VACATIONING IN NUEVO VALLARTA - NAYARIT

Nuevo vallarta is not to be confused with Puerto vallarta. This nice and new resort town has its personal beauty and it offers visitors an exciting and at the same time relaxing time. This Resort town is located in the state of Nayarit which borders the state of Jalisco where Puerto Vallarta is. It is actually a few miles away from Puerto vallarta so you can come and visit both towns. The town of Nuevo vallarta has everything you need to enjoy your vacations. It has modern hotels, most of them with an all-inclusive plan, fancy as well as cheap restaurants, night clubs, and shops.

Nuevo Vallarta also offers visitors a variety of places to stay besides hotels. There are condos for rent and villas, some of which are right on the beach. The scenery of the place is absolutely wonderful. the town is surrounded by lush vegetation, rivers, and an amazing lagoon. All of this can really give you a feeling of peace and tranquility. This Town also has a great potential for growth, just in case you are thinking of investing.

As far as entertainment, let me tell you that Nuevo Vallarta has it all. It has exciting water sports, eco-tourism, whale watching, and even a visit to a turtle reserve. The place also offers a beautiful and well kept golf course designed and developed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Von Hass. If you are interested in any of these activities that the place offers, you can always find a tourist office or get information from your hotel about times and places. Your hotel might even help you arrange some of these tours.

If you are looking for excitement and not relaxation, then you shouldn’t miss the night clubs or discos this place offers. even though you won’t find as much nightlife as in Puerto vallarta, Nuevo vallarta has its own charm when it comes to clubbing. So make sure to keep this resort town in mind next time you are planning to visit Mexico.

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A RELAXING PARADISE YELAPA - PUERTO VALLARTA

Yelapa is the most famous beach on Banderas bay in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. This tiny village is a true escape from civilization. It has a very informal laid- back ambiance. An interesting blend of a south seas island life style, an artist retreat and a hippie hangout. If you love outdoors and you want to spend time exploring venture, this idyllic spot is perfect for you.This tropical paradise is only accessible by boat.

The golden sand beach is a good place to snorkel, parasail, or take snapshots of your Puerto Vallarta beach vacations. A short hike or horse back ride will take you to the tropical forest above the village, where you can take pictures of Yelapa’s 150-foot waterfall. Please don’t forget your camera.

There are those, who find that a the day trip is not quite enough, and they choose to stay overnight. Accommodations are abundant, and prices vary to suit any budget. There are 3 hotels, many houses, or rooms for rent, by the day, week or month. you also will find some restaurants that offer you sea food, and other kind of dishes. Yelapa has limited electricity and it is suggested that you bring a flashlight, if you forget you can always buy one in the village.

Yelapa locals focus on artistic ventures nature and outdoor recreation. Lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, hiking to one of the island’s jungle waterfalls or mountain biking are some of the things that you can enjoy here, in Yelapa.

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VISITING IZAMAL IN YUCATAN - MEXICO

This picturesque and old colonial city is located in the center of the Yucatan peninsula in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. Izamal was founded in the 4th century A.D by a Mayan leader named Itzamna. the city of Izamal is known as “The City of Three cultures” because it combines elements of prehispanic, colonial, and contemporary eras.

This is a very beautiful colonial city with its interesting buildings and old houses painted white and ochre which make it a great place to stroll either walking or in a Victoria or Calesa (a carriage pulled by a horse). The city has a several important and colonial buildings that were built by Franciscan monks during the first years of Spanish rule. Some of these buildings are the Franciscan Monastery or convent, the government palace, and The community museum. The most important of these buildings and the main reason why people visit Izamal is the Franciscan Convent which was built over one of the Mayan pyramids. If you visit the government palace, you can take a look at the large model in the outdoor corridor. This model shows the entire town and the tremendous number of Mayan pyramids scattered about.

To really enjoy your stay in Izamal, plan to go there on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday so that you can enjoy the magical light and sound show - light of the Mayas. This show is held in the atrium of the convent at 8:30 and it’s a must see. The incense, the strolling monks, the music, the narration, and the colorful images projected onto the walls and into the arches of the convent, it will give you insight into the culture of the Mayas who are living in and out of Izamal.

