• About
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • Mexico City
    • Baja California
    • Chihuahua
    • Chiapas
    • Copper Canyon
    • Guadalajara
    • Guanajuato
    • Huasteca Potosina
    • Merida
    • Monterrey
    • Morelia
    • Quintana Roo
    • Oaxaca
    • San Miguel de Allende
    • Tequila
    • Tulum
    • Valladolid
    • Veracruz
  • Mexico

  • Culture
    • Best Mexican Foods
    • Best Mexican Movies
    • Best Books about Mexico
    • Mexican Artists
    • Mexico Fun Facts
    • Mexico Historical Facts
    • Mexican Holidays
    • Pueblos Mágicos in Mexico
  • Nature
    • Beaches and Islands
    • Cenotes
    • Hot Springs
    • Mayan Ruins
    • Mountains and Valleys
    • Waterfalls
    • Wildlife Experiences
  • Itineraries
    • 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary
    • 10-Day Baja California Road Trip
    • 10-Day Chiapas Road Trip
    • 10-Day Copper Canyon by Train
    • 10-Day Guanajuato Road Trip
    • 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip
    • 10-Day Oaxaca Road Trip

Mexico

What Are Alebrijes

What Are Alebrijes?

September 20, 2023

What are alebrijes? These spirit animal sculptures have evolved into a symbol of Mexico. Here’s our guide to Mexican alebrijes.

If you’ve ever been to a Mexican traditional market, you would have seen an alebrije. Alebrijes are sculptures of colorful and whimsical-looking spirit animals that have become an important part of Mexican culture. Originated in the 1930s in Mexico City, alebrijes are known for their imaginative combinations of animal features, often resulting in surreal and visually captivating forms.

These days, alebrijes animals are emblematic of Mexican folk art and creativity. They hold deep cultural significance and play an important role in Mexican traditions, including the Day of the Dead celebrations. Here’s everything you need to know about these Mexican spirit animals.

alebrijes animals - what are alebrijes - mexican spirit animals


Table of Contents

  • What are Alebrijes?
    • Origin and History of Alebrijes
    • What Does “Alebrije” Mean?
    • The Meaning and Symbolism of Alebrijes
      • Creativity and Imagination
      • Cultural Fusion
      • Spiritual and Mythological Significance
      • Individuality and Expression 
    • A Mexican Folk Art
    • Alebrijes and the Day of the Dead
    • What Are Other Day of the Dead Symbols?
    • The Alebrijes in Disney’s Coco
    • Where to See Alebrijes at Day of the Dead
    • Alebrijes: Mexican Spirit Animals
    • How Alebrijes are Made
      • Selecting the Material
      • Carving the Shape
      • Polishing and Preparing for Color
      • Painting the Albebrije
      • Finishing the Last Details
    • Where to Find the Best Alebrijes
    • What is My Alebrije?
    • The Importance of Alebrijes in Mexico

What are Alebrijes?

Origin and History of Alebrijes

Alebrijes were originally created by Pedro Linares, a Mexican artist and artisan from Mexico City. In the 1930s, Pedro fell ill and, during his illness, experienced vivid and surreal fever dreams in which he saw a strange place resembling a forest. In this forest, he encountered animals that transformed into fantastical creatures with extraordinary features and vibrant colors These creatures communicated with him, and upon his recovery, Pedro felt compelled to recreate them.

Pedro Linares started sculpting these creatures from cardboard and papier-mâché, giving life to the beings he saw in his dreams. He called them “alebrijes,” a term he coined for these surreal and imaginative creations. The use of wood in alebrijes became popular in the 1980s when a group of artisans in Oaxaca, led by Manuel Jiménez, transitioned from paper-mâché to wood carving, making alebrijes more durable and visually striking.

Welcome! I’m Nellie — a travel writer, book author, and worldschooling mum. Since moving to Mexico in 2021, I’ve been sharing my secret haunts, favorite towns, and the many things that make Mexico so special on this blog. Read about me here.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


What Does “Alebrije” Mean?

