Its a bohemian town that attracts many surfing types, as well as retired surfers or those looking for a simpler way of life. 8.8 miles from Mercado Mexico. Overall, I spent around a month in Guanajuato state in 2020. Situated 4 hours northwest of Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende is a magnet for artistic personalities. Todos Santos is one of those storied beach towns south of the border that seems to spring from literature. To enjoy small-town (but upscale) beach life on this coast, head to Tulm. Read this article in, Find Mexican states safety ranking and information in, For the most up-to-date cost of living data in various Mexican locations, visit. Originally a quiet fishing village, Cabo San Lucas today is one of the main vacation and retirement locations in Mexico. There are lots of local groups here from writing groups to art classes, yoga, and photography. Great if you want to go scubaing, terrible for all other reasons, Medellin is a great city to be in. On day 3 of my stay I was mugged at knife point on Av Miguel five blocks from Av Chapultepec, thankfully they only stole my phone and I was left unharmed. Mazamitla magical town, located south of the state of Jalisco to 122 km from the city of Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico. You have to ask yourself, is it worth coming to Barcelona? The weather is great and the people are very friendly. Guadalajara is a Mexican destination like no other. Less than 15 kilometers from Tapalpa which is under two hours away from Guadalajara youll find one of the best natural getaways in the region, that attracts hundreds of visitors a year. It would be a nice place to stay overnight. Mexico is a vast country of many contrasts and a wealth of opportunities for an individualistic way of life. How is the relocation coming along? The hillside town is surrounded on all sides by steep mountains, making it a preserved jewel of a colonial city, with white-washed walls, red terra-cotta roofs, and the gorgeous Santa Prisca cathedral with a truly magnificent dome. The colorful gardens, cobblestone streets, and colonial architecture is all just minutes away from the aquamarine water. Imagine beatniks and bohemians fleeing conventional life for a simpler, more tranquil life by the sea. Good city to live in, welcoming to foreigners. Scroll down the page to find a There are loads of vegan restaurants now. An hours drive away is Chetumal, the border town to Belize, with a duty-free area. It also has reliable Wi-Fi, which can be patchy due to the remoteness of Puerto. A lot of Mexicans have second homes there, and there is a good mix of American, English, and South Americans too. Tulum may be splashed across the covers of various international travel magazines, but it is still very much a townone of Mexico's most famous towns. Located in the Mexican state of Sinaloa where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean, Mazatln is opposite the southern part of Baja California Sur and is known as the Mexican Riviera. I've lived in New York City - Brooklyn - for over 20 years. The serenity that marks the rhythm of life in this corner of the state of Colima, makes it a great place to commune with nature and tradition of its inhabitants. Although, when I visited in December 2021 they had problems with garbage removal. Cities near Guadalajara, Mexico: Tlaquepaque, Mexico Zapopan, Mexico Tonala, Mexico Nuevo Mexico, Mexico Coyula, Mexico El Verde, Mexico El Quince, Mexico Santa Anita, Mexico San Jose Del Castillo, Mexico Santa Cruz del Valle, Mexico San Sebastian El Grande, Mexico Tesistan, Mexico San Agustin, Mexico La Venta del Astillero, Mexico Pop. Mazatlns most prominent features include cliffs, historical buildings, and world-class hotels. But while Todos Santos has managed to retain its sleepy, bohemian vibe for years, the secret is out and, like most small towns in Mexico, development is coming. Eat a 'torta ahogada', but be careful with the hot sauce. It is very safe for women. The place is frequently visited by A-listers such as Jennifer Aniston, George Clooney, and others who vacation here or have second homes in the area. I lived 2 weeks in Bangkok and it was a good trip ! Accommodation: Where to Stay in Valle de Bravo. She is planning to relocate back to a tropical location in Latin America again as an expat very soon. Also, neighbouring Tulum has plenty of attractions. However, it is heavily mixed with European, U.S, and Canadian tourists who stay in the all-inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen, or day-trip to Tulum or from their Cancun resort. Easily reachable on the road that first takes you through Tepatilan, San Juan de los Lagos is a hotbed of religious sites, containing some of the most impressive Roman Catholic structures in Jalisco. The colonial center is dotted with red terra-cotta roofs and veined with cobblestone streets. Today, Sayulita is full of things to do and places to visita boho chic paradise of a few small streets, center square, and small stretch of beach. Other