Mexico is a country you experience through its flavors. Every region offers a unique culinary identity rooted in its history, culture, and traditions. In 2010, Mexican gastronomy was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO — a distinction that gave way to the creation of 18 food routes spanning all 32 states of the country, covering a total distance of 11,443 kilometers. These routes were designed to preserve and promote Mexico’s culinary wealth while encouraging cultural tourism and showcasing the incredible diversity of ingredients, dishes, and traditions that make up the country’s gastronomic identity.

In this flavor-driven journey, I’ll take you through some of the most representative routes, sharing my own experience and the dishes you absolutely can’t miss:

Fires between vines and sea breezes (Baja California and Baja California Sur)

If there’s one thing Baja California does right, it’s combining the sea with the land. Picture an afternoon in Ensenada: a crispy fish taco, a glass of wine from Guadalupe Valley, and the Pacific breeze in the background. Gastronomy here revolves around fresh seafood, quality meat, and garden produce that comes together in dishes like the famous Puerto Nuevo lobster, served with rice, beans, and flour tortillas.

You also can’t talk about this route without mentioning the booming craft beer scene, which pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the northwest. What I love most about this region is the freshness of the ingredients and the international influence that has shaped an innovative cuisine — one that still feels deeply Mexican at its core.

Within this area, the Guadalupe Valley wine route is also worth highlighting — a wine trail closely tied to this food route and one we’ve already covered in this post.

The taste of today (Mexico City)

Mexico City is a food lover’s paradise. You can start the day with a tamal and atole, head out for tacos al pastor at lunch, and end the night at a fine dining restaurant. The capital has it all: street stands with the best quesadillas and tlacoyos alongside gourmet proposals that reinvent the classics.

One of my favorite things is wandering through markets like Coyoacan or San Juan, where you can sample everything from a simple glass of pulque to some pretty exotic cuts of meat. The best part of this route is the variety — every corner has something delicious to offer, and every neighborhood has its own distinct flavor.

A cuisine of two worlds (Chihuahua)

Chihuahua’s food is defined by bold flavors and a serious love of meat. A proper meal here starts with a plate of discada — a slow-cooked stew of mixed meats with chorizo, bacon, and spices. And if we’re talking specialties, roast meat is king, served with freshly made flour tortillas.

You can also try unique drinks like sotol, a spirit similar to mezcal but with a drier, earthier character. Eating in Chihuahua is a rustic experience, but one full of authenticity — northern Mexican cooking at its most honest, no pretense, just real flavor.

The cacao route (Chiapas and Tabasco)

If you love chocolate, this route is for you. In Chiapas and Tabasco, cacao isn’t just an ingredient — it’s part of the cultural identity. You can visit ranchs where cacao is grown and learn the artisan process of turning it into a thick, aromatic chocolate. Nothing compares to trying chorote, a traditional drink made from cacao and corn with an intense, comforting flavor.

One of the most interesting aspects of this route is its history: cacao was considered a sacred food by the Maya and the Aztecs, and it remains a cornerstone of Mexican cooking to this day. The tours tend to be short, but the chance to taste high-quality artisan chocolates makes it completely worth it.

A thousand flavors of mole (Oaxaca, Puebla, and Tlaxcala)

Mole isn’t a single dish — it’s a whole family of complex, history-laden sauces. On this route you can try everything from Oaxacan black mole, deep with the flavor of chiles and chocolate, to the more spiced and slightly sweet mole poblano. Every state has its own version, and all of them are worth tasting.

What fascinates me most about this route is the care that goes into making mole. Some recipes call for over 30 ingredients and hours of preparation. It’s a dish that embodies patience and a deep love for traditional cooking. Pair it with handmade tortillas and a good Oaxacan mezcal and the experience is complete.

From the garden to the sea (Sinaloa)

When I think of Sinaloa, the first thing that comes to mind is aguachile. Raw shrimp marinated in lime, chile, and cilantro — it’s a burst of freshness and flavor. Sinaloan cuisine is one of the most balanced in the country, combining seafood with garden produce to create dishes full of color and texture.

Another classic is zarandeado fish, cooked over coals with a blend of chiles and spices that brings out the best in the fish. What I enjoy most about this route is that combination of tradition and freshness. Eating seafood in Sinaloa is genuinely in a league of its own.

The Day of the Dead altar (Michoacan)

In Michoacan, food is a fundamental part of the Día de Muertos celebrations. During this holiday, families prepare offerings that include dishes like corundas — triangular tamales wrapped in corn plant leaves — and atole de grano, a thick, comforting drink.

Visiting this route in November is something special. The streets fill with colors, smells, and flavors that bring back memories of loved ones. The most striking thing is seeing how devotedly people prepare their altars and share their food. It’s a reminder that in Mexico, gastronomy is far more than sustenance — it’s a living connection to history and tradition.

