Veracruz Travel Forum

I'm looking for a place to waste about 2 months in, looking at Mexico or south/central america. Need a hotel thats within walking distance of the beach, eats and markets. I'm vegetarian, so a veg. community would be a plus. Not to far from an airport would be nice. Can be on gulf or pacific coast, just near beach, 4 star at 3 star price is what I'm looking for! thoughts on Veracruz, anyone?

I'm jealous!!!

Veracruz MIGHT be a decent choice, but it's not the most obvious one. Are you also open to Quintana Roo? When are you going and what are your priorities? For instance, do lots of modern amenities matter more than authentic Mexican atmosphere? Do you want a beach you can swim and/or snorkel in, or just one to walk along and admire? Does it matter how clean the beach or water is? Do you prefer to be in a city or town, or a small fishing village? Do you want a full-service hotel or can you be more independent, maybe even renting a bungalow or villa? What's your tolerance for heat? Do you want/need a pool? Do you want/need lots of Americans nearby? What do you plan to do with your time? eg fish, tour, write, etc. How's your Spanish? Have you had a great trip to a Mexican or Central American beach before, and if so what made it so good?

I have a bunch of ideas for you -- just waiting to hear your tastes. So write soon!

I am open to any place thats cheap, clean and interesting. It doesn't have to be the most modern, authentic is good. I don't know Quintana Roo so no opinion on that choice, I may swim some, but mainly just like the ocean. Prefer smaller cities or towns, I do like clean water, natural beach is better, not sanitized.
Hotel can be just a place to sleep, don't need resterant, bar or dining. As I said I am vege. so am used to fending for myself, just need a place to buy good fresh food or a good resturant. I'm not a fan of high humid. areas, can tolerate though. Spanish isn't good, but do have some words. don't want a pool, I can be the only American in Mexico for all I care. Plan to unwind by just getting some excercise and laying around, have been in Iraq for the past 9 months without a break, so need to get just relax for awhile. I like to bicycle, but prob. won't have a bike with me, will try to see a little of the area, although I'm not big on looking at ruins or monuments for very long. Hope I've covered all your questions, someone just told me about zihuatanejo, you know, from "The Shawshank Redemption" Thanks for your help, Devon

Hi again, Devon. That info helps a lot, and I can definitely see why you want to decompress.

If you don't like humidity and you do want clean beaches, Veracruz may not be your best bet. Zihua is a great spot, but it's at the bottom of a heavily populated hillside and the seawater gets a lot of runoff (sewage etc) when the rains come. You still might love it, though.

I'll detail my suggestions one by one so you can do a little research on each of them without getting overwhelmed. But first here's an overview. On the Pacific side, I'm gonna suggest La Manzanilla, Bucerias, San Francisco, Sayulita and maybe Yelapa. On the Yucatan peninsula, Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, maybe Akumal and maybe something on the Gulf coast near Progreso.

La Manzanilla is a very Mexican village about 25 minutes from the Manzanillo airport with a pretty, unspoiled beach and good deals on hotel/rental lodging. Some expats, including a number of artists, live there, and they have started a nice cultural center for everyone in town, offering includes classes in art, languages, yoga, tai chi, etc. Similar places to check out nearby are Boca de Iguanas, Tenacatita, Cuasteccomates, Barra de Navidad. See www.lamanzanilla.com and
www.tomzap.com (under "jalisco"),

Some sample monthly rentals for $25-$70/day:
www.lamanzanilla.info/e_vacation_rental_juani_las_gaviotas_1.html
www.lamanzanilla.info/e_vacation_rental_brisa_del_mar_intro.html ($50)
www.coconutsbythesea.com/guest_quarters.htm

What do you think? Is this the price range/style you're looking for? I'll be back later with details on the next place. (PS: I assume you want air conditioning -- true?)

cheers,
karibe