img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}It’s time to stop scrolling. No, not the random videos that pop up on TikTok and Instagram…
You know what I’m talking about — it’s time to plan that trip you’ve been putting off.
At Travel Off Path, we get it. Choosing your next vacay is a tall task, especially for those who work a traditional 9-to-5 with limited PTO to spare.
The good news is Mexico is never a bad idea. Though it can be a bit mundane to follow the same crowd with the same itinerary year after year.
No offense to Cancun, but not all of us want to deal with elbow-to-elbow crowds and fight for a swim-up bar stool.
There are 4 exciting new ways to explore Mexico this year; none of which are cookie-cutter experiences.
Travel Tip: Before diving in, make sure to check out Travel Off Path’s latest tools to help you navigate Mexico, such as the Mexico Tipping Guide.
4) Hop Aboard Newly Upgraded Ferry From Baja To Underrated Paradise
The Sea of Cortez is one of Mexico’s most beautiful locales, ranging from excursions on the sea itself to charming hideaways, such as Loreto and La Paz.
The latter has become a trendy hotspot for Cabo tourists to venture outside their luxe resorts and discover a tranquil seaside town with epic seafood, far cheaper prices, and arguably Latin America’s most stunning beach, Balandra.
What travelers may not know is that a passenger ferry departs from La Paz (Port of Pichilingue), connecting the tip of the Sea of Cortez to the underrated paradise of Mazatlán, sometimes overlooked due to its location in Sinaloa.
Mazatlan is the exception to the rule when following travel advisories, as this gorgeous resort town is safe, affordable, charming, and becoming a thriving expat/nomad destination.
The Cabo Star just joined the Baja Ferries fleet to much fanfare as it’s the largest ferry in all of Latin America, meticulously designed for extra comfort to draw in more passengers.
3) New San Diego Ferry Sends You Straight Into Mexico’s “Napa”
As a San Diegan, I have been counting the days for the launch of San Diego’s first international ferry service to Baja, bypassing the busiest border in the world for what’s promised to be a seamless trip to the popular port town of Ensenada.
What’s truly promising is that Ensenada is no stranger to maritime traffic, so one would think any hiccups should be resolved quickly.
The launch date for the Azteca Ferry is officially set for July 24th after many setbacks.
Here is what we know for sure, according to Mexico-based publication, El Imparcial:
- Azteca Ferry will bear a Mexican flag and employ Mexican staff (hence the Spanish-worded website)
- The journey will take approximately 90 minutes
- There will be no stops (it’s a direct route both ways between San Diego and Ensenada)
Once you arrive in Ensenada, you’ll find yourself at the tail-end of the famous “Rute de Vino” in Valle de Guadalupe’s lush vineyards and TikTok-worthy wineries stretching to a much calmer border city, Tecate.
2) Endless Rides?! Take Advantage Of The Maya Train’s Unlimited Pass
Remember when the Maya Train was the hottest ticket in Mexico? Well, that quickly changed after all the reported mishaps leaving travelers wondering if they should’ve just stayed back at their resort versus trying to explore as much as Mexico as possible.
Things have shifted yet again, as travel experts at The Cancun Sun report a remarkable 250% spike in travelers this year.
One can only imagine a key reason for the surge is due to the Maya Train’s unlimited pass, covering the following 11 stations for just $270:
- Teya-Mérida
- Tixkokob
- Izamal
- Chichén-Itzá
- Valladolid
- Nuevo Xcán
- Leona Vicario
- Cancún Aeropuerto
- Puerto Morelos
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
It’s important to note that the pass is valid for 7 days at a time, which users can select their weeklong window.
1) New Airport = New Adevntures: Explore Tepic & Beyond
History was made this week with the first-ever U.S. flight to Tepic’s new international airport, which is intended to not only be an invitation to explore this cheap, historic city off the radar for most, but also as a gateway to Riviera Nayarit’s unexplored beaches in the shadows of nearby Puerto Vallarta.
Riviera Nayarit’s coastline boasts over 200 miles of pristine shores, anchored by some notable names you should definitely scope out, such as San Blas and my personal favorite, Sayulita, which I had the pleasure of visiting last spring.
Americans have a pair of flight options to venture off to Tepic this year:
- Volaris from Los Angeles (launched July 19)
- United from Houston (launching December 20)
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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