Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel

MEXICO--A WARM-WEATHER DESTINATION

FOR ALL SEASONS (AND REASONS)

Most people associate México with winter suntans and beautiful seaside resorts. This is rightfully so. However, while the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Mexico offer some all-time favorite escapes for those trapped by winter's blows, they are only part of the story.

With an agreeable climate most of the year throughout its regions and a wide range of things to see and do, México offers destination, geographic, and climatic variety that is virtually unsurpassed by any other country in the world.

From the pastel-colored caves, striking desert landscapes and reddish-orange mountains of Baja California to the lush green jungles and turquoise waters of the Yucatán Peninsula, from the magnificent series of gorges of Copper Canyon to miles of sun-drenched white sandy beaches and clear azure waters of the Pacific Coast, the canvas that is Mexico is created from nature's rich palette of colors.

Spanning 2,000 miles from the western Pacific coast to the Gulf of México in the east, México's extremely diverse geography encompasses nearly every geological form found in the Western Hemisphere: low plains, rolling hills, rugged mountains, and deserts to the north; 6,000 miles of seacoast; tropical lowland jungles; snowcapped mountains; and awe-inspiring gorges.

The central highlands, which comprise 60 percent of the country's land mass, are bordered by the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Madre Occidental mountain ranges, to the east and west, respectively, and by a row of towering, widely spaced volcanoes to the south.

México's terrain touches four distinct bodies of water, which accounts for the unmatched array of the country's sunny seaside destinations. The Sea of Cortés (also called the Gulf of California) is to the northwest and the Caribbean is to the southeast, hosting some of the world's richest marine life. The Gulf of México borders México's northeastern coast, while the Pacific Ocean meets the western shore. Nearly half the country is more than 5,000 feet above sea level.

The country's nearly perfect climatic conditions are as welcoming and diverse as its colorful geography. There are two weather seasons: rainy and dry. Generally, rains fall and temperatures rise from June through October, leaving November through May as the more temperate, drier season (in other words, now is a great time to plan that Mexico trip). Most of the country lies south of the Tropic of Cancer, and the influence of the mountains, seas, and ocean plays a great role in the varying conditions for visitors. For example, México's high mountains shield the Pacific beaches from the cold north winds that sweep south from Canada.

During the winter, much of the country is wonderfully dry and balmy (particularly the northern Baja California region). Southern México and the Yucatán Peninsula experience significant rainfall during the months of June, July, August and September, but the rest of the year this region is pleasantly dry and temperate. On the Pacific coast, from Puerto Vallarta south, the sun shines for at least part of every day, even during most of the rainy season.

Summer temperatures in most of México are comparable to summer temperatures in the midwestern United States, which also makes May through August a great time to visit many parts of Mexico. High-altitude cities within the Colonial Circle region of central Mexico maintain springlike temperatures year-round, making an inviting summer getaway for those who don't like the heat.

Each region of Mexico has its own particular reasons to visit and the following is a brief sampling:

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Despite the desertlike landscape, Northern Baja California region resembles Southern California: mild winters with a little rain, and warm, dry summers. The Sea of Cortés side of the peninsula tends to be a bit warmer than the Pacific side, but both are great for exploration.

Southern Baja California is a subtropical desert that boasts more than 350 days of sunshine a year.

WEST COAST

The northwest coast of Mexico is similar to Northern Baja, but with more rain and occasional storms. The annual average temperature is 68 degrees. Further south along the west coast is the Mexican Riviera, which has a year-round warm and tropical climate. November through May are a sure bet for warm, dry days, and balmy evenings along this historically popular getaway. The rainy season is June through October, with daily rain showers and warm temperatures.

Mazatlán has a splendid, semi-arid, subtropical climate, with an average winter temperature of 70 to 80 degrees F. Summers tend to be less humid here than in the more tropical destinations farther to the south, with an average summer temperature of between 85 and 95 degrees F (and seasonal storms are not too bothersome to ruins roamers).

Puerto Vallarta, the treasure of the Mexican Riviera, is surrounded by a blanket of dense tropical jungle. This romantic destination shares its latitude with the Hawaiian Islands and the sun seldom fails to greet visitors. The warmth of this vibrant resort is freshened by sea breezes.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is settled in a semitropical area of direct ocean frontage, which assures a gentle climate throughout the year. The backdrop of the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains provides a spectacular vista. The resort itself is settled amid 16 miles of hilly coastline, laden with sandy beaches and scalloped coves. The sun shines almost every day, with an occasional drenching of rain in late summer.

Acapulco Bay is a natural harbor, surrounded by mountains and cliffs, famous for the daring feats of Acapulco's cliff divers. Acapulco is a sun-worshipper's paradise and it is a rare day when the sun fails to shine. This popular resort is semitropical and sultry.

Huatulco, designed around nine bays in a landscape of sun-baked boulders and jungle-covered hills in Oaxaca State, was born just over a decade ago and is Mexico’s newest developing resort area. All its bays are noted for their golden sand and crystal waters. Huatulco is climatically blessed, with little humidity, pleasant year-round temperatures, and no rain from October through July.

