tourpio

A visit to Mexico is a popular choice for many reasons. It is a country of great ruins, culture, food, and especially beaches. In fact, beach lovers usually find that the beaches are enough of a reason to visit Mexico all by itself. Its extensive coastlines include the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Depending on the region of Mexico that you choose, the beaches and the water around it will be different. Some of the species of whales, turtles, and other large animals also differ between the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the country. Here is the lowdown on the best beaches in Mexico:

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This fabulous snorkeling region near Playa Del Carmen has a reef that stretches from 20-300 feet offshore, offering views for all different levels of swimmers. Turtles, tropical fish and more are common sights here, and the water is safe and calm enough for even the young snorkelers to enjoy. For those who aren’t into snorkeling, the sand is white and the water has no waves, so it is lovely for swimming and relaxing too.

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This is the premier family beach in the Baja region of La Paz. Perhaps best known for the rock formation called Diamond rock, Bahia Balandra is a mix of sand and beautiful wind and water-worn rock formations. It is sheltered in almost every direction for safe swimming, and the location is shallow enough that the chilly Pacific water warms early here. Because amenities are not beachside, it is often not as busy as other local beaches.

The beach here is lovely- for those who like to relax, the sand is clean and the water calm. Though often jammed with Europeans, in many ways Playa del Carmen still feels like the sleepy fishing village it once was. A mixture of large resorts and small hotels, cruise ship visitors, and easy boat access to Cozumel and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef make this a favorite location to be able to venture to other ports, while still enjoying the best of the Mexican water, sand and hospitality.

See Also: Where to Stay in Playa del Carmen

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A remnant from the hippie days, this beach was known as a free love center from the 60’s to the 80’s, and a huge counterculture destination. It gained notoriety as one of Mexico’s few nude beaches, although the majority of sunbathers remain clothed. Today, it attracts an international class of sun lovers, shirtless yoga gurus and surfers. While there are still plenty of budget lodgings, a number of midrange hotels and classier restaurants have appeared at the west end of the village. The rocky headlands against red-tiled round architecture is an impressive sight, and the pounding surf is great for more vigorous water activities.

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This Pacific oceanside resort town is nestled along a string of beaches that can please almost any visitor. Protected coves make great snorkeling destinations while there are also opportunities for whale watching and deep-sea fishing. This is one of the most popular resort towns in Mexico, and one look at the coastline makes it abundantly clear why this is true. The town is an interesting mix of large resort areas, and a central Zona Romantica, where the old town, quaint shops, and smaller hotels lie. Much of the older architecture and old-town charm is found here, flanked on the edges by larger, newer resort regions and “Gringo Gulch”, a residential area with large, foreign-owned homes.

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The “Beach of Clothing” got its name when a Spanish galleon wrecked, and its cargo of colorful fabrics washed ashore along this beach. Today, this is the main water sport beach for Ixtapa. Parasailing, jet skis and hobie cats are all available for rent here, and there are a large number of restaurants to enjoy after a good outing on the water. Steer clear of swimming in the river at one end of the beach, however, as it is known for crocodiles.

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The vacation destination of Cancun is well-known for its gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters. This strip along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico is full of many different resorts, restaurants and shops that are great places to stay and play. The region is reminiscent of the Vegas strip, with all of the resorts being close together in a line, with miles of sand around them. There are a dozen nearby beaches to check out as well, with turtles, whale watching, snorkeling and much more to do here.

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Nestled at the meeting between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, the secluded two-sided Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) is one of the most famous beaches in Mexico. The beach is easily accessible by water boat from the marina of Cabo San Lucas. It is well worth a visit- with the towering Land’s End rock formations, endless ocean views, and great snorkeling on the sea of Cortez side, the place is exquisite. Travelers should be warned though that tides can get extremely rough on the Pacific end.

