Mexico Attractions: Visit Valle de Bravo

Just 90 miles west of México City lies Valle de Bravo. Perched on a hilltop, in a beautiful pine forest away from the smog and traffic of México City. Less than two hours away, Valle is one of the favorite places for city residents to spend weekends and holidays and for tourists to visit. This old colonial Mexican town sits hillside and overlooks the pleasant Lake Avándaro.

The lake is a perfect place for sailing, water skiing, fishing and other water sports. It is an artificial lake which makes it smooth and peaceful. Boats can be rented in the small marina, near the dock. The Municipal Boardwalk and Dock, located on the lake, is a great place to walk around as there are restaurants and displays by local artists.

For those looking to go hiking, mountain biking, camping or just exploring, Valle de Bravo has it all. The hills of the area make Valle de Bravo a great place for the adventurous. It is also possible to rent bicycle, horses and excursion boats to explore town and the outlying Mexican terrain.

Valle de Bravo lies near the Piedra Herrada Sanctuary, which is the wintering grounds for the Monarch butterfly. Millions of Monarch butterflies flock to the area from December to March. January is the best time to see them all, but butterflies can be seen in the wild all winter long.

The lake and nearby hills create the perfect place to paraglide in Mexico. You begin on a peak high in the mountains, sweep down through the valleys and land along the gorgeous lake. Several local companies are near by that give lessons and also rent equipment. In fact, Valle de Bravo is so popular for paragliding and hangliding that the 11th FAI World Paragliding Championship was held there in February 2009!

For more about Mexico, visit All About Mexico!

By: Cara Gourley

Mexico Attractions: La Quebrada Cliff Divers in Acapulco

One of the most famous attractions in Acapulco is watching divers jump off the cliffs of La Quebrada. For $3.50, you'll watch cliff divers take 130-foot swam divers from the cliffs into a small gorge.

Performances usually last about 30 minutes. The first dives begin around 1pm and they go until after dark, when you'll see the divers take the plunge clutching torches! After the performances, you can take pictures with the divers. Make sure to tip them well.

Also, you can watch the divers from a local restaurant (La Perla) or rent a boat where you can watch from the water.

For more attractions and activities in Acapulco, visit All About Acapulco.