A trip to central Mexico would not be complete with a trek to Puebla.   It is a refreshing change from the hustle of Mexico City and offers the colonial tradition so many of us associate with Mexico. Originally founded in 1531 by Spanish settlers as “Ciudad de los Ángeles” it has grown into Mexico’s fifth largest city.

Panoramic Puebla.

The highway from Mexico City to Puebla is beautiful.  Almost immediately you escape the smog and cement of D.F. and are greeted by tall trees on grass filled hills.  The air is clean and as you wind up and down the highway you will see incredible vistas.  You climb down from Mexico City to a valley of sorts, and then ascend once more to Puebla.  Farms and agricultural communities line the way.  Sheep graze freely along the road and donkeys are tethered to strategically “mow the grass.” Approximately three-quarters of the way there, if you pay attention, you will spot a tiny blue shrine to La Virgen Guadalupe that looks like a doll’s castle nestled in a rock on the roadside.

Puebla is just 125 km (78 miles) southeast of Mexico City and is easily accessible by bus.  You have several options but most prices are in the MEX$104 range.  Tickets and information can be purchased via Ticket bus (www.ticketbus.com.mx) downtown D.F. It is a two-hour trip, but if you leave during rush hour or on a Friday afternoon expect major traffic delays in both Mexico City and Puebla.  If you choose to drive, be advised that there are several tollbooths.  At the final toll entering Puebla you may be enticed to buy traditional candy from the region, either compote (sweet potato) mixed with sugar and different fruit flavors, or the sickeningly sweet borrachos (drunk man) gummy type candies.

Don’t be dismayed when you first approach Puebla.  At first glance it appears to simply be another large city.  The real charm lies in the downtown district.  Make your way to the zócolo and spend your time there.  The square is quite impressive.  The cathedral itself hosts the highest towers in Mexico and is nothing less than grand.  It takes up the entire block south of the zócalo and appears on Mexico’s 500 pesos bill.  The interior awesome.  A huge gold gilded organ dominates the center and elaborately decorated side chapels and frescoes add to the impressiveness.  A local told me it is believed that the plans for this chapel were accidently switched with the cathedral in Mexico City;  thus, Puebla ended up with the cathedral originally intended for D.F.

The inside of the Puebla cathedral.

Directly oposite the cathedral lies the municipal governmental building and several restaurants and coffee shops.  Statues and a modern art piece complete the square.  Puebla’s industry was originally pottery, glass, and textile.  The influx of Chinese imports has changed this and now tourism (and the Volkswagen plant which is said to employee 60% of the city) is the main industry. The government keeps the downtown area quite clean and it is extremely tourist friendly.  Many of the signs are bilingual and there are directions on every corner to local museums and sights.

There are many museums and I visited a few by simply following signs.  The best is said to be Museo Amparo (www.museoamparao.com), which is housed in a colonial building of the 16-17the century and stocked with pre-Hispanic artifacts.  Puebla also hosts an orchestra. If you happen to be there on a Sunday after noon ask any local where you can find the “orquesta local.” They usually play around 6pm for the public and are often in a converted hospital right off the zócalo.

Lodging is very easy to find.  You can simply walk around the square and ask to see rooms and price lists.  Ask about breakfast or “desayuno” as several hotels offer a wonderful complimentary morning meal.

You cannot mention that you will be going to Puebla without being told about the food.  It is known for specialty regional dishes and deserts.  Be sure to try the mole and Chilies en Nogada. A wonderful restaurant featuring traditional Puebla cuisine is Fonda de Santa Clara (fondadesantaclara.com).  I had the Chiles en Nogada which is ground beef stuffed in Chile and topped with a walnut cream sauce and pomegranate seeds. It is a delicious mixture of sweet and spice and the crunch of pomegranate adds refreshing burst of flavor.  My companion went for the mole, sampling the green, red, and chocolate varies.  Be warned that there is a rule that mole is often too heavy to be eaten as an evening meal and often upsets the consumers stomach.  It can be extremely rich and as my companion can attest, you may want to opt for it at lunch.  Another common Puebla food is crickets, or “chapulines” with chile, salt, and lime.  You may see these critters a top a salad or sauce, and they can be readily purchased from street side vendors.  They are said to be very high in protein and a perfect snack.  I found them to be crunchy and slightly earthy tasting, but in my opinion just about anything is edible with chile and lime.

Puebla dishes.

Once a city of it’s own, but now practically Puebla itself, Cholula is the home to the widest pyramid ever built, the Pirámide Tepanapa.  It is completely covered by grass and if you did not know it was a pyramid you would think it just a large hill.  Actually, legend has it that the Spanish did not realize what it was and built their church right on top.  According to a local I met it is debatable whether the Spanish knew what they were doing or not, according to him building a church on the site of a such a ceremonial ground was the Spanish way to stop indigenous practice and enforce Catholicism.  Whatever the case may be, it is definitely worth a trip.  The church is constructed of beautiful bright orange domes and white accents like icing dripping down the sides.  Masses are still routinely held and you can look out onto the entire city of Cholula while listening to the sermon being sung in Latin.

You can purchase handmade chocolate, crickets, nuts, and trinkets on the ascent and descent and a small market has been established at the hill’s base.  Directly across from the textile and jewelry vendors is a food market.  If you happen to find the bright orange tent with several like colored barrels underneath labeled “helado” stop in and try some of this delicious ice cream.  My personal favorite is from the fruit of guanábana.  A family of four women also has their business under this tent, making quesadillas, huaraches, and sopes.  They are delicious and the women are quite friendly.  I recommend the “flor de casaba” which is the flower of pumpkin and  chicharrón.  If you’re feeling especially brave you can sample the corn fungus, or huitlachoce quesadillas.

