachi music, Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara has recently emerged as a hotbed for Mexican design. It is also the birthplace of Mexico’s foremost architecture, the late, Luis Barragan. Let us guide you on a private tequila tasting tour, an architecture tour, or just enjoy Mariachi Plaza and a cocktail at your leisure.
Alma Explores makes best effort to work with small locally owned 3 and 4 star boutique hotels, family owned inns, and private homes.
