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GUADALAJARA |
Pride of Mexico |

Guadalajara, city full of contrasts, is the capital of the state of Jalisco and it is the second city of importance in Mexico. Among its main attributes is that it has one of the best climates in the world and it promotes the main national symbols that represent Mexico to the world: tequila, mariachi, and charreria.
The architecture of its historic center is one of the most important legacies of history which is wonderfully conserved almost intact in Guadalajara. Time has stopped in its imposing churches and palaces of the Colonial era. They represent the antique and beautiful Guadalajara from centuries ago.
As the traditional city it has always been, the craftsmanship is among the most valued cultural manifestations. Guadalajara is the land of craftsmen, which for centuries have transformed clay, glass, leather, ceramic, and stone into wonderful pieces that marvel people for their unique beauty and creativity.
The magic that this city holds over its visitors resides mainly in that special combination of a tranquil traditional historic city and at the same time a modern metropolis full of attractions. Guadalajara is a delightful city where it is possible to enjoy all kinds of shows and entertainment, to live the art in all of its manifestations, enjoy the extensive regional and international food. This is the most propitious place to carry out any type of purchase because of its intense commercial activity.

All of the kindness Guadalajara can offer to whom visits it extends further away form its borders. "La Perla Tapatia" is located in a privileged place, surrounded by all types of scenery where it is possible to carry out any activity. From the sea to its tropical climate, its towns are filled with tradition even in the pure air in the country and mountains.
This is a city with an inexhaustible dynamism that takes advantage of each one of its corners form dawn to dusk. To visit Guadalajara is to find in fullness the splendor of a joyful land, which is profoundly traditional.
PUERTO VALLARTA |
The spirit of Mexico |
When it comes to beach destinations, unquestionably Puerto Vallarta represents the essence of the Mexican province for its unique physiognomy. Red roofs, stone paved roads, and hospitable people are combined with its impressive tourist infrastructure, at the height of any cosmopolitan area, but located in front of Banderas Bay the biggest natural bay in Mexico and sheltered by the dense tropical mountains of the Occidental Sierra Madre, which odds that special touch to its location.