Although it is still a large city, the tile and colonial architecture of downtown Puebla takes you back and makes you feel like you’ve found a historical village.  It’s well worth a visit and remember you really must try the postries.

Guest writer Jade D'Angelo.

Jade D’Angelo is a native Texan with a life long love of travel, exploring different cultures, writing and the people of the world.  After graduating with a liberal arts and biology degree as well as her diploma as an English teacher, she has pursued her life-long dream to live abroad and learn Spanish.  Currently, she can be found living in Mexico City hunting down tacos and absorbing vibrant culture. You can read about Jade’s travels and observations at her personal blog.

Husband and wife team Henry Escudero and Margaret Ann moved to Bocas del Toro in 2003 and were among the first foreigners to move to the islands, quite a bit before the whole concept of eco tourism really took hold. Margaret and Enrique own La Loma Jungle Lodge, a small ecolodge about a 15 minute boat ride from Bocas Town. As Henry and Margaret say, the Bocas del Toro Archipelago “ranges from jungle covered hills with calm mangrove bays to large beaches with rolling surf to the quintessential tropical islands rimmed with coral reef and coconut palms.” I visited Henry and Margaret’s eco lodge two years ago while I was writing the Frommer’s Panama guide and have admired their “low impact” travel and living philosophy ever since. I recently spoke to Henry and Margaret about living and working in Bocas del Toro, one of Panama’s most popular beach destinations.

Why did you decide to move to Bocas? The lodge was a dream that had been gestating since we met in college in 1991. We both wanted to pursue a largely self-sufficient lifestyle and escape the trappings of the work and consumer driven ‘global north’. After reading a newspaper piece entitled “Panama, The Oddest Country in Central America,” we decided we needed to visit. We fell in love with Bocas’ incredible natural environment and its diverse population.

2.) What were some of the challenges you faced when you first moved to Bocas, both personally and professionally? Having worked as an archaeologist (Henry) and a museum specialist (Margaret), there wasn’t a great deal of roll-over into this project. We both had to learn hands-on how to build structures, plan for water and solar systems and navigate the bureaucracies for building permits, licenses etc. It was particularly hard for Margaret as a women to have any authority in such a male- dominated culture. We were also appalled by the attitude of many ex-pats to the local communities; one of disregard at best and blatant racism at worst.

3.) How do you reconcile guest comfort and environmental friendliness? Many people seem to think they can’t simultaneously exist. What are some of the drawbacks or challenges you face running a “green” hotel? We’re very clear up front what the lodge can offer guests. We make it apparent in all of our publicity that our emphasis is on bringing guests closer to the natural environment and local communities and not on amenities such as air conditioning and swimming pools. As a result, our guests share the same ethos about responsible travel. They seek us out specifically because we’re the antithesis of generic chain hotels. This said, we do everything we can to provide comfort as long as it is compatible with maintaining our small ecological footprint. We have comfortable beds, enormous mosquito nets, flushing toilets and hot water. I can think of no challenges we’ve faced in running a ‘green’ operation verses a high impact hotel.

4.) What makes your lodge green, and why did you choose to build annenvironmentally friendly hotel? We wouldn’t dream of building it any other way! Although large portions of the land we purchased had been farmed in the past, the jungle was well on its way to reclaiming its territory and this is the way it should be. The flora and fauna are remarkable. From the outset, we did everything we could to limit our negative impact on the environment and local communities. Our power is solar, our water comes from a spring on the land, all black  water is safely treated and gray water reused, we farm much of the food we consume and source the rest locally. We strictly minimize non-compostable waste. We employee only local people, offer training and career development opportunities and run a community development program (Hooda Chi). We’ve also planted hundreds of trees and worked to reduce invasive plant species.

Our interest and intentions were always in the area of sustainable and responsible lifestyles, although we have no formal training. Margaret specialized in social inclusion in the cultural sector, so although it may not have been immediately obvious, many of her skills were useful in running the community development program.

Is it a challenge to be green in Bocas and Panama? Yes and no. Awareness of environmental issues is leagues behind the UK and US. A little example? The looks of confusion we would receive when we asked not to have groceries put into a plastic bag! However, levels of consumption are less (largely due to limited income). In the past couple of years, there’s been a recycling scheme in Bocas which is great.

How do your guests respond to the lodge? The vast majority appreciate what we are doing at La Loma and relish the new experiences on offer to them. They’re often surprise at just how comfortable it can be living simply in the jungle. We made many wonderful friends and have many repeat customers.

Panama may not exactly be known as a top international beach destination, but it does have more than 1,500 miles of coastline on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. While much of the coastline is made up of dense mangroves rather than picturesque white sand beaches, I lived in Panama for over a year and can attest to the fact that there are plenty of lovely–if somewhat underrated–beach destinations.

Bocas del Toro: With a couple of ramshackle, English Caribbean-style towns that seem to suffer from a severe dichotomy between the relatively wealthy expat community and a struggling, impoverished Afro-Caribbean and indigenous population, your initial reaction when visiting Bocas might be to ask yourself why this is one of Panama’s most popular beach destinations. However, despite this rather sad economic reality, Bocas is actually home to some of Panama’s most breathtaking beaches, including the dazzling “Cayos Zapatillos” two white-sand islands with crystal clear waters and excellent snorkeling and opportunities.  At Starfish Beach, hundreds of orange starfish dot the ocean floor. I recommend hiring a local boatman when visiting different beaches as a way to support the local community.

