1

Tour Routes of Mexico: Trip Planning Tool OVERVIEW

STATES INCLUDED

INT’L AIRPORTS USED

IDEAL CLIENTS (beyond the obvious)

Wine Country, Sea of Cortés, Protected Islands, Desert Oasis, Beaches, Golf, Water Sports, Hiking, Luxury Accommodations, Gastronomy, Whale and Wildlife Viewing

Baja California, Baja California Sur

Tijuana (TIJ), Loreto (LTO), La Paz (LAP), Los Cabos (SJD)

Wine lovers, golfers, eco-enthusiasts, conservationists, divers, explorers, wanderers, free-spirits

This route is easily accessed at either its northern or southern end (Tijuana or Los Cabos). The entire route requires long surface travel between cities along the 1,000 km. long Baja Peninsula. Consider doing a circle day-trip from Los Cabos to La Paz and then back along the Pacific Coast (Todos Santos). Or fly into Loreto or La Paz and begin exploring on your own via rental car or deluxe bus.

Indigenous Culture, Rail Journey, Beaches, Hiking, Sport Fishing, Colonial Mexico, Villages, Water Sports, Gastronomy, Revolutionary Lore

Sinaloa, Chihuahua

Mazatlán (MZT), Los Mochis (LMM), Chihuahua (CUU)

Seniors, RV-ers, campers, history buffs, fisherpeople, hunters, rail aficionados

This is one of Mexico’s easiest routes to experience, since the Copper Canyon rail journey has been a popular attraction for decades. Consider beginning in either Mazatlán or Chihuahua City. The entire rail journey can be taken in one day, but stops along the way are customary. From the terminus point in Los Mochis, bus transport to Mazatlan is easy and affordable (six hours).

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS

1. WINE COUNTRY AND THE WORLD’S AQUARIUM This Route travels along our Baja California Peninsula and its two coasts, which attract different visitors in search of contrasting experiences. On the Pacific side, expect whales, the Guadalupe Valley vineyards, golf courses, marinas and pristine beaches. On the Sea of Cortés side you’ll find more than 230 individual islands, protected areas, a marine sanctuary, Jesuit missions and the Old Baja ambiance. In between: desert, mountains, cacti and oases. A trio of popular destinations (Loreto, La Paz, and Los Cabos) provides comfort, diverse dining opportunities, world-class golf, easy air access and varied resort amenities.

2. THE MILLENARY TARAHUMARA Here fascinating Amerindian cultures and Spanish Colonial heritage mingle with one of the world’s great train adventures and one of Mexico’s most popular beach destinations. The Route begins in Mazatlán with its great seafood, golden beaches, world-class fishing, restored historical center and a “Mexico by the Sea of Cortés” experience. Further north, a rail link between coastal Sinaloa and the highland deserts of Chihuahua take you through the mighty Copper Canyon. Four times larger than the Grand Canyon, this spectacular landscape is home to the oldest Amerindian culture in North America.

Cuidad Cuauhtémoc Creel 5 3

Los Mochis

2

7

6

Chihuahua

4 Barrancas del Cobre Bahuichivo Cerocahui El Fuerte 1

Tijuana Ensenada

1

2 3

Valle de Guadalupe 1

Tijuana

2

Valle de Guadalupe

33

Ensenada

4

Los Cabos

1

Mazatlán

5

La Paz

2

Los Mochis

6

Isla Espíritu Santo

33

Bahuichivo, Cerocahui, El Fuerte

7

Todos Santos

4

Barrancas del Cobre

5

Creel

6

Cd. Cuauhtémoc

7

Chihuahua

6

Todos Santos

Mazatlán

ROUTE 2

ROUTE 1

5

7

Los Cabos

4

Capula Tzintzuntzan Patzcuaro Santa Clara del Cobre 4 Zirahuen Tingabato Uruapan 5

3

Zihuatanejo Acapulco

ROUTE 3

Morelia 1 8

6

Isla Espíritu Santo La Paz

2

7

Xochimilco Cd. de México Tepoztlan Cuernavaca

Taxco

1

Xochimilco

2

Morelia

3

Capula, Tzintzuntzan, Patzcuaro

5

Sta. Clara del Cobre, Zirahuen, Tingabato Uruapan

6

Zihuatanejo y Acapulco

4

7

Taxco y Cuernavaca

8

Ciudad de México

Tour Routes of Mexico: Trip Planning Tool

2 STATES INCLUDED

INT’L AIRPORTS USED

IDEAL CLIENTS (beyond the obvious)

Colonial Mexico, Architecture, Indigenous Culture, Urban Cities, Villages, Handicrafts, Archaeological Sites, Beaches, Luxury Accommodations, Gastronomy, Night Life

Michoacán, Guerrero

Morelia (MLM), Zihuatanejo (ZIH), Acapulco (ACA)

Seniors, families, explorers, photographers, “meet a new culture” aficionados, fine art collectors, academics

There are several ways to access this route. An interesting option is flying directly into Morelia, a charming World Heritage City. Explore Michoacan State using cities of Pátzcuaro or Uruapan and then descend to the coast (Ixtapa) via a new superhighway (four hours from Morelia). From Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo there’s a newly widened highway to Acapulco (three hours).

