Planning Your Pacific Coast Adventure

Preparing properly is crucial when planning a journey to Mexico’s Pacific Coast to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. An often overlooked aspect of many travel itineraries is insurance. Securing comprehensive travel insurance in Mexico is essential, especially if you plan to engage in activities like surfing, which carry inherent risks. It covers medical emergencies and potential injuries and safeguards against unexpected trip interruptions or cancellations. Adequate travel insurance offers peace of mind, allowing you to embrace your adventure confidently.

Top Surf Spots to Explore

The allure of the Pacific Coast’s surf is undeniable, with its powerful breaks drawing surfers from around the globe. Here are some of the must-visit surf spots along this captivating coastline:

Sayulita: Located north of Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita is known for its laid-back vibe and an array of surf breaks suitable for all levels. The beach town thrives with bohemian charm, offering surf lessons for beginners and thrilling waves for the more experienced. After a day on the waves, enjoy a refreshing drink from one of the beachfront bars and watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Puerto Escondido: Home to the famous Mexican Pipeline, Puerto Escondido is a legendary surf destination that attracts wave chasers seeking adrenaline-pumping rides. Zicatela Beach is particularly famed for its formidable waves, making it ideal for seasoned surfers. For those less experienced, nearby beaches like Playa Carrizalillo offer gentler swells and stunning ocean views.

Mazatlán: Known for its golden sands and consistent waves, Mazatlán is a vibrant city combining cultural richness and thrilling surf opportunities. The local surf community is welcoming, and many surf schools are available for visitors wanting to learn or hone their skills.

Ixtapa: This surreal beach resort area lies next to the Pacific Ocean in the city of Zihuatanejo. From high-end golf courses to gorgeous beaches (perfect for surfing) to excellent restaurants, Ixtapa is downright dreamy. For the ultimate experience in Ixtapa book a room at the Cala de Mar Resort and Spa. Most rooms in this cliffside hotel have private patios with pools overlooking the ocean. The daily corona and guacamole drop-off for happy hour is a fun amenity, the spa is sublime, and the restaurants have great local dishes as well as American classics, all made with the freshest ingredients. You might also catch whales swimming by in the ocean during the day, and the sunset is beautiful every evening. If you need an activity in between all the relaxation, consider a sunset cruise or a surf lesson! 

Experiencing the Magic of Pacific Sunsets

After a day of surfing or exploring, there’s nothing quite like witnessing a Pacific Coast sunset. The skies transform into a canvas of vivid colors, making the evening the perfect time to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. Here are some ideal spots to enjoy this daily spectacle:

Rincón de Guayabitos: This family-friendly beach destination offers calm waters during the day and puts on a mesmerizing sunset show in the evening. The sight of the sun slowly sinking into the ocean creates a serene atmosphere perfect for couples and families alike.

San Pancho (San Francisco): Just a short drive from Sayulita, San Pancho is a quieter alternative for those seeking tranquility. With its charming street markets and artisanal shops, this picturesque village is a splendid place to unwind and enjoy the stunning hues of a Pacific sunset.

Barra de Navidad: A lesser-known gem on the Pacific Coast, Barra de Navidad offers a peaceful escape with its serene beaches. The sunsets are an intimate experience, often viewed from a hammock on the beach or a cozy seaside café.

Cultural Enrichment and Local Cuisine

Mexico is a culinary hub in Latin America, and Mexico’s Pacific Coast is just as rich in culinary delights. Each town along the coast has its unique flavor, but they all share a common love for fresh seafood, vibrant salsas, and handcrafted tacos. Be sure to try the region’s specialties, such as grilled marlin and aguachile, a spicy seafood dish similar to ceviche.

Local festivals and markets provide insight into the traditions and craftsmanship of the region. Towns like Puerto Vallarta host lively celebrations highlighting the area’s music, dance, and artisan crafts. Immersing yourself in these cultural events is a rewarding way to understand the region’s rich heritage.

