Urgent - Kind people, I need advice for a trip to Mexico next week!!

[Philmar]

In a week's time I will be landing in Mexico City DF for a 9 day adventure. I only decided 2 days ago to go to Mexico. I am redeeming some Air-asia points that expire this month and that is the furthest I can get with my points. So I really have only a week to plan this escapade as best I can. I have been to Baja Sur and loved the desert, mountain meets beach landscape. I am wondering where/what I should do in my 9 days. Obviously my biggest passion is photography. As I am not a culture vulture, I would prefer being out snapping photos to endless hours in amazing museums. But I do plan to spend a few hours (midday period when the sun is too harsh) in a few of Mexico City DF’s remarkable museums. I live in an urban setting (Toronto) so I do prefer to see quieter calmer places when on vacation. In other words I don’t see myself spending all my time in Mexico City DF.
I am asking all you Mexico Experts where you think I should go in the 9 short days I’ll have. I am not against an internal return flight as I am no longer a starving student/backpacker. Still have the backpacker attitude but am will to spend on transportation if it saves me time. So obviously my aim is to visit locales that provide nice images of Mexico. I don’t think the DF urban sprawl is the only thing I’ll want to record. Obviously I’ll visit the nearby pyramids. I have noticed that Taxco is a very picturesque town. Are there similarly postcard perfect towns I can see? Is Puebla visually stunning or just culturally rich? Are the nearby volcanoes worth a trip to see? I am not against heading to the Pacific for coastal scenes. I know Acapulco is close. How close? Are the night buses to and from DF safe? I’ve heard stories in Baja about some night buses being robbed in Mexico but am not sure if that is a regional problem or if it is countrywide (or a thing of the past). I prefer smaller fishing villages to resorts so are there interesting and scenic villages that are a bus ride away from DF (realizing I’ll overnight at the coast as I want sunset and sunrise shots there).

So there you have it. Knowing that I have 9 days starting and ending in Mex City DF, can anyone suggest possible itinerary stops knowing that I value picturesque locales. I really like to spend some time in DF, picturesque towns like Taxco as well as perhaps seeing the ocean for a day or two.
As always, I thank all helpful and kind responses in advance – CHEERS!!

[BlasR]

Here are some places the you may like.

View to the Zocalo

Torre Latinoamericana

Palace of Beautiful Arts

Hermiciclo Juarez

Lago de Chapultepec

The Chapultepec castle

Antigua Basilica de Guadalupe  Go to the old one, and new one

Avenida Juarez

Cuahtemoc monument at the paseo de la Reforma

Cathedral Metropolitana  (beautiful inside)

National Museum of Anthropology  spend two days here ( you will love it)

Next time,,give a list 5 month to get info.

BTW info, is not free anymore, Please send me $5.00 when you get a chance.

Good luck  and caution (be careful) with the police

BlasR

[Philmar]

Next time,,give a list 5 month to get info.

BTW info, is not free anymore, Please send me $5.00 when you get a chance.

Good luck  and caution (be careful) with the police

BlasR

WOW!! Thanks. What a list. I'll assume they are all within DF? Actually I am more interested in great photo op's OUTSIDE of DF but I definitely will use your list when I am in DF.

And can you expand on what you were refering to in dealing with the police?

Yeah, sorry for the short notice. Your help is sincerely appreciated and I forever open the hand of friendship and an offer of a free beer should we ever find ourselves in Boston or Toronto!

[Peter Mellis]

Sometimes the police are the bad guys. Read through this post: http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....showtopic=37844

[Jeremy Payne]

Mexico is basically in the middle of a civil war.  I'd say Mexico and Iraq are about equally dangerous at this point - particularly near the border.

Be careful.

[Philmar]

Sometimes the police are the bad guys. Read through this post: http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index....showtopic=37844

Ok - thanks for the link. The people I personally know who've been to Mexico City DF have told me most accounts of it's crime are overblown. I suspect there are some very bad areas there that account for much of the crime. But I do intend to take precautions. I have shot in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador (Brasil), Lower East Side Manhattan, Lima(Peru) as well as rural Yemen (albeit with military escort). I live in a large urban city and have traveled to 32 different countries so, though no guarantee, I consider myself streetsmart enough to identify some dangers.
But I will definitely be taking lots of care while in Mexico City DF....dressing down ect.
That is the reason why I am posting here. I am hoping to spend no more than 2-3 days in the capital city and am looking for safer, calmer photogenic locations.

[Philmar]

Mexico is basically in the middle of a civil war.  I'd say Mexico and Iraq are about equally dangerous at this point - particularly near the border.

