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Are you dreaming of relaxing on Mexico's Pacific Coast and discovering a little-known culinary and historical culture? Then set your sights on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit.
This destination is a paradise for discriminating tourists in search of spectacular landscapes and a thousand-year-old culture. You'll fall under the spell of welcoming locals with their incomparable sense of hospitality. You'll also enjoy a vast array of activities at 2009's hottest destination.
This month, we'll be suggesting an itinerary in which each stop will reveal an aspect of this beautiful part of the world. We'll have all kinds of advice to help you put together an itinerary that will take in some of Mexico's finest beaches, best hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as handicrafts and small museums.
Riviera Nayarit is Mexico's new flagship destination. Flanked by the Sierra Madre Mountains, it extends along 310 kilometres of Pacific coast and is easily accessible from the international airport in Puerto Vallarta. The coast along Nayarit State includes the magnificent complexes in Nuevo Vallarta, the colonial city of San Blas, the fishing village of Punta Mita, the surfing beach at Sayulita, as well as numerous as-yet undiscovered villages.
Riviera Nayarit offers a vast choice of activities, including world-class spas and PGA golf courses. It's also an ideal place to observe whales, birds and sea turtles. Riviera Nayarit offers both traditional Mexican and international cuisine, along with a variety of indigenous cultures and vibrant handicrafts.
Starting out from Nuevo Vallarta and travelling toward San Blas, you'll pass through the villages of Bucerias, Punta Mita, Sayulita, San Francisco and Rincón de Guyabitos and discover an unspoiled destination far from the hubbub and the crowds. |
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Toward Nuevo Vallarta
Stop 1: Arrive in style
Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort, the top hotel in Mexico and Central America
This first leg of the journey takes you to Nuevo Vallarta where you'll enjoy the outstanding Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort. The prestigious Condé Nast Publications has named it the best complex in Mexico and Central America, and it was twice named Best Hotel Spa.
Why was this hotel chosen from among 342 hotels and properties? Because it has everything you need to make your stay perfect. First, it's just 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta and offers 267 suites, larger spa suites and imperial suites with two or three beds and an ocean view. The Spa at Grand Velas is one of the best in the world, with 20 treatment rooms and a choice of 80 options, a fitness centre, a spa boutique and a beauty salon in a refined setting. It features sophisticated Mexican and European dining, as well as offering scores of activities and unique possibilities.
Enjoy a relaxing day to start you off on a journey of discoveries and delights.
Visit www.vallarta.grandvelas.com or call 1-877-398-2784.
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Toward Bucerias
Stop 2: Time to relax
Bucerias and Señor Iguana's restaurant
How about a different take on Mexico? That's what you'll find at Señor Iguana's, a restaurant run by Warren, a Canadian from Port Alberni BC, who'll show you just how welcoming Mexico can be. Sample delicious local fare and you'll feel like right at home even while on vacation.
For more information:
Señor Iguana
Miguel Hidalgo 2
Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tel. (329) 298-1656
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Toward La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and its fabulous marina
After your enjoyable meal, check out this small village 5 km from Bucerias. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle boasts a relaxing beach and a marina that's sure to please outdoor buffs.
This idyllic little village has one of the longest piers on the Pacific Coast, extending 2 kilometres out into the ocean. You'll feel like you're walking on water when you realize that half of the jetty is surrounded by the sea! The village is a favourite with many Canadians, and you'll find lots of shops, restaurants and bars to explore.
Don't forget to drop by the village centre to take a look at the outdoor theatre. Maybe you'll be able to catch a performance!
Find out more:
http://lacruzdehuanacaxtle.com/
Special tip for La Cruz de Huanacaxtle:
If you love fine baked goods, you'll swoon when you visit 18 Huachinango street. There, you'll find Sens, a grocery store
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offering myriad treats, including pan de ajo, romero, amapola and scone, that will make you appreciate this little village even more.
