Destination: Mexico
LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Barranca del Cobre & Pacific Coast
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FOUR TO SIX WEEKS
The entire trip from Chihuahua to Huatulco involves 3200km of travel, including 670km by rail at the outset, and can take up to six weeks if you stop in every recommended place. Some travelers approach the coast through Nogales and Hermosillo instead of Chihuahua. Several cities along the way have airports, so it's easy to shorten the route if you wish.
Mexico’s Pacific coast is a glittering sequence of large, famous resorts, pristine, empty, jungle-lined beaches and every grade of coastal dream in between. A great approach to the coast is from Chihuahua via the awesome Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon) with its dramatic railroad and spectacular hiking.
Spend an evening sipping margaritas on the lively plaza in Mazatlán before venturing to the ancient island of Mexcaltitán and the wildlife-rich lagoons of laid-back San Blas. Hang ten in Sayulita, then it’s on to nightclubs, gourmet food, whale-watching and shopping in Puerto Vallarta.
Isolated beaches abound on the Costalegre, home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts. Spend a day snorkeling here at Playa Tenacatita and don’t miss the street tacos in Melaque. Rent a beach-bum bungalow on the internationally renowned surf beach Barra de Nexpa; novice surfers should head to Caleta de Campos. Surf, snorkel and take romantic sunset walks in Troncones before hiring a fishing boat in Zihuatanejo.
Pick up the pace to hit the discos, go bungee jumping and learn a little Mexican history in Acapulco. Puerto Escondido has grade-A surf and a lively little after-dark scene. To end your trip, lie back in a hammock at the low-budget paradise beaches of Mazunte or Zipolite, or relax at the resort of Bahías de Huatulco, set along a string of beautiful, sheltered bays.
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