Stunning Zicatela Beach

Zicatela, Puerto Escondido, located in southwestern Mexico, is an old fishing village transformed into a surfer's paradise. Choose to board surf or body surf, there are lots of little coves to escape from the tourist crowds. You can enjoy delicious fresh seafood beachside and watch the sun set. Zicatela is becoming more developed every time we visit, but it has a cutesy, arty feel to it. The larger city of Puerto Escondido is walking distance away offering larger shops, pharmacies, and open markets.

Cons -  Both beaches are hot and humid in the summer which can be unbearable. On the one hand, Caleta is wonderfully undeveloped, but one could feel isolated, especially if you don't speak Spanish and services are limited. For the conveniences of banking and medical, one must travel 40 miles away to Lazaro Cardenas, which could get old after a while. Zicatela is a hopping place with lots of action and a focus on being hip. It is close to Puerto Escondido, but that city is not nearly as colorful or intriguing and there is city traffic.

Four Books on Mexico, One Low Price

Stately, sedate Zacatecas

Zacatecas is a World Heritage site with historical classic Colonial buildings, walking streets, tours, museums, and pleasant plazas. There are excellent Mexican and international restaurants. Quality silver and leather shops are found throughout the city. Easy transport to and from major Mexican and U.S. cities via airport or bus is a plus. 

Cons - In the highlands of Mexico the temps can be cold during winter, in the mornings or in the evenings. Like San Francisco, the streets have a steep slope and there are many steps to climb. If you are handicapped or have health issues with your back or legs, this might present an uncomfortable problem for you. High altitude might also be a consideration. The city is upscale and more pricey.

As Mexican as you can get, Jerez, Mexico

Some say Jerez is the most Mexican town in all of Mexico, and is an hour away from Zacatecas. This easy-to-navigate town has lots of shops, and offers clean, simple living that is family oriented and traditional. Everyone seems friendly in that small-town-sort-of-way and locals are eager to make conversation and engage with strangers. Streets are walkable and not steep like either Zacatecas or Guanajuato, with shops and grocery stores easily accessible on foot or by bus.

Cons - There are no great ruins, no international cuisine and if small town charm doesn't do it for you, you will be bored within minutes. There are cultural events, theater and music, but there isn't a heavy emphasis on this side of life.

Hip, happening, artistic Guanajuato

Guanajuato is another World Heritage site and is a photographer’s paradise. This city is cosmopolitan and offers a full variety of restaurants, entertainment, fabulous scenery and culture. Guanajuato teems with vitality, history and the influence from the students of the University. Every turn of the corner offers you a photographic opportunity and is a goldmine for sketching or watercolor topics. Pricing for lodging and food is available in all ranges and transport to, from and around the city is easy. Lots of free theater and concerts.

Four Books on Mexico, One Low Price

Cons - Guanajuato is also located in the highlands of Mexico and can be cold in the mornings and evenings. Altitude may pose a problem and streets are steep and winding.

Tropical and historic Merida

Many people love Merida which is located on the Yucatan Peninsula. It has the region's best museums, and is only 22 miles to the Gulf of Mexico Coast. There are lots of affordable places to eat and thriving markets. If you want to see the pyramids of  Chichen Itza, you can come and go in one day if you would like. The Maya ruins of Tulum are reachable in a day but seeing them is not a day trip. There is gorgeous Colonial architecture, sweet barrio churches, wide boulevards and a very active main Plaza with mimes, shops and entertainment. Upscale hotels, restaurants and outdoor cafes can entertain you for hours.

Expats who live here enjoy the historical culture and social activities. Merida also boasts of many regional hospitals and medical centers offering full services for the city, the whole Yucatan Peninsula and for neighboring states.

Cons - Hot and congested with belching traffic, Merida is a city of almost a million inhabitants and has humid, tropical climate.

----

From stunning beaches, to highland mountain towns, cultural World Heritage sites to local small town charm, Mexico offers something for everyone.