Valle de Guadalupe is one of my favorite places for a quick getaway. Especially now that I’ve been cooped up for months, I was in desperate need of this little trip. Given this was my first post-quarantine outing, I wanted to make sure I found some amazing hidden gems that had great safety protocols in place; and this trip did NOT disappoint. The places I’m going to share include some of the nicest people, most delicious food, and amazing ambiences. Keep reading for my guide to the 5 hidden gems in Valle de Guadalupe that you need to visit!
Where to Stay in Valle de Guadalupe: LUMI
Although you can always take a day trip to Valle, I would definitely recommend at least staying for one night. If you choose to do this, LUMI is where you need to go! Listen, I know that Valle is filled with amazing glamping and cute boutique hotels, but nobody and I mean NOBODY does it like LUMI.
Overall thoughts: More than the amazing views and cute pictures, LUMI has heart and that’s what really sets them apart. Their whole story starts with a Finnish woman falling in love with a Mexican man and moving to Baja to be with him. So now you know, staying here is supporting true love!
The pet package 
Photo courtesy of LUMI’s Instagram page
About the Hotel: This Nordic style container hotel & glamping site has everything you could ever want at an amazing price. They have the option of staying in one of their containers or what I always go for – the glamping. You can reserve a tent with either 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed. Each tent has a personal fireplace where you can keep warm while star gazing and snacking on their delicious charcuterie board. Your stay also includes other items such as towels, shampoo, robes, slippers, and extra blankets. LUMI also has a Finnish sauna and jacuzzi available that you can reserve at the front desk upon check-in. My boyfriend and I traveled with my dog, so we added the pet package ($3) which includes a small dog bed, dog bowls for food & water, a toy (which my dog is obsessed with), a treat and a roll of poop bags.
Safety Protocols
Masks are required at all times while in common areas. Temperature checks are done upon check-in and hand sanitizer is easily accessible everywhere. Usually bathrooms are shared, but now they are assigned in order to reduce contact with other people. The jacuzzi and sauna are available by reservation only and 45 minutes blocks are used in between each reservation to deep clean and sanitize.
Stop by the best food truck in Valle de Guadalupe: Troika
Honestly, I think you would have a really hard time going to any place in Valle de Guadalupe and not liking the food, but Troika is something else.
Overall thoughts: If you only get to eat at one place in Valle it should be Troika! Your furry friend is also welcome and will be befriended by their resident dog Guapo.
Parked right outside of Vena Cava is the deliciously amazing Troika food truck. Troika has a seasonal menu that is created from the freshest local ingredients from their own organic garden. We had the pleasure of ordering the tiradito of the day, roasted beet salad with oranges and a rosemary vinaigrette, octopus tostadas, guacamole, pork crackling and salsa macha and the Troika Fried Chicken sandwich with potato wedges.
Safety Protocols
Being that Troika and Vena Cava are gated, as soon as you arrive they check your temperature and ask you some questions. Such as: where you’re visiting from, where you’re staying and your phone number. Reservations for Troika aren’t available.
Tired of wine? Head to the mixology bar Mixtura
I’m personally not a huge wine person, so when I found a mixology bar in Valle I knew I needed to check it out. Mixtura is Renieve winery’s mixology bar and they’re only a short drive away from each other, so you could stop at both places if you want to.
Overall thoughts: The vibe at Mixtura is incredible and the staff is super friendly and helpful! Such a great place to sit back and relax with your cute cocktail in hand. Well behaved doggies welcome!
Mixtura has delicious cocktails on the menu and the vibe is just so relaxing. You have the amazing views of the vineyards, incredible sunsets and live DJ playing house music. We sipped on a pineapple mezcal cocktail, a mojito and a bottle of Renieve’s malbec rose (honestly amazing). We also had the burrata salad with peaches and the carbonara with octopus.
Safety Protocols
Masks are required if you’re not at your table and hand sanitizer is readily available. Reservations for Mixtura are required.
Have brunch at a literal gem: CUARZO
Talk about a literal hidden GEM (Cuarzo mean Quartz in Spanish). This place has AMAZING brunch food! They have a pretty extensive menu that ranges from brunch favorites like french toast and eggs bennie, to authentic Mexican breakfasts like chilaquiles and enchiladas. I had SUCH a hard time deciding what to order and honestly we went a little crazy, but I would do it again! Cuarzo is also open for early dinner and that also looks yummy so I’ll be trying that next time!
Overall thoughts: If you’re going to limit yourself to just order one thing, please get the french toast! As soon as they set it on your table you can see how delicious it’s going to be (these pictures don’t do it justice), but not even that prepares you for that first bite. You think you know the flavor you’re going to get, but what actually touches your tastebuds is on another level. It’s a mix between buttery goodness and a cinnamon roll. The french toast melts in your mouth and the cinnamon roll like glaze finishes off the best bite of your life. Already planning my next trip back and this is first on my list!
What we ordered: We ordered the french toast with berries, chilaquiles with green salsa and a sunny side up egg, chicken & waffles and topped that off with some lavender and berry mimosas. *chef’s kiss*
Safety Protocols
This is one of the only indoor places that I went to, but it has windows and doors open that provide great air flow. They do temperature checks, have hand sanitizer available, and a downloadable menu via QR code for a complete touch-less experience. Although indoors, Quarzo is still puppy-friendly and they do have limited outdoor seating available. Reservations aren’t required, but highly recommended.
Another hidden gem to consider: LUPE! Lonches del Valle
LUPE! is a food truck located at Finca Altozano serving amazing tortas. Our original plan was to stop by here too, but we weren’t able to due to time constraints. Still on our list for next time though. I mean don’t these pictures of their tortas just make your mouth water?
Thanks for reading my guide to some of Valle de Guadalupe’s hidden gems!
