You have heard of sleepy fishing villages, well Playa Manzunte is one that is definitely snoring.  Sleepy is really a great description for this tiny fishing village, located just ten miles form Puerto Angel on a fairly decent paved road.  Manzunte, for our purposes, actually consists of the two separate beaches of Agustinillo and Manzunte.  This little stretch of beach is what many beach lovers dream of, not a luxury resort in sight, just one of the most pleasant beaches on the entire Pacific coast.   This approximately one and a half mile stretch of beach is usually safe for swimming, and the snorkeling can be incredible, when there are no big waves.  Pangas can be rented from the beach for fishing or snorkeling expeditions. Sunsets here are usually no less than awesome and provide visitors and locals with a fitting finish to what was, most likely; "Another beautiful day in paradise".

Manzunte still has a small, but active, fishing fleet that provides fresh fish to the local residents and the few small restaurants that line the beach.  It is possible to get a truly memorable meal, try the catch of the day, at most of these small eateries.

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

Founded by Cortés, in 1531, on his march to conquer the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán (now México City), the city of Puebla is one of México's most photogenic cities. Puebla is known internationally for the beautiful hand-painted Talavera ceramics that take many forms, from cups, saucers, plates and vases to decorative tiles.  Talavera tiles adorn many of the colonial buildings and homes in Puebla.  The city is also famous for the Battle of Puebla, on May 5th 1862, when 2000 Mexican troops defeated 6000 French invaders at Fuerte de Loreto.  This historic victory (there weren't that many) is celebrated as Cinco de Mayo all over México and in many Mexican themed bars and restaurants all over the world. 

Puebla was the first  city in México to be built using an actual master plan.  The center of the city is the main plaza, or zócalo.  Here in the shady plaza, with it's relaxing fountain, is where tourists and locals intermingle to rest, gossip or just to regroup for another shopping assault.   On Sunday's the zocaló fills with entertainers and musicians much to the delight of the local children.   The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, just opposite the zócalo, is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful in churches México.  Built between 1575 and 1649, the twin towers rise over two hundred feet into the sky and the bell was said have been put in place by an angel.  A short walk around the city center is a real delight for sightseers, with many structures that are centuries old.  Visit the tourist office directly across from the zócalo for a list of sights, activities and local cultural events.

Shoppers will delight at the endless surprises in the shops around the zócalo and a few blocks to the west, on Juárez, in an area of upscale shops known as Zona Esmeralda.  Antiques are the specialty of the quaint shops of Callejón de los Sapos, on Sundays the plaza in front of the alley hosts a giant flea market.  Mole is a tasty local specialty served in the many quality restaurants in the city. Nightlife is plentiful and ranges from low key bars to all out discos. Callejón de los Sapos has some interesting bars, some with live blues and jazz groups and is the place where the mariachis gather at night.  Zona Esmeralda has upscale restaurants and bars, many with live music in the evenings.  The liveliest of Puebla's bars and discos are located out on the road to Cholula.  Bullfights and rodeos are regularly scheduled occurrences and there are usually some lively soccer matches to be found.  Historical sites, numerous quality museums, magnificent churches and other local attractions are too numerous to list here.  Visit the tourist office for maps, schedules, tour information and helpful suggestions.  

Airport code for Puebla: PBC

Cholula
    

A worthy side trip, from Puebla, is to the ancient ceremonial  city of Cholula, only a few miles out of town.  As you arrive in Cholula it's hard to miss the picturesque church situated on a hilltop with the spectacular Popocatépetl volcano off in the distance.   What's is not so obvious is the fact that the hill that the church is sitting on is actually the remains of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is said to be the largest pyramid ever constructed.  Now a ruin, it is somewhat overgrown and doesn't really look like much to see.  At 216 feet tall it is shorter than the largest Egyptian pyramids but it is wider and bulkier.  The ruins are less impressive than some of the more famed sites around the Valley of México, although the structures in the Patio de los Altares are worth seeing and there are some nice murals. Exploring the inner tunnels of the pyramid is something that you can brag about when you get home.  The city of Cholula is a nice place to enjoy a leisurely lunch around the pleasant plaza, which is surrounded by three classic churches. 

