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IT's not hard to find the "real" Mexico.
For me, it's the Pacific coast.
Some friends just came back from the Copper Canyon trip with amazing stories.
- Clive
author of "Rebody" (SF Satire) - just out!

Hi there, madbeachdogs!
If you stay away from the major tourist areas you can find the real Mexico everywhere in Mexico...and the 'real' Mexicans are more than willing to share it with you! We're on our way to the Yucatan, getting off the plane in Cancun, and running as fast as we can for the interior. But you can find the 'real' Mexico even in Cancun - just get off the main thoroughfare and walk, walk, walk. Like anywhere, if you go where the common folks go, eat where you see the working men and women go to eat, don't judge a place by how much it costs - or doesn't cost. Check out the Lonely Planet series of books - read read read! If you'd like some websites, just reply to this message - and if you're reading, how about giving a newbie a hand and contributing your own favorite websites and books?
Thanks for dropping by,
Chris

The real Mexico? Stay away from the tourist areas. I have been in many towns along the Pacific coast and in the State of Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, Michoacan.....Colima is a Beatiful city with many parks and the Colima volcano near by.....Ciudad Guzman, Mazamitla, called the mexican Switzerland......Around Lake Chapala, several towns. Melaque, Barra de Navidad, La Manzanilla. I've been spending Winters in Mexico for the past 8 years.Not this year, but I still might go in Feb. I love Mexico, the people is nice and helpful, the art, the food , etc., A beautiful place. I have visited several other towns and cities in Mex. I also Speak Spanish.When are you going? If I can be of any help, please ask me, I will gladly answer your questions. Hasta pronto, Ofie

The real Mexico for us is Puerto Vallarta and surrounds. We have been visiting there for 9 years now..and would go nowhere else. It has all the charm of old Mexico...especially "Old Town" Vallarta. We stay there and enjoy the best of both worlds. The people in Vallarta are wonderful and each year we can't wait to go back. We are leaving here Feb 10 for our annual trek and anticipation is running at an all time high. Wherever you choose to go...enjoy!

If you're hitting the West Coast, Baja California is a good bet for an intro to Mexico. Just be sure to get south of Ensenada and head for the Sea of Cortez. It's many miles of desert and light population, but the scenery changes by the minute and it's all beautiful. There is a chain of hotels within easy driving distance - the La Pinta group. Fairly inexpensive with decent restaurants. Probably better to travel with someone if you're driving as there are very long, isolated stretches of highway on the thousand mile Highway One from the border to La Paz and Cabo San Lucas. The AAA Baja Book is outstanding with detailed maps and photos along with all there is to see.
Yes, Mexico is still there...big time.
Enjoy.
Will Brecheen
San Jose, CA

TRy ... Taxco, Zihuatenjo. Also, the town that is featured above by one of the writers in our group. Estrella Ores and/or other bus lines have beautiful tour buses.

Good luck -- sounds wonderful. Soon I hope my husband and I can try a little adventure.

Hi, I appreciate everyone's feedback and await more.

I have been out of town for a week and thinking a great deal about
doing things I have always wanted to do. #1 being Mexico. And, how
important it is to do while I have the chance. And have now added the Copper Canyon
to - My Bucket List.

I am a single RVer and travel with my 5 year old/4 fat paws (mostly chow chow). Although he (Smoak) would protect me with his life, I would do the same for him. Because of that it would be nice to have someone along that talks and can help yell for help? maybe?

I will be starting out from St. Pete. Fl. to probably east coast of Mex. and just take it from there. Oh, as long as I can feed the GAS tank!!

It will still be two plus ++ months before I can start actually loading up.
And that will depend on how long it takes to get Passport, which I am
expediting.

Would love more info. on east to west Mexico.

Thanks for responding.

yes It's still there, thats why I moved to Manzanillo and tomorrow I start another road trip from the US south, I'll be alone with my 7 pound dog in A VAN LOADED TO THE ROOF & above.
We have a nice area where we take the dogs for "dog day at the beach" Let me know when your in the area & we can meet & let the dogs romp at the beach together
I suggest you take the toll roads south from Nogales Az follow the coast road to Puerto Vallarta then the free road along the coast south it hilly & slow but I like it better than going thru Guadalajara. Gas is 71 cents a liter, but no plastic at the gas stations, you need to get off the highway to get to an ATM where you can withdraw pesos, the toll booths will take a $20 dollar bill & give you pesos change till you find the ATM, banks have a better exchange rate than the pemex stations.
please reply to pinkladydi@gmail.com to find me quicker that replying here

Point it south and head to where the roads aren't 4 lane...or go out of the places that you've heard of and try a place even 5 miles from there in any direction. Mexico and her people are all around - just follow your nose or eyes...leave the guide books at home or at least in the seat of your car!
Chris

Hi: Any person wants a companion to go to Mexico? I would like to go back, but now I am alone. I would like to go with a group or......I have been in Mexico several times , and I miss it. I speak spanish, so that will help a lot. Hasta pronto, Ofie