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Top Destinations

The familiar scene of Los Arcos , miles of magnificent beaches and desert serenity await you.

Cozumel is Mexicos largest inhabited island.

If powder white sand and turquoise Caribbean waters sounds like a good start to a perfect vacation, Cancun is your destination.

Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo is a delightful blend of small town appeal in the fishing village of Zihuatanejo.

Puerto Vallarta is a heaven for romantics and adventure seekers alike.

Riviera Nayarit has it all.

Cozumel

Cozumel is Mexicos largest inhabited island, located just 12 miles off the Yucatan Coast, is easily accessible by air or ferry. The island is mostly notably recognized as one of the top five scuba diving and snorkeling sites on the planet.

The islands surrounding sea is home for abundant undersea life, colorful reefs and mysterious hulls of sunken Spanish galleons. For the non-divers, the island also offers over 30 archaeological sites and the charming town of San Miguel, where you will find many restaurants and duty free shopping to amuse yourself.

Cozumel Attractions

Maya Ruins -- When it comes to Cozumel's Maya ruins, getting there is most of the fun -- do it for the mystique and for the trip, not for the size or scale of the ruins. The buildings, though preserved, are crudely made and would not be much of a tourist attraction if they were not the island's principal ruins. One of the most popular island excursions is to San Gervasio (100 B.C.-A.D. 1600). Follow the paved transversal road. You'll see the well-marked turnoff about halfway between town and the eastern coast. More significant than beautiful, this site was once an important ceremonial center where the Maya gathered, coming even from the mainland. The important deity was Ixchel, the goddess of weaving, women, childbirth, pilgrims, the moon, and medicine. Although you won't see any representations of Ixchel at San Gervasio today.

A History Museum -- The Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, Avenida Rafael Melgar between calles 4 and 6 Norte, is more than just a nice place to spend a rainy hour. On the first floor an exhibit illustrates endangered species, the origin of the island, and its present-day topography and plant and animal life, including an explanation of coral formation. The second-floor galleries feature the history of the town, artifacts from the island's pre-Hispanic sites, and colonial-era cannons, swords, and ship paraphernalia.

Carnaval -- Carnaval (similar to Mardi Gras) is Cozumel's most colorful fiesta. It begins the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, with daytime street dancing and nighttime parades on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday.

Cozumel Activities

Cozumel is a divers paradise, is the number-one dive destination in the Western Hemisphere. Dive shops will rent you scuba gear, but won't take you out on a boat until you show some documentation, so if you plan on diving don't forget your dive card and dive log If you have a medical condition, bring a letter signed by a doctor stating that you've been cleared to dive.

Cozumel has a lot of dive locations. To mention but a few: the famous Palancar Reef , with its caves and canyons, plentiful fish, and a wide variety of sea coral; the monstrous Santa Rosa Wall , famous for its depth, sea life, coral, and sponges; the San Francisco Reef , which has a shallower drop-off wall and fascinating sea life; and the Yucab Reef , with its beautiful coral.

Cancun

Cancún remains Mexico's calling card to the world, perfectly showcasing both the country's breathtaking natural beauty and the depth of its 1,000-year history. Simply stated, Cancún is the reason most people travel to Mexico. The sheer number of travelers underscores Cancún's magnetic appeal, with almost three million people visiting this enticing beach resort annually -- most of them on their first trip to the country. The reasons for this are both numerous and obvious.

Cancún embodies Caribbean splendor, with translucent turquoise waters and powdery white-sand beaches, coupled with coastal areas of great natural beauty. Cancún is also a modern megaresort. Even a traveler feeling apprehensive about visiting foreign soil will feel completely at ease here. English is spoken, dollars are accepted, roads are well paved, and lawns are manicured. Travelers feel comfortable in Cancún. You do not need to spend a day getting your bearings, because you immediately see familiar names for dining, shopping, nightclubbing, and sleeping. There is also the lure of ancient cultures evident in all directions and a number of ecologically oriented theme parks.

Cancun Activities

One of the biggest draw of Cancun is the beach. All of Mexico's beaches are public property, so you can use the beach of any hotel by walking through the lobby or directly onto the sand. Be especially careful on beaches fronting the open Caribbean, where the undertow can be quite strong. By contrast, the waters of Bahía de Mujeres (Mujeres Bay), at the north end of the island, are usually calm and ideal for swimming.

