Mexico Package Holidays

Mexico City – the Ideal Destination?

2011-02-09T06:05:00.001-08:00

Mexico offers plenty of diverse locations if you are looking for a good Mexican holiday to take you away from it all. But while Mexico has ancient sites to visit and quieter areas to base your holiday in, would a trip to Mexico City be a good idea too?

Our research indicates that it definitely would. In fact you could spend your entire holiday here and never run out of things to do. Whoever you might be travelling to Mexico City with you’ll be able to find lots of places to go and sights to see to share together. One great place to start is Xochimilco. This is a superb place to go, especially as it consists of a whole range of canals that hark back to an ancient lake in the area. Boat rides along the canals are a popular activity for tourists to take part in.

Chapultepec Castle is another must see location. The castle has undergone many renovations and alterations since it was first built, which really makes it even more worth seeing. It has woods surrounding it as well, so you can enjoy some peaceful exploration while you are there.

Mexico City is also spoilt for zoos. There are four near the area and one is in the city itself. It’s called the Chapultepec Zoo, and it has millions of visitors every single year. It is particularly well known for its history of pandas, and many people come to see them throughout the year.

As you can see Mexico City has a very diverse collection of places you can visit and things you can do. It might be a good idea to explore the city virtually online before you plan a visit there. This should give you the time to jot down some ideas for days out and so on, to get you off on the right foot once you get there.

It would be hard to see everything you wanted to see in Mexico City in one visit, unless you were thinking of staying for a couple of weeks. But you’ll certainly have plenty to do and plenty to remember when you get back home.

Visit La Feria Chapultepec Magico

2011-01-10T07:17:00.001-08:00

Unless your foreign language knowledge is very good, you may well be scratching your head at the above information. How can you visit somewhere when you don’t even know what it is?

Well basically speaking this is a theme park in Mexico City, and it packs in an enormous amount of rides. If you are visiting the city you cannot miss out on the experience of going there, as it has lots to show you and provides a full day out experience as well.

The name of the venue is partly due to the fact that it can be found in Chapultepec Park. This is worth seeing in its own right, so you may want to think about spending some time in the rest of the park as well.

But let’s get back to the excitement of the amusement park first of all. The good news is that it has been carefully designed to cater for everyone in the family. There are rides for the young ones, rides for the older teenagers and plenty for the adults to enjoy as well. If you are heading there with children of various ages you’ll have no worries about how they will enjoy the park. It is undoubtedly going to be one of your most memorable days in Mexico City.

As you would expect of any self respecting theme park, you will find plenty of roller coasters here. One of the most famous of them all is the Cascabel coaster. This is a steel coaster, as is another ride at the park, called the Montana Infinitum. The loops on this one are quite spectacular, and it has previously enjoyed a popular home in two other locations around the world.

But this theme park is not just about the roller coasters. Look out for the fire engine that everyone can get in – but be prepared because it doesn’t go forwards or backwards. Instead it goes round in circles – but not in the way you’d expect!

This is just a brief taster of all the rides you will see in the park. Make sure you arrive early to enjoy as many of them as you can.

Mazunte – Ideal For Lots Of Travellers

2010-12-10T04:18:00.001-08:00

It doesn’t take a lot to realise that for some people, a holiday is just not a holiday unless there is a beach close by. This is particularly the case if you are after a relaxing holiday filled with little more than the need to lie back and relax on a beach towl, surrounded by azure blue sea and gorgeous scenery in every direction.

Mazunte might just be worth a look if you want this kind of holiday from a trip to Mexico. It can be found down in the southern reaches of the country, and it is a small town so you won’t generally feel overwhelmed by the presence of lots of other people while you are there.

The beach is just over half a mile in length, which should give you lots of opportunities to find a spot that is just right for you. There is a cove there as well, not to mention a rocky outcrop that juts onto the beach partway along. It is quite impressive looking, very welcoming and relaxing as a beach area and it feels good too.

But there is more to Mazunte than just the beach, although people do come here largely to enjoy the sands and the sea and the water sports. The place is also famous for its turtles, and if you are lucky you may see evidence of them coming onto the beach to lay their eggs.

There is a good chance of finding out more about the turtles anyway as Mazunte is home to the National Mexican Turtle Centre. This has been in existence for nearly twenty years and it is well worth a visit. Not only will you see some of the turtles here but you can learn more about their habitat and how they live. It is a fascinating place to visit, especially when you consider the turtle trade here saw the slaughter of many of them years ago. It is heartening to know that they are now protected and seen as a vital and vibrant part of this area of Mexico.

Batopilas – The Real Slice of Mexico?

2010-11-10T05:50:00.001-08:00

Most locations in the world have a tourist side and a ‘real’ side. The tourist slice of life is the one experienced by people who come for a traditional holiday and then go back home again. The real side of life is experienced by those who actually live there all the time – and by those who visit with a determination to see a different side of life to the regular tourists.

