Tuxpan is a town and municipality in the Mexican state of Jalisco. The name “Tuxpan” comes from the Nahuatl word tochpan, a word used to describe where rabbits live. Some others translate as a location above the river.

According to historical records of local monographs, Tuxpan was founded by the Toltec pilgrimage in the year 642 of our era. Later in the year 1529, the Spanish came to the population under the commands of Francisco Cortes of Buenaventura, nephew of Hernan Cortes. However, the Franciscan friars founded the village in 1536, noting the trace and built a convent in that year under the award of San Juan Bautista. Later, an eight-sided cross was built with a based quadrangular. It is currently the oldest colonial monument of Jalisco.

Cuaxala
This dish is a kind of salty atole that is cooked in chicken soup or guajillo chilies, tomato, lard or oil, or fresh oregano. When that is added on top of chicken meat, it is served in a bowl of mud typical dish called blunt. It is an exquisite meal that is served especially for lunch.

White beans with tortila
Commonly made during Mexico’s Easter week, the dish is prepared with the following ingredients: white beans, cilantro, chile guajillo, onion, garlic, and cloves. Once cooked, it is served with a tortila, folded into four parts.

Tacos of the station or Taquitos Tuxpeño
Tuxpan is well known for its tacos that are often sold at the railroad station to passengers. Today they are sold at the side of the station and down the street V. Carranza with Dona Martina, a very famous taco seller. These tacos consist of a corn tortilla made by hand that is passed by a sauce and stuffed with a piece of beef and pork cooked with spices, or it may be of bean or potatoes.

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Interactive map of Tuxpan, Jalisco Mexico

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Guadalajara is the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is located in the central region of Jalisco in the western-pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,579,174 it is Mexico’s second most populous municipality. The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area includes seven adjacent municipalities with a reported population of 4,095,715 in 2008, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in Mexico, behind Mexico City. The municipality is the second most densely populated area in Mexico; the first being Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl in Estado de México. The city’s economy is based on industry, especially information technology with a large number of international firms having manufacturing facilities in the Guadalajara Metro Area. Other, more traditional industries, such as shoes, textiles and food processing are also important. Guadalajara is the cultural center of Mexico, considered by most to be the home of Mariachi music and host to a number of large-scale cultural events such as the International Film Festival of Guadalajara and the Guadalajara International Book Fair and a number of internationally renowned cultural events which draw international crowds. It is also home to the Chivas football/soccer team, one of the two most popular in Mexico. This city was named American Capital of Culture in 2005 and will be the city host for the 2011 Pan American Games.

Guadalajara is the 10th largest city in Latin America in terms of population, urban area and Gross Domestic Product. The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara, with the name originating from the Arabic word wād al-haŷara (واد الحجارة or وادي الحجارة), meaning “Valley of Stones”; the literal translation of the Iberian name Arriaca, meaning “stony river”.

In a 2007 research of the FDi magazine Guadalajara was the highest ranking major Mexican city having the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city and only Chicago scored more highly for sheer economic potential,[7] in the same research was considered the “city of the future” due to its youthful population, low unemployment and large number of recent foreign investment deals, it was also found the third most business friendly city in North America.

The city was established in three other places before where it is now. The first settlement in 1532 was in Mesa del Cerro, now known as San Juan. This site was settled by Juan de Oñate as commissioned by Nuño de Guzmán. The purpose of the city was to secure the recent conquests made and to provide defense against still-hostile natives. This site did not last long due to the lack of water, so in 1533, it was moved to a location near Tonalá. Two years later, Guzmán ordered that the village be moved to Tlacotán. While the settlement was here, Spanish king Carlos V granted the coat of arms the city has today.

This settlement was ferociously attacked during the Mixtón War in 1541, by Caxcan, Portecuex and Zacateco peoples under the command of Tenamaxtli. This war was initiated by the Indians due to the cruel treatment of Indians by Nuño de Guzmán, especially the enslavement of captured natives. Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza had to take control of the campaign to suppress the revolt after the Spanish were defeated in several engagements. The conflict ended after Mendoza made some concession to the Indians including the freeing of Indian slaves and amnesty. The village of Guadalajara barely survived and credit was given to the aid requested from the Archangel Michael, who remains as patron of the city. It was then decided to move the city once again, this time to Atemajac as it was more defensible and the city has remained here to this day. In 1542, records indicate that 126 people were living in Guadalajara, and in the same year, the status of city was conferred by the Spanish king. The settlement’s name came from the Spanish hometown of Nuño de Guzmán.

In 1560, royal offices for the province of Nueva Galicia were moved from Compostela to Guadalajara, as well as the bishopric. Construction of the cathedral was begun in 1561. In 1570, religious orders such as the Augustinians and the arrived, which would make the city a center for evangelization efforts. The historic city center encompasses what was four centers of population, as the villages of Mezquitán, Analco and Mexicaltzingo were annexed to the Atemajac site in 1667.

In 1791, the University of Guadalajara was established in the city, which was then the capital of Nueva Galicia. The inauguration was held in 1792 at the site of the old Santo Tomas College. While the institution was founded during the 18th century, it would not be fully developed until the 20th starting in 1925. In 1794 the Hospital Real de San Miguel de Belén, now simply known as the Hospital de Belen, was opened.

Guadajara’s economy during the 18th century was based on agriculture and the production of non-durable goods such as textiles, shoes and food products.

Guadalajara remained the capital of Nueva Galicia with some modifications until the Mexican War of Independence. After Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla decided not to attack Mexico City despite early successes, he decided to retreat to Guadalajara in late 1810. Initially, he and his army were welcome in the city as living conditions had become difficult for workers and Hidalgo promised to lower taxes and put an end to slavery. However, violence by the rebel army to city residents, especially royalists soured the welcome. Hidalgo did sign a proclamation ending slavery, which was honored in the country since after the war. During this time, he also founded the newspaper El Despertador Americano dedicated to the insurgent cause.

During this time, royalist forces marched to Guadalajara, arriving in January 1811 with nearly 6,000 men. Insurgents Ignacio Allende and Mariano Abasolo wanted to concentrate their forces in the city and plan an escape route should they be defeated, but Hidalgo rejected this. Their second choice then was to make a stand at the Puente de Calderon just outside the city. Hidalgo had between 80,000 and 100,000 men and 95 cannons, but the better trained royalists won, decimating the insurgent army, forcing Hidalgo to flee towards Aguascalientes. Guadalajara would remain in royalist hands until nearly the end of the war. After the state of Jalisco was erected in 1823, the city became its capital. In 1844, General Mariano Paredes y Arrillaga initiated a revolt against the government of President Antonio López de Santa Anna, which the president managed to quell personally. However, while Santa Anna was in Guadalajara, a revolt called the Revolution of the Three Hours brought José Joaquín Herrera to the presidency and put Santa Anna into exile. During the Reform War, President Benito Juárez had his government here for a time in 1856. French troops entered the city during the French Intervention in 1864, and the city was retaken by Mexican troops in 1866.

Despite the violence, the 19th century was a period of economic, technological and social growth for the city. After Independence, small-scale industries developed, many of them owned by immigrants from Europe. Rail lines connecting the city to the Pacific coast and north to the United States intensified trade and allowed products from rural areas of Jalisco state to be shipped. The ranch culture became a very important aspect of Jalisco’s and Guadalajara’s identity since this time. From 1884 to 1890, electrical service, railroad service and the Observatory were established.

Guadalajara again experienced substantial growth after the 1930s, and the first industrial park was established in 1947. The city’s population surpassed one million in 1964, and by the 1970s it was Mexico’s second largest city, and the largest in western Mexico. Most of the modern city’s urbanization took place between the 1940s and the 1980s, with the population doubling every ten years until it stood at 2.5 million in 1980. The population of the municipality has stagnated, and even declined, slowly but steadily since the early 1990s.

The increase of population brought with it the increase in the size of what is now called Greater Guadalajara, rather than an increase in the population density of the city. Migrants coming into Guadalajara from the 1940s to the 1980s were mostly from rural areas, who lived in the city center until they had enough money to buy property. This property was generally bought in the edges of the city, which were urbanizing into “fraccionamientos” or subdivisions. In the 1980s, the city was described as a “divided city” east to west based on socioeconomic class. Since then, the city has evolved into four sectors, which are still more-or-less class centered. The upper classes tend to live in Hidalgo and Juárez in the northwest and southwest, while lower classes tend to live in the city center, Libertad in the north east and southeast in Reforma. However, lower class development have developed on the city’s periphery and upper and middle classes are migrating toward Zapopan, making the situation less neatly divided.(napolitano21-22) Since 1996, activity by multinational corporations has had a significant effect on the economic and social development of the city. The presence of companies such as Kodak, Hewlett-Packard, Motorola and IBM has been based on production facilities built just outside the city proper, bringing in foreign labor and capital. This was made possible in the 1980s by surplus labor, infrastructure improvements and government incentives. These companies focus on electrical and electronic items, which is now one of Guadalajara’s two main products (the other being beer). This has internationalized the economy, steering it away from manufacturing and toward services, dependent on technology and foreign investment. This has not been favorable for the unskilled working class, and traditional labor sectors.

