Morelia, declared a World Heritage site because of the architecture, spaciousness and aesthetic symmetry of its plazas, gardens and atriums, is one of the loveliest colonial cities in America, in addition to enjoying a well-earned reputation as a cultural center.

First-time visitors to the city will be surprised by the pink stone of the buildings in the Historical Center and the elegance of its Cathedral, the sound of whose bells accompanies those strolling through the city’s streets, plazas and gardens. They will also be able to admire examples of the city’s viceregal architecture in the baroque, neoclassical and plateresque styles such as the Clavijero Palace, the Palacio de Gobierno, the Church of the Society of Jesus and the Church of St. Augustine. Visitors are usually surprised to discover that music is still played at the Conservatorio de las Rosas, the first of its kind in America. Also of interest is the Aqueduct, a late 18th century hydraulic work, as well as the houses that have preserved some of the loveliest courtyards in Mexico.

In addition to its colonial buildings, churches and former monasteries, Michoacán also provides an opportunity to buy selected handicrafts and share unforgettable moments with the people who make them: the master craftsmen.

Exploring the lively, colorful markets, seeing the traditional clothes still worn in this region and sampling Michoacán’s delicious cuisine will give you a feel for the area and its people.

Construction of the city of Valladolid began on May 18 1541 on the initiative of the first viceroy of New Spain, Antonio de Mendoza, in a place known as Guayangeo. Its original grid was the one most commonly used in settlements of the time in the Spanish colonies. Since the 19th century, the capital of Michoacán has been called Morelia, in honor of one of the most important figures in the struggle for Mexico’s independence, José Ma.
Morelos y Pavón.

ARCHITECTURE
The capital of Michoacán is renowned for its impressive civil and religious constructions built between the 16th and 19th centuries, most of which are concentrated in the Historical Center, declared a World Heritage Site in 1991. Morelia contains magnificent examples of the baroque and other styles such as the neoclassical and plateresque, as well as 18th and 19th century buildings.

Iglesia and ex convento de San Francisco
Plateresque construction built in 1531. Since 1972 it has housed the Casa de las Artesanías de Michoacán.

Morelia Catedral
Magnificent pink stone building erected between 1660 and 1670 in the baroque style. Its interior is decorated with Doric and neoclassical features. On Av. Francisco I. Madero in the Historic Center of Morelia.

Museo de Arte Colonial
Occupies the site of the city’s first printing press. Since 1985, it has displayed works of various origins. Av. Benito Juárez 240.

Palacio Clavijero
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive baroque constructions in the city, built in the 17th century. Located at Nigromante 79.

Templo and Conservatorio de las Rosas
Baroque construction erected in the 18th century. The School of Music was established there in the late 1940¿s and it currently houses the Morelia Boys¿ Choir. Set on the corner of Eduardo Ruiz and Nigromante.

Templo and ex convento del Carmen
Monumental baroque complex dating from 1593 with magnificent white and blue tiled domes. Av. Morelos Norte 485.

The Aqueduct
The need for water in Morelia (and in other parts of the country) moved the architects and engineers of New Spain to build this aqueduct, of which, today, 253 of its arches along a construction of 1,700 meters still stand. This aqueduct was built in the 17th century, but suffered a great deal of damage, which required heavy remodeling and repair work.

Mexico City is a modern, cosmopolitan city situated in an old lake basin that is surrounded by volcanic mountains. The different cultures that inhabited the city during the course of the centuries left an interesting architectural legacy that comprises many different styles. Firstly, there are the pre Hispanic remains that tell of the greatness of the civilizations that settled on this land before the arrival of the Spaniards. Mexica art can be seen on the ruins of the Templo Mayor (The Great Temple), the site where the monolith of the goddess Coyolxauqui was found.

The architects that arrived from Europe during the colonial period applied and shared their knowledge of baroque, neoclassic and other styles of art that were combined with the indigenous styles to create an architecture that is quite unique in all the world. Works such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, palaces, mansions and an endless number of sober, sumptuous churches adorn the central area of the city now called the Historic Center; these extraordinary types of buildings can also be seen in some of the picturesque towns and villages such as Coyoacán, San Ángel, Tlalpan and Xochimilco that used to be the outskirts of the city but have now become incorporated into the built up areas; in spite of this, they still maintain their provincial atmosphere. Later, after Mexico became an independent country, new districts of the city were built in a Frenchified style and in the art deco and colonial Californian styles.

