Guanajuato and Oaxaca

So I should mention Guanajuato. It sits almost in the middle of Guadalajara and Mexico City. 20% of the worlds silver came from the mines around Guanajuato, and the money poured into the city. There is beautiful colonial architecture and amazing 18th century arches still support the city above an underground roadway that runs throughout the city. Words like quaint and charming are perfect for Guanajuato. The city is packed between green mountains and has an incredible history. Now it's a university town and really great place to visit.

From Guanajuato I headed to Mexico City and, after Mexico City I headed to the state of Oaxaca, and first, the capital city, Oaxaca. Oaxaca's ok. I spent two days recuperating from the craziness in Mexico DF. and took a nice hike through the mountains right outside the city. Then I headed to the beach. First Mazunte, then Zipolite, and lastly, Huatulco. I skipped the infamous Puerto Escondido.

My first time in Mex, I spent a lot of time on the Michoacan beaches. I have to say they trump Oaxaca's beaches, but I had a really great time here. Michoacan has some real virgen beaches with almost no development. It sometimes left you wanting a little more though, and I feel like you get that in Mazunte and Zipolite. The Michoacan beaches are prettier though, and the water esta mas tranquillo.

I saw the beaches in Oaxaca in order of increasing development. Mazunte has a beach lined with thatched roof bar/restaurants, some hostals and pousadas in the "city", but very few tourists (but expect a lot more tourists Dec-Feb). Zipolite is a little more developed, has some nicer places to stay, and more tourists, but not annoyingly so; there were maybe a total of 50-60 tourists in the city this time of year. And Huatulco has basically become a resort town, complete with high prices, 5 star hotels, and fancy dinners. Huatulco has calm, pretty beaches. The water in Mazunte and Zipolite is rough. The tide breaks high, and the undercurrent can pull you in if you get chest deep. You see surfers and lots of kids on boogie boards.

You can see the less touristy beaches in Mexico on the cheap. In Zipolite I was spending $7/night for my own little room, and about $8/day on food. Mazunte and Zipolite both have great a "traveler"scene and you meet people who are staying there a month. I highly recommend a trip there. It's definitely worth the 12 hr bus ride from Mexico City.