I've trying to plan our trip to Mexico this December (20th Dec - 1st Jan). We both are not particularly keen on doing the cliche'd "spring break" beaches. We're looking for a richer, cultural experience allowing us to explore the heritage and biodiversity Mexico is so famous for. Both of us are in pretty good shape so dont mind roughing it out.

Any suggestions - recommendations....

You might have more luck posting this on the Latin America forums

Check out Chiapas and the Yucatan. In particular, don't miss Palenque.

This you could combine with time on the beach south of and as far away as possible from Cancun.

I am in love with the colonial cities such as San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato. There is so much to do and see in Mexico. You will find more on the Latin board and also if you do a search.

Check out Loreto.

Don't forget to take your passport. You will need it to return to the US.

Keith

Puerto Vallarta and regions inland and north and south on the coast from there

After reading about Faithie's trip to Yelapa, we are planning a trip there. Search it out on the Latin America board. Happy travels!

There are two very interesting cities in the heart of Mexico (both about 2.5 hours NW of Mexico City or 2 hours East of Leon) - Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende. I was in Guanajuato four years ago at Christmas and had a great trip. It has a lot of history and is very picturesque (cobblestone streets, etc.). San Miguel is much more "touristy". I think there's a large American population there. I found it to be more expensive. Both are nice cities. They are close enough that you could visit both...I don't think you would be disappointed.

Just returned from 1 week in San Miguel de Allende. Fabulous. At the end of the week we had money in our pocket and wanted 3 more days. We rented a house. Go to Tripadvisor.com and the San Miguel Forum for lots of answers particularly from Mikemo who is on this board too