"The Beautiful Lands of Mexico" Mexico by BorderHopper

Mexico Travel Guide: 25,230 reviews and 45,563 photos

Arrival in Guadalajara & overland thru Michocan

Guadalajara, Mexico to Mexico City Overland: With some additional info on Tijuana, Baja, and the northern border region.

March 2000: After weeks of preperation and anticipation Rafael, Ronnie and I were finally in Mexico. This was to be a much needed break from work and our lives back in Los Angeles. We landed in Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico at 5:30 am. The taxi ride from the airport to the main bus terminal was an assult on our senses. I had to agree with Ronnie when he commented that it smelled like we had just crawled up into the intestine of everyone in Guadalajara. We didn't need coffee at this early hour because we had the foul, putrid smells of untreated Guadalajaran sewage to wake us up. Within a weeks time we had accomplished what we came here for.... to stand among the pyramids of Mesoamerica's first metropolis, Teotihuacan. So, this is where our journey across the Central Highlands of Mexico begins...

From Michocan to Teotihuacan

Visiting an elder in Chavinda, Michocan 2000

From Guadalajara, Jalisco we traveled by bus to Zamora, Chavinda, Morelia, and Patzcuaro which are all cities and villages located in the state of Michocan. From Michocan we travelled by bus over beautiful mountains and countryside until we arrived in the megatropolis capital D.F. Mexico. We used Mexico City as a base to explore the ancient city of Teotihuacan and the spectacular Pryamids of the Sun & Moon.

Further Explorations of Mexico

Toreo de Tijuana: Coup de Grace

I live only 2 and half hours from the Mexico border so it is very easy for me and my family to travel south of the border as we often do. We usually cross the border south of San Diego, California into Tijuana, Baja and head to our favorite weekend destination in Ensenada. There are only a few significant towns located on Mexico's nearly isolated stretch of Baja and a traveller could drive for miles without encountering another person. Baja is truly the outback of Mexico and an amazing place to explore.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A vibrant, multi-cultural, & historic country. A gem of a country!
Cons:cartels & drug wars. Over touristed gringo resorts.
In a nutshell:There is more to Mexico than Tijuana & Tequila

Last visit to Mexico: May 2005
Intro Updated Jun 9, 2007
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Reviews (57)

When you make the hike it... Things to Do (13)

When you make the hike it would be wise to start off just past noon if you want to hang around for the spectacular... more travel advice

When in Patzcuaro take a hike... - Mexico

When in Patzcuaro take a hike... Things to Do (13)

When in Patzcuaro take a hike from the town to El Estribo, a look out point with beautiful views of the surrounding... more travel advice

Things to Do (13)

Pyramid of the Sun more travel advice

Enjoy the musica, enjoy the... Local Customs (3)

Enjoy the musica, enjoy the cerveza, and enjoy the comida! more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (3)
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Off The Beaten Path (8)
See All Head south on Mexico Federal...
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Hotels (3)
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Tourist Traps (2)
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Nightlife (4)
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Comments (84)

Thitiporn Dec 21, 2006 at 5:24 PM Report Abuse

Nice.
madamx Nov 6, 2006 at 12:42 PM Report Abuse

Hi James, thanks for your tips! enjoyed reading your page, we will be heading for Patzcuaro and the Michoacan in December :o) ~ Helen
volopolo Oct 15, 2006 at 3:52 PM Report Abuse

Lovely pictures and Great page! Nikos
hindu1936 Oct 2, 2006 at 3:07 AM Report Abuse

thanks for the tips. every day on VT is a learning experience and helps making the plans more substantial. Our route through Mexico will be on the east coast into Belize. Your backpacking RTW sounds great! thanks again for the good tips.
VeronicaG Jun 30, 2006 at 10:38 AM Report Abuse

A nice combination of pictures and tips! You must have had a wonderful time in Mexico, James. I'm hoping we'll be seeing some of it in the coming year...
goga4444 Jun 10, 2006 at 5:59 PM Report Abuse

Great tips and pics. I wish to see all that someday :)
icunme Jun 1, 2006 at 1:52 PM Report Abuse

Grazie for the visit and you've seen places I can only now dream about. Best wishes, Carol
Martman Apr 9, 2006 at 8:37 AM Report Abuse

If some one wants to cross the border the informal way, I am curious the chances of being able to swim around that fence.
BlaTboy Jan 8, 2006 at 4:24 PM Report Abuse

Sawadee kap James HAPPY NEW YEAR!! WOW ! Is all I can say after seeing your pics on the other site. Lucky you w/ all the travel'n, I am still stuck at home w/ wrecked back =( Oh well, SOON I will be out & about . Cheers B-out
matcrazy1 Feb 18, 2005 at 1:51 PM Report Abuse

fantastic page made with passion. A lot of beautiful pictures, great suggestions, extremely good advices and information! Well, what is the comida? :-)