visiting Mexico

[bemylover]

i'm planning visiting Mexico either sometime near Christmas or on the spring break. can anyone with experience give me some helpful piece of advice?

where is the best place to go? i am looking for having good time at exotic beaches rather than learning about Aztec or Maya cultures; although the latter would be nice too.

when is the best time to go? (more fun and cheaper)

and anything else you think would be good to know.

[aloofman]

Get the Lonely Planet guidebook (or the one that AAA has) and just read it cover to cover.

[devilot]

where is the best place to go? i am looking for having good time at exotic beaches rather than learning about Aztec or Maya cultures; although the latter would be nice too. I love love love Cuernavaca but it is neither sunny beachy nor is it Aztec/Mayan... it's just a hip little city w/ a nice homey feel and gorgeous homes (you can't tell from the street, you have to actually go into the homes-- I went twice for an exchange program in high school).

Otherwise, classics are Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, gosh for some reason I can't think of that totally overdone city... starts w/ a "C" er. Major brain fart, sorry... Personally, I really really want to see Puerto Vallarta.

Taxsco (sp?) is a great tiny city up in the mountains, reknowned for its silver. One key to knowing if something is legit silver is that there should be a tiny "925" stamped in/on somewhere. The Guadalajara region is also popular... er. If I think of more, I'll holler.

[njmac]

Otherwise, classics are Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, gosh for some reason I can't think of that totally overdone city... starts w/ a "C" er. Major brain fart, sorry... Personally, I really really want to see Puerto Vallarta.



Cancun? That would be a great place for spring break. A lot of young people, parties, beach,sun, fun and music.

[bemylover]

thanks guys.
gosh for some reason I can't think of that totally overdone city... starts w/ a "C" er.
do you mean Cancun?

[devilot]

Cancun? That would be a great place for spring break. A lot of young people, parties, beach,sun, fun and music.Haha, thanks, I knew it was so blatantly obvious that somebody else would recall... Well, from my Mexican "sisters" they say that Acapulco and Cancun are absolutely atrocious now (like the last 5 or so years) because every spring break-er goes there and trashes the beach/city. That's why I suggested some of the other places... unless of course, you don't mind that sort of thing. More flesh and eye-candy I suppose. But just remember, there are trade-offs w/ going that route-- those inexperienced partyers are much more likely to not know their limits: i.e. think pukey pukey right when you're about to make a move! :eek: ;)

[debroglie]

I lived in Guadalajara for this past summer and I've been vacationing in Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, so I have a bit of knowledge on the subject.

Unfortunately, it is my anniversary today and I have to get running.

I'll just tell you quickly that for the sake of pure vacationing, I wouldn't suggest either Cancun or Puerto Vallarta; they have both been so aggressively exploited for vacationers that they have passed their prime. If you want to be on the west coast, definitely go to Nuevo Vallarta; it is just north of PV and MUCH nicer. If you want to be on the east coast, go to Cozumel; it is a beautiful island with a lot to do. Just don't plan on taking the ferry to the mainland, it is disgusting and you *will* vomit a lot.

PM me if you want more info, I would love to talk to you more about it some other day.

Te vaya bien

[joepunk]

Taxsco (sp?) is a great tiny city up in the mountains, reknowned for its silver. One key to knowing if something is legit silver is that there should be a tiny "925" stamped in/on somewhere. The Guadalajara region is also popular... er. If I think of more, I'll holler.

It's Taxco, and yes it is a wonderful city with colonial architecture. It sort of looks like a Italian seaside town IMO. No beaches/young teens partying, sorry.

And Cancun is not all that cheap, especially after you add up the cost of what you plan to do. I do suggest that if you are within an area that does have some Aztec/Mayan ruins that you should visit them. Be a little more cultural than the average Spring Breaker.

You could avoid the tourist city of Cancun and stay at some of the hotels that are located away but still right next to the Caribbean. I stayed at the Bahia Principe Tulum. I'll post pics later.