THE CENTRAL PLATEAU

México's interior plateau offers an adventure in history, as well as topography. From Mexico City to Guadalajara, the higher elevations of the central plateau yield pleasant, springlike conditions through much of the year (evenings can be quite cool in the winter). This makes the destinations of the central region inviting in all seasons.

México City, the world's largest metropolis, has an elevation of 7,349 feet. Its mild daytime weather is perfect for sightseeing and its cool evenings assure comfortable sleep.

Guadalajara has a delightfully balmy climate with an annual average temperature of 70 degrees F. Warm days and splendid nights are the norm, peppered with rain showers in the summer months.

The colonial circle of Mexico's Mesa Central highlands reaches an elevation of 6,000-7,000 feet. Guanajuato clings dramatically to a mountainous ravine, as the gateway to the region's silver mines. The celebrated artists' community of San Miguel de Allende is situated on a hillside facing the Lara River. The colonial city of Oaxaca and its surrounding valley abound in natural and cultural history. It sits on an arid highland plateau some 5,000 feet above sea level. Morelia, the capital of Michoacan State, rests on a gentle slope overlooking the valley of Guayangareo.

YUCATAN PENINSULA

In the always interesting Yucatán Peninsula, proximity to the coast determines humidity and temperature, which averages 80 degrees F. Winters are traditionally the most popular time for a visit to this region, but the climate is mild year-round. In the summer, Gulf and Caribbean areas stay somewhat cooler due to trade winds, while interior jungles are hot and humid, with higher temperatures.

Cancún, which is actually a large island, was handpicked as a resort development because of its ideal climate and white, powder-soft sands. The heart of the Mexican Caribbean, Cancun is semitropical, with the sun shining about 240 days a year. The climate is refreshed by breezes that sweep across the low island. Cancun is generally out of the tropical storm route, with a rainy season only in late fall and winter.

Cozumel, Mexico's largest island, has a climate similar to that of Cancun. The island experiences some rain storms in late summer, and the infrequent tropical storm. Lying just 12 miles off the Yucatán Coast, it has beautiful weather just about any time of year (as well as some of the world’s best scuba diving).

Akumal and other smaller resorts along the Maya Riviera are located on the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, trade winds blow at a steady pace from morning to night, increasing slightly at dusk. Visitors in-the-know come to dive or simply to walk on the long beaches filled with shells, crabs, and migrant birds.

THE GULF COAST

The Gulf Coast is somewhat humid, with warmer temperatures. Rainfall increases significantly south of Tampico, with cooling, brisk, northerly winds from September through February.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY #1

LEARNING MORE

It’s easy to learn more about travelling to and enjoying all that Mexico has to offer in any season (and for any reason). Just call 800-44 MEXICO or visit their website at www.mexico-travel.com.

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY #2

Mexico Creates New Mexican Tourism Board

To better serve visitors, the Mexican government recently created the new Mexican Tourism Board (MTB), which is charged with increasing tourism to a country tourists already love. “Under this organization, we will be able to respond in a rapid way to the ever-changing global tourism environment,” says Javier Vega, General Director of the MTB.

The MTB has created a completely new strategy, which it calls Regional Clubs, to better market Mexico to its various niche segments. Through research studies, the MTB has evaluated the special interests of travelers from its most important markets and has matched those preferences with regional tourism products in Mexico. For example, the MTB will promote certain regions of Mexico for soft adventure, while others might attract spa goers.

Particular attention is being paid to those travelers who drive to Mexico across the border from California, Texas, and Arizona--rapidly growing markets that the MTB is committed to serving.

“We want to open up all of Mexico to visitors,” says Vega. “We are delighted that tourists have discovered our major resort destinations, such as Acapulco, Cancun, Ixtapa, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, and Mazatlan, but there are many beautiful locations with great facilities that are not as well known to visitors, such as Veracruz and Chiapas which are steeped in adventure travel and eco-tourism, the colonial cities of Central Mexico, archaeological ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, and festivals in Oaxaca and Guerrero. We want our guests to enjoy those regions as well.”

Mexican tourism has increased dramatically in recent years, as Americans have discovered the value and quality of a vacation in Mexico. U.S. corporations have also discovered that Mexico is the place to be--companies, including Four Seasons, Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Hilton, JW Marriott, and Sheraton, are building new properties and expanding to meet the demand. Mexico expects to exceed its five-year goal of opening 1,200 new hotel rooms a year.

More than 6.7 million tourists visited during just the first four months of 2000, a 9% increase over the same period in 1999. At this rate, tourism spending was expected to top $8 billion by the end of 2000.

“It’s a new day in Mexico. A new president has been elected and his administration has placed tourism at the top of its agenda,” says Vega. “Visitors here will find that we offer superb value for the dollar, friendly, helpful people, and excellent service, with all of the amenities they’ve come to expect from the finest tourism destinations.”

SIDEBAR POSSIBILITY #3

WEATHER INFORMATION

For up-to-the-minute information on weather in Mexico, there are a number of services available for travelers, including American Express's Worldwide Weather Report, 1/900/WEATHER (95 cent charge) or WEATHERTRAK, 1/900/370-8000. For cities in Mexico, punch the first three letters of the city's name (e.g., ACA for Acapulco).