Puerto Vallarta has an International Airport called "Gustavo Díaz Ordaz" which is located at about 6 kilometers to the north of the city. The airport has national and international airline service.
Another way to get here is by sea, aboard a yacht and taking advantage of Marina Vallarta or aboard a pleasure cruise.
A terrific option is to enjoy Puerto Vallarta by car. All of its areas are well communicated and its scenic highways permit the enjoyment of wonderful views of the bay from the hills that surround it.
The best way to enjoy it is to go afoot through the old town, to discover the colonial streets, its people, and the moments that seem to belong to other times.
The Guadalupe Parish is one of the main attractions of the city. It is recommended to visit the Municipal Palace to get to know its original murals painted by Manuel Lepe in which scenes of the foundation of the port in naïf-style are shown.
A stroll through the alley is a must to find the bronze sculptures that adorn it, in which El caballito del mar- (The sea horse) ridden by a boy stands out.
There are a great variety of possibilities to enter excursions by boat, yacht, and trimaranes- which are the ideal way and sometimes the only way to get to know many of its beaches and points of interest. Some of these are: Las Animas, Quimixto, Majahuitas, and Yelapa, which are found in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes.
There are more than 15 beaches along the enormous bay with easy access and all of them offer many options for the enjoyment of aquatic sports like: Parachute flights, water skiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and sailing.
Something unique in Puerto Vallarta is the possibility of horse back riding and riding for 4 hours through the jungle, along its rivers and cascades.
Puerto Vallarta has a variety of hotels from the
luxury and exclusiveness of tourism to those of
one star. |
The variety and quality of services that many hotels offer, make of Puerto Vallarta a tourist center that is parallel with the best in the world: marina, golf course, convention facilities, spectacular swimming pools, beach clubs, restaurants and exclusive bars, tennis courts, beautiful gardens surrounding its pools, and the beach just a few steps away.
This hotel complex assures you to find the option that you need according to your budget and the like style you want to enjoy during the trip.
One can savor the best national and international dishes in the most diverse atmosphere and styles: at the edge of the river among the jungle, at the top of a hill enjoying the sea breeze and the relaxing murmur of its waves under a -palapa-, with the greatest sophistication or in the most relaxing informality.
Its night life is exacting. every night can be as long and intense as you plan it to be.
To traverse its exclusive bars or dance at its modern discos, then to enjoy a succulent dinner, is a unique experience. also unique is to be in a Mexican fiesta that some of the hotels offer with food and typical music.
Fishing is one of Vallarta´s main attractions. The Sailfish and Marlin season is from November to May. Minor fishing can be done during the whole year.
For those who love tennis, Puerto Vallarta is a true paradise. Nearly all the hotels have their own tennis courts.
A large number of designers, artists and craftsmen, not only Mexican but from other countries as well, produce works, pieces, and exclusive clothing that are well worth recommending. They can be bought in any of the stores and boutiques located along the town's alley on the streets of Morelos and Juárez, and in the lobbies of many luxury hotels. Moreover, there are also art galleries of great prestige.
Puerto Vallarta is also an excellent place to acquire local crafts as well as from many regions of the country: leather items, silver items, clay pieces, jewelry, textiles and baskets can be bought at the airport, on the island of the Cuale River, in the Craftsmanship Institute, and in many small shops located all over the city.
At the Municipal Market one can buy souvenirs and regional candies.
COSTALEGRE |
Almost paradise |
Enchanting is the best word to describe this area. The intense blue of the sky and sea is confused in the horizon. Bubbly waves crash over the golden sand. Precious ocher and turquoise views and an unmistakable breeze with the smell of salt charm our senses. Some of nature's marvelous creations in the world are the warm beaches of Costalegre. They keep riches that time has been able to conserve in its most pure expression and it has made this shore be crowned as an -Ecological Tourist Attraction-.
Costalegre is made up of a group of the most beautiful beaches in Jalisco. Their diverse characteristics offer the option of surfing, fishing, diving, and sailing. Tranquil extensions of the beach make this place ideal for camping and resting where the hand of man has not considerably modified the climate and beauty of the exuberant vegetation. Bathed by the Pacific waters, its geographic location and the hospitality of its habitants make this corner an oasis of incomparable pleasure within reach.
THE SHORE OF CHAPALA |
The little corner of love |
Lake Chapala is a natural setting where time seems to pass more slowly. One of the most pleasant experiences that one can live is to contemplate the flight of birds over the immensity of the lake, the tranquil water's rhythmic motion, and to feel the almost imperceptible contact of the cool wind.
Chapala is the biggest and most beautiful lake of the country. It has been for centuries the inspiration of musicians, poets, and writers who have been charmed by the beauty it treasures along its shore. A town called Ajijic has a permanent establishment of contemporary American artists.
Its dense vegetation, superb climate, and its romantic atmosphere have attracted the attention of foreigners from around the world who have settled here in beautiful country style residencies. It has become a resting and retirement place by excellence. Its very valuable constructions of diverse architectonic styles, its unique food, and the work of art that is exhibited here are admired.
United to this, the pleasure of swimming, sailing, playing golf and tennis in diverse facilities guarantee an unforgettable stay.
MOUNTAIN AREA |
An encounter with nature |
Toward the south of Jalisco, the cool air saturates the environment with essence of pine trees. In the distance, a profile of the mountains, which stumps with the mist of the fog is outlined. Only the whisper of the streams that flow and the noise of the migrating birds welcome one to these green views where nature reigns in perfect harmony with man.
The heart of the mountains is in the way of rustic towns. Frequently, very fine rain humidifies the panorama of white roofs and wooden doors give off a smell of wet earth that blends with the sweet aroma of the fruit, punch and eggnog reserves that are produced in the region. Its visitors appreciate the typical food, which is specialized in lamb al pastor, birria, (a typical food), and milk based candy.
Nature lovers have at their disposal forty thousand hectares of forest that expands around these communities where welcoming wood cabins invite one to stay among the tranquillity. It also has places where one can fish or camp enjoying the kindness of the place.
To enter the forest afoot or on a horse, to undertake a group excursion through countless paths or to go bicycle riding in its enhancing places is to discover in plenitude the miracle of nature. |
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© World INvestment NEws, 2000.
This is the electronic edition of the special country report on Mexico published in Far Eastern Economic Review (Dow Jones Group). December 21st, 2000 Issue.
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