World Heritage Sites (6), Mining Towns, Colonial Mexico, Architecture, Museums, Urban Cities, Mexican Culture, Shopping, Villages, Beaches, Luxury Accommodations, Gastronomy

Guanajuato, Querétaro, Jalisco

Guanajuato (BJX), Guadalajara (GDL)

Seniors, explorers, honeymooners, photographers, fine art collectors, academics, architecture aficionados

These central Mexico high plateau states are easily connected into a single journey thanks to fine super highways (from MEX or GDL), and convenient international air service into León (BJX). If arriving into Mexico City there’s direct, daily bus service (6-8 departures) to Querétaro directly from the international arrivals terminal (four hours).

Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima

Guadalajara (GDL), Puerto Vallarta (PVR), Manzanillo (ZLO)

Gourmands, explorers, luxuryseekers, wanderers, families, honeymooners

With Jalisco bordered by Nayarit to the north and Colima to the south, this route can be started on the coast (PVR) or by starting in historic Guadalajara. PVR serves the Riviera Nayarit area, and a bus ride south to Manzanillo is a three-hour trip. Consider renting a car to explore the CostAlegre region’s beach communities. From Manzanillo there’s a fine road inland to Colima City and continuation back to Guadalajara (five hours).

OVERVIEW

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS

3. THE MAGIC OF TRADITIONS AND NATURE This Route introduces you to one of Mexico’s most artistic ancient cultures (the Purépecha of Michoacán), then whisks you away to historic Spanish Colonial cities, volcanic landscapes, hillside villages and the Pacific resorts of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Acapulco. Michoacán showcases verdant volcanic mountains, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Morelia, Pueblos Mágicos villages and little-visited archaeological treasures. It then continues down to the tropical Pacific shore for a visit to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (where “Coast Meets Culture”) and the birthplace of jet-set tourism: Acapulco. Luxury and basic accommodations are offered throughout this eye-popping feast of old and new Mexico.

4. THE BIRTHPLACE OF HISTORY AND ROMANTICISM Mexico’s historic heartland holds court along this Route, which takes you through an incredible SIX of Mexico’s 31 World Heritage Sites before settling in at the romantic, picturesque resort of Puerto Vallarta. This is the site of some of Mexico’s earliest silver mining towns—today, they’re remarkable historic treasures. Independence from Spain was ignited in the states of Guanajuato and Querétaro, while neighboring Jalisco (home to Tequila, mariachi music, major universities and eco-adventure experiences) boasts the jungle-to-the-sea Pacific coast and the naturally magnificent Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta.

5. THE ART OF TEQUILA AND MUSIC UNDER THE SUN For a true immersion in Mexico’s color, music, flavor, sun and sweeping mountaintop vistas, all one has to do is arrive in Tequila, Jalisco, during the harvest of the blue agave from the volcanic fields. But this is only part of what you’ll enjoy as you travel this Route. A stop in the cosmopolitan capital of Guadalajara is a must; from there, the trip continues down the Pacific coast to visit the seductive and scenic Riviera Nayarit, romantic Puerto Vallarta, the exclusive and secluded Costalegre, and the seaport of Manzanillo.

Colonial Mexico, Urban Cities, Indigenous Culture, Museums, Beaches, Water Sports, Villages, Luxury Accommodations, Shopping, Gastronomy

3

Tour Routes of Mexico: Trip Planning Tool

ROUTE 4

Guanajuato 3 San Miguel de Allende Tequila 5 Querétaro 4 2 Bernal Tlaquepaque Guadalajara Tepotzotlán Lago de Chapala 1 Cd. de México