On April 22, 1992, numerous gasoline explosions in the sewer system over four hours destroyed 8 kilometers of streets in the downtown district of Analco. Gante Street was the most damaged. Officially, 206 people were killed, nearly 500 injured and 15,000 were left homeless. The estimated monetary damage ranges between $300 million and $1 billion. The affected areas can be recognized by the more modern architecture in the areas that were destroyed.

Three days before the explosion, residents started complaining of a strong gasoline-like smell coming from the sewers. City workers were dispatched to check the sewers and found dangerously high levels of gasoline fumes. However, no evacuations were ordered. An investigation into the disaster found that there were two precipitating causes. The first was new water pipes that were built too close to an existing gasoline pipeline. Chemical reactions between the pipes caused erosion. The second was a flaw in the sewer design that did not allow accumulated gases to escape.

Numerous arrests were made in an attempt to indict those responsible for the blasts. Four PEMEX (the state oil company) officials were indicted and charged, on the basis of negligence. Ultimately, however, these people were cleared of all charges. Calls for the restructuring of PEMEX were made but they were successfully resisted.

On May 24, 1993, Archbishop Juan Jesús Posadas Ocampo, along with six other people, was assassinated on the parking lot of Guadalajara International Airport. He was inside his car and received 14 gunshot wounds. A government inquiry concluded he was caught in a shootout between rival cocaine cartels and was mistakenly identified as a drug lord, but no one was ever imprisoned for the slaying. Juan Francisco Murillo Díaz “El Güero Jaibo” and Édgar Nicolás Villegas “El Negro”, members of the Tijuana Cartel, were identified as the masterminds of the homicide.

The city has hosted several important international events, such as the first Cumbre Iberoamericana in 1991, the Third Summit of Heads of State and Governments from Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union in 2004, the Encuentro Internacional de Promotores y Gestores Culturales in 2005, and will be the host city of the 2011 Pan American Games. It was also named the American Capital of Culture in 2005, Ciudad Educadora (Educator City) in 2006 and the first Smart City in Mexico due to its use of technology in development.

In its 2007 survey entitled “Cities of the Future”, FDi magazine ranked Guadalajara highest among major Mexican cities, and designated Guadalajara as having the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city behind Chicago. FDI Magazine also ranked the city as the most business-friendly Latin American city in 2007.

The historic downtown of Guadalajara is the oldest section of the city, where it was founded and where the oldest buildings are located. It centers on Paseo Morelos/Paseo Hospicio from the Plaza de Armas, where the seats of ecclesiastical and secular power are, east toward the Plaza de Mariachis and the Hospicio Cabañas. The Plaza de Armas is a rectangular plaza with gardens, ironwork benches and an ironwork kiosk which was made in Paris in the 19th century.

Within Guadalajara’s historic downtown, there is a large number of beautiful Squares and Public Parks that are worth the visit. Here is a complete list: Parque Morelos, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberacion, Plaza de los Mariachis, Plaza Fundadores, Plaza Guadalajara, Plaza Tapatia, Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres, Plaza del Agave, Parque Revolucion, Jardin del Santuario.

The Metropolitan Cathedral began construction in 1558 and was consecrated in 1616. Its two towers were built in the 19th century after an earthquake destroyed the originals. They are considered one of the city’s symbols. The architecture is a mix of Gothic, Baroque, Moorish and Neoclassical. The interior has three naves and eleven side altars, covered by a roof supported by thirty Doric columns.

The Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres (Rotunda of Illustrious Men) is a circular monument made of quarried stone, built to honor the memory of distinguished people from Jalisco. It was built in 1952, and it contains seventeen columns which mark off a circular space, containing ninety-eight urns with the remains of the figures honored here. Across the street is the municipal palace, which was constructed in 1952. It has four facades of quarried stone, and it mostly of Neoclassical design with elements such as courtyards, entrances and columns that imitate the older structures of the city. The Palace of the State Government is in Churrigueresque and Neoclassical styles, and was begun in the 17th century and finished in 1774. The interior was completely remodeled after an explosion here in 1859. This building contains a number of murals done by José Clemente Orozco, a native of Jalisco, and includes “Lucha Social,” “Circo Político” and “Las Fuerzas Ocultas.” The last one depicts Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla with his arm raised above his head in anger against the government and the church.

The Plaza de la Liberación is on the east side of the Cathedral. It is nicknamed the Plaza de las Dos Copas, referring to the two fountains on the east and west sides. Facing this plaza is the Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theater). It was built in the mid nineteenth century in Neoclassical design. The main portal has a pediment with a scene in relief called “Apollo and the Muses” sculpted in marble by Benito Castañeda. Inside the vaulted ceiling contains a fresco which depicts a scene from the Divine Comedy painted by Jacobo Gálvez and Gerardo Suárez. Behind the theater is another plaza with a fountain called the Fuente de los Fundadores (Fountain of the Founders). The plaza is located in the exact spot where the city was founded and contains a sculpture depicting Cristobal de Oñate at the event.

The Jalisco Regional Museum (Ex seminary de San José) was constructed at the beginning of the 18th century to be the Seminario Conciliar de San José. From 1861 to 1914, it housed a school called Liceo de Varones. In 1918, it became the Museum of Fine Artes. In 1976, it was completely remodeled for its present use. The Museum contains sixteen halls displaying its permanent collection. Fourteen of the halls are divided into zones named Paleontology, Pre-History, and Archeology. One of the prize exhibits is a complete skeleton of a mammoth. The other two halls are dedicated to painting and History. Some of the paintings in the collection were done by Juan Correa, Cristóbal de Villalpando and José de Ibarra.

Between the Cathedral and the Hospicio is a large plaza called Plaza Tapatía. It is an important cultural and commercial area which covers an area of 70,000 m2. Its centerpiece if the large Quetzalcoátl sculpture/fountain.(encmuc) Southeast of this plaza is the Mercado Libertad, also called the Mercado de San Juan de Dios. It is one of the largest traditional markets in Mexico. Next to it is the Temple of San Juan de Dios constructed in the 17th century of Baroque style.

At the far east end is the Plaza de los Mariachis and the Ex-Hospicio Cabañas. The Plaza the Mariachis is faced by a number of restaurants in which one can hear live mariachis play, especially at night. The Ex-Hospicio Cabañas extends along the entire east side of the Plaza. This building was constructed by Manuel Tolsá beginning in 1805 under orders of Carlos III.(encmuc)(hospiciodes) It was inaugurated and began its function as an orphanage in 1810, in spite of the fact that it would not be finished until 1845. It was named after Bishop Ruiz de Cabañas y Crespo. The facade of the building is Neoclassical and its main entrance is topped by a triangular pediment. Today, it is the home of the Instituto Cultural Cabañas (Cabañas Cultural Institute) and its main attraction is the murals by José Clemente Orozco, which covers the main entrance hall. Among these murals is “Hombre del Fuego” (Man of Fire) considered to be one of Orozco’s finest works.

Off this east-west axis are a number of other significant constructions. The Legislative Palace is Neoclassical which was originally built in the 18th century. It was reconstructed in 1982. The Palace of Justice was finished in 1897. The Old University Building was a Jesuit College named Santo Tomás de Aquino. It was founded in 1591. Later, it became the second Mexican University in 1792. Its main portal is of yellow stone. The Casa de los Perros (House of the Dogs) was constructed in 1896 in Neoclassical design. On Avenida Juarez is the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora del Carmen which was founded between 1687 and 1690 and remodeled completely in 1830. It retains its original coat of arms of the Carmelite Order as well as sculptures of the prophets Elijah and Elisha. Adjoining it is what is left of the Carmelite monastery, which was one of the richest in New Spain.

Guadalajara has the second largest economy and industrial infrastructure in Mexico, and contributes 37% to the state of Jalisco’s total gross production. Its economic base is strong and well diversified, mainly based on commerce and services, although the manufacturing sector plays a defining role. It is also ranked in the top ten in Latin America in terms of gross domestic product and the highest ranking in Mexico. In its 2007 survey entitled “Cities of the Future”, FDi magazine ranked Guadalajara highest among major Mexican cities, and designated Guadalajara as having the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city behind Chicago. FDI Magazine also ranked the city as the most business-friendly Latin American city in 2007.

Most of Guadalajara’s economic growth since 1990 has been tied with foreign investment. International firms have invested here to take advantage of the relatively cheap labor, establishing manufacturing plants which re-export their products to the United States, as well as provide goods for the internal Mexican market. Exports from the city went from 3.92 billion USD in 1995 to 14.3 billion in 2003. From 1990 to 2000, socio-economic indicators show that quality of life improved overall; however, there is still a large gap between the rich and the poor, and the rich have benefited from the globalization and privatization of the economy more than the poor. International investment has not only affected the labor market in the Guadalajara metro area but also that of the rural towns and villages that surround it. Guadalajara is the distribution center for the region and its demands as such have lead to a shifting of employment from traditional agriculture and crafts to manufacturing and commerce in urban centers. This has led to mass migration from the rural areas to the metropolitan area.

