Photograph by Giles Ashford
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Web Exclusive…
Guide to Mexico Vacation Hotspots
By Sacha E. Cohen, March-April 2004
Our selection of established and up-and-coming hotspots in Mexico will help you plan the perfect vacation
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Not quite ready to settle down in Mexico but want to sample the scene south
of the border? Here are some lesser-known destinations that come highly
recommended by travel agents specializing in the area. So, whether you want to
lounge on the powder-white beaches along the Caribbean, take in a few
championship golf courses, or prefer to sample local culture and cuisine,
we've got you covered.
PACIFIC COAST
Los Cabos
Los Cabos ("the capes") on the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula
is best known for championship golf, sport fishing, and incredibly beautiful
vistas along the Sea of Cortez. There's also whale watching, snorkeling,
horseback riding, and plenty of stunning beaches and spas if you're in the
mood to kick back and relax. Los Cabos is divided into three capes: The sleepy,
low-key town of San Jose del Cabo; the rowdier Cabo San Lucas (popular with the
jet-set, club crowd), which boasts five championship golf courses, a marina,
and a modern esthetic; and the area between called the Tourist Corridor, which
is home to the area's biggest and newest hotels, as well as plenty of golf
courses. For a luxurious (but definitely not cheap) resort experience, check
out the stunning Las Ventanas and the
"casually elegant" 56-room Esperanza Resort, advises Nancy Strong of
Strong Travel.
Serious fishers, take note: The world's richest marlin tournament,
Bisbee's Black and Blue, is Cabo's most famous event. More than 150
boats start at the same time and race for the best fishing spot. Check the tournament's website
for dates and details.
Todos Santos
At the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and halfway between Cabo
San Lucas and La Paz is the quaint, peaceful colonial town of Todos Santos, which is a perfect day trip
from Los Cabos. Thanks to a continuous water supply from the peaks of the
Sierra de la Laguna mountains, the arid Baja landscape gives way to lush groves
of mangoes, palms, avocados, and papayas. An artistic community at heart,
visitors to Todos Santos will find plenty of galleries, crafts, art workshops,
dancing, and even open mic nights. There are also beaches nearby and affordable
small hotels. A week-long arts festival is held the first week in February, and
a historical house tour takes place in March.
Manzanillo
Looking to really get away from it all? The port city of Manzanillo rewards
those who are willing to go a little out of the way to find tranquil luxury,
according to Collette Baruth, Liberty Travel's director of marketing for
Mexico and Latin America. Manzanillo is famous for good fishing; the largest
number of sailfish anywhere in the world have been caught there. Not
surprisingly, local cuisine features fresh fish and seafood dishes such as
camarones a la diabla (shrimp cocktail), crayfish cooked in garlic or
chili, and grilled river crab. Along miles of white- and black-sand beaches,
visitors can choose from high-end resorts such as the all-inclusive
Kármina Palace, which features pre-Hispanic-inspired architecture
accentuated by replicas of Mayan art.
CARIBBEAN COAST
Mayan Riviera
Pristine white sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and a wealth of natural
wonders have all contributed to the growing popularity of the Mayan Riviera, just 40 miles south of the Cancun
airport. The most popular spot along the Caribbean coast is the town of Playa
del Carmen, a hip enclave where you can easily walk from the beach to hotels to
shopping and restaurants. The area offers both all-inclusive resorts (mostly
upscale) and small hotels (often catering to a more international
clientele).
RESOURCES
Mexico's Tourism Promotion Board
offers an all-purpose website that covers just about everything you'll need
as you plan your trip.
The Mexico Hot Line (800/44-MEXICO) is an excellent source for general
information, brochures, and answers to common questions.
All-inclusives can be a great option for grandparents traveling with
children since they offer something for everyone. The recently opened Iberostar Paraiso Lindo offers a wealth of
activities from sea kayaking and snorkeling to tennis, plus activities for
kids. Also consider the Maroma hotel in Puerta Morelos and the Adventura Spa
Palace, all recommended by Karin Hansen of Travel Duet.
