México City is truly one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the world.  México City holds many pleasant surprises for those who choose to vacation here. Travelers to México often overlook this city because most of the country's tourism promotion is directed toward the beach resorts.

México City should be on your "Must Visit" list if you are a fan of world-class museums, archeological treasures, international cuisine, incredible shopping experiences, stately mansions, colonial neighborhoods, dazzling nightlife, inviting plazas and gardens or great city parks.  The National Museum of Anthropology is one on the world's great museums, and could easily occupy a short vacation all by itself.

Don't let the sheer size of México City scare you, most tourists will most likely confine their visits to three or four well defined areas of the city and maybe some easy side trips.  Depending on where you stay, many attractions will be just a short distance away and those that are not so close can be reached fairly easily.  A great way to get a feeling for this city is to enjoy drinks or dinner from the 45th floor of the World Trade Center.  Bellini is a revolving restaurant that offers stunning views of the whole city.  If possible, get settled in before sunset, sit back and enjoy!

For more information visit: AllAboutMéxicoCity.com , the complete travel guide to México City.

Monterrey, México’s third largest city and the so-called “Sultan of the North” is, in fact, a truly surprising city.  A powerhouse of business and industry, this city is one of the most important production and trade centers in the country.  But there is much more to Monterrey than just business and industry.   

A modern, well-planned city that is easy to navigate and full of cultural offerings, Monterrey is populated by friendly and helpful people, who are eager to present their city as the most advanced city in México.  Monterrey's population of over one million (three million in the urban area) is the most educated in México and the city on a per capita basis has more colleges, universities and institutes of technology, than any other Mexican city.   Another example of this city's progressive stature is the fact that over twenty per cent of México's computers are said to be located in Monterrey.

There are a number of nearby attractions to draw tourists to Monterrey, especially those interested in a vacation complimented by all of the amenities that are associated with the convenience that a large city can offer.  Quality restaurants, modern shopping malls, numerous museums and diverse cultural attractions abound here.  The mountains, canyons and desert that surround the city offer pleasant diversion and a wide variety of tourist activities, many of which are not readily available anywhere else in México.

For more information visit: AllAboutMonterrey.com , the complete travel guide to Monterrey.

Morelia, founded in 1541 is one of México's most stately cities, in fact, Morelia is known as the aristocrat of the colonial cities.  This is a city that needs at least a few days of your time, a city that will keep you constantly enthralled while you go about discovering the magic that is Morelia.  The historical center is compact, flat and easily explored on foot, with easy access to the history that is represented here in the capital of the state of Michoacán.  The breathtaking beauty of this city is a constant presence with its many pink quarry stone buildings, polished stone streets, majestic aqueduct and an extraordinary number of museums to keep you busy.

The center of the historic district is the Plaza de los Mártires.  Within the plaza is the stately cathedral with its elaborate towers which soar to a height of 200 feet. Construction of the cathedral started in 1660 and wasn't completed until 84 years later.  The cathedral's architecture is as unique as the massive pipe organ it contains, which is an attraction itself, with its 4600 pipes.  You can explore the immediate area and find many classic structures including the Palacio de Justicia which is a masterpiece of baroque architecture, the Palacio de Gobierno and the incredible Casa de la Cultura.  A very helpful tourist office is is located in the Casa de la Cultura and they will give you maps and a schedule of cultural events, which seem to be never ending in Morelia.  They also offer free walking tours of the historical center.

The over two hundred classical buildings in the historical center you are sure to keep you (and your camera) busy.  There are nine interesting museums to explore in the city center and constant cultural performances and exhibitions to keep you entertained.  Many sidewalk cafes and upscale restaurants will satisfy your hunger and offer great places to do a little people watching and just relax a bit from all of your exploring. 

Shopping for quality handicrafts will include copperware, silver, hand made guitars, Indian pottery, woolens, colorful table linens and some exquisite wood furniture.  Morelia also has many shops that offer a nice selections of antiques.  The Casa de Las Artesanías, located in the ex-convent of San Francisco, in Plaza Valladolid, includes a crafts museum, workshops, and a store featuring regional crafts of very high quality.  Not too far from here is the ancient aqueduct and Fuente Tarasca, a very picturesque fountain.

Morelia is also the major jumping off point for tours to the El Rosario Butterfly Sanctuary where millions of Monarch butterflies arrive to spend the winter after the long migration from the U.S. and Canada.  From November to February the mountainsides and trees outside of Morelia are covered with these beautiful creatures.  Tours to the butterfly sanctuary are very popular and many travel agents and tour operators in Morelia can make arrangements.  The Pátzcuaro area and the tiny islands on Lake Pátzcuaro are other popular side trips.

