(39 Reviews)
100% Recommended

Matthew Schaffer

Chicago, IL

Arizona Travel Agent Specialist

When it comes to great U.S. destination states, Arizona will always have a special place in my heart.  This may be because I had an amazing destination wedding in the mountains of Tucson, or maybe because I went to the University of Arizona, and e...
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When it comes to great U.S. destination states, Arizona will always have a special place in my heart.  This may be because I had an amazing destination wedding in the mountains of Tucson, or maybe because I went to the University of Arizona, and every time I visit Tucson, I feel young again.  I really do not believe there is another state with so many different types of beautiful vacation possibilities all year round.

It really is difficult to explain the different experiences to be had all over the state.  For all you lovers of truly majestic scenery, nothing compares to places like the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Montezuma Castle or Vermillion Cliffs.  Any one of these sites are perfect for a relaxing getaway, but also offer multiple options for outdoor adventures. 

If mainly water activities is more your style, Arizona offers gorgeous locations like Lake Havasu, Saguaro Lake, Lake Powell or Lake Mead.  With amazing scenery these locations offer boating, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving, parasailing and of course, fishing.  For a break from the water each Lake is also unique in its different hiking environments. 

Of course, you cannot talk about Arizona without mentioning the two biggest cities, Phoenix and Tucson.  While there is only about an hour and a half drive between the two, the cities are different in almost every aspect from environment to culture.  If you are looking for a city that has everything, Phoenix being the 5th most populous city in the country is just that.  To name just a few of Phoenix's draws, there is professional sports, Jack Nicholas designed golf courses, world class spas, museums, hiking in the Sonoran Desert, a lively nightlife, diverse restaurants and don't forget the hot air ballooning.  Another great perk of Phoenix is that Scottsdale is on its northern border, which is a great resort town that all should visit.

For you mountain view lovers, Tucson is the place to be.  This is because Tucson is situated in a high desert valley surrounded by the Santa Catalinas to the north, the Rincons to the east, the Santa Ritas to the south and the Tucsons to the west. Located only 70 miles from the Mexico border, the Tucson experience is everything a person imagines of the true southwest with both Mexican and Native American influence.  Tucson delivers exceptional opportunities to explore, from hiking in Saguaro National Park, to the famous 98-acre Arizona-Senora Desert Museum.  And if you like Mexican food, you will love what is known as the Best 23 Miles of Mexican food.  With multiple ranch experiences and luxury resorts in the mountain side, Tucson is a must visit in Arizona.

Lastly is a town very close to Tucson, the border town of Nogales.  Native American tribes met up with Spanish explorers there Centuries ago, which has created an amazing meld of cultures in Nogales.  Luckily for all of us, that history has not been erased, and Nogales is one of the premier places to visit historical buildings.  As far as food goes, whether you are on the Arizona side or the Mexico side of Nogales,  the authentic Mexican food is outstanding.

I wish I could tell you more about all the other amazing places in Arizona, but unfortunately that would take a novel.  Instead, I hope you allow me to create an experience for you that will make you long to see every part of Arizona.  

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Matthew Schaffer

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Zihuatanejo Travel Agent Specialist

Zihuatenejo

The first time I ever heard of Zihuatanejo was when Stephen King sent his escaped convict Andy Dufresne there in “The Shawshank Redemption.”  At the time I actually thought the place was made-up, but luckily later in life I got a chance to see why this paradise was used as the ultimate getaway.

Zihuatanejo, or Zihua, as most people call it, lies on the Pacific coast of Mexico where colorful buildings cascade down the slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains, along the curve of calm bays and white sandy beaches. The beauty of Zihua is found in the warm waters along its four beaches, in the restaurants in town and on the boardwalk. What makes it especially unique is that unlike many other coastal destinations, tourists and locals actually mingle and connect.

Zihua is a beach and water lover’s dream come true!  Zihua’s warm waters don’t generally dip below 65°F, which makes swimming and relaxing on the beach just about perfect. Celebrated for their gentle surf, sweeping yellow-white sand and laid-back vibes, there are four beaches to explore. Playa Municipal and Playa Madera are located near the city center.  Playa La Ropa is the largest beach, and probably my favorite. You can get to the more secluded beach, Playa las Gatas, by taking a water taxi across the bay.  There you will enjoy a lovely white-sand beach without vegetation, situated on a shallow cove with clear blue waters that's lined with open-air restaurants serving fresh seafood and cervezas.

If you are an underwater lover, Scuba diving and snorkeling are two of the most popular activities in Zihua.  With a mix of shallow reefs, caverns, sunken ships and abundant biodiversity, I think my best scuba diving was in Zihua.  Also, the water is teeming with angelfish, crabs, starfish, stingrays, octopus, manta rays, sharks and seahorses. Whales migrate to the area between December and April, and seals make an appearance between August and October. 

If you would rather enjoy the beauty above water, a boating excursion is a great way to explore the Zihua coast. You can rent a sailboat to explore the bay, a party boat for you and your friends, a luxurious yacht or something more suited to an all-day sportfishing trip. If you are there In February, the city’s annual SailFest is an amazing sight to see from the hotels, boardwalk, and beaches of Zihua.

Another beachside activity is horseback riding on the beach.  A tour goes along Playa Larga, past coconut plantations and mangrove trees in the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area. Enjoy pleasant landscapes and vistas of mountain ranges, a lagoon, and the Pacific Ocean while on a gentle horseback ride. The tour is suitable for both beginner riders and the more experienced.

Thankfully this once-sleepy fishing town northwest of Acapulco has held tight to its authentic roots as it grows into a lively city of artisan shops and galleries, sophisticated eateries and bountiful live entertainment. The music scene of Zihua is amazing, with live entertainment galore.  Musicians come from across the country: Mexico City, Morelia, Guadalajara, Guanajuato. International musicians, too, have heard the word and join in the fun.

As far as the cuisine goes, being located on the coast means there’s plenty of great seafood that’s caught fresh daily. Head to the beachfront restaurants to try tiritas, the local Zihuetenejo take on ceviche, as well as fish tacos, cócteles (seafood in a red tomato salsa), and zarandeado (“shaken fish”).  If you are a coffee lover, with ideal growling climates in the Sierra Madre mountains, you can sample fresh coffee at Cafe Caracol, Cafa Galeana and Cafe Zihuatanejo, which all sell locally-grown coffees that come from the mountains near Zihuatanejo Ixtapa.

A great bonus to visiting Zihua is how close it is to Ixtapa.  Usually referred to as Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico, like they are one place!  Most travelers heading to one will usually visit the other on the same trip. Located just five miles (8 km) apart, it’s easy and quick to get to Ixtapa from Zihua.  Most people choose to stay in Zihua for a more cultural experience, but still enjoy all the best things to do in Ixtapa, including snorkeling on the best Ixtapa beaches and more.

When you decide you want to visit Zihua, keep in mind the dry season months of November to April are best because you’ll have none or very little rain, with low levels of humidity.  Although, if you like it a little quieter, visit Zihuatanejo during the low season of October and May, the weather is still great so you won’t miss out in any activites.

Zihua is just an amazing place to visit in Mexico, and I will never forget the times I have spent there.  With my help, I know I can give you the perfect vacation to Zihua that will remain in your heart forever.