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Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun is popular for relaxing and wildlife watching. Sea Turtles and Whale sharks are two of the most popular species to see here. The northern end of the island is Playa Norte which has a wide swatch of sand that is lined with palm trees and also a few beachfront restaurants and bars. While some come here to get away from the spring break hot spot in Cancun, it needn’t feel isolated here. This is a great beach for partiers and wildlife watchers alike, and just a short hop from the mainland.

For the history-lovers, this beach sits in the shadow of the famed Tulum Mayan ruins. Though this alone would make this a tourist destination, the wide sandy beaches here have gained their own fame as well. Situated at the southern end of the Riviera Maya, the beach at Tulum has the pristine white sand, palm trees and turquoise water that creates the quintessential beach vacation that everyone dreams of on a snowy day. Located about two hours south of Cancun, the region has great beach hotels to stay and relax while enjoying the beaches.

See Also: Where to Stay in Tulum

For travelers looking to experience an exotic beach location, Brazil is a great destination. The largest country in South America is known for great soccer players, tropical rainforests, beautiful women, and beautiful beaches. Those who travel to the beaches in Brazil will also find charm in the vibrant music and dance culture, the excellent cuisine, and large festivals like Carnival. Here is a look at some lovely beaches and beach towns to discover in this tropical paradise.

The town of Santos has been the largest seaport in the Sao Paulo region for many centuries. Long known for the export of coffee, this area has gone from consisting of large export businesses like the famed coffee stock exchange to a bustling city of almost half a million. The remnants of the coffee empire can still be visited by tourists, along with many other sites. The city boasts the longest beach garden in the world. Although great for morning walks, at peak times these beaches can get very crowded.

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The island of Tinhare is another location that has no vehicles. The island town of Morro de Sao Paolo only received electricity in the eighties. Despite the remoteness of the island, it is a favorite vacation location for Brazilians and foreigners alike. The town is small but comfortable for tourism, and it is easy to find a small and remote beach villa for rent on the outskirts. The island has many easy walking paths, and visitors will find that white sand beaches and beautiful wild areas are abundant. While the residents of Morro de Sao Paolo still keep their sleepy way of life, they have made room for the many people who want to experience this paradise for themselves as well.

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The coastal village of Buzios was once home to pirates and slave traders. Once these industries died off, the area became a fishing village. It gained tourism fame as the twenty-odd beaches surrounding the area have helped to rank it as one of the most beautiful regions of the world. Forno beach has been isolated from the town of Buzios by an unmarked trail, and nestled on one side by a large cliff and against a number of submerged rocks that provide ample sea life for snorkelers to enjoy. If this feels too remote, Buzios visitors can enjoy a few dozen other beautiful beaches that are closer.

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Surfers discovered the sleepy fishing town of Pipa in the 1970’s, and its clean clear waters, dolphins, turtles, and sea life helped to change it into the vibrant tourist town it has become. Today, it is considered one of the top beach towns in the Northeast, and is a definite favorite for the independent traveler who likes cultural gems off the beaten path. Tourism-favorite attractions like hotels, pousadas and night life are easy to find, though city-lovers will likely find the vibe here to be a little colloquial.

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The city of Florianopolis is an incredibly popular destination for beach lovers with 42 distinct beaches to choose from. Half of the city is on the mainland of Brazil while the other half is on the Island of Santa Catarina. Campeche, on the southeast side of Santa Catarina Island, is one of the best beaches in Florianópolis. The beach is a favorite among surfers, kitesurfers and other active beachgoers. In front of the beach is Ilha do Campeche, an island rich in native rainforest and archaeological sites.

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Ilha Grande is and island off the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro that was used long ago as a leper colony, and remained uninhabited for many decades afterward. As a result, this area was able to avoid much of the environmental pressures that come with development. Today, it is one of the most pristine and intact rainforest remnants in the region, and home to many endangered species, like the red-ruffed fruitcrow and the brown howler monkey. The island remains today without vehicles or even roads. Lopes Mendes is a long beach that is a short rainforest trek from the drop-off point of many boats. The surf is good, and it has safe swimming as well.

