El Rosario, a small town about 50 miles south of Mazatlán, is famous for the altar in the town church which is said to be worth over a million dollars.  The alter alone makes a visit to El Rosario worth the drive, it is magnificent!

El Rosario was once the richest town in this area of México because of the local mining operations.  This small town was the home of the famous Mexican singer, Lola Beltrán.  They have built a small museum in her honor although the museum is open only sporadically. You might want to do a little shopping for pottery, furniture or leather products, all of which are produced locally. 

 For more information about El Rosario visit: AllAboutMazatlán.com , the complete travel guide to Mazatlán.

Ensenada enjoys a privileged location on the northern Pacific coast of México, just 75 miles south of México's border with the United States, along an incredible stretch of beautiful coastline.  Ensenada is a city of many different faces; a city where fishing, ranching, agriculture, shipyards and tourism all blend in with the daily operations of the busiest port city in Baja.  Ensenada wears all of it's faces very well and unless you really look close it seems as if your in a relaxed seaside resort, catering only to tourists. 

Most visitors to Ensenada arrive by car on a modern 4 lane toll road, from Southern California, via the world's busiest border crossing at Tijuana.  The drive from the north takes visitors along the incredibly picturesque Pacific coast that rivals northern California for the number beautiful vistas.  Once you arrive in Ensenada its time to...relax or go shopping, fishing, horse back riding, enjoy an incredible meal, party hearty, play a round of golf, visit a nearby vineyard or maybe a little of each, depending on how much time you have.  One thing you are sure to notice is a city that moves at a slower pace than many, but at the same time, is very much alive.

For most tourists Ensenada is very easy to navigate on foot as the main tourist areas are situated within easy walking distance of each other.  The easiest reference point to find is the giant Mexican flag (you can't miss it) near the Malecón.  From here you can easily get to the cruise ship docks, the sport fishing piers, the downtown shopping and dining establishments and also Baja's largest fish market.  Local maps and tourist information stands are easy to find.

The downtown area is a no-brainer for shoppers and diners alike.  This is an area of of wide streets that contain many great restaurants (lobster and seafood are local specialties), sidewalk cafes, coffee houses, taco stands and of course night clubs. Shoppers will find an abundance of shops offering goods from all over México and other parts of the world, as Ensenada enjoys duty-free status.  Shop for silver of all kinds, jewelry, wrought iron, pottery and ceramics, liquor, pharmacy items, arts and crafts and of course tee shirts. The downtown area is where tours can be arranged to the famous blow hole (La Bufadora) at Punta Banda 18 miles south of the city or to the wine country east of the city.  Here you will also find horse drawn carriages that will be glad to take you on a local tours.

Mexico Vacation Rental Network - Rentals in all of  México.
Find your dream vacation rental - Owners list property here.

Mexico Timeshare Rental Networks
Luxury timeshare vacation properties, for rent all over México, by owner. 
Owners list your vacation weeks here.

Guadalajara, México's pearl of the west, is an incredibly diverse and stately city with amazing qualities, both modern and historic, that embrace all who visit.  For a city that is not a resort,  Guadalajara offers a very pleasant surprise to the unsuspecting tourist.  Guadalajara is an ideal vacation destination for the traveler who is seeking a change of pace from the, sometimes overwhelming, resort scene.  

As the second largest city in México and boasting a population of over 3 million, you are constantly reminded that Guadalajara is a busy metropolis, and a major Mexican business center.  Although this city beats to a busy pace, things here have a way of seeming to somehow remain serene.  There are many places in Guadalajara where you will feel like you have stepped back in time to a different era.  

Guadalajara is a city of monuments, parks and flowers, fountains and tree lined avenues. This is a city alive with subtle attractions that can keep the first time visitor entertained for weeks.  Guadalajara's history dates to the 16th century and the rich heritage of México's colonial gem is evident everywhere you look.  The Guadalajara area is known as the birthplace of the world famous Mariachi bands and also as the home of the Mexican hat dance. Nearby is the town of Tequila, everyone knows or should be able to guess, what this town is famous for.  The area around Guadalajara is mainly known for the Mexican craftsmen that turn out countless handmade items that are treasured the world over.

Airport code for Guadalajara: GDL

Mexico Vacation Rental Network - Rentals in all of  México.
Find your dream vacation rental - Owners list property here.

Mexico Timeshare Rental Networks
Luxury timeshare vacation properties, for rent all over México, by owner. 
Owners list your vacation weeks here.

For information about Guadalajara, visit AllAboutGuadalajara.com, the complete travel guide to Guadalajara.
 

Guanajuato was once the richest city in all of México and, at one time, the mines of Guanajuato produced one third of the world's silver.  The wealth that came with the precious metal was well spent in this unique colonial city.  It was the riches from the mines that provided the funds to transform Guanajuato into a cultural treasure.  This city, which dates to 1558, is virtually alive with culture!  This is a city of museums, monuments, theatres, magnificent churches and well preserved colonial buildings  The abundance of culture spills over into the everyday life of this lovely city.  There is almost always a concert, dance or theatre performance, art show or some other cultural activity available to residents and visitors alike.

The city is laid out along the steep and winding banks of an old river bed and everything about this historical city is irregular.  The streets are windy and narrow, sometimes they just turn into a dead end, a steep walkway or staircase.  All of these "Callejones" (little streets) will more than likely lead to a surprising discovery.  It is difficult not to be surprised by the number of stately mansions and the incredible architecture that seems to be found around every corner in Guanajuato.  Walking is definitely the best way to see Guanajuato, the historical center is fairly compact and everything is a fairly short walk.  The cobblestone streets and walkways combined with the irregular, up and down, layout of the city call for good sturdy shoes if you want to really enjoy yourself. 

