Drive Mexico Magazine

Tag: Reels

  • Tepic, Nayarit: A Magical Capital in the Heart of Nayarit

    Tepic, Nayarit: A Magical Capital in the Heart of Nayarit

    Tepic is the capital of the state of Nayarit, only 1,430 km (894 miles) from the Nogales border. It is intersected by the Río Mololoa and the Río Tepic, and not far from the extinct Sangangüey volcano and its crater lake.

    Tepic is a rich agricultural centre, with tobacco, citrus and sugar cane. You can taste the sugar in the air from a local sugar processing plant.

    There is a large indigenous population, the Huichol and Coras, and the city has museums, parks, markets and government offices.

    Have you been to Tepic? Tell us what you liked best in the comments.

    Music by Sound Music from Pixabay.

  • Bucerías, Nayarit: A Magical Beach Town on the Bay of Banderas

    Bucerías, Nayarit: A Magical Beach Town on the Bay of Banderas

    Bucerías is a delightful Mexican beach resort town in the state of Nayarit, on the Bay of Banderas just north of Puerto Vallarta and the airport. From the Nogales U.S.–Mexico border it is approximately 1,570 to 1,600 km, about 1,198 miles.

    We found cobblestone streets, a plethora of restaurants, the main plaza, a church, and services for tourists, plus 29 km (18 miles) of white sand beach.

    There is a diverse mix of seasonal and permanent residents, including many Canadians and Americans. Bucerías is where the tranquility of Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit meets the warmth of its community.

    Have you been to Bucerías? Tell us what you liked best in the comments.

    Music by Sounova Music from Pixabay.

  • Lo de Marcos, Nayarit: Beachside Tranquility on the Pacific

    Lo de Marcos, Nayarit: Beachside Tranquility on the Pacific

    Lo de Marcos is a quiet Pacific beach town in Nayarit, only 1,550 km (962 miles) from the Nogales border. Its agricultural roots shifted from coconut harvesting to tourism.

    We found tropical vegetation, a freshwater estuary and a stunning, unspoiled Pacific Ocean beach. Smaller attractions include beach walks, swimming and spotting whales.

    There is a Saturday market (tianguis) with plastic ware, crafts, foods and community goods, and a charming central plaza. You will find several RV parks, motels, hotels and monthly rentals, and an inexpensive golf course nearby.

    Have you been to Lo de Marcos? Tell us what you liked best in the comments.

    Music by Kevin Llanes (Drippeados) from Pixabay.

  • Rincón de Guayabitos, Nayarit: A Beach Town for Everyone Under the Sun

    Rincón de Guayabitos, on the Riviera Nayarit, is a small resort town that captures the essence of Mexican beach living. It is only 1,524 km (957 miles) from the Nogales border, a hard 2-day drive down the Pacific Coast.

    We found a stunning beach and a lively community of snowbirds, expats and locals, with a laid-back coastal lifestyle. There are events through the year, including a fashion show, parades and street parties.

    Puerto Vallarta and its airport are only 1 to 1½ hours away. You will find a variety of motels, hotels and monthly rentals, and restaurants that run from authentic Mexican to Italian, sushi and teriyaki, with seafood specialties, BBQ, upscale or beach bar.

    It is a place for everyone under the sun. Have you driven to Guayabitos? Tell us what you liked best in the comments.

    Music by Mykola Sosin (MFCC) from Pixabay.

  • Culiacán, Sinaloa: Cathedrals, Cartels and the Saint of the Narcos

    Culiacán, Sinaloa: Cathedrals, Cartels and the Saint of the Narcos

    Culiacán, Sinaloa is the capital city: cathedrals, cartels and the “Saint of the Narcos.”

    It’s under 1,000 kilometers (605 miles) from the Nogales border, yet worlds away in custom and culture. Nearly 1 million people live here.

    Consular warnings say to avoid this place. Even so, curious travelers want to explore the Narco Robin Hood shrine. There is also an amazing cathedral, extensive shopping centers and parks.

    A visit for the brave or foolish. Please check the current consular and travel advisories before you decide.

    More Mexico road-trip stories and destinations are right here at DriveMexicoMagazine.com.

    Music by Julius H., Pixabay.

    Would you go? Tell us what you’d want to see first.

  • Sayulita, Nayarit: Surfing, Sunshine and a Young Magical Site

    Sayulita is a young person’s mecca along a coastline of retirees and family communities. Surf schools, private lessons and rentals, rustic “authentic” accommodations, and beginner and intermediate surf breaks.

    It isn’t Puerto Escondido’s Mexican Pipeline, but Sayulita gives beginner and intermediate surfers plenty to work with.

