I want to travel to Mexico, any suggestions on where to go.
I want to travel to Mexico and have no idea on where to go. Any suggestions and input would be greatly appreciated.
Reply to this My GOD! The trouble that is going on in that country would deter even the most hard core traveler! Rapes ,kidnapping and hostage extortion is a good reason NOT to go! Americans are not popular right now!
Reply to this Uh, no. I don't know where exactly you're getting your information, magnum101, but as an actual
resident of Mexico, I can assure you it is very safe to travel.
FC, Do you have any preference on what to do or what to see? For sun, beach and relaxation with a hint of culture and history, I'd recommend the Yucatan peninsula in the southeast. The beaches are amazing and there are many Mayan temples and old Spanish buildings to visit. Additionally there are several birdwatching and nature hiking options. I'd recommend Merida, Chichen Itza and Playa del Carmen. Cancun is near, but it's way more expensive, and other than the party scene, there's really nothing there you can't find in Playa.
There's also another option for the center/south of Mexico, which I have to admit I'm not as familiar with, but a friend of mine recommended a
tour operator that has a very interesting option in May, in case you want to check it out.
Reply to this thank you akrasuma. I was actually looking in north baja area. I reside in southern california, so North Baja would be Ideal. I can drive there, which is a convenience. Im going to do some research , and let you guys know.
Reply to this FC, I too live in So Cal and I used to travel to Baja a lot but there has been recent attacks on tourists in Mexico and I would use caution when traveling south of the border at this time sad as it may be.
I would stick to areas where you are with a large group of tourists. Cabo etc.
Akarasuma--I get my information from the NEWS and I can assure you that there HAVE been kidnappings , rapes and robberies on American tourists lately. If you don't believe me simply Google "MEXICO TOURIST ATTACKS" and scroll down for information.
It is very prominent in the news here in California and I wish it was otherwise because I miss traveling in my vehicle to my favorite spots in Baja.
I would NOT travel down there with my family and feel safe like I used to.
Reply to this Sorry, FC. I do not know the Baja area and have no idea what there is to see there, other than what you hear about whale-watching tours, depending on the season.
While I don't see it necessary to go and google anything (I'll take your word for it; in any case, I would never recommend, for any reason, going to northern Mexico, just because there isn't really much to see, IMHO), I would like to point out that Mexico is a pretty big country, and your first post made a pretty broad generalization on the "trouble" here that would "deter the most hard core traveler". That sounds far from recommending sticking to areas where you are with large groups of tourists.
So, as when traveling anywhere, you do have to exercise caution, but it's not like it's a criminal free-for-all all over the country, which is pretty much what comes across in your first post.
Reply to this FC-
I second akarasuma's suggestion. I was just in the yucatan peninsula last May and it is BEAUTIFUL. The beaches are gorgeous and the ruins are a real sight to behold. Especially the ones on the coast of Tulum. The turqoise waters and white sand beaches as a backdrop to the magnificent ancient structures really make for unforgettable memories. No wonder the Mayan's decided to build there!
Of course the food is delicious and the people are friendly.
We also dived in the cenotes (underground caves) which is somethign different if you've only done open water diving.
We spent most of our time in Tulum and stayed in an eco cabana (Posada Lamar)which was very reasonably priced and extremely comfortable. And right on the beach!
We also drove up to Playa Del Carmen which is much more touristy but tastefully so and there is a lot to do. We stayed at the Hotel Basico a trendy boutique hotel which is very reasonably priced for the amenities and location.
My advice is to fly into Cancun as the flights will be cheaper. Then rent a car and drive down to Tulum (about 40 mins) or Playa Del Carmen (20mins).
Enjoy Mexico!
Jia En
Reply to this Hi FC as for all the bad things happening to americans, i think that could happen anywhere and caution is always a must when traveling to a new country. But from my experiences it is not hard core at all. Most people are willing to help you out if you have a ny problems, most of Mexico is beautiful. I actually went last year to Puerto Valalrta and had an awesome time. It's on the Pacific and the beaches are nice. There are also many cultural things to do, many towns near by to visit, a fantastic night life to enjoy, and Guadalajara, which is the third largest city in Mexico is only about 4 hours away. I had a great time and got to travel around and see lots of cool places. Just look online to get an idea of what you want to do and choose a place. I saw this and liked it. www.mexicosunplaces.com maybe it will help you get started.
