Mexico - Part II

Mainland - Part I

On February 2nd, after a restful night on the ferry from La Paz, we arrived in Topolobampo on the mainland of Mexico. Our initial plan was to take the famous Chepe Express train to Copper Canyon, but despite spending a week trying to secure tickets, we couldn’t fit the journey into our schedule. Disappointed but eager to continue exploring, we decided to head south toward Mazatlán instead.

After spending some time in Mazatlán, enjoying the coastal atmosphere, we continued our journey and found a peaceful RV park near Santa Cruz de Miramar. This was our last stop by the seaside before heading into the mountains, so we took the time to soak in the coastal beauty and relax before the next leg of our trip.

From there, we made our way into the state of Jalisco and arrived in the town of Tequila, famous for its namesake spirit. We spent two days there, immersing ourselves in the town’s history and culture. One of the highlights was touring a tequila distillery, where we learned about the entire production process, from harvesting agave to the final aging of the liquor. Of course, we couldn’t leave without sampling different varieties of tequila, appreciating the unique flavors and craftsmanship.

Continuing through Jalisco, we stopped at Charly’s RV Park near Santa Elena. The park is run by a Swiss expat who has been living in Mexico for about 30 years. It was interesting to hear his story and experience his hospitality while enjoying a peaceful stay in the area.

Our travels then took us to the historic and colorful cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende. Both were incredibly charming, with winding streets, vibrant markets, and stunning colonial architecture. Guanajuato, in particular, stood out with its underground roadways and unique topography. San Miguel de Allende, on the other hand, had a special artistic atmosphere, with galleries, charming cafes, and lively plazas.

Next, we made our way to the Gran Cañón Parque EcoAlberto, a rugged natural area with breathtaking canyon landscapes. After taking in the dramatic scenery, we continued to the Grutas de Tolantongo, a truly stunning site featuring a geothermal river and natural hot springs. We spent two days soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings before setting off again.

Our next destination was Teotihuacán, home to the famous pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Walking among these ancient structures was awe-inspiring, but the real highlight of our visit was taking a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the entire archaeological site. Floating above the pyramids as the first rays of sunlight illuminated them was an unforgettable experience.

From there, we traveled to the Helia Bravo Hollis Botanical Garden, where we stayed for two nights in the midst of a vast cactus forest. The unique desert landscape and tranquility of the garden made for a peaceful and fascinating stay.

Our journey then led us to Oaxaca City, where we spent four nights immersing ourselves in the local culture. Oaxaca is a city full of life, with incredible food, colorful streets, and a deep-rooted artistic and indigenous heritage. We explored markets, visited historical sites, and indulged in some of the region’s famous cuisine, including mole and tlayudas.

Leaving Oaxaca, we decided to head toward the Pacific Ocean, traveling through El Tomatal, Bahía de San Agustín, and Playa Azul. While the coastal scenery was beautiful, the temperatures were extremely high, and even at night, they didn’t drop below 25°C. The heat made it difficult to fully enjoy the coast, so we decided to return to the cooler mountain regions.

Back in the mountains, we visited the Centro Ecoturístico El Aguacero, where we hiked through lush landscapes and explored stunning waterfalls. We then took a boat tour through Sumidero Canyon, marveling at the towering cliffs, diverse wildlife, and dramatic rock formations.

Our next major stop was San Cristóbal de las Casas, a charming town with a unique cultural mix of indigenous and colonial influences. We spent three days there, exploring the town, enjoying some excellent restaurants, and even attending a local jazz festival. The town had a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time wandering its narrow streets and visiting local artisan markets.

Initially, we had planned to cross into Guatemala at La Mesilla, but after speaking with a local guide, we were advised to take a different route and cross further south at Talisman. Taking this advice, we headed back to the hot coastal region, passing through Puerto Arista and Tapachula.

Finally, on March 18th, after months of exploring Mexico, we crossed the border into Guatemala, ready to begin the next chapter of our journey.