[devilot]

It's Taxco, and yes it is a wonderful city with colonial architecture. It sort of looks like a Italian seaside town IMO. No beaches/young teens partying, sorry.I'm kicking myself now... I actually first typed it like that and then changed it... haha, thanks! :o

[njmac]

I lived in Guadalajara for this past summer and I've been vacationing in Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, so I have a bit of knowledge on the subject.

Unfortunately, it is my anniversary today and I have to get running.

I'll just tell you quickly that for the sake of pure vacationing, I wouldn't suggest either Cancun or Puerto Vallarta; they have both been so aggressively exploited for vacationers that they have passed their prime. If you want to be on the west coast, definitely go to Nuevo Vallarta; it is just north of PV and MUCH nicer. If you want to be on the east coast, go to Cozumel; it is a beautiful island with a lot to do. Just don't plan on taking the ferry to the mainland, it is disgusting and you *will* vomit a lot.

PM me if you want more info, I would love to talk to you more about it some other day.

Te vaya bien

Cozumel sounds great. Cancun doesn't sound like a very nice place, it seemed to me like a perfect fit for spring breakers, but I've never been there.

I have been to the Cayman's (15 years ago) and it was a fantastic vacation.

[joepunk]

Here are some pics that I took in March 2002 of Bahia Principe Tulum (I hope that is the right spelling). The hotel is right in between the city of Cancun and the ruins of Tulum.

[bemylover]

I do suggest that if you are within an area that does have some Aztec/Mayan ruins that you should visit them.

that's what i meant by saying

i am looking for having good time at exotic beaches rather than learning about Aztec or Maya cultures; although the latter would be nice too.

;)

[aricher]

Cancun is a commercial armpit. If you have to be in that area got to Isla De Mujeres, a small island about 1/2 hour by boat from Cancun is much better - not commercial, cheap hotels, great food, drink, snorkeling, beaches. You can get around the island by taking cabs, renting cheap scooters or golf carts.

If you're going all the way down there you HAVE TO go to some Maya ruins. Sure, you've seen them in picture books but the reality of these sites is just staggering. You can take a couple hour bus ride through the jungle from Cancun to Chichén Itzá (http://www.internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/chichen/chichen_index.html). Simply amazing. These people were building Observatories, Pyramids, Ball Courts, Festival Halls, etc. all when Europeans were basically living in huts eating dirt. If you do go there be sure to break away from your tour and do it on your own - you'll see a lot more. Just pick up a book and walk the grounds yourself - make sure you get back to the bus on time though.

I know, sit on a beach with a cocktail vs a bus tour to ruins - what to do - do both - how often will you be there?

[floyde]

I should be ashamed of myself. I am Mexican and I have not been to half the places mentioned here (I know about them, of course). But then again, I don't vacation much, in or outside of Mexico.

I think Cancun is a good choice if you don't go during springbreak because you get both, the exotic beaches and the Mayan experience (there aren't actual Mayan ruins in Cancun but there are plenty of them in that region). The other places mentioned in this thread are also pretty good. Have fun and welcome :)

[debroglie]

One last quick thing...

While I loved Guadalajara, I wouldn't suggest going there to vacation. It is kind of a dirty city (ok, ok, to me... I know it is no Mexico City) and it isn't near the water.

However, if you like the clubbing scene, Guadalajara is for you! I suggest going to: Nuts, El Capitol, Valle Bar, etc.

Other than that, there isn't a whole ton to do in Guadalajara.

[OCOTILLO]

WHY?

[devilot]

WHY?I hope you're just kidding.

[OCOTILLO]

I hope you're just kidding.
Not kidding at all. You could not pay me enough to travel to Mexico.

[rjphoto]

Puerto Vallarta has rocky beaches, at least the ones I saw.
The water is dark but clear.
Nothing like the Caribbean waters around Cozumel with the sugar white sand. Then again, Florida's Emerald Coast or the Keys is hard to beat for that.

