Mexico Travel - The Northern Pacific Coast
As you approach the ocean, the landscape from northern interior changes drastically. Mexico’s northernmost stretch of pristine shoreline is washed clear by the peaceful waters of the Gulf of California – a sheltered body of water that opens to the south into the Pacific Ocean. The states that stretch along the Pacific coast include Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco and Colima.
Name association with Mexican states gets tricky for Americans, but city names seem to stick. Mazatlán is the city everyone knows in Sinaloa. Once a quiet haven for fishermen, Mazatlán has evolved into a principal Mexican beach resort and the largest West Coast port facility between Los Angels and the Panama Canal. It is not as commercialized or crowded as other resorts, and that in itself makes it attractive. Though growing, Mazatlán hasn’t sacrificed its Mexican roots in the name tourism. The beaches are best in the northern part of the city, but be sure not to miss the renovated city center in Old Mazatlán.
Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara are in the state of Jalisco. The region pulsates with a tropical rhythm brought about by its native son – the Mariachi. Developed in the state of Jalisco as wedding-party entertainment, Mariachi music is now the enduring symbol of Mexico. (Along with tequila, also Jalisco’s gift to the world!)
Vallarta is unquestionably one of top tourist draws in Mexico. It is situated on Bahía de Banderas (Banderas Bay), the largest natural bay in Mexico with 100 miles of coastline. Framed by mountains and tropical foliage, it is breathtaking. With beaches, ecotoursim, winter whale watching (some 500 humpbacks spend the season in the bay) world-class resorts, fine dining, a fast-past night life, history, culture, art galleries and museums, this “San Francisco of Mexico” comes very close to being all things to all visitors.
Leaving Vallarta going south, you will discover a stretch of untouched beaches and the lesser known resorts. Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, is the next stop down the coast. This is the complete opposite of a chic resort town. Arriving in Manzanillo is like going back in time. Low key and unpretentious, Manzanillo has been called the “sailfish capital of the world.” I would have to say for the simple pleasures of unpopulated beaches, a laid back atmosphere, spectacular seafood and water sports, there is no better value in the entire country.
On the other hand, neighboring Guadalajara is a stately, sophisticated city. Capital of the state of Jalisco, Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico but manages to remain serene and beautiful. At 5,200 feet above sea level, the weather is perpetually spring-like and ideal for exploring the charming parks, plazas and tree-lined boulevards. The city’s downtown core hosts colonial architecture and ornate churches, and there is simply no better place in the world to shop! This city embraces the soul of Mexico and is worth adding to any itinerary.