Find out more:
Sens
Huachinango 18
Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tel. (329) 295-6049 |
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Toward Punta Mita
Stop 3: Discover the Huichol legacy
Punta Mita and the new Hotel St. Regis
You can't take fully appreciate Punta Mita until you've had the pleasure of a stay at Hotel St. Regis. This hotel, which opened its doors in November 2008, is without a doubt one of the finest complexes of its kind, a haven of blissful relaxation.
The hotel's outstanding service will please even the most demanding traveller. Activities range from tennis and golf lessons to spa treatments. You'll have direct access to the beach, which will make you feel like you're in another world. Be one of the first to enjoy this exclusive experience.
Find out more:
www.starwoodhotels.com/
If you're looking for something different, we have two great hotel suggestions for you: the Four Seasons Resort and the Hotel des Artistes. Let yourself be charmed by these two fabulous sites.
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For more information:
Four Seasons
www.fourseasons.com/puntamita/
Hotel des Artistes
www.hoteldesartistesdelmar.com/
or
www.vacationpuntamita.com/home/homepage.html
Visit to a Huichol village
Mexico boasts an important ethnical culture which you can discover many activities. Nayarit culture comprises four distinct ethnic groups: the Huicholes, the Coras, the Tepehuanos and the Mexicaneros. This heritage is reflected in the rich culinary tradition with a wide variety of restaurants, many cultural events and festivals, and outstanding traditional art. Punta Mita is the site of a yearly winter the festival of the Huichol people.
A visit to a Huichol village is the perfect way to learn more about this group, considered one of the world's last indigenous cultures, living high in the Sierra Mountains behind Punta Mita.
You'll see fabric paintings and pearl jewellery made using time-honoured techniques. Through their art, the Huichol will teach you about the myths and legends that are part of their daily life. Don't miss this chance to experience a world you could never have imagined.
Find out more:
www.vacationpuntamita.com/activities/huichol-indian-village-tour.html
mapri.bizland.com/artyval/id6.html |
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Direction Sayulita
Stop 4: A lively diversion
Sayulita, surfers' paradise
This bohemian beach, a Mecca for surfers and water sports buffs, is one of Riviera Nayarit's must-sees. You'll discover a colourful and intriguing little community. Once you see the beach, with its fine sand, countless bird species and crystal-clear water, you won't be able to resist diving into the waves.
For surfing fans, there are competitions throughout the year. You can see some of the best national and international surfers as they go head to head. Don't miss it!
Find out more: www.redtag.ca/
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Tip for travellers with a craving for adventure:
Sayulita is known for its magnificent beach, but why not explore its lush vegetation and extensive protected areas? An ATV is the perfect way to explore these remote regions. Many local companies offer ATV rental services.
Take a two-and-a-half-hour trip and learn more about a world you've never seen before, with hundreds of plant and animal species living in a fragile ecological balance.
Find out more:
www.sayulitalife.com/business/atvtours |
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Toward San Pancho (formerly known as San Francisco)
San Pancho, isolated from the world
About 4 km from this beach is the village of San Pancho, which used to be called San Francisco. It's considered a polo capital, with its highly reputed club. And that's not all: you can go horseback riding in an idyllic setting and experience a newfound sense of freedom and relaxation.
Find out more:
www.designpv.com/polo/home.htm
For the curious, a little history:
From 1970 to 1976, the Mexican president at the time took an interest in this small village. Its residents dreamed of a creating a self-sufficient lifestyle. The president ordered the building of a fish-farming research centre, schools and a modern full-service hospital. The village has developed separately from other towns in the region. When you visit, you'll discover a very different worldview. Check it out: you won't be disappointed.
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Toward Rincón de Guayabitos
Stop 5: Observe the nature around you
Rincón de Guayabitos and Salvador's restaurant
Rincón de Guayabitos is renowned first and foremost for its amazing beach. Described as the hidden gem of Nayarit's beaches, this small town offers you all the facilities for taking advantage of an exceptional setting, with fishing and underwater diving in the clear waters off the coast.
