Cities - Category

Taxco

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

taxco-santa-priscaTaxco, a city just a little over 100 miles from Mexico City, is known as the silver city. This city is nestled in the mountains and offers amazing views. The mines today have little silver left, but much silver is still sold in the town as it’s brought in from mines in surrounding areas. The mines never had much silver in them, but as silver crafting in the town made the town widely known, the town got its nickname.

Taxco is a popular stop for people who are traveling in the Mexico city area due to its close location to Mexico City. Most tourists leave at the end of the day which allow those staying overnight to experience Taxco in a way that most tourists can’t. Many steep and narrow roadways and small plazas make up the city. Unlike many other Mexican cities, there are no suburbs around Taxco, making the area quaint and open for exploration. The colonial feel of the town and the availability of many items made from silver draw many tourists. The Templo de Santa Prisca, a temple located on the main square, also draws many tourists because of it’s pink stonework and gold work around the altar. There is also a cable car in Taxco which will take visitors to the top of the mountain where the hotel, Hotel Monte Taxco, is located. The view from the top is beautiful and makes a great photo opportunity.

There are also museums in Taxco where travelers can learn more about the area. There is an art museum, an archaeology and history museum, and of course, a silver museum. Tourists can also check out Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa which are limestone caves nearby. Tours of these caves are usually in Spanish, so it’s important for English speaking tourists to check for an English speaking tour ahead of time.

Guadalajara

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

guadalajaraEach year thousands of travelers find themselves in Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico. This city has the strongest economy in Mexico, as it was named as having the second most strongest economic potential of all the major cities in North America, just after Chicago. Because of this and the city’s strong electronics market, Guadalajara is sometimes called “Mexico’s Silicon Valley.”

This city is not only great for business as it also has a lot to offer tourists. Located in the state of Jalisco, where the drink Tequila was first developed, Guadalajara offers visitors the chance to try over 200 different varieties of Tequila. The city also offers an amazing nightlife, and is considered the best place in Mexico to party. The food is also very much acclaimed as well, allowing customers a wide variety of high quality meals. The city has many different districts each of which offer something different.

The weather in Guadalajara is mild which makes it a great place for those who enjoy perfect “not too hot, but not too cold” weather. The area offers many zoos, amusement parks, festivals, golf courses, and tennis courts. This makes it an excellent choice for a family vacation. Those enjoy history will never find themselves bored in Guadalajara as the city offers astounding architecture in nearly all of its districts. In the downtown area, the Guadalajara Cathedral draws many tourists as there is an underground commercial district underneath the cathedral’s large fountain. Surrounding the cathedral are the plazas of the crosses, which are four plazas each shaped like a cross. Each one of the cross plazas offer shoppers and diners something different. This particular section of the city cannot be missed as it also houses the Palacio de Gobierno, which is known for its many murals. One mural in particular is that of Miguel Hildalgo and draws crowds.

Cabo San Lucas

Monday, June 29th, 2009

cabo-san-lucas-beachescabo-san-lucas-beach-rocks-sandCabo San Lucas, on the Baja Peninsula, is located at the bay where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific ocean. This area has just recently become popular with tourists, so it offers a quieter and friendlier atmosphere than other more touristy areas of Mexico. There are many different types of hotels at Cabo San Lucas from its small and intimate hotels to all-inclusive beach resorts.

There are many things for travelers to do in Cabo San Lucas including golf, water sports, and sightseeing. Sportfishing is popular in the area and marlin is the main reason many sport fishers find themselves in the area. Tourists can find sport fishing lessons as many companies will take tourists out and teach them the tricks of the trade. Cabo San Lucas is also a great tourist location for families as it offers amazing beaches where children can play in the sand or go swimming. Those interested in scuba diving, parasailing, or surfing will also find that these activities are popular in the area. There are also many guides who are willing to teach tourists how to do water sports. Many of them have their own boat and will take tourists either in large groups or in smaller intimate groups. This is not only a fun way to learn something new, but is also a great way to meet new people. May it be diving, playing outdoor sports, or simply relaxing in the beach, you’ll never run out of things to do at Cabo San Lucas resorts.

There are many sights that make this area a great place for photo opportunities and sightseeing. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its natural stone formation, known as El Arco, which is located at Land’s End. Many tourists also take photos of sunsets in Cabo San Lucas and some of the more picturesque areas of the town itself. Cabo San Lucas is also known for its seafood which attracts many seafood lovers from more landlocked areas.