The mezcal route (Oaxaca)

A mezcal route was never going to be left off this list — if there’s one drink that defines Mexican identity, it’s this one. In Oaxaca, mezcal isn’t just something you drink; it’s something you experience. Touring the palenques where it’s produced, watching the artisan process, and sampling different varieties is a journey in itself.

Paired with a crispy tlayuda or some chapulines with worm salt, mezcal tastes even better. What I like most about this route is that every mezcal has its own personality, depending on the type of agave and the distillation process. Drink it with respect and good company, and the experience becomes something else entirely.

Yucatecan cuisine (Yucatan)

If anything defines Yucatan, it’s its cuisine — vivid colors, intense aromas, and flavors unlike anywhere else. Here, cochinita pibil is the star: slow-cooked underground, wrapped in banana leaves so the meat absorbs all the flavor of the achiote and citrus. Eating it with freshly made tortillas and a habanero sauce is non-negotiable.

Another dish I love from this region are panuchos and salbutes — corn tortillas filled with beans or topped with traditional stews, served alongside pickled red onion. On the drinks side, nothing is more refreshing than an chaya water or a glass of xtabentún, a sweet liqueur with a hint of anise.

The best thing about Yucatecan cooking is how it blends pre-Hispanic ingredients with techniques brought over by the Spanish, creating a fusion you can taste in every bite. Eating at a market in Merida or at an old ranch transports you to another era, where food is still the heart of Mayan culture.

The wine route (Coahuila)

Most people think Mexican wine only comes from Baja California, but Coahuila has a winemaking tradition that dates back to the 16th century. In the Parras Valley, home of Casa Madero, high-quality wines are produced that have earned international recognition.

This isn’t just about drinking wine — it’s about the full experience: walking through the vineyards, seeing how it’s made, and then sitting down with a glass alongside a good cabrito al pastor or some enchiladas potosinas.

For me, the best part of this route is the contrast between arid landscapes and the lushness of the vineyards. Having a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the desert is a luxury few people know about — and one I’d recommend to anyone.

Veracruz cuisine (Veracruz)

Veracruz is an explosion of flavors — the result of mixing indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. The food here is intense, spiced, and loaded with fresh seafood. One of my favorites is huachinango a la veracruzana, cooked with tomato, olives, and capers for a Mediterranean twist that works remarkably well.

Another highlight is tumbada rice, basically a Mexican paella but with a more homey, comforting feel. And to drink, the famous torito — made with sugarcane liquor and fruit — is the perfect companion for any meal.

What I enjoy most about Veracruz food is its freshness. There’s nothing like eating great fish right by the water with the sound of the waves in the background.

The vanilla route (Veracruz)

Not many people know this, but Mexico is the birthplace of vanilla — and Papantla, Veracruz, produces some of the best in the world. This route is perfect for anyone who loves sweet flavors and wants to understand how this aromatic orchid goes from plant to product.

Here you can try drinks like atole of vainilla and desserts where vanilla takes center stage. One of the best is natural vanilla flan, with a deep, authentic flavor that has nothing to do with the artificial vanilla found in most commercial products.

Visiting Papantla and breathing in the scent of vanilla in the air is a sensory experience unlike any other. Seeing how carefully local producers work to get an exceptional product is genuinely impressive.

Jalisco cuisine (Jalisco)

Jalisco means tequila, mariachi, and food packed with flavor. The star here is birria — meat slow-cooked in adobo, served with tortillas and hot consomé on the side. Eating it in a market in Guadalajara is an experience in itself.

Another must is the drowned torta, which is not for the faint of heart when it comes to spice. It’s a birote roll filled with carnitas and drowned in chile sauce — ideal for curing a late night. Wash it down with a tejuino or a flying casserole, a tequila and citrus drink.

What I love most about this route is that the food is always enjoyed with mariachi playing in the background, making every meal feel like a celebration.

The avocado route (Michoacan)

If there’s something Michoacan is genuinely great at, it’s growing avocados. This route is perfect for learning everything about this creamy green fruit that has taken over the world — you can visit orchards, learn about how it’s grown, and, best of all, try fresh avocados in different preparations.

From a simple but great guacamole to more elaborate dishes like enchiladas placeras or sopes topped with avocado, this route is a feast for anyone who loves the ingredient.

The best part is that food here comes with stunning natural scenery. There’s something special about eating a great avocado-based dish surrounded by Michoacan’s fields.

Nayarit cuisine (Nayarit)

The Nayarit coast is known for its fresh seafood. Zarandeado fish is the local king — marinated with spices and slowly grilled over coals for a smoky, deeply satisfying flavor. Then there’s aguachile, similar to ceviche but with a sharper, fresher kick.

