Molly

My photojournalist husband and I plan on going to Mexico for 9 or 10 days in March 1999... he's spent quite a bit of time in Latin America but I've never been. Any recommendations for a place where we can find a blend of picturesque ruins and street scenes (for him) and relaxing beaches, tasty drinks, and active nightlife (for me)? We both speak Spanish relatively well, so language is not a barrier. I am afraid of large insects and would like to avoid them as much as possible. Thanks for your advice!

Charli

Before Fat Tuesday in Mazatlan is sure to be a great time, as it is Carnival in Mexico (similar to Rio and New Orleans). It is said that Mazatlan is the best on the Pacific side. I don't know about the rest of Mexico. We are also planning on going the week before Fat Tuesday. The really best place to stay is the Playa Mazatlan in the Golden Circle. There aren't that many bugs, big or small, but there are Gecko's (lizards that eat the bugs, your choice). Fear not as they are more afraid of you and pretty much stay out of your way. Beaches are great and there is a lot of fun to be had. One of the cheapest and best places to eat is a place called Pancho's located right on the beach about a hundred yards from the Playa Mazatlan.

Lisa

I would suggest Can Cun for your holiday in March. I haven't been there yet myself, but many of my friends have and really enjoyed it. And my Mexican friends swear that it is the most beautiful beach resort in Mexico. The nearby ruins in Chichen Itza are great, and there are many other interesting things to do, like fantastic snorkelling. Also, the Can Cun night life is very lively. If you're looking for something on the Pacific side, I would recommend Puerto Vallarta over Mazatlan. I didn't enjoy Mazatlan nearly as much, and PV is more of a tropical paradise. PV usually has some great deals in March, and while Can Cun will have better deals then, it is still quite a bit more than any other resort in Mexico. However, Can Cun does have more all-inclusive resorts, which I would recommend as most restaurants in the tourist zones (of any city) are expensive and often price their meals in US$. While the all-inclusive price might seem quite a bit more, it may in fact be a better deal. I hope you enjoy your holiday!

Cheryl Z.

<BR>Hi -We prefer PV, but there are no ruins. Cancun has the most interesting and accessible ruins for a resort area.Lots of nightlife in all mentioned places. Cancun has whiter/cleaner beaches, bluer/clearer water but I still love PV the best. Airfare for each will depend on where you live. Cancun is usually easier/cheaper to get to from the midwest, or East coast. If you decide on PV, will be happy to give lots of resaurant info etc. <BR>

MexicoMike

Mazatlan is the worst choice of all unless you only wish to drink as many margaritas as possible. Mazatlan has the worst beaches, ugliest city and surrounding countryside. The only redeeming thing about Mazatlan are the people and the Panama Restaurant/Bakery. BTW, I used to live near Mazatlan and was just there recently. If it wasn't for having family in the area, I would never go near the place. <BR> <BR>Puerto Vallarta is a nice place, quaint and an interesting countryside. However the beaches are not very good. Just as bad or worse than Mazatlan. <BR> <BR>Cancun is very touristy and expensive though areas outside are better. Great beaches. Close to the ruins. <BR> <BR>Cabo San Lucas is very touristy and expensive. Great fishing and beaches. <BR> <BR>La Paz, BCS is the best choice of all except in the summer. Summer and fall are not good at any Mexican coastal area. Hot and humid.

Tricia

Hola Molly! Puerto Vallarta!!! Vallarta still has the old Mexican charm as well as the new. Surrounding PV are many majical little villages that are great photo oportunities: San Sebastian a 15 min flight into the sierras, an old mining town. Yelapa a 30 min boat ride, a fishing village with a hippie feel. Las Palmas a 30 min drive, a small farming town. Cuale River can be explored by Mountain Bike, horseback or on foot - tropical jungle with small Ranches with some of the real Vallarta locals. The Guadalupe Church downtown! <BR>The Malecon on a Sunday night - everyone is out for a stroll. And there are beautiful beaches in Vallarta, Fantastic Restaurants, warm people and lots of Adventures!!!!!!! Please feel free to e-mail me direct for any further information on PV. <BR>Tricia <BR>PV local

Dave Wells

I'd love to hear your three best ideas for Puerto Vallarta at Christmastime. My wife and I, and two sons ages 16 and 12, will probably be staying in the southern side of the city. I'll share info on the Caribbean side, which I know fairly well. Thanks.

dan

The best places would be either Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The latter is better in my opinion, but there is certainly less nightlife. There is great snorkeling at Cozumel (30 min. away from Playa del Carmen). For photos go to the ruins at Uxmal (the most beautiful around and not crowded), Chichen Itza (stay overnight or drive if can because buses get there late morning), Tulum (right on coast overlooking a nice beach), and Coba (interesting jungle but not as photogenic). For street photos go to Merida (very close to Uxmal and the best shopping in the Yucatan); go on Sunday when the streets are blocked off around the Plaza Mayor for vendors, dancers, bands, lots of locals in colorful attire. Other good towns include Valladolid, Izamal, Campeche. You may want to rent a car and drive the old highway between Cancun and Merida. Its a little bumpy, but there are lots of fascinating little towns - the new highway is an expensive toll road. There is a great wide beach on Isla Mujeres (Playa Norte), good souvenir shops, and colorful buildings. Have fun! <BR>

Karen & Zeev Charnevitz

Hi amigos: <BR> If you have not problems at all with spanish you can enjoy a more comfortable vacations in Mexico. The City of Mexico (D.F.) is now a very dangerous as well as cosmopolitan place in the whole country. If you´re planning to visit the city there are more than enough places where you can go to visit: Zona Rosa where you can find the best restaurants of any kind of food, (even Mc Donald´s and Burger King) from every region of the planet: Indian, Israeli, many mexicans places, Italian, Arab, Portuguesse, etc. You can find many sightseens for your photo camera in Downtown where is the Palacio Mayor or in La Catedral. If you want some photos from many kinds of Churchs, from the hispanic times and contemporary, Mexico City has really good ones, There is the Basilica de Guadalupe who is one of the most important places from Catholic religion. There are also the Teotihuacan Pyramids where your chin will grovel the floor when you see the whole city of Teotihuacan, there you can have very good shoots. If you have enough time you can go to Ixtapan de la Sal who is very near from the City and is the pacefullest place in the world, go to Ixtapan hotel and fell like a king in his palace. There isn´t nothing worth but the hotel but it is enough. Good food ,good sightseens, golf, swiming pools, massagge places very cheap, an acuatic amusement park and many good things. <BR> See you in Mexico if you decided to come but be very carefull with your watches, gold chains and money. If you pick a cab be very carefull and watch if the car has its number plates and the driver´s permission. There are many bad stories about taxis in México. <BR> Nos vemos entonces y practiquen mucho su español para que no los confundan con turistas y se quieran aprovechar de ustedes. Sus amigos mexicanos: Karen y Zeev <BR>