The Lama List

Everything You Need to Know for an Unforgettable Trip to Isla Holbox, Mexico: Your Complete 2021 Travel Guide

Everything you need to know for your absolute best trip to Isla Holbox, Mexico. Read on for the best boutique hotels, restaurants, bars and beach clubs on the island, the best boat trips, tours and things to do, plus! A slew of insightful intel including how to get to Holbox in the first place, how to get around once you’re there, are there ATMs on the island and every traveler’s burning question these days – how’s the wifi?

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Bohemian Valladolid, Yucatán: a 2021 Travel Guide / The Lama List / Photo by TheLamaList.com & @travelinglamas

Top 10 Things to Do, Eat & See in Bohemian Valladolid, Yucatán: a 2021 Travel Guide

From Spanish colonial charm to ancient Mayan ruins to otherworldly cenotes, we present our Lama List of the best things to do in magical Valladolid, Mexico!

Best Things to Do in Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatán, Mexico: a 2021 Travel Guide // TheLamaList.com // Photo by @travelinglamas

Best Things to Do in Río Lagartos, Mexico: a Hidden Yucatán Gem

By: The Lama List July 27, 2021September 26, 2021

Lama Picks, Travel GuidesBiosfera Ría Lagartos, El Cuyo, El Manglar Restaurant, Hotel Río Lagartos, Las Coloradas, Mexico, Río Lagartos, Salitre Restaurant, San Felipe, Yucatán, Yuum Ha Boutique Hotel

Our top picks of what to do, where to eat and where to stay right now in the picturesque paradise of Río Lagartos, from a sunrise boat tour of the reserve to the BEST coconut shrimp to everything you need to know about visiting those Insta-famous pink lakes.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Puerto Morelos, Mexico in 2021: a Comprehensive Travel Guide // TheLamaList.com // @travelinglamas

Where to Eat, Sleep and Play in Puerto Morelos, the Mexican Caribbean’s Best Kept Secret: a 2021 Travel Guide

Your ultimate guide to where to eat, sleep and play in Puerto Morelos, from the best beach clubs and boutique hotels to delicious seafood-with-a-view, sailing and snorkel excursions to extreme adventures (not exaggerating here!) in the jungle.

Cozumel Travel Guide: Your Perfect Day Trip in 2021

Located in the sparkling Caribbean Sea about 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the mainland of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the island of Cozumel beckons with sparkling turquoise waters, fascinating Mayan ruins set in the jungle, hotels & beach clubs in abundance, and the world’s second largest barrier reef system waiting to be explored by snorkelers and divers alike.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Isla Mujeres, Mexico 2021 // Punta Sur // Photo by @travelinglamas

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Beautiful Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Isla Mujeres: a literal slice of paradise tucked into the sparkling waters of the Mexican Caribbean. This tiny island gem stretches just 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) long and barely 1/2 mile (650 meters) wide, filled with swaying palm trees, white sand beaches, laid back island vibes and stunning coastal views.

Hotel Review: The Grand at Moon Palace Resorts Cancun, Mexico During the Covid Pandemic / Photo by @travelinglamas

We Stayed at a Mexico Resort During Covid (Feb ’21), and This is What it Was Like.

By: The Lama List February 22, 2021August 15, 2021

Checking in, Lama PicksAll-Inclusive, Cancun, Mexico, Moon Palace Resorts, Palace Resorts, The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun1 Comment

Following our recent roundup of resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya offering free Covid testing and, in the event you test positive, low to no-cost quarantine accommodations, we decided to check one out for ourselves. And what better way than checking in to The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun? A sprawling beachfront retreat located just 45…

Best Mexican Hotels & Resorts Offering Free Covid Testing AND Quarantine Stays to American Travelers / The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun / Photo by @travelinglamas

These Resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya Are Offering Free Covid Testing AND Quarantine Accommodations