The word “alebrije” (pronounced like “ah-lay-bree-hey”) has a magical sound to it, but it has a much simpler meaning to it. There’s no translation from Spanish to English. The original creator named them alebrijes when he was in a delirious fever dream, and some hypothesize that it’s a combination of three words:

  1. “Ale” from “Alegría” (happiness or fun)
  2. “Br” from “Bruja” (witch)
  3. “Ije” from “Embije” (Painting)
what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes in mexico city


The Meaning and Symbolism of Alebrijes

Even though the word doesn’t have a meaningful definition, these Mexican spirit animals do have a deep cultural impact on Mexico and evolved into a Mexican symbol.

Creativity and Imagination

The creation of alebrijes showcases the boundless creativity and imagination of Mexican artisans. There’s not a single way to make alebrijes; artists can use all sorts of materials and make combinations of features of every animal known to man and some other creatures that come straight from their imagination.

One of the things that make alebrije animals so unique as art pieces is that they can be not only a combination of creature features, but a combinations of art forms — from sculpture, to painting, to carving, or even glassblowing.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes

Cultural Fusion

Mexican alebrijes often incorporate elements from different animals and creatures, reflecting Mexico’s fusion of cultures. Mexico is a country with not just ONE culture as its culture is composed of an amalgam of the surviving aspects of their ancient civilizations, hundreds of years of Spanish and European domination, and the results of the evolution of its combinations.

See also  Driving in Mexico: All You Need to Know in 2025

The fusion of forms you can find in alebrijes animals mirrors the fusion of cultures in Mexican society. Since alebrijes is a form of art that is less than a hundred years old, it’s fair to assume that it’ll continue to evolve in the future, bringing even more cultural aspects to it.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes at museo de arte popular

Spiritual and Mythological Significance

Some people believe that alebrijes could be seen as a modern interpretation of ancient Mesoamerican spiritual concepts. For some, Mexican alebrijes are not just art pieces, they’re interpretations of mythical creatures. They’re seen as something like totems or spiritual animals linked to each person’s soul.

Alebrijes might represent a connection between the physical world and the spirit realm or be linked to shamanic practices and visions. It’s understandable they’re seen this way not only for their whimsical aspect, but because of the way they came to life straight from a dream of the artists who first made them.

What Are Alebrijes

Travel Insurance for Frequent Travelers

We’ve been using Safety Wing for years now, and it’s one of the best decisions we’ve made as digital nomads. Their Nomad Insurance plan is affordable and provides solid coverage for medical emergencies regardless of where we’re traveling. 

Individuality and Expression 

Each alebrije is unique, representing the individuality of the artist’s vision. The art of making Mexican alebrijes is so free that artists and artisans can use their boundless creativity and print their own style as creators.

This uniqueness encourages people to embrace their own creative expressions and celebrate their differences. Even alebrije makers can explore their individuality by finding the alebrije that goes best with their identity. 

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


A Mexican Folk Art

Mexican alebrijes have become a cherished part of Mexican folk art, celebrated both within Mexico and internationally, and continue to inspire artists and admirers with their unique and captivating forms.

They’re so popular within the Mexican idiosyncrasy that many people in Mexico don’t even realize they’re so “new”, thinking that they have always been a part of Mexican culture and traditions.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


Alebrijes and the Day of the Dead

While Mexican alebrijes aren’t traditionally a part of Dia de Muertos celebrations, they have now made their way into the festivities and become popular Day of the Dead symbols.

Alebrijes are often incorporated into Day of the Dead celebrations as a way to honor deceased loved ones. They symbolize the fantastical and imaginative nature of the spirit world, bridging the gap between the living and the dead.


What Are Other Day of the Dead Symbols?

There are so many Dia de los Muertos symbols — every single item on the altar and in cemeteries represents something and has a meaning. Everywhere you go during Day of the Dead in Mexico, you’ll see paintings, figures and people made up and dressed like her — La Catrina, an elegantly dressed female skeleton adorned in European clothing and often depicted wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Marigold flowers are also known as “flor de Muerto” (Spanish for flower of the dead) and play a central role in Day of the Dead traditions. Cempasúchil symbolizes the beauty and fragility of life. Pan de muertos is a sweet and festive bread that is one of the most well-loved Day of the Dead symbols. You’ll often see it used as a decoration on altars and graves. Read more on Day of the Dead symbols here.

la catrina


The Alebrijes in Disney’s Coco

If you’ve seen the Disney movie, Coco, you’d know the importance of the alebrijes in Mexico. In the movie, Dante and Pepita, are the spiritual guides and guardians of the main characters. Pepita is the most visually striking of the two: a bright-green jaguar with ram horns and red-feathered eagle wings. Pepita is Mama Imelda’s spiritual guide and helps her seek for Miguel so he can return to the land of the living. 

