Where’s your favourite place to stay in Salvador?
My favourite place to stay is the Itapuã Coast where you can find the best beaches in town. In front of Mar Brasil Hotel, you’ll find a welcoming sandy beach with a picturesque lighthouse. Itapuã also features the Abaeté Lagoon, or Black Lagoon, surrounded by white sand dunes.
What’s your top tip for visiting Salvador?
My top tip is to visit the former home of Vinícius de Moraes, a famous Brazilian poet, musician and lyricist (he wrote the words to ‘Girl from Ipanema’), on the grounds of Mar Brasil Hotel, in Itapuã. You can even stay in his former bedroom with its sweeping view of the ocean. The home is also the setting for the hotel’s restaurant, Casa di Vina.
What’s your favourite dish at the restaurant?
My favourite dish at Casa di Vina is the sliced octopus, which is served creatively along with local staples, yuca and manioc (cassava). There are also several exotic pizzas baked in an outdoor brick oven.
What are your top tips for saving money while preparing for a trip or while traveling?
Try to buy in advance to find better prices. and travel with an itinerary to know what kind of services you will need.
What is your favorite destination to visit, and what are your favorite things to do while you are there?
Beach destinations: Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, or La Paz. There you can find very quiet places to relax or do several activities and enjoy tours or party nights.
I personally like to take tours for several days to visit different places, archaeological sites and see endemic species.
Art tourism is one of the top travel drivers now: is there a must-see artist venue or event that you think travelers shouldn't miss?
Festivals (such as Cervantino in Mexico), activities such as Museum Nights or performances at Bellas Artes.
Do you have any secret places to eat that you like to recommend to travelers?
In Mexico City, I recommend the Azul Histórico restaurant if you want to live the experience.
What is a local event or celebration that you would recommend?
Mexican wrestling, the Cervantino Festival, hot air balloon festivals, concerts in Bellas Artes and other venues and the procession of silence in some of the most representative places.
Are there any musical events or concerts you would like to travel for or would consider going abroad?
Of course! Lollapalooza, Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, Tomorrowland, Burning Man, Ultra Miami, Glastonbury, Viña del Mar International Song Festival.
When is the best time of year to visit the place where you live? What is a unique and interesting experience you don't regularly see in travel brochures?
In Cuautitlán Izcalli we have 13 villages where there are interesting things to do. In one of them you can see the production process of cheese, yogurt, and other products. There is another with an important and renowned bakery (you can't leave without tasting what they prepare) and the most important of all are the saints' celebrations.
Are you a diver? Tell us about the best diving experience you've ever had! Where did it happen and what experiences did you have?
I am not an expert diver, but I had one of the best experiences of my life in Espiritu Santo Island, where I was able to swim with sea lions and walk around to see different species.