Job Discussion Forums

[Essarro]

Hey all - I have been to Mexico several times but am not quite sure where I should go with my boyfriend who will only have about 4 nights to spend (next month). We're in California so I want to avoid too long of a flight for a short trip. He says he'd like a beach town, but I want to avoid something like Cabo San Lucas with Americans partying a lot, so he can get a better sense of the country's culture. It's been a while since I've been anywhere other than areas around Cuernavaca, where I lived 3 years ago. I used to go to Puerto Vallarta with my family and do remember liking it a lot. Despite lots of tourism, it seems to still have some charm to it. So I am trying to decide between PV, or a couple places I haven't been to- San Jose del Cabo, which I understand is a lot calmer than Cabo San Lucas, or Mazatlan, which I just saw an article about it being revamped. Do you have recommendations for a place that could give a newcomer a taste of Mexico's culture, good food, and a little fun couldn't hurt. Even somewhere off the coast if you think it's fabulous- thanks!

[Samantha]

Contrary to popular belief, Mazatl�n IS calm and will never be another Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or Cabo San Lucas. Easter is the exception as with all places along the ocean. Even Carnaval is not a problem if you avoid el Centro.

Tourism is not our main industry here. We have a working port city whose inhabitants rise early, and this city is much less expensive than Cabo or San Jose or any place on the Baja and many other places. There is something for everyone, such as 21 kms of beach and a beautiful new malecon (sea wall) to walk along and enjoy the ocean.

You will find Mazatlecans to be very good people. If you need travel suggestions, I would be happy to help you. There is an international airport here with plenty of flights and hotels can be found in all price ranges.

[MELEE]

I'm not sure what you mean by a long flight--to me Chicago-Osaka is a long flight .

But I can't say enough great things about Oaxaca. Either the Oaxacan coast, maybe LS650 can tell us more about Huatulco....
or the captial.
Recently a poster named Se�orMurphy spent his honeymoon in Oaxaca--partly on my recommendation.

In my opinion, August is not the best time to visit Oaxaca, there is a very good chance it will be pouring down rain, it is hurricane season. And July is kind of a flury of activity in Oaxaca City with the Guelaguezta, the Mescal fair, and many cultural activities. August is kind of sit back and catch your breath time for the locals. But you take vacation when you get it, right?

Oaxaca has just about everything that tourists think of when they think Mexico.
Great food? Check
Great Crafts? Check
Colonial Architecture? Check
Pre-hispanic ruins? Check
Friendly locals? Check
Forrests, beaches and natural attractions? Check
People dressed in traditional clothing? Check
Tourist infastructure (hotels, tours, restuarants, etc.) Check

There are lots of great web pages dedicated to visiting Oaxaca.

Enjoy your trip!

[Essarro]

Which town(s) in Oaxaca do you recommend? It is definitely on my list of places to go, though probably not on this trip.

[MELEE]

There is more than enough in Oaxaca City to keep a tourist busy for a month, let alone 4 days. It is easy to take side trips around the central valles and into the sierras from Oaxaca City.
Anyone considering visiting and or living in Oaxaca would do well to pick up the Moon Guide to Oaxaca, it's not perfect, but its a very good book, and will do well until I ever have enough time to write "MELEE's Guide to Oaxaca"

[Se�or Murphy]

Yes, our honeymoon was great! We particularly liked the fact that we were able to do such a variety of things and visit such different places all within the state of Oaxaca. We were there for 8 days, during which time we visited Oaxaca City, Mitla, Hierve el Agua, Santa Maria del Tule, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Ixtlan de Juarez! We spent the most time split between Oaxaca City and Puerto Escondido.

We also liked the fact that even though we met many other travelers, nothing felt too tourist-y, and we met so many friendly locals everywhere we went.

And yes, the Moon Oaxaca guide was very helpful.

If I were to go again, and only had four days I would pick either Oaxaca City and do whatever side trips from there or spend my the whole time at the coast (in our case Puerto Escondido)

By all means, let me know if I can answer any questions or share some of the great pics I took.

P.S. Thanks again Melee!