By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Mexico City, one of the oldest cities in North America, founded by Native Americans, is a vibrant city known for its culture, history, and cuisine. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. invites visitors to experience the magic of Mexico City on a cultural sightseeing tour.

Currency Exchange Tips

The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency in Mexico. Many restaurants, stores, and hotels accept credit cards, but street sellers, markets, and tipping tour guides and drivers have no other choice but to take cash. The best exchange rate can be found in bank ATMs, rather than currency exchange kiosks at the airport or rundown street stalls.

It is also convenient to bring small bills and coins in case you want to buy something in artisan markets or eat in food stalls.

Cultural Treasures In The Historic Center

The Mexico City sightseeing tour begins in the Centro Histórico, the pulsating heart of Mexico City. Here, the magnificent Zocalo, which is one of the biggest city squares in the world, is located with a plethora of historical buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace, where the most famous murals of Diego Rivera are located. The architecture is also an interesting mixture of native and foreign styles, with the story of the complicated past of Mexico.

Next stop is Templo Mayor, or the ruins of an ancient Aztec temple directly adjacent to the contemporary buildings. You will find a lot more of this old-versus-new theme throughout the city.

A Spiritual Journey To The Basilica Of Guadalupe

The Basilica route leads to one of the most sacred religious landmarks in the whole of America, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The pilgrimage center is visited by an increasing number of people each year. You will find not just the new basilica in this, but even the older one, which is more than 400 years old.

Must-Visit Attractions

The Museo Nacional de Antropología showcases pre-Hispanic artifacts from the Aztecs, the Mayans, and the Olmecs, including the world-renowned Aztec Sun Stone. On the outskirts of the city, tourists can get a glimpse into early Mesoamerican life by visiting the Teotihuacan Pyramids, also known as the Pyramids of the Sun. Our adventure continues with the colorful canal rides in Xochimilco on traditional trajineras—brightly colored flat-bottom boats.

Our sightseeing adventure includes a trip to Cuernavaca and Taxco with colonial style and craftwork. Cuernavaca is renowned as the City of Eternal Spring. The neighboring Taxco has a long history as far as silversmiths are concerned, and this is why all their markets and boutiques are filled with silver jewelry. Visitors can purchase intricately made earrings and breathtaking necklaces, and also handmade home decor, while admiring the Baroque architecture, including the Santa Prisca Church.

Culinary Delights: A Taste Of Mexico City

Mexico City is known for its fine dining restaurants and for its street food. The cuisine blends indigenous and Spanish influences in the food.

• Tacos al Pastor involves marinated pork, cooked vertically on a spit and then garnished with pineapple, onions, and cilantro.
• Mole is a rich sauce composed of chocolate, chiles, and spices, which are customarily poured on chicken.
• Chiles en Nogada are little stuffed poblano peppers with walnut sauce and pomegranate seeds.
• Pozole is a pork-rich soup of hominy with a topping of fresh products.
• Enchiladas are corn-filled tortillas filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables, topped with a chili sauce.

Popular street food includes sweet snacks such as airy churros, which are most likely to be combined with hot chocolate. Guacamole and tamales complete the culinary experience in Mexico.

Tequila, Mezcal, Kahlua, Pulque, Mezcal And Other Drinks To Try

Mexico City is known for its spirits.

• Tequila is made from blue agave. can be savored neat with just a little salt and lime or with an invigorating margarita.
• Mezcal has a smoky background flavor and is produced in small batches as a more artisanal option that can be served with pieces of orange and worm salt to the full effect.
• Pulque, a fermented pre-Hispanic drink made from agave, has an earthy and thicker taste infused with fruits and herbs.
• Kahula, a sweet Veracruz-born coffee liqueur, is fashionable in mixed drinks or served on ice.

​Our Mexico City sightseeing tour will provide tourists insider knowledge of the city and an opportunity to mix and mingle with locals. Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to book your Mexico City adventure.

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is full of breathtaking biodiversity, rich culture, and endless opportunities for soft adventure. This Central American country's small size allows for visitors to pass the cloud forest and coastline, volcano and wetland, and fields to colorful town plazas. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural and natural discovery on the Costa Rica sightseeing tour.

What To Know About Traveling In The Country?

The Costa Rican Colón is the official currency. Although Spanish is the official language in the country, indigenous languages such as Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku, and Guaymí are also spoken throughout the country. English is also spoken in the country.

Nature Up Close: Volcanoes, Lakes, And Wildlife

The Arenal Volcano, a cone-like mountain, is one of Costa Rica’s well-known attractions. This grand volcano supplies the hot springs nearby for visitors to soak in thermal waters as they gaze out at the jungle and mountain beyond.