Kuna Yala: Also known as San Blas, these 365-plus (mostly uninhabited) islands offer crystal clear blue-green waters, tiny, palm tree-lined white sand islands and a traditional, strong willed people, the Kuna, who fiercely cling to their traditions and customs. In fact, foreigners are not even allowed to buy property anywhere on the Kuna Yala Island. The vast majority of lodging options here consist of thatched roof cabins with sand floors, no electricity or running water and few amenities. Because of the region’s isolation, most islands have no restaurants, bars or shops, so you’ll have to buy an all-inclusive package including mostly fish and rice meals. So while there may not be a thriving restaurant and bar scene, the Kuna Yala islands are the perfect spot to lay on a hammock, work on your tan and snorkel along the many coral reefs close to the shoreline.

Isla Coiba: Isla Coiba is often compared to the Galapagos Island because of its endemic species and unique ecosystem. In my opinion, Isla Coiba is Panama’s most pristine and gorgeous beach destination, but the Island receives relatively few visitors, not surprising considering there’s only a couple rustic cabins for lodging on the island and visiting can be expensive. But if money isn’t an issue, Isla Coiba is worth the hassle. Most likely, your tour company will arrange lodging at nearby Isla Coiba or right on the tour boat. Isla Coiba is considered one of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Central America.

Boca Chica: These aren’t the most beautiful beaches in the country – think beige sand, deep blue waters – but there’s something special about this rural region of Panama. On the Pacific side of the country, Boca Chica feels a bit like cowboy country. Men on horseback, verdant, rolling hills and miles upon miles of banana plantations dot the landscape and the climate here is hot and muggy — perfectly tropical, in other words! Boca Chica is home to some of the most beautiful eco lodges in the country and makes an ideal romantic getaway for couples because of its isolation.

The Pacific Beaches: These are definitely not Panama’s most impressive beaches, but the central Pacific coast is home to Panama’s most ambitious and upscale beach-side communities and all-inclusive resorts. The beaches here resemble those on the U.S mid Atlantic and have mostly brownish, medium grain sand and brown/green murky water with strong riptides that can make swimming dangerous for children and inexperienced swimmers. All that said, Pacific beaches such as Gorgona, Playa Blanca and Santa Clara make a perfectly pleasant day trip from Panama City, and if your idea of going to the beach includes staying at a full service (think multiple pools, restaurants, cocktails, nightly entertainment) all-inclusive resorts, you’ll be perfectly happy on Pacific beaches.

Adam is a Philadelphia born writer and entrepreneur living in Buenos Aires who recently launched BABible (www.BABible.com), which he says “will change the way you see Buenos Aires and facilitate memories that will last a lifetime because it provides the most pertinent, locally generated information in a format that is both accessible and easy to navigate.” Because of his familiarity and fondness for Buenos Aires, I asked Adam to put together a Buenos Aires City Profile. In addition to his familiarity and fondness for Buenos Aires, Adam enjoys traveling throughout Argentina. Mendoza, Argentina’s second city, often gets overlooked by larger and more well-known Buenos Aires, but this attractive city has plenty of charms of its own. I asked Adam to put together a city profile of this sometimes ignored Argentine city.

Overview: Mendoza is referred to as “la tierra del sol y buen vino,” or the land of sun and good wine. Here you will see a scene that is unlike any you can find in Buenos Aires. Mendoza is situated in front of the Andes and is covered by rows upon rows of grapes. The snow-capped mountains provide a great background and it is nearly impossible not to feel a sense of relaxation and tranquility while visiting here. The most famous grape grown in Mendoza is Malbec, which has given the region international fame that has been growing substantially. Mendoza also offers a lot of activities besides touring wine vineyards; you should take the time to visit the alto Montana, or high mountains, for some outdoor activities and sights, as well as explore the old city of Mendoza’s downtown. When visiting bodegas (wineries) you can plan on covering up to four per day. To get the full experience, pack a lunch that can be paired with your favorite wine at a local vineyard. If you cannot arrange a reservation at a winery, visit one of the many local restaurants that also serve exceptional food and wine. Plan ahead when visiting Mendoza; most vineyards now require visitors to have reservations so avoid just showing up and being disappointed.

Dining: Mendoza is an excellent destination for food lovers. The food is fresh, local, unique, and downright tasty, which give the restaurants found here world acclaim. There are a number of cafes in Mendoza that provide good coffee and sweets while allowing you to take in the views of the Andes. One of the best in the city is La Dulceria de la Abuela, which is located on Aristides Villanueva 209. For lunch or dinner, try Mi Tierra. This restaurant serves traditional Argentine cuisine and replicates a bodega almost perfectly. Dishes to note are the goat, pork, boar, rabbit, and the pastas.

Nightlife: Mendoza’s nightlife scene exists, although it is less in your face than Buenos Aires’. There are a decent number of bars and nightclubs for those who are looking to go out at night.  The best bars in Mendoza are on or near Aristides Villanueva and you can access all of them in a few short steps. The best nightclubs are situated 6.25 miles outside of the city and are located on Ruta Panamerica.

Local Transportation: You can explore the city of Mendoza easily by foot, although you will want to either hire a private driver or a taxi to take you through the wine roads and mountains. Taxis and private drivers are inexpensive and are much safer if you plan on indulging in the wine. You can also rent a car and navigate the city by yourself, but be careful. Drivers in Mendoza are notoriously inconsiderate. This,  in combination with the unfinished roads, can make driving dangerous.

Traveling to Mendoza: There are a number of international carriers that provide service to Mendoza including: American Airlines, United, LAN Airlines, Iberia, and Aerolineas Argentina’s. Prices vary depending on the season. A good place to look for flights is exitotravel.com, and kayak.com. However, keep in mind that those flying in from the United States, Canada and Europe will have to make at least one transfer.

