Los Angeles
One of the most famous cities in the world, everyone dreams
of going to Los Angeles at one time or another. A certain romance is attached to
this city, the "city of angels." Even children on remote islands
thousands of miles away can describe Los Angeles to a certain degree. They will
tell you of glorious beaches, beautiful women, fabulous weather all year long,
and how easy it is to meet real life movie stars. The incredible part is that
this kind of lifestyle is true for many of the city's inhabitants. A region of
tremendous size and magnitude, Los Angeles is a marvelous place to visit. The
variety of activities and opportunities for diversity is practically
unparalleled.
Speaking in relative terms, Los Angeles is a remarkably new
city, a cultural center unlike anywhere else. Los Angeles fascinates historians
because its history is so exciting and easy to track, and because its growth has
been so amazing. The Spanish officially founded Los Angeles in 1781. The area
had been inhabited by Native American tribes prior to that, and was under
Spanish rule until 1821, when they relinquished their power, and the Bear Flag
Republic was then proclaimed in 1846. In 1850 California became the 31st
state of this new Republic, The Santa Fe Railroad finally reached Los Angeles in
1875, and from there the expansion began. However, it wasn't until 1911 that
Los Angeles really started to take off; it was at that time when the first
Hollywood studio was established. Just one year later, there were already 16
motion picture companies located in Hollywood. So began the history of the movie
capital of the world. Since then, Los Angeles has been the pioneering force
behind everything in entertainment and film, in particular.
Los Angeles is a region where you can drive to the mountains
and ski in the morning, then travel to the beach and surf in the afternoon. It
is truly an unbelievable city, with miles of glorious beach, gorgeous mountains,
interesting cultural centers and museums, extraordinary amusement parks, and of
course, plenty of movie studios. The Staples Center, just opened to the public
in 1999, is a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facility, where the Los
Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Kings play their respective professional sports
games. Concerts and marvelous events are held here as well, and this is only the
beginning of this diverse haven; a city that has been designed with the intent
to entertain.
Cabo San Lucas
At the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula,
where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez, lies the tropical paradise
known as Cabo San Lucas. Excellent weather, miles of magnificent public beaches
with crystal clear water, and championship golf courses set the mood for a
vacation that entices you to unwind and refresh.
Once sought after by migrating pirates for its safe harbors,
the Los Cabos (The Capes) area, and Cabo San Lucas in particular, is one of the
most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It has grown in recent decades to a
city of over 25,000, with many of its residents drawn to its rugged and
beautiful coastline, water-sports galore, and world-class golf resorts. Cabo is
particularly famous among the sport fishing crowd because of its year round
status as the Mecca of big game trophy fish.
No matter what the season, in Cabo San Lucas you can partake
in the thrill of hooking a blue or black marlin, sailfish, dorado or tuna. There
are also many great surfing opportunities in Cabo San Lucas. To add some
underwater excitement to your stay in this beautiful city, go on a deep-sea
diving adventure, where you can see spectacular gardens of black coral reefs,
gorgeous sea turtles, and sand waterfalls.
The legendary spirited nightlife of Cabo San Lucas, as well
as the wonderful fresh seafood served in its charming restaurants, also
highlights this wonderful city. Shopping for creative Mexican arts and crafts,
or spending the day out on a glittering white sand beach, are other ways that
you can enjoy your peaceful stay here. It is no wonder that visitors return
again and again!
Acapulco
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers came across the Bay of Acapulco and were captivated by its naturally protected shores and beautiful surroundings. Today, Acapulco remains a stunning Mexican hideaway that caters to all the needs of the modern tourist.
Acapulco is by far the largest, most opulent of all the resort cities in Mexico. An endless variety of dining, entertainment, and sporting options are available in town, assuring that you will never run out of things to do while visiting. In addition, it is quite close to the resort cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo; two destinations providing a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of Acapulco.
Acapulco is the ideal location for either a relaxing or an exciting day under the sun. A typical day on the bay will find you spending the majority of your time outdoors. With an average temperature of 80 degrees, Acapulco enjoys some of the finest year-round weather in the world. While spending the day on a beautiful beach, you can either lie peacefully, soaking in the sun's rays, or instead enjoy the many adventurous water sports offered in Acapulco. Some of these water sports include scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and water skiing. In addition, you should not miss La Quebrada, where daring cliff divers take a 130 feet plunge into the ocean. Other sites you should see is the beautiful vegetated lagoon of Coyuca, the historical Fuerte de San Diego, built to protect Acapulco from dangerous pirates in 1616, or a glass bottom boat where you can view the submerged Virgin of Guadalupe on the ocean floor off Roqueta Island.
At the end of a tiring, sun-splashed day, head over to Pie de la Cuesta and watch the beautiful sunset. Once the sun is down, Acapulco turns into a city of the night. There are delicious cafes, shops, boutiques, and lively clubs throughout the charming streets of Acapulco.