1

Ciudad de México y Tepotzotlán

2

Querétaro y Bernal

3

San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

4

Tequila y Tlaquepaque

5

Lago de Chapala, Guadalajara

ROUTE 6

Ciudad Valles

2

1

Real del Monte Pachuca 6

Tampico 3 4

Región Totonaca Veracruz

Poza Rica Papantla El Tajín

1

Tampico

2

Ciudad Valles

3

Poza Rica

4

Papantla , El Tajín

5

Veracruz

6

Real del Monte, Pachuca

5

ROUTE 5 Riviera Nayarit Tequila 3

2

Puerto Vallarta

Comala

1

4

Manzanillo

Guadalajara 5

1

Guadalajara

2

Tequila

3

Riviera Nayarit , Puerto Vallarta

4

Manzanillo

Colima 5

Colima, Comala

ROUTE 7 1

Cd. de México,Tlaxcala Puebla

2

Oaxaca, Monte Albán

3

Huatulco

4

Mazunte

Cd. de México

Tlaxcala

1

Puebla 0axaca Mazunte

4

2

Monte Albán 3 Huatulco

4 OVERVIEW

STATES INCLUDED

INT’L AIRPORTS USED

IDEAL CLIENTS (beyond the obvious)

Colonial Mexico, Urban Cities, Archaeological Sites, Indigenous Culture, Mining Towns, Architecture, Villages, Eco-Adventure

Tamaulipas, Veracruz, San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo

Veracruz City (VER), Mexico City (MEX)

Archaeology/ Ancient Culture buffs, explorers, extreme sports enthusiasts, escapists, spiritualists

Here you have basically two choices: use Mexico City as your entry point OR start in Veracruz City. Either way there will be considerable surface/ bus travel to explore this vast region of four states. Tamaulipas borders Texas but the drive all the way through Veracruz State is a major undertaking. From Mexico City you can fly to San Luis Potosí, whereas Hidalgo State (Pachuca) is accessed directly from the Mexico City airport.

Colonial Mexico, Urban Cities, Archaeological Sites, Indigenous Culture, Handicrafts, Architecture, Villages, Eco-Adventure, Gastronomy

Tlaxcala, Puebla, Oaxaca

Mexico CitY (MEX), Puebla (PBE), Oaxaca City (OAX)

Gourmands, seniors, art aficinados, explorers, “meet a new culture” aficionados

Here Mexico City is your best option, since direct international service to Puebla and Oaxaca is very limited. From the MEX Airport, convenient buses depart to Puebla City (90-minutes). Using Puebla as your base, easily explore nextdoor Tlaxcala. Oaxaca on the other hand is accessed via flights from MEX or via a six-hour drive from Puebla City.

Colonial Mexico, Urban Cities, Archaeological Sites, Indigenous Culture, Handicrafts, Architecture, Beaches, Water Sports, Diving, Villages, EcoAdventure, Luxury Accommodations, Gastronomy

Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo

Campeche City (CPE), Mérida (MID), Canún (CUN), Cozumel (CZM)

Families, seniors, honeymooners, and just about anyone with an imagination who’s ready to explore

Here options abound. Mérida and Cancún are the logical access points and a fascinating “circle trip” can include the three Yucatán States. Tabasco and neighboring Chiapas are also easily combined, using Villahermosa and San Cristobal de las Casas, respectively. The bus journey between these cities is spectacular and best done with a driver/tour so you can make stops along the way.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS

6. THE HUASTECAS AND THEIR OUTSTANDING BEAUTY The Huasteca region spans the Sierra Madre Oriental and follows it down to the Gulf of Mexico, offering travelers off-the-beaten-path landscapes and close encounters with Mexico’s founding cultures. This sprawling Route encompasses four states: Tamaulipas and Veracruz on the gulf coast, and San Luis Potosí and Hidalgo in the high desert. The natural wonders and cultural encounters are too numerous to list, but be prepared for pristine jungles, mind-boggling natural sights (the Swallow’s Cave, for example, is a vertical cave filled with these tiny birds), World Heritage archaeological treasures, myriad Amerindian cultures, small town traditions and eco adventures that involve climbing, soaring, floating and rappelling. 7. THE THOUSAND FLAVORS OF MOLE Considered Mexico’s national dish, mole (pronounced MOH-lay) is a savory sauce that comes in a wide variety of flavors and colors. This Route winds through the states of Tlaxcala, Puebla and Oaxaca, three destinations that compete in claiming the creation of this exceptional dish. Tiny Tlaxcala and neighboring Puebla—a World Heritage Site—share a history that harks back to the Spanish Conquest. Next door, Oaxaca is known for its indigenous cultures, its stunning archaeological sites, magnificent natural scenery and the exquisite architecture of its namesake city, also a World Heritage Site. 8. THE MYSTERY AND ORIGIN OF THE MAYA CULTURE The Maya were once of the world’s mightiest indigenous cultures—in fact, the Mundo Maya, or Mayan World, spans five Mexican states. This Route weaves through the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán and Quintana Roo, a collection that mixes extraordinary natural beauty, a remarkable cultural heritage and the world-renowned resorts of the Mexican Caribbean. It’s an adventure of epic proportions, starring monumental archaeological sites— including Chichén Itzá, named one of the New Wonders of the World—, jungle-clad mountains, thriving Amerindian cultures, bio-diverse landscapes, Spanish forts and abandoned haciendas.