The shady main plaza, El Jardín de La Unión, is an excellent starting point for a walking tour.  The plaza is also a great place to enjoy a meal or snack at the sidewalk cafes that are located here and is a great people watching spot.  There are concerts presented in the plaza bandstand on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings.  The nearby landmarks and attractions are not difficult to find.  The elegant Teatro Juárez is directly across the street and the museums, grand churches, other plazas and the stately university are all very close.

The tourism offices in Plaza de La Paz has free maps and offers helpful advice on what to see and what exhibits and performances are taking place.  Be sure to ask about the evening "Callejoneadas" where you follow a group of young classically trained musicians, called estudiantinas, through the winding city streets while they play their guitars, sing and generally entertain the small crowds.  A donkey sometimes follows with the evenings supply of wine strapped to its back. This is a regular happening in Guanajuato and something not to be missed.  Guanajuato is the birthplace of Diego Rivera and a museum, which houses many of the famous painters early works, is in place in the home where he was born.  If your into the grotesque side of life, the local Mummy museum should be of some interest.

Mexico Vacation Rental Network - Rentals in all of  México.
Find your dream vacation rental - Owners list property here.

Bahías de Huatulco is one of México's newest planned resort complexes.  Although still in the development stages, this incredible location offers some of the most beautiful bays and beaches in the country.  The natural beauty of the nine bays of Huatulco and the surrounding area provided the perfect starting place for the Mexican government to try to duplicate the success of some of their other planned resorts.  They have built an international airport and a nearby city, La Crucieta, to house the needed workers.  They also enticed some major hotels, and private investment, into the Huatulco area with a beautiful golf course, beachside promenades, three proposed marinas and luxury residential neighborhoods.

Airport code for Oaxaca: OAX

Mexico Vacation Rental Network - Rentals in all of  México.
Find your dream vacation rental - Owners list property here.

Mexico Timeshare Rental Networks
Luxury timeshare vacation properties, for rent all over México, by owner. 
Owners list your vacation weeks here.

 For more information about Huatulco visit: AllAboutOaxaca.com, the complete travel guide to Oaxaca.

Isla Mujeres is one of those great places that defy description, the name means "Island of Women".   A small island, just a 45 minute ferry voyage from Cancun.  Isla Mujeres is always blessed with cooling breezes.  This is a great place to kick back and forget everything but the urge to relax.  Or...rent a motor scooter and tour the island, have a massage, dive or snorkel in the national park, take in a Dolphin show or even swim with them, visit the turtle park.  Or just relax on a beach and read a book.  The small town can get a little crowded when all of the tour boats arrive, but you can always get away.  The beaches on the north end of the island are very calm and vendors will pass by and offer you coconuts and tropical fruits.

Airport code for Cancun: CUN

For more information about Isla Mujeres visit: AllAboutCancun.com, the complete travel guide to Cancun.

Ixtapa, once a coconut plantation is now an ultra-modern resort with all of the amenities any suave tourist would expect.  Zihuatanejo, once a sleepy fishing village, is just a few miles from Ixtapa but has managed to retain the atmosphere that has always made this a great place for a quiet vacation.  Ixtapa is comprised of high rise, high-end hotels, golf courses, a modern marina and the stylish restaurants, bars and nightclubs that go hand-in-hand with a trendy resort.    Zihuatanejo, although it is a bit more crowded than it used to be, has not changed that much over the years.  The town itself is small, covering a few square blocks, and filled with souvenir shops, reasonably priced hotels and restaurants. 

The beaches of Zihuatanejo are spread out on the smallish Bahía de Zihuatanejo and are great for swimming, snorkeling, water sports and relaxation.  There is a small pedestrian walkway that leads form the town square, to the bay beaches of Playa Madera, Playa La Ropa and Playa Las Gatas out near the point.  The bay is lined with a few hotels, many palapa style restaurants and the ever present beach vendors.  The feeling very laid back and you could easily imagine the you are somewhere in the South Seas.  Ixtapa, on the other hand faces the Pacific Ocean and although it is usually safe for swimming here, some large waves may bring with them a fierce undertow, mostly in the summer.  The palm lined beaches of Ixtapa are extremely beautiful and they are flanked by luxury hotels and restaurants.  There is some great snorkeling at Isla Ixtapa just offshore, boats leave from Playa Linda at regular intervals. Parasailing, wind surfers, kayaks, banana rides and jet skis are available all along the Playa del Palmar, the main beach in Ixtapa. 

Sportfishing is available from the main pier in  Zihuatanejo and also from operators based in the marina at Ixtapa. There are two golf courses in Ixtapa and both are very enjoyable courses.  Tennis courts are also available at both golf courses.  Water sports dominate the activity scene in both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo although there are horses available for rent at Playa Linda and and sunset cruises on a large catamaran are also popular.  Ixtapa also has an aquatic park with the usual slides, rides and fast food for the kids and also separate facilities where you can swim with Dolphins.  Sunsets seem enjoy a special significance in Ixtapa and there is even a cable car, at the south end of the beach, to take you up to Restaurant El Faro for the ultimate sunset experience of your vacation. 

These two resorts compliment each other and give vacationers a lot of options they don't normally find in one resort.  They are close together and each is easily accessed from the other, so that you really can have the best of both worlds in one location.

Mexico Vacation Rental Network - Rentals in all of  México.
Find your dream vacation rental - Owners list property here.

Mexico Timeshare Rental Networks
Luxury timeshare vacation properties, for rent all over México, by owner. 
Owners list your vacation weeks here.

Airport code for Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo: ZIH