As for the municipality’s finances, in 2009, Moody’s Investors Service assigned ratings of Ba1 (Global scale, local currency) and A1.mx (Mexican national scale). During the prior five years, the municipality’s financial performance had been mixed, but has begun to stabilize in the last two years. Guadalajara manages one of the largest budgets among Mexican municipalities and its revenue per capita indicator (Ps. $2,265) places it above the average for Moody’s-rated municipalities in Mexico.

The city’s economy has two main sectors. Commerce and tourism employ most: about 60% of the population. The other is industry, which has been the engine of economic growth and the basis of Guadalajara’s economic importance nationally even though it employs only about a third of the population. Industries here produce products such as food and beverages, toys, textiles, auto parts, electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, footwear, furniture and steel products. Two of the major industries here have been textiles and shoes, which are still dynamic and growing. Sixty percent of manufactured products are sold domestically, while forty percent are exported, mostly to the United States. This makes Guadalajara’s economic fortunes dependent upon those of the U.S., both as a source of investment money and as a market for its goods.

However, it is the electronics and information technology sectors here that have given the city the nickname of the “Silicon Valley of Mexico.” Guadalajara is the main producer of software, electronic and digital components in Mexico. Telecom and computer equipment from Guadalajara accounts for about a quarter of Mexico’s electronics exports. Companies such as General Electric, IBM, Intel Corporation, Freescale Semiconductor, Hitachi Ltd., Hewlett-Packard, Siemens, Flextronics, TCS and Jabil Circuit have facilities in the city or its suburbs. This phenomena began after the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). International firms started building facilities in Mexico, especially Guadalajara, displacing Mexican firms, especially in information technology. One of the problems this has created is that when there are economic downturns, these international firms scale back. The city also has to compete with China, especially for electronics industries which rely on high-volume and low wages. This has caused the city to move toward high-mix, mid-volume and value-added services, such as automotives. However, its traditional advantage of proximity to the U.S. market is one reason Guadalajara stays competitive. Mexico ranked third in 2009 in Latin America for the export of information technology services, behind Brazil and Argentina. This kind of service is mostly related to online and telephone technical support. The major challenge this sector has is the lack of university graduates who can speak English.

Most of the economy revolves around commerce, employing 60% of the population. This activity has mainly focused on the purchase and sale of the following products: food and beverages, textiles, electronic appliances, tobacco, cosmetics, sport articles, construction materials and others. Guadalajara’s commercial activity is second only to Mexico City. Globalization and neoliberal reforms have affected the form and distribution of commerce in Guadalajara since the early 1990s. This has led to tensions between traditional markets, such as the Mercardo Libertad, and retailers such as department stores and supermarkets. Local governments in the metropolitan area used to invest in and heavily regulate traditional markets but this is no longer the case. To attract private corporate investment, regulatory control eased and most commercial developments now are controlled by private concerns. The city is the national leader in the development and investment of shopping malls. Many shopping centers have been built, such as Plaza Galerias, one of the largest shopping centers in Latin America, and also Andares. Galerías Guadalajara covers 160,000 m² and has 220 stores. It contains the two largest movie theaters in Latin American, both with IMAX screens. It hosts art exhibits and fashion shows, and has an area for cultural workshops. Anchor stores includes Liverpool and Sears and specialty stores such as Hugo Boss, Max Mara and Lacoste. Also Best Buy opened its first Guadalajara store here. It’s on the third floor and has its own additional private entrance on the top floor of the adjacent parking lot. Another Best Buy will open shortly in Ciudadela Lifestyle Center (Moctezuma and Patria), which will be the chain’s third largest in the world, according to company publicity.

Also there is Andares which is a shopping mall located in Zapopan. This outdoor and indoor shopping center is Guadalajara’s most exclusive shopping mall and is set in Puerta de hierro which is the most exclusive neighborhood in the city. It was opened in November 19, 2008 in a blaze of consumer frenzy that has affected the city in recent years. The 530 million dollar complex features luxurious world class residencies designed by famous Mexican architect Sordo Madaleno, a luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel and the shopping center complex which features elegant corridors, outdoor restaurants and cafes, anchored by upscale department stores as Liverpool (store) and El Palacio de Hierro in where brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Fendi, Dior, Burberry, Ralph Lauren and most of the high-end fashion boutiques have a “corner shop” available, the corridors and indoor mall features dozens of upmarket clothing stores, including Thomas Pink, BCBG Max Azria, Stuart Weitzman, Façonnable, Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Max Mara, Ermenegildo Zegna, Lacoste, Swarovski, Diesel, Pal Zileri etc.

A large segment of the commercial sector caters to tourists and other visitors. Recreational tourism is concentrated in the historic center of the city. In addition to being a cultural and recreational attraction in its own right, the city also serves as an axis to other nearby attractions such as Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Mazatlán. Other types of visitors include those who come here to attend seminars, conventions, expositions and other events in fields such as academia, entertainment, sports and business. The city has a number of venues and luxury hotels for this purpose, The best-known venue is the Expo-Guadalajara, a large scale convention center situated among luxury hotels. This venue was constructed in 1987 and is considered the most important venue of its kind in Mexico. Despite the impact of the international economic crisis in 2008 and 2009, tourism and hotel occupancy rates have remained strong.

Guadalajara is the cultural center of western Mexico and the second most important cultural center in the country. It is nicknamed the “Pearl of the West.” While it is a modern city, it has kept many of the rural traditions of Jalisco, such as mariachi. Cultural tourism is one of the most important economic activities, especially in the historic center. Guadalajara is a center of learning with six universities, two culinary institutes and a thriving art scene. Guadalajara has twenty two museums, which include the Regional Museum of Jalisco, the Wax Museum, the Trompo Mágico children’s museum and the Museum of Anthropology. The Hospicio Cabañas in the historic center is a World Heritage Site. For these attributes and others, the city was named an American Capital of Culture in 2005.

This city has been the cradle and dwelling of distinguished poets, writers, painters, actors, film directors and representatives of the arts, etc., such as: José Clemente Orozco, Dr. Atl, Roberto Montenegro, Alejandro Zohn, Luis Barragán, Carlos Orozco Romero, Federico Fabregat, Raul Anguiano, Juan Soriano, Javier Campos Cabello, Martha Pacheco, Alejandro Colunga, José Fors, Juan Kraeppellin, Davis Birks, Carlos Vargas Pons, Jis, Trino, Erandini, Enrique Oroz, Rubén Méndez, Mauricio Toussaint, Scott Neri, Paula Santiago, Edgar Cobian, L.Felipe Manzano, and (the artist formerly known as Mevna); The freeplay guitarist and music composer for the movies El Mariachi and The Legend of Zorro, Paco Renteria; important exponents of Literature such as: Juan Rulfo, Francisco Rojas, Agustín Yáñez, Elías Nandino, Idella Purnell, Jorge Souza, among others; classic repertoire composers like Gonzalo Curiel, José Pablo Moncayo, Antonio Navarro, Ricardo Zohn, Carlos Sánchez-Gutiérrez and Gabriel Pareyon; film directors like Felipe Cazals, Jaime Humberto Hermosillo, Erik Stahl, Guillermo del Toro and actors like Katy Jurado, Enrique Alvarez Felix and actual exponents like Gael García Bernal.

The cuisine is a mix of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences, like the rest of Mexico, but dishes here have their own flavors and are made with their own techniques. One of the main distinguishing dishes is birria. This is goat or lamb meat cooked in a spicy sauce seasoned with chili peppers, ginger, cumin, black pepper, oregano and cloves. The traditional way of preparing birria is to pit roast the meat and spices wrapped in maguey leaves. It is served in bowls along with minced onion, limes and tortillas.

Another dish that is strongly associated with Guadalajara is tortas ahogadas, literally “drowned tortas (sub sandwiches).” This sandwich is an oblong “bolillo” bun (made denser in Guadalajara than in the rest of the country) filled with pork and other ingredients. Then the sandwich is covered in a red tomato/chili pepper sauce. Other dishes that are popular here include pozole, a soup prepared with hominy, chicken or pork and various condiments and pipián, which is a sauce prepared with peanuts, squash and sesame seed. The city hosts the Feria Internacional Gastronomía (Internation Gastronomy Fair) each year in September showcasing both Mexican and international cuisines. A large number of restaurants, bars, bakeries and cafés participate as well as producers of beer, Mexican wine and tequila.