So we arrive then at Batopilas in Chihuahua, a Mexican state. This is a small location and one that isn’t seen by too many tourists, eager as they are to stick with the familiar and most popular side of Mexico. But there are some two thousand people who call Batopilas home, and its position at the foot of a canyon tells us something about how and why it was first formed.

Batopilas was created by miners who were eager to dig out the silver that was hidden in the area. It can be dated back to the 1630s but nowadays life is very different here. Tourism does have a role to play as some of the locals give the tourists who find them an idea of what life would have been like back then – nearly four centuries ago.

Part of the delight of visiting Batopilas is the act of getting there. Since it lies at the bottom of a canyon (part of the well known Copper Canyon) you can expect a hair raising ride to descend the canyon and find the town itself. Once you are there you will be glad you made the effort because it is truly attractive and you will feel as if you have seen something few other tourists will. Batopilas is not on many tourist itineraries after all, and that makes it a must see for those who are interested in the real history of this part of Mexico.

As with all foreign countries you need to be careful here, but a trip to Batopilas is worth the effort if you want to see something different in Mexico, instead of the usual sights and sounds.

Does Mazatlan Offer You What You Want From A Mexican Holiday?

2010-10-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

If you are only in the early stages of booking a Mexican holiday, you are probably trying to decide where to base yourself for the duration of your stay. Will you hop from place to place and try and see several different cities or locations while you are in Mexico? Or would you rather base yourself in one specific place and visit other locations from there?

Whatever way you decide to go, you might want to find out more about Mazatlan. This city is situated on the western edge of Mexico, giving you easy access to that shoreline and everything that goes on in the area. This is of course the Gold Coast, and it is ideal for every kind of holiday you might have in mind.

There is a lot to do here no matter who you are taking with you. It’s a good place for kids since there is a wonderful beach to explore and play on. Of course if you are visiting Mexico with your partner you will have the joys of wandering along the beach as the sun goes down in the evening to enjoy as well. Perhaps you can follow that up with a meal in a local restaurant too?

Everyone will love the two aquatic parks in Mazatlan, the Mazagua Aquatic Park and the Mazatlan Aquarium as well. There are plenty of activities here as well if you are looking for a sportier kind of holiday. Try hiking around Mazatlan to see more of its sights, and perhaps even take up a game of golf in the club situated right on the coast.

One of the best ways to see Mazatlan is to take a tour. Check out the possibilities both before and after you arrive in the city to see just how good these can be. You will be amazed at the incredible range of opportunities there are to have a sensational time in this Gold Coast location. With the rest of the Gold Coast stretching out on either side, you’re never that far from some great fun elsewhere either.

The Unmissable Acapulco Bay

2010-09-10T03:29:00.001-07:00

Acapulco – it’s probably one of the few places the majority of people can actually name in Mexico. If you go there you will know why it is so well known, because it has an incredible amount to offer to everyone who sees it.

One of the most exciting places to go is Acapulco Bay. Many famous people came here during the Fifties and gave it its place on the tourist map, but since then it has continued to grow and attract a wide range of holidaymakers. Many of them are seeking out one of the most famous and best loved beaches in all of Mexico, and they have certainly made the right choice to come here.

The temperatures here reach the low thirties Celcius all year round too, so you will enjoy a beach holiday here no matter what time of the year you go. You can stay in your choice of very traditional and pleasant Mexican hotels and establishments in the area too. When you arrive it will be very easy to see why Acapulco has remained as one of the most popular resorts in Mexico.

Anyone who loves a good beach holiday will feel at home here. The sands are beautiful and the beach is stunning, offering you plenty of room to stretch out, relax and soak up the sun. Acapulco truly is beautiful in every way, and regardless of whether you want a quiet and relaxing holiday or something a bit livelier, you’ll find it here.

The fishing is good here too so if you like trying to catch a fish or two you’ll be in luck. Water sports are also very popular and regardless of whether you like snorkelling, diving or just swimming in the sea, you will be able to try your luck at all three. Acapulco is known for its wonderful waters and sports so you will enjoy leaving the beach every now and then to dip a toe in the water.

In short you cannot fail to have a good time in Acapulco. It may be one of the most famous spots in Mexico, but it has definitely earned this accolade.

Worthwhile Reasons For Visiting Chiapas

2010-08-12T03:46:00.001-07:00

Chiapas is a major area worth seeing while you are in Mexico. There is certainly a lot of it so you can happily plan to stay in the area and not run out of things to do.

The area itself is as far south as you can go in Mexico without falling over the edge of the country and into the sea. As such you can expect some superb views no matter where you go, since you will have coastal views in many parts of the region.

One thing you should be aware of is the tropical climate, which could prove to be hot for you if you aren’t used to it. And you’ll want to be prepared to see the whole range of attractions and venues that Chiapas has packed into it. In a sense you could call it greedy because you will be spoilt for choice with the range of places you can see while you are there.

For starters you’ve got the Blue Waterfalls, otherwise known as Cataratas de Agua Azul. The waterfalls are known for their blue colour which is where the name comes from. If you fancy taking a dip in the water underneath the waterfalls you can do so – it’s quite a popular activity to get involved in.