Playa Tortuga (Turtle Beach), Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach), Playa Linda (Pretty Beach), and Playa Las Perlas (Beach of the Pearls) are some of the public beaches. At most beaches, you can rent a sailboard and take lessons, ride a parasail, or partake in a variety of watersports.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a heaven for romantics and adventure seekers alike. Located on Banderas Bay, the largest in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is alike a dream with its serene beaches, cobblestone streets and red tile roofs.If you enjoy shopping, you will spend hours bargaining for deals in the open air market or from your chaise lounge on the sand, enjoying a margarita while the beach vendors parade by with a wide variety of jewelry, sarapes, handicrafts and art objects. Wander through scores of designer shops and art galleries on the boardwalk, finding that truly unique treasure.If you are looking for an adventure, drive south to lovely Mismaloya Beach and explore movie set ruins in the jungle, enjoy horseback riding or perhaps take a catamaran cruise to Marietas Islands for snorkeling or sea kayaking. Its all waiting for you in Puerto Vallarta.Puerto Vallarta AttractionsPuerto Vallarta's cobblestone streets are a pleasure to explore; they're full of tiny shops, rows of windows edged with curling wrought iron, and vistas of red-tile roofs and the sea. Start with a walk up and down the malecón.Among the sights you shouldn't miss is the municipal building on the main square (next to the tourism office), which has a large Manuel Lepe mural inside in its stairwell. Nearby, right up Independencia, sits the picturesque Parish of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe church, topped with a curious crown held in place by angels -- a replica of the one worn by Empress Carlota during her brief time in Mexico as Emperor Maximilian's wife. On its steps, women sell religious mementos; across the narrow street, stalls sell native herbs for curing common ailments. Three blocks south of the church, head east on Libertad, lined with small shops and pretty upper windows, to the municipal market by the river. After exploring the market, cross the bridge to the island in the river; sometimes a painter is at work on its banks. Walk down the center of the island toward the sea, and you'll come to the tiny Museo Río Cuale which has a small but impressive permanent exhibit of pre-Columbian figurines.Retrace your steps to the market and Libertad, and follow Calle Miramar to the brightly colored steps up to Zaragoza. Midway is a magnificent view over rooftops to the sea. Up Zaragoza to the right 1 block is the famous pink arched bridge that once connected Richard Burton's and Elizabeth Taylor's houses.Puerto Vallarta Activities Beaches - For years, beaches were Puerto Vallarta's main attraction. Although visitors today are exploring more of the surrounding geography, the sands are still a powerful draw. Over 42km (26 miles) of beaches extend around the broad Bay of Banderas, ranging from action-packed party spots to secluded coves accessible only by boat.Golf - Puerto Vallarta is an increasingly popular golf destination; five courses have opened in the past 4 years, bringing the total in the region to nine.

Riviera Nayarit

Although it shares the same magnificent Bay as the resort destination of Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit is a whole different experience. A number of upscale luxury resorts to more moderate accommodations sit on close to three miles of pristine beach and beautiful coast line on levels not found in its sister destination.Riviera Nayarit has it all: golfing, shopping, restaurants, surfing, and so much more. Only 15 minutes north of the airport in Puerto Vallarta, the area once known as Nuevo Vallarta has developed and continued to grow into one of the most popular and exclusive vacation destinations in all of Mexico, and if you head even further north from ultra exclusive area of Punta Mita you will find more untouched pristine beaches and charming Mexican villages like San Francisco and Sayulita awaiting your exploration.