Mariachi music is strongly associated with Guadalajara both in Mexico and abroad even though the musical style originated in the nearby town of Cocula, Jalisco. The connection between the city and mariachi began in 1907 when an eight-piece mariachi band and four dancers from the city performed on stage at the president’s residence for both Porfirio Díaz and the secretary of State of the United States. This made the music a symbol of west Mexico, and after the migration of many people from the Guadalajara area to Mexico City (mostly settling near Plaza Garibaldi), it then became a symbol of Mexican identity as well Guadalajara hosts the Festival of Mariachi and Charreria, which began in 1994. It attracts personages in the fields of art, culture and politics from both Mexico and abroad. Regularly the best mariachis in Mexico participate, such as Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi de América and Mariachi los Camperos de Naty Cano. Mariachi bands from all over the world participate, coming from countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Belgium, Chile, France, Australia, Slovak Republic, Canada and the United States. The events of this festival take place in a number of venues all over the metropolitan area. and includes a parade with floats. In August 2009, 542 mariachi musicians played together for a little over ten minutes to break the world’s record for largest mariachi group. The musicians played various songs ending with two classic Mexican songs “Cielito Lindo” and “Guadalajara.” The feat was performed during the XVI Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria. The prior record was 520 musicians in 2007 in San Antonio, Texas. In the historic center of the city is the Plaza de los Mariachis, named such as many groups play here. The plaza is being renovated for the 2011 Pan American Games in anticipation of the crowds that will visit the city. Over 750 mariachi musicians play traditional melodies on the plaza, and along with the restaurants and other businesses, the plaza supports more than 830 families. A recent innovation has been the fusion of mariachi melodies and instruments with rock and roll performed by rock musicians in the Guadalajara area. An album collecting a number of these melodies was produced called “Mariachi Rock-O.” There are plans to take these bands on tour in Mexico, the United States and Europe.

In addition to mariachi, the city is home to a renowned symphony orchestra. The Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco (Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco) was founded by José Rolón in 1915. It held concerts from that time until 1924, when state funding was lost. However, the musicians kept playing to keep the orchestra alive. This eventually caught the attention of authorities and funding was restated in 1939. Private funding started in the 1940s and in 1950, an organization called Conciertos Guadalajara A. C. was formed to continue fundraising for the orchestra. In 1971, the orchestra became affiliated with the Department of Fine Arts of the State of Jalisco. The current name was adopted in 1988, as it became the orchestra for the state, not just the city of Guadalajara although it remains based here. International soloists such as Paul Badura-Skoda, Claudio Arrau, Jörg Demus, Henryck Szeryng, Nicanor Zabaleta, Plácido Domingo, Kurt Rydl and Alfred Brendel have performed with the organization. Today the orchestra is under the direction of Héctor Guzmán.

The city is also host to several dance and ballet companies such as the Chamber Ballet of Jalisco, the Folkloric Ballet of the University of Guadalajara, and University of Guadalajara Contemporary Ballet.

Guadalajara is also known for several large cultural festivals. The International Film Festival of Guadalajara is a yearly event which happens in March. It mostly focuses on Mexican and Latin American films; however films from all over the world are shown. The event is sponsored by the Universidad de Guadalajara, CONACULTA, the Instituto Mexicano de Cinematographía as well as the governments of the cities of Guadalajara and Zapopan. The 2009 festival had over 200 films shown in more than 16 theatres and open-air forums, such as the inflatable screens set up in places such as Chapultepec, La Rambla Cataluña and La Minerva. In that year, the event gave out awards totaling 500,000 USD. The event attracts names such as Mexican actor Guillermo del Toro, Greek director Constantin Costa-Gavras, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and U.S. actor Edward James Olmos.

The Guadalajara International Book Fair is the largest Spanish language book fair in the world held each year over nine days at the Expo Guadalajara. Over 300 publishing firms from 35 different countries regularly attend, demonstrating the most recent productions in books, videos and new communications technologies. The event awards prizes such as the Premio FIL for literature, the Premio de Literatura Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, also for literature, and the Reconocimento al Mérito Editorial for publishing houses. There is an extensive exposition of books and other materials in Spanish, Portuguese and English, covering academia, culture, the arts and more for sale. More than 350,000 people attend from Mexico and abroad. In 2009, Nobel prize winner Orhan Pamuk, German children’s author Cornelia Funke and Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa participated along with about 500 other authors present. Activities include book presentations, academic talks, forums, and events for children.

The Festival Cultural de Mayo (May Cultural Festival) began in 1988. In 2009, the event celebrated the 400th anniversary of relations between Mexico and Japan, with many performances and exhibitions relation to Japanese culture. The 2009 festival featured 358 artists in 118 activities. Each year a different country is “invited”. Past guests have been Germany (2008), Mexico (2007), Spain (2006) and Austria (2005).

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Irapuato, Guanajuato
Irapuato is a Mexican city (and municipality) located at the foot of the Arandas mountain (in Spanish: cerro de Arandas), in the south central region of the state of Guanajuato. It lies between the Silao River and the Guanajuato River, a tributary of the Lerma River, at 1,724 m (5,656 ft) above sea level. The city is the second-largest in the state (only behind León). The municipality includes numerous smaller outlying communities. The city’s main industry is agriculture and it is famous for its strawberries and the raising of pigs and cattle. The fruits and flowers of Irapuato’s luxurious gardens are well known throughout Mexico.

In the pre-Hispanic era, the site was inhabited by the Chichimecas (c. 1200 C.E.), a group of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. Later on, the Tarascans (also known as the P’urhépecha) conquered the region and initiated the establishment of a permanent settlement. They constructed buildings in the tarascan architectural style, produced pottery, and practiced agriculture. They called the settlement Xiriquitzio (or Iriquitzio), which the Spanish conquerors pronounced “Jiricuato” (or Jiricuicho), which meant “the place with houses (or low dwellings)”. The initial growth period, however, was short lived. The downfall of the Purépecha empire led to the abandonment of the settlement, at which point it was once again inhabited by the Chichimecas.

In the 16th century, vasts amounts of silver ore were discovered at the present day site of the capital city of Guanajuato. This discovery led to a massive migration of Spanish settlers to the area.

Attractions in Irapuato, Guanajuato

Fountain of Dancing Water (in Spanish: Fuente de Aguas Danzarinas): The fountain, which was inaugurated on December 21, 2004, stands in the central plaza of Irapuato. Every night there is a light, music and water show. The fountain is lit up in a rainbow of colors, and the jets provide a choreographed show accompanied by music.

Irapuato Zoo (in Spanish: Parque Zoológico de Irapuato): The Irapuato Zoo, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is home to 103 mammals, 271 birds, and various species of fish. The zoo was established in 1992 by architect Vicente Cázares Rodriguez, with the support of the then state governor, Carlos Medina Placencia.

Plaza Cibeles Mall (in Spanish: Plaza Cibeles): This is the newest and largest mall in the city of Irapuato. The mall contains many stores such as the Liverpool chain, and a Cinépolis movie theatre. The mall was named after the famous Plaza de Cibeles, a famous square in Madrid, Spain, which features a beautiful sculpture and fountain that have been adopted as a symbol for the city of Madrid.

John Paul II Monument (in Spanish: Monumento al papa Juan Pablo II): Bronze statue of Pope John Paul II, located in the Miguel Hidalgo square next to the Irapuato Cathedral. The statue was made out of keys that were donated by all of the people of Irapuato. The bronze sculpture has a steel skeleton and has a weight of 300 kg (661 lbs). It was unveiled on February 15, 2006.

Irapuato Cathedral (in Spanish: Catedral de Irapuato): The cathedral was built in 16th century in the baroque style. The outside facade is also baroque. The interior is in the neoclassical architectural style. The cathedral is laid out in the traditional Latin Cross style.

Miguel Hidalgo Square (in Spanish: Plazuela Miguel Hidalgo): A large public square in the historical center of Irapuato. The square contains the Fountain of Dancing Water as well as the Irapuato Cathedral. The square is named after Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the father of the Mexican Independence movement.

Little Hospital Church (in Spanish: Templo del Hospitalito): This was the first church built in lrapuato. The interior was completed in 1713 and the facade in 1733. It is baroque in style and dedicated to the Lady of Mercy (in Spanish: Señora de la Misericordia). The church is built in the traditional Latin Cross style. The main altars contain images made from corn paste. The church was originally built as a chapel for the Indians’ Hospital (in Spanish: Hospital de Indios), which was built two centuries earlier by Vasco de Quiroga in 1550.

Dolphin (or Florentine) Fountain (in Spanish: Fuente de los delfines (o Florentina)): In 1864, Maximilian I of Mexico donated three bronze Florentine fountains to the state of Guanajuato. These fountains are located in lrapuato,[clarification needed] Léon, and the city of Guanajuato.

Sergio Leon Chávez Stadium (in Spanish: Estadio Sergio Leon Chávez): Former home of the Irapuato Freseros soccer team. It was one of the stadiums used in the 1986 FIFA World Cup. It has a maximum capacity of 32,000 spectators.

Sun Clock (in Spanish: Reloj del Sol): The clock is over a century old and it is located in the Juan Alvarez Square. The clock is elevated on a pedestal and column.

