How quickly time flies when you’re back home, filled with incredible memories from an unforgettable journey! It feels like just yesterday we were basking in the warmth of Mexico, even if my return was initially marked by a period of recovery from a broken foot and a rather intense Mexican flu (a story for another time, I promise!). This trip, however, was far too extraordinary to be overshadowed by minor post-adventure ailments. It was a vibrant tapestry woven with culinary discoveries, cultural immersion, and the joy of shared experiences with my two best friends.
This epic Mexican adventure began as another brilliant idea from the minds behind Fit Foodie Maven. Last year, when we launched The Blogger Project and SHEuncovered, we made a pact: to reward our hard work and dedication with an annual girls’ and work trip to a new international destination, specifically chosen to escape the coldest month of the year. The unanimous choice for this year? Mexico – a country rich in history, flavor, and breathtaking landscapes.
Our primary destination was the enchanting city of San Miguel de Allende. Its selection was twofold: firstly, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful and visually stunning cities in all of Mexico, a true feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and colonial architecture. Secondly, we were incredibly fortunate to have a generous offer from Linley’s boyfriend’s parents, who reside there and opened their gorgeous garden casitas to us. Before settling into San Miguel’s charm, however, Davida meticulously planned an unparalleled avocado tour of a lifetime. This extraordinary experience was facilitated by one of her esteemed partners, Avocados from Mexico Canada, in the undisputed avocado capital of the world: Uruapan, Michoacán.
Imagine a vacation spent with your two closest friends, exploring new cultures, savoring delicious food, and making countless memories. This trip was precisely that and more! If you followed our daily escapades on Snapchat, you witnessed a play-by-play of the sheer fun we had. Linley, Davida, and I ate, drank, and laughed our way through central Mexico. I can honestly say, for the first time ever, that I enjoyed some form of alcohol for ten consecutive days – a testament to the relaxed and celebratory spirit of our journey! My Wisconsin roots would certainly be proud of this spirited endurance.
Part 1: Uruapan – The Unveiling of Avocado Heaven
Location: Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico
Fun Fact: More than 50% of the world’s avocados originate from this incredible region of Uruapan.
Before this trip, I thought my love for avocados had reached its peak. Yet, after immersing myself in the heart of avocado country, I can confidently declare that my relationship with this beloved fruit has grown exponentially stronger. We had the incredible privilege of witnessing every single step of the avocado journey, from the delicate seeding and meticulous growing processes to the rigorous harvesting and precise packaging. The most profound realization throughout this entire experience was understanding just how many dedicated hands touch an avocado before it finally reaches the grocery store shelf. It’s a testament to a vast and intricate network of people working tirelessly to bring this green gold to our tables.
Our comprehensive two-day avocado tour, expertly arranged by Avocados from Mexico Canada, began with a visit to Rancho Milpillas, a sprawling and picturesque avocado farm. Farmer Augustin, a man whose passion for his land was evident in every word, warmly welcomed us. He shared not only fascinating insights into avocado cultivation but also a spread of delectable traditional avocado dishes that tantalized our taste buds. Afterwards, he led us on an extensive tour of his property. It was here that I had my first astonishing revelation: avocados grow on trees! Miles upon miles of lush avocado trees stretched out before us, a verdant dreamscape that felt almost surreal. It was particularly enlightening to observe the meticulous operations of an organic farm, learning about the various procedures and natural methods employed to safeguard the precious avocados from pests and diseases without the use of harsh chemicals. Farmer Augustin was, without a doubt, the most authentic and inspiring farmer I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting.
Our avocado journey continued as we hopped back into the car, embarking on what felt like the windingest road imaginable to our second destination: a charming small town where we were slated to cook with nationally renowned female traditional chefs. A little-known fact about me: I get terribly car sick, so my hand was practically glued to the “oh sh*t” handle for the entire ride, silently praying I wouldn’t lose my lunch in the front seat! Despite the bumpy journey, the reward was well worth it.
This culinary stop proved to be incredibly insightful, teaching me two profoundly important lessons that I will carry with me forever: 1. Always take a shot of mezcal before you begin cooking – it truly enhances the spirit of the experience. And 2. NEVER, and I mean absolutely NEVER, put garlic in your guacamole. We learned the authentic art of crafting traditional Mexican guacamole, a vibrant avocado salsa, and, much to my delight, delicious tamales. My love for tamales deepened immeasurably that day; they were simply divine, and I believe the feeling was mutual! We even ended up combining everything into one large, unexpectedly interesting, and incredibly tasty soup at the end of our cooking session.
Our third stop transported us to an avocado nursery, a fascinating place where the future of avocados begins. Here, we delved deep into the world of different avocado variations and gained a comprehensive understanding of the intricate planting process. Did you know there are three primary types cultivated in Mexico? The native Criollo, the widely popular Hass, and the lesser-known but equally important Mendez. The most astonishing revelation was that each Hass and Mendez avocado tree is meticulously grafted by hand onto a Criollo tree rootstock. We’re talking about individual, painstaking hand-grafting for every single plant – a true labor of love and precision that ensures the quality and resilience of the trees.
And then, a moment I’ll never forget: I PLANTED AN AVOCADO TREE, PEOPLE! It was an incredibly hands-on and rewarding experience, connecting us directly to the very beginnings of this amazing fruit’s journey.
