Visiting Mexico, Telling the World MexicoVisitor

  By Tim Leffel June 21, 2023 As I strolled down the Puerto Vallarta waterfront, I admired sculptures by some of Mexico’s most famous artists and savored mariachi blending with the sounds of crashing waves and ringing church bells. When I reached the end of the pier, I gazed out at the expanse of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre behind it—one of Mexico’s most distinctive views. Whereas resort areas such as Cancún and Cabo San Lucas were developed in the 1970s to draw tourists, Puerto Vallarta began as a fishing village and port in Spanish Colonial times. The town evolved in the late 1800s, but it really landed on the visitor map in the 1960s thanks to Hollywood royalty vacationing here and publicity from the 1964 film Night of the Iguana . In the ensuing decades, regular appearances on The Love Boat added to the city’s celebrity. As a result of this history, Puerto Vallarta f...

 Repost from AAA Magazine By Tim Leffel July 18, 2023 A  single shaft of light cut through the jungle and illuminated a patch of water before me. I set down my sandals and dove in. The water was clear, cool, and refreshing. I could see fish below me, and much deeper down—perhaps 60 feet—the bottom of this mystical pool, named Chukum-Ha. Thousands of freshwater sinkholes called cenotes dot Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. They were created some 66 million years ago when a massive, miles-wide asteroid crashed into the area. The cataclysmic event is thought to have eventually wiped out the dinosaurs, but it also sent a lot of freshwater underground—so instead of ponds and rivers, the Yucatán Peninsula today has caverns and hidden pools. Some, like Chukum-Ha, became exposed when the ground covering them collapsed.   Cenotes for the modern world To the Mayan peopl...

  The Riviera Nayarit is known for an extensive coastline that stretches over 307 km, dotted with luxurious developments like Nuevo Vallarta and Punta de Mita, or the emerging Compostela Coast, where tradition shares space with glamorous hotels. However, there is another coast just farther north that is also part of this tourist destination, encompassing the municipalities of San Blas, Santiago Ixcuintla, and Tecuala. During the 70s this area was known as the “Gold Coast” and developed thanks to extensive tobacco plantations that generated great wealth and defined an era, although it has steadily declined over the years. Historical relics coexist in this area with the pristine nature and authentic cuisine; it is ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway, without the crowds typical of the most popular tourist destinations.   Here’s a look at the towns located on the North Coast of the Riviera Nayarit:   BOCA DE CHILA This micro-destination since is a m...

We know you’re more than ready to go on vacation and disconnect from the routine of the last few months, which is why we want to share a few options to help you discover Costa Bahía de Banderas in just three days (in other words, a weekend!) Are you ready to roam in paradise? Keep reading! No matter where you come from, when you arrive in the Riviera Nayarit you can begin your adventure in any order. All we recommend is that you plan out your route for practical purposes. Nuevo Vallarta We recommend staying in one of the hotels in Nuevo Vallarta—there are plenty of options for every budget. For example, there’s the Marival Emotions, Grand Velas, Reflect, Villa La Estancia, Occidental, Paradise Village, Hard Rock, among others. You’ll also find an ample and very delicious culinary offer in Nuevo Vallarta, making your first day of relaxation here simply fabulous. Bucerías After taking it easy on your first day you’ll be ready to venture out to the most chill and laid-ba...

NOTE: This was the last fishing report just before the Coronavirus shut down everything. It's often our fishing takes us North.  Once we clear the North lighthouse the waters can get a bit choppy.  It's early in our season to expect the likes of dorado and marlin, but this group of fishermen happily settled in for 4 nice red snappers and a couple of barracuda.  While we were unable to get pictures while out by the lighthouse, we were able to let the fishermen pose for some pictures with their fish once we returned to the marina.  Pictured are a couple of the snapper.  Was excellent dinner that night. Thank you to Rita from Albatros Fishing - http://www.mexonline.com/albatros-charters.htm

We thought we'd post a couple photos so you can see the unique charm of the Centro Historico and Olas Altas. Mazatlan's not just beaches, there's so much more to see here. Calle Angel Flores Olas Altas Beach The Mazatlan Cathedral Mercado Jose Maria Pino Suarez Plaza Machado The Deer Monument Cueva del Diablo El Faro Lighthouse Plaza Machado The Inn at Mazatlan Centro Historico We had the pleasure of staying at the https://theinnatcentrohistorico.com which is a perfect Centro Historico hotel just two short blocks from Plaza Machado.

There’s no doubt the beaches at Mexico’s Pacific Treasure are the loveliest in the country: some are pretty busy; others, not so much. Don’t miss a chance to visit some of the Riviera Nayarit’s most idyllic spots. Chacala Beach This certified clean beach is in Chacala, one of the Riviera Nayarit’s 23 micro-destination. It’s one of our most beautiful beaches: its peculiar color and excellent swimming conditions have made this slice of paradise one of the most popular spots for a family day by the seashore. La Lancha (Punta de Mita) A surfer’s paradise, La Lancha has long been a favorite with local wave riders for its extensive beach and mixed waves. Its crystal-clear water welcomes families and friends every day of the week. La Lancha is just a few minutes from the town of Punta de Mita: hop on public transportation or drive by private car via the road to Punta de Mita. Los Muertos (Sayulita) Sayulita doesn’t just offer color, culture, surf, and good...