Just be careful and don't go it alone... Ever heard of Natalee Holloway?

[bemylover]

Just be careful and don't go it alone... Ever heard of Natalee Holloway?no, what about her?

[floyde]

Just be careful and don't go it alone... Ever heard of Natalee Holloway?

umm... Aruba is not in Mexico.

You don't have to worry about these sort of things in tourist locations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, etc. Mexico City is dangerous if you don't know your way around, but it's not a beach so you probably won't be going there.

[xsedrinam]

umm... Aruba is not in Mexico...
This comment reminded me of "A Day Without Mexicans" :D
Aruba (http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/aa.html#Govt) is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
x

[applemacdude]

just dont go to mexico city and youll be fine. im myself am goign to puerto vallarta to visit family etc this december.......

[aricher]

Not kidding at all. You could not pay me enough to travel to Mexico.

I understand this sentiment. Having been there a couple of time I have no desire to return. The Mayan ruins are amazing and the Mexican culture is something to at least experience. As far as pure rest and relaxation-style vacations go you can get great beaches in tons of places that aren't as 3rd world though. There's something very depressing (white American guilt) about traveling in 3rd world countries and personally I've felt more freaked out and depressed than relaxed after returning from my trips to Mexico.

I'm not saying I want to totally isolate myself from the harsh realities that exist in 3rd world places - there are vacations I have taken specifically to get deeper into those issues. It's just that if I want a beach and cocktail atmosphere Mexico wouldn't be the first place that would come to mind.

[rjphoto]

no, what about her?

The America girl on her Senior class trip who went missing in Aruba the night before she was to return to the states.

Yea, I know it's not Mexico, but Mexico is still a foreign country and U.S. laws don't apply and can't help you if you get into trouble.

The point is BE CAREFUL.

[AmigoMac]

Burritos, Empanadas, Tamales, Tequilas, Güeritas y ...

Ni te muestres de mucho gringo, orale! :p

[Balin64]

The America girl on her Senior class trip who went missing in Aruba the night before she was to return to the states.

Yea, I know it's not Mexico, but Mexico is still a foreign country and U.S. laws don't apply and can't help you if you get into trouble.

The point is BE CAREFUL.

Ever heard of Columbine??? Jeez.

This thread was going splendidly until you fearmongerers ruined it. As far as "white American guilt"... do I even need to dwelve in the many levels of how WRONG and OFFENSIVE that statement is? Typical American ignorance...

Back on topic:

I second Cuernavaca, and the Baja California coast on the Pacific is breathtaking. There is a cool little town called Puerto Nuevo to the north... La Paz is great as well. Have Fun!

[joepunk]

It really depends on where you are in Mexico City. I myself have been to the city twice and plan on going several more times. Of course I did not go alone. There are plenty of Tourist police around certain areas and they help out us tourists a lot, especially with directions and recommendations. I stayed at a hotel in the Zona Rosa (sp?) area. Great place and very safe. From there my family and I walked to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Chapultepec Park and the Castle. Took taxi to the Zocalo, the Presidential Palace, etc.

And from Mexico City you can take transportation to Acapulco for the last leg of your vacation.

[aloofman]

The America girl on her Senior class trip who went missing in Aruba the night before she was to return to the states.

Yea, I know it's not Mexico, but Mexico is still a foreign country and U.S. laws don't apply and can't help you if you get into trouble.

The point is BE CAREFUL.

The point is, you only heard about that incident because she was a pretty white girl.

Besides, basing your worries about visiting foreign countries on a single crime that made the exploitation news is doing yourself a disservice. Do some research on individual countries and parts of countries to decide if it's a place you want to visit, with crime being one of the factors to consider. Many foreign destinations that might seem seedy are really no more dangerous than your hometown.

