Dear traveler,
Welcome to Mexico City—a place that might just break your heart a little, fill it right back up, and leave you with stories you’ll tell for years. It’s big, chaotic, noisy, beautiful, intense—and never, ever boring. I’m so happy you’re here.
A few friendly things to know as you settle in:
Tipping: 15% is the sweet spot here—more than appreciated and respectful of local standards. Leaving 18%+ regularly can slowly start to outprice everyday places for locals, so being mindful makes a difference.
Getting around: Uber works reliably (and is often safer and cheaper than taxis), though don’t expect a sleek ride—most cars are humble and may take a little while to show up. Just part of the charm.
Safety: CDMX is like any major city—amazing to explore, but worth keeping an eye on your surroundings. Don’t flash valuables, be thoughtful about where you wander at night, and trust your instincts. Nothing unusual—just travel smarts.
Water: No, we locals don’t drink from the faucet either—who does that, really? At Casa Mascarita, you’re in luck: there’s a best-in-class double osmosis water filter built into the kitchen sink. For street drinks (like tempting aguas frescas), I’d recommend bottled unless you’re at a restaurant—then, dive in and enjoy.
Shopping: When buying from street vendors or artisans, please don’t bargain aggressively. This is their work, their time, their art. If you love it, buy it; if not, pass with kindness. Simple as that.
And finally—please treat Casa Mascarita with love. Everything you see here was chosen piece by piece by me—no agencies, no staging, no investors—just a girl who worked hard for many years and poured her heart into this space. Be gentle with it, be kind to our neighbors, and make yourself at home.
Enjoy this wild, soulful city. I miss it every day from San Francisco, and I hope it gives you a piece of the magic I fell in love with.
With all my heart,
Angélica