Moon Handbooks: Guadalajara by Bruce Whipperman

Cogan’s Reviews I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guidebook specifically on Guadalajara and the surrounding area. There are plenty of such books on the Lake Chapala region, serving the many tourists, retirees and ex-pats who find their way down here. But I just don’t recall seeing a specific English text on Mexico’s second largest […]

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Mexicasa: The Enchanting Inns and Haciendas of Mexico by Gina Hyams and Melba Levick

Cogan’s Reviews I’ve been heard a couple of times lately saying out loud: “What an absolutely amazing country this is!” We were in Patzcuaro a short time ago one Sunday morning when the town’s market was in full swing. An incredible variety of goods were on display. And with all that colorful activity around us, […]

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Villas Buenaventura features cottages and guestrooms around geothermal mineral springs at San Juan Cosala on the shores of Lake Chapala. In spring, jacaranda blossoms bring clouds of lilac color to the gardens.

Ajijic-Lake Chapala accommodations, hotels, restaurants, services

Although Lake Chapala’s north shore is quaint and beautiful, services are world class. From cozy B&Bs to gracious hotels and bungalows, the traveler will find the perfect place to feel at home in either Chapala, Ajijic or Jocotepec. Some inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels are like private homes in garden settings behind the walls, […]

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Where to stay in Santa Clara del Cobre and Erongaricuaro

We weren’t sure what to expect as we wheeled into Hacienda Mariposa’s entrance, greeted by German Shepherds. Of course, we’d visited the website, https://www.haciendamariposas.com, but we knew how deceptive some sites can be. Rounding the bend past the nursery, the property came into full view, and sure enough, the website was deceptively understated. What lay before […]

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The garden and Casa Principal of Hacienda del Cortes.

Relive the romance of colonial Mexico at a hacienda hotel

Staying at a Mexican hacienda hotel is like being transported back in time. The casa principal or main house usually stands before an elegant garden ablaze with purple bougainvillea and red flamboyant. The perfume of orchids fills the air. At some haciendas a massive brick aqueduct arches above and through its arches flows a cerulean blue swimming […]

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