Copper Canyon
Mexico's Copper Canyon is an area of high desert that is crisscrossed with six different canyons that together are bigger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. The Copper Canyon area allows nearly endless hiking and biking opportunities, and is served by Mexico's last remaining train line, considered one of the most scenic train routes in the world. The ecology of Copper Canyon differs greatly from its lush tropical depths to the dry desert mountains and the indigenous Tarahumara peoples live throughout.
The Oaxacan Coast
The south-facing Pacific Coast of Oaxaca is known for it's beautiful rugged coastline, pristine beaches and world-class surfing. The town of Puerto Escondido is home to expatriots from around the world who come to ride the famous Mexpipe, a surf swell considered too rough for all but pro surfers. Beyond the beautiful tropical blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the Oaxacan coastline offers many opportunities for hiking forays into lush coastal mountains and pleasant traditional villages that seem far away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world.
Cozumel
The Caribbean island of Cozumel has long been a favorite destination for divers, boaters and just plain old beach bums. Kayakers can gently explore the Chankanaab National Park and maybe see the elusive sea turtles who occupy the area. The coral reefs around the island offer some of the best scuba diving in the world and vacationers here end up spending a lot of their time underwater.
Mulege
The resort towns of Cabo and Ensenada pop up in most peoples minds when you mention Baja California, but the true outdoor adventure mecca of the Baja peninsula lies midway between these two tourist traps in the sleepy oasis town of Mulege.
Mulege is positioned on the coast of the Sea of Cortez, and is a popular place for kayakers in the know who explore this turquoise tranquil sea. Various islands off the coast of Mulege and a plenitude of whales that spend their winters lounging in the warm waters make Mulege a top spot for extended kayak tours. If kayaking is not your thing, the coastline south of Mulege is an untouched pristine series of beaches with primitive camping and many cactus-studded cliffs to explore.
Article Written By Vincent Madrone
Based in San Francisco, Vincent Madrone is a professional freelance travel writer and voiceover artist. He has written extensively for online and print publications, including USA Today Travel Tips, A to Z World Travel and Viva Travel Guides. Madrone also writes health-related articles for various online publications.
