EXPLORE ALL OF MEXICO....

Cancun, Mexico...where it all began!  Go see firsthand how this destination has changed!

Cancun

Cancun is Mexico’s most important tourist destination and one of the world’s most well-known resorts. Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula region which makes it part of Mexico’s Mayan World.

The hotel strip spans over 19 miles along the Caribbean Sea hosting everything from villas and five-star hotels to exclusive resorts and spas. Also part of Cancun’s infrastructure includes high-end shopping malls and over 500 restaurants and numerous bars and discos where visitors party all night long.

Cancun offers the unparalleled beauty of the Caribbean Sea’s turquoise-blue water and white-sand beaches. During your stay, you can do water sports and other activities – snorkeling, scuba diving, parachuting,wave running, kayaking and more. You’ll also find plenty of time to relax and enjoy the fine services offered in the hotel zone.

Cozumel is a quieter than its sister Cancun noted for the excellent scuba diving, snorkeling and FUN!

Cozumel

Cozumel, a Caribbean island located 12 miles east of the Quintana Roo coast, is Mexico’s largest island and it’s home of Mexico’s most important international cruise port: San Miguel de Cozumel.

The island is covered with lush jungle vegetation and surrounded by rocky coastlines, white-sand beaches, lagoons and mangroves. The waters encircling the island have an impressive group of coral reefs that are part of the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest reef system in the world. Marine reserves of great ecological importance, such as Parque Marino Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel (Cozumel National Reef Marine Park) and Parque Natural Chankanaab (Chankanaab Nature Park), were created to protect areas with a wide diversity of marine life, and they have drawn the attention of researchers and marine biologists such as Jacques Cousteau.

 

Gesica and family at Generations in Mexico

Want to make your family feel like important ROCKSTARS? Get a Limo transfer! The facial expressions my family made when they took our luggage and loaded it into the back of the limo was PRICELESS! It was like an excursion all in itself!

Generations Riviera Maya was a very small property! So if you like boutique and smaller resorts this will be great for you.  5 restaurants, only buffet breakfast with an omelet grill, buffet & pool side lunch, Mediterranean, Italian& Japanese (no hibachi table only sushi bar) for dinner.  My kids love sushi and so do we!!!  Since it's a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive, the food was fabulous!

Seems like they were always trying to push that Jackson family wine for purchase they are pretty proud of!  No problem, Upgrade if you want it, or just say no!

I believe all rooms faced the pool & ocean but you needed a cart to take you to the lobby, very far to walk to.

The swim ups on 4 different levels make this property unique.

Adults may go and use El Dorado Casitas & Royal. 

Nice beach but rocky oceanfront, my family loved snorkeling around the rocks! The pool was filled with salt water, which my family didn't care for. 

The butlers were fabulous at making sure everything was perfect. 

There is a kids club (up to 12 yrs old), No teen club, but there was a lounge with games and pool table. They had a blow up slide and hamster ball in the pool. Volleyball and soccer on the beach for all to join in!

 

 

Riviera Maya is still #1 most requested destination in Mexico!  Most Repeat guests request this destination!

Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya, a natural paradise that merges with the waters of the Caribbean Sea, is a coastal strip that stretches over 75 miles. Considered one of the fastest growing tourist destinations, here you can relax or enjoy recreational activities at luxurious resorts nestled in the jungle or gracefully built along the Caribbean beach. The posh hotels offer exclusive golf courses, spas and white-sand beaches where you can bask in the sun and indulge in all kinds of water sports. For example, you can scuba dive off the coast at a depth of more than 10 meters (33 feet) as you take in the spectacular sights of the Great Meso-American Barrier Reef. You can also discover ancient Mayan cities such as Coba and Tulum; the latter is located right on the beach. You can visit incredible ecological reserves such as Sian Ka'an, which was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. During your visit to the Mayan Riviera, do not miss Xcaret and Xel-Há, two of Mexico’s most important eco-theme parks, where you can see fascinating indigenous wildlife and live the unforgettable experience of snorkeling in underground rivers.

The Riviera Maya is the most requested repeat destination of Mexico! 
"Probably the most favorite and most asked for Mexico destination is Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Experience great powder white sand beaches and discover the ancient Mayan culture. Lounge on the beach during the day and enjoy the romantic Mexican nightlife at one of the many diverse restaurants, bars and dance lounges.  There is something for everyone in the family to see and do here and it is hard to find those beautiful aqua beaches anywhere else!"

 

Acapulco was one of the first destinations in Mexico that brougth the crowds!