    Away from the water, we like to stroll the cobblestone streets, look over the handicrafts and enjoy the market. There are charming clothing shops, art galleries and some unique bars.

    Getting there: 1,554 km (965 miles) from the Nogales border, or 40 km (25 miles) from Puerto Vallarta.

    More Mexico road-trip stories and destinations are right here at DriveMexicoMagazine.com.

    Music by TUNETANK, Pixabay.

    Have you surfed or stayed in Sayulita? Tell us what you’d do first.

  • Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca: The Mexican Pipeline and the Hidden Port

    Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca: The Mexican Pipeline and the Hidden Port

    Puerto Escondido and Zicatela, on the Oaxaca coast, is home to the Mexican Pipeline, famous for its surfing competitions every year in November.

    It’s a laid-back town with small restaurants and hotels. Think surfing, dreadlocks, seafood and beach.

    Puerto Escondido is close to 3,000 km (1,760 miles) from Nogales, or under 200 km from Oaxaca City. The name means “hidden port,” and it’s a relaxing haven.

    Planning a drive to the Oaxaca coast? Browse more destinations and road-trip reels here on Drive Mexico Magazine.

    Have you surfed or stayed in Puerto Escondido? Tell us in the comments.

    Photography by Bill Bell. Music: “Retro Surf Rock” by Tunetank, Pixabay.

  • Guaymas, Sonora: The Port of Ports

    Guaymas, Sonora: The Port of Ports

    Guaymas, Sonora is known as “the port of ports.” It’s often the first night stay for travellers driving south from Nogales. It’s only 420 km (262 miles), but the border and the KM 21 permit stop eat up the time.

    Guaymas is an industrial and shrimp-fishing port, with port construction, maintenance and shipping. It’s also home to maquiladora plants producing clothes, electronics and auto parts for export markets.

    San Carlos is the tourist town next door, established in 1963: an adult playground with a golf course, bars, restaurants and marinas for water sports and scuba diving.

    Guaymas remains a prominent port city. There’s industry, but it’s also a historic city rich in Mexican history and culture.

    Planning a drive south from Nogales? Browse more destinations and road-trip reels here on Drive Mexico Magazine.

    Where do you stop for your first night? Tell us in the comments.

    Photography by Bill Bell. Music by IKOLIKS, Pixabay.

  • La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit: A Magical Town on the Riviera Nayarit

    La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit: A Magical Town on the Riviera Nayarit

    La Peñita de Jaltemba is a small coastal town on the Riviera Nayarit, and it’s the best of small, authentic Mexico. It’s about an hour’s drive, 75 km (48 miles) north of Puerto Vallarta.

    It’s the service hub for the tourist towns of Los Ayala and Rincón de Guayabitos, with a bank, hardware stores, grocery stores, vegetable markets, a library and a post office.

    La Avenida is the tree-lined main street that runs from the highway to the ocean. It’s filled with restaurants, small grocery stores and specialty shops, and it’s pure Mexican. Parades and celebrations begin on this avenue.

    Every Thursday morning the central tianguis, a travelling market, sets up. You’ll find everything from vegetables to makeup, stove parts to jewelry, plastic ware to handcrafted treasures. Don’t miss it.

    And eat at Hinde and Jaime’s Restaurant for the best margarita in Mexico!

    Planning a drive to the Riviera Nayarit? Browse more destinations and road-trip reels here on Drive Mexico Magazine.

    Have you been to La Peñita? Tell us about it in the comments.

    Photography by Bill Bell. Music by Drippeados, Pixabay.

  • Tapachula, Chiapas: The Southern Gateway to Central America

    Tapachula, Chiapas: The Southern Gateway to Central America

    Tapachula is as far south as you can drive in Mexico. It’s the southernmost city on the Pacific coast, over 3,000 km (2,000 miles) from Nogales on the coastal highway, and only 40 km (24 miles) from the Guatemalan border.

    The Aztecs established the city in the 13th century. Then in the 19th century, coffee plantations brought significant immigration, and Chinese and German cultures both shaped the city’s growth.

    This is the centre of a rich farming region known for internationally acclaimed coffee and cocoa, and its port handles trade with Central America and the world. It has the highest per capita income in Chiapas, and you can see it in the malls, big box outlets and health facilities.

    For many travellers, Tapachula is the jumping-off point for Central America.

    Planning a drive to southern Mexico? Browse more destinations and road-trip reels here on Drive Mexico Magazine.

    Have you driven this far south? Tell us about it in the comments.

    Music: “Monday Marimba” by faespencer, Pixabay