Forums > Areas > Southern Mexico

Hound Dog

May 21, 2010, 8:36 PM

Post #1 of 15 (7211 views)

Shortcut

The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

Does anyone on this service read the southern Mexico forum?

If so, this is for you:

The drive between Tonalá and Tapachula is magificent along Highway 200 which, in that region is all a four lane, non-toll autopista with virtually no traffic which traverses the coast from near the border with Oaxaca State to the border with Guatemala. A fine, if old fashioned, highway easily navigated over rolling hills against a backdrop of splendid mountains on the east and deserted beaches on the west. A fine and deserted place characterized by poor fishing villages and poorly accessable rain forests. The Soconusco Coast may be the nicest and most deserted part of Mexico. Thousands of kilometers of undiscovered wide beaches and coves inhabited by local fishermen. What an experience.

(This post was edited by Hound Dog on May 21, 2010, 8:39 PM)

Anonimo

May 22, 2010, 4:33 AM

Post #2 of 15 (7184 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Hound Dog] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

Quote

Does anyone on this service read the southern Mexico forum?

Yes. I read about places in Mexico other than where I live. I enjoy this sort of colorful, informational topic.

Keep 'em coming!

Saludos,
Anonimo

Hound Dog

May 22, 2010, 8:58 AM

Post #3 of 15 (7149 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Anonimo] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

Yes. I read about places in Mexico other than where I live. I enjoy this sort of colorful, informational topic.

Keep 'em coming!

I am not surprised to hear from you Anonimo as your posts and residence near Pátzcuaro indicate an adventurous spirit so here goes:

The drive from Tapachula to Arriaga near the Oaxaca state border is about a three hour drive (east to west, not south to north) if taken as a goal over a fine road and the drive over Highway 200 is scenic, rolling cattle ranch territory but in order to really experience this splendid country, time and effort are required. One is treated to the sight of the high and abrupt Sierra de Chiapas on the inland side and, although the sea cannot be observed from Highway 200, the entirely rural and poor but beautiful Pacific Coast with many lagoons on the other side a visit to which requires the tourist to detour to the largely uninhabited coast at strategic locations. This takes time and effort but the rewards are many.

The Sierra in this area has two major biosphere reserves which are not easily accessed from Highway 200. The most famous is the Reserva de la Biosfera El Triunfo which is, in places, a rainforest high in the Sierra and the other is the Reserva de la Biosfera La Sepultura through which one traverses on the new Arriaga-Tuxtla Gutierrez Autopista which may not be on the reader´s map since it is relatively new.

What I have not mentioned here but have referred to in previous posts is that near Tapachula and along the border with Guatemala is the Tacaná Volcano and also the Ruta del Cafe and that is gorgeous contryside well worth a visit.

More later.

(This post was edited by Hound Dog on May 22, 2010, 11:27 AM)

YucaLandia

May 22, 2010, 9:58 AM

Post #4 of 15 (7139 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Hound Dog] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

Keep it coming, we "Southerners" are hospitable folk who like to hear about our neighbors.

I guess we are part of this "Southern" forum area, though I wonder why Merida is called part of the South by Mexconnect when it is much north of Morelia and Mexico City, and roughly as far north as Guadalajara & Lake Chapala.
-
Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

Hound Dog

May 22, 2010, 11:23 AM

Post #5 of 15 (7126 views)

Shortcut

Re: [YucaLandia] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

I guess we are part of this "Southern" forum area, though I wonder why Merida is called part of the South by Mexconnect when it is much north of Morelia and Mexico City, and roughly as far north as Guadalajara & Lake Chapala.
Read-on MacDuff

As Dawg has pointed out in the past but thank you for the reminder Yucalandia. As the retard Dawg sees it, Merida is located somewhere between Guadalajara and Leon on a north/south axis. Had I known it was that far north when I lived in Mobile, I might have tried to have swum the gulf to Progreso in those days but now there is too much crude oil in the way. I guess the thing is one must drive almost to Villahermosa to pick up the road to the peninsula. When I turn off of the autopista from Veracruz to head for Tuxtla Gutierrez, there is a sign that says CANCUN 1100 Kilometers (northeast). To put the distance between Minatitlan, Veracruz near where one exits for the Tuxtla Gutierrez autopista and there is a sign reading 1100 Kilometers to Cancun, bear in mind that the driving distance between Lake Chapala in Jalisco and San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas is 1500 Kilometers.

I don´t know if you got my private message that I sent you in response to your private message to me but I thought the subject of the food of the Yucatan Peninsula which you brought up in that message might be a fun thing to talk about on the public forum. I´ll start that when my energy level permits actual work.

(This post was edited by Hound Dog on May 22, 2010, 12:26 PM)

mensamia

Jun 15, 2010, 8:21 AM

Post #6 of 15 (6816 views)

Shortcut

Re: [YucaLandia] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

I would guess, probably because it seems more south. Most people relate more to feelings than facts. Residue of the reptilian brain.

mensamia

Jun 15, 2010, 8:27 AM

Post #7 of 15 (6815 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mensamia] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

to be clear, my response was to Yucalandia.

