Pack your bags and get ready to head to the  mountains.  This month we explore the beautiful state of Michoacán and bring you delightful mountain retreats, adventures exploring the local artwork and rainbow trout while overlooking a riverside national park.  But first, a stop in Vallarta for some of the best food in the country!

Located at 7,500 feet above sea level and just 25 miles from San Miguel de Allende is the quiet and peaceful city of Pozos, Guanajuato.  While this was at one time a colonial city from 1576 to 1910, it became a Historical National Monument in 1982 by the Mexican Government.  Because of this, it is now visited by tourists on a frequent basis.

There is a rich Pozos history for tourists from all over to experience.  Between ex-haciendas, old ruins, chapels and underground mine tunnels, there are more than enough adventures that await you in this exquisite city.

Many enjoy taking a mountain bike to the top of Cerro Pelon, which is located 8,200 feet above sea level.  Atop Cerro Pelon rests the historical chapel that is a must see within the city.  If you are not into mountain biking, you can rent a horse and get to the top.  Regardless, you are sure to experience a great deal on your way up.

Unlike many tourist areas of Mexico, Pozos is never hot in the summer.  While there are many sunny days, it is not going to give you the warm climate many think of with Mexico.  If you go during the winter expect cold nights and cool days.  Because of this, you will find chats next to the fire pit are quite popular during the winter.

If you are looking for a terrific hotel that boasts high quality food in regards to Pozos restaurants, Posada De Las Minas is the place to be.  The hotel and restaurant has actually been reconstructed from a classic mansion in the historic center of the “pueblo fantasma.”

Pozos is a terrific place to get away from things and enjoy a peaceful stay while experiencing a great deal of history within Mexico.  From old ruins to chapels to underground mine tunnels, there is plenty to keep you busy.

For more information about Pozos and San Miguel de Allende, visit Explore & Go Mexico.

San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful, colonial town set in the mountains of Guanajuato…. quiet, tranquil but at night, it’s a place where you can party until the sun comes up.

Get an early start!  Harry’s New Orleans Cafe is a great place to sip martinis or margaritas and watch the crowds that gather every evening.  Or have a glass of wine and watch the sunset at La Azotea chilling on the comfortable sofas or watching the street scene below from the terrace.

Next stop – Mama Mia where you have the choice of three bars.  Mama’s features live music or try Leonardo’s video bar, the Terrace bar or live salsa starting at 11pm.  Always fun and always a great place to meet people.

La Fragua, just off the main square, is an intimate spot to hear Maria as she belts out traditional ballads and takes you back in time to the 80′s and 90′s with music that makes you want to shake it on the dance floor.

For electronic and pop, stop by Besito Lounge or Mint and make the scene.  Finish off the night at San Miguel’s legendary La Cucaracha, a cantina where anything goes or El Diablito with electronic music  until the early morning.

Get the Details

For the complete guide to San Miguel de Allende, visit Explore & Go Mexico’s guide to San Miguel de Allende bars and nightlife.

It can be difficult deciding on a beach destination to visit in Mexico with so many gorgeous options to choose from.  However, Troncones has been said to be “The Real Mexico” making it more than appealing.  From great surf spots to sporting activities to side trips and tours, this is a terrific place to visit.

This city is home to around 500 people who make a living from the sea.  There are a number of small convenience stores that provide the necessities you may need from time to time.  Outside of that, you will find miles of beautiful, white sand beaches to stroll through.  Within the water you can find flocks of pelicans and endangered sea turtles that lay their eggs in the warm sand.  This offers a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy.

Troncones is well known for its surfing as it offers some of the best surfing on the Pacific coast.  Because of the gorgeous weather, you can find good surfing somewhere along the coast in every season.  Some of the top surf spots in and around Troncones include La Saladita, The Ranch, Troncones Point and Boca.

Outside of surfing you will find a plethora of other activities to enjoy close to Troncones.  Ixtapa, about 45 minutes away offers golf and tennis.  You cannot visit without taking a dip into the waters just off the coast of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa.  While diving and snorkeling you can find sea horses, manta rays, dolphins and more.

There are a few options when it comes to staying in Troncones.  There are several bed & breakfasts you can find as well as Troncones hotels.  And if you are looking for something more intimate, there are villas, private homes and bungalows that you can rent.

For more information on Troncones, visit the Explore & Go Mexico Guide to Troncones.

Zihuatanejo Mexico is a gorgeous getaway for anyone looking to step aside from the busy day to day life.  Gaining exposure in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” this old world Mexican fishing village is pleasantly huddled around a small bay that is surrounded by beautiful beaches and loads of attractions.

