Surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains, the gleaming, modern industrial city of Monterrey is a place defined more by ambition and industry rather than mass tourism. The city made it into international news a few years ago when Elon Musk announced he would open a Tesla gigafactory there, a plan that has since been put on hold due to US tariffs. But there were plenty of reasons Musk was interested in expanding into Monterrey.

Monterrey is the business capital of Mexico

The city calls itself “the business capital of Mexico,” and with good reason: it has a thriving aerospace, tech, biotech and automotive industry and several major companies are based there — along with a younger demographic of Mexicans who have moved there to take well-paying jobs at these companies. Driving this seemingly never-ending investment is Nuevo León’s affable young governor, Samuel García, who travels the world regularly to talk up Nuevo León as a base for Latin American expansion for U.S., Asian and European manufacturers and tech companies. 

Perhaps emblematic of Monterrey’s modern, ambitious vibe is the city’s Torre Obispado, the tallest skyscraper in all of Mexico. Not content with that status, Monterrey is also building the Torre Rise, which aims to become the tallest skyscraper in all of Latin America, featuring luxury condos, business offices, hotels, bars and restaurants.

Unlike Mexico’s older urban hubs, Monterrey doesn’t promote its history and tradition; its youthful vision is pointed firmly forward toward the future.

‘Dallas, but in Spanish’

The city’s economic success is partly due to its location near the U.S. border, which has also resulted in plenty of cross-pollination with the U.S., both economically and culturally. In Mexico, Monterrey has the reputation of being the most Americanized city in Mexico.

Culturally, it boasts a strong norteño identity, thanks to its proximity to Texas cities like Laredo and San Antonio, so it’s not unusual to see cowboy hats on Monterrey’s streets, and hear the norteño sounds of Los Tigres Del Norte and Ramón Ayala at parties. Many Monterrey natives have family in the U.S. and have spent extensive time there, which means a big demand for U.S.-style amenities and culture. The city’s young, well-educated population, if not fluent in English, tends to speak at least some. 

Thanks to Monterrey’s highly Americanized environment, it can be an appealing option for well-educated, younger workers from the U.S., who know Spanish, whose English can be a boon for international companies looking for workers who are fluent in the business world’s lingua franca.

Monterrey’s reputation for high-ranking universities also attracts young foreigners from the U.S. and other countries seeking to earn a less-expensive but still well-regarded university degree in an environment with plenty of good jobs. An undergraduate degree from even one of Mexico’s most prestigious, and most expensive, private universities, the Tec de Monterrey, can cost well under US $20,000 a year, significantly cheaper than in the U.S. At the Autonomous University of Nuevo León, a public university, international students can pay as little as US $1,000 in yearly tuition. 

Mexican-American Kata Lucia, a Mexican American engineering student at Tec de Monterrey, sees the city as a good option for Mexican-American students who want to connect with their roots in an environment that doesn’t feel entirely foreign. 

“Although I like to call Monterrey ‘Dallas, but in Spanish’ due to how Americanized it is, I’ve really fallen in love with the feeling it gives me,” she said. “It’s like being home in Texas, but also being in the unknown at the same time.”

A welcoming environment

Other expats in Monterrey we interviewed pointed to the warm sense of community they encountered there. Andrea Zavala, a local radio announcer for Monterrey’s Classic 106.9 FM and former Spanish immersion teacher in Ohio, highlights how kind the Monterrey community is towards outsiders, particularly to those with kids in the school system.

“There’s a WhatsApp group for each of our kids’ classrooms. The parents and kids from each class even meet up to celebrate Christmas, Halloween and Mexico’s Independence Day. They use anything as an excuse to get together,” she said. 

Also, she said, she encountered a “lot of support from the start.”

“If your kids need a ride or help with homework, parents from the community are there with a sincere and helping hand.”

After the gentrification protests in Mexico City last summer, a would-be foreign migrant to Monterrey might wonder if outsiders will be welcome. But since Monterrey doesn’t have many tourists or many temporary foreign residents, foreigners who settle in Monterrey are viewed more as new members of the community.

“I truly like how friendly the people are. Being from the southeast U.S., there are many similarities in the [two] culture[s]: greeting strangers, smiling, and making eye contact,” said April Bounds, an American who moved to Monterrey with her family last September. “The wealth inequality is stark here, but it’s important to remember that there are generally kind, hardworking people who are trying to get by like the rest of us.”

There are, of course, some challenges, especially if you don’t have a great command of Spanish, says Steen Kirby, an American expat who has lived in Monterrey for almost two years. Adapting to Monterrey also means adapting to life in a major urban center and all that comes with it, including sitting in rush-hour traffic jams.

But Kirby finds Monterrey to be a part of Mexico filled with unexpected gems. 

“There are companies like [outsourcers for] Tesla, Hyundai and Cemex here, so it makes for an interesting place to be in Mexico,” he says. “The skyscrapers and mountains also make for a wonderful backdrop to the city I call home.” 

Kirby also cites “the amenities and infrastructure in Monterrey, such as the fantastic malls and shopping plazas” and the phenomenal music scene Monterrey has compared to other parts of Mexico, with two major festivals a year — Tecate Pa’l Norte and Machaca Fest. These festivals draw artists like Karol G, J Balvin, 50 Cent, Blink 182, and Kings of Leon to the city as an easy stopover from southern U.S. cities. If you also include Festival San Lucas in the equation, a cultural event with more traditional noteño music, it makes for a year-round, music paradise for those who enjoy concerts. 

“But the biggest thing for me is how welcoming the norterños of Monterrey are towards people who are visibly not Mexican,” Kirby says. “I’ve lived in other parts of the north, like Tijuana, and felt less welcome there compared to being in Monterrey as a gringo.”

Stories like these demonstrate how foreigners can flourish in Monterrey, a rare middle ground between cultures where Americans, Mexicans, and virtually anyone who settles there can feel welcome. Maybe, with Monterrey set to host four World Cup games next June, others will start to fall in love with this unique gem in Mexico. 

What has been your experience in Monterrey? Let us know in the comments below.

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Why moving to Monterrey might just be your Mexican dream appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Hart’s joke, whether he meant it to be or not, was a complex mix of humorous self-effacement on behalf of the United States for its reputation of ignorance about the world’s number-one sport, and a defensive — almost defiant — assurance that while soccer is generally the fifth most popular sport in the U.S. behind American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey, the U.S. had done its homework and is fit to be running things.