See also  30 Cool Things to Do in Guanajuato 2025

Dante, the silly Xolo dog turns out to be Miguel’s guide in the underworld and (spoiler alert) in the end he’s revealed to be a winged alebrije with bright colors all over his body. Both of them play an important role in the Day of the Dead themed movie.

what are alebrijes - coco


Where to See Alebrijes at Day of the Dead

An excellent place to see alebrijes in life size is the Museo de Arte Popular, one of the best museums in Mexico City.  The museum is devoted to the weird and wonderful folk art traditions of Mexico and it has a massive collection of Mexican alebrije sculptures and other forms of visual arts that combine tradition with modernity.  At Day of the Dead, the museum also plays host to a colorful and ornate altar.

A massive alebrije parade takes place in Mexico City for Day of the Dead every year. It starts from the Zocalo, continuing along Avenida 5 de Mayo, then Paseo de la Reforma, ending at the Angel de la Independencia. Once the parade is over, you can see the alebrijes on display on Paseo de la Reforma.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


Alebrijes: Mexican Spirit Animals

Even though alebrijes are relatively modern creations, they have an undeniable connection to Mexico’s ancient cultures such as the Zapotec and Mixtec who believed in animal spiritual guides.

For the Zapotec people, the “tona” (which means both “animal” and “protective spirit”) was assigned to everyone on their birthdays, similar to zodiac signs. They had a calendar with 13 months of 20 days each, and each day had a different tona including:

  • Coyote
  • Lizzard
  • Armadillo
  • Turtle
  • Snake
  • Rabbit
  • Deer
  • Frog
  • Monkey
  • Owl
  • Eagle
  • Jaguar
  • Butterfly
  • Hummingbird
  • Fish
  • Snail

How Alebrijes are Made

Creating these vibrant and whimsical Mexican folk art sculptures is a fascinating and intricate process that’s steeped in artistic tradition. Artisans in workshops around Mexico spend hours in each one of these creations, as this process can be an exploration of form and color, and a deep dive into a spiritual and creative journey.

Selecting the Material

Alebrijes are typically carved from copal wood, which is native to the Oaxaca region and is relatively soft and easy to carve. This choice is vital as it must be soft enough to carve with ease yet sturdy enough to retain its shape. 

However, you can still find alebrijes made in papier-mâché as they were traditionally created, or other more modern materials such as resin, metal, or even crystal. The process will of course be different for every material, as well as the result, but every artist is free to create the alebrijes as they like them with the material they prefer, even if the traditional way is with copal wood.

how to make alebrijes - workshop in oaxaca

Carving the Shape

In the carving process, the artisan uses basic hand tools like chisels and knives to shape the wood into the initial form of the alebrije. It’s all about precision and attention to detail. Here’s where the shape of the creature comes to life and it can be as fun or crazy or as simple as the artist wants.

Some of the most common shapes or animal features you can find in alebrijes happen to be some of the animals that are present in Mexico’s myths and legends such as:

  • Snakes
  • Roosters
  • Eagles
  • Armadillos
  • Rabbits

But you can also find other features as:

  • Fish tails
  • Bug eyes
  • Dragon wings
  • Deer antlers
how to make alebrijes

Polishing and Preparing for Color

Once the carving is complete, the alebrije undergoes a thorough sanding and smoothing process. This ensures that its surface is even and refined, ready to be adorned with colorful tales. Copal wood may be soft and easy to carve, but that doesn’t mean it won’t need a dedicated artisan to make its surface smooth and even for painting.

The base coat is next — a layer of white or light-colored paint that serves as the canvas for the intricate designs that will soon grace the sculpture. Color is one of the main features of alebrijes, so the artist needs to make sure this base coat is perfect for what’s coming next.

