Kirsten Raccuia

A quiet weekend in Mayto, Jalisco-no crowds, no beach clubs, no agenda. Here's what it's really like to visit this remote Pacific beach town.

Versalles, Puerto Vallarta, is one of those colonias (neighborhoods) you don’t stumble into by accident. You come here on purpose. Most likely for the food. And then you start asking yourself, wait… could I actually live here? This guide breaks down what Versalles is really like: where it is, how it feels, who it’s best for, and where it falls short.

Zacatlán de las Manzanas and I didn’t exactly hit it off. It poured for five straight days, and the town was wrapped in a blanket of fog so thick I could barely see across the plaza. Not a blue sky in sight. Ever. But every so often, when the clouds parted, I caught a glimpse of a place so beautiful it made me want to see more.
I may not have had the trip I’d hoped, but I did get a real feel for small-town Mexico. And even with the rain, there’s still plenty to do, see, and taste here, from e...

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but watching lucha libre wrestling in Puerto Vallarta is far more fun than whatever you had planned that night.

I had no idea what I was in for when I said yes to a match the other night. I mean, of course, I knew what it was. I saw Nacho Libre with Jack Black in 2006. But I had no idea what was about to unfold.

If you want a night that’s loud, local, and wildly different from the usual PV activities, this is 100% worth it.

Here’s what you need to know before jumping into the wild, masked world of Mexican lucha libre.

This isn’t your average tequila tour.

It’s an agave experience.

If you’re last tequila tasting was in a fluorescent-lit tequila store with a salesperson pouring you a thimble of booze in a plastic shot glass, think again. A small-batch, sunshine-fueled agave project is here to blow your mind (and maybe your liver).

Sayulita is deceptive.
On one hand, it’s an old hippie haven for barefoot surfers with dreadlocks who’ve called it home for decades. On the other hand, it’s a high-end shopper’s paradise, with boutiques selling unique pieces of wearable art, collectible finds, and wall-worthy decor. These aren’t your typical Mexican souvenir or tequila-tasting shops—this is where you’ll find threaded or beaded cow skulls made using traditional methods, modern art, and textiles dyed with natural pigments.
And ...

It’s hotter than a muthatrucka in PV right now. I’d dine in a walk-in freezer if they served tacos. With temperatures soaring and the humidity relentless, I get why so many people flee from July to October. But we don’t, which means finding air-conditioned restaurants in Puerto Vallarta becomes a survival skill.

Chetumal-Cancun 307 KM 4.5, Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Lagoon front Boca de Agua delivers for discerning travelers seeking a harmonious blend of luxury and nature. These elevated treehouses, 19 kilometers from Bacalar town center, combine sleek minimalist design with an eco-conscious ethos. The property is a tranquil refuge surrounded by lush jungle and serene water views.
Turning off the highway onto the private road leading to Boca de Agua feels like you're leaving civilization behind. I...

What to pack for Mexico usually starts with the obvious: swimsuits, sunscreen, and flip-flops. You don’t need me for that. What you do need is the other list. You know, the stuff no one tells you about until you’re here sweating, swatting mosquitoes, or wishing you had packed just one smart thing.

I’ve been living in Mexico for years, and I’ve learned the hard way what should earn a spot in your bag.

These are the little lifesavers that make the difference between a trip that’s easy-breezy an...

Puerto Vallarta is one of those rare places that caters to beach lovers, bar hoppers, retirees, digital nomads, and taco fiends alike. But not every neighborhood suits every lifestyle. Some are made for peace and quiet, others for party-all-night energy. And some hit that sweet spot in between.
I’ve lived in here for years and have spent a lot of time exploring the neighborhoods, so here is a peek into the top five areas people move to — quirks and all.
Learn more about Mexico and other count...

So, you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, but you’re not familiar with the beaches. I am here to help. After living here since January of 2022, I’ve done the hard research of beach hopping to find the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta (and its surrounds).
Think of this as a tell-all about which beaches fit your vacation style.
Want a beach with a party vibe? I got you.
Prefer a secluded beach with no vendors? I got you.
Like the idea of a family beach without all the tourists? Guess what? ...

The life of Dan and Talula, mezcal bar owners in San Pancho, Mexico

Nestled along the mesmerizing shores of Bacalar's lagoon, the adult-only 16-room Amainah hotel offers an unforgettable stay with its edgy design and modern amenities.

As we approached the Amainah Hotel, the unassuming high stone walls created a sense of intrigue. The sharp, precisely cut triangular motifs in the concrete facade stand in striking contrast to the warmth of the golden-hued stone walls, immediately setting the tone for...

San Pancho isn’t just a town—it’s a secret, hidden in plain sight. Tucked away just 25 miles north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR), it’s a beachside haven so beloved that locals practically swear newcomers to silence. However, keeping quiet about San Pancho is nearly impossible.
Officially, it’s called San Francisco, but no one uses that name. Like a whispered code among those in the know, it’s simply San Pancho. In Mexico, even towns have nicknames. Just as Ignacio becomes Nac...

Living in Puerto Vallarta feels like stepping into a postcard, except the colors are brighter, the air is saltier, and there’s always a cheap taco nearby. When we came here in 2022, we had no intention of staying. But it slowly grew on us, and before we knew it, we realized it was checking off a lot of boxes.

But let’s be real. No place is all sparkles and margaritas (though there are plenty of those here).