While Hart’s remarks were undoubtedly well-intentioned, they unintentionally captured the spirit of what, as a Mexican Canadian, I found problematic about this World Cup draw. This two-and-a-half-hour event to announce the details of the upcoming FIFA men’s soccer tournament, intended to evoke a spirit of collaboration between the three host countries — Mexico, the U.S. and Canada — instead felt like a greatly unbalanced ode to American greatness, one in which my two countries were treated like sideliners.

Sure, this event was held in Washington D.C., so the spectacle was bound to be a bit U.S.-centric. But was awarding U.S. President Donald Trump a newly created FIFA Peace Prize the best way to make fellow World Cup host leaders Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico and Mark Carney of Canada feel like equal players? The Village People, an iconic American band known for their hit “YMCA,” was also the main headliner — a longtime Trump rally anthem that has become something of a political signature. 

Claudia Sheinbaum and Mark Carney, on the other hand, were supporting characters at best to a show centered around the U.S. president.

Even the celebrities participating in the draw felt like tone-deaf choices. For example, Heidi Klum was Hart’s cohost, a German-American supermodel known for being one of the judges on the U.S. television show, “America’s Got Talent.” She’s a global icon, sure, but was she the best choice out of a plethora of Mexican, Mexican American and Canadian celebrities that would’ve done a great job hosting? The short answer is no. 

Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria, popular hosts like Mario Lopez and comedians like Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias would’ve made great picks to host the show. What about Mike Myers, a world-famous Canadian celebrity who’s a well-known soccer fan? Or Canadian women’s football legend Christine Sinclair, a CONCACAF champion who’s scored more international career goals than any male or female player? Pairing Toronto native and actor/comedian Russell Peters with a funny Mexican American like Fluffy (or, God forbid, an actual Mexican) would’ve been a chef’s kiss choice by representing all three host nations. 

But instead, an overwhelming number of American celebrities were highlighted in the draw: Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers — with MAGA-approved Wayne Gretzky as the token Canadian. It was obvious most of the presenters were kind of asked to do it at the last minute without having a general baseline knowledge of the beautiful game — and, in some cases, how to pronounce certain countries’ names. If you had asked most of these U.S. celebrities beforehand if they’re a fan of the game, they might’ve used the word “soccer” in their responses. 

Where were Mexican celebrities like football coach Rafa Marquez, boxer Canelo Alvarez, or singer Luis Miguel? What about Mexican American actress Jessica Alba or some top female Mexican footballers like Scarlett Camberos and Teresa Noyola, the latter a Mexican American footballer who’s played on the Mexican women’s team? A variety of these sorts of athletes and celebrity presenters would’ve given the show more life. 

Where there were fragments of Mexican and Canadian representation at the 2026 draw, it was deeply buried under Americana, to the point where it was confusing: The World Cup Draw is supposed to be about celebrating all the nations that have made it into the tournament; it’s supposed to be as inclusive as you can get, but this time, it seemed like Trump and the United States took the liberty of organizing the global event to be all about themselves. It was like being invited to a Day of the Dead event in Oaxaca and being offered hamburgers and milkshakes. 

After the draw concluded, I went on with my day, thinking about how we should’ve seen a deeper sense of collaboration. If this foreshadows what we’ll see in 2026, there’s a real fear it may turn into an overdone U.S.-style Super Bowl spectacle that’ll alienate fans and be about everything but watching the world’s game at the highest level. 

Case in point: FIFA has just announced that — for the first time ever — the final game will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post North American World Cup or Americana Fever Dream? After watching the 2026 draw, we’re confused appeared first on Mexico News Daily

While many buy an existing home in their preferred location, a few bold types think even bigger, deciding to buy land in Mexico to build a home or condo building, often with the idea of renting it for some passive income in the months they spend back home each year. Mexico also presents great real estate opportunities for the entrepreneur who wants to build a property to then sell or rent out, rather than make Mexico their home. 

Do your due diligence

Whichever of the two is your preferred scenario, the basic advice is the same: Know the lay of the land and do your research. It’s easy to dream about buying land in Mexico and bringing to life a real estate project from scratch — renting out the condos in your building and reaping the fruits of your labor through passive income — but to find out how feasible this dream might be, Mexico News Daily spoke to some seasoned developers, who shared the realities of this grand endeavor. 

“Do your due diligence and have realistic goals,” says Ian Gengos, a Canadian realtor living in Mexico who works with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Baja Real Estate. “It’s important to do proper feasibility studies. Your company’s title and ownership of the land has to be clear. You have to know if you can sell the properties within the project you want to develop — and, also, if it’s even possible. I’ve seen people buy land and then have this vision that just can’t be realized because what they want to do is not able to be done where they want to do it.”

There are several permits and concessions you may need to fulfill your project’s needs. It’s also critical to work with architects and engineers who know the land you’re building on and who are comfortable meeting expectations with what you’ve set out to accomplish. 

As we’ve covered in the past, there are certain realities unique to Mexico: The acquisition cost of property in Mexico is higher than in the United States, for example. And it’s not unusual to pay up to 10% more for a property when you consider the added notary fee, appraisal costs and other expenses. 

The dangers of long-distance buying

There’s a lot to be said about having the right approach for your building goal.

“It depends on the purpose you have to buy property in Mexico. Is it [purely] for an investment or to have a place to live for you and your family?” said Ilan Vainer Cohen of Laiva Group in San José del Cabo. “In my experience, Americans and Canadian entrepreneurs who come to Mexico want to do both. 

“But as a developer, you should think about what makes a project appealing: If there is a new highway, a new mall, or new properties being constructed near your project, that’ll add value to your investment since people will want to live there or stay frequently during vacation periods.”

Between the internet and write-ups like this, it is possible to go through the process alone. You can research where in Mexico you’d like to live, save money for a down payment and talk to the developer. If you ask Gengos, however, you’d be setting yourself up to fail.  

“Unfortunately, there are a lot of people who pretend to be real estate professionals,” he said. “They’ll tell clients to wire funds to the developer or directly to a seller’s account without any recourse if things go wrong. They just want to sell somebody something without doing the work to protect the buyer against bad sellers and bad titles. Online, it’s hard to tell who is legit. But when you’re in Mexico, it’s easier to verify since you’re on the ground.” 