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Celaya is a city and its surrounding municipality in the state of Guanajuato, Mexico, located in the southeast quadrant of the state. It is the third most populous city in the state, with a 2005 census population of 310,413. The municipality for which the city serves as municipal seat, had a population of 415,869. The city is located in the geographic center of the municipality, which has an areal extent of 553.18 km² (213.58 sq mi) and includes many smaller outlying communities, the largest of which are San Miguel Octopan, Rincón de Tamayo and San Juan de la Vega.

There are many smaller towns around Celaya including Rincón de Tamayo, Tarimoro, Salvatierra, La Moncada, Panales Jamaica (Cañones), Panales Galera, La Calera, La Estancia, La Noria, La Acebuche, Cacalote, and Charco Largo.

General Álvaro Obregón defeated Pancho Villa at Celaya in 1915 known as Battle of Celaya. Celaya was also the capital of the state of Guanajuato for a short period.

An explosion in an improperly protected gunpowder and fireworks warehouse in September, 1999, killed over 60 people and badly injured over 300 people.

Celaya is also famous for the invention and production of cajeta, a type of milk candy.

The Celaya Airport has as of January 22, 2007 commercial flights to Santiago de Queretaro and there connecting to other destinations. Celaya lies along the Pan-American Highway which is known locally as Mexican Federal Highway 45.

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Guanajuato, Guanajuato Mexico

The Mexican city of Guanajuato is the capital of the state of the same name. It is located 370 km (230 miles) northwest of Mexico City, at an elevation of 1,996 m (6,550 ft) above sea level. The historic town and adjacent mines are a World Heritage Site. Much of the car traffic in the city uses an underground road network.

Guanajuato, although it is the state capital, is only the fifth-largest city in the state, behind León, Irapuato, Celaya, and Salamanca. The 2005 census population was 70,798 people in the city. Guanajuato is also the name of the surrounding municipality of which the city is the municipal seat. The municipality had a population of 153,364 and an areal extent of 996.74 km² (384.84 sq mi). The city of Guanajuato lies near the western edge of the municipality, which includes numerous smaller outlying communities, the largest of which are Marfil, Yerbabuena, and Santa Teresa.

Guanajuato was founded as a town in 1554 and received the designation as a city in 1741. It is located in one of the richest silver mining areas of Mexico, and is well known for its wealth of fine colonial era Spanish architecture.

Plaza de la Paz and the Basílica Colegiata de Nuestra Señora de Guanajuato (2009)The Spanish name “Guanajuato” comes from Quanaxhuato (or Kuanasiutu in a different orthography), meaning “Hill of Frogs” in P’urhépecha (a large rock formation outside of the city of Guanajuato looks remarkably like a frog, and frogs are common in the region). In the native religion, the frog represented the god of wisdom.

The city was originally built over the Guanajuato River, which flowed through tunnels underneath the city. However, after years of raising buildings to accommodate repeated flooding, in the mid-twentieth century, engineers built a dam and redirected the river into underground caverns. The tunnels were lit and paved with cobblestones for automobile traffic, and this underground road network carries the majority of cars driving through the city today. It is one of the most notable features of the city.

The city played a major role in the Mexican War of Independence since it is the capital of the state of Guanajuato in which Miguel Hidalgo started the independence movement. The statue of El Pípila and the Alhóndiga de Granaditas still remind of that time.

Cristo Rey del Cubilete (Christ the King Shrine) is one of Mexico’s most important religious monuments, and is said to mark the geographic center of Mexico. The 65-foot statue atop Cerro del Cubilete is the destination of an annual cabalgata (pilgrimage) every January to celebrate the Epiphany, in which thousands of pilgrims, mostly on horseback, ride to the shrine.

In the Panteón catacombs to the west of the city is a famous cemetery noted for the natural mummies produced by unknown means. About 1 in 100 bodies buried here experienced natural mummification. In the late 1800s the town instituted a “burial tax” for the families of the deceased. When some of the poorest families were unable to pay the tax, their relatives were dug up and placed on public view in a purpose-built museum. The museum holds 111 corpses resting on velvet pillows. Today, it is reported that the proceeds from the museum help fund the city’s coffers to a considerable degree.

The city of Guanajuato was the birthplace of artist Diego Rivera, whose house is now a museum.

The city also harbours one of the largest places in Mexico for mathematical research, a public institution dubbed CIMAT.

During the final week of July, Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are co-hosts to the Expresión en Corto International Film Festival, Mexico’s largest competitive film festival and the most prestigious of its kind in Latin America. The internationally renowned festival is free to the public and screens over 400 films from 10am until 4am each day in 16 venues, which include such unusual locations as the subterranean streets and tunnels of Guanajuato, the Guanajuato Mummy Museum and Municipal graveyard (Panteónes).

Each October the city holds the Festival Internacional Cervantino, an international festival of the arts named after Miguel de Cervantes. The festival is a popular draw for young students from across central Mexico, but attracts participants and spectators from around the world.

The Festival Medieval Guanajuato is another important attraction.

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You can travel by bus in Mexico to these cities from Guanajuato.
Celaya, Guanajuato
Dolores Hidalgo, Oaxaca
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Irapuato, Guanajuato
Leon, Guanajuato
Mexico City, Distrito Federal
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Tampico, Tamaulipas
Torreon, Coahuila

See Guanajuato, Guanajuato, Mexico ( at mexicobusschedules.com ) for more information.

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Nogales, Sonora Mexico
Heroica Nogales more commonly known as Nogales, is a city and its surrounding municipality on the northern border of the Mexican State of Sonora. Nogales Mexico borders to the north the city of Nogales, Arizona, United States, across the U.S.-Mexico border. The city and the municipality both rank third in the state in population, after Hermosillo and Ciudad Obregón. The municipality includes many outlying but small rural communities. Nogales is served by Nogales International Airport.

The population growth is in part due to the influx of industry that has come since the opening of the maquiladora industry through the National Industrialization Program, decades before the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Manufacturing now accounts for 55% of the city’s gross domestic product, and services are growing as well.

Nogales is known for its recent enormous population growth which covers the hills along the central narrow north-south valley. Dispersed among the houses, the visitor will find a mixture of factories, stores, etc. In 2006, the southern half of the city experienced a modern urbanization development including shopping malls, wide avenues, and modern housing conglomerations.

Due to its location, Nogales is one of the most important ports of entry for U.S. tourists. The downtown area consists of bars, strip clubs, hotels, restaurants, and a large number of curio stores, which sell a large variety of artesanias (handicrafts, leather art, hand-made flowers, clothes) brought from the deeper central and southern states of Mexico. Local dishes commonly available in restaurants include many types of antojitos (Mexican food) such as enchiladas, tacos, burritos with carne machaca (dried meat), menudo and tamales.

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You can travel to these cities from Nogales
Abasolo, Durango
Acaponeta, Nayarit
Agua Prieta, Sonora
Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
Altar, Sonora
Benjamin Hill, Sonora
Caborca, Sonora
Cananea, Sonora
Celaya, Guanajuato
Chihuahua, Chihuahua
Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua
Ciudad Obregon, Sonora
Culiacan, Sinaloa
Delicias, Chihuahua
Durango, Durango
Ejido Revolucion, Durango
Empalme, Sonora
Escuinapa, Sinaloa
Fresnillo, Zacatecas
Guadalajara, Jalisco
Guamuchil, Sinaloa
Guasave, Sinaloa
Guaymas, Sonora
Hermosillo, Sonora
Huatabampo, Sonora
Imuris, Sonora
Irapuato, Guanajuato
Ixtlan del Rio, Nayarit
Janos, Chihuahua
Juan Aldama, Zacatecas
La Piedad de Cabadas, Michoacan
Las Nieves, Durango
Los Mochis, Sinaloa
Magdalena de Kino, Sonora
Mazatlan, Sinaloa
Mexicali, Baja California
Mexico City, Distrito Federal
Naco, Sonora
Navojoa, Sonora
Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua
Parral, Chihuahua
Puerto Penasco, Sonora
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
Queretaro, Queretaro
Ricardo Flores Magon, Chihuahua
Rio Grande, Zacatecas
San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora
Santa Ana, Sonora
Sonoyta, Sonora
Tecate, Baja California
Tepic, Nayarit
Tijuana, Baja California
Valle de Zaragoza, Chihuahua
Zacatecas, Zacatecas

See Nogales, Sonora, Mexico ( from mexicobusschedules.com ) for more details about bus travel from Aguascalientes.

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Acaponeta
( ah-kah-po-NAI-tah )

Acaponeta means, “Place near the river where the bean tangled in the reed grows”; which is formed by joining the translation of the Tepehuano word Acaponeta (Caponeta) which means, “place near the river”; and the Nahuatl Acatl-pol-etl-tlan, which means, “place where the bean tangled in the reed grows”.