Modernism was characterized by magnificent skyscrapers that sprung up in districts such as Polanco, Anzures, Del Valle and Santa Fe. The advantage of a mega-city such as Mexico City is that it offers the visitor all sorts of entertainment possibilities during the day and at night. Avenues like Avenida Insurgentes are true axis of fun and recreation and has spots that cater to all tastes. Mexican culture in all its manifestations can be admired at the large number of quality museums that can be found in many different parts of the city. These have displays and exhibitions of art and culture ranging from the pre Hispanic (the National Museum of Anthropology) to the Vice Regal (the Franz Mayer Museum) to the modern (the Museum of Modern Art), as well as Mexican traditions as can be seen in the Frida Kahlo Museum.

There are also plenty of possibilities for those who want to leave the city and enjoy nature. You can visit the volcanic mountains in the south of the city or the mountain valleys to the west and enjoy the quesadillas (melted cheese in tortillas) that can be bought at the food stalls located in the shade of the forest trees that form part of the National Parks and Ecological Reserves. To the east, the traveler can admire the snow-capped volcanoes of Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl, just as the Indians, Conquistadors and general population of the city did over the centuries.

Puebla, deeply religious and proud of her history, has managed to preserve the treasures created by her architects, artists and craftsmen. Today, the Historic Center is a World Heritage Site where you can visit churches and convents, admire colonial doorways and facades, wander through plazas and patios or visit museums displaying everything from pans to railroad cars including paintings, archaeological objects, and of course, the books in the valuable Palafox Library collection.

The city also has shops specializing in Talavera pottery and traditional confectionery, and antiques in the Los Sapos district as well as a wide range of restaurants where you can sample the wonderful local cuisine. Other nearby places worth visiting include the Laguna de San Baltasar, an environmental project center, the archaeological zone of Cholula and a zoo where the animals roam freely.

There were no pre-Hispanic settlements here. Puebla was founded in 1531 by the Spaniards to encourage immigration, concentrate European knowledge, reduce the atrocities against the Indians and establish an enclave on the route between Veracruz and Mexico. Textile and ceramics industries were established there soon afterwards, although the clearest evidence of the town’s success was the increase in the population, which rose from 50 settlers to 70,000 during the last third of the 17th century. This was mirrored by an increase in the number of churches and their influence and before the liberal triumph, the clergy owned half the buildings in the city. During the century of wars, its strategic position made it a hostage of both sides and the city made its mark on history when in 1862, led by Ignacio Zaragoza, the patriots defeated the French invaders. On September 16 1869, President Juárez rode into the city on the first train from Mexico. Volkwagen now has a factory there with 16,000 employees that produce and export 1500 cars daily.

Puebla lies 129 km away from Mexico City in a valley reached by crossing the volcanoes to the east, to the north of Tlaxcala and to the south of La Mixteca. It has a mild climate with an average temperature of 16ºC, dropping to a minimum of 6ºC in January. The rainy season lasts from June to October.

ARCHAEOLOGY
The archaeological zone of Cholula contains the largest pyramid in Mesoamerica, with a 450 m by 450 m base and a height of 65 m. It was built c. 800 BC, although there are signs of earlier settlement in the area.
Cholula
The site contains seven superimposed pyramids, with a fresco called “The Drinkers” that can be reached via the tunnels built for the excavation. At the top of the pyramid stands the Templo de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. Located 12 km west of the city. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4:45. On-site museum.

Manzanillo’s history is a combination of tales of adventurers from overseas, pirate legends and progress. In 1522, Hernán Cortés and his crew disembarked in what would later be known as Manzanillo in search of the treasures of China in the Pacific. In 1527, the mariner Álvaro Saavedra discovered what is now Manzanillo which he called Bahía de Santiago de la Buena Esperanza. Cortés used this bay on two occasions to protect his galleons from Portugues pirates. The Nao de la China, from the Phillippines, also berthed in this bay with its priceless cargo.

