MEXICO - TRAVEL GUIDES
"Sure I remember the name.  Zihuatanejo.  A name like that is just to pretty to forget.  I find I am excited, so excited I can hardly hold the pencil in my trembling hand.  I think it is the excitement that only a free man can feel, a free man starting a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain.  I hope Andy is down there.  Ihope I can make it across the border.  I hope to see my friend and shake his hand.  I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams.  I hope."
- Stephen King, "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption"

TRAVELING TO MEXICO

Many Americans travel to Mexico simply for sun and sand, but there is a lot more to experience..  Discover great food, some amazing ruins with pyramids and temples, and a number of great festivals and fiestas.  Enjoy whale watching, sport fishing, scuba diving, or snorkeling, or just relax with a nice fruity drink.  Here are some recommendations on the best travel books for Mexico.

A5 RECOMMENDATIONS

Lonely Planet: Mexico

Our recommendation on the one comprehensive travel guide that best covers all of Mexico is Lonely Planet.  This book is helpful both for those taking a quick vacation and for the experienced traveler who really wants to understand the culture and find local highlights typically missed by most tourists.  The "Plan Your Trip" section is worthwhile, and like with most Lonely Planet guides, the maps can be trusted.  Those staying in just one area may want to instead purchase a book that just focuses on that specific location.

Mexico:  The Cookbook

One of the many reasons to travel to Mexico is to experience the food, and one of the best books about the food is Mexico: The Cookbook.  Written by Margarillo Carillo Arronte, this tribute to authentic Mexican cuisine showcases over 650 recipes and the ingredients, flavors, history and passion that will inspire any lover of food.   The book is comprehensive, covering all types of food and all regions of the country, with contributions from some of the most famous chefs in Mexico.

Mexico City:  An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler

Mexico City is one of the largest cities in the world and a substantial challenge for most visitors, so an in-depth travel guide will help.  The best choice by far is this book.  Jim Johnston is a long time resident who has created a fantastic guide, with excellent advice on where to stay and what to do.  The suggestions on walking tours are especially good, and visitors will enjoy the recommendations on food, both for those looking for fine Mexican cuisine or for authentic market foods.

The Log from the Sea of Cortez, by John Steinbeck

In 1940, the already famous American writer John Steinbeck set off a marine biology expedition with his friend to the Gulf of California, the long strip of sea separating the Baja peninsula from the Mexican mainland.  His log of the journey provides some helpful information on the flora and fauna of the region, but the book is more interesting as a travelogue and as a window into Steinbeck himself.  Click here for our review of The Log from the Sea of Cortez.