See also  My Guide to Mexico Travel Insurance
how to make alebrije

Painting the Albebrije

Now, the true magic begins. Artisans, often with years of experience, painstakingly paint the alebrije with vibrant and elaborate designs. Alebrije-makers do not hesitate in using vibrant, almost neon types of colors such as bright cyan, red, yellow or hot pink (rosa mexicano). The paints used are typically acrylic, delivering brilliant and enduring hues.

painting an alebrije

Finishing the Last Details

Detailing and final touches are where the masterpiece truly emerges. Tiny dots, fine lines, spirals, circles, flowers and additional features are carefully added to enhance the overall appearance and texture, bringing not only depth and dimension, but also personality, identity, and life.

Many alebrijes are adorned with intricate patterns, dots, and symbols, often inspired by Mexican indigenous cultures like Zapotec and Mixtec. However, you can also find alebrijes with different themes and styles that come straight from the artist or artisan’s vision. 

alebrijes animals


Where to Find the Best Alebrijes

While alebrijes are crafted by artisans across Mexico, the state of Oaxaca is particularly renowned for its alebrije tradition. In Oaxaca, the town of San Martín Tilcajete is especially famous for its alebrije artisans. You can visit workshops and galleries in San Martín Tilcajete to witness the creation process and purchase authentic alebrijes. Book a workshop tour to watch artisans carve the figures, then paint your own alebrije animal!

Other places in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Puebla, and parts of Guerrero, also have skilled alebrije artists and workshops. Exploring local markets, galleries, and craft fairs in these regions can lead you to discover unique and beautifully crafted alebrijes.

When seeking authentic alebrijes, it’s advisable to purchase from recognized artisans or reputable sellers to ensure the craftsmanship and authenticity of the artwork. Alebrijes are not only a testament to Mexican creativity but also a stunning representation of the fusion between art and fantasy.

mexican alebrijes - alebrijes mexico


What is My Alebrije?

Some people in Mexico believe that we each have our own alebrije. Everyone’s spirit animal is different and is determined by their exact birthdate and the year they were born. If you want to know what is your Mexican spirit animal, we recommend traveling to Oaxaca and have a proper reading of your birth chart.

For a more casual and less formal reading, this website “Silencio” actually allows you to enter your birthday (month, day, year) and gives you an image of your alebrije as well as a description of what each one represents in you. However, it’s important to note that this website does not use the Zapotec calendar for reference.

what is my alebrije


The Importance of Alebrijes in Mexico

Alebrijes are an enchanting and colorful form of Mexican folk art that have captured the imagination of people worldwide. Their origin, history, craftsmanship, imaginative designs, and cultural significance make them an integral part of Mexican cultural heritage. 

Whether as decorative pieces or collectible art, alebrijes continue to fascinate and inspire. So if you ever visit a Mexican traditional market and see these colorful little friends, you’ll know what lies behind their unique Mexican spirit animals.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

  • My Guide to Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico
  • Best Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead
  • Day of the Dead in Mexico City
  • Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
  • Mexico Holidays and Traditions
  • 30 Mexico Fun Facts
  • Who is the Day of the Dead Catrina?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!


Inspired? Pin it!

alebrijes animals - mexican spirit animal - what is my alebrije
0 Comments
Share
Nellie Huang

Nellie is a book author, travel blogger and worldschooling mum. Having traveled to over 150 countries, she currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with her digital nomad family. She started this Mexico travel blog to share her love for her adopted home. Read more about her and get real-time updates from her on Facebook and Instagram.

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

October 3, 2024

My Guide to Mexico Travel Insurance

March 15, 2025

Driving in Mexico: All You Need to Know in 2025

March 19, 2024

What to Pack for Mexico: The Ultimate Mexico Packing List

Hi, I’m Nellie

A travel writer, Lonely Planet guidebook author and worldschooling mum. Living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with my family since 2021. Read about me.

Current Location

Current Location

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

My Books

product_title_1

Lonely Planet Mexico

product_title_2

Lonely Planet Singapore

product_title_3

Explorers

product_title_4

Amsterdam Like a Local

product_title_5

The Adventure Traveler's Handbook

Recent Posts

  • Things to Do in Riviera Maya with Kids

    22 Fun Things to Do in Riviera Maya with Kids

    July 25, 2025
  • Mexico City with Kids: My Guide to the Perfect Family Trip

    Mexico City with Kids: My Guide to the Perfect Family Trip

    March 27, 2025
  • Bacalar  Mexico: My Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

