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 TM
Travelers
Turning to Mexico for Winter Escapes
Great
Deals and Proximity Make Mexico
Leading Destination for Winter Travel
With
the travel industry trying to stimulate tourism and the U.S. and
Canadian travelers looking south of the border to flee a late-arriving
winter, several providers are offering packages and special getaways to
various Mexican destinations. Among some of the alluring deals being
offered:
Fun in the Sun in Ixtapa
 The Mexico Specialists, experts in beach
vacations to the country s sunniest resorts, are offering a reduced rate
of $90 per adult, per night double occupancy at the deluxe all-inclusive
resort, Melia Azul Ixtapa. Built in 1999, the Melia Azul is one of
Ixtapa s premier resorts. From now until March 23, guests can enjoy
dining at five restaurants, sipping cocktails at the lobby or pool bars,
or taking a refreshing dip in one of three swimming pools. Nightly shows
and a special entertainment program for children make this hotel an
ideal getaway for families. Ixtapa is a prime location for water sport
aficionados and the pristine beaches are the perfect spot for sunbathing
and people watching while the more adventurous sort can find several
sport fishing charters and scuba diving excursions. Golfers can schedule
a tee-time at the nearby Marina Ixtapa s sprawling 18-hole golf course
designed by Robert Von Hagge.
For
More Information:
www.mexico-specialists.com
1-800-733-8818.
Sea Kayaking in Baja California
 Navtec Expeditions hosts an eight-day,
kayaking excursion in Baja California s Sea of Cortez teeming with fish,
dolphins, sea lions and whales and set against a rugged, mountainous
coastline. The Sierra de la Giganta Sea Kayak Expedition is led by
expert guides that meet travelers in the quiet fishing village of
Loreto, where they ll stay at a beachfront hotel before setting off on
their journey. After a brief lesson on kayak safety and instructions,
the adventure begins with afternoons free for snorkeling, fishing,
hiking or just relaxing in camp where the guides prepare delicious
meals. With several departure dates each month from January through
April, the trip s cost is $1,095 per person and includes one night hotel
accommodation (double occupancy) in Baja before and after the
expedition, all meals while at sea, a coast Guard approved life jacket,
river bags and camera box, a two-person tent, a one- or two-person kayak
with paddle and spray skirt and associated land transportation.
For
More Information:
www.navtec.com
1-800-833-1278.
Exploring the Copper Canyon in Chihuahua
Specializing in tours to the Copper Canyon,
which is located within Mexico s Sierra Madre Mountains, The California
Native offers a variety of excursions to the area, ranging from two-week
explorations to four-day individual trips. The Copper Canyon is four
times larger than the Grand Canyon and almost 300 feet deeper, making
for a breathtaking destination for any traveler. A seven-day package to
the region includes a visit with the Tarahumara Indians to witness
demonstrations of their famous foot races, a picnic at Lake Arereco and
a visit to the home of Pancho Villa, the controversial bandit and hero
of the Mexican Revolution. Winter dates for this trip are January 27
through February 2 and March 3 through 9. There will be eight additional
tours throughout 2002. The cost of this trip is $1,790 per person,
double occupancy and includes a knowledgeable and bilingual American
guide, transportation, accommodations, excursions, tips and most meals.
Round trip airfare from Los Angeles, Tucson or El Paso is also included.
For More Information:
1-800-926-1140
www.calnative.com.
Cycling in the Yucatan Peninsula
El Tour s Yucatan Beaches and Ruins II tour
takes visitors on the ride of their lives through the lush tropical
jungles and mesmerizing ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula. From January 30
through February 13, cycling enthusiasts and amateurs will ride through
pueblos, Maya ruins, and even beaches stopping along to way to stay at
charming inns and dine at intimate restaurants. Upon reaching the
bustling city of Mérida, riders will have the opportunity to enjoy the
colonial architecture, art and delicious food as well as the famous
Carnaval celebrations in the town. Visitors fly into Cancun and from
there continue by bicycle to the cities of Valladolid, Izamal, Santa
Clara and Progreso, among others. Approximate ground cost for the trip
is $697 and includes accommodations, meals and guide fees but not the
equipment. For the more adventurous traveler, camping out on the white
sandy beaches will lower the cost.
For More Information:
basily@rocketmail.com
www.el-tour.com.
Discovering the Art and Markets of Colonial
Mexico
The Mexican Art and Culture Tours offers a
10-day outing to the colonial cities of Morelia, Patzcuaro, San Miguel
de Allende, Uruapan and Guanajuato. The perfect backdrop for exploration
or quiet meditation, these cities seem to look just as they did
centuries ago. Day trips to local coppersmiths, a weaving factory and a
center for the highly collectable Talavera tile and ceramics make this
trip a once in a lifetime opportunity. Explore the native markets of
Patzcuaro after breakfast, stop at Atotonilco, a wonderful 16th century
Augustinian oratorio with some amazing frescos, after lunch in San
Miguel and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Casa de Espiritus Allegres in
Guanajuato. Package price is $1,965 for double occupancy and includes
accommodations at top hotels, deluxe ground transportation, daily
breakfast, select lunches and dinners and all entrance fees.
For
More Information:
www.mexicanarttours.com
Jean Grimm 1-888-783-1331.
Mexico Closer Than Ever
 No matter what you are seeking, Mexico offers
a variety of experiences that are close to home and difficult to match
anywhere else. Where else can you climb a pyramid in the morning,
snorkel before lunch, shop for exquisite crafts, dine on authentic
Mexican cuisine and dance until dawn? From excitement and fun to
rest, relaxation, and reflection, Mexico offers it all. For More Information:
1-800-44-MEXICO
www.visitmexico.com Images courtesy of
Mexico Tourism Board
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