Essence of Art & Heritage Worth Leaving the Pool For
Art and culture aren't confined to museums in Mexico, they're woven into every part of everyday life. Whether it's hand-painted tile and colorfully embroidered clothing; vibrant street murals; market stalls full of handmade pottery; or the bold hues used on doorways, each community expresses its own story and identity through art.
You don't have to dedicate an entire day to culture either. It doesn't take long to make an impact during your vacation. A couple hours here or there (be it early afternoon, at noon, or after a morning on the beach) can greatly enhance both the visual aspects and the depth of your vacation without altering your plans.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas provides TAFER Members guests with some of the most breathtaking ocean views in Mexico. But the local art scene also provides new reasons for members to keep coming back.
With galleries, artist markets, and shopping centers conveniently located in the same neighborhoods, members can spend a couple of relaxing hours at one spot. Many of our guests like to find a memento of their vacation (handmade textiles, a small piece of pottery, etc.) or a unique piece of artwork. Cooler earlier hours allow for walking around, asking questions, and enjoying the experience at a leisurely pace.
Puerto Vallarta
In Puerto Vallarta, artistic expression seems to be everywhere and is felt throughout the town.
It is very easy for TAFER Residence Club Members to incorporate art into their day by just taking a casual stroll down the main streets of the town and stopping anytime something catches their eye. Many strolls will lead you to a quaint café or restaurant where you can enjoy a relaxing meal.
Many times, handcrafted items come with the story behind them told by the artisans who made the pieces. Some of these stories might tell about the materials used, the inspirations behind the piece, or the cultural significance. When a guest purchases a piece with a story behind it, the item becomes a much more personalized and memorable souvenir.
Cancún
Cancún is generally only known for its beaches and resorts, but Cancún has a lot more to offer.
A single short excursion of about 1-2 hours will fit nicely into your itinerary and will give TAFER Residence Club Members a chance to see a bit of the city's culture. It is helpful to keep things simple. A cultural outing and then a swim followed by a nice dinner can create a great balance for the rest of the evening.
Traveling with children? Consider adding a fun activity after your cultural outing (such as getting ice cream or spending some time at the pool). This combination creates happy memories for your whole family while still allowing you to introduce some meaningful cultural experiences. 
Adding Culture to Your Day
Another way to discover art and heritage is to plan your cultural experience in your arrangements. After enjoying your morning on the beach, get refreshed at your resort, and then go check out a nearby gallery district or artisan market, and head back to your resort for lunch.
Let one member of the group decide which gallery/neighborhood to visit, so everyone knows what to expect. Also, when you get home, a small item with a story usually carries more value than a large suitcase filled with souvenirs.
Another Dimension Beyond the Resort
The resort time is still the foundation of the vacation , that is why you are here!
The addition of art and heritage to your vacation is just another layer of experience that can add depth and beauty to your vacation. These cultural experiences can provide you with stories that will last longer than your tan.
Consider selecting one afternoon and one cultural experience. Let Mexico show you a little more of itself. The pool will still be waiting for you when you return, and I am sure your vacation will seem even richer because of it.