    Bacalar Mexico: My 2025 Guide to Bacalar Lagoon

    March 19, 2025
  • Driving in Mexico

    Driving in Mexico: All You Need to Know in 2025

    March 15, 2025
  • Staying at Casa Viva Troncones

    Staying at Casa Viva Troncones

    February 20, 2025
@wildjunket
Nellie Huang | Adventure + Family Travel

@wildjunket

✈️ Travel writer & @lonelyplanet author 🌎 Sharing all about digital nomad family travel 🗺️Visited 150 countries 📍 Singaporean in Mexico 🇲🇽
  • Kids don’t need more toys. They need more nature 🌿, more time spent together ⏳, the thrill of new adventures 🗺️, and freedom. 🕊️

Beyond the memories, travel actively shapes kids into better humans. It’s giving them real-life tools:

💪 Resilience. Missed flights and weird food? Just another chance to adapt and grow!

🚀 Confidence. There’s nothing like the confidence boost from trying a new language with a stranger.

🌍 A love for our planet. You can’t help but want to protect a world you’ve seen up close.

✨ Creativity. New sights, sounds, and smells are rocket fuel for the imagination!

❤️ An open heart. Travel teaches them there’s no single “right” way to live.

These adventures become the glue of our family stories. So here’s to fewer toys and more tickets! 🎟️ Fewer things and more time. Who’s with me? 🙋‍♀️

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily
  • 🚗✨ The Ultimate Cape Town Drive: Chapman’s Peak! 🌊🌍

This coastal road hugs the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek and gives you front-row seats to the Atlantic. 🌊

Here’s your guide to doing it right 👇

📍 Location: Between Hout Bay & Noordhoek — perfect for a scenic half-day trip 

🛣️ Distance: ±9 km of winding cliffside road

💸 Cost: R66 per car ($3) – card or cash at the toll gate

🕒 Best time to go: Golden hour (sunsets here are elite) or early morning for calm vibes

🚦 Drive time: ~20 mins non-stop — but don’t do that. Stop everywhere. 😎

📸 Must-stop spots:

🌊 Hout Bay Main Beach – soft sand, mountain views & perfect for a pre-drive stroll

🛍️ Bay Harbour Market – weekends only! Local food, crafts, live music & vibes

🍟 Fish on the Rocks – iconic seafood shack at the harbor, grab hake & chips with a sea view

📷 Chapman’s Peak Lookout Point – THE photo op 🏞️

🥪 Day Pass Picnic Spots – bring snacks & sit cliffside with unreal views

🏖️ Dunes at Sandy Bay – peaceful, remote & raw coastline beauty

🏄 Noordhoek Beach – wild, open, and perfect to end the route with a walk or sundowner

This drive is the perfect daytrip from Xape Town. Save this for your Cape Town trip and thank me later. 🌍🫶🇿🇦

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #Capetownwithkids #TravelWithKids #capetown #capetownsouthafrica
#chapmanspeak #capetowndrive #southafricatravel #roadtripgoals #chapmanspeakdrive #capetownreels #hiddengemssa
  • We found the best spot for sunset in Cape Town 🇿🇦 ! This little beach has giant boulders that you can climb onto to see this spectacular view of the Table Mountain, 12 Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean. And we pretty much had the place to ourselves; only a few people were there with wine to watch the sun turn the sea into a shade of gold. 

📍Bakoven Beach, Camps Bay

Follow me for more Cape Town discoveries! We are spending 6 months in this beautiful city and will be sharing all our favorite spots. 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #capetown #capetownwithkids #capetownsouthafrica🇿🇦
  • Over the past 10 years, we’ve learned that some of the greatest lessons in life don’t come from textbooks. 📚 

They come from missed buses in foreign countries, from sharing meals with strangers, from seeing how different, and yet connected, the world truly is.

These are life skills — more important than academic knowledge if you ask me. This is the kind of learning that shapes who our kids become.

Here are just a few things travel has given our child:

🧭 confidence in unfamiliar places
🌍 curiosity about how other people live
🕊 compassion for what’s different
🌱 flexibility when plans change
🌈 wonder in everyday moments

And watching her grow through travel has been one of the greatest gifts of this journey.

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #adventurefamily
  • Honestly kids are the best reminders that travel isn’t about ticking off sights. My daughter has shown me once and again that it’s the tiny details in between that truly  matter. ✨

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #travelingfamily
  • I used to be cool 😎 but now I say things that every mum says like “Use the toilet at every chance you get”!!! 