You can also pick up the Gringo Trail in Chiapas. This takes in many of the most popular locations in Mexico, Panama, Guatemala and other locations as well. There’s no need to follow the whole thing if you don’t want to, but it’s certainly worth seeing some of the trail as you make your way around Chiapas.

You also have the chance to see some of Mexico’s best Mayan sites, which offer insight into the history of the country. Palenque is very well known and frequently visited by tourists. You’ll find the actual archaeological site quite close to the city of Palenque itself, so it’s easy enough to get to. Tonina and Yaxchilan are also worth a look if you are interested in the past that is still visible today.

As you can see, Chiapas has plenty of persuasive reasons for becoming the destination for your Mexican holiday.

Exploring The Island Of Cozumel

2010-07-13T07:53:00.001-07:00

If you are looking at the mainland of Mexico for inspiration for your annual holiday, you might well be missing a trick. You see, there is an island just off the mainland of Mexico called Cozumel and it is definitely worth looking into the possibility of staying there.

You will definitely be interested in it if you love scuba diving and other water sports, because the island is well set up for this. It is very popular among those who like snorkelling too, and there is a lot to be discovered beneath the waves around Cozumel Island.

It might seem hard to believe that the island first came to recognition as a turtle sanctuary. But this is indeed the case, even though it now has other claims to fame as well. Lots of people choose this island for their summer holiday each year, and when you see the assortment of beaches and other delights waiting for you there you will realise why this is the case.

You can still see the turtles if you want to though, because the sanctuary still exists on the island. The turtles come here to nest and if you time it right you might even be able to watch them all going into the sea. This is a once in a lifetime experience and definitely worth seeing.

You might spot red sticks in the sands of the beaches on Cozumel. But if you do make sure you don’t touch them or remove them. They are there to mark the places where the turtle eggs have been removed by people working for the sanctuary. In this way they will be protected until they are ready to hatch out.

Even if you miss the annual turtle exodus into the waters around Cozumel, there is plenty more to see and do here. The Festival of El Cedral occurs once a year in April on the island, and you can also take one or two tours of the island to make sure you don’t miss out on the best bits.

Whatever you want to do, Cozumel provides one of the best places to stay in Mexico.

Things You Should Know About Colima

2010-06-14T06:04:00.001-07:00

When we start talking about Colima you should know that we could be talking about one of three things. For starters Colima is a state of Mexico, but it is also a city within that state. But perhaps most importantly of all it is the name of a volcano which towers over the city itself. The full name for this volcano is the Volcan de Fuego de Colima. You don’t need to know too much of the language to decipher that this translates to the city’s Volcano of Fire.

It has done much to earn itself this name as well, and you should be wary of this before you visit Colima in Mexico. It should be said that many people visit and have a great time – this is after all a wonderful and vibrant part of Mexico. But it is also quite dangerous as this is one of the liveliest volcanoes in this part of the world.

If you want to see what a real live and volatile volcano looks like, the Volcan de Fuego de Colima is definitely one to see. There are regular tours you can take while you are there if you wish, and it is definitely advisable to take a tour rather than trying to see the volcano by yourself. There is no doubt that there is some risk here even on a proper tour.

There were eruptions from the volcano during 2005, and since then – towards the end of 2008 – an increase in the amount of lava the volcano was producing was noted. There is no doubt that this volcano will erupt again at some point, probably in the near future. If you do pay a visit during your time in Mexico make sure you find out how active the volcano is before you see it. You can see a lot from a distance anyway, given that gas clouds frequently puff out from the top of the crater.

If you do see it you will never forget it. As volcanoes go, this has to be one of the most notable of them all. No holiday to Colima in Mexico is complete without a look.

Try Out Some Mexican Beaches

2010-05-13T04:21:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt that Mexico has some pretty amazing sights to show you when you arrive. But a lot of people love nothing more than a great beach holiday. If that describes you down to a T, you’ll love the variety of Mexican beaches that are waiting to captivate you with their charms.

So where do we start? Well, how about taking a trip to Cancun and trying out the various beaches there? This is a good place to go if you want to follow the crowds to see where they spend their holidays, because Cancun is just about the most popular place in all of Mexico. Cancun Island in particular draws big crowds, and it is located on a sandbar, so it gives you a unique view of Cancun that you won’t get anywhere else.

But if you think this is your main choice for a beach holiday in Cancun you would be mistaken. Mexico’s Pacific coast also has some sensational spots that could provide just what you are looking for from a Mexican holiday. Manzanillo is a wonderful example of the kind of resort that can be found in this part of Mexico. There are lovely beaches here and plenty more to see and do as well, so if you get tired of relaxing and soaking up the rays you won’t fall short of things to see and do.

Meanwhile back on the Yucatan Peninsula you will find the delightful sight of Isla Mujeres. Even the name sounds romantic, and if you are heading out to Mexico on honeymoon you will find you have some gorgeous places to wander through hand in hand. This is a very relaxed area of Mexico so if you want to go abroad to recharge your batteries, Isla Mujeres is one of the best spots to pick.