The climate is hot, subhumid, with the rainy season between June and September. The average annual rainfall is 1,307 mm., of which 92% is registered in the months of July to September. The average temperature is 26.7 °C. (80 °F)

The municipality is crossed by the Nogales, Sonora-Mexico City railroad and there is a station in the municipal seat. Distances to some major cities are: Mazatlán 150.3 km. ; Tepic 166.2 km.; Mexicali 1,707.4 km. ; Mexico City 1,056.8 km.; Guadalajara 443.9 km. See Ferromex

The economy of the region is heavily dependent on agriculture. The main crops are corn (maize), beans, sorghum, tobacco, chile, mangos and avocados. There is a modest cattle herd as well as swine and poultry.

Industry is little developed and consists of small transformation industries. The municipality has one of the oldest processing plants for corn flour as well as packing houses for mangos.

Agriculture employs over 40% of the economically active population, 41% are in services, and 16% in industry. Due to the agricultural nature of the economy there is high sub-employment and subsequent immigration to the United States of America.

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Yucatan, Mexico map, N.W. Section 1/16

Sisal, Chuburma Puerto, Chelem
San Ignacio, Dzidzilche

Yucatan, Mexico map, N. Section 2/16

Progreso, Ixill, Chicxulub Puerto, Dzemul, Telchac Puerto, Kancabchen Uci, Dzidzantun, Cansahcab, Dzilam Gonzalez, Temas Campestre Flamboyanes, Misnebaram, Sac Nicte, Too, Timul, Sacapuc, Kamchen Martinez, Santa Teresa, San Crisanto, Chabinas, San Crisante del Mayalo, Sinanche, Yobain, Santa Clara, Dzilam de Bravo, Chucmiche, San Antonio Camara

Yucatan, Mexico map, N. Section 3/16

Panaba, Buctzotz, Sucila Rio Lagartos, San Felipe, Santa Pilar, San Juan del Rio, Santa Librada, Yalsihon, X Bella, La Candelaria, San Francisco, San Pedro, Buenos Aires, Cancalotmul, Chun Abal, San Anselmo, Chan Eden, Xbec, Chun Tzafam, San Jose Diaz, Granito de Oro, Chan San Antonio, La Gran Lucha, Kikil

Yucatan, Mexico map, N.E. Section 4/16

El Cuyo, Holbox, Dzona Carretero, Colonia Yucatán, Sucopo
Las Coloradas, San Salvador, San Martín, Zacbo, San Nicolas, San Jorge, San Fernando, Yohactun de Hidalgo, Moctezuma, Santa Clara, San Vicente, San Antonio Macari, walisha, Santa Maria, Xpanahatoro, Kolax Yoctzonat, Santa Isabel, Nuevo Tezoco, Santa Rosa y Anexas, Dzonot Box, San Pedro Bacab, San Luis, Santa Ines, Cenote Azul, Xmakulam, San Arturo, Santa Clara, Dzonot Tigre, Santa Maria, Los Laureles, Francisco Villa, Dozonot Ake, Santa Eulalia, Yaxcheku, Los Laureles, Manuel Cepeda Peraza, Santa Eulalia, yaxcheku, La Sierra, Emiliano Zapata, San Pedro Juárez, San Matias, San Hipólito, San Juan, Santa Rosa Concepción

Yucatan, Mexico map, W. Section 5/16

Merida, Dzitya, Ocu, Hunucma, Caucel, Tetiz, Oxcum, Kinchil, Texan Palomeque, Itzincab, Dizibikak, Uman, Samahil, San Antonio, Tectzictz, Chochola, Kopoma
Kikteil, Sierra Papakal, Komchen, Suyfunchen, Cosgaya, Noc Ac, Cheuman, San Antonio Hoa, yaxche de Peon, Hol Ai, San Antonio Chum, Susula, Chalmuch, Nohuayun, Huancanab, Tixcacal Opichen, Celestum, Bafche, Tanil, Ticimul, Dzununcan, Tamchen, Oxholon, Kucher, Xcucul Sur, Ebec, Xtepen, Poxila, Hatzuc, San Pedro, Texan Camara, Corracoth, Tzacola, Nochsabacahe, Yaxcopail, San Rafael, Soctzil, Peba, Cacao, Paraíso, Chencoh, Zona de Cenotes, Sihunchen, Temazon, Paraíso, Coahuila, San Fernardo, Chunchucmil, San Mateo, Kochol, Santo Domingo, Santa Rosa, Maxcanu, San Bernardo, Kanachen, Santa Cruz, San Antonio Mulix, Abala

Yucatan, Mexico map, N.W. Section 6/16

Merida, Chablekal, Chicxulub Pueblo, Motul de Carrillo Puerto, Baca, Kini, Uci, Conkal, Muxupip, Cholul, Tixkokob, Bokoba, Tixtehual, Ekmul, Cacalchen, Stilpech, Kimbila, Izamal, Kanasin, Tahmek, Seye, Hoctun, Timucuy, Acancen, Hocaba, Kantunil, Holca, Tecoh, Homun, Huhi, Tibolon, Sotuta
Xcunya, Kantonya, Moconcha, San Isidro Kuxub, Hili, Tanya, San Nicolas, Santa Maria, Chenche de las Torres, Tixkuncheil, Yaxkukul, Motul de Carrillo puerto, Kaxotah, mesalunich, San Pedro Camara, Suma, Teya, Tepakan, Thohopku, Chacmay, Sanlahtah, Kopte, Kankabchen Canton, Santa Maria Chi, Nolo, San Jose Grande, Tixcochan, tekal de Venegas, Euan, Tekanto, Chochon, San francisco Tzan, Techon, San Pedro Nohpan, Oncan, San Antonio Millet, Cuca, Ruinas de Ake, San Francisco Tzam, Citilcum, Teya, Sahe, Nohchan, Hubila, Dziuche, Tahazibichen, Huxecaman, San Antonio Pehuiz, Ticopo, tepich Carrito, San Bernardo, Holactun, San Jose Oriente, Cuauhtemoc, suctzal, Subinkokab, canicab, Petectumch, Xocchel, Xanaba, San Ignacio Tesip, San Chich, Tzafam, Yaxixc, Tekik de Regil, Dzoyaxche, Xucu, Dzitina, Sahancaba, tapacab,Itzinsab, Camara, Sanahcat, Eknakan, Cuzama, Sotufa de Peon, Lepan, Chunkanan, Polaban, Uayalceh, Chinkila, Sabacche, Pipaa, Telchaquillo, Mucuyche, X Kanchakan, Pixya, San Isidro Ochil, Timul, Susufa, Tixcayal Quintero, Zavala, Tabi

Yucatan, Mexico map, N.E. Section 7/16

Espita, Cenotillo, Tunkas, Kunche, Temozon, Xocempich, Tinum, Tahmuy, Popora, Tesoco, Libre Union, Nachi Cocam, Yokatzonot, Piste, Uayma, Pixoy, Valladolid, Dzinup, Chichimilla
Sucuna, Santo Domingo, Tixbacab, Tusik, Xuates, Santa Maria Hunmuch, Hocah, Kancabchen, Chankan Hu, Yoctzonot, Tukina, Calotmul, San Jose Pibtuch, Xuilub, Nacuche, X Eb, Takchebila, Exbalam, Quintana Roo, San Pedro Chenchera, San Roman Xcalakchen Dzilas, Santa Maria Aznar, Santa Rita, Chumbec, San Antonio Chuc, Chakan Ebula, Canyoctzonot, Yaxche, Kancabche, San Francisco Grande, San Felipe Viejo, Tohopku, San Lorenzo, San Francisco, Ebtun, Xkatun, Xlohil, Tcimul, Xcoldo, Kohua, Cuncunui, Tekom, Tixhualactun

Yucatan, Mexico map, E. Section 8/16

Tixcancal, Chan Cenote, Popolnah, Nahbalam, Mucel, Hunuku, Kuxeb, Xcan, Sibicchen, Yalcaba, Xalau, Chemax, Kanxoc
El Ramonal, Dzununcan, San Manuel, san Luis Tzuc Tuk, San Luis, San Jose Montecristo, Santa Rosa, El Eden, Dzonot Mezo, Chable, Yohatzonot, San Isidro Kankab Dzonot, San Lorenzo Chiquila, Trascarral, Chan Tres Reyes, San Andres, San Roman, Yokatzonot Presentado, Naranjal, San Pedro Chemox, Actuncah, San Juan Chen, Kanchechen, Xtut, Texas, Santa Cruz, Dzalbay, Cocoyol, Buenavista, Cholul, Uspibil, Chahuail, Ramonal, X maap, X Catzin, Pabalam, joteach, Dzidzilche

Yucatan, Mexico map, W. Section 9/16

Opichen, Muna, Halacho
DzidzibaChi, Granada, Calcetok, Santa Maria Acu, Cepeda, Chan Chocho, Chactun, Muna, Yaxha, San Antonio Soctill, San Jose Tipceh, Lazaro Cardenas, San Simon