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This region, known familiarly as “Jeri” sits secluded at the north end of Brazil, hidden behind a sea of dunes. For those who find that the most rewarding locations require a journey, this is a great choice. A trip across unpaved sand tracks through the dunes is the only way to get here. Arrival to the small town of Jericoacoara greets visitors with small but ample lodging, restaurants and nightlife. Along with spectacular coastal views there are several coastal activities found at Jeri Beach. One must-see trip should be to Sunset Dune and some of the most spectacular sunset vistas to be seen, as well as a chance to see the elusive “green flash” just as the sun sinks below the horizon.

The beach made famous in the bossa nova song “The Girl from Ipanema” in the 1960s is one of Rio de Janiero’s most popular tourist spots today. A long, arcing expanse of soft white sand and rolling waves, Ipanema routinely reaches the top of the “Best Beaches in Brazil” lists year after year. A well-organized grid of shops, cafés and restaurants as well as an array of art galleries, theaters and clubs, border the beach. Located in the upscale South Zone, or “Zona Sul”, Ipanema lies between the beaches of Copacabana and Leblon.

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The clear blue waters of this beach keep it consistently on the top ten lists of world beaches. Trip Advisor, the Weather Channel and many others tout this beach, located along the remote Fernando de Noronha archipelago, to be unmatched in pristine beauty. Another beach on the archipelago, Praia do Leão is often ranked highly as well. Both beaches offer crystal clear blue water with areas for swimming and snorkeling. This island chain is sparsely inhabited even during high season, so the island chain is a great place to seek romantic beach seclusion as well.

Though many of Brazil’s famed beaches are wild and secluded, this one is right in the heart of Rio de Janeiro. Subsequently, it offers a wide variety of amenities that make it easy to visit without much planning. A beautiful boardwalk with a black-and-white checked pattern of Portuguese stone flanks the sand, with a large number of hotels and restaurants behind. This is a notorious party and festival area, and it is filled with guests during many of Rio’s festivals, and events like the hosting of the World Cup.

When travelers grow weary of navigating an ocean of tall buildings and heavy traffic, it may be time to set sail for the sea of tranquility, an oasis in a concrete jungle. Public parks are just the ticket. Located in the downtown areas of major cities, their greenness is a delight to the senses. Tall green trees abound; there are flowering shrubs, ponds or a waterfront and trails made for strolling or jogging, with maybe even a zoo or aquarium nearby. Sounds of the city are muted.

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Visiting Golden Gate Park ranks high on visitor’s must-do list, along with riding a cable car, when they come to San Francisco. This urban park, once just sand dunes, has something for everyone: trails, gardens, playgrounds, picnic areas, statues, museums, a golf course, Dutch windmill and outstanding scenery, to name a few features. The park also is an event venue as well. It’s no wonder 13 million people visit the park every year.

Parc Guëll in Barcelona is a thinking person’s park. The area was originally meant to be a residential property development with Gaudi doing much of the planning and landscape design. Only two houses were built and the land was later sold to the city of Barcelona and turned into a park. It is home to the famous Salamander sculpture, as well as other buildings and structures designed by the architect. With stunning views of the city, this is a magical experience.

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San Diego’s Balboa Park isn’t just another park. It has plenty of green space, flora and fauna, naturally, but it also contain 15 museums, a carousel, miniature railroad, the renowned San Diego Zoo and the historic Old Globe Theatre, among other attractions. The list of museums include a couple of art museums while others are devoted to natural history, air and space, science and the famous Museum of Man. Numerous gardens are devoted to native plants, roses, cactus, a veterans memorial and a children’s garden.

Lumphini Park is more than just an oasis of nature in bustling Bangkok. Originally designed to house Thai crafts and flowers, it is a serene place where people can stroll paths, take a paddle boat ride or just sit and relax and watch others do their morning and evening exercises. Visitors who stroll along the pond may even come across a water monitor lizard, a crocodile-like reptile. Free outdoor concerts take place on Sunday afternoons.

