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Immersive Mexico | Real-Life Travel Moments with Kids
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items Real-life moments, real connections. From beach towns to backstreets, this is Mexico through the eyes of a family who truly lives here. We share the local gems, cultural traditions, and everyday experiences — both joyful and challenging — that have s...
Sections
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Puerto Vallarta Hidden Gems | Local Spots Worth Exploring
Cultural Moments & Reflections | Living the Everyday in Mexico
Everyday Life in Mexico | The Stuff No One Talks About
Seasonal Events & Local Festivals | Around Mexico
Healthcare & Real Life Logistics | What It’s Actually Like
Día de Muertos & Cultural Reflections
Puerto Vallarta Hidden Gems | Local Spots Worth Exploring
Beyond the resorts and Malecon crowds, these are the places where local life shines — peaceful rivers, neighborhood eateries, and real-deal experiences that show the heart of Vallarta.
Just outside the busy tourist zone, Paso Ancho is one of Puerto Vallarta’s best local escapes. The Río Cuale winds through this peaceful neighborhood, where kids leap off rocks, families grill under the trees, and the vibe is slow and real. 👉🏼 For a guided adventure exploring the Río Cuale and surrounding jungle, check out this 4-Hour Jungle Hike and Waterfall Swim: https://www.getyourguide.com/puerto-vallarta-l265/puerto-vallarta-4-hour-jungle-hike-waterfall-swim-t499557/ It includes river crossings, a refreshing dip in a waterfall, and insights into local flora and fauna.
Paso Ancho River Days — A Chill Escape from the Crowds
Every time we spend a lazy afternoon by the river with our Mexico family, it feels like adding another piece to the life we’re building here. These are the days that blur into memory — full of laughter, tacos, splashing, and warmth that goes beyond t...https://www.instagram.com/p/DCLKpMMuJOk/?img_index=1
Back to Paso Ancho — River Days & Mexico Family
Cultural Moments & Reflections | Living the Everyday in Mexico
Not everything can be mapped or booked — some moments just have to be felt. These are the sights, smells, sounds, and emotions that define life in Mexico when you're fully immersed.
How do you explain Mexico to someone who’s never been? You can’t — not fully. It’s the smell of firewood in the morning, the sound of tortillas being flipped, and the rhythm of vendors and kitchens in motion. It’s being called mijo by a stranger and ...https://www.instagram.com/p/DGpE5Ctu-OS/?img_index=1
Presencia — When You Stop Explaining and Just Live It
Looking for something deeper than a tourist blog or AI-generated checklist? This guide is the real deal. Written by a Canadian family who moved to Puerto Vallarta, it’s packed with honest stories, useful tips, and the kind of info you can’t Google, b...
Immersing in Mexico – Complete Bundle with Bonus Guides + Interactive Maps
This isn’t another “move to paradise” checklist — it’s the story of how one family actually did it. Written by a Canadian mom who relocated with her kids to Puerto Vallarta, this 89-page book covers the messy, beautiful, real-life journey of immigrat...
Immersing in Mexico – A Real-Life Guide to Moving, Adapting & Raising a Family in Mexico
These aren’t generic downloads — they’re the tools this family wished they had when moving to Mexico with kids. This 44-page bonus collection includes 22 printable guides and 2 interactive Google maps covering everything from driving tips and Spanish...
Bonus Guide Collection – Tools for Moving to Mexico with Kids
This is the full Payhip store where you’ll find all our digital downloads, including our bestselling book Immersing in Mexico and the companion bonus guides and maps. We share honest, real-life resources for families moving to Mexico — written from l...
Explore All Travel Guides & Bonus Content from The Wandering Wongs
What’s a carne asada in Mexico? Not just a barbecue — it’s a flash mob of joy with folding chairs, fire, and tacos that hit your soul. No invite needed: if you smell smoke and hear cumbia, you’re in. My kid wandered over to a back cancha and came bac...https://www.instagram.com/p/DE88kG9unN8/?img_index=1 — the magic was lived, not filtered.
The Neighborhood Carne Asada — Spontaneous Joy, Mexican Style
From traditional dances to a standout “iguana performance” by Hendrix, our school’s Día de la Revolución Mexicana event was pure magic. We saw kids, parents, and teachers pour their hearts into every moment, celebrating the history and pride of a cou...https://www.instagram.com/p/DCa5XpNuSez/
Revolution Day at School — Heart, History & Iguanas
After nine years of building a creative business and three years of living in Mexico, I poured everything I had into writing and designing a book that’s both honest and useful: Immersing in Mexico – A Real-Life Guide to Moving, Adapting & Raising...https://payhip.com/thewanderingwongs
A lived-in look at what it's really like to raise a family in Mexico — from tacos to transitions, from QR maps to messy magic.
At the two-week mark, Mexico had already taught us a lot about patience. Appointments run on “Mexico time,” where being late or rescheduling is normal. The language barrier stretches you daily, but it also makes each small communication win feel huge... https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZgn5cgeXG/?img_index=3
Two Weeks In | Patience, Perceptions & Pickles
Everyday Life in Mexico | The Stuff No One Talks About
The not-so-glamorous side of living in Mexico — from paperwork and banks to what happens when your name breaks the system.
