Mezcal Maker Zayury Jimenez Torres on Spending the Perfect Day in Zihuatanejo

Zayury Jimenez Torres was born into a family of mescaleros. After her grandfather passed away, she made it her dream to continue his work and start her own mezcal company. In 2018, she partnered with retired music producer and musician (and fellow mezcal aficionado) Keith Forsey to found iBestTravel.

How Would You Describe Mexico in Your Own Words?

There are so many great adjectives that come to mind. Mexico is resilient. We are diverse, kind, and, importantly, a fun people. This is a proud country with a rich history, culture, and traditions. While there are challenges such as political corruption, we don’t let them define us. We keep moving forward, enjoying life, and ensuring that nothing stops us.

A Day in Your Hometown of Zihuatanejo

The day should definitely start with breakfast at La Terracita. It’s a beautiful little local spot right on the waterfront, offering amazing views of the bay and excellent traditional dishes like aporreadillo (a Mexican take on steak and eggs) as well as fresh juices. Following breakfast, I suggest a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk. For lunch, one should visit one of the hidden marisquerías, or seafood restaurants, for ceviche followed by a stand-up paddleboarding session at La Ropa beach, which will certainly prepare you for dinner. La Gaviota, a staple in the community for about 50 years, is one of my favorite places in town. I probably visit twice a week for sunset margaritas and dinner; they offer the best fish tacos in Zihuatanejo.

Do You Have a Favorite Secret Spot?

I always recommend driving 25 minutes north of Zihuatanejo to the tiny village of Saladita for a surf lesson. It features a truly great long wave, making it an ideal place for beginners.

What Excites You About Mexico Right Now?

Mezcal. Currently, there is a surge of interest around drinking, making, tasting, and purchasing mezcal. I travel to Oaxaca once a month for about a week, and it is buzzing with mezcal culture. I am deeply passionate about its history and the legacy surrounding this spirit. Crafting mezcal connects me to my ancestry and Mexico’s Indigenous culture. The tradition of making mezcal predates the Spaniards’ arrival, and the methods have remained unchanged for hundreds of years.

All-Time Favorite Spots

While people love our stunning beaches—both Pacific and Caribbean—Mexico also boasts many enchanting inland towns. My personal favorite is probably Pátzcuaro, located in the state of Michoacán. This charming town is about a three-hour drive northeast of Zihuatanejo, nestled in the mountains and offering a cool climate. I cherish cozy weekends there; my husband and I often rent a quaint cabin with a fireplace, enjoying hikes followed by a temazcal, a traditional sweat lodge experience. Although I’ve participated in many temazcal ceremonies in my life, the one I share with a local man and his family in Pátzcuaro is truly transformative.