Where to Retire in Mexico?

Video: Looking at Baja California as Retirement Destination in Mexico

This video on Baja California interviews a few retirees who consider this state as one of the best places to retire abroad. Mexico Today describes the beauty of Baja California for retirees with its safe communities, affordable real estate and the high quality of life for the cost.

Where to Retire in Mexico Quiz

Wondering where you should retire in Mexico? This quiz by Mexico Guru gives you insight into the best places to live based on your interests and personality.


Photo: Mexicoguru.com



PAN AMERICAN GAMES 2011 LIGHT UP GUADALAJARA

Photo by Mike Rojas

Last Friday, Paola Espinosa, Mexico's Olympic diving medallist illuminated the cauldron that sent fireballs shooting toward the roof of the Omnilife Stadium for the dramatic lighting of the Pan American torch. Among the many prominent Mexican figures present at the event were Mexican President Felipe Calderon, Enriquetta Basilio, who lit the torch at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, local rock group Mana, Eugenia Leon and Colombia's Juanes. The opening games ceremony included traditional regional motifs, vibrant fireworks, lively musical acts as well as the audience's cleverly coordinated use of colored flashlights.

Mérida as one of the top ten colonial cities in Mexico

Mérida, the capital city of the Yucatan peninsula, is a must-see colonial city in Mexico, especially because of its large offer of Mayan culture. From Mayan ruins, to traditional Mayan dishes, indigenous fashion and Yucatecan dances and rituals, Mérida offers a host of things to do and see that will be an exciting way to learn about Mayan culture. Mérida has notable Spanish influence and is full of architectural and cultural gems. For instance, take a day trip to see the ruins at Chichen Itza & Uxmal and try the “salibutes” when you are in town. Besides discovering the ruins, the town and local fare, Mérida hosts a generous amount of free cultural events on a regular basis throughout the city. There’s also tourist information in the office on the main square.

Travel on the Yucatán Peninsula

One of the theories behind the source of the name Yucatán is that is derives from the Aztec word Yokatlān or "place of richness." The Yucatán Peninsula is a beautiful spot for traveling along the southeastern part of Mexico, in what separates the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. Known for it's wonderful Mayan ruins, it's a fascinating journey to the past and, in many cases, accompanied by beautiful climate, food and local shopping.

Grutas (Caves) de Loltun
Loltun has some of the oldest evidence of human habitation in the Yucatan boasting 10,000 year old cave art.
Merida
Merida is a beautiful colonial city that feels like a small town, but has much more to offer.
Chichen Itza
Hire one of the knowledgeable guides for a group for 600 pesos (<$60) to see the Mayan ruins this town is known for. Tulum
Host to Mayan ruins in a beautiful setting on the coast south of Playa del Carmen.
Uxmal
Uxmal is not quite as grand as Chichan Itza but is less crowded and is interesting in it’s own right.
Coba
Coba is a 45 minute drive from Tulum and is a much larger site than Tulum.
Grand Cenote
The Yucatan is dotted with numerous sink holes called cenotes, many of which are filled with fresh water. One town south of Merida boats 150 cenotes in the area. For a fun afternoon on a hot Summer day, take a swim in a cenote
Playa del Carmen
Playa is an hour or so south of Cancun and is a popular destination for Mexicans and Europeans.

You can see what else is going on in these towns here.

Oaxaca Children's Band

I'm amazed at how well these kids play their instruments. Look at how they keep to the rhythm of the music. Does anyone know what type of music they're playing exactly?

Spanish Expressions: Se Vende Como Pan Caliente!

Via Mexican Guru:

Literal Translation: It’s selling like hot bread.

Translation: It’s selling like hotcakes.

Example: Mi nueva línea de camisetas se vende como pan caliente. In English --> My new line of T-shirts is selling like hotcakes!

Reason to Retire in Mexico #9

Reason Number 9 to Retire in Mexico: Transportation to and from the U.S.

"All Mexican retirement destinations have close access to at least one international airport, with direct flights to most major North American cities, so traveling to and from the U.S. or Canada is easy and relatively cheap ($400 on average for a return flight, varying depending on distance and time of year, of course). This means that you can go back and visit family and friends and they can come and visit you in your beachfront home. You’ll find that once you own some property on the Mexican beachfront, you’ll become extremely popular with friends, and your family may visit even more often..."

What's the Difference Between Vacation and Retirement?

The difference between vacation and retirement is vague in many cases until further into retirement. Read this interesting article on the difference between taking a few weeks off and being off of work - forever.

What do you think is the main difference between vacation and retirement? What is your most favorite and least favorite aspect of being retired? Feel free to leave your comments below.

Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta to Host Tianguis, Turistico Trade Show 2012

Last week, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit were given the good news that they had won the bid for Tianguis Turistico, Mexico’s largest tourism trade show. This is very exciting news for the region, due to the fact that for the last 36 years, it has been held in Acapulco, Mexico. The areas of Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will host the 2012 Tianguis Turistico trade fair in March 2012.

As the President of Puerto Vallarta Hotel/Motel Association states, "Our hotels and our entire tourism industry will have an excellent opportunity to underline that, beyond selling travel products, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors, regardless of motive or budget – whether it’s for business, groups, incentives, leisure, weddings, honeymoons, family travel, etc."

Click here for more details on what this means for the region.

Loreto, Mexico: Where the Desert Meets the Sea

Loreto is a fabulous place to relax and enjoy the plentiful natural wildlife around you, as well as the scenic setting of the village. In this video, one Loreto native talks about how people come to Loreto and "are transformed", inspired by the offering of wildlife and natural beauty that is second to none. What Jacques Costeau called, "The Aquarium of the World," Loreto is one of the top kayaking destinations on the planet, as well as for whale watching, among other activities...you don't need binoculars to see all of the wildlife that's present here...

Campeche, Mexico: A Colonial Gem on the Sea

Here is a wonderful video, courtesy of International Living, with a detailed description of Campeche, for anyone interested in seeing what this beautiful city is like.

New Tubohotel in Mexico: Chic and Comfortable Camping

This unique hotel, called Tubohotel or "Tube Hotel" in English is an innovative hotel located in the middle of an orchard, in the village of Tepoztlán, Mexico. It's perfect for taking the family on a camping trip in style. With full amenities and a beautifully landscaped setting, it can make even the most skeptic ready to go camping.

San Miguel de Allende: Mexico's Colonial Gem

Not only is this 16th century mountain town a treat for anyone going to visit (the city boasts old colonial charm while offering every modern convenience), this article by International Living, suggests that it's the place where you'll find it the easiest to transition into expat life - "hands down."

The article describes San Miguel de Allende very well: "Colonial buildings, lovingly restored, line the town’s main streets, and beautiful churches and squares are around every corner, [where you'll also find] excellent restaurants, superb arts and crafts, and a temperate climate that’s hard to beat." Not only that, but it's easy to get by speaking English in the town, due to the community of foreign retirees already settled there.

The town is, as one San Miguel retiree refers to it, "an intriguing blend of serious and fun.”

World's 10 Best Beachfront Hotels

All expats that have relocated to Mexico to enjoy the sun, sand and friendly culture, agree that one of the first steps to take before moving is to go on vacation and explore the country, before coming to a final decision. For that same reason, many choose to a hotel close to their preselected area of Mexico in order to get a better idea of what living there will be like.

What are your thoughts? What were your first steps before deciding to move to Mexico and where did you stay in order to get a snapshot of Mexico living? I'd love to hear about it.

Flan: A Historically Mexican Dessert

Flan, by Daniel Wheeler, 2011

If you are living in Mexico, whether it be a few weeks out of the year, or have moved there permanently, and are expecting to receive guests, one thing you have to learn how to make (and it's amazingly easy) is Mexican flan. Originating from Spain, where it is also considered a traditional national dish, this smooth but rich gelatin-like textured dessert is a simple, healthy delight in Mexico. Read more about it here.

"Loving New Retired Life in Mexico"

An American expat retired in Mexico, tells her story of retirement abroad and how she found the perfect place that keeps her happy and healthy in her retirement years. Her name is Pat Cornwell, and at 74 she can proudly say that she has made an important leap to health and happiness in Mexico: "In 2005, Pat [...] bought an affordable three-story house in Coatepec, Mexico, a small coffee-growing town about an hour west of the Gulf of Mexico. There, she says, she’s able to enjoy a slower life with less distraction. “I have time for friends, reading, gardening and health, though not in that order.”

Mexico Collects Prestigious Travel Awards

Mexico has proven one more time that it deserves it's spot as number one tourist destination for Americans and other nationalities. Four of Mexico’s premier resorts and hotels won honors at the prestigious Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Based on readers’ survey, where the best destinations from all over the world, including islands, cities, spas, hotels, and even safaris were rated, Rancho La Puerta, in Tecate, Baja California, was named the best destination spa in the world.

The Hidden Gem of Baja: Mexican Wines

Check out this video where travel journalist Peter S. Greenburg takes a look at the over 24 wineries spread over 200 miles of land in the Valle de Guadalupe, what many don't realize is even there when visiting Baja California.