Trying to open a bank account in Mexico with a hyphenated name? Good luck! 😅 This was part 2 (and 3) of a multi-day saga just to finalize my BBVA account. Name formatting, passport copies, and three trips later — we made it. 📸 Full story here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFv26x2qdlx/
Opening a Bank Account in Mexico (When Your Name Breaks the System)
Opening a bank account in Mexico as an immigrant isn’t just paperwork — it’s patience, persistence, and sometimes a little Borat Spanish. From system errors with my hyphenated name to navigating the process entirely in Spanish, this was a two-day men... View full post on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFswZLmPW42/
Opening a Bank Account in Mexico (From Language Barriers to Hyphen Drama)
Think your 12:25 PM appointment means you'll be helped at 12:25? Cute. I walked out at 4:15 PM — slightly dehydrated, fully initiated. Three years in, I finally have my RFC, which means I can open a real bank account. Shoutout to Frida (@gocafmx) and...https://www.instagram.com/p/DFrCRMPvv7N/
Getting an RFC in Mexico (AKA a Masterclass in Waiting)
Seasonal Events & Local Festivals | Around Mexico
From spontaneous street fiestas to annual food festivals, these events give you a taste of real local life in Puerto Vallarta. Most are free or family-friendly, and all are worth working into your calendar if you’re in town. Come for the tacos, stay ...
This family-friendly festival at Parque Hidalgo was all about smoky meats, craft beer, micheladas, and good music. It’s free to enter, great for kids, and packed with food stalls grilling up everything from ribs to whole spit-roasted meats. We stumbl...https://www.instagram.com/p/DFl-Jg2OoBC/?img_index=1
Grill Kings Festival — BBQ, Beer & Family Vibes in the Plaza
Navidalia is a Christmas festival in Guadalajara that transports you through global holiday traditions in one magical night. From Nordic snowfalls to European market stalls, themed zones, music, and lights — it's a full sensory experience for familie...https://www.instagram.com/p/DEMY4UauvEB/?img_index=1
Seasonal Events & Local Festivals | Around Mexico
Forget snow — in Puerto Vallarta, Santa wears sunglasses and your kids take Grinch photos at sunset. We spent the evening playing basketball, grabbing ice cream on the Malecón, and soaking in the festive downtown energy. Christmas here might come wit...https://www.instagram.com/p/DD3W02zOCjs/?img_index=1
Christmas on the Malecón — Sunshine, Santa & a Grinch
Healthcare & Real Life Logistics | What It’s Actually Like
From clinic visits to name mismatches on documents, these are the real details about living in Mexico full-time. No fluff, no filters — just honest stories about the systems, services, and everyday logistics that most travel blogs skip over but every...
Need an X-ray or physio in PV? We were in and out in 20 minutes, no referral, and paid just 700 pesos for the first consult. Follow-ups were 500 pesos, and we got to keep the X-rays — no waiting for transfers or printouts. It’s one of the underrated ...https://www.instagram.com/p/DC--A4du7jG/?img_index=1
What It’s Like Getting Physio & X-Rays in Puerto Vallarta
Día de Muertos & Cultural Reflections
Explore the beauty of Día de Muertos and other meaningful Mexican traditions that shape how we honor the past, connect with the present, and teach our children about legacy, storytelling, and cultural pride.
This deeply personal reflection ties the timeless beauty of Día de Muertos with a lifelong passion for genealogy and family storytelling. In this moving Instagram post, Lise shares a powerful prose written by a cousin — a tribute to those “called to ...https://www.instagram.com/p/DBg57TwvGqZ/?img_index=1
A Family Memory Keeper Reflects on Día de Muertos
Birthday Parties & Special Moments in Mexico
From poolside resort parties to local traditions, these are the milestone memories we’ve celebrated while living in Mexico. Birthdays here are vibrant, inclusive, and full of community joy — and we’re sharing some of our favorite snapshots.
When you live in paradise, birthdays hit different! For Justin’s 13th, we celebrated early with an all-inclusive resort day at Sunscape Puerto Vallarta. Water games, movie-song contests, and cheering friends made it a day to remember — complete with ...https://www.instagram.com/p/DBVFbMJOoXL/?img_index=1
Celebrating 13 With Poolside Games & Resort Fun
Everyday Moments of Growth in Mexico
The little things — like a haircut or a quick conversation in Spanish — are where the magic of growth happens. These real-life memories reflect how living abroad shapes confidence, independence, and bilingual ease.
Barbershop visits in Mexico have become a milestone in more ways than one. Watching our son confidently chat with Fernando — who used to only hear a shy “hola” — shows just how far he’s come in two years. These small moments of independence and langu...https://www.instagram.com/p/DBNAeL7yk2l/?img_index=1
From “Hola” to Full Conversations — And One Fresh Fade
Fútbol Nights & Local Community Spirit
From packed canchas to roaring cheers, Mexican fútbol culture brings families and communities together in unforgettable ways. These moments capture local life, teamwork, and the joy of cheering each other on.