Article by Anna Patrick

Known for being the largest city in South America, São Paulo can be intimidating to those looking to explore this hot Latin American destination for the first time. However, native resident Roberto Sfeir shows us that the city is just as accessible for those twenty-something’s looking for a good night on the town as it is to regular visitors returning to soak up Brazilian culture in Brazil’s largest city. I recently spoke to Brazilian Roberto Sfeir, who gave me his insider views on São Paulo living.

Why go to São Paulo? What does the city offer?

“São Paulo is one of the biggest cities in the world, good for restaurants, shopping malls, clubs and bars. It is a city that never stops. You can always eat anywhere; it has a high level of international food, high-class health care and good hotels. The best way to get around is by having a car or by taxi. Brazilian people are very open to foreign people because [they are] always happy to meet someone new.”

What is a typical day for a resident of São Paulo?

“During the week, work. During the weekends, hanging out with friends and family — a lot of time with family. Brazilian people are very close to their family members and attending social events such as movies, bowling and going to clubs.”

Where is the best place to live within São Paulo?

“The best place to live, based on statistics, is Mooca. ‘Paulistanos,’ people who live in the city of São Paulo, made this statistic. Mooca is a neighborhood with a lot of green areas, very secure, with beautiful views and close by there are shopping malls and supermarkets.”

Known as one of the fastest growing districts in São Paulo, Mooca is home to nearly 65,000 inhabitants, and has profited through recent growth in the construction industry. As Sfeir mentioned, the shopping malls have contributed to the increase in economic prosperity in the area, which has captured the interest of investors worldwide. Reflecting the city’s diversity, the population in Mooca is a mix of Spanish, Portuguese, Croatian, Japanese, Bolivian, Peruvian, and Lebanese, with the predominant residents being Italian. Mooca is an attractive place to live in the city not only because of its status as an industrial suburban neighborhood on the rise, but also because of the profitable opportunities in the real estate market that draws investors and international prospective buyers.

As for “must-sees” in the city, Sfeir recommends Ibirapuera Park, Moema, Vila Madalena, and the Pinheiros region. Ibirapuera Park is São Paulo’s principle urban park, reminiscent of New York’s Central Park. Walkers and joggers take advantage of the large open areas and many locals and tourists visit the park for leisure or to go to the convention center located there. Some of the features of Ibirapuera Park include the Obelisk of São Paulo, Cicillo Matarazzo Pavillion, and the old city hall. Five minutes away from the park is Moema, a district that has seen a growth in population since the 1970s. It is the home of one of the largest and oldest shopping malls in Brazil, as well as the Museum of Modern Art. Moema also holds many of São Paulo’s notable events, like São Paulo Fashion Week. Vila Madalena is a neighborhood located in Western São Paulo, and is renowned for its bohemian art and culture as well as its nightlife. The graffiti-covered neighborhood boasts an array of bars, restaurants, and galleries. The Pinheiros area is considered the new downtown area of São Paulo. Known as the wealthiest district in São Paulo, many of São Paulo’s elite call Pinheiros home, including four former mayors of the São Paulo. Pinheiros is also the location of many international company’s headquarters, and is a great spot for seeing the most elegant neighborhoods in the city.

When it comes to the nicest restaurants in São Paulo, Sfeir recommends going to Jardins. Jardins covers multiple districts in the city, and boasts exclusive restaurants, hotels, and nightlife.

Those looking for an authentic Brazilian meal and older atmosphere, Sfeir recommends Restaurante Fuentes, located in the Centro district. For a refined and romantic atmosphere, Sfeir says Leona is a “very beautiful and sophisticated place.” As far as the best Italian in the city, Sfeir cites Terraço Itália located on Avenida Ipiranga. For French Cuisine, Dois Coppe. Sfeir says four great Japanese restaurants in the city are Jam, Koi, Nakombi, and Gendai. For great Chinese, try China Lake and for great Spanishfood, try Luz Molinos. For those looking for great pizza in São Paulo, Castelões is the way to go.

Sfeir’s otherrestaurant recomendations in the city include Fogo de Caho, Varanda, Jardineira, Rubayat, Barbacoa, Gero, Família Manchini, Dom Piero, ViccoNostro, Fasano, Sonho de Amarelo, Cantina do Sargento, Bolinha, Dudinha, Dona Lucinha, Colher de Pau, Mocotó, Bexiga, Dom Curro, Marcel, and Pimentel.

What about nightlife in São Paulo?

When it comes to the local nightlife, Sfeir says visitors can expect “a lot of drinks and a lot of fun!” Because São Paulo attracts international visitors and also caters to a younger native crowd, entertainment is one of São Paulo’s biggest industries. Sfeir recommends the Moema neighborhood as one of the best nightlife spots for its bars and shows. He says many of the locals call it the “Ipanema of São Paulo.”  For visitors looking to immerse themselves in Brazilian culture, Sfeir recommends Vila Madalena, “for its bars and salsa.” For those looking for a more upscale club experience, Sfeir says Pinheiros and Itaim offer a wealthier club atmosphere. Sfeir cites the Pink Elephant, Royal, and Mokaias some of the most popular clubs in the city. The Pink Elephant, located in Dacon Tower in Jardins, serves an international VIP crowd. Royal, located in the Centro district, caters to a crowd of jetsetters and fashionable young people with its dimly lit atmosphere and large dance floor. Originally a Miami club, Mokai nightclub came to São Paulo exuding an essence of hip-hop and celebrity lifestyle, with DJ Kaskade and Lady Gaga having been on the guest list.

When is the best time to come to São Paulo?