Be careful.

Thanks. I am planning to avoid the border and any drug/human smuggling routes.
I just looking for suggestions/hints/tips for photogenic locations.



Anyone been to Puebla, Taxco or Guanajuato?

[uaiomex]

Jeremy: What you just said is "basically" a lie. We do have problems of security in many parts of Mexico City related mostly to common delinquency. In some border areas the violence is big but mostly related to drug related issues. Some people, some organizations and some governments from time to time issue hugely exagerated declarations about insecurity, violence, civil unrest and even "failed state" in México. Not true. México is a modern democratic country with the typical problems of any emerging country struggling to survive in this very competitive world of today. We have many situations I admit, but on any day in many schools in USA it seems that a civil war is on effect, but nobody is saying so. These kind of statement in the past have hurt this country by stopping the flow of tourists and investment. The people in México is basically warm to foreigners and always willing to help. To travel in México as in all countries is necessary to be alert and to use common sense (surprisingly not common), but that's all there is to it. When I travel, I'm always careful. Good advice.
Eduardo

 

Mexico is basically in the middle of a civil war.  I'd say Mexico and Iraq are about equally dangerous at this point - particularly near the border.

Be careful.

[mpost]

I have been to Mexico for the past 3 years and have never had any issues.  But common sense should prevail.  

Last February my girlfriend & I spent a week in Mexico City just walking around shooting local interests.  Both of us carried Nikon D80's and while the odd person asked us for money, we didn't feel any threats.  The people are extremely friendly and curious and everyone has a friend who take you somewhere, for a price.  We even had a police officer give us his card as when he is not working, offers guide services.

The National Place is a must and a day trip to the pyramids is worth the ride.  Mexico City is a big, vibrant city and learning a little Spanish will go a long way to your enjoyment.  Here is a sample of some of the photographs I took while I was down there last year.  
http://gallery.me.com/hmpost#100032

For the past 3 years I have spent 3 - 4 weeks in a little town 3 hours north of Mexico City called San Miguel de Allende.  Paul Rimstead used to spend his winters there writing for the Toronto Sun.  Toller Cranston has a villa there as well.  A lot of Canadians and Americans call the place home and English is a common language there.  Great photographic opportunities.  Santa Fe Workshops holds  numerous workshops in San Miguel and they produced a info pdf talking about the safety in Mexico.  I have attached it.

Mexico can be very enjoyable and presents a lot of great photography opportunities.  I feel as safe there as I do in Toronto, but saying that, you won't find me down on Queen and Parliament in the dark.

[Jeremy Payne]

Jeremy: What you just said is "basically" a lie

Sorry, but that's a bit of stretch to "basically" call me a liar.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/02/...ence/index.html

http://projects.latimes.com/mexico-drug-war/#/its-a-war

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7906284.stm

http://www.cfr.org/publication/13689/

http://www.theledger.com/article/20090209/...xico-s-Violence

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...-than-Iraq.html

[Anthony R]

After your time in DF, go explore the Yucatan, Chiapas especially. Be smart, crime is an issue, but you'll be fine. Aqua Azul is worth checking out as well. I'd rent a car rather than deal with the busses. Mexico is cheap.

[uaiomex]

Thanks for providing these links.
As I said, violence in mexico is mostly related to drugs. Extreme border town violence occurs because those areas are strategic for smuggling drugs to the US and weapons into México.
Should I say that México's violence is closely related to drug consumption in the US? Should I say also that Mexico's violence is closely related to American fire arm super markets?
A war on drugs doesn't make a civil war.
If you don't want to be called a liar, please read more carefully your news and choose better sources. And never forget:. Good news is no news.
Best
Eduardo

Sorry, but that's a bit of stretch to "basically" call me a liar.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/02/...ence/index.html

http://projects.latimes.com/mexico-drug-war/#/its-a-war

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7906284.stm

http://www.cfr.org/publication/13689/

http://www.theledger.com/article/20090209/...xico-s-Violence

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/...-than-Iraq.html

[uaiomex]

Jeremy, I forgot to say that I'm sorry if it seemed that I was calling you a liar. I didn't mean that. After all as we say here (probably in many places more) "A swallow doesn't make a summer".
Eduardo

[Philmar]

Thanks for the replies!!

In additions to the capital, I am now deciding between Guanajuato & San Migeul de Allende or Puebla & Taxco - leaning towards the former.

[Philmar]

I have been to Mexico for the past 3 years and have never had any issues.  But common sense should prevail.  

Last February my girlfriend & I spent a week in Mexico City just walking around shooting local interests.  Both of us carried Nikon D80's and while the odd person asked us for money, we didn't feel any threats.