“It’s always best to work with a licensed professional who knows the area well and can help you navigate challenges,” Gengos says. “They’ll explain processes and guide you to the right property. For example, they’ll help you understand what a fideicomiso is and how to set up an escrow account. Even if you’re the best researcher, you can still run into trouble.” 

Also, says Gengos, it’s better to work with independent real estate advisors as opposed to a realtor who works for the developer. Gengos also stressed the importance of working with an agent who represents you exclusively as a buyer, to assure your interests are protected and prioritized. 

The value — and danger — of going the presale route

Knowing the pros and cons about buying land and building on your own versus buying a presale home versus buying a pre-existing construction is something that an experienced independent real estate advisor should be able to explain. Ilan Vainer Cohen, a Mexican resident who has spent most of his career in real estate development, says that getting the timing right can be a tough call. 

“I’ve had clients who wanted to buy a [presale] condo too early and some too late. Say you find a property in development for US $300,000. If you were to put a down payment, you’d be buying the vision of what your condo might be. [But] it’s a double-edged sword because you can’t foresee any problems that may occur in construction: Maybe the developer will fall behind schedule, and you’ll have to wait longer to move in. It’s the risk you take when you go that route.”

“But if you wait until [the property is]  finished to buy, the price may be US $450,000 because of all the effort that went into getting your dream home to market. The more [work] a developer [does] on a building, the more expensive the units will be at the end.”

For reasons like these, it’s also important to check the developer’s track record and reputation in the local community. If its history dictates a solid resume of quality buildings completed on time, it’s a safer investment. If not, you’ll save yourself the headache by moving on to another development project that’s more worth your time. 

This is another reason why having a local real estate professional on your team is worth the investment. 

Of course, all this information only scratches the surface of knowing how to invest in the Mexican real estate market. But if there’s one solid takeaway, Mexico has its own unique way of doing things much like the United States, Canada, or anywhere else in the world. It’s important to do your homework. Another good piece of advice is to connect with other foreigners who have built here. Their experiences can tell you a lot, often in plain language that’s easier to understand, about what to expect from the process — and what to watch out for.

Have you built a home from scratch or bought a presale (preventa) in Mexico? Do you have any advice for foreign buyers? Let us know in the comments below.

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Investing from scratch: When your dream is building property in Mexico  appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The Big 5 personality traits outline a person’s common characteristics and how they are influenced throughout their life. Everyone falls under one of the following categories: openness, consciousness, extraversion, agreeableness or neuroticism. 

It turns out your personality can also indicate the kind of energy you’re most attracted to. If you’ve always dreamed of moving to Mexico but don’t know where, we’ve got you covered. The answer to this question may surprise you (it definitely surprised me)!

Openness: San Cristóbal de las Casas

This is the personality trait I scored the highest on,. It defines people who are creative, curious, and open to new experiences. It can also indicate someone’s openness to intellectual knowledge and risk-taking, including adventures outside of their comfort zone. 

If you’re like me, San Cristóbal de las Casas may be where you feel most at home. In the heart of Chiapas, it’s surrounded by nature, beaches and waterfalls. I like all these things, particularly the image of chasing a new waterfall every weekend and going on hikes to find local beaches. 

San Cristóbal is also filled with history, from well-preserved colonial architecture and the yellow San Cristóbal Cathedral to museums and flea markets that sell artisanal gems that would fit well in anyone’s living room. 

At first, I wasn’t sure if this Mexican pueblo was a good fit for me. But then, I thought about it. No, San Cristóbal wouldn’t have been my first choice to buy property. Yet it is a new place to discover. If that’s not the making of an expat adventure, I don’t know what is. 

Consciousness: Huatulco

Oaxaca has grown to become my favorite state in Mexico over the last 3 years. From the food in Oaxaca City to the waves in Puerto Escondido for surfing, there’s a lot for me to see and explore there. In my experience, Oaxaca is a part of Mexico that stays true to tradition and is rich in communities, whether it be among locals, expats, or a mixture of both. Since those who fit into consciousness value stability and appreciate order, Huatulco might be the perfect choice to find your dream home. 

It’s also reasonably priced if you look at the condos available to purchase in this beach town. Properties are between US $185,000 to $300,000, which is pretty good compared to other parts of Mexico. 

From the delicious flavors of Oaxacan cuisine, the rich traditions of Day of the Dead and consistently good weather, you can’t go wrong here. 

Extraversion: Mexico City

Social events, lots of restaurants, museums, shopping malls and hip neighborhoods alone would attract most people to Mexico City. I’ve been going there since I was a kid, and I never have a shortage of fun things to do, people to meet, family to get tacos with, and new experiences to be had. I always find a new tour or meet up with a friend of a friend who knows of a good bar to watch a football match. 

But I’m also what is called an ambivert, a mix between an introvert and an extrovert, depending on who I’m surrounded by or where I am in the world. Sometimes, I need to recharge my social batteries. If I’m being honest, I’d need a beach trip at least once every 3 months if I were to live in Mexico City. 

That isn’t the case with those who fall under extraversion. In fact, the results indicate you’ll thrive in a place like Mexico City, where something cool is always happening. 

From historic neighborhoods like Condesa to modern suburbs in Interlomas, you’ll find a variety of different condos and houses. Naturally, it’ll be better to live within Condesa, Coyoacán, or even Polanco if you’re looking to meet new people and be within walking distance to parks, social meetups and events. But if you have a family and want to be somewhere quieter, areas like Contadero and Santa Fe will be the safest bet. 

Agreeableness: Tulum

The definition of agreeableness applies to those who love environments that foster trust and shared purpose. It may not be the most traditional or culturally appealing part of Mexico, but if you’re an expat looking to connect with like-minded people, I can’t think of a better location to call home than Tulum. 

Tulum is notorious for being expensive, and I recently learned that property there has the highest acquisition cost in the Riviera Maya at 4%. Luxury apartments and penthouses there can also be well over half a million dollars. It has come a long way from being the quiet fishing village it once was 20 years ago. 

However, when I visited Tulum five years ago, it had island vibes and a close-knit atmosphere that made it a draw for digital nomads and entrepreneurs. 

