Guanajuato to Acapulco

The colonial mountain city of Guanajuato greeted us with its entire splendor, as the pastel homes squeezed together forming narrow cobblestone paths leading to lush plazas, colorful markets, breathtaking architecture, and hidden monuments. The streets bustled with pedestrian traffic and laughter as cars weaved in and out of the hidden tunnels below the magical city. Later that day we met two lovely art students that showed us around and explained the rich history of this enchanted place. After roaming the streets and being dazzled by the many hidden secrets within Guanajuato we dropped south and climbed with the green mountains to reach the monarch reserve. Hiking up to 3,000m had us winded but in high spirits as thousands of monarch butterflies fluttered around us awakening to the afternoon sun. The mariposas carried us along our way and we roared down the curvy roads to Ixtapan de la Sal to visit my good friend Jonatan. Time stood still yet again as we passed half a week with the Perez family, ate home cooked meals, bathed in hot springs, celebrated carnival, prepared asados, tuned the car, and enjoyed the amazing hospitality of such a friendly family. Waving goodbye to our wonderful hosts we headed south to explore the giant caves of Cacahuamilpa where 82m high chambers opened up to a show of stalagmites and stalactites as shadows danced along the cavern walls creating dream like images.

Leaving the impressive caves we headed to Taxco where the mountainous road shot us right into the middle of the Mexican silver capital. Compact whitewash houses huddled together among the hillside as VW beetles raced along the narrow streets. The silver market was alive with visitors admiring the beautiful plata works and roaming up and down the steep side roads. It was easy to get turned around in Taxco but one could always rely on the immaculate Cathedral as a guide. After wondering around Taxco for a couple days we stepped out of the colonial world and headed to the busy Acapulco for beach time and airport runs. We found an out of the way hotel near the cliff divers that allowed us to rest, explore the “buildering” opportunities of the city and bid a proper farewell to our dear Anthony. 3,500 miles and 35 days later we dropped off Anthony at the airport and wished him luck in Morocco. It was sad to see Anthony go and he shall be missed, yet the journey continues as a new chapter begins with arrivals from our dear Heather for a quick visit on the coast and our new traveling amigo Abe.

Off to the state of Oaxaca we go, where the waves of Puerto Escondido, ancient ruins, climbing and kayaking await. Epa!!