But one thing’s for sure: I still haven’t stopped adventuring! I just bring my daughter along on the journey. 

Any adventure moms out there who can identify with this? 

 #momsofinstagram #momsohard #iusedtobecool #digitalnomadfamily #adventuremom
  • Cape Town is already stealing our hearts, from the warm smiles to the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. 🇿🇦🐘🌍

The history, the nature, the rhythm of daily life — it’s all so beautiful. Kaleya is already learning so much, and we’ve only just scratched the surface.

Here’s what we love about Cape Town so far: 

🪘Friendly locals – everyone’s been so warm and welcoming

🏔️ Gorgeous landscapes everywhere – we see the mountains everywhere we go, including from our house

🚙 Infrastructure is impressive - well-kept roads, efficient systems and things work

💰Great value for money — high quality produce and food for surprisingly affordable prices (lower than where we lived in Mexico)

☕️ Strong Wi-Fi and great cafe culture – remote work is off to a smooth start (I was worried about load shedding prior to this but we haven’t been affected.)

🛝Kids-friendly spaces — My kid is loving the parks, playgrounds and museums!

Excited to explore more and settle into this new rhythm ✨

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily #Capetownwithkids #TravelWithKids #capetown #capetownsouthafrica
  • VIETNAM’S FAIRYTALE TOWN 🇻🇳✨

Pastel lanterns, quiet bike paths, rice paddies, tailor shops, & the dreamiest old town vibes — Hoi An is such a fun spot for both kids and adults alike. 

It was our favorite spot when we backpacked Vietnam years ago and it won our daughter’s heart too on this trip! 

Why it’s a must-visit (especially with kids):

🛵 Car-free Old Town = stress-free wandering
🧺 Lantern-making workshops = hands-on fun
🚲 Scooter rides through rice fields
🥟 Kid-friendly pottery class
🏖️ Beach + town in one spot = perfect balance
💛 Everyone is SO friendly to kids here!

📋 Save this gem for your Vietnam itinerary. 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #vietnamwithkids #vietnamfamilytravel #hoian #vietnamtravel
  • A reminder to collect memories and moments - rather than things! 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
View on Instagram
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Kids don’t need more toys. They need more nature 🌿, more time spent together ⏳, the thrill of new adventures 🗺️, and freedom. 🕊️ Beyond the memories, travel actively shapes kids into better humans. It’s giving them real-life tools: 💪 Resilience. Missed flights and weird food? Just another chance to adapt and grow! 🚀 Confidence. There’s nothing like the confidence boost from trying a new language with a stranger. 🌍 A love for our planet. You can’t help but want to protect a world you’ve seen up close. ✨ Creativity. New sights, sounds, and smells are rocket fuel for the imagination! ❤️ An open heart. Travel teaches them there’s no single “right” way to live. These adventures become the glue of our family stories. So here’s to fewer toys and more tickets! 🎟️ Fewer things and more time. Who’s with me? 🙋‍♀️ 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
🚗✨ The Ultimate Cape Town Drive: Chapman’s Peak! 🌊🌍 This coastal road hugs the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek and gives you front-row seats to the Atlantic. 🌊 Here’s your guide to doing it right 👇 📍 Location: Between Hout Bay & Noordhoek — perfect for a scenic half-day trip 
🛣️ Distance: ±9 km of winding cliffside road 
💸 Cost: R66 per car ($3) – card or cash at the toll gate 
🕒 Best time to go: Golden hour (sunsets here are elite) or early morning for calm vibes 
🚦 Drive time: ~20 mins non-stop — but don’t do that. Stop everywhere. 😎 📸 Must-stop spots: 🌊 Hout Bay Main Beach – soft sand, mountain views & perfect for a pre-drive stroll 
🛍️ Bay Harbour Market – weekends only! Local food, crafts, live music & vibes 
🍟 Fish on the Rocks – iconic seafood shack at the harbor, grab hake & chips with a sea view 
📷 Chapman’s Peak Lookout Point – THE photo op 🏞️ 
🥪 Day Pass Picnic Spots – bring snacks & sit cliffside with unreal views 
🏖️ Dunes at Sandy Bay – peaceful, remote & raw coastline beauty 
🏄 Noordhoek Beach – wild, open, and perfect to end the route with a walk or sundowner This drive is the perfect daytrip from Xape Town. Save this for your Cape Town trip and thank me later. 🌍🫶🇿🇦 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #Capetownwithkids #TravelWithKids #capetown #capetownsouthafrica #chapmanspeak #capetowndrive #southafricatravel #roadtripgoals #chapmanspeakdrive #capetownreels #hiddengemssa
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
We found the best spot for sunset in Cape Town 🇿🇦 ! This little beach has giant boulders that you can climb onto to see this spectacular view of the Table Mountain, 12 Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean. And we pretty much had the place to ourselves; only a few people were there with wine to watch the sun turn the sea into a shade of gold. 📍Bakoven Beach, Camps Bay Follow me for more Cape Town discoveries! We are spending 6 months in this beautiful city and will be sharing all our favorite spots. 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #capetown #capetownwithkids #capetownsouthafrica🇿🇦
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Over the past 10 years, we’ve learned that some of the greatest lessons in life don’t come from textbooks. 📚 They come from missed buses in foreign countries, from sharing meals with strangers, from seeing how different, and yet connected, the world truly is. These are life skills — more important than academic knowledge if you ask me. This is the kind of learning that shapes who our kids become. Here are just a few things travel has given our child: 
🧭 confidence in unfamiliar places
🌍 curiosity about how other people live
🕊 compassion for what’s different
🌱 flexibility when plans change
🌈 wonder in everyday moments