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The Englischer Garten in Munich got its name because it’s a little bit of England in Germany; it was patterned after a traditional English garden in 1786. Over the centuries, however, a Japanese teahouse, soccer fields, Chinese pagoda, a 7,000-seat beer garden and many miles of biking and jogging trails have been added. Located on the Isar River, it is one of the world’s biggest urban parks. City views from the top of Monopteros are spectacular.

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No visit to London is complete without a visit to Hyde Park, one of the city’s largest and most famous parks. It’s famous for demonstrations and the Speaker’s Corner at one end of the park, and the elegantly simple memorial fountain for Princess Diana at the other. In between, visitors will find paths for walking, jogging or horseback riding, tennis courts, open water swimming, statues and monuments, and boating on the Serpentine on either a pedal boat or the solar shuttle.

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Stanley Park has been delighting generations of Vancouverites since 1888, with its trails through the old-growth forests and along the seawall of Vancouver Harbor. Others stand in awe of the tall totem poles built to honor the indigenous First Nations, who lived on the land long before it became a park. Over the years, restaurants and an aquarium have been added, but the most-loved park remains otherwise relatively unchanged. Be on the lookout for ducks, chipmunks, beaver and maybe even a deer.

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Looking at Ueno Park today, it is hard to imagine that it is built on the site of a magnificent temple that was destroyed by warring factions inside Japan in the 19th century. Today, this urban park sits prettily and serenely in central Tokyo. It is home to several museum’s and Japan’s first zoo. The best time to visit it, however, is in March and April when the park’s more than 1,000 cherry trees are in bloom.

Known in English as the Luxembourg Gardens, this public park is the second largest in Paris. Visitors here can picnic or stroll leisurely among beautiful lawns, formal gardens and fruit orchards that feature many artistic statues and fountains. For fun and sport, there are jogging paths, tennis courts and fitness equipment. Children can play in the huge playground, ride ponies, watch a puppet show and sail model boats in a pond.

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When viewing New York City from the air, Central Park stands out like a sore, or, rather, green thumb. This huge green rectangle in the center of Manhattan, filled with massive trees, lakes and buildings, is surrounded by monotonously colored skyscrapers. Dating back to the 19th century, it is the nation’s first public park, drawing 40 million visitors annually. The park’s features are mind-boggling; statues, memorials, fountains, lakes for boating, bridges to cross, a castle, walking paths, gorgeous landscaping and more.

Long before the first Spanish ships were seen along the horizon of the Atlantic Ocean, several ancient civilizations ruled over parts Mexico. There are many amazing relics left in Mexico that show the splendor of these cultures. The most notable of these are the many pyramids that represented tributes to their planetary and animal gods. These monoliths have been featured in the cinema and visited by famous movie icons like Indiana Jones, and their beauty and advanced building techniques are still marveled at today. Here is a look at some of the most famous of these pyramids in Mexico, and what they were believed to represent in ancient culture:

wikipedia/Frank C. Müller

Founded by the Classic Veracruz culture, El Tajín was an important gulf coast city around 0 – 00 AD. El Tajin’s most famous building is the Pyramid of the Niches. The pyramid rises 20 meters (66 feet) on seven layers, with a wide staircase at its eastern side. What is unusual about this construction is the addition of decorative niches. Originally the structure was painted a dark red with the niches in black intended to deepen the shadows of the recessed niches.

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Deep in the jungles of the Yucatan sat the kingdom of the snake, or Calakmul. This Mayan city was believed to be one of the major reigning cities, and at constant war with neighboring Tikal. The great pyramid is one of the largest in the region, and four tombs have been discovered inside, most likely of royalty. The jungle is a great feature for this site, as it is in the middle of the Calakmul bioreserve- tropical birds and howler monkeys are abundant in this remote and exciting location.