According to Sfeir, “the summertime, November and December, or January and February” are the best times to visit the city. “In February, there is a carnival in Brazil which is very fun and wild,” says Sfeir.

Typically held 40 days before the Catholic holiday of Lent, Carnival is held in Brazil and is the largest celebration of its kind. Traditionally held in Rio de Janerio, Carnival attracts tourists from all over the world and offers visitors a chance to celebrate with locals by experiencing Brazilian music, dancing, parades, and Carnival balls. Carnival in 2011 is taking place March 5-8, and February 18-21 in 2012, both in Rio de Janerio.

Anna Patrick is a Communications major at Boston College and a frequent commuter between Boston and the Washington DC metropolitan area in Northern Virginia. A seasoned traveler, Patrick has lived in London and traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, the Czech Republic, Greece, Scotland, England and Turkey.

Adam is a Philadelphia born writer and entrepreneur living in Buenos Aires who recently launched BABible (www.BABible.com), which he says “will change the way you see Buenos Aires and facilitate memories that will last a lifetime because it provides the most pertinent, locally generated information in a format that is both accessible and easy to navigate.” Because of his familiarity and fondness for Buenos Aires, I asked Adam to put together a Buenos Aires City Profile.

Overview: In December 2001, Argentina experienced an economic crisis that hurt the nation’s markets as a whole, but made travel to Argentina much more appealing to foreigners. Before the peso crisis, Buenos Aires was considered one of the most expensive cities to travel to in Latin America. When the peso stopped being valued on par with the dollar the cost of living suddenly plummeted for foreigners, causing them to congregate in Buenos Aires in massive numbers.  Even though inflation is rampant in Argentina, Buenos Aires is still a bargain destination in comparison to Europe, Asia, Canada and the United States. Most of Buenos Aires’s century-old architecture has been renovated, but still maintains its old European and neoclassical feel.

Attractions and Neighborhoods: Buenos Aires residents, or “Portenos,” as they’re locally known, have a passion for following Europe’s architectural trends. As you explore the city, you will see a number of buildings that suggest influence from many other European cities including Belgium, Rome and Paris. Most of the city’s historical sites surround Plaza de Mayo. You will also experience Argentine history when visiting the barrios of La Boca and San Telmo. Furthermore, any traveler to Buenos Aires should indulge in a walk along the river in Puerto Madero, as well as an afternoon coffee at the many plazas and cafes in the Palermo and Recoleta neighborhoods. El Obelisco is one of the main icons of the city and is the center for many cultural activities and on occasion, protests. It is also the main gathering place for sports fans when their favorite team wins a game or a tournament, especially the national soccer team. Additionally, the Recoleta Cemetery is located in the upscale Recoleta Barrio of Buenos Aires, and it is the final resting place of many of Argentina’s wealthiest and most famous families and personages, including Evita. The Museo de Artes Latinoamericano de Bunenos Aires, or the MALBA, houses one of the best collections of Latin American art dating from the 19^th- and 20^th-centuries, and there are works by Antonio Berni, Pedro Figari, Frida Kahlo, and Diego Rivera here.

The original neighborhood in Buenos Aires was San Telmo, and it is also the home to the Tango. Boca houses the city’s soccer stadium and also has some unique sights that are worth seeing. Las Canitas, Palermo, Puerto Madero and Recoleta are the most posh and luxurious neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. All of the best restaurants and clubs are situated in these locations and you will most likely spend the majority of your time in these neighborhoods. These six neighborhoods demonstrate the distinct aspects that Buenos Aires offers visitors, such as history, preserved Latin American culture and 21^st century amenities.

Dining and Nightlife: Buenos Aires is an international city and you can find any type of cuisine that you may desire. European immigrants from Spain and Italy who migrated to Buenos Aires brought some of their signiture dishes along. If you are looking for an authentic dining experience visit a parilla, or BBQ, and indulge in your favorite cut of beef. Chori & Wine is located at Costa Rica 5198 and serves the best rib eye in the city. For a good authentic Italian meal, visit La Baita on Thames 1603. The pastas here are some of the best available and the wine selection is quite good as well.

Local Transportation: Buenos Aires is a perfect walking city. It is relatively flat and the tree-lined boulevards surrounding European facades provide a nice view while walking. The city also has good public transportation. There are a number of taxis that can get you to your destination relatively cheaply. The bus system is also very good here and you can reach any location in the city by using a bus, which is cheaper than a taxi. The fastest and cheapest method of travel in Buenos Aires is the metro. You can access a good portion of the city using the metro, but unfortunately, not all destinations can be reached by metro.

Traveling to Buenos Aires: There are a number of carriers that provide service to Buenos Aires including: American Airlines, Continental, Delta, United, U.S. Airways, and LAN Airlines. The best way to find non-stop service to Buenos Aires is by using a travel website such as kayak.com, which will provide some of the best prices available. Also, you could use exitotravel.com, which specializes in travel to South America and can find great deals on flights.

In the last few years, Mexico’s reputation has taken a downward turn as stories of drug cartels, a corrupt police force and sky-high homicide rates are splashed across the media. However, discarding Mexico as an unsafe, crime-ridden destination because of these reports would be like writing-off the entire United States because of high crime rates in Detroit or New Orleans. Yes, some parts of Mexico are unsafe for foreigners and should be avoided, but most of the country is still perfectly safe for visitors and expats and definitely worth considering in terms of long-term real estate investment.

I recently spoke to Javier Noguera (www.alegranza.com.mx; www.alegranzavacations.com), a property develeloper in Los Cabos, who shared his expert knowledge about the Cabos real estate market, the Mexico safety situation and the overall economic picture in Baja California Sur.