I also noticed yoga retreats and spiritual healing workshops that provided a safe space for people to get to know each other through shared activities. If you want a good balance of an expat adventure and being surrounded by foreigners that make you feel at home, Tulum may be the place to be on the market for a condo. But for obvious reasons, I’d suggest hiring an independent real estate agent to help find something in your ideal price range. 

Neuroticism: Bacalar

My favorite little beach town in Mexico. It’s one of those places that may not be as mainstream as Cancún or Playa del Carmen. However, once you know about it, you’ll want to make sure it remains a secret. 

If you’re partial to excellent food, boat rides, swimming, peaceful walks, and not many tourists, then you’ll love Bacalar. It also happens to be the perfect location to move to if your personality trait is neuroticism. 

Bacalar is a small town that is the definition of a getaway destination. People who score high on neuroticism tend to be prone to stress and anxiety. Everything that an overrun tourist or expat hub may cause for those who prefer to be away from the bustling streets of Mexico City or the energy in Tulum. Bacalar is more laid-back and also quite affordable. It’s possible to find several properties in the US $130,000-$300,000 range here. 

My advice is to purchase something before tourism begins to surge and home prices skyrocket. If you ask me, Bacalar has the potential to become one of Mexico’s next hot destinations. 

What are your personality traits? 

Of course, a personality test isn’t the only factor involved in buying property in Mexico. It may not be your sign to move to a certain place within the country, but it should be one of many reasons to chase the perfect version of your best life. 

What are some of your unconventional ways to map out the location of your ideal Mexican dream home? Let us know in the comments below. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico, visiting family and friends.

The post Where to find real estate in Mexico by personality type appeared first on Mexico News Daily

It may be said that Salinas is a key reason why the dream of retiring in a Mexican beach town is possible in 2025. A fideicomiso is the most common way for non-Mexican residents to buy a condo these days. The bank owns the property, yet the beneficiary retains all the rights of ownership. This means a foreign investor can live in the property, sell, mortgage, or even rent it out through Airbnb. 

If you’re entrepreneurial and want to start a business in Mexico, that’s another viable option. You can register a corporation, set up office headquarters, and place yourself as a shareholder. This gives you the ability to buy a home since your business will be considered a legal entity, and you’ll be contributing to the economy via taxes.

How to buy real estate on the Riviera Maya

Since the Riviera Maya is one of Mexico’s most popular regions for expats to invest in beach-filled areas like Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Cancún, Puerto Morelos and Cozumel, I reached out to a well-known real estate expert named Susana Macdonald to get more insight on how the buying process works. 

Having appeared on shows like “House Hunters,” Macdonald has been a licensed real estate sales advisor in the Riviera Maya for 13 years. She has also collaborated with the YouTube Channel “Dream Retirement Mexico,” where she provides valuable insight on the Mexican real estate market. 

Every time I go anywhere within Quintana Roo, I always think about someday calling somewhere in that region home. But if I were to buy property myself in, say, Bacalar, I wanted to understand what unexpected fees were involved in buying my dream condo. 

What to know about unexpected fees before you buy

“What always catches my clients by surprise is the high percentage of closing costs,” Macdonald told me. “In the Riviera Maya, the acquisition cost alone will range from 3% to 4% as a buyer. The notary fee can also be as high as 6%. Appraisal costs are something else to keep in mind. But the good news is, once you buy a property, the maintenance costs and property taxes are usually low. The trust fees you have to pay each year to maintain your investment will also be quite reasonable.” 

According to Macdonald, the fees that go along with buying property in Mexico can be up to 10%.  It’s worth keeping in mind the next time you browse your favorite real estate site online. 

“It comes down to where you decide to live,” Macdonald said. “For example, the acquisition cost of buying property in Tulum is the highest at 4%. Cancún is 3.3%. Playa del Carmen and Bacalar are both at 3%. The list goes on. Prices and acquisition costs vary by municipality. That’s why it’s important to do your research and be sure you’re aware of what’s involved in purchasing your dream home. It’s also worth consulting a lawyer to help represent your best interests.”

The importance of finding a good real estate agent

I was pleased to learn it’s realistic to pay less for the acquisition if you manage to find an undiscovered hidden gem in a less frequented area by tourists. Macdonald added that certain areas within the state of Yucatán have acquisition costs as low as 2.5-3%. 

The more we spoke, the more I realized how knowledgeable she was about the real estate world in Mexico. It also made me curious to understand what I should look for in an agent once I am in the market for a little apartment in a chill Mexican beach town. 

“So I feel it’s important to deal with an independent real estate agent because you’ll have a much more personalized experience,” Macdonald said. “You have agents that work for the developer and represent only one project or commercial building. But independent agents, such as myself, are not tied to one entity and can help you shop around in multiple neighborhoods. We’re in a good position to help find the best opportunities for our clients and make sure they’re able to get what they need.” 

Building a relationship with your real estate agent

Macdonald also stressed the importance of building a relationship with her clients. That way, they have an ally to help navigate any problems that may arise down the line. Sometimes, even long after the sale is made, Macdonald will be available to help them. 

“I think if somebody sits down and talks to me, they have the expectation of wanting to do business with me, and I have to provide them that service. Even when the transaction is finished, I encourage my clients to call me if they need anything. Moving to Mexico is a big decision, and I try to be the best advocate that I can be so they are happy.” 

What to budget beforehand

If you’re looking at a property that goes for US $200,000, the most crucial takeaway is to budget at least $20,000 more in order to prepare yourself for the other fees. It’s also worth exploring your options because Mexico has plenty of great beach towns and homes. But if you have any more questions, you can reach Macdonald on her website and book a call. 

So, are there any other expenses that we haven’t gone over in Mexico’s Riviera Maya? Let us know in the comments below. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico, visiting family and friends.

The post Looking to buy in the Riviera Maya? Look out for these hidden costs! appeared first on Mexico News Daily

But anyone who’s been to Mexico City knows that it’s bigger and more complex than you’d think. I am always surprised by how many beautiful neighborhoods, monuments and parks I pass in the taxi on my way to my grandmother’s house. It’s not enough to love the vibes of Mexico City if you want to live there. You have to put in the time and effort to learn about what makes it unique and what boroughs and neighborhoods speak to you as a temporary or permanent resident.

