The coastal cities of Mexicoeach an exotic port of callhave distinct cultural and historical flavors and unique attractions. You can visit the exquisite Sun Triangle, where the beauty of the beaches and the reknown sunsets form a backdrop to casinos, restaurants and the excitement of Mexican nightlife. Or you can travel to fishing villages where time moves at a relaxed pace. These cities make a vacation in Mexico truly special.
Puerto Vallarta was little more than a sleepy fishing village prior to its 1964 silver screen debut in "The Night of the Iguana." Surrounded by a mountain range on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful, scenic resort. People from all over the world flock to Puerto Vallarta for their vacation, and once you''ve seen the world-class resorts and cobblestone streets, you''ll know why.
Ixtapa, Mexico and its close neighbor, Zihuatanejo, are a study in contrasts. With its golden sands, elegant trappings, and palm-studded beaches, Ixtapa is a luxurious destination. At the other end of the spectrum is the old fishing village of Zihuatanejo, a port of call where cruise ships anchor.
Legend has it that an ancient king chose this port to build a safe place for maidens to swim, hence the meaning of "Zihuatanejo" in the Nahualt language: "Place of Women." Here you will find shops selling local crafts, silver and pottery, and restaurants serving fish and other sea delicacies to delight every palate.
Meaning "place of reeds" in the ancient Nahuatl tongue, Acapulco marks a place where a legendary prince who could not consummate his love cried himself into a mud pond. When his love found him, she turned herself to water and melted into the mud to lie with her prince for all eternity.
While you might be able to find some mud and water in Acapulco, the city has developed into an oasis of glamour and luxury. It has become the playground of the rich and famous (and infamous), and the diamond of Mexico''s crown jewels of tourism. From its casinos and nightlife to the natural beauty of its beaches and the famed La Quebrada cliff divers, this resort town offers pleasures of all descriptions for those cruising to Acapulco to experience the vibrant and exciting side of Mexico.
Cabo San Lucas, on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, has a special beauty that results from the merging of the waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. Framed by the dramatic seascape of rock arches marking Land''s End, the blue waters are a renowned playground for whales.
Both Manzanillo and Mazatln offer a unique blend of the rustic charm of old Mexico, unspoiled beaches and first class resorts. In Mazatln, world-class sports fishing for sailfish and marlin are year-round activities. Manzanillo combines luxury with a remoteness that speaks of the natural beauty of Mexico.
No matter which ports you choose, Mexico can offer you a vacation to remember.