By: The Lama List February 2, 2021June 15, 2021

Checking in, Lama PicksAM Resorts, Andaz Mayakoba, Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancún, Bahia Principe Grand Coba, Bahia Principe Grand Tulum, Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal, Beach Palace, Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Cancún, Cozumel Palace, Dreams Natura Resort & Spa, Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Dreams Sands Cancun Resort & Spa, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, Dreams Vista Cancun Resort & Spa, El Dorado Casitas Royale, El Dorado Maroma, El Dorado Royale, El Dorado Seaside Palms, El Dorado Seaside Suites, Family Selection at Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun All-Inclusive, Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive, Generations Riviera Maya, Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun All-Inclusive Spa Resort, Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa, Grand Residences Riviera Cancun, Grand Velas Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Hidden Beach Au Naturel Resort, Hilton Playa Del Carmen, Hotel Xcaret, Hyatt Zilara Cancún, Hyatt Ziva Cancún, Iberostar Cozumel, Iberostar Paraíso Beach, Iberostar Paraíso Del Mar, Iberostar Quetzal, Iberostar Resorts Cancún, Iberostar Resorts Riviera Maya, Iberostar Selection Cancún, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo, Iberostar Selection Paraíso Maya, Iberostar Tucán, Isla Mujeres Palace, Karisma Hotels & Resorts, La Colección Resorts, Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun, Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancún, Melia Hotels International, Meliá Cozumel, Moon Palace Cancun, Now Emerald Cancun, Now Jade Riviera Cancun, Now Resorts & Spas, Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, Palace Resorts, Palafitos – Overwater Bungalows, Palladium Resorts, Panama Jack Cancún, Panama Jack Playa Del Carmen, Paradisus Cancun, Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, PLAYA Hotels & Resorts, Playacar Palace, Sandos Cancún, Sandos Caracol Eco-Resort, Sandos Hotels & Resorts, Sandos Playacar, Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya, Secrets Aura Cozumel, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, Secrets Resorts & Spas, Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun, Secrets The Vine Cancun, Sun Palace, Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort & Spa, Sunscape Resorts & Spas, Sunscape Sabor Cozumel, The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun, The Reserve at Paradisus Playa Del Carmen, TRS Coral Hotel, TRS Yucatan Hotel), Turqouize Cancún, UNICO 20º87º, Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya, Zoëtry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts

The best resorts in Mexico’s Riviera Maya offering free, pre-departure Covid testing to guests AND in the event you test positive, low to no-cost quarantine accommodations.

Best Things to Eat, See & Do NOW in Oaxaca City, Mexico (January 2021 / TravelingLamas.com / Photo by @travelinglamas

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Magical Oaxaca City, Mexico 2021

By: The Lama List January 17, 2021July 27, 2021

Lama Picks, Travel GuidesAtzompa, Árbol del Tule, Baltazar, Boulenc, Café Brújula, Casa de Arte, Casa de Las Bugambilias, Casa Embajador, Cerro del Fortín, Convite Mezcal, Cuish Mezcalería, Dainzú, El Diablo y La Sandía, El Olivo Gastrobar, El Pocito, Empanadas del Carmen, Expendio Tradición, Fonda Rosita, Gem & Bolt, Gracias a Dios Mezcal, Guajolote de Oro, Hierve el Agua, Hotel Azul, Hotel Casa Regina, Hotel Los Amantes, Hotel Sin Nombre, Itanoní, La Coronela, La Cueva, La Guelaguetza, La Mezcalerita, La Popular, La Santísima Flor de Lúpolo, Los Danzantes, Memelas San Agustín, Mercado 20 de Noviembre, Mercado Benito Juárez, Mercado de Artesanías, Mercado de la Merced, Mercado de Tlacolula, Mexico, Mezcalería Los Amantes, Mezcalogía, Mezcaloteca, Mitla, Monte Alban, Muss Café, Nieves Manolo Jr, Oaxaca, Pan: Am, Pasillo de Carnes Asadas, Pasillo de Humo, Pulquería Mayahuel, Restaurante Coronita, SafetyWing, San Bartoló Coyotepec, San Martín Tilcajete, Santa María Atzompa, Santiago Matatlán, Selva, Tacos Del Carmen, Tamales Mina, Templo y Ex-Convento de San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, Teocintle, Teotitlán del Valle, Terraza Istmo, Tierra Antigua, Tlayudas el Negro, Yagul

Your ultimate guide to the best things to do, eat and see in Oaxaca City right now (2021), covering everything from restaurants to street food, mercados to mezcal bars, historic sights to archaeological sites and the best hotels for post-exploration R&R.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Oaxaca's Famed Pasillo de Carnes Asadas (Grilled Meat Hall): A Step-by Step Guide / TravelingLamas.com / Photo by @travelinglamas

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting (& Mastering!) the Famed Grilled Meat Hall at Oaxaca’s Mercado 20 de Noviembre

By: The Lama List January 17, 2021April 12, 2021

Explore, Lama PicksMercado 20 de Noviembre, Mexico, Oaxaca, Pasillo de Carnes Asadas, Pasillo de Humo

Your step-by-step guide on how to master Oaxaca’s famed Pasillo de Carnes Asadas (Grilled Meat Hall) like a pro.

