In Mexico, art and heritage aren’t just hidden behind museum doors, they’re all around us; in the form of handmade tile, vibrant murals in the streets, bright colors in the clothing we see, and much more, every community tells its story through art.
You do not have to commit to an entire cultural day to experience this. Just a few hours (morning, noon, or evening) of your time spent visiting a few carefully selected locations can add value and color to your vacation without disrupting your vacation plans.
Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo
Both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo boast incredible coastlines, but the local art community makes it worth coming back for.
Guests can browse through local galleries in the neighborhoods or visit local artisan markets and spend a leisurely afternoon in one location. Many guests purchase a memento that has some special meaning to them, such as a handmade textile, small ceramic, or a painting created by a local artist.
Late morning to early afternoon hours are quieter and cooler, allowing for a leisurely stroll, asking locals about what they are doing, and enjoying the experience at your own speed.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta exudes creativity. Artistic expression abounds through the town’s many galleries, markets, and small workshops.
Visitors can incorporate art into their daily routine by simply walking through the town, stopping wherever they see something of interest. Many days will naturally lead to a relaxing café or restaurant for lunch or dinner.
Many times, handcrafted items come with the story of how the item was made, where the ideas came from and/or the cultural significance of the item. When a guest takes a souvenir that comes with a story, the souvenir is so much more than a mere trinket or collectible; it is a personal memento that is full of memories.
Cancún
Although Cancún is most commonly associated with beaches and resorts, there are also many opportunities to experience Mexican culture.
Members may want to consider adding one cultural activity to their itinerary. A brief excursion can be added to the day and won’t detract from the time spent at the beach or in the pool.
Keep it casual. A cultural activity, followed by a dip in the pool, and a relaxed dinner is the perfect combination. Families may enjoy adding a cultural event to the day and ending it with something enjoyable, such as ice cream or some free time at the pool.
Loreto
Loreto is a bit of a different experience.
At Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, experiencing the local culture and artistic expressions feels more like getting to know the real spirit of the region rather than going on a sightseeing tour. Visits to Loreto seem to encourage people to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Members may select a single culturally significant activity and enjoy it at their own pace and appreciate the surroundings.
Adding Art to Your Day
One easy way to incorporate art and heritage into your vacation is to plan the experience during the middle of the day. Go to the beach in the morning, get refreshed at your resort, and then go out to a nearby gallery district or artisan area to explore and return to the resort for a late lunch.
If traveling in a group, let one person pick the gallery or neighborhood to visit, and the other members of the group can follow along. With a plan in place, the group can relax and enjoy the experience.
When a guest returns home, one small souvenir with a story can mean more than a large collection of trinkets.
An Additional Dimension Beyond the Resort
The resort is the core of your vacation. That is why you came.
Art and heritage are simply an additional layer to your vacation experience. These experiences create lasting memories beyond the fading tan.
Consider selecting one afternoon and one cultural experience. Allow Mexico to give you a glimpse of a little more of its culture. The pool will still be here waiting for you when you return, and your vacation may feel all the richer for having done so.