Everyone knows that the real estate market in the U.S took a serious beating over the last two years. How is Cabo’s market faring? Cabo’s market has not avoided what happened in the world, but has some particularities that has protected it from major danger. First of all, Cabo never had an over offer of product. It’s not like some parts of Florida, Nevada or California where you have millions of dollars in inventory pending to be sold. Less competition has kept the market a bit away from massive price reduction. Secondly, there are no foreclosures. Only 2 % of the real estate market is leveraged or has a mortgage. Therefore, there are not as many desperate owners trying to sell and as many foreclosures, which brings the market down. Cabos’ properties have reduced an average of 7-10% and the market touched its bottom several months ago. If you are thinking on buying property in Los Cabos, this will would probably be the best time in decades.

How would you describe the overall economic situation in Cabo? Cabo suffered last year from bad U.S Media because of reports of swine flu, which reduced tourism enormously despite the fact that there were zero cases in town. Security on the border also affects Cabo, even though we are 1,000 miles away and we have the lowest crime rate in all the Americas.  Then there is the overall economic situation. Cabo has taken a year to recover and has overcome its major challenges as restaurants and tourist services reopen, and roads, bridges and hotel infrastructure improves. Fifty percent of the room bookings at any hotel in Los Cabos was coming from “incentive groups,” most of them paid by U.S corporations for tax deduction purposes, bonuses to employees and motivational trips. U.S corporations hardly made any profits in 2009 so they did not have to spend their money to reduce tax payments. That eliminated half of the market in room bookings. The positive news is that U.S corporations did get profits again in 2010 so this 50% of the market is coming back

What do you see as the long-term real estate and economic repercussions on the Mexican market and economy, if any, as a result of the U.S. crisis? Forty-five percent of the tourist real estate purchases above U.S$150.000 used to come from the U.S, with 45% from Canada and the remaining 10% from the Mexican mainland. So there is a clear dependence. The important thing that I see is that there are thousands of semi-retirees willing to change their lives and move to Mexico, where the cost of living is much lower and property taxes and monthly fees are 20 times lower, along with better service and better weather

Are most foreigners in Cabo “snowbirds” or year round residents? What kind of resources, activities and benefits does Cabo offer a foreigner? We receive both, with more full-time residents every year: Lawyers, doctors, architects, financial people, consultants, entrepreneurs are the people that moved for a while and ended up staying full time. They can participate in any outdoor activity they want, such as surfing, sailing, fishing, diving –we do have the second largest reef in the Paficic after Hawaii—as well as golfing, mountain biking, hiking, shopping, fine dining or just lying on the beach! There are about 60 direct flights a day from any major US city, Canada or mainland Mexico

Why do you think that Americans, Canadians, and Europeans would want to move to Cabo? As of today 100.000 foreigners own property in Los Cabos and the reason has been a mix of things:

• The best weather in the world: Dry, no humidity, never rains
• Security: 100% safe
• Cost of living (less than in their home towns), really low property taxes, food and service
• Great beaches, golfing, infrastructure and nice people
• Distance from home:  from 2 flight from San Diego, 3 from Dallas, 4:30 from Ny, Calgary, Vancouver

Many individuals thinking about visiting or moving to Mexico are scared off by the country’s safety reputation. What can you tell me about the safety situation in Cabo? Does Cabo take any special precautions to protect expats and foreign visitors? Cabo is surrounded by twp oceans, the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific and we belong to the Baja California Sur State, which is almost as big as Italy but with less than one million people. As a high end tourist destination, our San Jose del Cabo airport receives the largest percentage of private planes vs. commercial planes in Latin America. We have three hotels in less than 20 miles distance whose average rate is US$800 a night.  We have multimillionaire houses and resorts. Those who know Cabo and its past are not afraid since they have experienced it and they know there is no crime. The problem is those who have never been in Los Cabos, but once they fly in, they find out and don’t have a problem. There is no need for special protection because there is no risk or danger. You can walk outside at 5am in the morning and nothing will happen. Can you do that in LA or NY? San Jose Costa Rica? Panama City?  There is a U.S and Canadian consulate in town and people can even live here without speaking Spanish

As Mexico gets more negative press in the media, are you finding it harder to “sell” Cabo? How do you deal with these challenges? What are some of the common stereotypes you have to deal with? Certainly, media is a key part in the name and reputation for Los Cabos, and Mexico as a country needs to change this. It is very unfair to be living in this paradise, with extremely low (or nonexistent) crime and full security, great beaches, two marinas, eleven top 100 golf courses, the best fishing in the world , nice hotels and resorts providing great service and suffer from Mexico’s poor safety reputation. We are very isolated from the mainland and anything happening in Mexico.  We receive pop stars and VIPs staying in our beautiful hotels and enjoying our great weather every week.

I remember a couple from San Francisco calling me when all this swine flu happened telling me that they were praying for me and my family while I was holding a beer in my terrace overlooking the whole San Jose Bay and observing the boats coming in an out of the marina. I told them, “You better pray for you since you have swine flu cases there.” And there was a guy from Houston that saw that 40 people were killed in Tamaulipas on TV. I told him that this was less than 100 miles from his home town in Houston and 3,000 miles from Cabo!  It’s all about education. Every single person working in this industry must contribute a bit, from the federal Government to the smallest entities working for tourists. U.S Media is a way to protect some private US interests that try to avoid money going to Mexico. People must know that Mexico is almost as big as the U.S; if there is a hurricane warning in Florida, people from California don’t have to be affected by tourism. Only a few people geographically understand the different parts of Mexico and most just treat it as a whole.

