Wandercolor

Watercoloring my adventures.


A person standing on a hilly incline overlooking Lake Cuitzeo, with the morning sun shining on the emerald green water.

Getting Lost and Found in Cuitzeo del Porvenir

Getting Lost and Found in Cuitzeo del Porvenir

There is a peculiar sort of beauty in losing yourself, especially when you stumble upon a quaint town like Cuitzeo del Porvenir in Mexico. Although my primary motivation for travel is culture and adventure, I’m always prepared for those unplanned itineraries courtesy of my insatiable curiosity and less than stellar sense of direction. God, I’m such a walking paradox.

Tracing Steps Back on the Trail

As an early starter, I had set out for a hike before the town stirred from its slumber. Nothing beats the sensation of the morning sun gently coaxing the landscape out of darkness, the quiet whisper of rustling leaves, and the anticipation hanging in the crisp air. Then, in classic Mia-fashion, I found myself lost. You’d think a gal who’s great at orienteering wouldn’t find herself in such a pickle. Oh, the irony!

The Unexpected Magic of the Missteps

While a part of me was busy cursing my overconfidence in venturing off the marked trail, the rest couldn’t help but marvel at the unfolding vistas. Just like that, my misstep transformed into an unexpected treat of a breath-taking panorama. Yes, dear reader, even when you’re lost, there can still be a beautiful view. Scrambling up a hilly incline, I found myself looking out over a sea of emerald green as Lake Cuitzeo stretched out towards the horizon, kissed by the morning sun.

A Refuel Stop at Hamburguesas Doña Gaby

Once back in town, I staved off my hunger with a visit to the delightfully local Hamburguesas Doña Gaby. Heed my advice if you’re visiting Cuitzeo – never miss their hamburgers! Dripping with cheese and packed with a flavourful punch, I savoured the experience as much as the meal itself – the chaotic energy, sizzling grills, and friendly banter instantly warmed my heart and my belly.

Exploring the Malecon cuitzeo

The highlight of Cuitzeo, beyond the unexpected adventure, was spending an afternoon at the Malecon Cuitzeo. The malecon (boardwalk) encapsulates this town’s mix of spontaneous life and timeless tranquillity, drawing locals and visitors alike. While it may lack the glitz of a tourist hotspot, it houses a raw beauty that leaves you humbly introspective. Walking along the boardwalk, I filled my senses with the lapping water against the retaining walls, a tactile reminder of the town’s living, thriving heart.

Lessons from a Journey Less Travelled

As a post-scriptum to this day in Cuitzeo, I’d say that travelling, at its core, is more than just exploring new places—it’s a journey into the self. My unexpected detour reaffirmed my belief about travelling off the beaten path and preferred style. Let me tell you, my friends, getting lost is not always a bad thing, and it’s certainly not a failure; it’s merely an opportunity to find something that doesn’t have a postcode.

After a day in Cuitzeo, I was reminded of why I travel – to have my perspective changed and then changed again, just like switching lenses on my DSLR. I kept this lesson in mind on my journey back, purchasing a quirky coffee mug as a souvenir, a tangible piece of this philosophical transformation, and a humble nod towards Cuitzeo del Porvenir.