Puerto Angel is one of those, incredibly tranquil and extremely beautiful, fishing villages that still somehow, manage to exist in México without much notice. Reminiscent of a far-off port, somewhere in the South Pacific, this area really is a step back in time.  Maybe just  few steps back - to the 60's and 70's era of the hippies, who have flocked here for decades.  As in any town with a small population (under 4000), Puerto Angel lacks most of the amenities associated with modern resorts, with only a few hotels, most of which are fairly basic. You will not find any fancy restaurants here, but no lack of great food either. Fresh seafood, of all kinds is, of course, the local specialty.  The overall atmosphere is very kicked back, and hopefully will manage to remain that way for many years to come. 

Fishing is still very much a part of every day life in Puerto Angel as evidenced by the daily gathering of fishermen at the small pier on the main beach. There is an active panga fleet which is also a source of much of the local food supply.

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

Puerto Escondido is another fishing village along the Oaxacan coast, but this is one that has started to spring to life.  Still small by anyone's standards, with a population of around 30,000, Puerto Escondido has managed to retain much of it's original small town charm.  The town which has seen much growth in recent years is actually divided by the main coastal highway so many tourists will not even notice much of the growth.  Playa Principal, the main beach, remains much the same as it has been for years.  This beach is lined with fishing boats, palm trees and beachside restaurants and gets very crowed on weekends as families from the outlying areas come to the beach to relax and swim. 

Much of the growth of Puerto Escondido is a result of of the incredible surf break that attracts surfers from all over the world.  The "Mexican Pipeline", at Playa Zicatela, is what draws the surfers, especially during the summer months.

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

Puerto Vallarta...where México comes alive.

  

Puerto Vallarta almost defies description as a resort.  Offering an extremely wide variety of attractions and entertainment options.  Puerto Vallarta has something special for everyone, regardless of your personal preferences. There are many cultural events and exhibits , exciting day trips to the jungle, relaxing days at the beach and countless romantic hideaways.  immeasurable activities, both on and off the water that will keep you entertained, until it is sadly time to depart.  Night life abounds with many popular night clubs and an array of quality restaurants to please even the most discriminating palette.  Puerto Vallarta is yours to savor and is, without a doubt, one of the friendliest and cleanest beach resorts in all of México. 

This beautiful city by the bay has a population of over 300,000 friendly residents and covers more than 1,200 square kilometers.  This is a city with modern infrastructure and conveniences that has somehow managed to maintain its unique Old México charm, unlike so many of the other more glitzy resorts.  In many any areas of Puerto Vallarta you will feel like you are taking a step back in time.  A step back to a much simpler time, donkeys are still used for delivery in many parts of this unique city.

Airport code for Puerto Vallarta: PVR

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 visit: AllAboutPuertoVallarta.com, the complete travel guide to Puerto Vallarta.

Querétaro is a beautiful colonial city that played a large and important role in Mexican history and a city that is alive with art, music and cultural activities.  Located about two and a half hours north of México City by car, this interesting city is one of those magical places that is sure to capture your heart.  One of the first things you are likely to notice upon entering Querétaro is how clean this city is, a fitting tribute to this beautiful city.  The main square (Plaza Principal) and the surrounding area offer visitors a pleasant glimpse into México's past as well as an incredible shopping and dining experience.  The state band performs here on Sunday evenings, around 6:30, sometimes with dancers.  The historic center of Querétaro is fairly small and is a pleasant place for casual strolling on the pedestrian only streets that link several of the city's plazas.

Another plaza, Plaza de Armas, is the center of social activity in Querétaro and gets very active in the evenings.  This plaza is a great place to gather and decide where you want to eat or have a drink or to just procrastinate on any subject that comes to mind.  In more direct words; Plaza de Armas is one of the most charming plazas in México and no excuses are needed to be "just hanging out" in such a pleasant setting.

Airport code for Querétaro: QRO

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 visit: AllAboutMéxicoCity.com the complete travel guide to México City.