As you can see, Mexico has plenty of different locations and beaches to show you. No matter whether you want to spend all day sunbathing or you want other things to do as well, you can find just the right spot to enjoy a fabulous holiday.

Have You Explored The Copper Canyon?

2010-04-14T03:53:00.000-07:00

It sounds delightful doesn’t it? The Copper Canyon is one of the best natural sights worth seeing in Mexico, so you should make sure any holiday to the country takes it in as a matter of priority.

What can you expect from the canyon though? Surely it looks pretty much like any other canyon in the world?

That’s where you are wrong. Every canyon has its delights and spectacular sights, but this is a real jewel in Mexico’s crown. It is known by the wonderful name of Barranca del Cobre in Spanish, but whatever you want to call it you will be glad you made the journey to see it. Even the famous Grand Canyon in the US is not as deep as this, even though it does not maintain those depths for the whole of the length of the canyon.

One of the best ways to see the Copper Canyon is to take a tour of it. A guided tour will always be able to show you more than you would see any other way, so bear this in mind if you are thinking of going it alone.

One thing you should understand about the Copper Canyon is that the name itself is slightly misleading. You won’t be seeing just one canyon. There are actually twenty in all but they all lead into one another, forming a huge area of Mexico that has lots to show you and lots of secrets to reveal.

Visiting the canyon is ideal if you love adventure holidays that enable you to get out of the car and travel in other ways. Grab a mountain bike and cover lots of ground in a single day. Hike or walk along from one source of accommodation to the next and see plenty of the canyon’s delightful scenery along the way. You can even hop on the ChePe train and sit back for a rest as you negotiate your way along the canyon’s length.

It’s not surprising everyone who visits is taken by the beauty of the Copper Canyon. Will you be the next one to be captivated by it?

Chichen Itza – A New Wonder Of The World

2010-03-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago there was a competition to find the Seven Wonders of the World as voted for in today’s society. One of the locations that was successful in gaining a position among those seven was Chichen Itza in Mexico.

This is a key location as far as the Mayans were concerned, and today it is an archaeological site which tells us much about how their society lived. Reading more about Chichen Itza online will reveal more about why you should visit this place. But nothing prepares you for actually seeing it for yourself.

Chichen Itza is notable chiefly for its Mayan pyramids. But these do not look like the pyramids you would see in places like Egypt. They do not rise to a point, instead having a flat section and what looks like a separate square building set on top. The middle of each side of the pyramid also has what looks like a set of stairs going up to the separate section on top.

The main pyramid is known as El Castillo and this is one of the key sights that every tourist heads for. However Chichen Itza has much more to show you when you arrive, and some people choose to stay and tour the ruins for more than just a single day. There is so much to see and appreciate at this UNESCO World Heritage Site that you may wish to do the same.

Don’t miss what remains of the Temple of the Warriors either. There are many pillars here which point to what used to be, and even though much of it has gone there is enough left to give you a startling insight into Mayan civilisation. The columns themselves present a picture of a strong and determined people, and if you have the time to walk among them you will be deeply moved by the feelings you will have as a result.

So don’t dismiss Chichen Itza if you visit Mexico in the near future. It is an experience you cannot deny yourself or your senses at all.

Why Visit Mexico City?

2010-02-11T00:05:00.000-08:00

If you could pick a word that described Mexico City perfectly, this word would have just three letters – big.

There is no other way to describe this amazing city – a city that is constantly being explored both by residents and tourists. And there is no doubt that a visit to the city will be enjoyed by many tourists as they come and see what Mexico City has to offer them.

As with many other cities Mexico City has its fair share of landmarks. For example you cannot miss the Zocalo – the biggest plaza in the city and indeed the second largest one in the entire world. Only Red Square in Moscow is larger.

As you start to become more familiar with Mexico City you will see that it does everything on a huge scale. Take the Museo Nacional de Antropología for example – this is probably the biggest museum you will ever set foot inside. It certainly isn’t the kind of museum to while away an afternoon in. You need a long day here to make the most of it; indeed some people who really enjoy it come back the following day to see more.

Xochimilco is a few miles south of the centre of the city and yet it is well worth the trip to see it. This area gives you the opportunity to explore its network of canals by boat – an ideal way to relax and see one of the most stunning parts of the city itself.

As you can see there is plenty to see and do in Mexico City, and this is perhaps what draws so many diverse people to it. Whatever you love to do you will find it here.

Chapultepec Park is another amazing sight and provides the ideal way to get above the city and see just how sprawling it really is. The park is also home to Chapultepec Zoo which in itself always brings in millions of people each year.

So whatever you want to see and do during your stay in Mexico City, you are sure to enjoy yourself.

Treat Yourself To A Holiday On The Mayan Riviera

2010-01-12T00:36:00.000-08:00

A holiday in Mexico brings to mind lots of very diverse things. Many people head to the Mayan Riviera when they visit Mexico, and when you see it for yourself it isn’t too hard to understand why.