[e²Studios]

I was in Mexico City on business once. While i dont reccomend Mexico City too highly i would reccomend what we did. It was one weekend we had where we werent out doing business related things and we decided to go to Acapulco. A few people wanted to Fly but my boss came up with the idea to have our driver (and bodygaurds) drive our heavily fortified Chevy Suburban from Mexico City to Acapulco.

At first i wasnt sure of the idea, but once we started i realized the full value of driving. It was about a 4 hour drive each way but I can say that ive seen a part of Mexico that many tourists dont get to see. Had we flown i would have missed the beautiful scenery, and the quirky road side stops. I actually ended up enjoying the drive, and having a blast at a resort in Acapulco. If you have the chance and have trustworthy transportation (this is important in Mexico) i would highly reccomend going off the beaten track and seeing what Mexico really has to offer beyond the beaches, smog filled cities, and tourist traps.

Have Fun!
Ed

[aricher]

As far as "white American guilt"... do I even need to dwelve in the many levels of how WRONG and OFFENSIVE that statement is? Typical American ignorance...
Back off topic for a moment here. I feel like I need to defend myself - First off it's "delve," not "dwelve" - and what are you , twelve? Don't go taking offense to a statement without asking what's behind it. Maybe you should PM me and explain the "many levels" of "WRONG and OFFENSIVE" to me.

I stand by what I said regarding the "White American Guilt," factor. Could I have phrased it differently? Probably - oh well. It's something that has driven me to take part in social work in the US, Brasil, Guatemala and Africa. If you'd like to PM me to rail on about my "typical American ignorance," I'd be more than happy to discuss our global socio-economic situation with you at greater length.

[Balin64]

Back off topic for a moment here. I feel like I need to defend myself - First off it's "delve," not "dwelve" - and what are you , twelve? Don't go taking offense to a statement without asking what's behind it. Maybe you should PM me and explain the "many levels" of "WRONG and OFFENSIVE" to me.

I stand by what I said regarding the "White American Guilt," factor. Could I have phrased it differently? Probably - oh well. It's something that has driven me to take part in social work in the US, Brasil, Guatemala and Africa. If you'd like to PM me to rail on about my "typical American ignorance," I'd be more than happy to discuss our global socio-economic situation with you at greater length.


Sigh... actually I am 3. Usually I spell good. No hard feelings: I just have a very different version of the American experience. No need to discuss our differences: these things happen; I often notice that most people never take their mind and soul away from their experience, turn the orb around and place themselves on the other side... especially in our egocentric American culture and worldview. You, given your social work, may not be one of these individuals. Don't feel guilty man, people don't want or need your pity: some do need you help, however: so congratulations on your social work–now go down to México, enjoy yourself and leave your guilt in gringolandia.

Back on topic:

I highly recommend traveling off the beaten path. One of the best trips I ever took started in the coastal city of Orizaba, then Chitzen Itza, on to Mexico City, then to Cuernavaca, finishing in Morelia. I did it all on local buses. It took a while, but the views, people, food and the conversations I had over "tragos" (shots) made it all worth it. I think I spent 100 dollars. People along this route are very passionate, respectful and friendly: there are the usual pushy vendors and pan handlers in Mexico City, as any big city, but smaller cities are a pure joy!

And the colloquial churches, the fields, the colors! Nice...

As any unkown place, don't travel alone: I did, but I speak the language and I am a pretty tough-looking guy. :D

If you travel this way, I highly recommend you travel with another person who knows the language.

Mexico can be very rewarding... and life's too short to worry...

[aricher]

Balin64 - thanks for understanding. It's not that I pity anyone - I just see a tremendous injustice in how much we as Americans have vs. the rest of the world. I agree - life's too short to worry - people should get out and experience as much of this great planet as possible. Sounds like you've had some tremendous trips to Mexico and anybody thinking of going would do well to follow the type of path you have treaded.

[devilot]

BurritosThe only burritos I saw were baby donkeys. ;) And I'm glad that other people also enjoyed Cuernavaca!