What I like most about this route is how uncomplicated the food is. Everything is built around fresh ingredients and letting their natural flavors speak. Eating seafood on the beach with a cold beer is one of those memories that sticks with you.

The coffee route (Chiapas)

Chiapas coffee is among the best in the world, and this route lets you follow the whole process from plant to cup. Visiting coffee farms up in the mountains is a unique experience, especially when you get to drink a freshly brewed cup made from just-roasted beans.

Beyond coffee, you can enjoy local specialties like tamales de chipilín or tascalate, a pre-Hispanic drink made from corn and cacao.

What I enjoy most about this route is the connection to nature. Waking up on a coffee farm and breathing in the smell of fresh coffee in the air is hard to beat.

Durango cuisine (Durango)

Durango is a place of bold flavors and recipes with history. Caldillo durangueño — a stew of dried meat with chile and spices — is a dish that captures the state’s identity. Then there are peanut enchiladas, with a creamy, distinctive sauce that doesn’t taste like anything else.

What I like most about Durango’s food is its authenticity. Intense, well-defined flavors with real character.

The corn route (Puebla)

Corn is the heart of Mexican gastronomy, and Puebla pays tribute to it with dishes like chalupas, tlacoyos, and of course, mole poblano.

The best thing about this route is that it makes you genuinely appreciate what corn means to Mexican culture. Eating at a market in Puebla is an experience I’d recommend to anyone who loves real Mexican food.

Mexico’s food routes are a reflection of its cultural and natural diversity. Each region has its own identity, its own way of preparing food, and a story to tell through its dishes.

Traveling through Mexico through its gastronomy is the best way to understand the country. Whether it’s a mole prepared with care in Oaxaca, a street taco in Mexico City, or a sip of mezcal in a highland palenque — every bite is a story, every dish is a living tradition.

Ready to hit the road and discover the most authentic side of Mexico?

The post Mexico’s food routes: a journey through the flavors and traditions of the Aztec country first appeared on Explore Mexico.

For me, Puerto Escondido is the best beach destination in Mexico, not just because of its natural beauty, but because it remains untouched by mass tourism. You can still enjoy peace and authenticity without giving up the comforts every traveler needs. And yes, its beaches can easily rival those in the Caribbean.

Why visit Puerto Escondido?

Puerto Escondido isn’t your typical resort-packed, all-inclusive destination. If you’re looking for high-end hotels where you never have to leave the pool, this might not be your ideal spot. The charm here lies in the simplicity of coastal life: renting a small house or staying in a modest hotel and spending your days exploring beaches, surfing, or simply unwinding.

Unlike more commercial places like the Riviera Maya, you won’t find tour agencies organizing every minute of your trip. Instead, you’ll enjoy more authentic experiences, like buying fresh fish directly from fishermen as they return from the sea. This is the essence of Puerto Escondido: where nature and local life take center stage.

The best beaches in Puerto Escondido

One of the top reasons to visit Puerto Escondido is its variety of spectacular beaches, each with a unique vibe.

Zicatela Beach: The surf capital

Zicatela is world-famous for its monster waves. It even hosts the International Surfing Tournament, drawing talent from every corner of the globe. But be warned: the waters are rough, so if you’re just looking to swim or relax, another beach may suit you better.

Sunset at La Punta Zicatela

Right at the southern edge of Zicatela, La Punta is the go-to spot for mellow vibes. Perfect for sunset-chasers and beach-bar hangouts, it’s where you go to slow things down.

Carrizalillo Beach: A hidden gem

Looking for calm waters and a relaxed vibe? Carrizalillo Beach is your spot. This small bay is great for swimming, snorkeling, or learning to surf. It’s a bit of a climb down a long staircase, but totally worth the effort.

Bacocho Beach: Peace and nature

Ideal for those seeking tranquility, Bacocho Beach offers a serene setting and the chance to take part in a sea turtle release, a truly unforgettable way to connect with nature. It’s also one of the best places in town to catch a stunning sunset.

Puerto Angelito: Family-friendly fun

Most beaches in Puerto Escondido have strong currents, but Puerto Angelito, set in a calm bay, is ideal for families and swimmers. Surrounded by local restaurants, it’s the perfect place to spend a full beach day enjoying fresh seafood. You can also hop on a boat tour from here to spot dolphins or explore nearby waters.

Coral Beach: A more secluded escape

Nestled between Bacocho and Carrizalillo, Coral Beach is a hidden treasure that many tourists overlook. With crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling, it offers a more private and peaceful experience.

Access is via a path behind Hotel Villa Mexicana, making it feel a bit exclusive. Since it’s less commercial, it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Must-do activities in Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido offers much more than just sun and sand. Here are a few experiences you shouldn’t miss:

Surfing & water sports

Whether you’re just learning or already shredding waves, there’s a beach for every skill level. Carrizalillo has great surf schools, and you can also try snorkeling, paddleboarding, or diving if that’s more your speed.

