On a map of Mexico, Tlaquepaque looks like just another suburb of Guadalajara. Charlie knows, however, that there is more to this town than meets the eye. This colonial town, dating back to Hispanic times, is now a trendy neighborhood in the region, famed for its food, crafts and Mariachi. The highlight of Charlie’s visit, though, is getting to be a part of making a traditional candy that evokes nostalgia for him.

Tlaquepaque’s Surprises

Charlie, a true-blue Mexican, has set out to offer a local’s perspective of his wonderful country. His journey begins in La Paz, a quiet escape sitting on the Sea of Cortez that is often overshadowed by Cabo. While visiting beaches frequented only by those “in the know”, he takes a trip to a remote island, where he goes swimming with sea lions. 

Mexico’s Hidden Beaches 

Any bona fide Mexican knows that the real proverb is ‘when life gives you lemons, grab the salt and the tequila!’ Charlie’s journey across his homeland brings him to the birthplace of the iconic Mexican spirit to understand what makes it irresistible. Enticed by the drink, however, will he be able to uncover its secrets, or will he end up succumbing to its spell?

Tequila Town

Cabo San Lucas has blossomed into one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations, where days of water sports end in crazy sundowner parties. Charlie, however, knows and wants to enjoy a completely different side of the place: the action-filled side. With plenty of extreme sports on offer, Cabo can get visitors addicted to the adrenaline rush. But when Charlie gets a chance to try out one of its most popular activities, will he take that leap of faith?

Action In Cabo 

As Charlie’s adventures in Mexico continue, he introduces viewers to some of the country’s lesser-explored cultural gems. From the towering Peña de Bernal monolith that dominates the picturesque town of Bernal, to the rolling vineyards of the Queretaro wine region, and the intricate copper art of Santa Clara del Cobre, Charlie dives headfirst into the rich history and traditions of the offbeat destinations in Mexico.

Offbeat Bernal

Of the three states that make up the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Campeche is both, the largest and the least visited. Charlie introduces the treasures of this state, which include one of Mexico’s most beautiful colonial cities and a colony of bottlenose dolphins hidden in a labyrinth of mangroves and lagoons. 

A Colony Of Dolphins

Almost 20 years ago, the Mexican government developed a program to help the indigenous communities across the land. The program was called ‘indigenous paradises’. Charlie Rubio goes to one of these places in the Pátzcuaro region: an island that has remained under the radar of the tourists flocking Mexico. Aptly called ‘paradise’, the destination has many fun experiences to offer him, which includes a visit to a hidden heron sanctuary. 

Mexico’s Indigenous Paradises

Merida, the cultural hub of the Yucatan Peninsula, feels like a world away from Mexico’s resort towns. In this city brimming with history, Charlie goes to the natural underground pools, which have held great spiritual significance since the Mayan era. What are the Mayan beliefs guarded by these sacred pools that the natives call ‘cenotes’?

 Mayan Trails

There is much more to the Yucatan Peninsula than Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Secret diving spots, under-the-radar lagoons where visitors can spot flamingoes, ancient Mayan ruins – this region of Mexico is full of hidden gems awaiting those who are ready to get off the beaten track and go the extra mile.

Offbeat Yucatan

Charlie takes viewers to some of the towns in Mexico that are celebrated for preserving the essence of the country: ‘Pueblo Magicos’. One such town is Monterrey, where he heads straight to a spectacular canyon, where the locals are known to have ‘beer and barbecue’ picnics. Following this, he explores another picturesque attraction nearby called the Bustamante caves, where he can’t help but gawk at the age-old stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Magical Monterrey

Inviting beaches, top-notch shopping, and a lively bar and restaurant scene make Tulum the Bohemian paradise that travelers across the globe love today. It is also, however, one of the last cities that was built and inhabited by the Mayans. Charlie regales about the Mayan stories of this region. 

The Mayan Stories

Charlie is about to have a lot of fun in Santiago: it doesn’t get more exciting than glamping in cabañas at the Monterrey Cumbres National Park... or so he believes, until he participates in a traditional healing ceremony that moves him to tears, and makes him see that the most memorable journeys are the ones you take within yourself. 

Unforgettable Santiago

Few places in Mexico are as rich in handicrafts as in the city of Oaxaca. The city has always exerted a pull on artists that they can’t shake – it is a destination that sparks creativity. Charlie introduces the indigenous handicrafts of Oaxaca, including the whimsical creatures which are designed to represent the story of a person’s life. 

Oaxacan Art

In Cuatro Ciénegas, Charlie uncovers the wonders of the destination, from a beach in the desert to an abandoned marble mine, which doubles up as a stage for open-air performances of traditional Mexican dances. It's his encounter with the first living beings on Earth, however, that leaves him in awe of the power of nature and the secrets it holds.

Surreal Cuatro Ciénegas  

As Mexican cuisine continues its unstoppable rise on the global fine-dining scene, Oaxaca has emerged as the gastronomic capital. From indulging in a traditional breakfast of chocolate and bread at a market and trying a variety of curious flavours of ice cream at a street dedicated to it to learning how the heady mezcal is made, Charlie shares the best ways to navigate the vibrant food scene of this region.

Oaxaca’s Food Scene 

Pueblo Magicos or Mexico’s ‘Magic Towns’ are the ones that are known to possess a special quality that connects the visitors to the roots and traditions of Mexicans. Charlie goes to two such magical towns: Villa del Carbon and Valle de Bravo. In the former, he enjoys some of the greenery for which it is known, at a popular picnic spot among locals. While an ancient Buddhist shrine in the latter is where he is reminded of the spiritual power of the city.  

Mexico’s Pueblo Magicos

You have to know the past of a place to truly understand its present. The capital and namesake of Mexico is a city that has been continuously inhabited for over 700 years. From the Aztec reign to the Mexican revolution, it has witnessed everything, and bears the marks of all these periods in its architecture and culture. Taking you through different eras of the country’s history through a tour of its microcosm, Charlie offers a glimpse into everything that has shaped Mexico. 

Mexico City

How do you explore a tourist hotspot like Mexico on a deeper level? Enter Charlie Rubio: a bona fide Mexican, who is here to reveal all the wonderful things that make Mexico his favorite place in the world, from its friendly people and its habanero-seasoned dishes to its idyllic beaches and historic towns.  

Viajar Mexico