For starters there is something here for most people to enjoy. And being Mexico it can often be quite different from what you could expect from other locations around the world. For example how about swimming in the sea by one of the area’s best known archaeological sites? Tulum is truly an amazing and ancient sight – and it has many links with the past that are tempting and fascinating to see.

As you might expect from this kind of location, the Mayan Riviera also gives you the opportunity to try your hand at snorkelling. You’ll no doubt find many fish and other stunning sights to see below the water when you get started.

But there is plenty to see and do on dry land as well. For example don’t miss out on the amazing location of Xcaret. This is a theme park that has plenty of water based activities, shows and exhibits for you to see. It is definitely a whole day out experience, as you will see when you arrive.

You can swim with sharks on an adventure that is truly interactive, or enjoy swimming in a lagoon. In fact you will find so much to do here that is unmissable you might find yourself coming back for another day. You can also see jaguars, butterflies, flamingos and monkeys during your stay, and even take a climb up into the Scenic Tower. The views you can get from the top are amazing.

In truth there is so much to do along the Mayan Riviera in Mexico that it’s not surprising why so many people come here. There are activities for everyone so if a beach holiday is not quite enough for you, come to the Mayan Riviera and enjoy the choice of a little bit more whenever you want it.

You’ll see why it’s so popular within minutes of arriving.

Have You Seen The City Of Teotihuacan?

2009-11-09T03:21:00.001-08:00

Whenever you have the chance to see one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, you should definitely make the time to do so. And when you are next in Mexico, you will have the chance to see the City of Teotihuacan.

To say this site is huge is an understatement. You will need to spend more than a day in the area if you want to see it all, and even a holiday may not be enough, since the area covers 32 square miles. And within those many miles there is a lot to find – pyramids, the Avenue of the Dead and much more besides.

It doesn’t sound like a lot of fun but in fact the City of Teotihuacan was a key city many centuries ago. Thousands of people once called it home, and it is this fact that makes walking among the pyramids and other sights such an amazing one.

Two unmissable sights to find while you are there are the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. You can see each one as you stand atop the other, and both give you an excellent view of the whole site. It is mesmerising to imagine how people actually lived here many centuries ago.

You can also see the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Avenue of the Dead itself is over a mile long. It is well worth finding the time to walk the entire distance since you will see many other sights along the way.

One of the best things about the site is that even if lots of visitors are there it is so big it never really becomes hugely crowded. Needless to say though there are certain areas which do attract a lot of people, such as the Pyramids and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. Be sure to take plenty of photos – a panoramic shot can provide the best view of the city, particularly if you have the energy to climb up to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun to do it!

But in any event, this is one Mexican city you won’t want to miss.

Mexico invests US$4.6 million to boost tourism in bid to protect monarch butterflies

2007-12-14T06:55:00.000-08:00

Mexico announced a plan Sunday to pump pesos into a monarch butterfly reserve to boost tourism and create jobs in an impoverished area where illegal logging threatens the monarch's habitat.

The 50 million peso (US$4.6 million, €3.1 million) plan will buy equipment and advertising for the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve, a 124,000-acre (50,180-hectare) wooded park in Mexico's Michoacan state, where clouds of orange- and black-winged butterflies nest each winter after flying south from Canada and the U.S.

"It is possible to take care of the environment and at the same time promote development," President Felipe Calderon said Sunday in a ceremony to celebrate the monarchs' arrival.

Calderon's administration has boosted efforts to protect the environment, promoting plans to combat global warming and plant 250 million trees across the country this year. But in a developing country plagued by pollution and spotty regulation, progress is slow.

Monarch butterflies have become an ecological symbol most Mexicans can rally around, they adorn license plates in Michoacan, Calderon's native state. Police even stand guard along some highways there, slowing cars that might hit the butterflies as they fly in swarms across the road.

Omar Vidal, director of the World Wildlife Fund's Mexico program, applauded Calderon's plan.

"This is the longest migration of all insects, a unique phenomenon and a natural wonder and Mexico has the biggest responsibility to protect them because they come here to hibernate," he said.

The butterfly reserve, which in addition to the funds announced Sunday receives 400 million pesos (US$36.4 million, €24.6 million) in government funding a year, is patrolled by park rangers who roam the area armed with assault rifles, searching for armed gangs of illegal loggers.

Unauthorized logging threatens to the monarch's habitat, which requires leafy foliage to protect the insects from rain and cold.

"By even taking a single tree out near the butterfly colony, you allow heat to escape from the forest, and that then jeopardizes the butterflies," said Lincoln Brower, a zoology professor at the University of Florida and Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia.

Brower, who has studied the monarchs for 52 years, described the Michoacan nesting grounds as "the Mecca of the whole insect world."

The monarch butterfly — found in Mexico, Canada, the U.S., most of South America and parts of Australia and New Zealand — does not appear on any endangered species list.

But its disappearing habitat threatens a delicate migratory route that has spanned two continents and a million square miles (2.6 million square kilometers) for some 10,000 years.