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This tallest pyramid in the Yucatan is part of one of the most important Mayan sites in the area. The Coba ruins are larger than most, and sixteen different white ceremonial roads stretch from Nohoch Mul to different nearby settlements that were believed to support a population of 50,000. The name Nohoch Mul means large hill, and the 0 steps to the top make for an incredible view of the area, including the twin lagoons for which the name Coba (wind over waters) was most likely derived.

The name Uxmal translates to “thrice built” and reflects the multitude of architectural styles in this area. This settlement was abandoned in the tenth century when the Toltec influence began, and sat vacant until the Spanish arrived. The Pyramid of the Magician is one of the few buildings that has a name that would reflect its Mayan use. It is one of the buildings that shows the astronomical knowledge of this culture, as it is aligned with reference to the planet Venus, and its stairwell is in perfect alignment with the rays of the setting sun on the summer solstice.

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Teotihuacan, the city of the Gods, was founded around the time of Christ as one of the first major metropolitan areas in Mesoamerica. The name comes from the Aztecs, who visited the city of Teotihuacán centuries after it was abandoned. The Pyramid of the moon is the second largest pyramid in this city, and was dedicated to The Great Goddess. It was built between 0-450AD, and is several pyramids layered on top of one another, with a new burial chamber in each. It is designed to follow the contours of the nearby mountain, Cerro Gordo.

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This larger pyramid is also in the city of the gods, and predates all of the Mayan structures by several centuries. Like its sister pyramid, it mimics the shape of the local mountains and contains several tombs that were created during different building layers. This is the tallest of all the pyramids here, and is believed to be the site of many magical ceremonies. Archaeologists found a cloverleaf-shaped set of chambers deep inside the pyramid that were believed to be home to many fire and water rituals.

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This large step-pyramid in the large and famous site of Chichen Itza was dedicated to the Mayan God depicted as a feathered serpent. So precise was the architecture of this building that the setting sun on the spring and fall equinoxes will turn the shadows of the steps into an illusion of a serpent slithering down the banister. Adding all of the steps on four sides to the upper platform step will also equal 365- symbolic of the days in one year.

The Philippines is an island nation located in the Western Pacific. The region boasts one of the world’s longest combined coastlines due to the nation’s seven thousand tropical islands. These islands have beautiful coral reefs and spectacular diving, wildlife like whale sharks and dugongs, and mountainous tropical rainforests. Filipino people are smiling, warm, and generous. Flights can be found to Manila or Cebu, and interisland travel is easy to find via plane, car, train, or ferry. Here is a look at some of the best places to visit in the Philippines:

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A visit to the Crisologo St region of this town is like a step back to colonial times. Horses pull carts along cobblestone streets, and dark-wood mansions flank the sides, as a reminder of the grand life that many enjoyed in this colonial Spanish trading post. At the time, many goods like beeswax and gold were traded to China for exotic Asian items. Today, the main income for this port is tourism, though the splendor from its trading history remains. Vigan has two hearts, a shopping center in the North, and a business district in the South. Tourists will enjoy the museums that have been created from several mansions, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Mestizo district.

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The huge orange eyes and tiny fingers of the miniscule tarsier serve as the spokesmodel for the island of Bohol. Just a short trip from Cebu, this area is one of the few remaining homes for this tiny primate. The unique geologic oddity of the chocolate hills serves as the second draw for the non-divers to the region. The unique mogul-like hills come with a legend of being formed by the rocks thrown by an angry giant. Most of the visitors to this region are, however, here to partake in the breathtaking dive opportunities that the region has to offer. It is the jumping off point for the marine reserves off of Pangalo and Pamlican islands.

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This Asian megacity is the capital of the Philippines, the fly-in point for most tourists, and a bustling opportunity to appreciate bounds of culture new and old. From tall gleaming buildings on the skyscraper gazing tour to the turn-of-the century landmarks on the self-guided downtown tour, there is much to see in Manila. Food, whether from a street cart or high cuisine restaurant, is excellent and diverse, representing much more than the blend of Spanish, indigenous, and Chinese heritages that have found their way to this island nation. There is never a bad time to go to Manila, as there are almost two-dozen annual festivals to keep the city celebrating.