After my conversation with Dr. Benjamin Bross, a local Mexican architect, I learned that it’s important to understand Mexico City architecture before you can dive into engaging with the real estate market.

Dr. Bross currently teaches at the University of Illinois and is the author of the 2022 book “Mexico City’s Zócalo: A History of a Constructed Spatial Identity.” He’s been a licensed architect for 30 years and has over 75 projects in eight countries under his belt. Not only is he a force in the Mexican architecture community, but his knowledge is invaluable. 

“Mexico City is built in the same pattern as many Latin American cities in that you can read the structure of various neighborhoods and understand the design philosophies of different generations that have come and gone,” Dr. Bross told me. “It’s polycentric from an architectural point of view, meaning every neighborhood in Mexico City functions as its own center. It evolves over time while maintaining its distinct identity and soul.”

A great example of this is Condesa, which is the product of Mexico City architects’ adherence to the garden city movement, which started in the late 19th century with the English Urban planner Ebenezer Howard. Howard’s idea was to create areas that had a good balance of housing, work opportunities and green spaces, and in Mexico, his movement led to the birth of Parque México, Parque España and similar places where life and businesses thrive. 

It’s a neighborhood that has a lot to offer and carries history at every corner. It’s personally where I like to stay whenever I find myself in Mexico City, and it turns out this is a mutual feeling I shared with Dr. Bross when we started diving into real estate. 

“Condesa would be my first choice in terms of places I’d live in because it is very walkable. It’s rich in experiences, restaurants, art galleries and culture,” Dr. Bross told me. 

“You see [that] the garden movement’s influence works well here if you look closely, and it’s the reason I believe [Condesa] attracts both locals and foreigners. You see old and young couples, corporate professionals and retirees inhabiting the same places. Small cafes, restaurants and food stalls are embraced by their community and give Condesa a little more color. It’s just a neighborhood that’s so alive.” 

Dr. Bross also noted that Contadero, in the borough of Cuajimalpa, would be another great choice for those looking for a quieter neighborhood to call home in Mexico City that’s less known among tourists. It’s a beautiful, rural area near the forest and the Sierra de las Cruces mountains. It feels like a small town within a big city, but it’s also quite accessible to modern areas like Parque La Mexicana and the Santa Fe shopping center.

The more I learn about Mexico City, the more I log onto real estate sites to dream about what kind of apartment or neighborhood I’d like to someday call my forever home. But as Dr. Bross informed me, it’s crucial to know what you’re signing up for beforehand. 

“Real estate can be complicated in Mexico for those who are not from there. It’s important that you try to understand how ownership works before you purchase anything. That’s my first piece of advice,” Dr. Bross said. “The good news is that it’s very possible to buy real estate successfully even if you don’t hold Mexican citizenship, but do your homework and be sure to seek insight from a real estate advisor or a lawyer.” 

“I’d also say not to buy a place in Mexico City thinking it’ll be a safe investment. The Mexican real estate market isn’t as predictable as the American one, where you can follow economic cycles and know how they work.” 

“Governments and laws can change really quickly, and if you’re not prepared for that reality, it can cause unwanted stress if you hope to make a good return with your investment in the event you want to rent out your apartment and gain passive income. If you’re going to buy an apartment or a house, be sure it’s primarily for you to have a place of residence and not a cash cow.” 

Now, with the recent protests in Mexico City against gentrification, Dr. Bross’s honest advice rings true. And he also argues that Mexico is a victim of its own success due to the way it built up neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma Norte and Coyoacán to be great places to call home, only to encounter unexpected issues due to the high costs of living that developed there.

However, Mexico City’s architecture community is still thriving in modern times and bringing forth new and exciting masterpieces that’ll likely continue to build on its polycentric reality and help maintain Mexico City’s creative heartbeat. 

Torre Monarca, Dr. Bross’s latest project in Mexico City, is a residential building in the Polanco neighborhood, located in front of the Canadian embassy. It’s designed to represent the monarch butterflies found in Chapultepec Park and to give each tenant their own unique sense of place in the capital, whether they live on the top or bottom floor. It’s also meant to integrate tenants with Chapultepec Park, one of Mexico City’s most important sites. 

Torre Monarca, which Dr. Bross hopes will become an urban landmark, is one of several projects being planned every day that aspire to feed into Mexico City’s cultural makeup. This constant aspiration is the reason I believe Mexico City is a notable standout in modern architecture and will continue to attract expats and inspire everyday people all over the world. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café or somewhere in Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Before you move in: An architect’s guide to finding the right Mexico City location for you appeared first on Mexico News Daily

I’ve returned to Paseo Interlomas several times in the last decade, and in that time I’ve seen countless Mexican residents play and enjoy the game of hockey (fair warning, as a Canadian, there is only one kind to me so put the balls away.) I’ve also seen the sport’s profile rise here: when Mexico won gold at the 2025 U18 Men’s World Championship Division 3, I felt the same sense of pride hit me as when Canada’s men’s soccer team made the semifinals in the last Copa America.

My curiosity about Mexico’s relationship with the sport led to a conversation with the president of the Mexican Ice Hockey Federation, Joaquín de la Garma.

A former architect, Garma has dedicated his life to growing the sport he loves in Mexico. It’s been challenging to introduce hockey to Mexican residents, he says, since the country’s national pastime is soccer, with baseball as a close second. But little by little, Garma and his staff have made progress.

“When I started as president of the Mexican Ice Hockey Federation, we had 600 to 700 members. Today we have about 5,000,” Garma said. “I have been very dedicated in trying to promote it among young kids and also with university students. Slowly, people are showing interest once they’re exposed to hockey and know how the game works.”

NHL teams like the Dallas Stars have offered Garma and the federation their support. Dwight Mullens, the developmental director of the Dallas Stars, organizes hockey clinics in Mexico City every month to help inspire young kids. Al Montoya, a former NHL pro who played for the Montreal Canadiens, has also done his part to nurture young talent on Mexican soil by teaching the skills players need to succeed on the ice. But support from abroad goes beyond hockey clinics.

“The Dallas Stars also help support us by giving kids hockey gear like skates and sticks,” Garma said. “We also have teams that play tournaments in Dallas, so that has been exciting for our federation.”

