Travelers Advantage....

MEXICO: STILL CALIENTE

With the dollar buying less and less, Mexico remains a hot vacation destination
when it comes to convenience, flexibility and affordability.

There are many popular Mexico destinations to consider, including: the Yucatan Peninsula, the Pacific coast, the Baja Peninsula and many other lesser-known--but still muy magnifico-- possibilities. And Mexico now has 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranking the country third in the world behind just Spain and Italy.

The Yucatan Peninsula

With more than 28,000 hotel rooms, Cancun is still Mexico’s largest resort destination. This epicenter of the country's tourisism offers miles of beaches, wildly popular nightclubs, and upscale dining and shopping experiences.

For many, Cancun combines the best of Mexico and the Caribbean. It’s comprised of three distinct areas: the city of Cancun, which is popular for shopping, dining, and less expensive accommodations options; the ecological reserve, featuring lagoons and mangroves; and the resort zone, offering posh resorts, malls, and clubs, as well as radiant beaches.

Other possibilities include the La Isla entertainment complex, the Parque Nizuc water park, an annual marathon, and the AquaWorld watersports center. Further afield, excursions to islands like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Isla Contoy compete with inland options like the famed ruins of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza to the south and west.

Once only known to scuba divers and cruise ship passengers, the island of Cozumel has become a stand-alone Mexican destination. Located just 12 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. A range of resorts and both underwater and land-based attractions (including ruins) has helped Cozumel become better than ever.

Just south of Cancun, the Riviera Maya, a scenic and unspoiled shoreline of sparkling beaches, archaeological sites, along with small resorts and villages stretching nearly 300 miles. A modern four-lane highway now takes travelers along jungle-lined Highway 307.

Just 62 miles along this awe-inspiring journey is Tulum, featuring seaside Maya ruins, nearby eco-archaeological theme parks, famed underwater cave systems (cenotes), and part of the second largest barrier reef in the world. Overlooking the Caribbean, the white-walled city of ruins is filled with ancient temples and buildings, making it one of Mexico’s most visited archaeological sites.

Located further south, just across the straits from Cozumel, Playa del Carmen is frequented by an appealing mix of Americans, Europeans, and other tourists looking for a good vacation deal in Mexico.

Pleasing Pacific: Puerto Vallarta, Plus More

Located along Mexico’s Pacific coastline, Puerto Vallarta is a seaside resort boasting miles of pristine golden sand beaches and Pacific waves. Puerto Vallarta is a great getaway for both active types and those who simply want to relax on the beach.

Arriving from the nearby airport north of the city, visitors immediately discover Marina Vallarta, with upscale resort hotels, condominiums, a water park, golf, and dock slips with boats. Beachside hotels and shops await at Zona Hotelera. Viejo Vallarta, the cobblestone village where white adobe houses run along the coast to the Cuale River and further to local shops, restaurants, and nightlife, is just beyond. The Conchas Chinas on the south shore feature tropical hillsides and spectacular sunsets.

No matter where one is based in Puerto Vallarta, there’s something (or nothing) to do. Highlights include: great beaches and watersports, golf, exploring the highlands of the Sierra Madre, learning folkloric dance and art or local cooking, taking a day trip to archaeological digs, visiting a turtle preservation camp and more.

The Baja Peninsula

Located at the end of the world’s longest peninsula, the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, Los Cabos is a vibrant and fast-growing destination with a history and diversity as rich as all of Mexico. Craggy peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna mountains create a backdrop for miles of golden beach, azure water, and dramatic rock formations.

Other choices include Todos Santos, La Paz, Loreto, Mulege, and Santa Rosalia. For a taste of the Pacific coast, Tijuana and Ensenada are just across the border from San Diego in the state of Baja California.

From the Yucatan Peninsula to the Baja Peninsula, it’s easy to see why Mexico remains such a hot destination.