There are several transportation methods you can look into in order to get to one of the Zihuatanejo hotels you may be staying at.  Flying in and taking a taxi or bus to the hotel is the ideal option and most preferred.  You can also rent a car upon arriving to the airport if you would like.

Hotels and rentals come in abundance due to the fact that this is a popular getaway spot for vacationers.  There are small apartments and private bungalows located near the beach you can opt to look into.  If you would like to get away from everything and enjoy a peaceful location, there are private homes and villas to enjoy.  Lastly, you can find small, family owned hotels or luxury Zihuatanejo hotels and inns to pamper yourself to.

There is loads of entertainment to take part in while visiting this beautiful city.  You will find several bars and discos to rock the night away and local theaters to enjoy a cinema.  If you are looking to get out and explore what the area has to offer, there are side trips, jungle tours and tours that allow you to visit the outlying villages.  This is a terrific way to see the real culture and Zihuatanejo history.

You cannot go on vacation and not shop from time to time.  There is a variety of shops and boutiques that offer different arts and crafts, clothing, leather goods and much more.  You will also find a plethora of different artists and galleries that feature local art and art from all over Mexico that you can bring home.

Because of the warm climate there are numerous outdoor activities to partake in.  As to be expected, there is swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and much more to enjoy in the water.  Sailing, kayaking, water skiing and parasailing are also quite popular adventures to try out.  You will also find two excellent golf courses, tennis courts, and horses that can be rented for your enjoyment.

Finally, kick back and relax at one of the many delicious Zihuatanejo restaurants. Coconuts restaurant and bar is a landmark restaurant that features fine dining.  La Escollera restaurant boasts a paradise view and offers exquisite international cuisine.  Lastly, try out La Casa que Canta restaurant which is one of the world’s best hotel restaurants.

Looking to enjoy a relaxing and fun vacation at the beach? Ixtapa, Mexico may be just the location you have been looking for. From snorkeling to para-sailing to horseback riding, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy the gorgeous weather and beautiful views.

Ixtapa is located just 4 miles from Zihuatanejo.  Because of the close proximity, the two cities are often times mentioned together.

The Ixtapa airport is just 7 miles south of Zihuatanejo and there is transportation readily available.   Taxi rides between the two towns range from $15 to $20 depending on the location. In addition, you can find a ticket counter near the baggage claim area that sells seats on minivans that you can catch a ride to your hotel for $4 to $7.

You’ll find many Ixtapa hotels to choose from, many offering all-inclusive packages.   If you are looking for something under $100 on average per night, check Fontan Ixtapa Beach Resort and Ixtapa Palace Resort. There are several hotels in the low to mid-$100 range including Las Brisas Ixtapa, NH Krsytal Ixtapa and All Inclusive Qualton Ixtapa. And if you are looking for a luxury vacation, Loma Del Mar and Capella Ixtapa offer exquisite rooms with deluxe amentity packages.

The Ixtapa restaurants will surprise and delight you…     Beccofino is an Italian restaurant located in the Marina Ixtapa. Casa Morelos and El Galeo offer Mexican and international dishes.  For something simple, try Rubens for burgers or a veggie plate.

Ixtapa is full of activities and attractions for you to experience while on vacation. Whether it is golfing at the Marina Ixtapa Golf Course or shopping at the intimate boutiques, there is something for everyone.  And with the gorgeous weather, take advantage of some scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or simply basking on the beach.

For more information on Ixtapa

Visit Explore & Go Mexico’s Ixtapa Guide.

There is only one journey – going inside yourself.

~ Rainer Maria Rilke

San Miguel de Allende offers visitors seeking an adventure of the spirit a unique opportunity for personal growth. To refresh your soul, inspire your heart, and expand your inner horizons, here are ten exciting activities to connect with in San Miguel.

• Attend a Full Moon Meditation. If you are in San Miguel during a full moon, local shaman Alicia Mayo conducts a special meditation that celebrates our nearest cosmic neighbor and draws the moon’s feminine energy to down to earth. Check the English newspaper, Atencion for days and times.

JOSEPH DISPENZA is the author of The Way of the Traveler: Making Every Trip a Journey of Self-Discovery and eleven other books. A former monk and university professor, he lives San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where he is co-founder of LifePath Retreats — 6-day hero’s journeys to living a more meaningful and satisfying life. Reach him through his website: www.LifePathRetreats.com.  Email: joseph@lifepathretreats.com