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YAGUL RUINS - OAXACA

Yagul, a Zapotecan stronghold. There is plenty to see at Yagul, like tombs, the largest ball court found in the oaxaca valley, fretted stone mosaics, the ruins on the acropolis, and the huge defensive walls of the fortress at the top of the hill. A good place to see on the way back from Mitla.

This important pre-Hispanic center, which name literally means “old stick” or “old tree”, contains the largest ball court in the Oaxaca valley, and the second largest in all of Mesoamerica. The site’s architecture is similar in many ways to that of Monte Alban. This has been totally excavated.

The ancient city of Yagul was designed with militarily strategic fortifications. In the center lies an enormous man-made platform with staircases which lead to the temples and the main palace. Steps then lead up to the hill on the north side of the city to the acropolis with its defensive walls and watchtower which overlooks both the city and the whole Tlacolula valley. The vast majority of the city’s population lived on the hill behind the fortifications.

The ruins are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 5:00. Entrance to the ruins costs $3 USD.

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FISHING AND BIRD WATCHING AT SAN BLAS PORT, NAYARIT

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El Puerto de San Blas is a popular tourist destination located about 100 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Nayarit. The economy of this small town is based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. If you are looking to stay away from the more common tourist-filled Mexican beaches, San Blas is a very good and popular choice.

San Blas has several attractive beaches which have been kept safe because the area doesn’t receive as many visitors as other resort towns. The Area is also known among birders for its abundance of migratory birds, attracting a significant numbers of bird watchers. The town is also a gateway to the La Tovara park, an extensive mangrove forest and protected nature reserve accessed only by small boats. Due to its location and surroundings, this area is abundant in birds, bugs, and crocodiles.

San Blas is an ideal place for those in search of calm, delicious local food, sport fishing and waves that are perfect for surfing. Eco-tourism enthusiasts can come into contact with nature and its fascinating animal life. The place also lends itself to evenings spent sitting round a bonfire. Its natural attractions include the El Rey, El Borrego, and Las Islitas beaches, as well as Bahia de Matachen, Los Cocos, Playa Miramar, and Aticama, which once served as refuge for pirates and buccaneers.

As in any other beach town in Mexico, San Blas has plenty of places where you can spend the night, but don’t expect to find nice and luxurious resorts. San Blas also boasts many delightful restaurants, including small palapas on the beach where regional food is prepared by hand with fresh ingredients.

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RELAXING AT RINCON DE GUAYABITOS, NAYARIT

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This small town is situated approximately one hour and a half from the airport of Puerto Vallarta, Rincon de Guayabitos forms a part of what is known as the “Tourist Corridor” which was developed at the beginning of the sixties with the main purpose to offer a tourist space for families.

This destination is located in a small bay forming a space where the sea rests and seems like a huge pool. Thanks to its geographic characteristics and thanks to the protection of the coral island found in front of its beaches. As a matter of fact Guayabitos has gained the title of “The biggest natural pool of the world”. the calmest of its surf along the major part of its beach invites to relax completely while sunbathing.

This very attractive little fishing community offers North American and Mexican tourists miles of golden sandy beach, meals and accommodation at great prices. Early in the morning you will find fisherman selling fresh fish on the beach and on most days there are vendors on the beach serving refreshing pineapple and coconut drinks. Vendors here are pleasant and mild mannered and there is no sign of the high pressure time share sales people associated with many of the larger tourist destinations.

If you are looking for a pleasant winter climate in a small laid back community offering whale watching, jet skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, live entertainment, great food, and very affordable accommodation, you will enjoy Guayabitos.

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PUNTA DE MITA GETAWAY

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Punta de Mita is one of Mexico’s ultra-exclusive Resort areas. Punta de Mita is a relatively new area just north of Puerto Vallarta. So, visitors here enjoy easy access to the vibrant and colorful colonial Port town of Puerto Vallarta whenever they want to.

In addition to being an exclusive vacation area, Punta de Mita is also evolving to become of Mexico’s most sought-after beach locations for real state investment. It’s no wonder that this area was chosen for development.

luxury homes are being built in the area and alongside them so are golf courses, shopping malls, medical centers, and other local amenities. So for that reason, Punta de Mita is an ideal location to consider if you are looking for a very especial getaway, or if you are looking for an attractive location for ocean front property in Mexico.

