Mexico is a country that has always occupied a special place among the world's most popular tourist destinations. Its many treasures are of course known and loved by the countless thousands of people who have already experienced them, but Mexico has a way of enticing even those who have not had the opportunity to visit the country yet.

There are several places in Mexico that have contributed to the charm and allure of the country, among them: Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Mexico City. All of these have done their share in building the "Mexico mystique" and are definitely some of the more worthwhile places to visit in the country. There is however another area that somehow stands apart from all the rest and that is the area known as Baja California.

Baja California is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean from the southern end of California. As you may well imagine given this location, Baja California is gifted with spectacular seascapes, making it an ideal destination for myriad different water based leisure activities. In fact, the area has attracted thousands of surfers and sailing enthusiasts over the years, in addition to the hordes of college students from the U.S. who have made Baja California their unofficial home away from home during spring break.

The water is by no means the only place to have fun in Baja California. In fact, with the sheer number of things to do and places to see, you may find yourself overwhelmed if you try to take them all in! The best thing to do is to plan your visit around one or two major activities-diving or whale watching for example-and plan for smaller, shorter deviations throughout your stay. Of course, if you are up to the challenge you may just decide to see as much of the area as you possibly can!

We've already mentioned the water and how much fun you can have in or around it: there's scuba diving, fishing, wind surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and even just lounging around in the sun and sand. There are other things to do in Baja California without even having to get wet however. For starters, there is cycling or even mountain biking. The highway that stretches from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas is a particularly popular route and attracts many cyclists every year. If you are interested in traveling the less beaten path, there are numerous dirt road trails all over La Paz, Loreto, San Jose del Cabo and Todos Santos that will test the limits of both you and your bike! Of course if you want to get around at a slower pace, you can always go for a hike on the many trails in the San Pedro Martir National Park or in the Sierra Lagunas.

We've only just begun to scratch the surface of all the treasures that lie in wait for you in Baja California. Visiting this naturally rich and diverse spot will surely unearth a lot more for you to discover.

Baja California Mexico real estate, 45 luxury beachfront condominiums in Real del Mar just 18 miles from the San Diego border.

By: Mikhail Tuknov
Baja California Mexico real estate, 45 luxury beachfront condominiums in Real del Mar just 18 miles from the San Diego border.

Submitted by:
Paul Shad
Travel Destinations from Knowledge Is Power

Quaint, as defined by Webster and others, means unusual or old fashioned in a pleasing way, with a charming old fashioned quality, or oddly picturesque.

Some will say that Puerto Vallarta is a quaint or picturesque city due to the thousands of whitewashed villas, condos, and other buildings nestled among the Sierra Madre hillsides surrounding Banderas Bay along the Pacific Ocean coastline. Others might attribute the quaintness of Vallarta to the many nearby inlets and coves where the old fishing pangas are docked with their resident pelicans waiting for dinner or perhaps to the beach vendors selling their colorful blankets, sculptures, and artwork.

Viewing the crafts of local artisans while strolling along the seafront promenade, referred to as the malecon, or visiting the hundreds of curio and souvenir shops gives many tourists the feeling of being in a quaint little Mexican fishing village. For others, the optimum feeling of being in a quaint little Mexican village or relaxing in Paradise is derived from sipping margaritas or cervezas in one of the many beachfront cantinas or restaurants while watching the magnificent sunsets.

Although the city has reached the size of St. Louis with 350,000 inhabitants, it still possesses the atmosphere of a small village where everyone seems to know each other. Residents often consider Vallarta to be charming in an old fashioned way due to the friendliness of its people; where everyone that you meet is readily open to new friendships as recently revealed when surveyed readers of Conde Nast magazine voted Puerto Vallarta the friendliest resort destination in the world.

With the above being said, some of us tend to find the quaintness of Vallarta to be most closely associated with granite; yes, granite!