Acapulco

The Port of Acapulco is one Mexico’s most important and famous beach resorts. In the 60’s and 70’s, Acapulco became the Mecca of Mexican and Hollywood jet setters. Among the port city’s many enticing qualities are its beautiful bay; the calm waters of its beaches; the amenities offered by its well established hotel industry, which in recent years has undergone a major revamping, especially in the Punta Diamante neighborhood; and finally, the city’s unbeatable nightlife, which offers one of the hottest playgrounds among Mexican vacation destinations.

For those who have never visited Acapulco, we recommend that you visit la Isla de la Roqueta (Roqueta Island), an ideal island setting where you can either relax or enjoy some scuba diving. You’ll also want to check out the infamous La Quebrada, where fearless cliff divers plunge into the ocean below. If you’re looking for a little excitement of your own, Acapulco offers bungee jumping and parasailing, where from high above you can admire the stunning panoramic views of the bay, the hotel zone and the surrounding mountains, in their utmost splendor.

 "Acapulco is an old favorite and might have been a first experience to Mexico.   Acapulco used to be #1 years ago (in the 50's with Elvis doing the cliff diving) and is fast trying to gain those numbers again with all their updates and new builds."

 

Ixtapa is a quieter area of Mexico and we do have direct flights here during high season!

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is nestled between the West Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This destination consists of the picturesque town of Zihuatanejo, which has a traditional rural feel, and Ixtapa, a modern tourist resort with quality hotels and a marina with more than 600 slips.

In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo you can enjoy gorgeous beaches like La Ropa and Playa Linda, which have small waves, making them ideal places for windsurfers and families. Nearby, you can go scuba diving along coral reefs. At this destination you also can go fishing for sailfish, which is fairly abundant in these waters. In fact, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo hosts the Zihuatanejo Annual International Sailfish Tournament in May.

"Ixtapa is a small fishing village town and has a certain charm that people really love," says Zielke.  "Ixtapa has their own draw of repeat clients but definitely not large enough or new enough to be the best choice for everyone." 

Los Cabos is so fun and exciting with all the new resorts here!

Los Cabos

The Travel Planners from First Choice Travel and Cruise have been here many times.

Los Cabos (The Capes) is one of Mexico’s most exclusive destinations. Los Cabos unites the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California). UNESCO declared 244 islands and protected areas of the Sea of Cortez a World Heritage Site. During the winter in Los Cabos you can admire one of the most beautiful natural phenomena to occur on Mexico’s coasts: the courtship, mating and birth process of the gray whale. During peak summer months, Magdalena Bay is perfect for scuba diving, kayaking and sport fishing. El Arco, a rocky arch formation is considered a landmark of this destination.

A 22-mile highway, called the Corredor Turistico, stretches from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas. Along the highway, you’ll find world-class hotels with top-notch restaurants, which have been known to lure a fair share of Hollywood celebrities. For the most discriminating traveler, Los Cabos offers an unforgettable experience thanks to its championship golf courses, excellent sport fishing and gorgeous beaches offering high-end services.

Cabo is well known for the views, crashing waves, great weather and now all sorts of new resorts have popped up overnight! Lets go!"If Cabo San Lucas is good enough for Brad Pitt, it is good enough for our clients too," says Gayle. "Cabo is always an upscale winner for those interested in newer locations that are not huge tourist destinations...yet!  Cabo's desert beaches, great golf and shopping has so much to offer along with the big plus of enjoying only 5 days of rain a year!!  We all love those sunny days when we are on vacation, don't we?"  Check out these CABO ADVENTURES BY FIRST CHOICE TRAVEL AND CRUISE!

 

 

Puerto Vallarta where the whale watching here is amazing.  Up close and personal!

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta lies along Banderas Bay, the second largest bay in the Western Hemisphere. Of its many attractions we recommend Playa Mismaloya, which gained fame after director John Huston filmed "The Night of the Iguana" (starring Ava Gardner and Richard Burton) there in 1963. This beach is a popular celebrity hangout. The impressive rock formations of Los Arcos emerge from the bay's clear waters, which are great for diving and discovering incredible underwater mountains and steeps. The city hall has murals painted by Manuel Lepe, and the Malecon (sea wall) is adorned with romantic bronze sculptures. The city, known for its top-notch services, also has golf courses, spas and a marina.

In Puerto Vallarta you can enjoy the services of the Boutique and Great Tourist hotels too, while indulging at the various restaurants that place Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s top resort gourmet destination. You can also watch cruise ships roll in as you take in an incredible sunset. Sport fishing is just one of many activities you can do during your stay in Puerto Vallarta. Each year, during the month of November, the International Sailfish Fishing Tournament takes place. Because of that and so much more, Vallarta is the ideal place for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.

"Experience Puerto Vallarta for that great mix of old time Mexico, the excitement of the city downtown along with the newer resort areas".  "I love the whale watching here almost better than anywhere else.  You are allowed to get up close and personal, I mean reallly close and it is almost guaranteed you will see some great whales in season", says Gayle Zielke, president of First Choice Travel and Cruise. 

