This past fall, we stayed two months in Mexico. We were greeted with a colorful Independence Day celebration followed by a terrible and tragic earthquake. Shaken but not deterred, Mexico prevailed to show us its renowned artistic murals, colorful colonial character, and eclectic appreciation of music. Over the course of our visit, Mexico also guided us past the highlights of its recent history, told us the story of its hard-fought Independence, and introduced us to its pre-Hispanic antiquity.
This year, Mexico is calling again. It is luring us back with its simple pleasures, mild comfortable weather, and bewitching natural beauty. Its art, architecture, and historical ruins inspire us to want to know more. Unable to resist, Mexico has coaxed us back for another three months. This time, we will visit three of Mexico’s southern highlights: the Yucatán Peninsula, and the states of Oaxaca, and Puebla.
Tulum Mayan Ruins, Yucatán Peninsula (photo credit: Condé Nast Traveler)
Since I first learned of its cataclysmic dinosaur-destroying asteroid, I have wanted to explore the Yucatán Peninsula. Of course, only a boring old geologist would go for this reason alone. In truth, our first wish is to walk Yucatán’s white sand beaches, wade in its warm turquoise waters, and lounge under an umbrella with a couple of icy cocktails. During the month of February, after some compulsory beach time, Esther and I also desire to travel across the peninsula in search of its colonial character, natural treasures, and ancient Mayan heart.
The Colorful City of Oaxaca (photo credit: a taste of dawn magazine)
In March, we will move on to the city and state of Oaxaca. From everything I have read, especially the inspirational posts of our trusted WordPress friends, Oaxaca is universally recommended as the most diverse, indigenous, and gastronomic region of Mexico. When we are not sauntering along Oaxaca City’s lively streets or resting in its shady plazas, we hope to venture out into the area’s verdant and varied landscapes, visit its archeological sites and local handicraft villages, and relax along its long laid-back coastline.
Puebla Skyline and Popocatépetl Volcano (photo credit: Getty Images)
If we can tear ourselves away from the Oaxacan sensory buffet, we will relocate for the month of April to the city and state of Puebla. We are excited to get to know Mexico’s 4th largest city, and one of the best-preserved baroque centers in the Western Hemisphere. Centrally located at an altitude of more than 7,200 feet (2,195 meters), Puebla should also serve as an ideal base for trips to nearby places of interest, and expeditions to Mexico’s highest mountains.
Mexico is Calling
With the Yucatán Peninsula, Oaxaca, and Puebla, we have picked three irresistible places in southern Mexico for our next month-at-a-time adventure. Without a doubt, the next three months will be full of color, friendly smiles, and fun opportunities to expand our awareness and education. Once again, it is time to travel, and Mexico is calling.
Lizzie (2003-2018)
Blogger’s Note: We are sad to say that our best friend Lizzie has passed away at the age of 14 years (or 99 in dog years). During our first year of retirement travel in 2016, she was healthy enough to go with us. It was her big adventure, and she had the time of her life riding in the car, running on the beach, and relaxing on the sofas in each of her comfortable vacation rentals. Now, as we so fondly remember our cute little chestnut and white companion, she will always be wagging her tail happily, looking up at us hopefully with her big brown eyes, and waiting impatiently for a treat beside the big refrigerator in the sky.
Flying with the Birds
Month at a Time Travel 
I am so happy that you are returning to beautiful Mexico… and are visiting Oaxaca! I will be following your posts with a little jealousy and a lot of interest. I’ve never been to Puebla and the only experience I’ve had with the Yucatan was a resort stay in Cancun many years ago. I am going to email you a list of restaurants we enjoyed in Oaxaca as well as some other info that might be helpful. Have a wonderful time!
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Hi Janis, It feels good to be back in Mexico. We received your e-mail and appreciate all of the useful information. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us land on our feet when we arrive in Oaxaca.
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Sounds like a wonderful adventure you’re planning for yourself, Joe. I look forward to those posts. I only became familiar with Oaxaca recently, courtesy of the PBS cooking show “Pati’s Mexican Table.” She devoted three episodes to it, I believe. Sorry to hear about the passing of Lizzie. – Marty
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Thank you, Marty. Lizzie was such a integral part of our family. It has been difficult moving on without her. I really enjoy Pati’s show. She is so energetic and makes her recipes seem so easy to replicate. I appreciate you letting me know about her Oaxaca cooking series. I will try to find it on-line, so I can whet my appetite. Joe
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First thought as I started reading: here is another sign that we need to visit Mexico! You describe your future adventures so well and I’m looking forward to your entertaining commentaries and photos. I was also wondering about the lovely Lizzie and am really sad to learn of her passing. You and Esther will be missing Lizzie, I’m sure. Enjoy Mexico and keep on inspiring us.
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Hi Sue & Dave, I am really enjoying your southeast Asia articles and Instagram posts, and I know that a trip to Mexico is in your future. Thank you for your reassuring words about “lovely Lizzie”. She lived such a long and happy life, and we were very fortunate to be on the receiving end of her love and affection.
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Hey Joe, Glad you are back in Mexico. Have a wonderful stay and keep posting about about all the beautiful places. I don’t know if I will ever go to these places but it feels so good to be a part of your journey through your words. Happy Mexico-ing Joe..
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Thanks for following along, Deepa. We just arrived in Cancún. A morning walk on its soft white-sand Caribbean beaches was a beautiful start to our next Mexico journey.
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First, I’m so sorry about Lizzie, and glad that she was able to go with you on your earlier trip. It will give you wonderful memories you’ll need to help you cope with your grief.
Secondly, your upcoming trip sounds fantastic! Have a great time, and I look forward to reading all about it in your blog. And don’t forget to post lots of photos!
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Hi Ann, Thank you so much for your kind regards for our friend Lizzie. You obviously know the sad feeling of losing a cherished pet. As we travel around southern Mexico, we will be on the lookout for representative and interesting photos of this spectacular country. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
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Your dog looks so adorable in the photos! So sorry about her passing. I did have a question though. There has been much written about the US starting a new warning system for travelers. It sound like you feel safe there? Have you checked the recommendations for the different regions of Mexico?
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Thanks for the kind condolences, Stella. Your question about safety in Mexico is a very important one. In my experience and in talking with other travelers and expats, I think that the State Department regional advisories are a good guide, but overly alarmist. We do consider the warnings when choosing our travel destinations, and also avoid risky situations and activities, like late night bars, walking in unfamiliar sketchy neighborhoods, and flashing expensive jewelry, cameras, etc. In general, we do feel safe in Mexico, but always try to blend in and remain alert to our surroundings.
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Good advice for all travelers!
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Glad you made it back to Mexico. Definitely check out Tulum. Looking forward to more cool stuff. (Sorry about Lizzie.)
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Thanks, WD. We have four nights in Tulum later this month. It looks like a perfect spot for a beach bum and archeology buff.
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you probably have them both covered
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The whole of Yucatan is incredibly gorgeous! As a history lover, you can’t get much better than putting a beautiful Caribbean sea, Mexican food and culture, and Mayan ruins in one trip!
I loved my time out there, and am hoping to go back next year.
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Hi Bebop, I am happy to hear that you had the opportunity to experience the Yucatán. As you say, it is a beautiful, cultural, and historical area of the world. I hope you have the chance to return in the near future to further your enjoyment and understanding of this remarkable place. Happy travels!
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