up-and-coming destinations for residing are Huatulco, Mexico City, Sayulita, as well as various locations on the Yucatan peninsula. Less than 30 miles to the south of the city, youll find the beautiful little town of Chapala. list of big cities if you're Many U.S / Canadian expats have set up real estate businesses, which can be handy if you would like to take advantage of your native language when finding the best properties in Mexico. Hiking trails wind through the desert and beach areas, as well. In semi-warm and pleasant climate, its average annual temperature is 23 C. Read more, Embraced by the great Sierra Madre Occidental in the state of Jalisco, is the Land of color among pine and oak forests, crystal clear streams and rock formations. Lived here for 4 months and counting, in Americana near Chapultepec. Also known as Playa, this is a resort town in the Mexican Caribbean, Yucatans Rivera sandy beach coastline. There are lots of local clubs and associations for expats such as the local rotary club as well as local community groups. Nomad List members liked going here a lot, Many Nomad List members here all year round, If you'd like to filter destinations based on their climate, try Nomad List's Climate Finder. Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta Mita are popular choices in Nayarit. Been there for a day as a day-trip from Cancun. But central PV is pretty cheap, even inland from Hotel Zone is nice and cheap. Tulum's beaches are powder white, and the vibe that has been crafted is pure boho-luxury. As is common for small towns in Mexico, the road is paved with cobblestones, which are lined on either side with low-rise, colonial buildings that pop with bright colors. It's about an hour drive. Read our Living In Puerto Vallarta guide. Last updated: 2023-03-01T22:44:27+00:00. Guadalajara did seem like a great city with beautiful statues and cathedrals, amazing food, very nice people. The sleepy town is named as one of the countrys magical towns; with its century-old architecture, amicable atmosphere, and sweeping views of coffee and agave fields, its easy to see why. Puerto Escondido the Mexican pipeline for surfing, 6. A self-published author of the Mexican Duena, content planner and content writer for various publications, Jasmina is a passionate traveller and has lived as an expat in several locations in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA. The Marina forms the centrepiece of the city with Playa Grande and Medano beach on opposite sides. You can also find reasonably priced townhouses within a designated urbanisation or land plots for sale to style your own dream home. It is about the same distance as Sayula except further east. Alegranza is a hilltop area within walking distance of town. It's not even safe to walk a short distance at night (locals told me to just take Uber). In that time I spent most of my time in El Tigre, Xoconostle, and Yuriria. It's not far from Cabo, but it seems another world away. Nevertheless this shook me a little bit and, along with the Nov 18 security advisory for Guadalajara and the recent cartel activity in Cancun, had me decide to cut my losses and leave. Pros: - many food options - nice, chill vibe - obviously greata weather - nice beaches - great archaelogical zone Cons: - traffic is bad - super expensive - touristy. You can still manage to score a room at a surf bungalow or two, but accommodations these days do come at a premium. "I always stay at Hacienda del Sol, while in Tonal. It's also a great spot for photographers looking for interesting places to photograph in Mexico. Amazing for such a large city!. It seems like an underrated place for DNs. neighboring city so you can discover new places. Playa del Carmen is around 30 minutes away from the main airport of Cancun. Weatherwise Mazatln is considered less humid than other Pacific-facing locations in Mexico like Puerto Vallarta. It's a haven for haute hippies, whose turn on words include "organic," "yoga," and "artisanal." Gorgeous homes with lake views are available for rent, as well. Park Slope, Prospect Heights, Ft. Green or Brooklyn Heights is preferable. local cities, including the distance and information on each town. San Miguel de Allende a hub for expat artists, 5. Read more. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is also characterized by its many gorgeous cobblestone streets, alleyways and flower-draped buildings that are an absolute pleasure to explore. But beyond the New Age vibe, Mazunte is a haven of natural beauty and wildlife, sea turtles in particular. From overseas call: 52 33 3659 9379In Mexico contact us at: 01 33 3659 9379In Guadalajara Tel: 33 3659 9379, Tequila proud producer of the internationally acclaimed spirit that bears his name, Tequilamakes magic that exists in its blue agave landscapes, its streets and temples full of history. It is important to note that some parts of Cabo San Lucas are hilly which may not be suitable for retiring expats. Taxco, about 100 miles from Mexico City, is known for its silver trade. You can get a bus from the Central Vieja, as there are regular departures throughout the day. Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Feb 7, 2023We may earn a commission from affiliate links (). world 5 world_fill Cities paper_plane 5 paper_plane_fill 5 Trips chat 42 chat_fill 42 Chat Bacocho is a popular expat community, as are Brisa de Zicatela and La Punta on quieter stretches of beach. An authentic place divided into two principal areas a resort bay on the Santiago peninsula and the commercial downtown area. Place where all senses are flattered by subtle flavors and aromas, lively festivities and traditions that invite back.Tequila magical town is located less than 60 km from the city of Guadalajara, in the north central region of the state of Jalisco Mexico. Cobblestone streets are flanked with low-rise colonial-style buildings that seem to radiate with warmth, both in feeling and in canary yellow color. Rent a bicycle and get exploring. The climate here is arid and warm and hardly any rainfall with Pacific breezes from time to time with tropical storms during the summertime. It is often described as a tropical paradise where the desert, Sierra Laguna mountains and sea merge together to afford a truly unique scenery. Popular areas for expats are the Las Brisas area which faces the ocean with a real Colonia feel and the Santiago peninsula which includes the well-known La Punta and Las Hadas residential areas. Theres also an excellent highway the Transpeninsular Highway which runs from Tijuana, the first border town in Mexico, all the way through Baja California. Since the 16th century, the town has been put on the map as a silver mining city. There are a few good spots to co-work and the internet has been fine (not the best but more than usable for remote work i.e. The winding streets snake. Known locally as Puerto, it was originally a port in the 1930s for shipping coffee from the mountains of Oaxaca. Recommended tour: Guadalajara & Tlaquepaque Half-Day Tour. Downtown Tlaquepaque is a cool spot to go out, and there are several big shopping malls in nicer areas of the city. Sites like Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos and El Pocito of the Virgins Chapel are eye-opening insights into the dedication of the Catholic community here and indeed, in the rest of the country. Are you in Mexico now as planned? A well-known suburb of Guadalajara, the significantly smaller city of Tlaquepaque is a guaranteed way to escape the metropolitan hustle and bustle and lose yourself in its quaint charm. There's a good spot for surfing as a beginner, then there are the mo, I have stayed in Cuidad de Guanajuato on two separate occasions in 2020 (February and December) for a total of about a week. Author Meagan Drillinger spends several months each year in Mexico, visiting destinations throughout the country. Shop handmade artisan goods in Todos Santos, or learn the perfect tree pose overlooking the ocean in Mazunte. Everyone is super friendly and it's easy to meet people here. Markets hum with activity, and the faint scent of incense seems to hang in the air. The town also hosts a Fish and Seafood Festival in September and a Mushroom Festival in June. PV is considered a very safe environment for expats where one never lacks entertainment. Almost everyone I met has horror stories about being robbed at gunpoint, robbed by the police, and in one case even drugged and robbed by a taxi driver. Barra de Potosi[SEE MAP] Jane Rawson / Flickr Considered one of the prettiest small towns in Mexico, San Miguel is a Spanish-colonial jewel glowing in pastel colors. It is actually quite cold that you really cant stay at the balcony to enjoy the view too long. Lake Chapala Area and the quaint town of Chapala. Your email address will not be published. If youre looking for some nature time, head over to the gorgeous waterfall of Cascada El Salto. A favorite for photographers looking to capture the charm of Mexicos small towns, Tequila is one of the best day trips you can take from Guadalajara. It was just a sleepy town when it was discovered by surfers in the 60s. There are a variety of attractions from shopping malls to water sports, golf courses, fishing, snorkelling, and whale watching, so there is something for everyone. Spent one month living and discovering Guad and area. PV was originally a quiet fishing village in the 1960s but has expanded rapidly over time. It goes without saying that as in most of Mexico the food is world-class. City feels super safe, even at nigh! Guadalajara is a cosmopolitan destination with plenty of things to do, including visiting earby magical towns such as Tequila, where the popular spirit is produced; explore colonial architecture; and visit museums and small towns with exquisite crafts and artwork. Its a relatively well-connected town. It is approximately 77 miles from Guadalajara in the Southeast region of the state. Widely known for its unbelievably agreeable weather almost every day of the year, its attracted many foreigners to settle down on the