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Most people who find Mexico say some version of the same thing: why didn’t I come sooner? While travelers have been crowding onto Caribbean islands for years, the coastlines of Mexico have sat patiently, very happy to remain a well-kept secret. 

We’ve spent years exploring every corner, getting to know the boat captain in La Paz who will take you a spot that no charter company lists; which villa in Los Cabos only opens its gates to friends of friends; and which stretch of reef in the Riviera Maya our marine biologists have been diving for decades. 

This isn’t the Mexico you find on a booking platform. This is the Journey edition. 

Riviera Maya: The Caribbean’s Best-Kept Secret Has Always Been Just West of It 

On Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya sits on one of the largest coral reef systems in the world. The coastline runs from the port town of Puerto Morelos, through the city of Playa del Carmen and its Michelin-starred culinary scene, all the way south to ruin-rich Tulum. It is now a popular destination, having more than earned its place on many travelers’ radar: the white sand beaches, the calm Caribbean Sea, the extraordinary Maya archaeological sites. So, the question is how to experience it without the crowds.  

The difference is in the detail; in exploring what’s made the Riviera Maya so popular in a more intimate way. Private guides who know the cenotes that the tour buses never reach, and archaeologists who can take you to the ruins before everyone else arrives. Choosing the right property matters too. There is a world of difference between the high-rise sprawl of the hotel zone and somewhere like Mayakoba, a private gated complex framed by 595 acres of protected forest, with a mile of beach stretching out in front of you. 

Beneath the surface: shipwrecks, sea turtle nesting grounds, bull sharks gathering in winter in numbers that stop even the most seasoned divers. Our contacts are not just dear friends. They also happen to be marine biologists and ocean experts who have been exploring these waters their whole lives. For us, it always comes back to how you experience a destination. 

Explore the Riviera Maya → 

Los Cabos: The Last Thing You Expect at the Edge of a Desert 

At the southernmost tip of Baja California Sur, Los Cabos sits where the Pacific joins the Sea of Cortez. This brings exquisite marine biodiversity and produces some of the most dramatic coastline you can find (such as El Arco: an iconic rock arch rising from the water). The colorful sunsets here have quite the reputation, with their warmth, intensity and light that photographers keep coming back for. 

It is no wonder resorts have sprung up along this coast. This tends to be where most people stay (and stop). But our villa access opens different doors. Sail out to private coves the charter boats skip past. Meet chefs who grew up fishing these waters with signature seafood dishes that will make your mouth water. The desert at dawn, before the heat settles in, is another thing entirely: hike over the cactus spotted trails, or venture out by ATV.   

A handful of peak season dates remain. If Los Cabos has been on your list, this is your sign for it to become a reality. 

Start planning your Los Cabos journey → 

La Paz: Have You Ever Seen Water That Color Before? 

A little further up the coast is La Paz, the region’s capital. It is home to Balandra Bay, which looks like somewhere a filmmaker might invent: impossibly turquoise water, a backdrop of desert hills framing the scene. Our own Amberley (Director of Business Development), who has travelled to some of the most beautiful places on earth, calls it the prettiest water she has ever seen. 

From July through September, whale sharks move through these waters. They are the biggest fish in the ocean (up close they are truly enormous), and you have the opportunity to swim alongside them. For families especially, this is a unique kind of memory. Our yachts carry limited spots for this outing, so it’s no surprise they fill up consistently. For those who want to stay out on the water for longer, the Paravero catamaran moves through the Sea of Cortez at a slower pace, which is another great option. 

Find your way to La Paz → 

This Is the Trip You Will Talk About Forever. 

Just like a tasty salsa, Mexico right now is a culmination of the perfect ingredients. Exclusive access, world-class experiences, and a coastline that rivals the Caribbean (at a fraction of the crowd). We heard the same thing time and again from the families, couples and groups who traveled with us this season: 

When can we start booking our next trip to Mexico? 

Journey Mexico knows these coastlines, and most importantly, the people who make the difference between a good holiday and the one you never stop talking about. Tell us what kind of trip you are imagining. 

We will take it from here. →