About Fernando Betanzos y M.. Expertise I can answer(almost) any Mexico related travel question:
How to get here, what to do, where to stay at best rates, where to eat; how to travel within Mexico; what to see, what to buy, as well as "do`s and don`t`s". Same applies to Guatemala. Have also travelled extensively throughout the world.
Experience Have lived all my life in and travelled throughout Mexico and Guatemala since 1953 as a tourist guide first and then as an incoming tour operator.
Organizations Founder President of MEXICAN INCOMING TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION. International Timone de Oro (Golden Helm)
Publications Turistampa, Mexico City (fortnightly 1998/99) Dimension Turistica (Monthly)1999-to date), Mexico City. These are the most important Mexican Travel Trade publications. Colaborations to many other publications in Mexico and abroad.
Education/Credentials Mexican Secretary of Tourism: Official, bilingual guide credential No.1112, issued in 1954. High School Diploma: St. Stanislaus College Prep - Bay St.Louis, MS
Awards and Honors Mexican National Tourist Council - Tourism Merit Diploma Mexican Secretary of Tourism -- Tourism Merit Silver Medal and Diploma. State of Guerrero and "Novedades" newspaper: Silver Aquarius. Mexico City Tourist Office: Coyolxauhtli Award.
I am 26 years old. I will be staying in several locations outside of the cities-- one of which will be San Geronimo outside of Salamanca. Due to exactly what you said about Leon, I will probably only rest one night there and head on to Salamanca. I would like to spend time in San Miguel and Guanajuato before leaving Mexico. I plan to fly into Mexico via Atlanta (because it seems to be the cheapest option) on July 6th. (I found tickets for $385 from aeromexico, is that a good deal?) I will be returning to NC on or around July 26th. I have no set itinerary for my time there. I did locate several hostels in the city of Guanajuato that seem okay. The one mentioned most is La Casa de las Brujas which costs somewhere between $9 and $12/night. My primary concern is safety, however, I would ideally like to stay at or know of some place (like a youth or tourist/traveling center) where I might meet up with other people that would be interested in the night life. (I love salsa dancing!) I am not afraid to go to a disco solo, but would feel much better venturing out with others. THanks so much! Emily
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Followup To
Question -
Fernando,
I am an ESL (English as a second language) teacher in North Carolina and will be traveling to the state of Guanajuato this July. For a portion of my visit I will be residing with the families of my students in the countryside. However, I don't want to rely on those families for all of my travel and would like to spend some time in the cities of Guanajuato and Leon. My spanish is only mediocre. I am very comfortable using Spanish but I am not great at it. (Improving my spanish is, of course, one of my travel goals.) Since I am an American female traveling alone, I would like to know of some safe places (preferably hostel types) that I can stay in in Leon and Guanajuato. I would also like some heads up about the public transportation and any seedy parts of the cities. Also, if you know of any cheap airfare-- I am planning to fly into Leon-- let me know. I really appreciate your help. Thanks! Emily Coolbeth
Answer -
Buenos dias, Ms. Coolbert,
I am happy to hear you will be spending some time in Mexico. Guanajuato is a wonderful area where people are warm-hearted and with a great sense of hospitality. You do not tell me where you will be staying, so I do not know how far you will be from Guanajuato or Leon, nor what bus route to take.
Guanajuato is a beautiful colonial, historical city, while Leon is a modern bustling industrial center. Not much for a tourist to see in Leon.
You do not tell me your age (approximate?). Advise differs, you know?
Hostels are not abundant in Mexico. You will have to do with a 2 (hopefully 3-star hotel) Give me your dates of travel and I will try to get you something nice, clean and not expensive.
The only airline flying from North Carolina to Leon (via Houston) is Continental. I am afraid you will not have much of a choice concerning fares. Your best bet is to book ahead.
Cordially,
FERNANDO BETANZOS
Answer Dear Emily,
I can see you like adventure. In Mexico, going to a disco "solo" is a no-no. Plus..., remember, Mexican boys are just like the American boys and have only one thing in their mind whe they see a solo girl.
The Aeromexico airfare you indicate seems OK, but only if it includes the flight from Mexico City to Leon and return as well. A bus ride from Mexico City to Leon is a good four hours!
I am sorry but I do not have experience with hostels in Guanajuato. I suggest you visit the government tourist office at
Web: www.guanajuato.gob.mx/turismo/
E-mail: turismo@guanajuato.gob.mx
Tel: (473) 732-1574
Fax: (473) 732-4251