The mystery and wealth of the Nao attracted pirates from Portugal, England, France and Spain who attacked, looted and burned boats to steal their valuable freight. In 1825, the Port of Manzanillo, so-called because of the enormous amount of fruit trees it contained in its forests, was opened, and in 1873, it was raised to the status of a city. In 1908, following the inauguration of the railroad connection to Guadalajara, Porfirio Díaz made it an official entry port. Its recent modernization has made Manzanillo one of the most important ports on the west coast of Mexico.

Manzanillo, set on the Mexican Pacific coast, was once the scene of piracy and adventure. Nowadays, its peaceful bays and sophisticated tourist and port infrastructure have made it one of the main tourist resorts and trading centers in the west of Mexico.

CUISINE
There are several restaurants in downtown Manzanillo and the port zone where you can savor superb fish and seafood dishes such as camarones a la diabla or shrimp cocktail, crayfish cooked in garlic or chili, or grilled river crab. The hotels also have restaurants that serve similar dishes for a slightly higher price.

Bigotes 1
CATEGORY: Seafood
Colima Bay Café
CATEGORY: International

El Terral
Beautiful open-air restaurant above the beach
CATEGORY: Mexican

El Vaquero
CATEGORY: International

La Margarita
SPECIALITIES: Fresh coconut juice on ice

L�Recif
CATEGORY: French

The waters of the bay sheltered by Isla Mujeres are calm and perfect for surfing, sailing, underwater diving and boat trips; those facing the open surf have stronger currents but are also suitable for fishing and snorkeling.
Cancun has a first rate tourist infrastructure and services. The most famous hotel chains in the world have combined luxury and comfort with hospitality and all of them offer access to tennis courts and relaxing spas.

Nightlife in Cancun’s hotel zone is extremely varied. You will find some of the largest discotheques in the world and restaurants with some of the world’s most famous chefs as well as fast-food outlets. If you are looking for a calmer atmosphere, there are jazz or piano bars, as well as those with traditional mariachi music.
The numerous marinas facilitate this type of activities in both the bay and Laguna Nichupté where we recommend you try kayaking.

Cancun has fascinating Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. Its excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighboring Yucatán.

However, Cancun also has plazas and malls carrying everything from handicrafts from all over the country to an impressive array of imported goods.

Activities
Beaches
The beaches at Cancun are the most popular among tourists of Quintana Roo. Their beauty is an irresistible invitation to a totally unique holiday. Some of the most outstanding among the many available options are: towards the north, Las Perlas, Linda, Langosta, Tortugas and Caracol; towards the east, Chac-Mool and El Rey, among others.

Eastern beaches
As Gaviota Azul, Chaac Mool, Marlín, Ballenas, San Miguelito and Yamil Lu¿um beaches face the open sea, the waves are big, but you can still practice water sports. The view from their beautiful white sands is stunning.

Northern beaches
Las Perlas, Linda, Langosta, Tortugas, Caracol and Juventud beaches have gentle waves and are therefore ideal for swimming and sailing. There is a main dock from which boats sail for Isla Mujeres, and other, smaller docks where you can rent sailboats. There are also playing fields, restaurants, and bars.

Tres Ríos
Nature reserve 54 km outside Cancun where you can kayak along the rivers, ride or go snorkeling and diving in the nearby reefs.

Tulum
Archaeological zone, 132 km from Cancun, whose location on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea makes it one of the most spectacular in the Mayan World.

The word Guadalajara comes from the Arab word “Wad-al hidjara”, which means “River that runs between rocks”. The city is named after the native city of Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán who, looking for a bigger and more important kingdom then that of Hernán Cortés, was a conqueror of this land.

Guadalajara, México’s pearl of the west, is an incredibly diverse and stately city with amazing qualities, both modern and historic, that embrace all who visit. For a city that is not a resort, Guadalajara offers a very pleasant surprise to the unsuspecting world tourism. Guadalajara is an ideal vacation destination for the traveler who is seeking a change of pace from the, sometimes overwhelming, resort scene.

As the second largest city in México and boasting a population of over 4 million, you are constantly reminded that Guadalajara is a busy metropolis, and a major Mexican business center. Although this city beats to a busy pace, things here have a way of seeming to always remain serene. There are many places in Guadalajara where you will feel like you have stepped back in time to a different era.

