Eva Longoria reveals 5 must-see experiences in Mexico

With 32 diverse states, a rich mosaic of indigenous cultures, ancient culinary traditions, and a mix of colonial influences, Mexico offers endless opportunities for exploration.

In her Dinogo Original Series, 'Searching for Mexico,' actress and producer Eva Longoria delves into the country’s vibrant cultures, traditions, and modern adaptations.

Eva and her family make frequent visits to Mexico. Her husband, José 'Pepe' Bastón, and their 4-year-old son, Santiago, proudly identify as 'chilangos' – a term once seen as derogatory but now embraced with pride by Mexico City natives.

Though Longoria has spent part of the last nine years in Mexico City, the show allowed her and her family to explore new corners of the country they had never experienced before.

Here are five of the top experiences Longoria suggests for visitors to Mexico.

Attend a Mexican rodeo in Jalisco

Longoria recommends experiencing a 'charreada' in Jalisco, where skilled equestrians, both men and women, showcase their talents in traditional attire—an unmissable part of Mexican culture.

A 'charro' is a Mexican rider who embodies the elegance of a knight rather than the typical cowboy, explains Jesús Mora, a promoter of 'charrería.' Mora met Longoria at a Lienzo Charro venue in Guadalajara.

Cattle herders gained prestige during the Spanish conquest when they were the only Mexicans allowed to own horses. Longoria details their pivotal role in shaping Mexico's identity in the Jalisco episode, a sentiment echoed by Mora.

‘It’s an authentic cultural and culinary experience,’ Longoria shared with Dinogo Travel.

The food stalls at the event are filled with delights like sopes, taquitos, and more, all at great prices, according to Longoria.

At the Lienzo Charro clubhouse, Longoria had the chance to taste 'birria,' the renowned goat stew native to Jalisco.

Discover the rich heritage of Mexico’s indigenous peoples

Mexico is home to 68 distinct indigenous groups, as reported by the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs.

When people think of Mexico's ancient cultures, the Maya and Aztecs (whose descendants are the Nahuas) often come to mind.

‘The Mayan culture is still thriving in the Yucatán,’ Longoria said. ‘You can see it everywhere – in the food, customs, traditions, and way of life.’ The region is also home to many ancient Mayan ruins.

However, Longoria uncovered a wealth of other cultures and traditions during her journey through six of Mexico’s 32 states.

‘Mexico is home to so many indigenous cultures that are still alive and flourishing,’ Longoria remarked.

In Jalisco, Longoria met members of the Coca community, who are working hard to protect their traditional way of life along the shores of Lake Chapala.

In Oaxaca, Longoria cooked alongside members of the muxes community, a group within the indigenous Zapotec people of Mexico, often recognized as a ‘third gender.’

In Veracruz, the Smoke Women organization strives to preserve the ancient Totonac traditions, while the ruins of El Tajín stand as a remarkable reminder of the civilizations that once thrived there.

‘El Tajín is one of the most well-preserved pre-Hispanic cities in Mexico,’ Longoria says in the Veracruz episode.

Explore pre-Columbian ingredients at their roots

Ingredients such as tomatoes, corn, cacao, and vanilla, which have become essential in cuisines worldwide, all trace their origins back to Mexico.

‘Colonization spread these ingredients across the globe,’ Longoria remarked.

Tasting these ingredients at their origin—often prepared using techniques passed down from indigenous peoples long before the colonists arrived—is an experience not to be missed.

‘They still preserve traditional cooking methods. The way they grind corn for masa is remarkably similar to the techniques used thousands of years ago. These ancient processes are cherished and celebrated, making them truly special and unique,’ Longoria shared.

While Madagascar leads the world in vanilla production, the state of Veracruz is where this prized spice originates.

‘Visiting the vanilla plantations feels like stepping back in time to the pre-Columbian era. The beauty and ancient methods used to process the vanilla are incredible,’ Longoria said.

Try carne asada in Nuevo León

In Nuevo León, grilling is considered an art form, and the region’s culinary traditions closely mirror those Longoria experienced growing up in Texas.

‘The north is known for its beef, just like Texas, and I grew up with carne asada, brisket, and barbecuing—it’s a ritual,’ Longoria explained. ‘They take their carne asada very seriously in Nuevo León.’

Monterrey even hosts a grilling competition every August, where the stakes are high and the rivalry intense.

‘They use unique spices and techniques, often smoking the meat with wood from their own villages. They bring their homemade smokers and swear by the difference the right wood makes. It’s not just grilling; it’s a sport,’ Longoria said.