Tour Routes of Mexico: Trip Planning Tool

5 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

STATES INCLUDED

INT’L AIRPORTS USED

IDEAL CLIENTS (beyond the obvious)

Colonial Mexico, Urban Cities, Museums, Architecture, Villages, Handicrafts, Mining Towns, Gastronomy, Eco-adventure

Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Durango, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro

Zacatecas City (ZCL), Guanajuato City (BJX), Aguascalientes (AGU)

Escapists, wanderers, history buffs, hikers, art lovers, seniors

This route covers central and northcentral Mexico. Air into MEX with connection to Zacatecas City (ZCL) is one option. Otherwise use León (BJX) and take interstate buses to move from city to city.

Monterrey (MTY), Hermosillo (HMO)

RV’ers, campers, ecoenthusiats, hunters/ fisherpeople, baseball lovers, wanders, hikers

The vastness of this route requires some dometic flight considerations. While international air to Monterry is possible you’ll need to fly to Sonora State where from here you can move about via rental car of escorted tour. You may have to make connections in MEX to pull this route together.

OVERVIEW

TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS

9. A COLONIAL EXPERIENCE The heartland is steeped in the saga of the Mexican Revolution, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit towns that are also superb examples of Spanish colonial architecture. The historical city of Zacatecas, for example, was built from pink quarry stone. You can get a birds’ eye view of its shimmering beauty from the top of the imposing Cerro de la Bufa, just cable-car ride away. This Route also takes you to Aguascalientes and Guanajuato, both top producers of silver for the Spanish crown and home to the superb architecture paid for by centuries of mining.

10. THE FASCINATING ENCOUNTER BETWEEN HISTORY AND MODERN DAY MEXICO Mexico is one of those unique destinations that can offer visitors an intriguing glimpse into the past while offering them the latest modern amenities. This Route takes you through the northern reaches of Mexico where cities such as Ciudad Lerdo, Torreón, Monterrey, Saltillo, San Carlos, Hermosillo and Guaymas boast important cultural and historic background while still being contemporary cities of industry. The landscape here is rugged and enthralling, where sea, desert and mountains converge. It’s a true adventure: you can explore fossil exhibits, sand board on the dunes, go game hunting, or even schuss down a snow-covered slope!

Colonial Mexico, Urban Cities, Museums, Architecture, Villages, Luxury Accommodations, Gastronomy, Ecoadventure, Hunting, Hiking, Sport Fishing

Nuevo León, Sonora

Hermosillo 6

San Carlos Guaymas 1

Mérida

2

Izamal, Chichén-Itzá, Valladolid Cancún, Cozumel, Riviera Maya

3 4 5

ROUTE 8

Campeche

Banco Chinchorro Chetumal Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapa de Corzo

7

San Cristóbal de las Casas

8

Agua Azúl, Palenque

9

Villa Hermosa, Cd. del Carmen

10

Campeche

Izamal Mérida

Tulúm

6

Durango

1

2

Valladolid

Chichén-Itzá

10 5

Cancún 3 Cozumel Riviera Maya 4 Tulúm Banco Chinchorro Chetumal

1

8

6

7

Cd. de México Querétaro,

2 San Miguel de Allende,

Guanajuato

San Juan de los Lagos, Aguascalientes

Palenque Agua Azul

4

Zacatecas, Durango San Luis Potosí

San Cristóbal de las Casas

5 Querétaro y Morelia

9

Tuxtla Gutiérrez

Zacatecas

Aguascalientes

3

Cd. del Carmen Villa Hermosa

4

San Luis Potosí

3

San Juan de los Lagos San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato Morelia

5

2

Querétaro Cd.de México 1

ROUTE 9

1

Ciudad de México

2

Durango

3

Lerdo, Torreón

4

Parras, Saltillo

5

Saltillo, Monterrey

6

Hermosillo, Guaymas. San Carlos

ROUTE 10

Torreón Lerdo

Parras 4

3

2

5

Durango

Cd.de México

1

Monterrey Saltillo