The grand finale of our avocado immersion was a visit to a bustling packing plant. This is where the fruits of countless farmers’ labor are meticulously prepared for global distribution. It truly brings home the concept of “many, many hands touch each avocado.” It was mesmerizing to watch hundreds of crates being unloaded, followed by the efficient cleaning and sorting of avocados by size, all orchestrated with incredible precision to ensure proper packaging and shipment. A surprising fact we learned was that avocados are exclusively shipped by truck or boat – absolutely no planes are allowed for transport! This means that to get an avocado from the orchards of Uruapan to, say, Europe, it takes approximately 17 days from the moment it’s picked off the tree, simply because it travels by sea. This extended transit time is also a significant factor in why the price of avocados can be relatively high – you’ve got to factor in those substantial shipping costs!
Spending time in Uruapan and its surrounding farm towns was a truly invaluable experience. While it may not typically feature on conventional tourist itineraries, it offered a unique window into a different facet of Mexican culture. Here, avocados are more than just a crop; they are akin to gold, serving as the economic lifeblood and employing a vast majority of the residents in Uruapan and its neighboring communities. It was deeply inspiring to witness the dedication and hard work that underpins this vital industry. And for anyone wondering about safety, I can assure you that we didn’t feel endangered for a single moment. The people were incredibly welcoming and the atmosphere felt genuinely authentic.
Part 2: San Miguel de Allende – Mexico’s Enchanting Colonial Gem
Location: San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
Fun Fact: San Miguel de Allende is renowned for its vibrant arts scene and serves as a popular haven for American and Canadian expats.
Our journey from the verdant avocado fields of Uruapan led us to the artistic heart of Mexico, San Miguel de Allende. We traveled by bus from Morelia, Michoacán, and let me tell you, Mexican buses are a revelation! We boarded what can only be described as a first-class bus, complete with incredibly comfortable, spacious seats that made the journey remarkably pleasant. The drive itself was seamless, offering us a panoramic view of the evolving Mexican countryside. It felt as if we transitioned from lush, green landscapes to arid, desert-like terrain within a mere three hours, showcasing the diverse beauty of the region.
Upon arrival, San Miguel de Allende immediately captivated us. If I were to describe this magical city in a single sentence, I would confidently say: “It’s like Europe, but beautifully transplanted into the heart of Mexico.” It’s a place where old-world charm meets vibrant Mexican spirit, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Seriously, words barely do justice to its sheer beauty. The intricate colonial architecture, with its ornate facades and charming courtyards, painted in a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors – terracotta, indigo, ochre, and fuchsia – is breathtaking at every turn. The community thriving within San Miguel is incredibly eclectic and welcoming. There’s a significant population of American and Canadian expats who choose to retire here, drawn by its charm, climate, and lifestyle. This creates a fascinating cultural blend, where both Spanish and English are widely spoken, making communication incredibly easy for visitors.
We had the pleasure of spending six full days in San Miguel, staying at a beautiful property owned by Linley’s boyfriend’s parents, nestled in the hills overlooking the entire city. It offered panoramic views that were simply spectacular, especially during sunrise and sunset. One of our main goals for this segment of the trip was to consciously unplug and dedicate quality time away from our usual work routines. We were determined to immerse ourselves fully in as much Mexican culture as we possibly could. Conveniently, our WiFi access was limited to just an hour or two each day, which inadvertently (or perhaps intentionally!) forced us to truly disconnect and savor every moment.
One of my absolute favorite discoveries in San Miguel was the presence of specialized shops for nearly everything, particularly the local tortillarias. These dedicated establishments literally only make fresh tortillas, right before your eyes. We picked up a dozen warm, soft tortillas for an astonishingly low price, roughly 40 cents! It was truly nuts, a testament to the local, authentic, and affordable food culture. The larger markets were equally amazing – vibrant, bustling hubs that felt like a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need in life. The cost of fresh produce was incredibly cheap, and there was an abundance of beautiful handmade goods and crafts everywhere you looked, from intricate textiles to unique pottery.
I absolutely adored the unhurried pace of Mexican culture. It felt as though no one was ever in a rush, a stark contrast to the fast-paced “faster is better” mentality so prevalent in America. We embraced this slower rhythm, taking our time each morning to wake up, leisurely sip coffee, and enjoy a delicious breakfast. Afterwards, we ventured into the city, where we WALKED everywhere. San Miguel de Allende is beautifully situated on a mountain or large hill, meaning its charming cobblestone streets are often steep. All I’m saying is, by the end of this trip, I certainly had buns of steel!
While this post gives you a flavorful taste of our incredible Mexican adventure, I’m currently working on a much more detailed guide outlining all of my favorite places we visited and the delicious eateries we frequented in San Miguel. We indulged in an abundance of fantastic food, sipped on countless margaritas (truly a boatload!), and shared so much laughter that our cheeks hurt. Did I mention that traveling with your two best friends is truly the best experience ever? The camaraderie and shared joy made every moment sparkle.
So, be sure to keep an eye out for that follow-up San Miguel post, which will dive deeper into the city’s magic. And yes, there will also be a recap of how I managed to break my foot on the very last day of our trip – a minor mishap that certainly didn’t detract from how utterly amazing and memorable this entire journey was with my incredible girls. Mexico truly delivered an unforgettable blend of culture, cuisine, and adventure, and we can’t wait to go back!