Yucatan, Mexico map, S.W. Section 10/16

Tekit, Sacalum, Plan Chac, Chapab, Mama, Mayapan, Chumayel, Ticul, Dzan, Mani, Teabo, Pustunich, Oxkutzcab, Pencuyut, Xaya, Akil, Tekax de Alvaro Obregon, Tixmehuac, Peto, Tzicacab
Sacaba, Mahzucil, Yax Ic, Cincabchen, Cantamayec, Tixcacalt , Cholul, Tanotziloichen, Tipokol, Chuchub, Nenela, San Lorenzo, Chican, Santa Elena, Yothelin, Kinil, Sabacache, Kimbila, Timul, Yacxhon, San Jose Kunche, Dzuton, Emiliano Zapata, Canek, Tixcuytun, Xbac, Tahatziu, Xohuayan, Kancab, Chancmultun, Cepeda Peraza, ticum, Xul, xiobenhatun, Alfonso Caso, Ekbalam, Chacsikin, Xnohuayab, Dzi, Temozon

Yucatan, Mexico map, S.E. Section 11/16

Yaxcaba, Xcalakatzonot, Poop, Ekpedz, Ichmul
Chimay, Yaxunah, Xcocail, Chankom, Tzeal, X Bojom, Chebalan, Tixcacalcupul, Xkoptell, Xakabchen, Xaniah, Kancabatzona, Santa Maria, Muchucuxcah, Dzidzilche, Canakam, Yokatzond Hu, X Pocbichen, Celtun, X Jabin, Nuevo X Jabin, Xuxcab, Chibilub, Huechimbalam, San Pedro, Chan Chimitla, Xchac Hua, Tixcancat Dzonat, Chan Santa Maria, Chancaba Nuevo, San Jose, Yohactun, Carolina, San Pedro, Chikindzonat, Mahas, Tinolopop, X Thabil, San Marcos, Tinuncah, Xlapak, Xcabanche, Balche, X Nicteil, xchucteil, San Bernabé, Santa Elena, Papacal, Chan Clotmul, Dzonatchel, Progresito, San Dionido, Petulillo

Yucatan, Mexico map, E. Section 12/16

Xel’Ha, Chulutan, Balmay, Dzitnup, Sidra Kin, Lol’Be, Dzok, X’Ulub, Chamul

Hopelchen

Yucatan, Mexico map, S. Section 14/16

Becanchen
Colakcheakal, Guadalupe, Kantemo, Xkuil, San Francisco Acum, Santa Ursula, Salvador Alvarado, Xcimey, San Enrique, Carmis, San Pedro Dzula, Jose Lopez Portillo, Sacbecan, Justicia Social, San Martín Hill, Benito Juárez, Pocaboch, San Roman, San Isidro Yaxche, San Luis Huechil, Sacpukenha, Yalcoba Nuevo, Cban Dzinup, San Salvador, San Diego Buenavista, Noh Bec, Huitzina, Tobxila, San Isidro Mac Yam, Piste Akal, Xcobiacal, San Felipe II, Metzatunich, Santa Cruz Cutza, Corral, Hunto Chac, Nohalal, Blanca Flor, San Pedro Xtokil, San Marcos Cunchelf, San Juan Tekax, San Pedro Rompoy, Suatzal Chico, Tigre Grande

Yucatan, Mexico map, S. Section 15/16

Santa Rosa, Kambul, Esperanza, Xpenchil

Yucatan, Mexico map, S. Section 16/16

Felipe Carrillo Puerto & Bahia de la Ascension
La Esperanza, Vigia Chico, Chanchen Comandante, San Jose, Jose Maria Pino Suarez, Antonio Nuevo, Javier Rojo Gomez, Punta Allen, Chancon Veracruz

Packing For Your Trip To Mexico

Pack light! A camera plus whatever else you can fit in your daypack would be a great packing preparation for your trip to Mexico. Some adventurous travelors even start their Mexican vacations with only a small belt pack. Remember that you are going to an area where beautiful handmade clothing is almost free, as the street vendors say. So are colorful woven bags to carry your travel souveniers in. The less stuff you bring with you, the more stuff you can buy and bring back.

Bring along a minimum of sporty, summer style clothing. Pack t-shirts, shorts, swimsuit, sunglasses and a good pair of hiking boots. A flashlight with extra batteries is a must for exploring caves and for those nights when hotel generators are shut down early. Trust that by the time you reach the colder climate of the Mexican highlands, you will find a good selection of sweaters and jackets for sale in the streets and markets.

If you plan to visit fishing villages or remote Maya towns, especially those in the highlands where everyday life is dominated by rigid tradition, you will want to keep your clothing modest so you don’t offend the locals. No short-shorts, string bikinis, tight tops or other suggestive outfits, though all of these are perfectly acceptable attire in Cancun, or other beach resorts in Mexico. Nudity is against the law in all Latin American countries. If you want to sunbathe in the buff, find a very private place to do so. Never visit a church in shorts. Women should always wear a skirt in churches, and men should wear a shirt and long pants.

For your personal toiletries, larger towns along the Maya Route and elsewhere in Mexico carry almost everything you will find at home, sometimes at lower prices. Normal items like: toothpast, deodorant, shampoo, soap, insect repellent, skin creams, shaving cream and batteries (buy the expensive batteries, the cheapest kind often don’t work). Imported items like tampons and suntan lotions are also widely available in larger towns, though you may find that they cost more in Mexico than at home.

Because tourism is a key industry along the Maya Route and throughout Mexico, camera film is usually easy to find. However, most major tourist destinations have tourist-trap prices in places where you are likely to use up you film and camera supplies. You will find especially well stocked camera stores at Chichen Itza, Merida and San Cristobal de las Casas.

You should definately pack a first-aid kit. Include a good insect repellent, aspirin, adhesive bandages, cold capsules, vitamins, motion sickness tablets, calamine lotion or a small bottle of white vinegar (for insect bites), iodine or alcohol for disinfecting wounds, antibiotic ointment, water purification tablets, sunscreen, lip balm, diarrhea medicine and any prescription drugs you use. Anyone with a medical condition should consider wearing a medic alert indentification tag that indentifies the problem and gives a phone number to call for more information.

The illness most people encounter is diarrhea, euphemized as turista or Montezuma’s revenge, caused by food and drink carrying unfamiliar strains of bacteria. It can range from a 24-hour case of mild cramps to an all-out attack with several days of fever, chills and vomiting, followed by a lousy feeling that lingers for weeks. But not everybody gets sick Mexico. Those who stay healthy use the best defense, which is proper prevention and prepardness.

Avoid drinking tap water or ice made from tap water (commonly used in restaurants – ask first!), and don’t brush your teeth with tap water. Ask if your hotel has agua purificada (purified water). Many hotels in Cancun and in the resort areas have their own water purification system. In remote areas, motels and lodges usually provide bottled water in the rooms or will direct you to a grocery store that sells it. Always drink bottled liquids; mineral water, sodas, fruit drinks, soft drinks or beer, whenever possible. Remember, one drop of bad water can make you sick for weeks.

Eat with discretion. Consume only thick-skinned fruits that you peel yourself, such as oranges and bananas, and vegetables that are cooked through. Nuts and shells, such as peanuts and coconuts, are pretty safe also. Avoid milk products; unpasteurized milk is frequently served in Mexico. Steer clear of raw seafood; ceviche is renowned for causing turista; as well as garden salads. Even if the produce was rinsed in purified water, it may have been fertilized (in the fields) with human waste, a common practice in some parts of Mexico.

Take it easy the first few days, especially with the more piquant varieties of Mexican food. If you shock your system with spicy food and heavy liquor right away, your stomach may seek revenge. In other words, eating jalapeno chicken followed by quesadillas and enchiladas chased by tequila slammers is asking for mucho trouble.

Be careful about street food. Meat, seafood, peeled fruit used in drinks and candies on which flies have taken their siestas are risky. However, a lot of the food from stalls is delicious and very well prepared. If the facilities look clean and the food is hot off the grill, its probably okay. Be the judge and take your chances.

Many people believe in preventative medicine. Some take a slug of Pepto-Bismol before every meal; others, a shot of tequila, believing it will extinguish any threatening organisms. Some antibiotics are commonly prescribed as a preventative, although they may cause sensitivity to the sun, which is not a good thing in the tropics. Many travelers swear by using garlic pills as the best prevention. Juice of the lima (Mexican lime) is also a traditional way to ward off stomach problems.

If you take all the necessary precautions and still get hit with turista, try these remedies: Lomotil, the stopper-upper. Use sparingly. Not a cure, it’s a morphine derivative that induces a kind of intestinal paralysis. Stop the dosage as soon as symptoms disappear. Paragoric, Kaopectate, Kaomycin, Imodium AD and Pepto-Bismol help keep the cramps down. Diodoquin, Mexaform, Streptomagnum and Donamycin are stronger over-the-counter cures available in Mexican drug stores. For diarrhea with a fever, you can take Septra or Bactrium if you are not allergic to sulfa drugs. But remember that prolonged use of any antibiotic is not good for your immune system and can make you more susceptible to other tropic diseases.