Located in the province of Sorsogon, a place of pristine beaches, stunning waterfalls and unexplored caves, the sleepy fishing village of Donsol is the place in the Philippines to see whale sharks. They like tropical waters, which makes Donsol Bay a great habitat for them. The protected species migrates through Donsol between November and June, with the numbers peaking between February and May. This huge fish is not shy about approaching boats; indeed, some carry scars from encounters with propellers.

See Also: Where to Stay in Donsol

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The Taal volcano that sits majestically above the town of Tagaytay is a combination of active and extinct craters that create a beautiful tapestry of must-sees. Lake Taal is nestled inside the old Taal volcano crater, and the central island for the lake is the currently active volcano craters, which can be seen steaming on certain days. Those who have never seen the pristine waters of a crater lake in person will be astonished at their pristine beauty. The long town of Tagaytay sits along this ridge, and is known for being clean, laid back, and a haven for foodies. Tourist attractions in town include the Punta de Santiago lighthouse, St Anne Shrine, and the large local flower farm.

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Cebu is an island province in the Philippines, consisting of the main island itself and 167 surrounding islands. Its capital, Cebu city, is the oldest in the Philippines, and home to the nation’s second international airport. The city is a smaller but similarly busy version of Manila, with many of the same urban benefits of new, old, cutting edge and cultural. One advantage that Cebu has is Matcan island, featuring a premiere dive site that is a short drive from an international airport. Another diving gem, the island and resorts of Malapascua, is about a four hour drive to the port town of Maya, and then must be accessed by boat. It is well worth the trip, however, as it is often considered the number one dive site in the country.

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Mindoro is an island that consists of two different regions, Mindoro Oriental and Mindoro Occidental, which are separated from one another by a high mountain range. The north of the region is mostly remote, and home to the primitive Mangayan tribe. This trip is well worth it for divers, however, as the town of Sablayan is the doorway to the island of Pangan and the pristine Apo Reef Marine Natural Park. There is only one resort on the island, so reservations are recommended. In Mindoro Oriental, the main tourism location is the town of Puerto Galera. This is the ideal beach town, with resorts and white sand beaches for the water lovers, as well as jeep trips, orchid-filled rainforests, kayaking rivers and waterfalls for the trekkers in the group.

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The mud-walled rice terraces in Banuae are reason enough to take the bus trip from Manila to this unique indigenous town. The agricultural engineering system represented here was built 00 years ago and passed on from generation to generation. Though the serene and impressive flats would be enough to make this a must-see, the spectacular wood-carved rice guardians make the trip even more worthwhile. The ancient, crude sculptures are reminiscent of tikis, and believed to protect the crops from harm. Though tourism has brought the Western world to an ancient way of life and created a large tourist market here, there are opportunities to visit less touristy towns whose rice crops are still the main staple of their economy for those seeking a more authentic experience.

See Also: Where to Stay in Banaue

Endless white sand beaches, colorful outrigger sailboat rides, and beautiful resorts grace this island that has been consistently in the top three beaches in the world by travel review sites. The most populous region of Boracay is the central part of White Beach, which has the most opportunities for food, adventure, shopping, and public merriment. Moving further away, more remote options are available, but they come with reduced amenities. Lodging ranges from budget shacks to high-end full-service resorts, but the white sand beaches, turquoise water, and romantic ambiance are open to all.

See Also: Where to Stay in Boracay

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One of the best places to visit in the Philippines, Palawan is an island province that stretches from Mindoro to Borneo between the South China and Sulu seas. Puerto Princesa, which is close to large karst formations with an underground river, is the provincial capital. Coron Reefs on Busuanga Island is a popular diving spot, drawing divers who want to explore Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. Another popular destination is El Nido, a town sandwiched between towering limestone karst cliffs and the beautiful Bacuit Bay.

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