Hold on to your sombreros, folks! There’s a delicious shake-up happening down in sunny Cancun. Forget those all-inclusive resort buffets for a minute, because a growing wave of tourists is ditching the hotel zone and making a beeline for downtown. Why the sudden migration? Well, it turns out their taste buds are craving the real deal – authentic Mexican food!
According to Luis García Jurado, the head honcho at “Food Travel,” a whopping 40 percent of European visitors are on a quest for a genuine Mexican culinary experience, something a little closer to what the locals actually eat. And guess what? They’re finding it in the heart of Cancun!
Jurado’s company started this foodie adventure back in 2019, and it’s been sizzling ever since. They’re now serving up delicious experiences to around 1,000 hungry travelers each month during the busy seasons and a solid 600 even when things are a bit quieter. That’s a whole lotta tacos!
So, what’s on the menu for these adventurous eaters? “Food Travel” has cooked up three tasty programs that involve more than ten local Mexican restaurants right in the city center. Some tourists stumble upon these tours after they arrive, while others book their culinary journey even before they pack their bags. Smart move, if you ask me!
The experiences are as varied as a salsa bar. You can catch some high-flying action at a wrestling match complete with dinner (talk about a spicy combo!), embark on a flavorful tour hopping between different spots to sample a variety of Mexican dishes, or even get hands-on in a cooking class learning the secrets of iconic dishes like mole. These delicious adventures will set you back anywhere from $80 to $120, but the authentic flavors? Priceless!
The best part? This influx of hungry tourists is giving a major boost to local restaurants. Jurado happily reports a 30% increase in customers at these downtown eateries. But even better than the business boost is the fact that these visitors are getting to sink their teeth into real Mexican staples. We’re talking mouthwatering tacos al pastor, juicy carnitas, crispy tripa, and flavorful suadero. And that’s just the beginning! They’re also diving into tamales, rich birria, hearty mondongo, cheesy quesabirrias, savory empanadas, and good old-fashioned quesadillas. My stomach is rumbling just thinking about it!
To keep things exciting and truly immerse tourists in Mexican culture, the participating restaurants are even planning to create special menus. These menus will not only cater to tourist tastes but also showcase the traditions and customs that pop up throughout the year in Mexico. Imagine trying special dishes during Day of the Dead or savoring unique flavors during the Christmas season!
Jurado emphasizes the importance of tourists venturing beyond the beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen and Cancun to explore the city center and its vibrant food scene. Not only do they get a truly different and delicious experience, but they also spread the economic love to local businesses. It’s a win-win situation!
So, next time you’re Cancun-bound, consider adding a downtown food adventure to your itinerary. Ditch the predictable and dive headfirst into a world of authentic Mexican flavors. Trust me, your taste buds (and the local economy) will thank you!
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