Located on the same latitude as Hawaii, Puerto Vallarta lies at the extreme western end of the Mexican Trans-Volcanic Axis range; a mountain range extending across the entire country of Mexico consisting of 38 volcanoes that were formed during the late-Pleistocene age. Twelve of these volcanoes are still considered to be active, i.e., they have erupted at least once during the past 10,000 years, however only a few of these remain quite active at this time. When they were originally formed, they spewed their molten lava or magma containing all sorts of igneous materials throughout the area, with granite being one of the most commonly formed igneous rocks.

The entire region of central Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, is laden with granite; so much so, that granite counter tops are more common in Vallarta than are those of Formica! In addition to huge granite rocks, there are obviously millions of smaller granite rocks in the area; many of which lie at the bottom of the ocean, bay, and in river beds. As these smaller underwater granite rocks are tossed and turned by wave action over long periods of time, they are reduced in size, their edges are smoothly rounded off, and they become cobblestones. During the evenings in Vallarta when the surf is active, you can hear the rumbling sound of millions of cobblestones as they move in and out with the wave action.

These 3" to 10" granite cobblestones have a myriad of usages; commonly being associated with the construction of buildings, walls, and fences, and most importantly, the paving of roads.

Although there is no shortage of road construction materials in Mexico with CEMEX, headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, being the world's largest supplier of building materials and the world's third largest cement producer, cobblestone is still the material of choice for road building in Puerto Vallarta. The hard granite cobblestone paved roads provide flexibility to traffic and earth movement, are permeable to water, and are simple to repair. Granted, they're not the best on shock absorbers and you can forget about riding your bicycle around town! Residents of Vallarta are accustomed to the uneven road surfaces but as a fair warning to first time visitors, please use caution when strolling through the city; it's relatively easy to sprain an ankle if you're not paying attention to where you're walking on the cobblestone streets.

Perhaps more significantly than the benefits listed above, cobblestone roads preserve the quaintness of Vallarta. With more than 90% of the local streets and roads paved with cobblestones, it is probably the first thing that most locals as well as tourists think of when considering the qualities that make Vallarta one of the most beautiful resort destinations in the world.

With all the conveniences of modern day life available in Vallarta, including satellite TV, high speed internet service, and internet based telecommunications, we still hear the familiar sound of horses' hooves clip clopping on the cobblestone street in front of our mountainside villa as the ranchers from high on the mountain carry their goods to town on a daily basis.

Peering over the poolside terrace, we see the cobblestone streets below that wind their way down the mountain, all appearing to terminate near the bay. What a glorious site; a 180° view of Banderas Bay, El Centro, the native flora and fauna of the Sierra Madres, the whitewashed and pastel colored villas below with their red tile roofs, and yes, the cobblestone streets winding between them. It just doesn't get much more picturesque or quainter than that!

In summarizing, among the many unique characteristics that Vallarta has to offer, its picturesque cobblestone streets have to be at or near the top of everyone's list. Perhaps Vallarta is no longer a sleepy little Mexican fishing village, but due to its abundance of granite cobblestone streets, it does retain its status as being one of the most beautifully quaint resort destinations in the world.

By: James Scherrer
Jim Scherrer is a retired entrepreneur from Houston, has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 24 years, and has made Vallarta his permanent residence for the past ten years. He founded Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Buyers´ Agents (PVREBA), whose mission is to reveal all the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living in Mexico. PVREBA acts exclusively as buyers´ agents by introducing North Americans to Vallarta, showing them properties that meet their needs and budgets, and assisting them through the foreign buying process, with all payments made by the listing agents. For the full series of 30 articles regarding Retirement in Puerto Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at http://www.pvreba.com/ and click on ARTICLES.