And watching her grow through travel has been one of the greatest gifts of this journey. 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #adventurefamily
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Honestly kids are the best reminders that travel isn’t about ticking off sights. My daughter has shown me once and again that it’s the tiny details in between that truly matter. ✨ 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #travelingfamily
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
I used to be cool 😎 but now I say things that every mum says like “Use the toilet at every chance you get”!!! But one thing’s for sure: I still haven’t stopped adventuring! I just bring my daughter along on the journey. Any adventure moms out there who can identify with this? #momsofinstagram #momsohard #iusedtobecool #digitalnomadfamily #adventuremom
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
Cape Town is already stealing our hearts, from the warm smiles to the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. 🇿🇦🐘🌍 The history, the nature, the rhythm of daily life — it’s all so beautiful. Kaleya is already learning so much, and we’ve only just scratched the surface. Here’s what we love about Cape Town so far: 🪘Friendly locals – everyone’s been so warm and welcoming 🏔️ Gorgeous landscapes everywhere – we see the mountains everywhere we go, including from our house 🚙 Infrastructure is impressive - well-kept roads, efficient systems and things work 💰Great value for money — high quality produce and food for surprisingly affordable prices (lower than where we lived in Mexico) ☕️ Strong Wi-Fi and great cafe culture – remote work is off to a smooth start (I was worried about load shedding prior to this but we haven’t been affected.) 🛝Kids-friendly spaces — My kid is loving the parks, playgrounds and museums! Excited to explore more and settle into this new rhythm ✨ 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily #Capetownwithkids #TravelWithKids #capetown #capetownsouthafrica
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
VIETNAM’S FAIRYTALE TOWN 🇻🇳✨ 
Pastel lanterns, quiet bike paths, rice paddies, tailor shops, & the dreamiest old town vibes — Hoi An is such a fun spot for both kids and adults alike. It was our favorite spot when we backpacked Vietnam years ago and it won our daughter’s heart too on this trip! Why it’s a must-visit (especially with kids):
 🛵 Car-free Old Town = stress-free wandering
🧺 Lantern-making workshops = hands-on fun
🚲 Scooter rides through rice fields
🥟 Kid-friendly pottery class
🏖️ Beach + town in one spot = perfect balance
💛 Everyone is SO friendly to kids here! 📋 Save this gem for your Vietnam itinerary. 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #digitalnomadfamily #vietnamwithkids #vietnamfamilytravel #hoian #vietnamtravel
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@wildjunket
@wildjunket
•
Follow
A reminder to collect memories and moments - rather than things! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 #travelfamily #livingabroad #worldschooling #familytravel #learningeverywhere #travelwithkids #educationeverywhere #digitalnomadfamily
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
9/9
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 Mexico. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.