Each September, the butterflies begin a 3,400-mile (5,470-kilometer) journey from the forests of eastern Canada and parts of the U.S. to the central Mexican mountains. The voyage is considered an aesthetic and scientific wonder.

They return north in late March, where they breed and cycle through as many as five generations before heading south again the next year. Scientists say the monarchs are genetically programmed to return to Mexico, where they settle in the same mountains their ancestors inhabited the year before.

Sometimes, they return to the very same trees — probably because previous monarchs have marked the area in ways scientists don't yet understand, Brower said.

Progress has been made protecting the butterflies' home in Mexico, where they've become a tourist attraction and source of pride — and where The World Wildlife Fund and Mexican Fund for Nature Conservation reported a 48 percent drop in illegal logging this year.

"We're gaining ground in that fight," Calderon said.

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Aztec Ruins Found in Mexico City

2007-08-06T03:30:00.000-07:00

04 August 2007

Archeologists have discovered what they think are the ruins of an Aztec pyramid razed by Spanish conquerors.

Construction workers unearthed ancient walls in the busy Iztapalapa neighborhood in June, and government archeologists said Wednesday they believe they may be part of the main pyramid of the Aztec city, destroyed by conquistador Hernan Cortes in the 16th century.

Using ground-penetrating radar, scientists have detected underground chambers they believe contain the remains of an emperor.

An Aztec ruler's tomb has never been found, in part because the Spanish conquerors built their own city atop the Aztecs' ceremonial center, leaving behind colonial structures too historically valuable to remove for excavations.

One of those colonial buildings was so damaged in a 1985 earthquake that it had to be torn down, eventually giving experts their first chance to examine the site off Mexico City's Zocalo plaza.

New Seven Wonders Unveiled

2007-07-10T04:35:00.001-07:00

On the fitting day of July 7, 2007, the new seven wonders of the world were announced after months of voting at http://www.new7wonders.com/ which ended at 6 p.m. ET Friday. Over 90 million votes were cast for 21 sites.

They were then announced at a lavish ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday which featured performances by Jennifer Lopez and Chaka Khan and hosted by Hilary Swank, Ben Kingsley, and Bollywood star Bipasha Basu. The seen winners announced include:

¨ The Great Wall of China

¨ Petra in Jordan

¨ Brazil’s statue of Christ the Redeemer

¨ Peru’s Machu Picchu

¨ Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyramid

¨ The Colosseum in Rome

¨ India’s Taj Mahal

The 21 nominated attractions were made public for voting in early June. Among these, the oldest was Stonehenge in England, and the newest was Australia’s Sydney Opera House. All of the competitors had to have been built or discovered before 2000, and they are all among the top tourist attractions around the world.

After these were announced, voting doubled to about 50 million votes being cast. Voters were able to vote multiple times. However, some complain that the campaign was not universally recognized. The United Nations’ cultural organization UNESCO claimed to have no link to the voting ballots. Many of the votes came from text messaging, and the others were from the website.

Now, the Seven Wonders site is holding a contest to choose the top seven wonders of nature. Nominations are being considered until August 8, 2008. A list of 21 candidates will be chosen from a panel of experts, and then final voting will begin. The rules maintain that the natural site may not have been created or significantly altered by humans.

Physical or natural phenomena like the northern lights, gulf stream, or shooting stars are not eligible. The nominations must fit into one of the following categories: natural site, natural monument, or landscape, animal reserve canyon, fjord cave, grotto coastline, cliff forest, wood geological site ,glacier mountain, volcano, rocks, nature conservancy park oasis, deserts, prehistoric natural site, underwater world, reef water, sea, lake, river, waterfall, or other.

Mexico Wooing One Billion Chinese Tourists

2007-05-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

25 May 2007

Efforts to promote Mexico’s tourism destinations are being heard half way around the globe. Mexico is ahead of many tourism destinations in courting the fast-growing Chinese market. For the second consecutive year in a row, the Mexico Tourism Board participated in what is now one of the most attended business-to-business outbound travel events in China, the 2007 China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM), which took place at the China World Trade Center in Beijing on May 14 - 16.

As one of the 132 countries around the globe to be given the status of Approved Destination Status (ADS) by the Chinese government, Mexico, where tourism ranks as its second-highest source of foreign revenue, is especially eager to increase visitor influx and expenditure from this region.

The 2007 COTTM, which attracted more than 200 exhibitors from 40 different countries across the world, was attended by Mexico Tourism Board’s CEO, Francisco Lopez Mena. As part of President Felipe Calderon’s agenda to stimulate the tourism industry in Mexico, Lopez Mena was an active participant in all promotional events that took place in Beijing.

“China’s emergence in the world market has significant implications for the global economy, and especially for the tourism industry,” said Mexico Tourism Board CEO, Francisco Lopez Mena. “We are quite ambitious about the Chinese market and are eyeing the potential it is representing already to our tourism economy,” added Lopez Mena.