Mexico’s Pacific Coast: The Verdict

Mexico’s Pacific Coast is a treasure trove of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness. Its perfect blend of thrilling surf and tranquil sunsets promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. By preparing with essentials like travel insurance, you can embark on your Pacific Coast journey with peace of mind, ready to embrace all this stunning region offers. Whether you’re riding the waves or savoring the colors of the sunset, the memories you create here will last a lifetime.

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Where To Stay:

Casa De Las Bugambilias: This utterly charming bed and breakfast are one of the most lovely places to stay for a group trip to Oaxaca. Decorated with local art and located just a few blocks from the main part of town, this ten-bedroom abode is your perfect lodging option when embarking on your Oaxacan travel adventure. In addition to cozy rooms, every morning you will enjoy a seated, two-course breakfast indoors or on the venue’s delightful patio. From fresh fruit to fragrant baked bread and local eggs, beans, and plantains, the breakfast alone is reason enough to stay Case de las Bugambilias!

Where To Eat and Drink: 

Part of your Oaxacan travel adventure entails indulging in delicious local Mexican food. We experienced both fine dining and affordable options and loved them all. Having the variety is perfect to keep everybody happy during a group trip to Oaxaca.

Origen Oaxaca: For an upscale dinner of local Oaxacan fare, Origen is your spot. We sampled a silky local pumpkin soup, huitlacoche (corn truffle) tostadas, fresh tortillas, mole negro, and even a decadent risotto made with Mexican rice. The service is dynamite, the presentation is gorgeous and I highly recommend the wine pairing.

Criollo: Opened by the famed Enrique Olvera of Pujol, Criollo is a beautiful Oaxacan dining option, with an enchanting outdoor seating area and a creative and delicious tasting menu.

Casa Oaxaca El Restaurante: This was perhaps my favorite restaurant of my group trip to Oaxaca. We dined on the rooftop patio under strung lights, with plenty of delicious tequila and mezcal cocktails. Standout dishes included salsa with tostadas, squash blossoms stuffed with cheese, cactus lasagna, green mole, and rose ice cream.

Street snacks: Oaxaca has a huge street snack culture. As you wander around the city, be sure to stop and grab a tlayuda, a traditional Oaxacan dish made with a crunchy fried tortilla smothered with a spread of refried beans, lettuce, avocado, and Oaxaca cheese, and salsa. You will be addicted after the first one! Other street snack highlights include fresh mango with salt and lime, cucumber juice, and memelas are fried masa cakes made of masa topped with different fresh ingredients like avocado or cheese.

Sabina Sabe: We loved the mezcal cocktails at this adorable bar, which specializes in the use of mezcal. Try the mezcal, cucumber, ginger beer, and hoja de santa (a native Mexican herb) beverage – it was heavenly – or the mezcal bloody mary.

What To Do:

• Walk around the Zocalo: The Zocalo is the main city center, where there are plenty of monuments, food carts, and more importantly patio bars for day drinking. We admired the buildings, listened to local musicians, and sampled tacos, tlayudas, and juices of all different flavors.

• Visit the Museo Nacional de las Culturas: This famous Oaxacan museum is dedicated to the understanding and appreciation of world cultures, and has room after room of international artifacts. The museum is housed in a colonial-era building, and the cactus-filled botanical garden is the perfect backdrop for photos.

• Go Mezcal tasting in Santiago Matatlán: This is a must for your group trip to Oaxaca. We visited the Dainzu mezcal distillery, where we sampled mezcals that had been aged for various amounts of time. Hire a driver to take you – you don’t want to be driving after this adventure!

• Visit the Mercado Tlacolula de Matamoros: This massive Sunday market has all the goods you can imagine. Salsas, fresh juices, candles, plants, cheese, tacos, beer, and everything in between. Take your appetite!

• Explore Mitla the Mesoamerican archaeological site: Mitla was the main religious center of the Zapotec people, a Mesoamerican people of the classic period. The site consists of a series of stone buildings covered with geometric designs, murals, and mosaic fretwork. It is quite the sight to see, even if you aren’t a history buff.

The Verdict

Oaxaca is a foodie lovers’ dream. Visit with friends or a significant other, either way, you will have a memorable (and delicious!) Oaxacan travel adventure. Going on a group trip to Oaxaca with great friends was a great way to ring in a milestone birthday!

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