The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is a river safari leading to the well-renowned biodiversity in Costa Rica. As your boat cruises gracefully through the marshes, visitors will see herons, iguanas, monkeys, and maybe a coy sloth peeking through the trees.

Monteverde’s Enchanted Cloud Forest

A journey to Costa Rica is not complete without a visit to the surreal cloud forest in Monteverde. The cloud forest is known for its biodiversity and a breathtaking walk on the hanging bridges. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, visitors can zip-line over the treetops, feeling the gust of the wind and taking in the panoramic views.

In the region, there are butterfly gardens and hummingbird sanctuaries that offer calm respite, letting you get even closer to Costa Rica and all of its colorful wildlife.

Farm Life, Coffee Culture, And Culinary Traditions

Costa Rican sightseeing is not only about the natural attractions; it is also about the rhythm of rural life and local culture. Among the travel experience highlights, we have a visit to a traditional organic farm. In this case, sustainability is not a fad but rather a lifestyle. Tourists will learn how the local families use ancient methods to make cheese, cultivate fruit, and extract sugar.

A cooking demonstration featuring fresh tropical fruits straight off the tree, sizzling plantains, and handmade tortillas provides visitors with a taste of Costa Rica. Our sightseeing tour visits a coffee plantation to learn about how volcanic soil, altitude, and climate work together to produce world-famous beans. This tour is not simply coffee sipping, but coffee and life.

From Culture To Coast: San José To The Pacific

San Jose, the capital city, is a gateway to the country. The country’s rich culture can be seen in street markets, colonial buildings, museums, and contemporary artists.

The country’s scenery makes a dramatic change as you approach the Pacific coast. Guanacaste’s golden beaches are a wonderful place to swim and surf during the day and to soak in the amber-coral-colored sunset in the evening.

In the nearby town of Sámara, visitors will find a surf-town atmosphere and the local community, filled with artisans selling handcrafted jewelry.

Whether you are making your way down a river, walking across a cloud forest bridge, or hearing stories from a local farmer, Costa Rica will enchant visitors. Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc. to book your Costa Rican adventure.

By Teller Thomas 
Dreaming of a destination where every cobblestone tells a story, the food sings with spice, and the rhythm of the drums is never far off? Look no further than Cartagena, Colombia. Allen Batista Travel, Inc spotlights a five-day, four-night sightseeing adventure offering travelers a deep dive into the Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences that make Cartagena one of the most captivating cities in the world.

A Cultural Experience That Moves You—Literally
This isn’t your typical sightseeing tour. You’ll kick things off with a walking tour through the Old Walled City, where the streets themselves hold centuries of history—from Spanish colonial rule and African enslavement to Indigenous resilience.

Then head into Getsemaní, Cartagena’s bohemian heartbeat, for a street art and foodie tour. This colorful neighborhood is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds, filled with murals that tell stories of revolution, pride, and local joy.

Between stops, you’ll gallery hop, shop for emeralds, and snag one-of-a-kind African-inspired jewelry—all while soaking up the laid-back magic of the Caribbean coast.

And let’s not forget the dancing. You’ll join locals in a two-hour Zumba class in the plaza, learn the fundamentals of Colombian salsa, and get your hands moving during drumming lessons. The rhythm never stops, and neither will you.

From Islands To Inland Flavor
After a few days in the city, you’ll set sail for Isla de los Rosarios, a picture-perfect island paradise. Here, a seafood lunch and champagne toast await—because no trip to the Caribbean coast is complete without fresh-caught fish, ocean breezes, and a little bubbly.

Back on land, you’ll get an inside look at Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas, and discover the power of culture, resistance, and community that lives on today.

The tour also includes coffee demonstrations, rum tastings, and a night out dancing to live salsa music—because in Cartagena, the energy flows from sunrise to well past sunset.

What’s On The Plate: Must-Try Colombian Dishes
Colombian cuisine is as vibrant and diverse as its people. While some meals on this tour are not included, you’ll want to make room (and reservations) for these beloved staples:

• Arepas – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, these cornmeal cakes are the ultimate street snack. Try them stuffed with cheese, eggs, or beef.
  
  
• Ceviche Cartagenero – Cartagena’s twist on ceviche features fresh shrimp marinated in lime juice, garlic, and spicy ají. It’s zesty, refreshing, and a coastal must.
  
  
• Sancocho – A rich stew made with meat (often fish or chicken), plantains, cassava, corn, and herbs. It’s comfort in a bowl.
  
  
• Posta Negra Cartagenera – Beef slow-cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made of Coca-Cola, onions, garlic, and spices. Best enjoyed with coconut rice.
  
