Page 6 - Travel Advisors of Los Gatos – Fall 2016

In sUnnY MeXICO, tHe FUn never stOPs
By Judie Karhan
Mexico’s sparkling blue seas, warm climate
and long stretches of white-sand beaches lure travelers who are intent on basking in the sun and hopping from restaurants to lively nightclubs in the evening. Yet, there is a deeper, more compelling side to this country.
With its ancient Mayan history, architectural wonders and rich cultural heritage, Mexico presents travelers with a colorful palette of options for exploration and adventure. Journey into the jungles of the Yucatan to investigate the world of the ancient Maya. experience Baja’s rugged terrain on a four-wheel atv. snorkel, scuba or kayak in the secluded las Caletas nature preserve at Banderas Bay in Puerto vallarta. there is much to experience in Mexico – whether your travels take you to the Caribbean Sea or the shores of the Pacific Ocean – you may find yourself planning the next visit before you even leave.
With scores of luxury resort hotels and an array of sports activities, including world-class golfing, horseback riding, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, the fun never stops in Mexico’s sunny seaside resort towns.
Cancun & the Mayan Riviera
Once a sleepy fishing village, Cancun has become Mexico’s premier resort destination on the Yucatan Peninsula. Its main strip, Boulevard Kukulcan, is lined with dazzling hotels, restaurants, clubs and shopping complexes. Its beaches are picture perfect.
Cancun lies in close proximity to Isla Mujeres, Xcaret, Cozumel, Xel-ha and tulum, so taking
an excursion is a must. Just a ferry ride away, Isla Mujeres is known for its cave diving, while some of the best reef exploration is found in Cozumel. the eco- archaeological park of Xcaret is a Mayan playground of beautiful coves, inlets and grottos. Here, you’ll find
beaches, a dolphin area and an aquarium.
Cancun sits on approximately 2,000 archaeological
sites and is known as the gateway to the Mayan world. the ruins of tulum, perched high on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean, include several excellent examples of Mayan architecture. not far away is Coba, an ancient city situated along five lakes. There are more than 6,500 structures at Coba, many of them temples and pyramids, though only a few have been fully uncovered.
approximately a four-hour drive from Cancun lies the most spectacular of the Mayan sites, Chichen Itza. settled by the Itza around a.d. 868, the site offers some of the most amazing remaining examples of Mayan architecture.
Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast
at the tip of Baja California sur you
will find the dual destination of Los Cabos. tranquil san Jose del Cabo retains the look and vibe of an authentic Mexican town. Cobblestone streets, intimate restaurants and boutiques occupy the central main square and mission church. Conversely, rambunctious Cabo san lucas is known for its funky bars and the slick luxury avenue Mall centered around the town’s marina.
Familiarly known as land’s end, as it is the last piece of land in the Baja California Peninsula, los Cabos is where the sapphire sea of Cortez meets desert and mountains. a 17-mile stretch of highway connects this popular resort town with
san Jose del Cabo, and offers views of the
dramatic, mountain-framed coastline. along
the Corridor sprawl the luxury resorts, spas and championship golf courses for which los Cabos has become famous. the Corridor is also home to some of the area’s best beaches for water sports. Medano beach, located on the end of the Corridor where Cabo san lucas begins, is the epicenter for party and play.
to the far south of los Cabos lies picturesque Puerto vallarta. In large part, Puerto vallarta’s allure stems from its old-world charm, from the cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea-covered houses to the local fishermen selling the day’s catch just moments after docking their boats. still, within steps of the quaint reminders of days gone by, visitors find modern resort-style hotels, busy shops, restaurants and bars.
during Hollywood’s Golden age, scores of palatial homes sprang up in Puerto vallarta. For a closer look at a piece of Hollywood history, head for Gringo Gulch in the historical part of Puerto vallarta’s downtown area. named after the hundreds of expatriates from the United states who settled in the area in the 1950s, it is also famous for being the setting of “the night of the Iguana.”
With more than 300 days of sun per year and an average temperature of 77 degrees, Puerto vallarta also makes an ideal beach vacation destination, with miles of sandy beaches and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
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FALL 2016