Los Cabos

The familiar scene of Los Arcos, miles of magnificent beaches and desert serenity await you in Los Cabos; both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. While Cabo San Lucas has become a world-class fishing and golfing destination with every luxury imaginable, San Jose del Cabo retains much of its Old World charm.Cabo San Lucas, located where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific, is known worldwide for its spectacular scuba diving. See for yourself the amazing underwater sand falls discovered by Jacques Cousteau.Experience the thrill of landing a hundred pound Marlin, play golf on beautifully manicured courses designed by Robert Trent Jones and Jack Nicklaus. Have fun bartering with the merchants for silver, leather goods and native handicrafts. Do as much or as little as you like, and then sample delicious cuisine at wonderful restaurants with spectacular vistas.Come to Los Cabos and experience the best of all worlds.Los Cabos AttractionsLos Cabos, one of the world's finest golf destinations, offers an ample and intriguing variety of courses to challenge golfers of all levels.The reason so many choose to play here is not just the selection, quality, and beauty of the courses, but the very reliable weather. The courses highlighted below compare to the great ones in Palm Springs and Scottsdale, with the added beauty of ocean views and a wider variety of desert cacti and flowering plants.Palmilla Gold Club -- The original Cabo course is now a 27-hole layout. The original 18 holes are known as the Arroyo; the new holes are the Ocean 9. It's a bit of a misnomer -- although the newer holes lie closer to the water, only one has a true ocean view, with a spectacular play directly down to the beach. You must play the Arroyo for your first nine holes, then you choose between Mountain and Ocean for your back nine. If you play this course only once, choose the Mountain, which offers better ocean views. The signature hole is the Mountain 5; you hit over a canyon, then down to the green below over a forced carry. This is target golf, on a Jack Nicklaus course that was constructed with strategy in mind. A mountaintop clubhouse provides spectacular views. Cabo del Sol -- The Ocean Course was the second Jack Nicklaus course constructed in Los Cabos. Its dramatic finishing oceanside holes make it the "Pebble Beach of Baja." It is much more difficult than the Palmilla course, with less room for error.Don't be fooled by the wide, welcoming 1st hole. This is challenging target golf, with numerous forced carries -- even from the red tees. Seven holes are along the water. The signature hole is 17, which runs by the water with a forced carry. Cabo del Sol offers another option, the Desert Course.Cabo Real -- This Robert Trent Jones, Jr., design is known for its holes along the Sea of Cortez, which sit high on mesas overlooking the sea; exceptional among these is the frequently photographed 12th. Jones designed the course to test low handicappers, but multiple tees make it enjoyable for average players as well. The par-72 layout is 6,945 yards long and was designed with professional tournament play in mind. The most famous hole is the 14th, right on the beach near the Meliá resort.The Raven Club -- The front and back nines are the work of members of the Dye family, so the course plays like two different courses. Characteristic of Dye designs, it has deep waste bunkers, subtle terracing up hillsides, and holes built into the natural desert terrain. The most challenging hole is the 607-yard, par-5 7th hole, around a lake; it's the longest hole in Mexico. The course is designed to offer a variety of play options, from a short course played on front tees to a super-long course with numerous bunkers and hazards. The whole course was redone in 2002 by the Dye family, Although the layout is essentially the same, some greens have moved slightly and some holes are a little shorter than before, but all of the bunkers and hazards have remained, and the course is now considered even better.El Dorado Gold Course -- A Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Cabo Real, El Dorado is a links-style course in the Scottish tradition. The layout is challenging -- 7 holes border the Sea of Cortez, and 12 are carved out of two pristine canyons. The oceanview holes are not the only water; manmade lakes are also a part of the scenery. El Dorado bills itself as the "Pebble Beach of Baja" -- but then again, so does Cabo del Sol. You decide.The Arch of Poseidon This 204-foot rock formation is a symbol of Baja California Sur. During low tide, visitors can walk on an eroded passage through the rocks. You will see large clusters of rock formations that were carved into fantastic shapes by wind and sea.Desert parkTake a venture through a series of interconnected paint brushed trails within the boundaries of the Cabo Real Natural Desert. See the beautiful mountains of the desert and the sapphire blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. Discover marine fossils, such as giant clams, fish and snails.San Jose del Cabo / Cabo San LucasStroll through the streets along Paseo Mijares through charming courtyards, ornate brick worked and preserved buildings, and a beautiful tropical. See Iglesia de San Jose's twin steeples, the 18th-century Jesuit mission, Mission Viejo and the museum of fine Mexican arts and crafts.La CandelariaNestled in the mountains is the old village of Candelaria, the center for the ancient practices of witchcraft. It is known for the abundance of exotic palms, bamboo and mango trees. Capture the views traveling up and down the mountain.Los Cabos ActivitiesSportfishing - The fishing here lives up to its reputation: Bringing in a 100-pound marlin is routine. Angling is good all year, though the catch varies with the season. Sailfish and wahoo are best from June through November; yellowfin tuna, May through December; yellowtail, January through April; black and blue marlin, July through December. Striped marlin are prevalent year-round.Beaches - All along the curving sweep of sand known as Medano Beach, on the east side of the bay, you can rent snorkeling gear, boats, WaveRunners, kayaks, and windsurf boards. You can also take windsurfing lessons. This is the town's main beach and is a great place for safe swimming -- as well as people-watching from one of the many outdoor restaurants along its shore.Beach aficionados may want to rent a car and explore the five more remote beaches and coves between the two Cabos: Playa Palmilla, Chileno, Santa María, Barco Varado, and Vista del Arco. Beaches other than Medano are not considered safe for swimming, though many people don't heed the warning. Experienced snorkelers may wish to check them out, but other visitors should go for the view only. Always check at a hotel or travel agency for directions and swimming conditions.