Airport code for Morelia: MLM

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Mulegé is a small oasis (population, less than 4000) which is located along the tranquil shores of the Sea of Cortez, in Baja California Sur.  This small town enjoys a climate that many travelers find to be exactly what they are seeking.  Many of campgrounds and RV parks, along the Río Mulegé, have grown into permanent places of rest for RV's and trailers from all over the U.S. and Canada.  There are also many vacation homes in the general area, especially to the south on the beautiful beaches that dot the area.  The valley that shelters Mulegé is covered with date palms, is highly verdant, and the stark contrast with the rest of Baja makes this peaceful seaside village really stand out.  The Río Mulegé is one of only two "real" rivers in all of Baja California Sur.

Mulegé also has some incredible petroglyphs and cave paintings nearby, that can be explored by way of an easy half day excursion. A guide is necessary, as there are no well marked maps of the area.  Ciro Cuesta is a highly respected guide who knows this area like the back of his hand, he speaks excellent English and will explain more than you will ever remember about the petroglyphs, cave paintings and the delicate environment of the area.  Call (615) 153-0481 or contact him through the Hotel Serenidad.   

This area is also extremely popular with fishing, snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.  Sea kayaking in the peaceful waters of Bahía Concepción, to the south, is another popular local activity.  Fishing boats, tackle, sea kayaks as well as diving and snorkeling equipment can all be rented in town and tours can be arranged.  Mountain biking is also gaining popularity and Mulegé has long been a favorite with off-road motorcyclists. There are several very nice hotels in and around the downtown area and to the south of town and some campgrounds (with rooms) along the river, just south of the bridge. 

If you're going to be in Mulegé on a Saturday night, try not to miss the pig roast at the Hotel Serenidad.  This feast, a Mulegé tradition for many years, attracts visitors from the all over the U.S. that fly in especially for the great food, Mariachi music and friendly atmosphere.  A smooth dirt runway is maintained by the hotel for small aircraft.  Reservations are recommended. Call 011 52 (615) 153-0111, from the U.S. or Canada.  Pilot's note:  Aviation fuel is not available in Mulegé, the International airport at Loreto, 80 miles to the south, is the closest source of fuel.

Mulegé is the gateway to Bahía Concepción, a large bay within the Sea of Cortez, with countless beautiful coves and inlets most with beautiful white sand beaches.  The 20 miles of highway that hug the coast below Mulegé offers endless swimming, camping or photo opportunities in and around the peaceful bays of Bahía Concepción.

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Oaxaca is a city that is truly blessed.  Blessed with a climate that is like an eternal springtime, blessed with friendly residents that take great pride in their beautiful city.  Oaxaca is blessed with a creative, artistic atmosphere that sets the city apart from any other city in México.  The quality of life in Oaxaca just seems to be on a level above a lot of the other cities of southern México.  It has been said that you haven't really seen México, until you have visited Oaxaca.  The Oaxaca area is known throughout the world for it's, locally made, arts and crafts.  With over 500,000 artists in the valley of Oaxaca it is no small wonder this area is so famous.

The rich history of the Oaxaca valley, which dates to around 1000 B.C., is revealed in the beauty and variety of the areas many archaeological sites.  There is enough history in the ruins among the  hills and valleys around Oaxaca to keep even the most dedicated archaeologist busy for life, this translates into an incredible visual and cultural experience, which is easily available to any Oaxaca visitor.  The Monte Albán ruins are but one of the "must see" archaeological sites that surround Oaxaca.

Many people don't even think of beaches when Oaxaca comes to mind, but the incredible beaches of Oaxaca's coast, although 100+ miles distant, are some of México's finest.  It is really easy to combine the cultural experience that Oaxaca offers with the resort scene of Huatulco or the more relaxed settings of Puerto Angel, Manzunte and Puerto Escondido.

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

Known as the guitar capital of México, Paracho is famous the world over for the high quality stringed instruments that are produced by the local craftsmen.  It is said that the timber that comes from the local forests contains a some sort of special quality that gives the guitars (and other instruments) a special sound that makes them sought after, the world over.  Whatever is in the wood may add something special but  the local craftsmen probably have more than a little bit to do with the excellent products that are produced here.   