Huatulco
Bahias de Huatulco is located on the gorgeous coast of Oaxaca in Mexico. This region is beautiful and bursting with activity, and the bays of Huatulco encompass over thirty tropical beaches. The entire community is, in essence, a beach, so you will never be far from the sparkling sea and the warm, shimmering sand. There are a couple of outstanding restaurants in the vicinity, and the shopping here is limited but still enjoyable. The Museo de Artesanias Oxaquenas is an extraordinary museum where you can watch artistic geniuses at work. Huatulco's popularity is increasing, but some tourists remain hesitant to visit because of the unfinished appearance of the area. It is not nearly as built up as Cancun or Mazatlan, but there is a certain allure that is unique to Huatulco. In fact, many seasoned travelers prefer the rustic look of Huatulco to the other more commercialized areas of Mexico.
The bays can be toured by boat, and while viewing the spectacular sunset, you may want to engage in some fishing, followed by dinner consisting of your fresh catch. If you would rather enjoy a meal at one of the local establishments, some excellent choices exist. The crystal clear waters of Huatulco are perfect for swimming, and a wide array of water sports is at your disposal. The coast of Oaxaca is largely uninhabited, and there are trails all around the bays of Huatulco that are ideal for exploration.
Puerto Quetzal
The quetzal is more than just a Guatemalan bird. It's a national symbol and a source of pride. The colorful male quetzal, with his red chest, blue neck, head and wings, and an exceptionally long tail, is so revered in the country that Guatemala's currency bears its name. The new port of Puerto Quetzal also bears its name.
Puerto Quetzal was built to replace the aging port of San Jose. Puerto San Jose used to be a very important port along the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, industry began moving through different areas and San Jose began to show its age. Rather than upgrade San Jose, the Guatemalan government decided to construct a new port right down the coast. Construction began in 1983, but complications delayed completion until 1984.
Puerto Quetzal has become the destination of choice for historians interested in looking at ancient Mayan ruins. The ancient city of Tikal is nearby, and its ruins are remarkably well preserved. Once you've seen the ruins, take it easy along Guatemala's Pacific shore. The beaches here attract Guatemalans from all over the country.
Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa
Just four miles separate Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, but the
history and experiences of these two towns on Mexico's West Coast are far from
alike. One is centuries old, while the other's entire history can be measured
in decades. But both are sure to captivate your interest.
Zihuatanejo's name is derived from the Nahuatl dialect. It
means "Place of Women," and is derived from Calzonzin, the ancient
Taraskan King who would bring his many wives here for some relaxation and
recreation.
In the 17th Century, Chinese ships carrying
Oriental treasures would stop here on their way to New Spain, only to find they
were unwelcome visitors, as pirates robbed them of their riches. Of course,
visitors now are more than welcome to explore Zihuatanejo's small village
charm and rustic setting.
For those seeking an all-inclusive tourist experience, Ixtapa
is the place for you. In the 1970?s, Mexico's Federal Government sought a
tourist-friendly site and found everything they needed just north of Zihuatanejo.
White sand beaches and white rocky islands made for a pristine vista. They again
chose a word from the Nahauatl dialect, naming their new nirvana Ixtapa, or
"the white place."
Having two cities so close together geographically yet so
different in character is advantageous for the traveler looking for a little of
everything. Take a nature hike along Zihuatanejo's coastline and see parts of
Mexico unchanged since pre-colonial times. Visit a mango or coconut plantation,
or observe the tranquility of local fishing villages. Then, when you're tired
of roughing it, allow yourself to be treated to every amenity you can fathom in
Ixtapa. Play a round of golf at one of two world-class golf courses, and enjoy
the breathtaking vistas afforded here.
Shopping and dining options are plentiful in both towns. But
once you get here, you'll know that the main attraction of Zihuatanejo and
Ixtapa is the beautiful white-sand beaches. From Zihuatanejo's Playa La Ropa
to Ixtapa's Playa Palmar, relaxation is the key word here. Let your cares fade
away with the setting sun, and enjoy.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a land of gorgeous sandy beaches, majestic
mountains, and small-town allure. Located in the heart of the Mexican Riviera, a
beautiful stretch of coastline running from Mazatlan to Manzanillo, Puerto
Vallarta is second only to Cancun in its popularity with tourists.
The city of Puerto Vallarta traces its history back to the
1500's, when it was first visited by Spanish explorers. Later, migrating
Mexicans and even pirates added their individuality to this unique city. Today
Puerto Vallarta remains a place enriched with history and culture, welcoming all
people to join in its beauty. Puerto Vallarta offers its visitors a wide range
of lovely hotels, inns, resorts and restaurants, which are sure to fit any
budget. Tours are offered year round to sites such as Los Arcos and Huichol
Indian villages. Kids will find places to explore and learn about around every
corner of this Mexican paradise. Puerto Vallarta is alive with the feeling of
"old Mexico". It is not rare to see donkeys roaming the streets and
artfully designed homes reminiscent of days long past.
While areas of Puerto Vallarta can make you feel as if you
have entered early 20th century Mexico, only walking distance away,
the same city offers the feeling of a modern world-class resort with all the
amenities of home. The city's 26 miles of coastline offer some of the most
beautiful beaches in the world, with plenty of boardwalk on which to stroll or
browse the wares of the street vendors, who always offer something unique as a
reminder of this beautiful and historic city.
In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has also gained a reputation
as being a prime area to take part in many adventurous "ecotourism"
activities. Outfitters are springing up all over town, providing the necessary
equipment and expertise to enjoy a day of mountain biking, sea kayaking, and
deep-sea diving.
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