Guadalajara, set in a fertile valley in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental enjoys an exceptional year-round climate together with the benefits of one of the country’s largest hydrological networks. The wealth of this city, which has always played a key role in Mexican history, is evident in the strength of its manufacturing industry, which mainly produces consumer goods, and its intense cultural life.

The War of Independence, the ups and downs of the Reform, the revolutionary outburst of 1910 and the Cristero rebellion were passionately experienced by this city.

The Guadalajara of today, together with three other municipalities that warrant special mention in themselves –Zapopan, Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, is a large city with enormous avenues, impressive monuments, dozens of squares overflowing with trees and plants, colorful markets, crowded malls and a continuous sense of activity reflected in the dozens of people strolling up and down the wide pavements and pedestrian precincts. At every step, there is a place to stop and enjoy this city which appears to have been drawn by hand.

Unlike other cities with more specific features and atractions, Guadalajara is an urban complex that offers tourists a variety of options for their enjoyment. It boasts everything from museums that reflect Mexico’s diversity; districts that have managed to preserve the flavor of tradition; monuments and buildings that lend each part of the city its distinctive atmosphere; districts that house several nationalities, linked by the growth of the city to parks that encourage contact with nature, in short, all the benefits and comforts of a modern, vacation, elegant, functional city.

ARCHITECTURE
Driving down any of Guadalajara’s long, broad avenues quickly becomes a crash course in art, architecture and town planning. Today’s metropolis, aristocratic and modern, contradictory and powerful, is expressed in the everyday relationship local residents maintain with their urban surroundings. Monuments, roundabouts, fountains, spacious malls and comfortable residential areas are the functional spaces of its inhabitants, which are readily offered to visitors.

Cathedral Guadalajara
Gothic, baroque, Moorish and neoclassic influences, the Churrigueresque altarpieces of Our Lady of Aranzazu.
Hospicio Cabañas

The Hospicio Cabañas, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are a landmark in the history of Mexican architecture.

Sanctuaries
The sanctuaries to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Solitude, the Rosary and the Sacred Heart, the Church of the Capuchin Nuns, the Immaculate Conception and San Francisco together with several other expressions of religious fervor are a must for locals and visitors alike.

Teatro Degollado
This teather, with neo-classic style a was open in 1866. In this place, there are many art pieces, and pictures decorated by Jacobo Gálvez and Gerardo Suárez in 1861.

Guanajuato, historically and culturally, is one of the most important cities in Mexico . This heritage, together with a certain atmosphere which surrounds its venerable colonial houses, captivates the city�s visitors. Student minstrel groups stroll through plazas and narrow streets singing merrily, and below ground, traffic flows through tunnels unlike any others in the world.

Because of its beauty, its historical importance and its monuments, Guanajuato was declared “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in 1988

The region was formerly inhabited by nomadic groups of Chichimeca. In 1541, the Spaniards arrived for the first time and in 1546, the viceroy granted don Rodrigo de Vázquez permission to built a cattle ranch on the outskirts of Guanajuato. The city was founded in 1570, a title it was granted by Philip V. By the end of the 18th century, Guanajuato was the second most important and richest city in New Spain, after Mexico City.

Its history, cultural tradition, magnificent architecture and mild climate with an annual temperature of 18ºC have made it a center of attraction. Nowadays, Guanajuato is a city of unusual beauty, with a rich colonial tradition. In the midst of ravines and gullies, its streets taper off into steep, twisting alleys or underground tunnels and streets that wind their way through brightly colored houses perched in the hills.
Guanajuato, the capital of the state of the same name, has a wide range of hotels in the city and its surroundings, as well as several restaurants and nightclubs. Guanajuato’s festive spirit comes to the fore in its fiestas and popular events such as the Holy Week celebrations, the feast of our Lady of Guanajuato, the celebrations of the Presa de la Olla, the sugar figure fair, the festival of hot-air balloons and the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Christmas in Guanajuato is an unforgettable experience that is worth experiencing to the full. This is the time of the traditional callejoneadas, when the lively tunes of student music groups fill the night air. One of the most important events in Mexico is undoubtedly the International Cervantes Festival, which originated in 1952, with the presentation of the Entremeses Cervantinos in the Plaza de San Roque. If you are interested in seeing this festival or any other of the city’s events, Guanajuato one of the easiest states to reach because of its broad network of highways and international airport in the city of León.