Can you tell me a little bit about your projects and what you do exactly? What market do you cater to? How long have you been doing what you do? In 2006 we decided to develop a nice property in San Jose del Cabo and we completed a nice gated community resort called Alegranza (www.alegranza.com.mx). The resort has 95 units and 90% of the project is sold. There are three heated saline water pools, Jacuzzis, fire pits, saunas, fully equipped gym, nice restaurant with room service, putting green lighted tennis court, concierge, BBQ areas, Sky TV ,wireless internet and preferred rates on many activities in town. Our prices range from $500,000 to $900, 000 U.S dollars and our units are from 2,000 sq.ft to 3,200 sq.ft. People remember us for our views, probably the best ocean views in town, our location, walking distance from everywhere, quality finishes, privacy and the right amenities. We also manage the rentals, so our owners actually get some revenue from rentals while they don’t make use of their units. So we also operate as if we were a hotel, but with the feeling of a home. Forty-five percent of my owners are from Alberta or British Columbia and the other 45% are from the U.S, mostly Colorado, California, Texas, and Montana. The remaining 10% are either from Mexico or Europe. This is the first project we’ve completed in Mexico but my family has been developing in my home country of Spain since the 1950’s.

American expat Jade D’Angelo has been living in Mexico City for nearly six months and has fallen for Mexico City’s charms, chaos and contrasts. I asked her to put together a “local’s perspective” city profile of Mexico City.

Article by Jade D’Angelo

Overview: It’s hard to imagine a more culturally packed, higher intensity place than Ciudad de México.  Currently rivaling Tokyo and Seoul for the most highly populated city in the world, Mexico City sits squarely on the pulse of Central America. Mexico is a beautiful dichotomy: A sprawling modern metropolis inhabited by some of the world’s best, but maintaining a strong Mexican tradition and culture.  You may be able to find Starbucks at every corner, but don’t be surprised if you also spot an indigenous couple walking barefoot down a main highway. Mexico City is a fast-paced, colorful, textured, rich urban hot spot.  It is chock full of amazing museums, art, music, delectable food, traditional dances and events, soccer stadiums and fans and breathtaking architecture. The options of things to see and do are endless, and with a little planning, you will be enthralled by what you find in this cultural hybrid.

Mexico City is an easy travel destination.  It is not a holiday destination and thus, there are hotels at every price point constantly available.  Airlines are rarely over-booked from Europe and the Americas, and many direct flights are available to one of the two airports. Plenty of ATMs are scattered about. You can always find an open Internet café, and the city has the largest metro in the world, making transportation a breeze.

History: Mexico City has a tangled history of vast kingdoms, brutal conquests and industrialization.  It rests on what was once a lake, a woof and warp-like structure of canals and farmland.  The maize has long since been replaced with endless asphalt and buildings, but even amongst this modern world, you can happen across the ancient Temple Major in downtown, centuries old cathedrals, and the reverend Guadalupe. There are few cities in the world that provide such an exciting mix of tradition and modern existence.

Climate: There is no right time to visit Mexico City. The climate is temperate year round.  If you do not enjoy frequent showers, you will want to avoid the summer months from June to September. If higher temperatures are not your cup of tea, consider visiting in April. The entire city is green and alive with beautiful purple jacaranda trees.  Whenever you plan on coming, rest assured that the city will be alive with activity — the two exceptions are Holy Week, the week before Easter Sunday and the couple of days after it, and Christmas to New Years, when the city slows down considerably as locals go on vacation. If you are looking to do business in the city you definitely want to avoid these times.  One climatic characteristic to be aware of is the altitude. The city stands at almost a mile and a half above sea level (7,200 feet).  This, combined with the fact that it is in a valley flanked by mountains and two volcanoes, which promote heavy smog, makes everyday activities exhausting for travelers.  Being aware of this can make all the difference. Don’t be surprised if after a day or so of running on adrenaline you suddenly crash. Take it slow, drink plenty of water, rest as needed and you should still enjoy a delightful Mexico City experience.

Attractions and Neighborhoods: Being such a large city, there are truly endless excursions to go on and sights to be seen.  The historic center offers a rich cultural experience and gives one a quick glimpse of DF’s history.  For a bohemian feel you can head to Roma; to Condessa if you desire a beautiful residential area full of hip cafes and a buzzing nightlife, or the affluent Polanco for upscale hotels and cutting edge chefs.

One really should spend a day in the Centro Histórico Neighborhood (Historic Center) and the surrounding areas.  This historical downtown area of Mexico City has a wide plaza known as El Zòcalo.  Full of museums, restaurants and cafes, street merchants, markets, art, music, Aztec dancers, and hotels this is a wonderful place to start.  The Palacio National (the presidential palace and home to exquisite Diego Rivera murals), cathedral, and excavated site of Temple Mayor (the main Aztec Tenochtitlan temple) are just a few of the sights which could keep you occupied for hours.

Directly west of the Zócalo lies the breathtaking Palacio de Bellas Artes.  Slightly further, you will find Mexico City’s famous street, Paseo de la Reforma, adorned with the “Monumento a La Independicia, El Ángel.” This beautifully gilded angel stands as the symbol of Independence and rises above the city to watch over her people.  Daily tours are available and upon summit you will be treated to a bird’s eye view of the city.  Several other monuments mark this grand boulevard and you can easily follow it down to Zona Rosa and enjoy any of the many restaurants on your way to Bosque de Chapultepec. This park is a trip within itself, with lakes, gardens, and abundant trees.  It also holds several museums, including the world famous Museo Nacional de Antrologia and the Museo Nacional de Historia.

