HolĪ±!
I'm planning to leave Montreal Jan. 2000 to go around
Mexico for 4-5 months. I was thinking of starting in
Puerto Vallarta, going to Las Cabos and that area, go
on the west side, go around Oaxaca, Veracruz and
Bonampak. I already went to Yucatan couple times
(including Palenque, Merida, Villahermosa and Tikal in
Guat). You will understand that the mayans and aztecs
ruins just fascinated me. What should I not miss in
this trip. Hasta luego a
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I did a trip like this last year (but for much less time than you). We went to visit the colonial Spanish towns of Mexico. Most are not at all touristy but have gorgeous architecture, gardens, churches, cobblestone streets, etc. Oaxaca is one of the more popular areas but I would highly suggest some of the following towns:
Queretaro: just 2 hours north of Mex City, Queretaro is oozing with charm. There are few tourists there. It was one of my favorite towns
San Miguel de Allende: you were probably planning on going there anyway. Cool town
Guanajuato: very interesting with the tunnels that run thru the middle of the city. The colors of the town are absolutely gorgeous and most things of interest are located around the area of Teatro Juarez and Jardel del Union. Really worthwhile
Morelia: a pretty large city but their church is one of the best in Mexico. Its worthwhile to stop there but I suggest only a few hours.
Patzcuaro: an hour west of Morelia, Patzcuaro is awesome. Its like time has not passed there. Great handicrafts, very cheap. There is an island in Lake Patzcuaro called Janitzio. We were very disappointed by this island and couldn't wait to leave.
Taxco - specializing in silver this city is a must-see. Its a mining town up in the mountans but maintains a genuine Mexcian flavor. One of the best towns I visited
Cuernavaca - near Taxco and not far from Mex City. Nice town but definitely on the tourist trail
Teotihuacan: the pyramids there are an absolute must-see. If you don't visit Teotihuacan (a day trip from Mexico City) your trip will be incomplete.
Email me for more info
I highly suggest that you learn some Spanish before you leave. In major cities (and in major tourist areas) English is widely spoken. But in rural Mexico its rare that people will speak any English, even those who work in small hotels. Get a phrase book or take some classes. It'll make your trip that much more satisfying.
Don't miss the Pacific coast of the state of Oaxaca. Truly
unspoiled and drop-dead gorgeous.
If you are going to Oaxaca anyway, take the bus to
Acapulco, see the divers at 12:50p.m. and then hop another
bus at 2:00p.m. for Zijuatanejo. Don't bother with Ixtapa 4
miles away, it's just a tourist strip. Zihuatanejo is a
really cool little town with 4 beaches, each offering
something different. Playa Las Gatas is where you go to
snorkle, Playa La Ropa is where you can jog, swim, check
out the market (what's there-not much.) Paseo de Pescador
and Playa Principal are the closest to downtown Zih, check
out the Mercado Centro for everything, prawns to cook, mole
con pollo, gifts, shell jewellery, spices, etc. You must
try the pozole, a soup served traditionally on Saturday and
Thursday. Go to a restaurant on Thurs and Friday
called 'Tamales y Atoles Any', they have free Mexican
performers and the mezcal is free. Anyway, it's a cool
town, if you like Oaxaca I think you will like it. Also,
ask someone where you can buy 'casuela', a 500 year old
drink and you might be directed to one of the back yard
bars that taxi drivers, waiters, and other Mexican workers
drink at. If they like you they will tell you.
I am going to Cancun on 7/1 and will be there 9 nights. I
do not wanna stay in Cancun, PDC, Cozumel, or Isla Mujeres
because they are too big, touristy, and too partyville
(according to what I've read).
If you post here or email me, I have some Yucatan questions
to ask!
Thanks :)
nancy (Aardvark)
I live in mexico ,if you need information of anything. you
can email me. i always put a message in the TT north
america.