Our restaurant suggestion for this unique village: Salvador's
This restaurant is the focal point for a lively evening, featuring a traditional menu, listening to Mexican songs. You'll meet both locals and foreigners with whom you can share your vision of Mexico.
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Find out more:
http://www.youtube.com/user/salvadorambriz
A remark about Rincón de Guayabitos
Many foreigners take a dim view of the way Mexicans treat the environment. In Rincón de Guayabitos, you'll see that this is unfounded. The locals do everything they can to preserve the spectacular riches that surround them. You'll also see that the preservation of this fragile balance is sometimes difficult and that the Mexicans succeed in giving you the full benefit of virtually unspoiled nature. A visit to La Tovara de San Blas will convince you. |
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Toward San Blaso
San Blas and La Tovara National Park
Wouldn't you love to see more than 250 species of birds as well as crocodiles? You'll be able to do so at the La Tovara reserve. San Blas is one of the largest winter bird sanctuaries along the Pacific coast and is visited by 80% of the Pacific migratory bird population. It's a true bird-watcher's paradise!
It you watch closely, you might spot a black-bellied whistling duck, great blue heron or roseate spoonbill, as well as endemic species such as the cinnamon hummingbird and the Mexican wood nymph. To come home with unforgettable memories, we suggest an excursion with Banderas Bay Tours & Travel, which offers special excursions to San Blas. Experienced guides will take you by boat through the mangrove swamps and wetlands, where you'll be able to observe baby crocodiles in the El Manantial de La Camelota reserve while learning more about the colonial history of San Blas.
It's an experience to not to be missed!
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To find out more:
www.banderasbaytravel.com/eng/san-blas.html
San Blas, quintessential colonial town
You'll love wandering the streets of San Blas. This town of 37,000 will welcome you with open arms and reveal its unusual charms. Be sure to stroll around the city centre and explore the many handicraft shops.
For sweeping views of the entire town, climb the tower of Fort San Basilio, built during the seventeenth-century colonial era on Mount Contaduria. You'll also see the ruins of a temple built in 1781, which still house a few crypts belonging to the Franciscans. It was the starting point for missionaries heading north. Admire the views of the surrounding area up to a 50-kilometre radius.
Find out more:
www.o-mexico.com/SanBlas.htm
Travel back in time with Hacienda Flamingos
Aficionados of colonial architecture will be thrilled to learn that this hotel was built in a 120-year-old hacienda. It's considered one of the finest establishments in San Blas, with 21 exclusive suites, a patio and garden, complete with relaxing fountain. Don't forget the amazing pool located in an idyllic setting that will transport you back to the colonial era. You'll appreciate how close it is to the village centre and the beach, and you won't want to leave the last hotel on our itinerary.
Find out more:
www.sanblas.com.mx/english/homepage.htm |
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Toward Puerto Vallarta
Final Stop 6
Here we are at the end of our trip. The closest airport to San Blas is in Puerto Vallarta, about 100 km from here. To enjoy the end of this fantastic trip, why not return by a different route than the one we have taken together, by taking a road through the interior. You'll see how breathtaking the views can be and marvel at the sudden, dramatic changes in the landscape.
Have a safe trip home.
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Vancouver- Mazatlán and Calgary- Mazatlán
Sunquest is adding Mazatlán, on Mexico's Pacific coast, to the summer 2009 program out of the west, with an expanded national winter program planned. This new charter program will commence on May 30 with flights out of Vancouver and Calgary, and will then expand with flights out of Edmonton, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Toronto starting next November, just in time for the start of the winter season. Sunquest will feature a variety of resorts in Mazatlán, including the brand new Riu Emerald Bay, which will open its doors on May 29.
This new beachfront resort, available exclusively from Sunquest, stands 18 storeys high, features a total of 710 rooms, enjoys a prime location on Emerald Bay and is 30 minutes from the shopping, dining and nightlife of Mazatlán's 'Zona Dorada'. Your clients can take advantage of a one in 11 group offer, available now, and free weddings, plus lots of things to see and do around the entire region, including bird watching, a jungle tour, a city tour of colonial Mazatlán, deep sea fishing and golf. Other resorts available from Sunquest will include Pueblo Bonito and the El Cid collection of resorts (El Cid Castilla Beach, El Cid Granada Country Club, El Cid El Moro Beach and El Cid Marina Beach).
