Cancun is Mexico’s largest resort destination, with more than 26,000 hotel rooms, and is full of all one could hope for in a vacation.  In Cancun, you will find white sandy beaches, beautiful turquoise waters, fine dining, entertainment, nature, ruins of the Mayan civilization, snorkeling, diving, watersports, and golf.  And that’s not just throughout the town, but located just inside of the walls of most Cancun resorts.

 Cancun offers lodging from small hotels to four-star resorts.  Known as the Hotel Zone, most of the major hotels and resorts are located here, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon.  These hotels and resort offer room with ocean, lagoon and garden views, and are known for providing excellent service and a wide spectrum of amenities.  This area is also home to many all-inclusive resorts which let you relax without worrying about prices, and suite, villa and condominium properties that give groups and families more room and convenience.  Here you can also find Cancun’s small hotels, or their Mediterranean-style mansions that offer beachfront massages and watersports.

 Both within and outside of the resorts you will find amenities that range from on-site spas, private beaches, golf courses, watersports and dining.  Within walking distance from most of the popular hotels restaurants that serve dishes from all around the world, entertainment, nightlife and local handcraft markets.  In the town you will also find such convenient establishments such as banks, money exchange, internet cafes, supermarkets, churches and a bus terminal.

 The Couples San Souci in Ochos Rios has renovated a bit since it played host to scenes of James Bond’s “Dr. No” in the 60’s, and has recently undergone another makeover.  The five-star, all-suite, San Souci (which means “without a care” in French) is the latest property to join the Jamaican Couples all-inclusive family.  It has joined with the Couples Swept Away, Couples Negril and Couples Ochos Rios in Jamaica.  After receiving a $4.5 million revamp, you will notice details such as the bronze lobby sculptures by local artist Basil Watson, and open balconies in many guest rooms. 

 Their Suites are arranged into various levels on the cliffs of Ochos Rios.  The Evergreen building is the closest to the lobby, and offers open views of the sea.  The Veranda Suites offer a large master bedroom with spacious balconies.  The Ocean Suites feature a sitting area with kitchenette.  The Beach front Suites are one-bedrooms with in-room Jacuzzis.  And the Penthouse suites feature elegant living rooms and bedrooms.

 Their all-inclusive plan includes unlimited food and drink, activities (such as fashion shows, beach cricket, tarot card readings, wood carving, performances by local musicians and weekly beach parties including rum, reggae and food), Greens fees and transfers to the Upton golf course, watersports, and accessibility to the two tennis courts and the fitness center.  They also have free shuttles that depart daily for the Crafts Market and Island Village Mall in Ochos Rios, along with Dunn’s River Falls and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Bar and Restaurant.  They also offer four pools, one of which includes a swim-up bar. 

 There are several restaurants located in the Resort that you get free dining at, such as:  the Ristorante Casanova (Italian dishes); Palazzina’s, with a menu that features made-to-order pasta and desserts like baba au rum (a delight made of Appleton rum, pistachio wafers and homemade rosemary ice cream); the Bella Vista that features local favorites such as spicy jerk chicken and red pea soup; The “Made-in-Jamaica” burger is a beach grill where you can walk right off the beach in your swimsuit and bare feet and order food or an original creation from the bartender.  They also feature four bars, such as the Balloon Bar, which features live music, along with the spa bar.

 At Charlie’s Spa you can take part in popular massages such as the Pineapple and Papaya wrap or the Choco-Latte Scrub, or enjoy carrot juice at Charlie’s Spa Bar.  Though spa sessions are not part of the all-inclusive plan, many guests indulge themselves anyway, why not pamper yourself when you already have all your food, drinks and activities for free?

 Some don’t know whether to go all-inclusive or not when traveling in the Caribbean or Mexico.  So here is a rough comparison between an all-inclusive or non-inclusive plan, when traveling to Mexico.

 So, a full day of meals for two at a resort area in Mexico can cost about $80, which is if you choose a house wine, after-dinner drinks and a tip to go along with the cost.  Two hours of kayaking with a local outfitter, at its least expensive would run about $60.  To go out for a night, you’d have to consider an entrance fee to a club or show, drinks and transportation to and from the chosen spot, this can come to roughly $50 for a couple.  The average rate for a nice, but non-pricey resort will run in low season for about $125 per room, per night.  And since you won’t be staying just one night, everything will have to be multiplied by three.  So that would come to $1,125 for a non-inclusive, three-night vacation in Mexico.  Also, keep in mind that the price for plane tickets is not included, either are the hotel taxes or gratuities, or the cost for babysitting, etc. if you are traveling with children.