Ixtapa

Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo is a delightful blend of small town appeal in the fishing village of Zihuatanejo, combined with the modern stylishness of Ixtapa.Zihuatanejo retains all the old world charm of early Mexico. This quaint seaside village is filled with cobblestone streets, interesting shops and a thriving marketplace. Zihuatanejo is also widely known for its many excellent dining establishments. A wonderful destination for people trying to escape everyday life, Zihuatanejo is an easygoing getaway.Ixtapa is Zihuatanejos younger, flashier sibling. One long, perfect beach is studded with a wide choice of deluxe accommodations. Exciting nightclubs and a variety of different daytime activities from golf to fishing and jungle tours, Ixtapa offers all the conveniences of home. For the boater, Ixtapa has a new marina surrounded by luxurious villas.If youre looking for a vacation that offers everything your heart desires, youll find it in Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo.Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo AttractionsMuseum of ArcheologyThe museum is located in the building once used as City Hall, a beautiful work of the Spanish Renaissance. The gallery is a modest archaeological display, exhibiting statues, gravestones, coats of arms, local artifacts as well as extensive maps and information of the area.Plaza de los HeroesThe plaza is a quiet tree shaded square with concrete benches, dedicated to the renowned men of the Mexican republic. You will see stone-carved statues on pedestals and a large colorful significant mural illustrating the panoramic history of Mexico.ZihuatenejoThis small town conserves the friendly atmosphere of the old fishing village, with "True Mexican Flavor". The downtown streets are cobblestones and most of the newer buildings have that tropical-coastal look to conserve the village feel.Petatlán VillageA short trip from Zihuatenejo is the town of Petatlan. The downtown district is built around a white church named "Cristo Jesús de Petatlán", located atop a hill. Many miracles are said to have happened here. Relics of the famed priest of miracles is displayed here.La Soledad de Maciel Also known as La Chole, this archaeological site still a very recent finding. You will see 350 year old cactus, stones with hieroglyphics, cave of fallen rocks, excavation site, and a small village town. In the nearby town is a small museum in which displays artifacts excavated from the hill.Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo ActivitiesIn Zihuatanejo At Zihuatanejo's town beach, Playa Municipal, the local fishermen pull their colorful boats up onto the sand, making for a fine photo op. The small shops and restaurants lining the waterfront are great for people-watching and absorbing the flavor of daily village life. Playa Madera (Wood Beach), just east of Playa Municipal, is open to the surf but generally peaceful. South of Playa Madera is Zihuatanejo's largest and most beautiful beach, Playa La Ropa, a long sweep of sand with a great view of the sunset. Some lovely small hotels and restaurants nestle in the hills; palm groves edge the shoreline. Although it's also open to the Pacific, waves are usually gentle. The name Playa La Ropa (ropa means clothing) comes from an old tale of the sinking of a galeón during a storm. The silk clothing that it was carrying back from the Philippines washed ashore on this beach -- hence the name. The nicest beach for swimming, and the best for children, is the secluded Playa Las Gatas (Cats Beach), across the bay from Playa La Ropa and Zihuatanejo. The small coral reef just offshore is a nice spot for snorkeling and diving, and a little dive shop on the beach rents gear. The waters at Las Gatas are exceptionally clear, without undertow or big waves. Open-air seafood restaurants on the beach make it an appealing lunch spot. Small pangas (launches) with shade run to Las Gatas from the Zihuatanejo town pier, a 10-minute trip; the captains will take you across whenever you wish between 8am and 4pm. Usually the last boat back leaves Las Gatas at 6:30pm, but check to be sure. Playa Larga is a beautiful, uncrowded beach between Zihuatanejo and the airport, with several small palapa restaurants, hammocks, and wading pools. In Ixtapa Ixtapa's main beach, Playa Palmar, is a lovely white-sand arc on the edge of the Hotel Zone, with dramatic rock formations silhouetted in the sea. The surf can be rough; use caution, and don't swim when a red flag is posted. Playa Linda is the primary out-of-town beach, with watersports equipment and horse rentals available. Playa las Cuatas, a pretty beach and cove a few miles north of Ixtapa, and Playa Majahua, an isolated beach just west of Zihuatanejo, are both being transformed into resort complexes. Lovely Playa Vista Hermosa is framed by striking rock formations and bordered by the Las Brisas Hotel high on the hill. All of these are very attractive beaches for sunbathing or a stroll but have heavy surf and strong undertow. Use caution if you swim here.

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