Submitted by:
Barry Arcant
Legal Resources And Services

As the largest protected area in the Mayan Riviera and esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sian Ka'an has been the region's premier nature and outdoor recreation destination since it opened 20 years ago. With nearly one-third of Mexico's Caribbean coast dominated by the park, there is also no shortage of nature to explore. Located just south of Cancun near the ancient city of Tulum, Sian Ka'an offers some of the best daytrip opportunities for tourists staying in Cancun.
As the park's name is taken from a Mayan phrase meaning "where the sky is born," it is no surprise that Sian Ka'an is also home to numerous historical sites. Human remains and artifacts found within the largely unexcavated Mayan sites in Sian Ka'an have been traced back over 2,300 years. In addition to the 23 distinctive archeological sites in the park, it is believed that the northern section of Sian Ka'an contains a once-vibrant Mayan trade route. When you visit the park, you will be able to see ancient Mayan temples resting undisturbed amongst the beauty of the natural environment. In fact, several tour operators visit these sites as part of active kayaking and hiking tours, allowing visitors to experience the best of both worlds.

Despite such fascinating history, the true value of Sian Ka'an rests in the fact that the park is one of the most biologically diverse preserves on earth. In fact, within the boundaries of the park, researchers have found 103 unique mammal species and 336 different species of birds. Unlike anywhere else in the world, Sian Ka'an allows visitors to experience several types of natural habitats in a single day. While touring the park, these are just a few of the unique natural habitats that tourists can explore:

* Coral Reef - Along the Caribbean coastline, Sian Ka'an protects over 60 miles of the world's second largest barrier reef system. Besides offering unparalleled diving and sightseeing opportunities, the park's coral reef protects a number of endangered aquatic species.

* Beaches - Four species of endangered sea turtles use the Caribbean beaches of Sian Ka'an as a nesting ground during the summer months. These unspoiled stretches of sand also grant visitors a great opportunity to see many nesting sea birds in their natural habitat.

* Wetlands - The greatest ecological diversity in the park is found in the wetlands. As the classification of wetlands includes such diverse environments as grassy savannas, nutrient-rich swamps and four distinct species of mangrove, these areas are of particular interest to tourists and researchers alike.

* Tropical Forests - The majority of the park's mammal populations are found in the tropical forests. Found inland from the Caribbean coast and the wetlands areas in the western portion of Sian Ka'an, the tropical forests provide many of the favorite sites for visiting nature lovers.

* Lagoons - Supplied by the immense underground waterways beneath the Yucatan peninsula, the numerous lagoons found in Sian Ka'an are home to many unique species. Near the coastline, ocean water mixes with fresh water to support crocodiles and wading birds. Further inland, the fresh water lagoons connect to the underground rivers through cenotes. These large sinkholes found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula have long been popular destinations with divers and water sport enthusiasts.

* Hummocks - The most unique of Sian Ka'an's environments, these forests are found only in Florida's Everglades, parts of Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula. Known locally as petenes, this particular type of hummock habitat is defined by isolated forests surrounded by swamps or other wetlands. Much like true forests, these tropical hummocks support an incredible diversity of plant and animal life - including exotic birds and mammals.

Many local tour companies and ecological organizations lead groups through the park's diverse habitats each day. One such group is the Centro Ecologico Sian Ka'an (CESiaK), an organization created to educate both locals and visitors about all aspects of the park's environment. In addition to the opportunity to learn about the environment, visitors can participate in tours that feature a number of outdoor sports. From snorkeling and swimming in the park's rivers and cenotes to hiking and bird watching in the tropical forests, Sian Ka'an provides the perfect daytrip for the adventurous tourist.

If you want to experience the natural beauty and incredible history of the Yucatan Peninsula while in Cancun, you won't find a better destination than Sian Ka'an. Make the journey to "where the sky is born" and immerse yourself in one of the most vibrant natural environments in the world

By: Justin Burch
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about vacationing in the Caribbean for the Cancun Mexico Resort.