“This December, we are going to play in the second week of the Silver Stick, which is an important hockey tournament in the United States because it attracts talent in multiple divisions from Novice to Junior. We went the year before and took eight teams, which was 100 players. We knew it wouldn’t be easy to play there because of all the great programs in the U.S., but we gained a lot of experience and that will give us momentum to play well in future competitions.”

Recently, the Las Vegas Golden Knights also began working with the Mexican hockey federation to help promote the sport and potentially develop young talent.

Mexico’s senior men’s hockey team plays in Division 3 Group A, while the senior women’s team is doing a little better, competing in Division 2 Group B. To give you perspective, hockey nations like Canada, the United States and Sweden play in what’s known as the Championship Level, three divisions above.

Mexico may have a long way to go until they move up to the top flight, but their gold medal in the U18 Men’s World Championship has earned them the right to compete in Division 2 Group B. Perhaps all the clinics are proving to be instrumental in elevating Mexico’s hockey culture.

“The U18 tournament was hosted in Mexico City and having home ice advantage was beneficial to us in our preparation. Our team went undefeated in five straight games en route to gold, which is something I’m proud of since we played with heart,” Garma said.

“It’s also important to note we sold over 3000 tickets for the games, and I was happy to see the excitement among local Mexican fans. I believe that’s going to encourage more kids to play hockey in the future. The more opportunities we give Mexicans to be exposed to hockey, the more our fanbase and talent pool will grow in the coming years.”

Mexico has 16 hockey rinks in the country, including several in Mexico City, Querétero, Monterey, León, and Puebla. Cancun, Mérida, Villahermosa, and Tabasco, have also opened hockey rinks. Garma has made sure each rink is home to one club team and that each club plays for a national championship. The rinks are also open to the public, where kids can be around hockey and ignite their passion for the game.

“The future is bright because we’re seeing progress in both the development of our national teams and in the reception of fans,” Garma said. “We’re selling tickets for tournament games, getting kids involved, and gaining traction as an organization, so I think hockey is a growing sport in Mexico.”

“My dream is to make it a universal sport throughout the Americas, not just in Canada and the United States. But it’s going to take time for Mexico to catch up to that level of play. A part of that is competing against respectable hockey nations, and we’ve managed to play against countries like Poland, Great Britain, France, and Italy, which all have great professional leagues and players.”

“I’m also trying to recruit foreign players to come play in Mexico. We’re getting interest from players in Europe, but hopefully one day Canadian and American players will also want to play pro hockey in Mexico and help give us more credibility on a global scale.”

The semi-professional Liga Mexicana Elite de Hockey is the highest level of competition in the country. It currently has five teams and draws a respectable amount of fans. You can stream the games online from the Mexican Hockey Federation’s website. But you can also watch the games live if you’re in Mexico City, especially if you’re in the Santa Fe area.

Exposure to the sport is an ongoing process in Mexico, but if you think you might have what it takes to be a Latin Gordie Howe, now is the time to show the country what you’re made of.

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Do they play ice hockey in Mexico? The answer may surprise you appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Mexico is a vibe that is hard to define in a few words. Sometimes I miss a particular state or a small beach town where I met cool people. Sometimes, it’s the taqueria by my hotel. The surf trip where I fell off my board. The vendor who gave me a discount on a volcanic rock bracelet after I spoke to him in Spanish. But mostly, it’s the feeling I get when I’m immersed in Mexican culture. 

After I came home from Mexico in early 2025, I kept thinking about the differences I’ve noticed between the parts of Mexico I visited and where I live in Canada. 

I’ve been to Mexico so much that I consider myself a part-time local. A man between two worlds. And since my first article on this topic generated a lot of readers sending in their wonderful perspectives on Mexico, I thought why not keep the conversation going?

Neighborhood hubs that feel like a home away from home

In Canada, the dream for most entrepreneurs who open a café or a restaurant is to franchise. More volume obviously means more profits. But the problem with that is quality control. One franchisee might do your menu and concept justice, while another might fail a simple health inspection test. 

From McDonald’s to Pizza Hut, Subway, Burger King, and Tim Horton’s, you can’t go to any neighborhood in Montreal without seeing at least a handful of franchises. There’s only one Italian cafe in my area that has proven to be a unique neighborhood hub. And that made me think of all the cafes and taquerías I’ve been to in Mexico. 

When I was in Playa Del Carmen, I encountered so many great cafes and restaurants that I even wrote a piece on it last year. Mexico City, as I’ve learned on a food tour, is like a lot of places in Mexico – full of local food stalls, vibrant cafes and markets that sell just about everything you could possibly need. 

I’ve been to six Mexican States (and counting!), and everywhere I’ve gone has had enough cafés and restaurants to choose from that differ from each other. But, these places are also valued for their ambiance. You meet friends at these local neighborhood hubs. You can work remotely. You even go on dates, play card games, and watch sports. They’re places that know you by name or face and there’s comfort in that. It’s more than just a transactional exchange. 

Practicing my Spanish every day

When I’m not talking to my Mexican mom, family members, or my Latin American friends on WhatsApp, I speak mostly English in Canada. Every time I return from Mexico, it takes me some time to readjust to my normal routine. A part of that is mistakenly saying “buenos dias” to my coworkers when I meant to say “good morning” or “hola, que pedo wey?” to friends when I meant to say “hey, what’s up, bro?” 

But eventually, I start thinking in English or French again. Naturally, it gets harder to maintain that almost fluent Spanish level I achieved. For years, I’ve been taking one step forward and two steps back in my Spanish journey. 

I feel closer to my Mexican family whenever I’m speaking in their native tongue. It’s also empowering to get by in Mexico without speaking English. Taxi drivers and vendors at markets are more likely to respect you and less likely to rip you off. I’ve gotten discounts, befriended locals, and even almost got offered a job once in Puerto Escondido (if only I had a legit background as a bartender). 

Communicating in Spanish back home just isn’t the same. Even though Canada has welcomed plenty of people from Mexico and Latin America in the last decade, it’s a temporary fix for the fact I’m not in a Mexico City food stall eating tacos and talking about the Nations League. 

Watching sports with Mexican Commentators

The last time I was in Mexico, it happened to be the NFL playoffs. And as I’ve watched a few games at bars and with my uncles, I was reminded of how much more fun professional sports are with Mexican commentators. 