There’s something unforgettable about fútbol finals at the canchas — the energy, the drums, the noise, the pride. Cheering on our boys alongside dozens of other families as the sun set behind the palms was one of those “this is why we moved here” mom...https://www.instagram.com/p/DLbs96Hg5ad/?img_index=1
Finals Night at the Canchas — Magic in Motion
Our Family’s Mexico Story
Real reflections from life as an immigrant family in Mexico — the good, the gritty, and everything in between. These are the honest moments that define our journey and might just inspire yours.
Three years ago, our family made the leap and moved to Mexico. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s been the most rewarding decision we’ve ever made. This post reflects on the journey — from navigating the unknown to building community, embracing a new cu...https://www.instagram.com/p/DA6qqHySv3v/
Three Years in Mexico: A Reflection on Growth, Gratitude & Finding Home
Everyday Life, Culture & Belonging
The small moments that add up to a meaningful life in Mexico — from market strolls and warm greetings to honest thoughts on integration, kindness, and cultural connection.
While hunting for basketball jerseys with our son at Santa Maria market, what really stood out wasn’t the shopping — it was the warmth of every passing smile and “Buenos días.” This heartfelt reflection explores what it’s like to live as immigrants i...https://www.instagram.com/p/DAeR9OBy7hn/
A Walk Through the Market & a Reflection on Kindness in Mexico
Community Reflections & Giving Back
Living in Mexico has given us more than just memories — it’s taught us about resilience, community, and the importance of showing up for each other. This section shares the causes close to our hearts, the programs we support, and the small ways we tr...
We’re always honored to donate to initiatives like Vallarta Abuelas’ backpack campaign and @taemuaygym’s incredible work. In Mexico, even “free” public school comes with mounting costs — from uniforms and lunches to transportation and now registratio...
Backpacks, Gratitude & Giving Back
Practical Mexico Travel Tips
From buses and beaches to city festivals and local markets, these are the tips and tools that made daily life in Mexico easier, safer, and way more enjoyable.
Markets in Guadalajara, water taxis in Vallarta, city buses in Mexico City—Mexico is lively, colorful, and crowded. That’s why I swear by an anti-theft backpack. The Osprey Anti-Theft Backpack kept everything safe yet accessible, with lockable zipper...
Osprey Anti-Theft Backpack – A Must for Busy Mexican Cities
Our Immigration Story
The beginning of everything—our leap of faith moving from Canada to Mexico. These entries capture the transition, the emotions, and the first few days of planting roots in a new country.
We packed up our lives in Canada and, within a single whirlwind week, moved our family of four to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. None of it would’ve been possible without the incredible support of friends and family who helped us pull it off.
That moment ...
Goodbye Canada, Hello Mexico – Our Big Leap
Our very first day after moving from Canada to Mexico was all about finding the basics and soaking in the new atmosphere. Being close to the mall and Walmart made the initial grocery run easy, though I couldn’t wait to explore the downtown markets fo... https://www.instagram.com/p/CU4JFuVAWOK/?img_index=1
Day One in Puerto Vallarta | Groceries, Guardia Nacional & First Tacos
Daily Life & Cultural Immersion
The balance of schoolwork, chores, Spanish lessons, and cultural experiences that shaped our family’s everyday life in Mexico.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVB-ACugChv/?img_index=1 By Day Five, we were building a new rhythm in Mexico. Each morning started with family Spanish lessons, and the boys journaled in the evenings. They were also in charge of dishes, laundry, and cleanup — proof that moving abroad with kids isn’t all f...
Day Five | Spanish Lessons, Malecón Adventures & Lobster Lunch
Food & Local Traditions
Exploring Mexico through flavors and authentic experiences that connect us to the culture.
One of our most memorable mornings in Mexico came when Cesar from Garza Blanca picked us up and took us out of the tourist zone for a drive through the countryside. Just the ride itself was a glimpse into the “real” Mexico beyond Puerto Vallarta. We ...
Authentic Ranch Breakfast & El Pajarete Experience
Family Bucket List Moments
Those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that left us all in awe and brought us closer together.
Day Nine gave us one of the most unforgettable experiences of our time in Mexico: releasing baby sea turtles at Campamento Tortuguero Boca de Tomates. Hendrix had been dreaming of this since before we arrived, and seeing the kids’ faces light up made... https://www.instagram.com/p/CVMe39WAFpg/?img_index=3
Releasing Baby Sea Turtles at Boca de Tomates
Housing & Settling In
Our journey of finding a home in Puerto Vallarta — from neighborhood comparisons to the quirks of renting abroad.
By Day Thirteen, we were deep into the rental search. Each neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta came with its own pros and cons, and we found ourselves trying to decide what kind of lifestyle we wanted here: Fluvial → felt like suburbia, with family-frien... https://www.instagram.com/p/CVWubz5AvpW/?img_index=3
Puerto Vallarta Neighborhood Tours | Find Your Perfect Area with a Private Tour