Last fall after the van fire, I found myself in Guadalajara for several months. With no vehicle to continue with my original plan of hiking high-altitude volcanos in Central Mexico and camping out with my pets at altitude, at first I was at a loss for how to spend my time. I didn’t know anyone in the area and had nowhere to be.

For a little while, I holed up in my Airbnb rental house just resting and having some downtime to process everything we had been through and try to get back on my feet with the essentials and a bit of a routine.

After a while, I wanted more activities and things to do. So I joined a local hiking group and spent most of my weekends hiking with the group. They were a lovely hiking club and I really enjoyed the wonderful people I met and the beautiful places I got to hike.

Additionally, I started looking around for group trips I could join in on. Just because I don’t have my own vehicle, doesn’t mean I can’t still go on adventures. I joined several Facebook groups for people in Guadalajara. There, on a whim, I signed up for several different trips. The first one was an all-inclusive resort weekend in Mazatlan. I also signed up for a day trip to hike the Nevado de Colima (what was supposed to be the first high-altitude volcano I hiked, I was so proud to make it to the summit), a weekend trip to camp and hike the volcano Paricutin in Michoacan, and a several day trips to visit the state of Michoacan for Dia de los Muertos.

My first time at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico

This was my first ever time at an all-inclusive resort. I always used to say it wasn’t my kind of thing, but I’m trying to be more open-minded. The price was very reasonable, and since I had already road-tripped to Mazatlan with friends from Monterrey, I knew I had already seen the things I wanted to see and would be content just relaxing at the resort and enjoying all it had to offer.

Sure enough, I was right. It was a beautiful resort and I ended up not even leaving the property. I made friends with a few other ladies that were also traveling alone, and I went to dinner with them each night. It was also a good me-time: I had breakfast on my own, lunch on my own, read a lot of books, watched some movies, had some pina coladas, and caught every sunrise and sunset on the beach. Regarding exercise, I did a few workouts, went in the hot tub, and swam in the pool. Plus I did everything you could do for no extra charge at the beach. I lounged under a palapa on the beach in the shade and ordered food and drinks to be delivered. I walked in the waves along the shore. It was truly fantastic and rejuvenating. The price was incredible.

If you’re ever in Guadalajara and looking for a fantastic getaway, I recommend the group Escápate. They provide round-trip transportation and make it easy to enjoy a getaway.

What to do in Mazatlan, Mexico

Mazatlan is a beautiful destination to enjoy some fresh seafood, relax by the beach, or visit El Faro. The Malecon of Mazatlan is one of the longest in the world: its length is about 8.5 km along the amazing Pacific Coast. What to see, hear, and do in Mazatlan:

• The Malecón of Mazatlán
• Mazatlán Aquarium has been one of the most complete and best of its kind in Latin America, besides being the largest in Mexico
• Mazatlán Lighthouse/El Faro, located at the peak of Cerro del Crestón
• Banda Sinaloense or Tambora, which is a type of musical ensemble
• Go to the beach!
• Try the local food: Food specialties include ceviches (a Latin American dish typically made from fresh raw fish cured in fresh citrus juices), zarandeado fish (a type of grilled fish), and aguachile (a Mexican dish made of shrimp, submerged in liquid seasoned with chiltepin peppers, lime juice, salt, slices of cucumber and onion). You can also try smoked marlin and tuna, chilorio (a pork dish made with chili sauce), bearded tamales (made with shrimp), Governor tacos (tacos gobernador), and fish crackers.