Solo Travel Photography in Mexico
La Manzanilla, Guadalajara, Tequila — Jalisco, Mexico
When it’s negative 30C in Canada, and your sister invites you to Mexico, you must go. With no in-person commitments on my calendar, I booked the next flight to Mexico with my film camera, laptop and bikinis in tow. There are many reasons that I am grateful to be an entrepreneur, and the ability to work remotely is at the top of the list.
This was my first solo travel trip since I biked around Iceland in 2014. While I admittedly had a couple of moments of overwhelm, my love for solo travel came back quickly. At first, it was so lovely to land and see familiar faces (my sister and her family), and then from there, it was just as fun to venture off into the city on my own.
My first destination was La Manzanilla, a small beach town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. From there, I caught a bus to Guadalajara, a large historic city full of traditional architecture and modern artwork. Both destinations were a photographers’ dream, and it was fun to challenge myself by only using film.
Here are a few of my travel recommendations from the area, including favourite activities, personal tidbits and local shops. As mentioned earlier, all images were photographed on film — Kodak Gold 200 35mm film with the Nikon F100 and Nikkor 50mm f/1.2 lens, to be exact.
¡Hola Mexico!
La Manzanilla · Guadalajara · Tequila — Photographed on 35mm Kodak Gold film
La Manzanilla
La Manzanilla is a small beach town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The locals will tell you that 1200 people and 300 crocodiles live there.
While visiting my sister and her in-laws, we crafted the perfect daily routine: sleep in, coffee, gym/beach runs, breakfast, reading by the pool until our 4 p.m. beach walk, then enjoying the sunset at 7 p.m. Repeat as needed.
My only goals for this part of my trip were to maintain my half-marathon training schedule, work on my tan, and read my book. I am proud to say that all three of these goals were achieved.
Guadalajara
A week later, I took a bus from La Manzanilla through the mountains to Guadalajara, Jalisco. This destination was inspired by a 24-hour layover in Mexico City back in 2015. I spent the whole day eating tacos and churros and exploring the city via rickshaw bike taxis. It was an incredible experience, and I knew I wanted to explore another large city in Mexico. This was the perfect opportunity.
A friend recommended staying in the Colonial Americana neighbourhood. This part of the city is full of vintage stores, amazing coffee shops, local artisans, and traditional Mexican architecture. My first few days were spent walking the streets with my film camera. I easily worked through multiple rolls of film, documenting the architecture, street life and artwork.
I completed my weekly long run along the Colomos Forest Long Route on my last day in Guadalajara. Then, I explored Mercado Corona, a three-tier local market full of hot food, artisan treats, and other goods.
Tequila
While travelling solo, booking a tour is a nice way to get to know the area and meet other travellers. Luckily, I was recommended an extremely fun day trip to Tequila (the place). Por solo 710 pesos ($50 CAD), I joined a day tour of the small neighbouring town and sampled many different styles of tequila (the drink).
This day tour included transportation from Guadalajara to Tequila (1 hr), a walking tour of Tequila Selecto — a Mexican family-run tequila manufacturer — a stop at the agave fields, and dancing with mariachi bands at the Cantaritos El Güero.
Maybe it’s the several tequila shots talking, but this was one of the most fun tours I have ever been on. As a solo traveller, I had a blast getting to know my group, learning about the history of Tequila and sampling the different tequilas. Surprisingly, my Spanish got better and better with each sample…
a brief ramble on solo-travel:
Solo travel can occasionally be intimidating and lonely, but it is mostly pure freedom and fun. You wake up when you want, explore at your own pace, and follow whatever sparks your curiosity. Spending significant time on your own builds your relationship and confidence with yourself. Each day, you get to check in and give yourself exactly what you need and want, whether that is an adventure, a good meal, or a rest day.
My solo experiences have given me a huge sense of self-assuredness. Connecting with yourself while you move through the world is extremely empowering. It feels like an act of self-love.
To begin your own solo travelling experience, I recommend starting small. Try a weekend trip to a nearby city, or take a class on your own. You might feel a little exposed at first, but I promise that you will gain confidence and create wonderful memories with each new experience.
