b'soul-stirring journeys VANILLA BEAN COSTA RICAPARTNER SPOTLIGHTVanilla originated in Mexico and the country still produces high quality beans rich in flavour andUplift your Spiritaroma. Buy vanilla beans rather than the extract, which may not be authentic.FOOD SOUVENIRSHOT CHOCOLATE fromThe early Mayans and Aztecs were drinking hot chocolate well before the world heard ofMEXICOit. Buy Mexican chocolates and a hot chocolate drink mix as a gift, or to enjoy at home. Also pick up a molinillo, a small woodenIts the ingredients that make Mexican food and frother to aerate it perfectly.drink so very special, making you want to bring some home with you. These suggestions makeMOLEfabulous gifts or souvenirsMole sauce is made from many ingredients including fruit, spices, and chocolate. Mole powders come in many varieties Agave farm, Tequila, Jalisco at Mexico Citys CoyoacanMarket. If youre confused, settle for mole negro, infused with Oaxacan chocolate.MEZCAL The best artisanal mezcal inCHILES Mexico is produced in smallChiles are dried chili peppersNorthern Costa Ricas family-owned distilleries, andthat are a prominent ingredientrainforest from Origins those are the ones to buy. TEQUILA in Mexican cuisine. Bring backPURALuxury LodgeTry and taste a variety at a bara few varieties like chipotle before you buy what you likeTequila is a kind of mezcal that comes from the western state of (smoked ripe jalapenos), gua- VIDA Capture the natural beauty of Costa Rica by visiting its volcanic mountains, dense wilderness best. And dont forget to Jalisco, and is one of Mexicos most well-known exports. From thejillo (sharp, tangy), and pasillaareas, and pristine beaches. Guided walking tours through its numerous national parks, with purchase some sal de gusanohuge variety available, try to get a premium brand that is made fromde Oaxaca (smoky, fruity) toPure life their criss-crossing rivers, canals, and dense rainforests, allow you to explore the countrys PHOTO: ORIGINS LUXURY LODGE(worm salt), it enhances the100 percent blue weber agave, and uses traditional methods recreate authentic flavours atunique flora and fauna. Throughout your trip you will see different species of birds, as well as taste of the mezcal.of extraction of the juice from agave hearts. home. monkeys, iguanas, racoons, and sloths. On Costa Ricas extensive coastline, unspoiled beaches promise turquoise blue waters and golden sand. While relaxation is the norm, there areplenty of activities as well: snorkelling, surfing, diving, kayaking and all kinds of water sports.TALK TO OUR EXPERTCulinary Gems of Mexico A stop in the capital San Jose is also recommended. We suggest colourful walking tours that Alice Norman 6 Nights from 2,199 per person take in the citys interesting architecture, culture, and culinary scene. Wherever you travel in alice.norman@hayesandjarvis.co.ukFoodHeritage Mexico City (3), Oaxaca (3) Costa Rica, we ensure that you will find yourself in the most perfect accommodations.0208 106 236130 \x1a HAYES JARVIS TRUE VOYAGES \x1a 31'