Submitted by:
George Snedrow
Reverse Phone Directory

Ships cruising to the Western Caribbean often stop at the beautiful island of Cozumel, which is located just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Here, there are fabulous sights to see and enjoy, both above the water as well as below the surface. Whether you want to explore the long history of the area at the sites of the Mayan ruins, or enjoy a more modern beach day complete with parasailing and wave runners, there is something for everyone on the island of Cozumel.

The island of Cozumel was a religious destination from Mayan pre-history. While cruising the Caribbean, this is the only port where you will see ruins dating from before Columbus ‘discovered’ the New World. When the Spanish Conquistadores arrives, the island’s substantial population was destroyed. Settlers returned in the 1800s, and rubber was cultivated in the area. Nowadays, tourism is a major factor in the island's economy, fueled by the beautiful beaches and the second-largest coral reef formation in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

The island of Cozumel is chock full of fun things to do, or you can take the ferry to the mainland to expand your options. Wherever you decide to spend your time, you are sure to find beautiful beaches and ancient ruins as you experience the colorful Mexican culture.
On Cozumel, you can arrange to swim with the dolphins, go parasailing, enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the world renowned diving and snorkeling, visit Mayan ruins, find great shopping, or sign up for shore excursions to everything from scuba and fishing to seeing the island on a Segway. Across on the mainland of the Yucatan peninsula, you can take a bus ride to the spectacular seaside ruins of Tulum, visit the unique ecological parks of Xel-ha or Xcaret, or explore the beaches and caverns of the Mexican mainland.

By: Stephanie Larkin
Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.CruiseLinesandPorts.com, as well as WaltDisneyCruise.net. She and her family love to cruise - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on the beds at night!

What makes Cozumel such an attractive holiday spot? Well, it does have a lot going for it so read on to find out more. Firstly, while it is in Mexico, it is an island. It is full of family activity things and yet is has enough romance for lovers to enjoy themselves fully. This place has a broad range of enjoyable qualities and therefore makes it a great spot for any kind of vacation. You never know what you will get here as it is a place marked for its air of naturalness and liveliness.

Cozumel is renowned for being a great diving spot. If you want to experience scuba diving or you are an avid snorkeler then you'll enjoy the amazing marine life. The coral reefs around the island make for a beautifully picturesque underwater experience that is full of aquatic life. There are professionals who will help guide novices and ensure that divers of diverse skill levels will enjoy a safe diving experience. The Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is responsible for the protection of this under water habitat and they have ensured that everything is well taken care of.

Santa Rosa, Punta Sur and Palancar are some of the more famous spots for scuba diving. Snorkeling can be done at practically any of the beaches, some of which are nice and quiet and secluded. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park offers to tourists a whole lot of amenities such as lockers, restrooms and umbrellas apart from their tours and activity packages. If you're looking for restaurants, massages and shopping you will find it at Playa Uvas. After all, a day at the beach is no longer about just a little sun and sand.

How about some sightseeing? The old Mayan world has left its traces in the old districts of San Gervaiso. The ancient Temple of El Cedral is one of the oldest buildings you will ever find. El Caracol was a structure used to signal the coming for hurricanes and dates to about 1000 years ago. So, as you can see, there are more options on this island apart from your traditional beach activities.

Vacations often bring out the shopper in us (while there are some of us who never let that side of us ever hide any way.) There are a host of exotic goods so come prepared with luggage space to cart home your purchases. Goods in leather, pottery, textiles, jewelry, etc are all available and you should be ready to haggle and you'll find good bargains easily. You can also pick up stuff like vanilla and liquor to take back home. Golf courses, horse-back riding and visiting museums are some of the many things you could do.

This is a really photogenic place with wonderful vistas. You should definitely carry your camera and watch out for beautiful shots from the Punta Sur Lighthouse. Crocodiles, Iguanas and Giant Turtles are on view at times as well. There are a variety of places to stay at a variety of rates. No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for, you are bound to enjoy it in Cozumel.

By: Rita Lambros-Segur
http://www.acmemexicovacations.com.