ARCHITECTURE
Walking through its steep, narrow streets is an excellent way to explore this city that has managed to preserve its traditional flavor through its buildings and activities. Some of its main attraction include the Jardín Unión, the Teatro Juárez, the Templo de San Diego, Plaza de la Paz, Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato, Palacio Legislativo, Templo de la Compañía, Mansión del Conde de Rul, the University of Guanajuato, the Templo y Plazuela de San Roque, Callejón del Beso, Plaza de Baratillo, Plaza de San Fernando, Presa de la Olla, Monumento al Pípila and the Jardin del Cantador.

CELEBRATIONS
Guanajuato is famous for its fiestas and celebrations celebrated in its streets and alleys and for its numerous cultural centers. The most famous is its International Cervantes Festival, held every autumn, the most important of its kind in Latin Ameica. Other major festivities include Good Friday, celebrated on the Friday before Holy Week by putting up altars to the Virgen de Dolores, the patron saint of miners, the feasts of San Juan, held from June 18 to 24, the Day of the Cave, celebrated on July 31, the Festival of Lights, held in November and the Feria del Alfeñique or Sugar Figure Fair, held during the last week of October.

Callejoneadas
This is a tradition started in 1962 in which young people dress up in old Spanish costumes and tour the streets and alleys (callejón) of Guanajuato singing songs. Since then, this activity takes place almost daily but mostly on weekends. This tradition is supported by the university, which includes and organizes callejoneadas for the International Cervantino Festival.

Mazatlán (Mah-Saht-LAHN) is a destination with a split personality. Despite the importance of its visitor industry, Mazatlan remains very much its own city. It nicely balances its double indentity as México�s largest commercial port while being one of the country�s most popular beach resorts.

Mazatlan is Mexico�s second largest coastal city (after Acapulco), with nearly 600,000 inhabitants. It has the largest port facility between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal, and is home to Latin America�s biggest fleet of commercial shrimp vessels (over 800 boats). Nearly 40 tons of shrimp are processed each year, making Mazatlan “the shrimp capital of the world”.

Mazatlán always has surprises in store. Its multiple, complex nature make boredom impossible. Wandering through the city and its historic center, sunbathing on its magnificent beaches, traveling to the islands using every imaginable form of transport, and gazing at the horizon from hills such as El Faro and El Cerro de la Nevería, enjoying one of the most elaborate regional seafood cuisines, participating in the carnival, sailing or sport fishing are some of the things that have made Mazatlán famous the world over.

Just south of the Tropic of Cancer, Mazatlán is the most important port on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. Full of contrasts, this city is one of the country’s oldest tourist resorts and the site of one of the world’s three major carnivals, comparable only to those in New Orleans and Rio de Janeiro. But that’s not all. Mazatlán is an attractive, hospitable city that has everything: excellent cuisine, extensive beaches with state-of-the-art water sports facilities and an unusual degree of cultural and architectural richness for a coastal resort.

During the colonial era, Mazatlan was a major port from which ships laden with gold set off for Spain on long journeys round Cape Horn. The early 19th century saw the arrival of Germans, Italians and North Americans that gave the city a cosmopolitan spirit that it has preserved to this day. Despite being overrun by pirates, gold prospectors and invaders, Mazatlán managed to retain both its pride and its hospitality.

Mazatlán, located in the south of the state of Sinaloa, on the Pacific Coast, is a city with a 17 km shoreline under a brilliant sun, with a rainy season in summer followed by a long dry period. Its marine fauna and sea birds make Mazatlán ideal for nature lovers.

The islands facing the wide bay and Crestón Island, the site of the world’s highest lighthouse (157m above sea level) are two of Mazatlán’s distinctive symbols, together with its spectacular sunsets.

