Visiting Mexico, Telling the World MexicoVisitor

Hurricane Patricia is the strongest hurricane on record with over 200 MPH winds. It is on a direct path to the Costalegre , Mexico between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo . We will update this blog post with any news we receive. Please come back and refresh often. Assistance and some ways to help: U.S. State Department - You can alert us to U.S. citizens affected by the storm, including yourself, by calling us at 1-888-407-4747 (From the United States and Canada), +1-202-501-4444 (From all other countries), and email PatriciaEmergencyUSC@state.gov if you have additional questions or concerns. http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/hurricane-patricia-travel-alert.html Embassies & consulates in Mexico - http://www.mexonline.com/embassy.htm American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/ International Red Cross - https://www.ifrc.org/en/ Direct Relief - http://www.directrelief.org/emergency/hurricane-patricia-mexico/ -------------------...

Sunrise view from Jocotepec overlooking Lake Chapala Nearly a decade ago I was told of a place with perfect weather and a community that was said to be the largest accumulation of American expats in the world.  For many years since I have been flying in and out of Guadalajara confined by a time schedule that never allowed me to take the short trip south to visit this destination.  But last week’s trip was different and after saying goodbye to my group at the Guadalajara International Airport I drove thirty minutes south and ended up on the north shore of Mexico’s largest lake, Chapala. The surface area of Lake Chapala is nearly three times greater than Lake Tahoe and the towns on the shores surrounding the lake are filled with fascinating history.  There are towns known for manufacturing Huarache sandals.  Towns known for  berry farming and even an island that was one of the last strong holds defending against the Spanish invasion in the early 1800...

Many people know of Cinco de Mayo , but most don't know why they are celebrating other than having a margarita or tequila shot. In fact, most people outside of Mexico think Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day , it's not. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the victory of the Mexican forces in the Battle of Puebla over the battle-tested and twice as large army from France in 1862. Some say the key to General Ignacio Zaragoza's victory were the defense of the twin forts; Guadalupe and Loreto in the hills above Puebla.  Inside the walls of Fuerte Loreto  Defensive walls outside the fort Today, the Mexican and Puebla governments have restored these forts and made the surrounding area a large park called  Centro Civico 5 de Mayo. The complex also includes a planetarium, an archaeological museum, a Olympic soccer stadium and green areas. it has become an area for families and visitors to learn about history and relax on a day off. The Forts (Fuertes de...