Frommer's Mexico

by Baird, David; Christensen, Shane; Delsol, Christine; Hepp, Joy; Mellin, Maribeth

• ISBN13: 9781118027394
• ISBN10: 1118027396
• Edition: 17th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-08-23
• Publisher: Frommers

Summary

Insider advice that will help you discover Mexico's best beach destinations, from Cancun to Zihuatanejo, and the best archaeological ruins, from Chichen Itza to Tulum. Plus tips for navigating the country's lovely but less-traveled corners, like Xochimilco, with its canals and floating gardens, and the bohemian artsy town of Todos Santos. Where to find the absolute best tacos in Oaxaca, the freshest almejas (clams) in La Paz, the most authentic mole poblano dishes in Puebla, and the finest tequila bars in Puerto Vallarta. Plus tips on where to find the best shopping deals, from Taxco's silver markets to high-end boutiques in Mexico City's Polanco neighborhood. Free full-color, foldout map Frommer s Survival Spanish will have you ordering ceviche and cervezas in a nanosecond. Insightful commentary on Mexico's rich history--from the ancient Maya to Spanish colonists--and culture, from artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera to marimba music. Opinionated reviews. No bland descriptions and lukewarm recommendations. Our expert writers are passionate about their destinations--they tell it like it is in an engaging and helpful way. Exact prices listed for every establishment and activity--no other guides offer such detailed, candid reviews of hotels and restaurants. We include the very best, but also emphasize moderately priced choices for real people. User-friendly features including star ratings and special icons to point readers to great finds, excellent values, insider tips, best bets for kids, special moments, and overrated experiences.

Author Biography

A writer, editor, and translator, David Baird has lived several years in different parts of Mexico. Now based in Austin, Texas, he spends as much time in Mexico as possible.

Shane Christensen has written extensively for Frommer's throughout Mexico, and is also the author of Frommer's Dubai and Frommer's Grand Canyon National Park. Even though he's a California native, he considers himself an honorary Mexican in heart and soul and returns to Mexico every chance he gets.

Joy Hepp is a native Californian who has spent most of her life in Mexico and its former territories. She writes about travel, culture, and music for several print and online publications.

Author of Pauline Frommer's Cancún & the Yucatán, Christine Delsol was raised by her Mexican-Chilean grandmother and has been traveling to Mexico for more than 30 years. She has spent most of her career in newspapers, including eight years as a travel editor at the San Francisco Chronicle. She has won an Associated press award, two Lowell Thomas awards, and Mazatlán's Golden Deer Award.

Maribeth Mellin is the author of Traveler's Mexico Companion, which won the country's prestigious Pluma de Plata award, and has covered Mexico and Latin America for dozens of newspapers, magazines, websites, and guides.

Table of Contents

List of Maps viii

1 THE BEST OF MEXICO 1

2 MEXICO IN DEPTH 16

3 SUGGESTED MEXICO ITINERARIES 56

4 MEXICO CITY 63

5 SILVER, SPAS & SPIRITUAL CENTERS: FROM TAXCO TO TEPOZTLÁN 131

6 SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE & THE COLONIAL SILVER CITIES 163

7 MICHOACÁN 219

8 GUADALAJARA 244

9 PUERTO VALLARTA & THE CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST 265

10 ACAPULCO & THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC COAST 336

11 OAXACA 398

12 EASTWARD FROM MEXICO CITY: PUEBLA & VERACRUZ 425

13 CANCÚN 456

14 ISLA MUJERES & COZUMEL 486

15 THE RIVIERA MAYA & THE SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN COAST 516

16 MÉRIDA, THE MAYA INTERIOR & CHICHÉN ITZÁ 571

17 TABASCO & CHIAPAS 627

18 THE COPPER CANYON 659

19 LOS CABOS & BAJA CALIFORNIA 680

20 PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO MEXICO 741

21 SURVIVAL SPANISH 765

Index 772