According to the World Tourism Organization as many as 100 million Chinese will be traveling abroad annually by 2020, and the number of Chinese traveling internationally more than doubled in just four years. The International Forum on Chinese Outbound Tourism reports that the number of outbound departures rose from 16.6 million in 2002 to 34.5 million in 2006.

Although over 12,000 visitors traveled to Mexico from China in 2006, according to latest statistics from the Mexico Tourism Board, the annual growth rate is over 12% compared to 2005 figures. This best illustrates the potential upside for Mexico’s economy.

Sensing the outbound tourism potential in China and continuing the government’s agenda to strengthening relationships between the two countries, Mexico was able to change visa procedures for Hong Kong residents. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) passport holders visiting Mexico now enjoy visa-free access for up to 90-day visit. This means greater convenience for Hong Kong travelers and helps promote trade, business and tourism relations between the two countries.

Mexico is China's second-largest trading partner in Latin America after Brazil, and tourism plays an active role in strengthening cultural and trade relationships. Continuing on the smooth development of Mexico-China relations, the Mexico Tourism Board considers China as a friendly and cooperative partner, and expects to make joint efforts with China to promote the development of both countries mutual relations in an all-around way.

Hot Spots for 2007

2007-03-20T03:24:00.000-07:00

19 March 2007

So you’ve finally gotten over your Christmas budget binge and two months back in the office have you staring blankly at your computer screen dreaming of exotic beaches and ancient ruins. Yip, it’s time to start planning that holiday.

You could close your eyes, spin around three times and point randomly at the atlas. But this could mean that you end up spending your two precious weeks of holiday in Kazakhstan. Or you could check out our list of 2007’s travel hot spot and become an über-cool and trendy traveller.

Ethiopia

Most people would commonly associate Ethiopia with war and poverty, but that’s not the whole truth. Ethiopia is (for the slightly more intrepid traveller) an exciting and untapped destination.

Ethiopia is regarded as one of the earliest Christian kingdoms, and sights range from Aksum — which some people believe to be the home of the Ark of the Covenant — to the magnificent churches of lalibela, hewn from the bed-rock. Legend has it that all 11 churches were built in a single century with the help of ‘angels’.

The eco-tourist will not be disappointed by the seven Rift Valley Lakes that teem with birds and hippos. The Simien Mountains also provide easily accessible hiking, with the possibility of encountering the unique gelada monkey and the elusive Ethiopian wolf.

Jordan

Admittedly, the Middle East, doesn’t strike most (with the exception perhaps of the religiously zealous) as an ideal holiday destination. There is always that pesky reservation about political unrest and the occasional bomb. Jordan, however, is an oasis of political stability and unrivalled hospitality.

The land of Lawrence of Arabia, biblical tales and the home of ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’, Jordan offers everything from Byzantine history to the desert playground of Wadi Rum.

Mexico

If you are willing to travel a little further abroad and have a penchant for tacos, tequila and all things spicy, then Me-hi-co is the answer. The cities are packed with vibrant colours, cultures and cuisine and music, but the real treasures lie in the unexplored.

Chiapas, which got the world’s attention with the Zapatista uprising in the mid-nineties, has been taking the rap as a dangerous destination for too long. It has a treasure of archaeological sites and with its new roads, eco-lodges and forest reserves, is the ideal destination for the eco-tourist.

The Isla Holbox off the Yucatan Peninsula, with its sandy roads, absence of traffic and empty beaches makes for a great Mexican sea safari where you could encounter anything from dolphins and sea turtles to massive whale sharks.

Nicaragua

Like Ethiopia, Nicaragua is something of a surprise contender. Scarred by war and natural disasters, it is nevertheless, one of the safest countries in Central America.

In liberal Leon, you will find grand colonial churches and old Spanish-style houses with quaint courtyards. Granada, which has the nickname of ‘La Gran Sultana’ (The Great Sultan) and dating back to 1524 is the oldest Spanish city (outside of Spain of course) and offers similar architectural delights.

China

China is such a vast country, that it seems a little silly to feature it on the hot spots list. This year, put aside the usual attractions - the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Wall and the Imperial City – and focus on Shanghai.

Shanghai, modern and sophisticated, is fast becoming the country’s cultural capital. The art scene is exploding with both up-and-coming and established artists flocking to the city’s many galleries. On the brink of change, a new cultural revolution, Shanghai offers a unique and exciting vista for cultural tourists.

Japan

Tokyo is the new, and luckily cheaper, London and New York. This thriving mega-city, which has the dubious recommendation of having the most vending machines in the world, has an efficient public transport system and is easy to explore.

Dubbed the ‘Greenwich Village of Tokyo’, Shimokitazawa has quaint streets lined with vintage stores, cafes and cheap noodle shops. Omotesundo, on the other hand, has wide avenues and is home to designer boutiques. The city is best visited in the spring, when the cherry blossoms fill the streets with their beauty.

Vietnam

With the rather disagreeable reputation of being America’s most dismal military failing, Vietnam doesn’t strike most as an ideal destination. However Ho Chi Minh City, better known as Saigon, is rapidly gaining favour as an Asian city worth visiting.