 Now, compare this to an all-inclusive stay.  It would be approximately $774 total for an all-inclusive three-night stay in a mid-luxury resort in Mexico (not including flights).  This all-inclusive will regularly include transfers to and from hotel, the number of nights hotel, all meals and snacks, and all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, all non-motorized watersports, and other activities.  Also, many resorts have various activities and extras added in their all-inclusive plans that are specific to that resort or area.  For example, many hotels such as the Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, and the Barcelo Hotels & Resorts, include Children’s and Kid’s clubs included in the all-inclusive plan to provide a safe and fun environment for your children.  Also, many resorts have itineraries specific to the locale, such as shopping trips to Cancun, or trips to the Mayan Ruins.  Also, most all of the all-inclusive packages include free entry to their in-resort clubs or discos.

 Also, some destinations you may be more satisfied going non-inclusive.  If you are looking to go to various restaurants within the city, you may choose the non-inclusive, as the all-inclusive package includes only the restaurants within the resort (and on some occasions, the restaurants in the sister resorts as well).  All-inclusive plans are ideal for those looking for an easy way to enjoy their trip, and those looking for a lot of activities and entertainment.  The best way to decide on all-inclusive vs. non-inclusive is to research the area and weigh out the pros and cons according to your personal idea of a perfect vacation.

 As one of the most biologically diverse mountain systems in Mexico, The Sierra Norte is giving all it can give for hikers.  The Sierra Norte covers 6,500 square miles in the northern part of Oaxaca, and includes steep mountain slopes covered in pine and oak, cactus-covered 5,000-foot valleys and a beautiful tropical coastline, with an elevation range form sea level to 10,000 feet.  This area is part of a bioregion designated by Conservation International as one of the richest and most endangered in the world.  Here you will find unique species of orchids and wildlife such as southern flying squirrels, Pacific orange rip butterflies, Oaxaca hummingbirds and white-throated jays.

 Companies such as Journey Mexico offer tours through this rich tapestry of ecosystems.  Their nine-day tour starts with an exploration of the city of Oaxaca, and follows with visits to the pre-Columbian ruins of Monte Alban and Mitla, then to the mountains, where a few days are spent hiking and living in the Sierra Norte with Zapotec communities.  With this trip you get the chance to meet with local people and learn about the sacred traditions of the rural region, and get to stay two nights at a beach-side lodge in the fishing village of Puerto Escondido.  As you enjoy your stay here you can take pleasure in the surroundings through kayaking, hiking, scuba diving and snorkeling.

 The southern Mexican state of Chiapas is where you will find many spots perfect for bird watching.  One of these spots is the Lacandon rain forest, where you can go to the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve.  The Reserve was designated in 1979 as the first biosphere reserve in Mexico, which protects more than 1,200 square miles, and is home to nearly 350 bird species (which comprises nearly a third of the country’s total), along with more than 3,400 plant species and more than 100 species of mammals (such as endangered jaguars, ocelots and tapirs).  Some of the rare birds you will find here are quetzal, scarlet macaw, harpy eagle, king vulture, and muscovy duck, all of which are threatened with extinction.

 Last year, Mountain Travel Sobek began a new wildlife-focused trip that includes active exploration of Montes Azules and other nature areas, guided boating trips along the reserve’s rivers, hiking jungle paths lined with 200-foot ceiba trees, and visits to Maya archaeological sites.  You can also take part in swimming in the water falls, “crocodile wrestling” (where you can help scientists catch, measure and tag crocodiles for a local conservation program), staying with indigenous communities, and interaction with local researchers who work on ongoing biosphere conservation efforts.

 Forty miles northwest of Cancun, you will find Isla Holbox.  Though this area is little-known, this narrow strip of white sand, only 25 miles long and no more than two mile wide, is the perfect spot for snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico.  From June through September, the offshore waters are the site for whale sharks to congregate, as they come here to feed on seasonal plankton blooms.  The whale shark is the world’s biggest fish (it can grow to more than 50 feet in length), and can be a vulnerable species.  This is why the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve was created in 1994 to protect Isla Holbox and its surrounding waters.

 Local guides take tourists to see the whale sharks in season.  Dove6 Water Tours offers packages that include swimming with the whale sharks and scuba diving elsewhere in the Maya Riviera.  Gap Adventures offers eight-day itineraries to Holbox from Cancun, which include accommodation, whale shark tours and other activities.