Best Restaurants in Oaxaca: Interview with Chef Toño Garcia of Oaxaca's Teocintle / TravelingLamas.com / Photo by Alberto Lama @travelinglamas

This Young Chef is Changing the Game in Oaxaca’s Fine Dining Food Scene

By: The Lama List December 18, 2020April 19, 2021

Explore, Interviews, Lama PicksChef Antonio Garcia, Chef Toño Garcia, Mixteca, Oaxaca, Teocintle

On the outskirts of Oaxaca Centro sits an unassuming, five-table restaurant effectively changing the game on fine dining cuisine in the magical capital of Mexico’s Oaxaca State. More impressive than the inventive, five-course tasting menu offered nightly for just $350.00 pesos…

Where to Stay in Oaxaca City: The Best Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca City to Check Into Now (December 2020) / TravelingLamas.com / Photo by @travelinglamas

The Best Boutique Hotels in Oaxaca City 2021

By: The Lama List December 3, 2020August 17, 2021

Checking in, Lama PicksCasa Antonieta, Casa de Arte, Casa de Las Bugambilias, Casona Soledad, El Diablo y La Sandía, Escondido Oaxaca, Grana B&B, Hotel Azul, Hotel Los Amantes, Hotel Sin Nombre, Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxaca de Juárez

Mexico or Morocco? If the above photo is any indication, the boutique hotel scene in vibrant Oaxaca City is growing more and more intriguing by the day. Whether you want to be transported to the city’s historic roots, surrounded by minimalist architecture or fascinated by a blend of past, present and cultures alike, these beautiful boutique hotels are offering it all – not to mention a serious dose of rest & relaxation for your stay in the cultural (and literal) capital of Mexico’s Oaxaca state.

Your Ultimate Guide to Tulum's Best Beach Clubs in 2020 (Post-Lockdown) / TravelingLamas.com / Photo by @travelinglamas

Your Master Guide to Tulum’s Best Beach Clubs in 2021

Everything you need to know about visiting Tulum’s best beach clubs in 2021, from entry policies and minimums to parking and pool access, wifi to cuisine, happy hours and more!

La Catrina: Mexico's Grande Dame of Death / Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) Photoshoot by @travelinglamas / TravelingLamas.com

9 Facts You Probably Don’t Know About LA CATRINA: Mexico’s Grande Dame of Death

By: The Lama List November 1, 2020August 17, 2021

Explore, Lama PicksDay of the Dead, Dia de Muertos, La Catrina, Mexico, Oaxaca

Did you know? La Catrina, the famed figurehead now synonymous with Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) originally had nothing to do with the holiday. Keep reading to find out why!

How to Visit Mexico's Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site / Traveling Lamas / photo by @travelinglamas

How to Visit Mexico’s Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve On Your Own

By: The Lama List September 19, 2020August 17, 2021

Explore, Lama PicksCielo y Selva, Mexico, Punta Allen, Riviera Maya, Sian Ka'an, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Tulum

If you’re headed to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you would be remiss not to add a day trip (or longer!) to the sparkling coastline’s hidden gem located just south of Tulum: the UNESCO-protected Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

How to Visit The Tulum Mayan Ruins at Sunrise (And Have Them All to Yourself!) / Traveling Lamas / photo by @travelinglamas

How to Visit The Tulum Ruins at Sunrise – And Have Them All to Yourself!

By: The Lama List September 1, 2020April 12, 2021

Explore, Lama PicksMayan Ruins, Riviera Maya, Sunrise, Tulum, Tulum Ruins, Tulum Sunrise

There are few things one can do in Tulum these days without crowds, namely visiting the chic beach town’s famed Mayan Ruins. Perched dramatically on a cliff with sweeping views of the ocean below, it’s no surprise this historic site draws tourists in droves. But did you know there’s a way you can visit these incredible ruins and have them nearly – if not completely – to yourself?