Thanks for the link - your shots are inspiring me. May visit San Miguel on the way to/from Guanajuato. I am just wondering if it is worth the bother of uprooting from the hotel in Guanajuato. Will San Miguel offer me any photographic sites different from Guanjuato? My research indicate that they are both beautiful examples of colonial architecture. Guanajuato seems bigger and more colourful. Perhaps the extra day in Guanajuato would be preferable over an added hassle of changing hotels to visit San Miguel? What do you think?
I speak enough Spanish to get around. I've spent the equivalent of about 5 months travelling in Spanish speaking countries - and have bought Spanish language books to learn verb conjugation. I am sure San Miguel is beautiful and and time spent there would be charming - why else would it attract so many ex-pats? But is it worth uprooting from Guanajuato? I am sure I'd be happy in San Miguel - but does it offer anything different from Guanajuato?

[mpost]

Thanks for the replies!!

In additions to the capital, I am now deciding between Guanajuato & San Migeul de Allende or Puebla & Taxco - leaning towards the former.

San Miguel is approx 3 1/2 hours from Mexico City, not counting the 45 minutes to leave the city.  Rush hour is all day there.  Guanajuato is approx 1 1/2 hours from San Miguel.  Plan to stay at least two days in Guanajuato as it is a very beautiful city.
If you need guides for either area (they are worth the cost) let me know. hmpost@me.com
San Miguel's local 'English' paper is also online
http://www.atencionsanmiguel.org/
another San Miguel site
http://portalsanmiguel.com/
Here is a blog that you might find interesting of a tourist that travelled to San Miguel and Guanajuato
http://www.inspect-ny.com/SanMiguelDA.htm

[mpost]

Thanks for the link - your shots are inspiring me. May visit San Miguel on the way to/from Guanajuato. I am just wondering if it is worth the bother of uprooting from the hotel in Guanajuato. Will San Miguel offer me any photographic sites different from Guanjuato? My research indicate that they are both beautiful examples of colonial architecture. Guanajuato seems bigger and more colourful. Perhaps the extra day in Guanajuato would be preferable over an added hassle of changing hotels to visit San Miguel? What do you think?
I speak enough Spanish to get around. I've spent the equivalent of about 5 months travelling in Spanish speaking countries - and have bought Spanish language books to learn verb conjugation. I am sure San Miguel is beautiful and and time spent there would be charming - why else would it attract so many ex-pats? But is it worth uprooting from Guanajuato? I am sure I'd be happy in San Miguel - but does it offer anything different from Guanajuato?

Sorry, missed this reply
To your first question, yes you will see a different style of photographic opportunities between the two cities. San Miguel offers the rich 'old town' cultural experience (it is a artist community, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and #4 on Travel + Leisure magazine's list of "Top Central and South American cities," while Guanajuato is a modern, European style university town.  Both at opposite ends re photography.  Both offer unique opportunities.  Guanajuato has some silver mines that date back to 1547 era and the museums are great and deep with Mexican history and culture.  This year is Mexico's bi-centenial and both cities should have lots of festivals/activities going on.

Where are you flying out of?  Guanajuato has a international airport in Leon with direct flights to either Dallas or Houston.  Being from Canada I prefer to fly out of Mexico City rather than land in the US.  You have to clear customs and security again and long lineups can make you miss a flight.  

Enjoy your stay there as you will enjoy the photographic experience.

[gvaughn]

Mexico is basically in the middle of a civil war.  I'd say Mexico and Iraq are about equally dangerous at this point - particularly near the border.

Be careful.

I think that's stretching it a bit.

Be careful, yes (just as you would in NYC), but don't be paranoid.

I have traveled all over Mexico, much of it driving, on several trips and never had a problem or felt threatened.  Recently I asked a friend who has lived in Mexico for over 30 years about all the reports of violence we hear in the US media. He replied that while there have been thousands of deaths in the past decade due to the drug cartels, there has not been a single documented case of a tourist being harmed in this drug-related violence.

Enjoy your trip to Mexico. I'm headed there myself again in a few days.

[Philmar]

Where are you flying out of?  Guanajuato has a international airport in Leon with direct flights to either Dallas or Houston.  Being from Canada I prefer to fly out of Mexico City rather than land in the US.  You have to clear customs and security again and long lineups can make you miss a flight.

Thanks for your reply!!
I am flying direct from T.O. to Mexico City - then I will spend 4 days in both Guanajuato and San Miguel. That gives 5 days total in 'el DF'.
I guess Puebla and Taxco will have to wait for some other day.