The One Thing You Should Never Say In Mexico Ever

In every country in the world there are at least a few no-go topics of conversation. As a foreigner, offering your opinion on the country’s political leaders and history is a pretty universal faux pas, for example. While Mexicans are famously welcoming and easy-going, there are definitely a few things you should avoid saying as a guest.

When it comes to language, you should remember that the Spanish word “estupido,” or stupid, is much stronger and should never be used lightly. It is also useful to remember that the verb “coger” (to take) has a sexual connotation.

When it comes to geography, you should bear in mind that Mexico is in North America, rather than Central or South America.

With regards to money, you should steer clear of asking how much people make – personal finances are a private matter in Mexico.

But there is one thing above all that you should avoid saying in Mexico, partly because it can offend and partly because it could result in you missing out on one of the country’s most celebrated selling-points:

“I don’t like Mexican food.”

People can be quite sensitive when it comes to the topic of Mexican food as the country’s culinary culture is an important source of national pride. Mexicans are not the only people to recognize the merits of their cuisine; UNESCO added Mexican food to its cultural heritage list in 2010.

So while you may be dismissive of Taco Bell’s greasy burritos, bear in mind that UNESCO has other ideas: “Traditional Mexican cuisine is a comprehensive cultural model comprising farming, ritual practices, age-old skills, culinary techniques and ancestral community customs and manners.”

Corn, beans and chili are staples in Mexican cuisine, and quality ingredients such as tomatoes and avocados are in ample supply.

What’s more, Mexico is a vast country, and this size is reflected in its culinary culture. Each of its diverse regions uses very different ingredients and cooking techniques, so it is best to avoid narrow-minded generalisations.

Mexican culinary cultures

There are a wide range of different culinary cultures and styles vying for the foodie’s attention in Mexico. Oaxacan Food is notably unique and delicious. Here you’ll find Mayan and Aztec recipes fused with Spanish ingredients, as well as unusual delicacies such as grasshoppers or flying ants.

The Baja Med movement from (Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula) has also been grabbing the international spotlight in recent years. It is a unique blend of influences including Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican flavors, and is now available throughout Mexico in some of the main tourist destinations.

UNESCO focused much of its praise for Mexican cuisine on the “Michoacan Paradigm,” which involves the participation of the community in the entire food chain, from planting to eating. The organization said that Mexican cuisine was “elaborate and symbol-laden,” and the knowledge of locals cooks “express community identity, reinforce social bonds, and build stronger local, regional and national identities.”

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.