This town, really more of a village, is located 120 miles southeast of Guadalajara and gets it's fair share of shoppers.  Most are musicians that are seeking the famous six-string guitars that are carefully crafted by hand, just as they have been doing for centuries. Although the guitars, violins, cellos and other woodcrafts are the towns main calling card the city itself is interesting enough for a short visit.  The countryside surrounding Paracho is beautiful pine forest and rich farmland, making for a pleasant side trip from Guadalajara, Morelia or Pátzcuaro.  The prices for guitars is said to be excellent, but prices do vary greatly with quality of the instrument.  It is best to know your product well, unless you just want something to hang on the wall.  You can watch the craftsmen at work by visiting the many shops around the center of town.  There is a museum dedicated to the guitar with a rather unique school that teaches classical guitar to the local youngsters.   

Pátzcuaro is an incredibly beautiful colonial city that is located in the center of some of México's most picturesque countryside.  A visit to this quaint  lakeside town is like a trip back in time, if it weren't for the cars and trucks.  The town sits in the hills above the shores of Lago  Pátzcuaro and the whole area is a photographers dream come true.  The cobblestone streets, small plazas, whitewashed homes, shops and mansions, red tile roofs and old churches of the town all seem like something out of another era.  

Pátzcuaro has two main plazas, around which most of the towns activities take place.  The bigger of the two plazas is Vasco de Quiroga and this is also  the more active of the two.  Sidewalk cafes, restaurants, hotels and craft shops surround the square, all situated in colonial era buildings.  The absence of any religious buildings adjacent to the square make this plaza unique.  If you are lucky you will catch a performance of the Dance of Los Viejitos (Dance of the old men), being performed near the fountain.   There is a local tourism office across the street from this plaza where you can get maps and information.  Most of the attractions are just a short distance from the plaza and are easily reached on foot.  Pátzcuaro is an easy 40 mile drive from Morelia,  less than an hour, through some really incredible countryside.

Pátzcuaro makes a great base for exploring the towns and villages that surround the lake, most of which date to pre-Hispanic times. 

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Lago Pátzcuaro

There are more than a dozen small  towns and villages that surround the lake and each is unique and each is worthy of individual exploration.  Each of the small towns specializes in a different craft and there is usually a special area where the crafts are displayed and sold.  You will need a few days to do a good lakeside tour but I am sure you will find that was time well spent.

 
Isla Janitzio

Isla Janitzio is an  island that makes a pleasant side trip, by boat, from Pátzcuaro.  An island where life seems to be based around eating, most of the year.  The islands main landmark is a 130 foot statue of the local hero José María Morelos, which has a viewing balcony in his fist that offers nice views of the lake.  Restaurants are abundant on the island and most specialize in the tiny fish that are caught locally and corn that is prepared in a variety of methods from recipes that have been passed down for generations.  The boat trip from Pátzcuaro to the island takes about 20 minutes and may include entertainment in the form of a local band or at least a singer with a guitar.  When you get close to the island look for the local  fisherman with their unique butterfly nets.

Isla Janitzio is the location of what may be the most elaborate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration in all of México. The holiday dates back to Aztec times and on this tiny island it is celebrated just as it has been for centuries.  On the 1st and 2nd of each November this is "the place to be" for many worldly travelers, as the tiny island comes alive in celebration of the dead.  It can get very crowded around this time of year, if you want to visit make sure to make reservations well in advance.

Playa del Carmen, a 45 minute drive to the south from Cancun is a pleasant beach town and home base to the ferries that cross over to Cozumel, México's largest inhabited island.  The center of town is situated so that you are never very far from the beach.  Shopping here offers visitors an incredible variety with many quaint shops offering unique items.  The town square is right on the main beach and is a great place to just relax and watch the world go by.  Beachfront bars, restaurants and hotels offer an quiet alternative to the much busier pace of Cancun.  The beach here is very laid back and is a great place to relax and accomplish nothing except  the pure and soothing enjoyment that seems to flow from the pleasant Caribbean waters.

Playa del Carmen, and the surrounding beaches are growing at an incredible pace, but somehow Playa del Carmen manages to retain the small town atmosphere that has made it a long time favorite of many travelers.  Playacar, an adjoining planned development with an 18 hole golf course, is more modern and seems to cater to a completely different crowd.  The impressive beach front ruins at Tulum are a short thirty minute drive to the south and Xcaret, the family oriented adventure park, is just a few minutes south of Playa del Carmen.

Airport code for Cancun: CUN

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