Punta de Mita is also a water lover’s paradise. Sailing and scuba diving are big pastimes here, whatever your level of experience good diving is available. Water skiing off the bays, para-sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking are all the water sports you Will want to try and are right here waiting for you at this location.

And you know what the best part is? that from November through March each year, you can take an organized eco-boat tour to watch the humpback whales as they arrive to reproduce and bear their calves. So  why not considering coming to this place on your next vacations.

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Costa Careyes

Costa Careyes - #1

Costa Careyes is a tropical community located on Highway 200 – an hour north of Manzanillo, Mexico, and 2 ½ hours south of Puerto Vallarta. This special place was created by Gian Franco Brigione, and is one of the world’s hotspots for celebrities and VIPs.

The Careyes area is filled with high-class resorts, golf courses, islands, the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere, and the Church of San Mateo. Tourists visit Careyes year-round because it always has perfect weather. The temperatures throughout the year range from the mid-60°s to the low 80°s. Costa Careyes stays pretty dry during the year – raining about 30 out of 365 days.

Guests of Costa Careyes can stay at numerous castles, villas, casitas, and bungalows. The castles cost about $5,000+ per night, and are staffed with maids, a chef, and a butler. The villas, also fully staffed, cost $2,000+ per night. The casitas, equipped with kitchens and maid service, cost $280+ per night. Each of the casitas includes access to pools, Jacuzzis and gardens. They are also nearby the Playa Rosa beach club. The bungalows, for $240+ a night, are located right on the beach. Guests are welcome to enjoy the splendors of the Careyes bay and dine at the Playa Rosa restaurant

All visitors are encouraged to enjoy the wonders of the Careyes Bay. Some of the many activities include ocean kayaking, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, and snorkeling. Visit careyes.com.mx for more information.

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Visiting Oaxaca Mexico

Visiting Oaxaca Mexico - #3

Oaxaca City is located in the southern region of Mexico. It’s a great city to vacation if you like architecture, history and shopping.

Taking a tour through the city, you can see the many beautiful buidlings, such as the Centro Historico (Historic Center), el Templo y ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzman (The Temple and Ex-Convent of Saint Domingo de Guzman), la Basilica de la Soledad (The Basilica of Solitude) and el Teatro Macedonio Alcala (The Macedonio Alcala Theater). Santo Domingo is considered the most beautiful church in Mexico. It is also a museum that is home to terrific exhibits displaying the history of the area.

Surrounding the Historic Center in the city’s main plaza, you will find main traditional markets to shop for pottery, textiles and clothing. Now is a time to also sample the local cuisine with foods such as Oaxacan cheese, tamales, peppers and mole dishes. If you a fan of alcohol, don’t miss out on Oaxaca’s mezcal. This regional beverage is created from the maguey plant.

When staying in Oaxaca, a great choice for accommodations is the Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast Inn. This local inn is just 1 1/2 blocks from Santo Domingo in a terrific, convenient area. There are ten great restaurants and four parks within a three block radius. And 10 300-year-old churches are all within a 10 minute walk from the inn. To learn more about Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast Inn, visit their website.

Photos by Mike McElhatton

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Las Alamandas Getaway

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If you are looking for a great getaway to Mexico, check out Las Alamandas - a small, romantic resort on the Mexican Riviera.

Located 30 minutes north of Manzanillo and less than 2 hours south of Puerto Vallarta, you will find this 1,500 acre paradise.

Las Alamandas features six villas which total 14 suites to accommodate a maximum of 28 people. The villas have white tile floors and shaded terraces. This exotic private paradise features lush gardens and trees, gorgeous beaches, wild birds and lagoons. Transportation to Las Alamandas can be arranged by chauffered car from Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo.

While vacationing at Las Alamadas, you can enjoy the 60 foot fresh water pool, tennis, horseback riding, a jungle boat ride, hiking, biking and many water sports.

On the premises you will find La Palapa Beach Club, Oasis Restaurant and much more. Forbes named Las Alamandas “One of the World’s Most Romantic Hotels,” so it’s no wonder that it’s a coveted location for weddings. Visit their website at lasalamandas.com to learn more about weddings, packages, rates, facilities and much more.

Photo credit: Las Alamandas

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