For more information visit www.sunquestagent.ca and watch for Sunquest's 2009-2010 Southern Sun brochure, coming soon. |
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20 new mopeds in Mexico City centre
Twenty new mopeds will be taking to the streets of Mexico City's historic downtown centre. These new bike taxis will replace older bikes adapted for transporting passenger's downtown. The vehicles are similar to those in use in Barcelona and Amsterdam. Thanks to their hybrid drive and electric-assisted motor, drivers will no longer have to pedal and can transport passengers at speeds of 25 to 45 km/h. This new means of transportation is in addition to the metro, buses, cars and pedestrian access. The bike taxis will be available seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., within the area bounded by República de Perú, Izazaga, Circunvalación and Reforma. |
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Oaxaca, fashion capital
On April 3 and 4, Oaxaca will be the capital of ethnic fashion, with the presentation of the Etnofashion collections. During this exceptional event, the country's best stylists and designers will show how Mexico — and Oaxaca in particular — teems with world-class creativity. Designers including Pineda Covalin, Fabiola Calvo, Lolo y Lola and Cristina Larumbe will be featuring ethnic fashions in their 2009 spring-summer and 2010 fall-winter collections. You can see the work of each couturier and buy a piece from one of the collections, which will be on sale after the fashion show. |
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Mexico joins 2009 Earth Hour
At 8:30 p.m. on March 28, 2009, many cities around the world will turn off the lights for one hour with the aim of sending a clear message that everyone must assume responsibility for the environment. Starwood hotels and complexes are teaming up with this cause to reduce the amount of energy consumed by various services in the Westin Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, Westin Resort & Spa in Cancún and the Westin Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta. This is part of a green plan that has been implemented to protect the environment. Sheraton Hotels are also taking part in this initiative will be going so far as to serve "green" dishes that can be prepared without using electricity. |
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10 to 15% discounts from some Mexico City tourism companies
With the current global economic slump, Mexico City's tourism companies have decided to take action by lowering prices by 10 to 15% to hotels, restaurants, museums, and some flights! |
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The peso at its lowest level since 1993
The Mexican peso has lost one-third of its value, with an exchange rate of 14.52 pesos per Canadian dollar. This is good news for Canadians traveling to Mexico, who will have to spend less for excellent service.
Easy example: with 10 dollars, you can order a good meal and sit in a comfortable restaurant, which is not so easy in Canada... |
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Shared taxis at Mexico City International Airport
The Mexico City International Airport will be offering a shared taxi service on fixed and semi-fixed routes. The goal of this plan is to lower transportation costs by up to 30%. Shuttles with seating for 14 to 15 passengers or 40-seat buses will be used to transport about 1,400 individual passengers using this airport. |
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New developments at Intercontinental Hotel Group
In 2008, the Intercontinental Hotel Group opened 21 new hotels in Mexico. These openings are part of to open 62 hotels over the next three years, at a cost of $715 million. |
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What is really happening in Mexico?
Scott Sheehan, an independent regular traveller, is visiting popular destinations in Mexico and interviewing real consumers on their experiences. Interviews, pictures and stories are hosted on http://www.whatisreallyhappeninginmexico.com. The initiative will see Sheehan travel to and interview tourists in Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Acapulco. You can also visit the website http://www.mexico-update.com/index.jsp to understand better the situation in Mexico. |
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| Recipe of the month
Shrimp Empanadas
Sra. María Cruz de López, Boca de Camichin, Nayarit
Makes 12 empanadas
Full Story
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Planning a trip to Mexico?
Want to know more about what Mexico has to offer?
Call the Mexico Tourism Board at 1-800-44-MEXICO or visit our website. You may also contact our Canadian office at the corresponding number below:
| Toll-Free: 1-866-895-5297 |
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