Getting Around: Transportation is a breeze throughout the city.  The Metro is extremely economical ($3 pesos, or about 25 US cents and you can ride to any destination one way, no matter how many stops or transfers) and criss-crosses the city very efficiently. Taxis are also extremely abundant and affordable.  Avoid all “Libre” taxis, which are denoted by an “L” before the vehicle’s registration number and license plate. Instead look for a “Sitio”taxi, traditionally denoted by a “S”.  New regulations (changes in license plates) have made it almost impossible to differentiate between Libre and Sitio taxis.  The smartest course of action is to always call a 24-hour Sitio taxi service, which is available at 5516-6020 to 34, 5571-9344, and 5571-3600.  Your hotel or restaurant will gladly call one for you.

Dining: You are never far from some of the world’s most delicious cuisine in Mexico City.  Any type of global delight can be found, although some of the most delicious food to be found is in the markets and taquerias.  Keep in mind this rule of thumb:  Don’t eat unless you can sit at the establishment. Hopefully this will help you avoid any run-ins with less than sanitary establishments.  Perhaps the most tantalizing way to find good eats is stop locals and ask them what they recommend.  Make sure you try the “T Diet” while you are in town, which consists of tortas, tamales, and tacos.  Some of the best al pastor and bistek tacos are to be found in the city, and any good Samaritan can direct you.  Eating is generally quite inexpensive and one of the true joys of Mexico City.  Due to Mexico City’s dichotic character, you can enjoy tamales on the street for breakfast and an exquisite world-class dinner in Polanco later that day.

Safety: Mexico City does have a reputation for being one of the more dangerous cities in the world.  Precautions should be taken to not draw attention to yourself. Do not wear expensive jewelry or watches, carry or show large amounts of cash, advertise your nationality, or generally advertise yourself as a foreigner.  That being said, you will immediately notice how friendly the city is.  In general, the Mexican people are proud of their country and happy to assist in any way they can.  As in any large city, take the proper precautions to not put yourself in dangerous situations, such as hailing a taxi off the street.

Jade D’Angelo is a native Texan with a life long love of travel, exploring different cultures, writing and the people of the world.  After graduating with a liberal arts and biology degree as well as her diploma as an English teacher, she has pursued her life-long dream to live abroad and learn Spanish.  Currently, she can be found living in Mexico City hunting down tacos and absorbing vibrant culture.  Her personal blog that features  her daily adventures can be found at http://lifewithjades.blogspot.com.

Cancun has a reputation as a spring break favorite of fun-loving college students, but this Caribbean city actually offers much more than tequila shots, wet t-shirt contests, and all-night partying. In fact, Cancun is home to some of Mexico’s most luxurious and memorable all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, and historical sites, making it the perfect spot to spend a week with your significant other and learn a bit about Mexican history and culture.

Fast Facts:

• Time Zone: Central
• Climate: Semi-tropical; hurricane season from June 1st-November 30th; rainy season June-October.
• Language: Spanish
• Population: 600,000
• Electricity: 110 volts
• Business hours: 8am-9pm. Shops usually stay open until 10pm and restaurants until 12am. Some business close down for lunch between 12pm and 2pm.

Where to Stay. With nearly 30,000 hotel rooms, Cancun offers accommodation options at every price range. If you’re looking for a romantic, high-amenity, high-service lodging option with all the trimmings, head to the Le Blanc Spa Resort, the Sun Palace, or the Royal Cancun, all ideal for the couple looking to indulge in a bit of self-pampering.

Cancun’s hundreds of hotels often offer steeply discounted rates during the off season. Keep in mind that rates can sky rocket in January and December and during the summer months when Americans, Canadians, and Europeans usually take their vacations.

Where to Dine. Because of its popularity with international tourists, travelers to Cancun will find a wide selection of not only American-style restaurants, but Italian, Chinese, Indian, and even Thai eateries. Puerto Madero Buenos Aires Restaurant serves up high-end steak and fish dishes, Carlos & Charlie’s Cancun is a fun, Mexican inspired restaurant that doubles as a dance club, and La Habichela specializes in unique fish and beef dishes and has a Five Diamond rating from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

While traditional Mexican dishes such as fajitas, burritos, and tacos are plentiful in Cancun, the real specialty here is the ceviche and other Caribbean seafood dishes. During high season, it’s wise to reserve ahead of time.

What to See and Do. If you’ve decided to fly out to Cancun, your number one priority is likely to indulge in a bit of fun in the sun. Blessed with beautiful white sand beaches, Cancun vacationers can enjoy water sport activities such as sailing, jet skiing, water skiing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, or simply spending the day sunbathing and working on your tan with a good book in hand. More adventurous travelers can head out on a guided jungle walking or jeep tour or check out the Chichen Itza  ruins, located two and a half hours from Cancun and dating back to 600 AD. Parasailing, paragliding, and kitesurfing are all increasing in popularity. If your idea of vacation fun includes a bit more relaxation,  spend the afternoon getting a massage at your hotel’s spa or lounging by the pool while sipping a tasty tropical cocktail.

Your hotel will be able to arrange day tours, excursions, and activities for you.

How to Get There and Around. Many U.S. cities offer direct flights to Cancun, often starting as low as the $200s. Because of its popularity, competitive airline rates are relatively easy to find. I find that www.kayak.com provides the best prices and most selection, but you can also book with Expedia, Orbit, Cheaptickets, or directly through the airline. Tickets to Cancun tend to be cheapest in September, October, November and April and May when tourism is at its lowest.

Once in Cancun, visitors will be glad to know that the city’s tourist section is actually quite small, and most tourist attractions, restaurants and beaches are within walking distance. However, if you prefer to take a cab, they are plentiful and cheap.