Acapulco

Monday, June 29th, 2009

acapulco-beachAcapulco, a major sea port on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is an increasingly popular travel destination. Once a place that has lost major popularity with tourists, Acapulco is climbing back up as a major tourist attraction in Mexico. Major hotels in Acapulco have been updated and much has been done about the pollution and sewer system in Acapulco. Acapulco is a great place for tourists who wish to get off the beaten path as it isn’t as touristy as places like Cancun and Cozumel.

Those who are adventurous can try cliff diving of of La Quebrada. The activity of jumping of this cliff into the swirling water below has been popular since the mid 1930s. Jumpers have to be wary of the strong current and tide below, however. There is a water park called CICI right by the main beach which is a must visit for travelers with children. The area also offers many water sports. Isla de la Roqueta is a small island off of Acapulco that travelers can get to by ferry. Fishing, snorkeling, and diving are popular here as well as swimming as the island is surrounded by shallower water than that of Acapulco.

Acapulco’s town square, Zócalo, allows tourists to see more culture than town squares of most other Mexican tourist cities. The cathedral is located in this area as well as many small shops and restaurants. Those wishing to get away from the tourist scene in Acapulco can visit the nearby town of Puerto Marquez, which is quieter and friendlier. It’s a good idea for travelers here to know some, even if just a little, Spanish as Puerto Marquez isn’t really a tourist area thus far less locals speak English. Puerto Marquez is a great place for travellers to experience Mexican food at its finest. The food and lodging here is also cheaper here than Acapulco.

Morelia

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

morelia-city-by-nightMorelia, which is the capital of the Mexican state of Michoacan, is a colonial style city that is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. This city is not popular with tourists for some reason, giving those few tourists who do travel through it the chance to experience a wonderful place in Mexico without being “another tourist.” Although this isn’t a location on the traditional tourist track, many people here speak both Spanish and English. This is because Morelia is a large college town and many students have learned English as a part of their studies. Morelia is full of parks, cute shops, nice weather, and beautiful architecture. Besides being a large college town, it is also the capital of the State making it a center of governmental importance.

Great sites in Morelia include the baroque style cathedral that dominates the downtown area. The cathedral shows a great example of flying buttresses and tiled cupolas. The “Day of the Dead” celebration takes place here each November, so it’s important for those traveling to note this ahead of time if they wish to take part or to avoid the crowds and go elsewhere. The “Day of the Dead” festival cannot be missed, however. Another architectural feat that cannot be missed is the aqueduct. The aqueduct runs down the Avenida Acueducto. Built in the 17th century, this huge aqueduct brought water to Morelia in the city’s youth. The Santuario de Guadalupe, adorned in pink and white with gold trim work, is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico. It also contains many oil paintings which cannot be missed. Casa de Artesanias, located on the Plaza San Francisco, is a great place for those looking to buy art and any wares. The art here can be purchased cheaper than other more touristy places in Mexico and is usually more authentic.

Puerto Vallarta

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

puerto-vallarta-city-beachPuerto Vallarta, located on the west coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, attracts many visitors in the United States looking to find the place with perfect weather. Puerto Vallarto has much to offer its visitors with cobblestone streets, the beautiful Pacific ocean, the Sierra Madre mountains, exciting culture, and vibrant nightlife. Despite the recent surge in tourists, Puerto Vallarta has kept its Mexican charm making it a great place for tourists to have a fun, luxurious vacation and still experience real Mexico.

Those who enjoy water sports will not be disappointed as the Banderas Bay offers much in the way of water sports. This bay, one of the deepest bays in the world, offers swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing and more. This area is known for its diving and is one of the best places in Mexico to go scuba diving as there are many underwater caves nearby that divers can explore. Many villas on the beach offer snorkeling and scuba diving lessons for those who are interested. Many people also rent kayaks and go kayaking to the nearby islands to explore many of the tropical ecosystems and secret beaches the area offers. The area is also known for its eco-tours and zip lines. Anyone interested in eco-tours will never find themselves bored in Puerto Vallarta. The Banderas Bay, being the second largest bay in North America, offers a lot in the way of boating. Sailing is popular here and many tourists find themselves on a sailboat enjoying the sun or learning how to sail. Kite surfing and para sailing are also popular here.

Other outdoor activities include exploring what the Sierra Madre has to offer. By way of the Sierra Madre mountains, tourists can experience the Mexican outback and see the many plants and animals in this sub-tropical location. Many tours will take visitors out here to allow them to experience this beautiful area. Some of these tours will also take tourists to local villages, too.

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