Turtle release

Every year, thousands of turtles lay their eggs here. Join one of the local conservation groups and help baby turtles make their way to the ocean. It’s the kind of thing that sticks with you.

Bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon

Just 20 minutes from town, Manialtepec Lagoon is known for its glowing waters at night. Thanks to marine microorganisms, swimming here feels like diving through starlight.

Benito Juárez Market

Dive into local culture at this traditional market, where you’ll find exotic fruits, handmade crafts, and classic Oaxacan dishes.

The flavors of Puerto Escondido: Oaxacan cuisine by the sea

One of the highlights of visiting Puerto Escondido is tasting its authentic cuisine, which blends bold Oaxacan flavors with the freshness of Pacific seafood.

Tlayudas

You can’t say you’ve been to Oaxaca without trying a proper tlayuda. This giant, crispy corn tortilla is grilled on a comal and layered with refried beans, stringy Oaxaca cheese, avocado, and, if you like, a choice of meat such as tasajo (thin beef), cecina (cured pork), or chorizo. In Puerto Escondido, you’ll find street stands and small eateries that prepare them fresh to order. It´s perfect for dinner after a long beach day.

Grilled Fish “A la Talla”

One of the most authentic experiences in Puerto Escondido is buying fresh fish straight from the fishermen as they pull up on the shore in their boats. A la talla fish is a regional specialty where red snapper or pargo is marinated in a mix of chilies and spices, then grilled over charcoal. The result is a smoky, spicy flavor that’s absolutely unforgettable.

There’s truly nothing like buying a fish straight from the sea and having it grilled a la talla, spiced and cooked to perfection over open coals.

Freshly caught, bought directly from a fisherman on the beach.

Ceviche & seafood toasts

In the coastal heat, nothing hits the spot like a good shrimp or fish ceviche. Locals prepare it with fresh lime juice, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and just the right touch of chili for those who like a bit of heat. Don’t miss the seafood toasts, loaded with octopus, shrimp, or mixed mariscos—perfect for a light, flavorful meal with an ocean view.

Black mole

Although you’ll find black mole throughout Oaxaca, it has a special place in Puerto Escondido’s culinary scene. This rich, complex sauce is made from over 30 ingredients, including dried chilies, spices, and of course, chocolate. Traditionally served over chicken or turkey, it comes with rice and freshly made tortillas.

Garlic shrimp

If you’re a seafood lover, “camarones al mojo de ajo” is a must. In Puerto Escondido, it’s made with plenty of golden garlic sautéed in butter, and served with rice and salad. Simple, satisfying, and one of the most popular dishes among visitors.

Oaxacan tamales

Wrapped in banana leaves and filled with mole, veggies, or seafood, Oaxacan tamales make a perfect breakfast or snack.

Traditional desserts

Finish your meal with a sweet treat like nicuatole (a light corn-based dessert) or try artisanal ice cream in exotic flavors like mezcal, prickly pear, or passion fruit.

Where to eat in Puerto Escondido

From street food to gourmet dining, Puerto Escondido has something for every taste:

• El Cafecito: A local favorite for breakfast, with natural juices and chilaquiles.
• El Nene: Known for their grilled fish and fresh seafood dishes.
• Almoraduz: For a more refined experience, try this spot serving contemporary Oaxacan cuisine.
• La Olita: A casual beach shack with great fish tacos and ceviche.

Forget fast-food chains. Here, meals are homemade with love, using family recipes passed down through generations. You can even shop for ingredients at the Benito Juárez Market and cook your own meals if you’re staying in a local Airbnb or casita.

Tips for the best experience

If you’re looking for a vacation that blends adventure, authenticity, and natural beauty without the crowds, Puerto Escondido is for you. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:

• Where to stay: Choose small boutique hotels or rent a casita. Living like a local is part of the charm.
• Getting around: Rent a scooter or bike to explore hidden spots around town.
• Connect with locals: People here are warm and welcoming—chat with them, learn about their lives, and embrace the local culture.
• Respect nature: This is a natural paradise. Use biodegradable sunscreen and never leave trash on the beach.

Puerto Escondido isn’t just a place, it’s an experience. It connects you with nature, with local culture, and with yourself. You won’t find tour companies planning every second of your day like in the Riviera Maya. But what you’ll get in return are real, unfiltered moments: surfing Zicatela’s waves, walking the beach at sunset, or savoring fresh fish by the ocean.

If you’re searching for a destination where adventure meets tranquility, Puerto Escondido is calling your name.

The post Puerto Escondido: Discover Oaxaca’s surfing paradise first appeared on Explore Mexico.