 The population of Holbox is less than 2,000, and there are no cars in the area (most people get around by bike, golf cart or motor scooter), and the local economy is based largely on fishing.  This also means there are many seafood restaurants in the main town that serve up fresh catches of the day, such as lobster, grouper, red snapper, conch and octopus.

 Copper Canyon is one of the deepest and largest canyon systems in the world, and home to the perfect terrain for mountain biking in Mexico.  The bizarre rock formations and caves in the area, which is composed of a series of huge canyons, make it ideal for mountain biking, whether you look to mountain-bike seriously or leisurely.

 The town of Creel in the state of Chihuahua is the gateway to Mexico’s mountain and road biking areas, and is an eight-hour drive from El Paso, TX.  This town plays host every July to a major national cycling festival and race series.  And from this town you will find the Canyons at an elevation of 7,600 feet.

 There are many companies located in near here that cater to the bikers.  Nichols Expeditions and Western Spirit offer weeklong mountain bike excursions to and through Copper Canyon, which include guides and support vehicles.  If you are looking for a longer itinerary, try KE Adventure Travel, which offers two week tours.  With KE, most days average about 25 miles, and the elevation reaches 8,200 feet.  The nights are spent in hotels in town and log cabin lodges along the trail.  And on your rides you can look at the areas beautiful wildlife (such as parrots, whitetail deer, and jaguars) and scenery (such as cataract waterfalls, and deserted mining claims).

 In Cabo San Lucas, sport fishing is exceptional.  With the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Sea of Cortez on the other, the sport fishing in this area is great in the deep-water canyons and harbors of each.  Named the “marlin capital of the world,” Cabo San Lucas has an estimated 50,000 billfish caught every year. 

Although the rise in tourism has caused a catch-and-release practice for billfish, operators will let you keep commonly caught game fish, such as yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, Spanish mackerel and dorado.  Also, on most of the fishing trips, the crew will clean, fillet and freeze your catch for you to take home.  But you have to plan your trip accordingly with the type of catch you hope for; Swordfish and sailfish are at their most January through June; blue and black marlin are most plentiful July through November, when the big storms cause the populations to move; and striped marlin is caught year round.

 About an hour northwest of Monterrey, you will find El Potrero Chico, which has been attracting rock climbers from around the world.  El Potrero Chico features more than 600 bolted routes with permanent artificial anchors embedded in the rock, and which all are in easy access of campgrounds or lodging at the base.  Though this spot is ideal for climbing, the typical crowd usually only reaches 50 or 60 people, so you will usually only see a few other climbers during your climb.  The bolts in the rock make the rugged terrain easier to tackle, and the limestone uplift offers a combination of ledges and landings. 

 Lodging and camping is easy to find at the base of most climbs, which lets you devote your time to the reason you came here. Posada El Potrero Chico is a family-run campsite and lodge, and helps in aiding climbers by offering Wi-Fi, and a small gear shop.  Here you can get weeklong guided climbing trips that include a guide, equipment, airport shuttle and lodging in a casita with private bath.

 El Potrero Chico is just west of Hidalgo.  Living is simple here, and in the markets you can find the hearty food that you expect to find in traditional northern Mexico.  And in the town, the locals are devoted to encourage the climbing and preserve the environment, that’s why the climbing school runs cleanup days where the local children help with the maintenance of routes by collecting trash.

 Surfing is popular on Mexico’s Pacific coast, especially the small coastal fishing village of Sayulita, located 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.  This destination is ideal for beginning surfers, or well-learned surfers looking to perfect their technique.  But the more advanced of the riders head south to Puerto Escondido, where you will find the rougher waves.

 Most boarders spend there time in Sayulita’s Bay, just off a curving white-sand town beach.  Along this beach, longboarders will find the more advanced waves, and further down the beach, beginners will find smaller waves.  Here you will find a small but colorful population of local fishermen, hippies, and more.  And the city offers a charm, that the closer Puerto Vallarta doesn’t offer, that would be that the town puts into action a control over development, allowing no big hotels of big chain stores around.  Almost everything in the town is within walking distance, and is far from being overrun by tourists, therefore, the beaches are rarely crowded, and the foreign travelers tend to be in their 20s and 30s.

 Beginning in 2006, Access Trips Adventure Travel Company started a small group surf itinerary to Sayulita and its surrounding breaks.  They offer seven-day surf safaris that are led only by locals, and by one local surfer in particular, Javier Chavez.  The packages include lodging, instruction, all breakfasts, a lunch and two dinners, yoga and transportation (including airport transfers).  In the winter, humpback whale center in the bay, and are a bonus when surfing in the area.  You can also find Las Olas Surf Safaris, who runs surf camps for many.