FESTIVALS
One of the largest and most traditional carnivals in the world, comparable only to that of Río de Janeiro and New Orleans is held annually in Mazatlán. The tradition began in 1898 with a parade of carriages and decorated bicycles. Since then, several other activities have been incorporated and the floats have developed beyond all recognition.

The Carnival

According to a popular expression, in Mazatlan time is measured from one Carnaval to the next. And in fact, this is the case. The Carnaval celebrations are the most awaited in this port city and constitute a century-old tradition that is revived every year as it is transmitted from generation to generation.

Each year, the city gets ready to enjoy its maximum fiesta, considered one of the major such celebrations in the world. Carnaval Mazatlan is unique for many reasons. It represents a mix of artistic expression with the beauty of its queens, the diversion and splendor of its pageants with the intelligence and refinement of art and culture. This particular combination is found in the contrasts of the city itself: the 19th-century nostalgia of its Historic Center and its contemporary life as a beach resort. And perhaps it is a touch because the people of Mazatlan are just a little below the Tropic of Cancer that they are known for their good humor and hospitality. To be precise, the warmth of this town — and its happiness to share it — along with the enthusiasm of its visitors were the inspiration for the theme of this Carnaval, a Carnaval created by the warmth of the people.

Acapulco is the largest and most spectacular tourist resort in the Mexican Pacific. As a result of its stunning beaches, exuberant natural surroundings and wonderful climate, this port has been dubbed the Pearl of the Pacific. It is the most popular holiday resort in Mexico and Latin America, since its functional, modern infrastructure has had very little impact on its original beauty or attractions.

During the viceroyalty, boats set off from Acapulco to explore the South Seas, and in 1566, it was inaugurated as a trade route with the Far East through the routes of the galleons of China and the Philippines. This trade attracted marauding pirates that repeatedly attacked the port. The Fort of San Diego, whose structure can still be seen, was built to repel these attacks.

Set in gorgeous natural surroundings, Acapulco offers an enormous range of attractions and activities. Calm, sunny beaches and exuberant vegetation that surrounds one of the loveliest bays in the Pacific blend seamlessly with major hotel complexes, superb restaurants and wonderful nightclubs.

Acapulco has something to suit every taste and budget and offers a range of activities for the whole family. The main attraction of the bay are its more than twenty beaches, each with a distinct atmosphere, where you can choose your favorite water sport. Enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for sports fishing, diving, water skiing and snorkeling. There are also several ecological areas that are ideal for picnics and horse riding, as well as golf courses and tennis courts.

Acapulco is a wonderful place for shopping in stores that combine luxury with comfort.

It also boasts a variety of restaurants offering everything from regional to international cuisine. The port’s nightlife is intense and extremely diverse, offering something for every taste.

Its state-of-the-art facilities also make Acapulco an ideal business venue.

Acapulco is located 326 km away from the Federal District along the Autopista del Sol, and 411 km away by the old federal highway no. 95. It also boasts an excellent international airport.

Architecture
The only really interesting building in Acapulco from the point of view of architecture is the San Diego fort, although it is better known for its history than for its architectural value. This pentagonal fortress with its corner bulwarks was built in the 18th century.

San Diego Fort
This robust old fort was rebuilt during the 18th century. Visitors can walk along the walls that defended the town from attacks by pirates who were after the treasures brought to Mexico on the Manila Galleon.

CUISINE
Acapulco is, of course, known for its seafood specialties and fish and shellfish combination dishes. However, being an important international tourist resort, there are also Mexican and international restaurants. These can be found in the hotels and on the Costera (the coast road). Local dishes like shrimp medallions in tamarind sauce are available at restaurants like the Kookaburra, for example.

FESTIVAL
Flower-filled processions take place on December 12, the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. September 29 is the Day of San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael, the Archangel) in Coyuca de Benítez, a village some 34 km northwest of Acapulco. The celebrations include a fair, dancing and processions. There are also fireworks and dancing in Holy Week.

PERFORMING ARTS
La Quebrada

Stunning cliff where daring divers plunge into the sea. It is one of the ports most famous and spectacular attractions, especially at light, when divers carrying lighted torches hurl themselves off the cliffs. Located 3 km outside Caleta on Av. López Mateos.

