If you’ve decided to visit Mexico on your winter/spring break, you’ve made a good decision – not only is it easy to travel there, you have a lot of destination options depending on your interests. So which coast is for you – Caribbean or Pacific?
Choose the Caribbean if:
- A pristine white beach with multiple water sports offered is important to you. Keep in mind that in some seasons (May through August especially) the beaches around Cancun can be seriously affected by the saragassum seaweed which is unattractive, smelly and limits access to the water. This can be avoided altogether by staying at accommodations in the protected leeward beaches of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres.
- Mayan archaeology and history is something you’re interested in. The Mayan ruins at Tulum, Chichen Itza, Uxmal and Coba offer fascinating insights into Mayan culture. If you want to be able to climb among the ruins, Uxmal and Coba are less restrictive and much less crowded and “touristy.”
- Private excursions inland to secluded cenotes for swimming, snorkeling and hiking appeal to you. Cenote Azul outside of Playa Del Carmen and the Cenote Calavera close to Tulum are just a couple of examples of the region’s many freshwater oases formed by underwater rivers, perfect for cave diving and snorkeling.
- You have kids who enjoy more structured attractions like ziplining and ATV adventures. Xcaret and Xel Ha are massive eco-parks where you can spend an entire day. Underground river floating, ziplining, snorkeling with tropical fish, waterslides and cultural shows are just some of the attractions.
Choose the Pacific if:
- You prefer sport fishing, golf and a deeper dive into authentic Mexican cuisine, culture and traditions. The Pacific beaches are definitely beautiful and swimmable and the ocean is warm, but you won’t find the crystal clear waters or sugar-like sand of the Caribbean. A great beach is Mazatlan’s Playa Olas Altas situated along the famous 13 mile-long Malecon (boardwalk). Highly rated golf courses (especially those on the Baja peninsula) blend desert-like landscapes with towering coastal cliffs and dramatic ocean views.
- You’re more comfortable in a clear, dry atmosphere rather than humidity with predictable afternoon showers. November through May is the region’s dry season with comfortable temperatures during the day and cool evenings.
- You prefer a more authentic, less “touristy” approach to fine dining, art, and Mexican heritage and traditions. Pre-Hispanic archaeological sites (Tehualculco and Los Toriles) and colonial cities and forts (Cathedral Basilica and Fort San Diego) are scattered in towns all along the coast. San Jose del Cabo is a haven for artists in all genres, and its laid-back atmosphere belies the exclusivity of some of its outstanding boutique hotels, villas and spas.
You’ll find the best of both worlds if: You stay in the Punta Mita– Riviera Nayarit area.
- This newly developed region is located on a peninsula about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta and blends jungle-to-ocean geography, excellent white sand beaches with calm surf, and small-footprint, luxury properties.
- New developments here prioritize secluded, eco-conscious retreats that have an authentic, “old-Mexico meets surf-town” vibe that co-exists with luxurious surroundings.
- Birdwatching in the mangrove forests and whale watching in the humpback sanctuary are especially appealing to nature lovers.
Talk to your Travel Leaders vacation specialist for more information about a warm weather retreat to Mexico.