Peter

Jun 15, 2010, 9:51 AM

Post #8 of 15 (6799 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mensamia] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

I would guess, probably because it seems more south. Most people relate more to feelings than facts. Residue of the reptilian brain.

I guess it's also because you have to go south to get there, go south before you can go north on the peninsula. Another reason is that MexConnect only offers that regional label for the area.

To be more accurate perhaps they ought to consider having a Yucatan Peninsula region. The climate, culture, and cuisine (the three "C's") are different than Chiapas, for example.

mensamia

Jun 15, 2010, 10:11 AM

Post #9 of 15 (6790 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Peter] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

totally agree. Perhaps there is a concern that Chiapas would not get any attention?

Peter

Jun 15, 2010, 10:32 AM

Post #10 of 15 (6784 views)

Shortcut

Re: [mensamia] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

With the Dawg living there, though, I think that would be of little concern.

I think Dawg has been a little scarce lately, perhaps too heavy-handed mods cutting his contributions. If the site is up for adding any new forums I would also suggest they consider a Mesa para Desayuno for more open discussions. It might not only make the other forum areas "cleaner" but provide and area for those that consider MexConnect as much a home as many of us now consider Mexico.

The breakfast table is a better place for many of our conversations and I think an openness to those discussions is a real plus for those who are seeking more than just a hotel recommendation but want to know what us ex-pats and frequent visitors to Mexico are thinking.

(This post was edited by Peter on Jun 15, 2010, 11:00 AM)

Hound Dog

Jun 15, 2010, 11:27 AM

Post #11 of 15 (6763 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Peter] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

I think Dawg has been a little scarce lately, perhaps too heavy-handed mods cutting his contributions.

Well discerned Peter. One of the great and unalterable crimes I have witnessed in my life is the destruction of the precious Gulf of Mexico for filthy lucre by the unconscionable acts of the corporate criminals running British Petroleum in concert with incompetent regulators but my posts on that subject have been treated with contempt and unexplainably deleted by the moderators hereabouts. As a native of the Alabama coast, this crime touches my heart. I have to think about this.

I can imagine the same environmental degradation on the Soconusco coast with its great natural beauty and impoverished fishermen and marginal farmers and no public outcry because of its isolation and I am sick to my stomach.

(This post was edited by Hound Dog on Jun 15, 2010, 11:41 AM)

brecky

Jun 16, 2010, 9:55 AM

Post #12 of 15 (6707 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Peter] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

Peter - I agree with you re a new "open' forum in addition to a 'news' forum. The rules are more relaxed with an open forum where people can discuss their views & opinions.

My travel photography home page:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/brecky/index.html

Peter

Jun 16, 2010, 10:39 AM

Post #13 of 15 (6704 views)

Shortcut

Re: [brecky] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hello Brecky. The WebJefe hisself nixed the idea but perhaps someday they will come around. The advantage to having such would be that it would keep the other forii less congested with off-topic chatter and that they could keep a Breakfast Table forum limited to members only if they would find that more desireable, at least the general public would not stumble across the babble if they came here seeking more mundane information.

As it is we are blessed with more leverage to go deeper into our thoughts and feelings on less pertinent topics giving this board much more depth than one would find on at other sites about Mexico. After all, Mexico is much more than just a tourist destination it is a way of life and state of mind as well. It is also the number one destination for retirees and ex-pats of all ilks in the western world, people considering moving here want the hear about our perceptions and activities may not be entirely Mexico-centric but is part of our daily lives as residents and frequent visitors of this country.

It is a given that internet discussion boards will have a lot of useless chatter but we are fairly well behaved at this site, moreso than most any other that is not moderated by a team of drill sergeants. Still, May Day was a bloody affair here on MC as posts were deleted, censored, and warnings given. That would indicate more control and order is still being sought. I had a post deleted the other day that was neither rude, offensive, or entirely off-topic. I'm just seeking a middle-ground that would please everyone, if that is at all possible.

I appreciate hearing your comment on the matter. I will see you soon. -Peter

brecky

Jun 16, 2010, 10:54 AM

Post #14 of 15 (6698 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Peter] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hola Peter - thanks for your reply. As a frequent traveler, I am always looking for internet forums for my destinations where I can ask questions & get informed replies & comments & opinions. It's especially nice to find a forum with a lot of expats that you get to 'know' before you arrive & who give you their opinions & advice, even if it's a private message. Sometimes they are Yahoo groups or the such. The problem with new groups is finding ppl willing to moderate, which is a thankless job at times. I have not been able to find one for Morelia yet. If you or anyone else knows of one, please let me know. Meanwhile, I don't mind this forum ;o)

My travel photography home page:
http://www.worldisround.com/home/brecky/index.html

Peter

Jun 16, 2010, 11:10 AM

Post #15 of 15 (6692 views)

Shortcut

Re: [brecky] The Soconusco Coast

Can't Post | Private Reply

There is a board that is centered on Pátzcuaro and Morelia. They are more for mundane information and it seems thoughts, feelings, and opinions are not terribly welcome. That is why we like Mexconnect.

I don't know their contact info but you should make an inquiry on Central Highlands region. Someone will tell you about them.