Protected by the second largest bay in the American continent, Bahía de Banderas, with over 40 km of golden beaches in the center of the Mexican Pacific and surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental lies Puerto Vallarta, a paradise whose special charm is due to its blend of colonial and cosmopolitan features.

The best way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta is to wander through Viejo Vallarta, with its traditional cobbled streets, white-walled houses, wrought-iron balconies and red tiled roofs; visit the Templo de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, with its unusual dome, a replica of the crown worn by Empress Charlotte in 1860; admire the original murals by the artist Manuel Lepe in the Palacio Municipal; walk along the jetty with its esplanade of bronze statures and wide variety of shops with something for everyone; explore the galleries displaying contemporary Mexican art; sample the varied gastronomy in one of its open-air restaurants while gazing at a beautiful sunset or enjoy a traditional Mexican evening complete with folkloric ballet.

To the north lies Marina Vallarta, the largest sports port in Mexico that attracts luxurious yachts and sailboats from all over the world and is surrounded by deluxe hotels, shopping malls and golf courses. Next to it, in the state of Nayarit, is Nuevo Vallarta, the most recent tourist resort in the bay.

In Puerto Vallarta you will find more than one way of recharging your batteries, since there are hundreds of opportunities for recreation, particularly water sports such as diving, sailboat regattas, fishing, skiing and Jet Skis as well as gentle boat rides round the bay to watch dolphins, turtles and humpbacked whales, just some of the natural attractions that make this one of the world’s favorite destinations.

ARTS AND CRAFTS
Puerto Vallarta is an important indigenous handicrafts center, especially those produced by the Huichol Indians, an ethnic group that has learned to conserve its traditions within the atmosphere of progress and tourism that has overcome the city. Of particular note are the pottery and glass-blown objects characteristic of the state of Jalisco. You may actually help produce ceramic objects at Terra Noble where the locals will teach you some of their artistic techniques.

Huichol
Puerto Vallarta is a major center of indigenous art, especially that created by the Huichol, an ethnic group that has managed to preserve its traditions despite the progress and tourism that have reached the city.

Terra Noble
With its superb view of Bahía de las Banderas, Terra Noble gives you an opportunity to learn ancient pottery techniques.

Two small and very different towns — San José del Cabo to the northeast, Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip — bracket a twenty-mile seacoast ‘Corridor,’ home to a range of elegant hotels, and to a collection championship golf courses that combine the green velvet-in-a-desert look of Arizona links with the oceanfront challenges of Pebble Beach.

Los Cabos offers first-rate tourist service, including top quality hotels and condominiums, superb golf courses, marinas and restaurants. Wonderful facilities are available for fishing, swimming and sailing. Playa Chileno is ideal for diving, while the area between Cabo San Lucas and Cabo Pulmo is perfect for surfing.

Winter attractions including watching the whales reach the waters of the Pacific from the western beaches of Cabo San Lucas. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Sierra de la Laguna, a mountain range rising up in the north of the Los Cabos region, which is home to a vast number endemic species of flora and fauna.

Los Cabos is located just 152 km outside of La Paz, the capital of the state of Baja California Sur; take Highway 1 which joins up with Highway 19. You can also reach Los Cabos via Pichilingue on two ferries from Mazatlán and Topolobampo, or fly in from the La Paz International Airport and continue your journey along the highway.

FESTIVALS
On March 19, the feast of San José is celebrated in San José del Cabo with several dances and an enormous fair is organized, where visitors can admire popular handicrafts from the peninsula’s main sites.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament – October
The sixth annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament format, purse and great parties earned the tournament a ranking of 15th on the top 100 Billfish Tournament Network list, published each year. Our dates put us at the lead off hitter position during Cabo’s legendary billfish season.

Bisbee�s Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament – October
The “Worlds Richest In Sportfishing Events”. 2003 Bisbee�s Black and Blue awards the largest Blue Marlin individual purse for 1st place $1,165,230.00. Black and Blue returns to Los Cabos for the 24th year Oct 19-23. The Bisbee�s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament is the finale to the Bisbee�s Offshore Tournament Circuit Oct.

Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot – November
The sixth annual $750,000 Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot is sponsored by Western Outdoor News/Mercury.