On that trip, I also watched a few soccer matches, as I do whenever I’m in Mexico. I turn into a bigger soccer fan than I am at home. Over the years, I’ve cheered on Pumas, Pachuca and Club América when Guillermo Ochoa was there. 

I don’t know if it’s just me, but Mexican commentators seem more invested in the outcome of sports than American and Canadian analysts. Even if you’re not a sports fan, you feel their energy jump through the screen and get sucked into the emotions of the game like they are. 

National pride in holidays

I’ll never forget my first week in Oaxaca. Not because it was my first time experiencing its culture and food, but because I also happened to land there on Valentine’s Day weekend. 

In Canada, Valentine’s Day is an excuse for people to bring flowers and chocolates to their significant other. But in Oaxaca, it was also a great excuse to celebrate love for everyone. From the Cupid signage everywhere in Oaxaca’s downtown center to the street parties in the Zocalo, love was in the air whether you were single or married. 

If you also take into account Christmas, Day of the Dead, and Carnaval (particularly if you’re in Mazatlán or Veracruz), I’ve learned over the years that Mexicans are no strangers to dancing all night. But it’s also interesting to note that Mexico has 5000 other traditional holidays and events celebrated each year. 

That makes Mexico a little bit more wholesome and fun. Since being in Mexico for Day of the Dead is still on my bucket list, there’s no telling how many other holidays I’ll add to that list in the coming years. 

What do you miss about Mexico? 

Knowing that it may be a while until I return to Mexico, I daydream about the little and big things I miss about being in my second home. 

Is there something else about Mexico you think we should’ve included on this list? Let us know in the comments below!

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post More things I miss about Mexico when I’m not there appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Every time I’m on the bus or boarding a flight at Benito Juarez International Airport, I like to have a snack or two to keep me company. It saves me from going hungry whenever I’m passing through parts of Mexico that lack restaurant options and a good Wi-Fi connection. Having Oxxo snacks on you for long-ish road trips or layovers also tends to be a great way to budget on food since most items are between 20 and 100 pesos (US $1-5). 

I’ve tried dozens of items Oxxo has to offer. Maybe, even more than that. And the last time I was in Mexico, I came up with a top 5 list of my favorite Oxxo snacks. Was it easy to narrow it down to five? No. If you ask me, we may have to do a series on the different types of Oxxo snacks you can find. 

But to get the ball rolling on this debate, here’s what earned a spot on my list. 

Number 5: Príncipe

Like an Oreo with a crunchy cookie exterior and a soft fudgy middle, Príncipe is one of my favorite sweet treats for a reason. You can find these in big family-sized packaging or small packs that you can have in your day bag for when you go to the beach. I tend to grab these cookies when I know I’ll be on the ADO bus for hours, because they’re also quite filling. 

I’ve shared Príncipes with new friends I’ve met at hostels, family members and even taxi drivers. I used to be the kid at school who’d always have a pack of gum on hand, and sharing it with my peers has allowed me to make lifelong friends. Encouraging people to gravitate towards my favourite Oxxo snacks with similar energy has allowed me to see that most people enjoy Príncipe for the same reasons. In other words, it’s the kind of snack I’d get if I were to invite friends over to my house to watch a World Cup soccer game. 

Number 4: Emperador

Similarly to Príncipe, I’ve found that a lot of people I’ve met are also keen on Emperador cookies. But I believe that it deserves as spot on my list because it comes in multiple flavors. At every Oxxo I’ve ever walked into, I’ve never failed to see at least a handful of Emperador brands on the shelf. 

The flavors I’ve come across the most are vanilla, chocolate, and cheddar(?!). I appreciate how they have a cookie for every palate. If I’m in the mood for a sweet treat or something a little more savory, I know Emperador has me covered. 

But if I were to give a strong recommendation on which one to pick up on your next trip to Oxxo, I’d say go with the Emperador cookie that fuses the vanilla and chocolate together. When you bite into it, all the flavors meld beautifully in your mouth. If you’re a fan of dessert items, it doesn’t get much better than this, especially under 50 pesos.

Number 3: Sabritas

I’m what you’d call a textbook “biscuit man.” But even then, Oxxo has some great chip options that I swear by particularly when I’m on the bus and want to get something to easily share with friends. 

Sabritas have a variety of flavors for every palate. If you like snacks that are cheese-based or filled with hot chilis, Sabritas has you covered. Sometimes, it’s good to take chances on new flavors since Sabritas have so many. While you might recognize them as Lays back in the U.S., Mexico offers a fresh look at chip flavoring, with all the spice you’ve come to expect from Mexican life.

On the bus from Oaxaca to Puerto Escondido last December, I decided to go with sour cream and herb flavor, and wasn’t disappointed. The only thing missing was a jar of salsa, but it’s a mental note I’ve made for next time (and guess what? Oxxo also has you covered). 

Number 2: Mazapan de la Rosa

If you ask me, we can’t have a list of the top Oxxo snacks without including Mazapan de la Rosa. It’s a classic sweet treat for everyone who either grew up Mexican or has lived in the country long enough to discover them. 

With a peanut butter-like taste, this is a crowd favorite if you want to make a good first impression on your nieces (if they’re not allergic, of course). It also functions as a good dessert item if you don’t want anything too heavy after dinner. 

But there’s also something nostalgic and wholesome about finding Mazapan outside of Mexico. In my hometown of Montreal, there aren’t many good taquerias. But one of the few authentic ones I do know of sells Mazapan de la Rosa at their front counter. It may be insignificant for some people, but to me it means everything. It always reminds me of my grandparents’ house in Mexico City or the Oxxo in Playa Del Carmen where I met my best friends during the pandemic years. 

Number 1: Platívolos

Whenever I’m in Mexico, there’s one Oxxo cookie I tell everyone to try at least once. I’ve recently given some to two friends I met on the road in Oaxaca to show them how much I valued our friendship after we survived a long hike together at Hierve el Agua. 

It’s just like the vanilla and chocolate version of Emperador, but it’s a little softer and creamier in texture. If I were to compare it to something, I’d say it almost tastes like a mini birthday cake. I can go through a pack of these within an hour and that’s me being modest. 

