1

Alright, reading older posts, I think you guys need more specifics in order to help. I think I would like to keep the budget low, but do not have to necessarily miss if there is anything absolutely fun that I need to do. In general, flexible with places to stay and transportation. Prefer spending time at the beach (maybe surfing or scuba diving) or in the woods (hiking, ziplining, etc) or other natural or historical attractions. In the limited time that I have, I probably cannot see more than 3-4 places.

2

Cancun-PDC area is for Aquatic nature lovers. Land animals, if spotted, are soon in a frying pan.

I like the PDC area but I would never call it a place for a nature lover.

There are lots of Mayan ruins to visit where you might see some wildlife. In Fact, A Canadian Wildlife photographer told me that he sometimes hides at Tulum ruins and just before evening the ruins get over run with monkeys that magically appear from the low woods.

3

OK, so you are a budget traveller with two weeks and with interests in outdoor activities and historical sights.

First of all, a good guidebook will help you focus your itinerary, estimate costs, and locate sights. Lonely Planet is a good overall one - you should red it.

But in general:

-Getting there: Probably flying is your best option - look for air fare deals from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

-Travelling in Mexico: Mexico has one of the best bus systems in the world - ou cn get from anywhere to anywhere on it. It's safe, efficient and affordable.

-From your guidebook research, you will see a number of budget hotel and some hostel options. Remember, there are always more budget hotels than liisted in any guidebook. I usually book a place for the first night leaving me the option of finding something better once there.

-If "historical attractions" includes ancient ruins, then Cancun is the better choice. The Mayan culture existed in the states of Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Campeche (collectively, the Yucatan Peninsula). Outside of Puerto Vallarta there are a number of Spanish colonial cities to visit including the centro historico of Guadalajara.

4

If you end up booking the last week in March, that is Semana Santa this year and beach areas are very crowded, need reservations.

5

I never considered Cacnun or PV as anything to do with nature.

6

Could the OP travel up from PV to San Sebastían and Mascota? Ought to be some nature there.

7

#5, Yeah, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are mega-tourist resorts of concrete and manicured sand. But outside of these areas there are some relatively peaceful nature sights to see. For example, from Cancun we took a day trip to Isla Contoy, a barrier island preserved as a nature reserve. Frigate birds, over-size iguanas, manta rays - for anyone wanting to escape the polished touristy glitz of Cancun I'd recommend it.

8

see you on the road backpacking keep in touch sgmexx@yahoo.com.mx