Reply to this thanks algwi for the information. I am leaning towards to traveling to san felipe in May. I done a little research myself and it seems more quiet and family oriented. Anyone have first hand experience with San Felipe and could inform me that would be great. Thanks!!
Reply to this I could be wrong here, but there may be more than one town called San Felipe in Mexico... just to make sure, which state is it in?
Reply to this I was just at the Mayan Riveria 2 days ago. I stayed in Cozumel and felt very safe. I also traveled to Playa Del Carmen and Chichen Itza. There was never a time where I felt threatened anywhere. I was actually shocked at how nice everyone is. Not that I didnt think they would be nice. It was just more than I expected.
Reply to this Hello Frank 😊
I really enjoyed San Cristobal de Las Casas when I was in Mexico. Not only is it a lovely town but you can go up to the Indian village easily from there.
But it can be cold there becasue it is at a high altitude.
Mel
Reply to this Hello there. I just visited central Mexico and its really beautiful place. what I like the most was Guanajuato city wich is a small colonial town in the middle of the mountains, full of leyends and history. Also Mayan riviera at the east coast its a beautiful place to visit. you can find packages of these two places at
www.cancun-all-inclusive-vacation.com
and
www.guanajuatocapital.com Reply to this hi, im yet another person that'll go ahead and disagree with magnum.. im actually in oaxaca now, have been for a week, and it's really safe. I work here and end up walking home by myself in the middle of night and NOTHING has happened, i havent even seen shady people in the street.
from here im gonna head sout along the coast to Chiapas, then up through Campeche, to stop in Yucatan for a while working again. People have highly recommended chiapas and yucatan, travelers and mexicans alike.
i also wanted to mention that if you go to touristy towns near the US it's obvious that there will be criminals on the lookout for you. so FC, just head further into the country, and you'll be fine.
god, people like magnum piss me off so much... here's a QUOTE from you're precious google queries:
"Though there is no evidence that U.S. citizens are specifically targeted, Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in some violent attacks demonstrating the heightened risk in public places. In its effort to combat violence, the Government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country."
hmmmmmmm can you be a little more vague?? and this is a release from the state department!! its as bad as it gets, other than people getting kidnapped in tijuana, which is on the g__damn border!!!!!
so no worries FC, enjoy your trip
Nesim
Reply to this Well there is some crime against foreigners in Mexico.
For example I suggest that people do not hike from village to village. Take the bus or ask somebody going that way with a vehicle to take you. I dont know how common rapes and murders and kidnappings are but robberies certainly happen.
Mel
Reply to this Nasty Nomad, I know you may not necessarily be looking for working options in Yucatan, but in case you're interested, the Berlitz center in Merida is constantly hiring people to work with flexible schedules.
Reply to this thanks akarasuma, but i've already got work lined up. i'm a cook, traveling the world learning the cuisines. really appreciate the advice though!! where r u at?
take care
n
Mell, of course there is some crime against foreigners in mexico. there's some crime against foreigners anywhere on this planet. my point is its far from what magnum makes it out to be. also, theft/robbery is often a crime of opportunity, so doing stuff like walking around with jewelry/ipod/camera/in plain sight, or hiking from one village to the next, puts you in a position to be singled out by shady types, with the obvious unpleasant consequences...
Reply to this Thats trues Nasty Nomad. Showing off our valuables in public will attract robberies. I generally dont take things like that at all with me when I travel. One reason is to prevent being a target for robbers.
Reply to this I have been to Mexico twice now, both times to the Mayan Rivera, I love it there and would highly recommend it.
So far i have stayed at the Grand Sirenis and Grand Xcaret, theres a good article about grand sirenis on this
Travel Mexico Site if you are interested not sure about the other one but i can give you mid advice and i loved them both!. I loved both.
If you do go to that region of mexico i defiantly recommend xhel ha! its a big ecko park! was amazing!
I hope that some what helps
Reply to this I am in Merida, working at Berlitz... What do you know? 😉
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