You can't fly directly to Oaxaca from the Netherlands, so the journey often begins in Mexico City. You can stay there overnight to sleep off your jet lag, or you can fly directly to Oaxaca in an hour. Oaxaca de Juarez, the capital of the province of Oaxaca. This province is one of Mexico's poorest, yet is often called the country's cultural and culinary highlight. Our advice? Book your trip in October and November. From October 31st to November 2nd, Oaxaca celebrates the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) in style. Fun factThe Pixar film "Coco" was inspired by this city. During these days, deceased relatives are honored, and Oaxacans do so with lavish decorations, large parades, and vigils at beautifully decorated graves. It's truly special to experience!

So, Oaxaca. What to do, where to eat, and where to stay? If you're in the city during Día de los Muertos, you don't really need to plan much, as there's plenty to do all day long. But even then, it's worth exploring the surrounding area. Make sure you leave some room in your suitcase, because in the nearby village Atzompe You can buy the most beautiful ceramics for next to nothing on literally every street corner. A half-hour drive from the city is Monte Albán, the former city of the Zapotecs. Or you can visit Boil the water: special petrified waterfalls and a hot spring where you can take a dip.

Then the food. The tastiest mole negro (a kind of spicy sauce in which chocolate predominates) is eaten at Casa Oaxaca. At Pot Yeast eat an absurdly delicious tomato salad like you've never had before: more than 15 varieties of local tomatoes, varying in flavor from passion fruit to radish. At Market November 20th you can taste all kinds of local specialties, according to Pan con Madre are you looking for the best pastries and sourdough? The Mezcaloteca Do you have a mezcal tasting? You'll find the best tacos on the street, like at Tacos del Carmen.

A three-hour bus ride (you can also take a taxi, but that's quite expensive) and you'll arrive in the relaxed Puerto Escondido. This coastal town is known for its high waves, making it an ideal spot for surfing. And boy, do they surf! One of the best spots here is The Point, a laid back neighborhood full of nice, affordable Airbnbs and very nice design hotels, such as Casa To, Mansion Sforza en Hotel HumanoOutside La Punta you will find the amazing Land en Hotel Escondido.

To do: book a surfing lesson. Not easy, but fun. The fried fish and the ice-cold corona at Fish Shack is the ultimate reward after a morning of toiling in the sea. You can get sweets and coffee at Dulce Tierra and for the best acai bowls go to The Surfer's HouseIn the evening you eat fish tacos at La Olita or Peruvian at Chicama and finish off with the most delicious ice cream at Fine Gelateria. Or you can just keep it going, because the party is in full swing until 23.00 p.m. La PuntaAfter 23.00pm the party moves to Zicatela Beach, where it often continues until the early hours.

There's certainly more to discover besides surfing. You can take a small boat out early in the morning to spot dolphins and whales, and then explore the bays. Puerto Angelito, Manzanillo Beach en Carrizalillo Beach (favorite!) discover. And then there's Casa Wabi, an hour's drive from La Punta: an art residency in a unique architectural complex.

Mexico City, perhaps one of our favorite cities in the world. It truly has it all: an amazing (street) food scene, art, culture, shops, and plenty of greenery. Of course, there are places in the city you'd better not go to. But most places are perfectly safe and fun. The neighborhoods Northern Roma, Condesa en Polanco Bursting with hotspots. Here they come, our favorite spots:

It is therefore best to book accommodation in the Roma Norte, Condesa or Polanco districts. Hotel Dama, Hotel Casa Cuenca.

There are plenty of good places to eat in the Mexican capital. My favorite is Feral (have the cookie for dessert!), but Voracious, Martínez, Contramar en The Silent Tiger Definitely shouldn't be missing from the list. A little less fancy, just as enjoyable: My Compa Chava of Orinoco TaqueriaAfter dinner there are many trendy bars where you can have a nightcap, such as Bar Las Brujas, Bar Mauro en Tokyo Music BarFor your natural wine fix, settle down at The MinuteFor coffee, bread and sweets you can get your money's worth at Panadería Rosetta, Gala Panadería (a bit hidden, which is what makes it so much fun) and Odette. And of course you can also find something tasty on every street corner here. Fresh, sweet mango with tajin spices, quesadillas with Jenni's quesadillas and the tastiest tacos at Tacos Don Juan.

Plenty to do in Mexico City. Definitely do: explore the historic center. Shop at Xinú Perfumes, Nin Studio en Erre VintageWandering through the most beautiful library you've ever been to, Vasconcelos LibraryA visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum or one of the architectural gems of Luis BarragánAlso cool: Quetzalcoatl Park, a dreamy, ecological park where you can take organized tours. And, how amazing: a hot air balloon flight over the pyramids of Teotihuacán at sunrise.