shores of the nearby lake that shares its name. The place is also renowned for the open golf-cart taxis known as pulmonias which are a usual form of transport. Visitors spend their days hiring boats on the lake, hiking in the hills, or camping for the more adventurous. This town is more of a gateway to other destinations in the Jalisco region but is worth stopping by on the way to them. I have lived in Sweden, Gibraltar, Mauritius, Dubai, Australia, Spain, Panama, Costa Rica, Serbia, Montenegro and the US and now recently moved to Mexico and love this city more than Mexico City and Monterrey which i also tried before Guadalajara. Youll also find the Tuesday outdoor farmers market and bazaars called a tianguis on the outskirts of town. A mere hour away from Guadalajara, youll find one of the lesser-known archaeological wonders that still stands in Mexico. In the mountains west of Mexico City The highland lakeside towns of Chapala, and Ajijic are home to the largest community of foreign residents in Mexico; the city of Morelia offers old-world colonial elegance, and the ancient highland town of Ptzcuaro offers an attractive blend of colonial indigenous cultures amidst an intimate colonial setting. Cost of living is low, only negative thing is that it is relarively new, with no real historic areas, and there isnt as much to do as there is in other larger cities. The temperate climate is typical of the high Sierra Mountain range; the air is crisp and clean throughout the year. During the coldest months (January and February) it can drop below freezing. Tapalpa's old church and small white-and-red painted houses in make for a great destination to get away from the city and enjoy the tranquility. Also, Arnold Schwarzenegger filmed the jungle scenes for Predator in Mismaloya. There are lots of local community activities to get involved in: environmental weekly beach clean-ups, poker-playing groups and retired meetups ideal for making new friends and finding inside community insight. Bacalar is big on eco-tourism, with limited development, boutique hotels, locally owned and operated restaurants, and fiercely protective residents who want to keep the lake pristine. Over to the western side of the state, Mazamitla has the odd but completely legitimate title of being the Switzerland of Mexico. There is also a church, theatre, cultural centre, museum, and historic buildings. But venture off the beach road, and you'll discover a living, breathing town, as well. The Riviera Maya Jazz festival in November attracts international artists for 3 days of music on the beach and is great if youre into this sort of thing. On the heights of the Sierra del Tigre, the fog creeping is Mazamitla. Imagine beatniks and bohemians fleeing conventional life for a simpler, more tranquil life by the sea. ), and in the summer you frequently can catch a free concert. Strict ecological regulations limit building and land use, homes on the beach are earth-toned to blend in with the surrounding nature and there are no high-rise condominium buildings, as is the case in other locations in Mexico. I have been to all of these places and hands down, you should visit Tequila. The truth is, the main drag where all the cheap restaurants and budget accommodations are, is along the main highway. I really enjoyed my first week here, but as I got to know more locals and heard their stories, I was disturbed at the security situation. The streets are lined with deep red, pastel-colored buildings, with rows of clay-potted agave plants bursting with color adorning the cobblestones. With a history quite literally steeped in the world-famous Mexican spirit, Tequila began producing so much of it because of the acres of surrounding agave fields that grow in the region. The road to Tequila is bordered by acre after acre of the distinctive, large,. Accommodation: Where to Stay in Todos Santos. Historic architecture, stunning natural views, museums, galleries, and restaurants keep it a humming and historic getaway from Mexico's capital city. 3 hours or Good seafood and scenery. With its brightly painted buildings and a lot of art galleries, small boutiques, and restaurants it is attractive to artists of all sorts. 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May earn a commission from affiliate links ( ) that some parts of Cabo San Lucas is! Country of many contrasts and a Mushroom Festival in September and a wealth of opportunities for an individualistic way life... From Hotel Zone is nice and cheap is super friendly and it 's not far from,! More tranquil life by the sea to Barcelona one never lacks entertainment nice place stay. Artisan goods in todos Santos, or learn the perfect tree pose overlooking the in... The 1960s but has expanded rapidly over time camping for the more adventurous known as pulmonias are! ( but upscale ) beach life on this coast, head to Tulm road. Saying that as in most of my time in El Tigre, Xoconostle and! Beautiful little town of Chapala to enjoy the view too long be a nice place to stay overnight lived for...