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The Pacific CoastThe Pacific coastline of Mexico is known as the Mexican Riviera because of the scenic stretch of resort towns and cities dotting the map from Mazatlan down to Manzanillo. After Cancun, which lies on the other coast facing the Gulf of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, found in the middle section of the Pacific Coast, is the number two resort area in Mexico. The resort area of this region has been developed towards tourism, which large style resorts, tour guides and adventure tours available for those who want to do more than relax on the beach. The region is easy to get to, with an airport just outside the city of Puerto Vallarta and another outside Mazatlan. Both have the major rental car agencies. If you're travelling to Mazatlan, you can take a ferry from Baja.
Puerto VallartaThis is one lovely city located on a perfect strecth of ocean coastline, which is why many visitors are lured here each year, seeking relaxation and fun on the beach. The beaches are golden and wide and framed by mountain ranges covered in lush tropical flora. Though the town's development has been steered towards providing wealthy tourists with sophisticated pleasures such as golf courses and chic nightclubs, there's also a charming, down-to-earth atmosphere that makes anyone who visits feel welcome. You'll find Euro-style architectural features in town, and wild jungle nature outside of town. Try mountain biking in the foothills, kayaking, and visiting remote beaches that are only accessible by boat. The Huichol Indians still exist in a mountaintop community high above the town.You could, if you wanted to, spend your entire vacation in Puerto Vallarta shopping, dining in fancy restaurants, and browsing art galleries. There really is something for everyone in this resort town. Here's a short list of things you might want to see in Puerto Vallarta:
MazatlanThe city of Mazatlan is twice the size of Puerta Vallarta, but much cheaper for tourists. It has the same golden beaches, excellent fresh food at breat restaurants and world-class sportfishing, but accommodations are much less expensive, and development hasn't taken over in the way it has in may Mexican resort towns. The Mazatlan experience is simpler for tourists, and one thing keeping it that way is fewer flights come into the airport, compared with Puerto Vallarta. The area attracts all types of travellers, but especially those seeking a bargain, such as families and seniors anyone on a tight travel budget.Mazatlan has tons of things to do for tourists, including rodeos, deep-sea fishing, cruises, and golfing. One unusual thing you might want to see is the cliff divers at El Mirador, who will dive if a tour bus shows up, even at night, holding torches. Expect to give a donation for this wonderful show. Each year at lent Mazatlan holds Mardi Gras, and people show up from all across the globe to celebrate in the world's third-largest Carnaval (New Orleans and Rio are ahead of Mazatlan for biggest party). If you're travelling to Mazatlan for Caenaval, make a reservation because hotel rooms fill up during this season. Mazatlan Acuario Mazatlan, which is an aquarium, one of the biggest in Mexico. Next door there's botannical gardens with aviary and crocodiles. Good fun for kids. As for architecture, visit the Teatro Angela Peralta, built in the late 1800's and has multi levles of balconies, and an open-air lobby. Tropical elegance combined with Italian architecture make this a popular stop for anyone interested in architecture. There's also Plaza Rpincipal, with open air markets and a bandstand and close by is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Cenception, unusual tropical church architecture. AcapulcoMake no mistake, Acapulco is a party town resort, with nonstop nightlife, energetic watersports everywhere you go, and a constant party atmosphere that will make you want to get up and go out partying. The inlet and bay make for great views, as the town wraps around the cookie-shaped coastline, curling in on itself forming a little harbor. The city is experiencing a comeback after a tourism slump resulting from images of pollution and fading hotels. The water is cleaned up now, and new hotels shine all along the town's bay, which is a picturesque as they come. This town is making a comeback, and it's definitely a fun place in the sun to spend your vacation. Highlights of Acapulco include:
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•Mexico Ancient Ruins &Culture |