I had these for the first time when I was in Bacalar, after kayaking in Los Rapidos. I only wanted a quick bite after my day in the water, but turned out to be one of the smartest purchase decisions I’ve made in a Mexican convenience store.

What’s in your Oxxo shopping bag?

Carrying 3,200 items, it’s fair to say Oxxo holds many gems. And if I were to name an honorable mention, I’d go with Tina Rosa Tortillinas. I love making breakfast quesadillas at home, and it’s by far the best packaged tortilla on the market. You can find Tina Rosa everywhere in Mexico, but it’s better to get them at Oxxo since the lineups have shorter wait times than Chedraui and other grocery stores. 

So, what are your top 5 Oxxo snacks? Let us know in the comments below. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Heading to the Oxxo? Here’s what you should be buying appeared first on Mexico News Daily

I’ve watched various culinary shows set in Mexico, but the more I’ve learned about the different food stalls, restaurants, and chefs in Mexico City, the more I recognized how little I understood. That’s always humbling since I tend to be the “local expert” amongst my friend group back home or in a hostel environment where I’m meeting Europeans, Canadians, and Americans on vacation who don’t have my experience in Mexico. 

Have I been to great taquerias and places to eat in Mexico? Yes. I’ve even written about the different gems I’ve found in parts of Mexico I’ve frequented over the years. But to say a well-known Mexican food blogger can teach me a thing or two is fair. 

So to learn more, I decided to go on a Mexico City food tour hosted by The Curious Mexican. If you’re going to be there soon, you may want to keep reading.

What’s it like to be on a food tour?

I picked The Curious Mexican’s Good Morning CDMX tour since I love breakfast food and figured that I couldn’t go wrong. Chilaquiles sounded great to me, for example. 

When I met The Curious Mexican, Anais Martínez, I was greeted with a concha from hip Roma Norte establishment Cafe Forte. It was the perfect way to meet someone new – over a delicious treat. But I already knew what a concha was, and I wondered how the rest of the day would go. 

Soon, Martinez introduced me to her version of Mexico City’s culinary scene. It was incredible to see the city I love through the eyes of a local expert whose main job is to know all the best food spots. It felt like I was tagging along with someone Anthony Bourdain would’ve sought out before going to film in Mexico. 

Walking and talking as if we were doing this for the plot of a culinary show, Martinez brought me to places I wasn’t aware of beforehand. I didn’t know what to expect from some of these restaurants. Would I enjoy them or start missing my go-to favorites? But if there’s one thing I learned from being with a professional foodie, you need to be open-minded. I allowed myself to be wowed — pushing my ego (and biases) to the side. 

At Dońa Emi Tamales, which has been around since 1957, my first fun fact was that there are 600 kinds of tamales. 

I tried the tamales with beans and corn, green salsa and chicken, chapuline, and even a carrot-flavored one that almost tasted like a carrot cake. 

Each tamale was unique in both texture and overall taste. If I were to go alone, I would’ve gone with the options on the menu that were familiar to me, but The Curious Mexican didn’t let me do that. In other words, having a food guide was like having a spiritual guide. My pallet is forever thankful.

Food stalls you’d miss even if you looked for them

Going around Mexico City and sampling food stalls is my favorite pastime. I’ve been exploring them for years, and there’s no shortage of what you can discover in the largest city in North America. 

Last December, I found a little hole-in-the-wall “kekas” stand in the historic center that made the best quesadillas. I’ve also found vendors who made great tacos and churros. But sometimes it’s tricky to divine which stalls are good and which ones slightly miss the mark. In my experience, that’s the daunting side of being spoiled for choice. 

I learned that the best local vendors aren’t in popular spots in Mexico City’s downtown. Usually, they’re in quieter residential areas. It showed me understanding how to identify local demand is a valuable skill to have if you’re a foodie in a major hub like Mexico City. 

We eventually came to a food stall that made the tastiest chilaquiles tortas. You could tell it was more for locals since there wasn’t a huge lineup of tourists. It was spicy, yet had enough flavors to balance everything out so that my tongue wasn’t on fire. 

Later, I was brought to another food stall just outside of Mercado de Jamaica where I tried a cactus dish served on a blue, oval-shaped tortilla. Though the flavor was a little too earthy for my personal taste, the texture of the cactus added a new dimension that was both new and interesting. 

The second fun fact of the day was learning there are way more beloved Mexican meals with cacti than I realized. I preferred the tortas and tamales. But I didn’t have the luxury of ordering something I thought I’d like and missing out on a unique alternative. That made me realize being a foodie is not just about eating delicious meals, but about the experience of finding great food and sharing it with those around you. The act of discovering things you never thought you’d try is sometimes more fun than the actual dining itself. And by giving everything a fair chance, I discovered what I truly liked and didn’t enjoy as much.

Navigating a Mexico City market with an expert

Going to Mexico City’s Mercado de Jamaica with a local expert was like having the cheat code for a video game. There were so many restaurants, vendors, and lanes at the market that could easily get you lost for hours. 

If I were to walk into Mercado de Jamaica alone, I would’ve probably chosen a food stall at random. But with The Curious Mexican, we went from place to place with ease. We’d head for the best taquerias and she’d order from the menu like she’s been there millions of times. Learning there was such a thing as green chorizo was the third fun fact I collected for the day, and having it in a taco was a fantastic introduction. 

I was also pleasantly surprised to learn about various fruits I can’t find in Canada. Mamey, chirimoya, guanabana, and maracuya were all things I tried for the first time. If I didn’t have a food spirit guide, I wouldn’t have gotten to sample those amazing gems. In retrospect, I might’ve overlooked what was right in front of me that day. 

Would you go on a foodie adventure?

The Curious Mexican concluded our food tour at a popular churros place called El Moro. You can’t end hours of eating countless meals without a good dessert, right?

I walked around Mexico City since then feeling like I understood it in a way I hadn’t before. Was I now a local resident? Not officially. But I feel like now I can order at a restaurant with more confidence and talk to vendors and artisans on a deeper level. 

Ian Ostroff is an indie author, journalist, and copywriter from Montreal, Canada. You can find his work in various outlets, including Map Happy and The Suburban. When he’s not writing, you can find Ian at the gym, a café, or anywhere within Mexico visiting family and friends.

The post Why taking a Mexico City food tour hits different appeared first on Mexico News Daily