Manzanilla (chamomile) tea, popular in Mexico, soothes the stomach and often works wonders. Yerba buena (peppermint) tea is also soothing. Papaya restores the digestive tract. Light, easy-to-digest foods like toast and soup keep your strength up. Lots of nonalcoholic liquids are important to prevent dehydration. Carbonated water with juice of a lima is another popular stomach soother.

Rest and relaxation will help your body heal faster than if you run around sick and wear yourself down further. The symptoms should pass within 24 hours or so, and a case of turista seems to have an immunizing effect where any subsequent bouts you may have will be less severe, and eventually your body will adjust to the foreign water. If you spend a month or more in Mexico and Central America, you may find that you have similar problems with the water at home when you first return.

In rare cases, diarrhea may be a symptom of a more serious illness like amoebic dysentery or cholera. See a doctor if the diarrhea persists beyond three days, if your stool is bloody or foamy, or if you have a high fever.

For medical care, there are hospitals, medical clinics, dental offices and other health care providers, as well as the Red Cross, in all Maya Route cities, and in a number of smaller Yucatan towns. Private facilities are generally better funded, equipped and less crowded than public hospital emergency rooms. Visits to doctors are relatively inexpensive, and hotels can usually recommend English speaking physicians. Contact your health insurance carrier before you leave to find out the extent of your coverage while travelling abroad.

Mosquitoes. Ask anyone who has spent a night in the jungle and they will tell you: The most ferocious animal is not a jaguar but a mosquito. Mosquitoes protect their territory in the Maya Route lowlands, also known as “The Mosquito Coast.” The little buzzers are thickest in rainforests, swamp areas, and along the costal bush. The best defenses are long sleeves and pants, along with a good repellent. Electronic mosquito repellent devices, which emit a sound pitched at the high edge of human hearing are good to have. Try to purchase one before traveling to Mexico.

Campers will find that mosquito netting is more important than a tent or sleeping bag. Hang a mosquito net over a hammock under a palapa in a campground like the ones at Palenque and Tical and you can sleep comfortably in paradise. Whether you’re camping or spending your nights indoors, mosquito coils will keep the bugs away while you sleep.

For mosquito and other bug bites, lime juice takes the itch out, disinfects your wounds and acts as a repellent also. Limes (limones, not limas) are sold in every village. An ointment called andatol, sold in pharmacies, also helps reduce itching. Be sure to clean bug bites daily, using antiseptic on bad bites to avoid infection.

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Major Holidays Along The Maya Route

January
Everywhere: New Year’s Day (Dia del Ano Nuevo) is celebrated on January 1 as a national holiday, with parades, prayers and fireworks.

Yucatan Peninsula: Throughout Mexico, Christmas presents are given on January 6, the Day of Kings (Dia de los Reyes), which marks the end of the month long holiday season.

Chiapas: The Fiesta de Enero in Chiapa de Corzo, runs from January 9 to 22, is marked by some of the most spectacular celebrations in Mexico, with parades, processions and masked dancers in the streets. The Fiesta de San Sebastian (January 16 to 22), one of the most important religious feast days at San Juan Chamula and San Pedro Chenalho, is observed with dancing, processions, incense and music in both villages. The Fiesta de San Ildefonso honors Tenejapa’s patron saint on January 23.

February
Everywhere: Candlemas (Candelario), observed as a religious holiday throughout Latin America, marks the midpoint of winter on February 2. Later in the month, Latin Americans revel in a week long Carnival leading up to the austerity of Lent.

Yucatan Peninsula: Candelario is celebrated on February 2 with dancing, processions, bullfights and the blessing of candles and seeds. Constitution Day (Dia de Constitucion), a Mexican national holiday on February 6, means bank and business closings but no big public celebrations in the Yucatan. Merida explodes with music, dance and fireworks for Carnival, as do Isla Mujeres, Cozumel and Campeche.

Chiapas: Carnival is spectacular in San Juan Chamula.

March – April
Everywhere: Throughout Latin America, Holy Week (Semana Santa), the week leading up to Easter, rivals the Christmas season as the biggest holiday of the year. Everybody travels then. Expect crowds and high prices.

Yucatan Peninsula: Holy Week is a time for street parties featuring passion plays, music and dancing in the plazas in Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Campeche. There is a general exodus of city dwellers for the sea or lakeshore, where they picnic and camp.

Chiapas: Holy Week is one of the biggest events of the year in San Cristobal de las Casas. On Saturday, the day before Easter, the whole town gathers to burn Judas in effigy. The festivities are extended for a second week, after Easter, as the Feria de la Primavera de la Paz (Spring and Peace Fair).

May
Yucatan Peninsula: Labor Day, May 1, is a Mexican national holiday, as is Cinco de Mayo (May 5), which celebrates the defeat of the French by the Mexican army at Puebla in 1862. Neither is celebrated in a very big way in the Yucatan or Chiapas, but banks and many businesses are closed. Later in the month, the city of Merida, livens up as it hosts its annual International Song Festival, which features performances of nearly 400 original songs, mostly in Spanish, from a dozen countries. Corpus Christi Day (late May or early June) celebrates blessings of children all over the country.

Chiapas: The Day of the Cross, May 3, is a major ceremonial day in Tzotzil Maya villages, especially in San Juan Chamula.

June
Chiapas: The Fiesta de San Juan, an important feast day in San Juan Chamula, is celebrated on June 24 with ritual horse races through the village as well as religious processions. This is also one of the biggest fiestas of the year in Santo Domingo Palenque. Nearby, the village of San Pedro Chenalho celebrates the Fiesta de San Pedro from June 27 to 30.

July
Yucatan Peninsula: Dancing, fireworks and sporting events are all part of Ticul, a week long fiesta commemorating the establishment of Ticul, a town notheast of Uxmal. Ciudad del Carmen, south along the coast from the city of Campeche, honors its patroness, Nuestra Senora del Carmen, with a big citywide fiesta.

Chiapas: The celebration of Fiesta de San Cristobal, the biggest fiesta of the year in San Cristobal de las Casas, lasts from July 17 to July 25. It is a time of pilgrimages and candlelight processions, and it coincides with San Cristobal’s peak tourist season. July 25 is also the date of the Fiesta de Santiago Apostal in Amatenango del Valle.

August
Yucatan Peninsula: Assumption Day is celebrated throughout Mexico on August 15.

Chiapas: Palenque has a big celebration on the Fiesta de Santo Domingo de Guzman, August 4. In Zinacantan, the Fiesta de San Lorenzo, August 8 to 11, is a time of flowers and processions. On August 30, music, incense and fireworks usher in the Fiesta de Santa Rosa.

September
Yucatan Peninsula: Here and throughout Mexico, there are parades and fireworks on Independence Day, September 16. From September 27 to October 14, the Fiesta de Cristo de las Ampollas (Christ of the Blisters) in Merida honors a sacred cross seemingly immune to fire.

Chiapas: From September 1 to 5, the people of Palenque observe the Fiesta de Santo Domingo, their patron saint, in grand style. Throughout the state, the anniversary of Chiapas joining Mexico is celebrated on September 14, spilling into Independence Day celebrations on the 15th and 16th. In San Cristobal de las Casas, the Fiesta del Barrio de la Merced on September 24 is a big civil celebration.

October
Yucatan Peninsula: A week of parades and dancing heralds in the Fiesta de San Francisco de Asisi on October 4. Columbus Day (Dia de la Raza), October 12, is observed throughout Mexico.

Chiapas: A large market takes place in conjunction with the Feria de San Francisco, an authentically Mexican country fair and fiesta held in Amatenango del Valle October 1 through October 5. In San Juan Chamula, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario) features music, dancing, costumes and a fair October 6 through 8.

November
Yucatan Peninsula: The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos or Todos Santos) blends remembrance of the departed with cheerfully morbid revelry in a unique Indian-Christian tribute to death on November 1. Sugar skulls, altars, papier-mache skeletons and toy coffins fill the streets of Yucatan cities, where strong Indian traditions survive. November 20, the anniversary of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution of 1910, is a national holiday.

Chiapas: The Feria de Santa Cecilia on November 22, followed up by the Fiesta de la Caridad on the 23rd and 24th, is one of the year’s biggest festivals in San Cristobal de las Casas.

December
Everywhere: Christmas (Navidad) is the holiest of holidays throughout the region.

Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of Mexico, inspires parades, dancing and music nationwide on December 12. The Christmas season begings on December 16, the first night of Las Posadas, the Mexican tradition of nightly processions recalling Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging in Behtlehem. Nativity scenes are the main form of Christmas decoration. Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is also a time of holy processions and singing. Christmas Day is a national holiday, and the streets are deserted. All Fools’ Day on December 28 is similar to April Fool’s Day.