  
• Patacones – Twice-fried green plantains served with hogao (a tomato-onion sauce). Crunchy, salty, and addictive.
  
  

What To Sip: Colombian Drinks To Try

• Agua de Panela – A refreshing drink made from sugarcane and lime—perfect for rehydrating after dance class.
  
  
• Lulada – A sweet and tart lime and lulo fruit drink from the Valle del Cauca region.
  
  
• Tinto – No, not wine! In Colombia, tinto is strong, black coffee, often sweetened and served in tiny cups on street corners.
  
  
• Aguardiente – Colombia’s iconic anise-flavored liquor. Sip it slowly—it's strong.
  
  
• Rum – Don’t miss a tasting of local favorites like Ron Medellín or Dictador.
  
  

Ready to Experience Cartagena Like A local?
Contact Allen Batista Travel, Inc to book your spot today and prepare for five days of flavor, rhythm, and unforgettable memories.

By Joanna Allen at Allen Batista Travel, Inc.

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is known for its warm hospitality, beautiful Buddha temples, and mouthwatering cuisine. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. spotlights five experiences, as well as travel tips to have a memorable visit in the “Land of Smiles.”

Understanding Currency Exchange In Thailand

In Thailand, the Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. To a first-time traveler, it would be wise to change some money at your departure airport to cover immediate needs before proceeding to change the remainder at better Thailand rates.

Airports, shopping malls, and urban streets have plenty of currency exchange booths. Nevertheless, banks and licensed exchange desks are more likely to have better rates compared to hotels or individual booths. ATMs can be found anywhere with good rates, but check with your home bank regarding foreign transaction charges.

It is usual to use cash, particularly with street markets, tuk-tuk transports, and food vendors. The shopping malls and the high-end restaurants accept credit cards, although daily cash transactions are preferable.

Explore The Grandeur Of The Grand Palace And Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace, a sacred area in Bangkok, is a glittering display of elaborate buildings, gold-covered roofs, and beautifully tended gardens that represent a former royal residence. The Grand Palace compound includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred temple in Thailand.

​The palace compound narrates the history of the Thais and their artistry, and every single carving and mural holds you captivated in its production detail. There is also a modest dress code to show respect: visitors should not wear shorts and no sleeveless tops.

Cruise Through Bangkok’s Canals

Bangkok is also known as the Venice of the East because locals travel by canal. It is now possible, of course, to ride a long-tail boat through the khlongs (canals) of Thonburi to experience a more traditional lifestyle. Visitors will sail past stilt wooden houses, floating markets, and exotic temples hidden from tourists.

Located on the river, Wat Arun has a shiny covering of mosaics. A boat ride will provide you with a calmer break from busy streets and a link to the history of the city.

Dive Into The Chaos Of Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest open-air markets in the world—there are more than 15,000 stalls featuring local handicrafts, vintage fashion, exotic pets, and street food. Visitors will feel the electric energy as they bargain for Thai treasures—Thai spices, art, silk scarves, and other things.

Experience The Vibrant Nightlife

Bangkok changes when the sun sets in the city. Skyline bars also have a view of the lit skyline. The city is a place that can offer everything to you in the nightlife, whether you enjoy cocktails above the city or cultural performances in the cabaret shows.

​The night markets are another memorable experience. The Khao San Road is the hub of live music, midnight munchies, and interesting people from around the world.

Immerse Yourself In Thai Culture With A Cooking Class Or Muay Thai Match

In order to gain a real idea of Thai culture, it is useful to get into its traditions. A Thai cooking class teaches food lovers how to cook items such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and green curry, using fresh herbs and spices.

Muay Thai, also known as the national sport of Thailand, is not always a fight but also a well-choreographed combination of power, rhythm, and respect. It is a cultural event whose experience should be observed through the roar of the crowd and ceremonial rituals before the start of every match.

Thailand's Must-Try Delicacies

​Thai food is globally renowned as a spicy dish of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy tastes that are in excellent balance. In Bangkok, do not fail to sample some of the most popular dishes of the country.

• Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish.
• Tom Yum Goong is a spicy shrimp soup, including lemongrass and lime.
• Som Tum is spicy green papaya salad with chilies, usually.
• Gaeng Keow Wan is a hot, bright green curry with coconut milk and Thai basil.

Thai culture is based on street food. Whether it is grilled satay skewers or mango sticky rice and crispy Thai pancakes, it's hard to run out of marvelous on-the-go food. Seek out vendors who turn over lots of stock, safe and fresh issues.

Planning Your Trip With Ease

​Thailand is the ideal dream destination for many types of tourists, whether traveling alone, in families, as couples, or as a group. Allen Batista Travel, Inc. can create a memorable itinerary for your visit to the “Land of Smiles.”