Michoacan is Mexico's New Retirement Hot Spot

Via Mexatua.net:

Here is a list of reasons why Michoacán is predicted to become Mexico's Number 1 retirement destination. Can you name any other reasons?

Michoacán abounds with agricultural richness and is the number one exporter of avocado in the world

Rich in culture and crafts

Great year-around climate for seniors

Morelia, the capital, is less than a five hour drive from Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

The state has a network of high speed highways

International flights serve Uruapan and Morelia

Morelia, the capital, is the place for many cultural events and festivals

The meseta Purepecha is rich in tradition and indigenous culture

At night Morelia is a city of lights with its spectacular XVIth century buildings lit up

Michoacan has its own variety of Mexican cuisine

The village of Paracho produces world class guitars and violins

Paricutin is the volcano that erupted in 1943

There are more than 6,000 extinct volcanoes in Michoacán

Unlike some of the beach areas, there are many affordable properties for sale

A Heartfelt Account of Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Read this account of an American couple that recall their many trips to Zihuanatejo, a traditional, enchanting fishing town: "[When we visit Mexico] We merely skim the surface, but we try not to apply our own standards and preconceptions on what we see. The past five years we have stayed in Zihuatanejo, a fishing village of about 80,000 on the west coast, a couple of hours north of Acapulco."

"We usually stop at Cafe Casa, a small restaurant in a courtyard on Calle Adelita, run by a couple from Oregon, Johnny and Lorna who moved to Zihuatanejo and opened a bed and breakfast. [...] While we love the mercado and shopping in the tiny shops and stalls there [, for many visitors it's a trying experience (especially if your Spanish isn't up to the banter). Now there is a new outlet in Zihua"...Click here to read more about the good life this couple describes in Zihuanatejo.

World's Best Quality of Life: 2011 Ratings are Out

This International Living article boasts extensive research on different places all over the world, such as Belize, Panama, and Mexico.

While the numbers display a clear winner and show that the United States has a lot going for it, there are many other countries that offer just as high quality of life, but that are less measurable numerically.

"Statistics don’t always reflect the reality in communities on the ground. The truth is: In dozens of other countries, ranked lower in the final count than the U.S., you can enjoy a life of equal quality — with the same levels of comfort — at a much lower cost." Read about what are the best places in the world to retire, based on health care costs and quality of life.

New App Guides You Through the Best of Cancun

Here's the latest in mobile technology. A new mobile travel guide for Cancun was released in July by the The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). This new mobile app allows travelers to access a variety of information on Cancun, including the best of Cancun along with a complete list of hotels and accommodations as well as local information that's indispensable when traveling abroad. Click here to see exactly what this new mobile guide offers its users.

Origin of the Pan American Games

The first Pan American Games took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1951 but their origin dates back more than 20 years before...during an Olympic Congress members of the International Olympic Committee from Cuba, Guatemala and Mexico proposed the creation of a regional sports event in which Central American countries would participate...

2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico

Did you know that this year the Pan American Games will be hosted in Guadalajara, Mexico?
In Guadalajara, Mexico's second biggest city, the past and the present co-exist in perfect harmony. Its residents enjoy Mexican folklore while recognizing their hometown as one of the cities with the most economic, cultural, and educational potential in all of Mexico. Read more about Guadalajara as one of Mexico's most promising cities.

Mexico to Revive U.S. Tourism Rates

Gloria Guevara, Mexico’s tourism secretary, is currently in the United States, on a tour that will visit most major American cities in order to educate people about traveling to Mexico.

Talking about what Mexico offers its visitors, Ms. Guevara argues, “You will try some things here that you cannot find anywhere else.” Even though the U.S. State Department issued a warning against traveling to Mexico during the Fourth of July weekend, the U.S. market remains Mexico’s leading tourism customer. Americans represent 60 percent of the nation’s 22.4 million tourists each year.

"Ms. Guevara decried the notion that Mexico is too dangerous to vacation in. When we’re talking about the U.S., when something happens in a specific destination, we never say, ‘the U.S.’ We say, ‘Last week, there was a shooting in California,’ and we say exactly where. We talk about L.A., we talk about New York, we talk about Washington. Very, very specific.

Unfortunately, when people talk about Mexico, they don’t say, ‘Something happened in this small town, in this state, in the middle of nowhere,’ ” she added. “They say, ‘Mexico.’ Well, Mexico is a pretty large country, so we’re trying to put things in context.” Read the full article on The Washington Times, here.

Lake Chapala: Huge New Expat Spot

Via International Living:

Lake Chapala, Mexico, is arguably the easiest place in the world to adjust to life as an expat. This area offers all the charm you love about Mexico…but with the U.S.-style conveniences and support systems to make your transition a snap.

This article talks about how easy it is to get settled in and accustomed to Lake Chapala, due to the amount of English-speaking retirees that have retired here. As the International Living states, "You'll have no trouble getting by in English. You’ll make friends and acquaintances just walking down the cobblestoned streets of little pueblos like Ajijic, Chapala, and San Juan Cosala, all of which lie on the lake’s well-populated North Shore."

Click here to read more about the charm, combined with ease and convenience that Lake Chapala offers.

Bahía at Lake Chapala in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Lake Chapala, in the Riviera Nayarit region is a lake that stretches 60 miles and is framed by towns and villages which in turn are surrounded by what many refer to as 'majestic mountains.' Although the view is impressive, many people flock to the region for retirement due to the temperate climate of the area.

Great New Web Site for News on Mexico

Marca País – Imagen de México presented a new web site yesterday called www.MexicoToday.org that covers all the latest current events in Mexico including information on economy, tourism, culture, the environment and other topics. Retire in Mexico: The Riviera Nayarit Experience will be partnering with the site, in order to bring the most relevant news on retirement in Mexico to you. Check it out by visiting the site today.