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9 Reasons to Hitchhike Mexico

April 1, 2016
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Hitchhiking can be dangerous(ly fun and adventurous.) As a solo female traveler in Mexico, some of my best moments were because of hitchhiking. In an effort to promote hitchhiking as a way to see a country, experience a culture and save loads of money, I’ve written this. It’s a collection of beautiful moments that happened to me in Mexico because I choose to adventure off and trust strangers. I hope it inspires you to go to Mexico and experience it from yourself.

1. You may find an awesome ride.

I had met Tarzan and Gabi at a hostel I was staying at in Guanajuato, Mexico. They were studying at a local University and were off on spring break. Tarzan was from Bogota, Colombia and Gabi was from Brazil.

After bounding for a few nights at the hostel, we decided to hitchhike together to see Tequila, Mexico. Tequila is the land of tequila and fields of agave plants. I mean, you have to drink tequila in Tequila, Mexico at least once in your life, right?

We got picked up a local man named Xavier. Xavier was one of those people when you meet them, it feels like you’ve known them forever. Xavier was heading to Mazatlan, Mexico, a posh “Miami-like” town. He had rented a house with his friends and planned to stay there for Semana Santa (spring break.) He graciously offered us a ride saying he always tries to pick up hitchhikers because he loves to travel.

2. Go to a new city

After chatting for about 30 minutes and having a connection, Xavier offered to take us on vacation and meet his group of friends. It was five hours away and on the surface seemed like a crazy idea.

We said said yes.

We then traveled back to our hostel to retrieve our things. Then, headed on our new adventure.

3. Drink tequila in Tequila, Mexico and play in agave fields

We all stopped in Tequila, Mexico at the best bar in town, because, well, Xavier is a local and knows all the best places. He bought us a tequila drink and waited for us while we took 500 selfies.

We then walked around in the agave fields and I thought to myself, is this really happening?

4. You might get to see Mazatlan, Mexico and meet new friends

Mazatlan is a posh resort town somewhat like Miami, Florida filled with expensive hotels and restaurants a backpacker could never afford. This place was not on my list.

Xavier took us to the house where we met 20 new local friends from all over Mexico. (note: these situations forced me to learn Spanish.) Xavier’s friends greeted us with excitement and love.

Again, these experiences are what made me fall in love with Mexico. Its people are warm and welcoming to everyone. I always felt included in their culture, not just a gringa watching from a far.

5. Party with a Mexican band

Some of Xavier’s friends (my new roomies) were in a traveling band. We spent our days at the beach and at night went to local clubs.

We danced uncontrollably until 5am.

I spent hours at the beach questioning what I did to deserve this type of paradise. I had many moments where I would tear up randomly or laugh hysterically by myself. I knew no one would believe my stories.

6. Go see Batman vs. Superman in a VIP movie theater

I got all dressed up with my new girlfriends and Xavier and headed to a movie. It wasn’t a normal movie. It was one of those VIP movie theaters where you can order wine from your seat. I sat in my lazy boy chair and drank a merlot thinking to myself, what the hell did I do to deserve this?

7. Booze Cruise

One of the last days we went on a “booze cruise,” my first booze cruise of my life. If you’ve never been on a booze cruise, it’s pretty much just dancing up and down on a boat for three hours. I recommend to do a booze cruise at least once in your life.

8. Find a family

After 5 days in Mazatlan, I feel like I have gained a family. A piece of my heart is left in Mazatlan. I know one day I will be back to this place and be reunited with my Mazatlan family. <3

9. Have a ride back to Guadalajara

Although Tarzan and Gabi needed to head back to their University, I decided to stay with my new BFF Xavier and head to Guadalajara. On our road trip back, we shared life stories, laugh hysterically, and sang songs.

I ended up staying with Xaviar and his girlfriend for a couple weeks. I was able to see a whole different side of Guadalajara as well as take a few local trips with them.

I feel so blessed to have met Xaviar. People like him are the reason I love travel. Kind strangers changed my view of the world.

People ask me all the time, aren’t you afraid to travel alone? To hitchhike? No, I’m not. Because things like Mazatlan Spring Break 2016 would not have been possible if it weren’t for hitchhiking. Once you let go of fear, the universe protects you. If you believe in good energy/God/karma/a higher being, what do you have to fear?

You deserve to have amazing life experiences and enjoy the miracle of life.

Thank you to everyone I met in Mazatlan this past weekend. You are the reason I love traveling. It’s not always about palm trees or dance clubs. It’s about the genuine connections you make, the laughs you share, the trust that is automatically given, the openness and the friends and stories you gain.

Announcement: I have officially fallen in love with Mexico and its people. <3

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