How to Visit Laguna Kaan Luum: A Hidden Oasis in Tulum, Mexico / Traveling Lamas / photo by @travelinglamas

How to Visit Kaan Luum Lagoon: Tulum’s Hidden Oasis

By: The Lama List May 5, 2020April 12, 2021

Explore, Lama PicksKaan Luum Lagoon, Laguna Kaan Luum, Mexico, Riviera Maya, Tulum

There are plenty of places to find paradise in Tulum, the chic beach destination located on the southern end of Mexico’s Riviera Maya. But how about an off-the-beaten-path paradise with little to no crowds? Magical Kaan Luum Lagoon awaits.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Mérida, Yucatán, the “Best Small City in the World” According to Condé Nast Traveler

By: The Lama List May 2, 2020July 27, 2021

Lama Picks, Travel GuidesAirbnb, Bazar de Artesanías García Rejón, Bengala Kaffeehaus, Cantina El Dzalbay, Casa Chica, Casa Montejo, Catrín, cenote, cenotes, Coqui Coqui, Eladio's, Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, Great Museum of the Mayan World, guayabera, Hacienda Yaxcopoil, henequen, Hotel Julamis, Huevos Motuleños y Más, K'u'uk, La Chaya Maya, La Negrita Cantina, La Tratto, Latte Quatro Sette, Luz en Yucatán, MACAY Museum, Malahat, Manifesto Casa Tostadora Calabrese, Mayan Ruins, Mercado 60, Mercado Lucas de Gálvez, Merida, Mexico, Mezcalito Tun Tun, Micaela Mar y Leña, Museo de Arte Popular de Yucatán, Museo Fernando García Ponce-Macay, Museo Regional de Antropología de Yucatán, Oliva Enoteca, Palacio Cantón, Palacio de Gobierno del Estado de Yucatán, Palacio de la Música, Parque de Santa Ana, Parque de Santa Lucía, Paseo de Montejo, Plaza Grande, Pok Ta Pok, Pola Gelato, Regional Museum of Yucatán Anthropology, Rosas y Xocolate, Santa Ana Park, Santa Barbara Cenotes, Santa Lucia Park, Travel Guide, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Uxmal, Uxmal Mayan Ruins, Wayan'e, WestJet Magazine, xtabentún, Yucatan, Yucatán Folk Art Museum

Everything you need to know about this vibrant city tucked into the Yucatán jungle.

Mérida Bound: See Our Cover Story in WestJet Magazine’s Feb 2020 Issue!

By: The Lama List February 4, 2020April 12, 2021

Explore, Lama PicksMerida, Mexico, WestJet, Yucatan

We have very exciting news to share! Back in the fall Alberto & I were hired by WestJet Magazine (the in-flight magazine of WestJet, one of Canada’s top airlines) to photograph the cover story of their upcoming February 2020 issue. The location? Mérida, the cultural & literal capital of Yucatán state that just happens to…

Catskills Travel Guide: A Wintry Weekend Escape From NYC

Right in the backyard of New York City, the stunning natural beauty of the Catskills – secluded yet vast at the same time – truly makes it the perfect weekend escape. Whether you want to simply power down, relax and recharge or embark on a series of adrenaline-infused experiences (or a combination of both), this…

Pelican Bar at Treasure Beach_photo credit @travelinglamas

Off The Beaten Path in Jamaica: Treasure Beach

By: The Lama List November 12, 2019April 12, 2021

Lama Picks, Travel GuidesCaribbean, Island Life, Jamaica, Pelican Bar, Travel Guide, Treasure Beach

If you’re looking for an island escape where you can truly get away from it all, look no further than Jamaica’s sleepy, undeveloped southwest coast. Here, miles away from the nearest all-inclusive, lies a quiet gem of a fishing village called Treasure Beach. This under-the-radar strip of sand is a winding 2 1/2 hour drive…

5 Places to Find Tropical, Turquoise Water Beaches – Without Leaving the United States

By: The Lama List May 15, 2019April 12, 2021

Explore, Lama PicksAlabama, California, Catalina Island, Destin Beach, Florida, Florida Keys, Key West, Orange Beach, Rest Beach, South Padre Island, Texas

Riding out the (hopefully) waning days of winter here in New York, we can’t help but daydream about thoughts of white sand beaches, turquoise waters and slow, breathtaking sunsets to distract us from the current cold freezing temps. Luckily, with the wealth of easily accessible locales boasting said wish list right here in the continental United States,…