Puerto Vallarta is where you want to be when the whales are in season! Not to be missed!"Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta and the new Riviera Nayarit will definately be a close 2nd, suggests Zielke a Mexico Specialist".  "Beyond the cobblestone streets, deluxe and luxury brand new hotels, over 250 restaurants, an exciting nightlife... Puerto Vallarta also offers a wealth of natural beauty with all the great jungle flora and fauna. One of my favorite Mexican destinations because it also has enough shops and galleries to keep all the SHOPPERS like myself busy!!"   We were just in Puerto Vallarta and visited many new hotels and some old favorites who updated their resorts!

 

Riviera Nayarit is the newest hot spot in Puerto Vallarta!

Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit is located 10 minutes north from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport. This Pacific coast destination, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, tropical jungle areas and the Sierra Madre mountains, has developed into an important tourist resort over a relatively short period of time. It offers top-notch hotels, luxurious boats docked at the Riviera Nayarit Marina, excellent spas and world-class golf courses.

In Riviera Nayarit you will find beautiful beaches and hidden coves where diverse plant and animal species coexist. While enjoying the magnificent scenery, you can do various aquatic activities, including surfing, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing. If you’re looking to do recreational activities on land, you can go on an ecotourism outing, do an adventure tour, or go mountain biking. Other outdoor activities you can enjoy here include horseback riding, whale-watching, cultural events and boat rides.

Huatulco

"Huatulco is a fun and affordable spot in Mexico and again it is not a real touristy destination, said Gayle.  "Huatulco is updating some of their hotels now... so that means if one is doing it... they all better get going to keep up with the neighbors!"  Lots of new hotels here to experience.


First Choice Travel and Cruise Mexico Specialists visit and tell about their favorite Mexico things to see and do!

A number of our agents from First Choice Travel and Cruise returned from an educational tour of Cancun and the Riviera Maya again.  There have been so many changes even since we were there a couple of months ago that is a bit hard to keep up.  Cancun has done a total rebuild with so many new luxury and affordable resorts that I know we can really sell it again.  A few years back it was too busy and so commercial (quotes from past clients) that we send everyone to the Riviera Maya and Tulum area every year.  Now there are so many new great choices back in Cancun, it will be a hard decision for everyone to make.

Everyone wishes they knew more Spanish when you arrive in Mexico. Vacationing in any part of Mexico is a great way to get the kids study their Spanish a lot more.   With all the eco parks and Mayan influence Cancun and the Riviera Maya has so many educational and fun activities to offer the whole family.

Activities:
 Swim with the Dolphins, explore an undewater cave, snorkel with the stingrays, climb a mayan ruin!

In Puerto Vallarta there is the ZIP LINE, jungle tours and whale watching excursions just to name a few.  Chichen Itza, Xcaret, Tulum, Xelha, ATV, horseback riding and jungle tours along with romantic dinner cruises are some of the most popular tours we sell all year round
in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Cozumel.

This will save you so much of your valuable vacation time if we pre-book these tours for you.  No more standing in line!

A private candle light dinner on the beach is very romantic!

A First Choice Travel and Cruise Mexico Specialist has this to say about Mexico: "I think Mexico is a year round visitor destination, with many diverse areas to visit that will fit almost  everyone's requirements.  Mexico offers so many options such as: beaches and resorts, native culture and archaeology, colonial era history and architecture, natural scenery, ecological treasures, and adventure travel." 

 "Los Cabos or Cabo San Lucas for the golfers or cross the peninsula and watch the gray whales, walking the quaint boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta or having dinner at Pepe's,  maybe staying in Acapulco and watching the cliff divers is the vacation you are after on the coast."

"The Yucatan Peninsula is always a favorite with travelers. This area offers, golf, beautiful white sandy beaches, jungles, Mayan ruins, eco parks and of course the wonderful Caribbean Ocean. The all inclusive properties offer everything anyone could ask for. You have the option of staying in Cancun, or Cozumel, or maybe further down the Mayan Rivera and snorkeling around the wonderful reef between the main land and Cozumel. Where ever you decide to go, let us help you find the perfect Mexican vacation for you,"!

Ask our FCTC Mexico Specialists and lovers of Mexico. "They say that paradise is a state of mind,  When all of the ingredients are of the highest quality, It can also be a place.  Mexico has that for me!!!!  

Passport Validity. The maximum period of time that a visitor may stay in Mexico without a formal visa is six months. Therefore your passport, regardless of country of origin, should be valid for a minimum period of six months, however long you intend to stay to avoid any potential problems at the port of entry.

Want more information on getting married and WEDDINGS IN MEXICO!

Enjoy some great comments and pics from our Mexico guests: Trips to Mexico