Headline sound familiar?
If your answer is yes then you have indeed been following the news recently. If not then you either live on a remote island in the South Pacific or you simply can't read.
Yes, Mexico has had a tough year in 2010. Ever since incumbent president Felipe Calderon launched his war against the hugely powerful drug cartels the country that is home to tacos and sombreros has featured rather negatively in the press.
Although this blog entry is not about the political situation there it cannot be ignored that it might have a serious effect on people's determination to visit Mexico.
However, despite the ongoing violence (which is concentrated largely in the Northern states bordering the USA) Mexico continues to be a destination that can offer true bliss to anyone who can see past the discouraging headlines and decides to go.
Mexico is a thrilling nation that is as diverse as it is huge. With a total area that is 5.5 times as big as Germany and 15 times as big as England Mexico can satisfy almost any burning desire. Be it tropical rain-forests, desert plains, pumping holiday resorts, colonial city centres, pre-hispanic temples or sleepy coastal villages.
For someone like me who is half Mexican it is easy to find praise for my beloved country of birth yet with all that is on offer it is often hard to pick out what is just right.
This particular entry will therefore focus on only one town, which I have been regularly going to during the past 10 years and which I have come to love with all my heart and for all the right reasons.
Puerto Escondido (meaning Hidden Port) still has a slightly mysterious ring to it and is often associated with a slightly alternative and hippy approach to the "Mexican side of life". Luckily, despite evident developments over the past years Puerto has managed to retain its friendly and cosy style.
What follows next is a series of pictures that should give you an idea of why I consider this place one of the best kept secrets in Mexico and why anyone who passes through finds it hard to leave.
Endless beaches all to yourself
A rugged wilderness with a stunning beach backdrop
Befriend a local
Watch local boys catching fish and then enjoy a delicious order of "pescado a la plancha"
Grab fresh local produce at the market
Chicken liver and feet anyone?
Fall in love with the tropical wilderness
Join locals and tourists alike for a game of Jenga and a Mojito at "Casa Babylon"
Take part in a weirdly wonderful
Watch a fire show at "Piedra De La Iguana"
Enjoy a sundowner during one of many stunning sunsets
INFO BOX
How to get there?
One daily flight from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido on
Alternatively fly to Huatulco on
Bus connections to Acapulco, Oaxaca and Mexico City
Where to sleep?
Puerto has a great deal of cheap hostels. Try and stay close to the beach either on the main beach promenade or at Punta Zicatela
Where to eat?
Dozens of good eateries offer fresh fish of the day. Alternatively visit "Playa Kabbalah" or "Bananas"
Hello ~~ I followed your link on the United States of Backpacking page to this lovely blog.
AntwortenLöschenIt's great to read your intelligent and happy words about the wonderful country of Mexico.
I'm a US citizen who has lived in & around the city of Oaxaca for the past 13 years, but still find so much here that fascinates me.
I'm an active member on this forum: http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi , but almost the only contributor to its Mexico board. I hope you'll check it out. Be sure to click on the "Mexico in Post Cards board" sticky on that page, too.
(So far, that forum is skimpy on threads about Germany.)
Well, I'm off to read more here on your blog. Your photographs are fabulous!
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your comment! Great to see that people are reading my blog :)
AntwortenLöschenMore to come soon!