For a more serene setting, try the coastal archaeological site of Tulum at
the southernmost tip of the peninsula (approx. 40 miles south of Playa del
Carmen). There are roughly a dozen small beachfront properties—mostly
family-run, bungalow-style—from which to choose.
Costa Maya
Costa Maya begins where the Mayan Riviera ends and stretches down to Belize.
This area is far less developed than its northern cousin, yet still offers
plenty for the more seasoned/adventurous traveler. For example, some of the
roads are not well maintained, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary. The
fishing village of Majahual is slated to become the next Playa del Carmen and
is best known for its diving with the world famous Chinchorro Reefs off the
coast. The beaches are very secluded, although small cabanas have begun popping
up along the coastline. In Chetumal, the capital city of the far-southeastern
state of Quintana Roo, you'll find cafes, markets, museums, a botanical
zoo, and the spectacular Lagoon of Seven Colors. If you're looking for a
more rustic Mexican experience, put Costa Maya on your itinerary.
Cozumel
Just a short ferry trip from Playa del Carmen is Cozumel, the Mexican
Caribbean's largest island. Known for its warmth and hospitality, this
laid-back destination is great for those who crave a slower, more leisurely
pace. In November 2003, Cozumel was highlighted as a great value destination by
Money magazine and in 2002 was recognized by U.S. News & World Report
as the North American/Caribbean destination offering the best vacation
value.
The island features two national ecological parks where visitors can see
marine and wildlife. Visitors also can explore Mayan ruins such as San
Gervasio, the largest archaeological site on the island, snorkel along the
second-largest reef network in the world, go horseback riding, or play a round
of golf on an 18-hole Nicklaus-designed championship golf course that was
carved out of the jungle to preserve its surroundings. Birdwatchers can hope to spot more than 200 species of birds on the island, according to Javier
Aranda, manager of the Isla Cozumel
Hotel Association. And don't miss out on regional cuisine such as
ceviche (traditionally fish or conch marinated with lemon, vinegar, onions,
tomatoes, and cilantro).
INLAND
San Miguel de Allende
Visitors to this legendary colonial town of artisans and writers will enjoy
walking its cobblestone streets, sampling local crafts, or taking a cooking
class to learn how to make local specialties. The town's biggest bash, San
Miguel Arcangel, happens the last Saturday of September. The celebration
honoring the town's main patron saint includes running of the bulls through
city streets, traditional dancers, food, and music. In August, the town hosts
the Festival de Música de Cámara, which has been running for more
than 20 years. Music lovers from around the world come to hear internationally
acclaimed ensembles perform in historic and architecturally unique venues. And
in October, the Festival Internacional Cervantino brings thousands of
performing artists to town. Vacationers with medical conditions should consult
their doctors before planning a trip to San Miguel due to its high
altitude.
Oaxaca
Travelers in search of a cultural vacation also should consider the city of
Oaxaca, where a rich folk art tradition thrives. Located on a dry highland
plateau and surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains, Oaxaca City is
filled with baroque colonial architecture dating from the 16th century. Unlike
Mexico's beach destinations, Oaxaca isn't overrun by large resorts.
Instead, you'll find quaint inns and comfortable hotels such as Camino Real
9, a 16th-century mission hotel in the center of town, recommended by Karin
Hansen of Travel Duet. Five miles to the west of Oaxaca lie the spectacular
Monte Alban ruins, the 2,000-year-old former capital of the Zapotek kings.
Oaxaca is easy to reach via non-stop flights from Mexico City. Surrounding
the city are villages specializing in a particular craft or product. One unique
event of note is the "Night of the Radishes" on December 23 when the
Oaxaqueños build fantastic sculptures out of radishes (the most prized
vegetable cultivated during the colonial period), flowers, and dried cornhusks.
On December 24, each Oaxacan church organizes a procession with music, floats,
and crowds bearing candles.
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