Smaller centers have folk festivals, stage plays, fiestas, flea markets, street musicians, etc. The coastal areas offer marvelous fishing, diving, snorkeling, and beach activities. The highlands offer hiking and the exploring of ancient ruins and colonial buildings. Litter can be a problem in some areas of Mexico. Even if there was a will to clean it up, tax dollars are probably not available for it.
Shopping is varied and generally inexpensive.
The large centers have modern shopping malls, and every settlement has many street vendors offering a wide variety of hand crafts and food. Here is some cost of living data provided by the American-Canadian Club of Guadalajara. These prices apply there, but may be applicable in most other areas of Mexico as well. All prices are in U.S. dollars and the prices were gathered in January 1996. Prices are per pound unless otherwise stated.