The economic capital and largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a delightful blend of a bustling metropolis – with its street markets, pavement cafes and vendors – ancient culture and breathtaking natural beauty. It’s also the perfect jumping off point for the beaches further north and the Mekong Delta to the south.

So, when you sit down to plan your great adventure, look past the usual all inclusive packages to Thailand, Italy and Greece and — with at least one eye open — settle on one of these fantastic destinations.

For more information visit travel.iafrica.com

Rancho Announces its Parayso Hotel and Spa in Tulum, Mexico, is Ready to Receive Guests for Romantic Travel Getaways for Spring, 2007

2007-02-27T05:34:00.000-08:00

27 February 2007

Rancho Santa Monica Developments, Inc. announced today that its fully serviced Hotel in Tulum, Mexico is ready to receive guests for romantic getaways in the beautiful Mayan Riviera - www.parayso.com

Graham Alexander, company President is quoted as saying "we have implemented all the services at the resort to create long-lasting romantic memories for our guests, whether it be long walks on the beach, butler service at to the pool/jacuzzi, gazing at the stars at night, all the memories are waiting there for our guests ... our resort is also available for weddings and corporate tropical getaways for employees."

All Villas include ocean view, private terrace, internet, satellite TV, phone access, daily stocked bar, and kitchenettes. Amenities of the resort include swimming pool, Jacuzzi, outside cooking area, bar, restaurant, theatre, secured entrance and parking, reception facilities, butler service, and spa. Guests can choose from Italian, Argentinian, and Mexican restaurants that are contained within the adjoining properties.

The company is also looking for travel agents and online travel sites to work with the company to promote the Hotel.

For more information visit primenewswire.com

Archeologists discover ancient Olmec-influenced city near Mexico City

2007-01-25T09:00:00.001-08:00

MEXICO CITY – A 2,500-year-old city influenced by the Olmecs – often referred to as the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica – has been discovered hundreds of miles away from the Olmecs' Gulf coast territory, archaeologists said.
The remains of Zazacatla are providing insight into the early arrival of advanced civilizations in central Mexico, while also providing lessons about the risks to ruins posed by modern development that now cover much of the ancient city.

Archaeologist Giselle Canto said Wednesday that two statues and architectural details at the site, 25 miles south of Mexico City, indicate that the inhabitants of Zazacatla adopted Olmec styles when they changed from a simple, egalitarian society to a more complex, hierarchical one.
“When their society became stratified, the new rulers needed emblems ... to justify their rule over people who used to be their equals,” Canto said of the inhabitants, who may not have been ethnically Olmec, but apparently revered the culture as the most prestigious.

Zazacatla covered less than one square mile between 800 B.C. and 500 B.C. But much of it has been covered by housing and commercial development extending from Cuernavaca, a city popular with tourists just seven miles north.

“There are 10 housing developments, a gas station, a highway and a commercial building on the site now,” Canto said.

Authorities hope to excavate and preserve other pre-Hispanic sites before they are forgotten or covered over.

Since excavation of Zazacatla began last year, archaeologists have unearthed six buildings, and two sculptures of what appear to be Olmec-style priests. The sculptures appear to have headdresses portraying the jaguar, which the Olmecs revered, and other symbols of status and authority.

The Olmecs dominated areas around the Gulf coast states of Veracruz and Tabasco from 1,200 B.C. to about 400 B.C.

Some had speculated that the signs of Olmec influence found at Zazacatla and other areas far from the Gulf coast might suggest Olmec settlements, conquests or missionary sites.

But Canto said the Olmecs' most famous ceremonial center, about 250 miles east, was too far for direct contact, though trade links may have existed.

For Kids, Cancun is Much More Than a Day at the Beach

2007-01-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

Cancun and kids. The words don't exactly roll off the tongue. If you're like me, when you think of Cancun, you probably have visions of wet T-shirt contests, hot tub parties and Girls Gone Wild.

But there's another side to this booming city, there's a slew of things to do with kids - zip lining over the forest canopy, snorkeling off some of the Caribbean's prettiest reefs, floating down mystical underground Mayan rivers and swimming with dolphins.

Cancun's powdery white sand beaches are beautiful and are worth travelling all that way just to walk on them.

Mexico's Casa Velas All Inclusive Hotel Joins Medical Tourism Trend With Innovative Spa and Medi Holiday

2006-12-11T06:21:00.001-08:00

A growing number of tourists are combining holidays with health care and in 2007, this trend, known as medical tourism, is predicted to boom. One of the newest programs catching attention is the Wellness Spa/Medi Holiday Program at the 80 suite Casa Velas Hotel, an adults-only all-inclusive boutique hotel on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The three night program, an all-in-one wellness package and vacation combo, features a medical check-up by a certified physician from the American Hospital "Amerimed" including a full range of blood and cardiac tests; daily spa treatments; a spa food menu created by a nutritionist and chef; and golf at a choice of three signature courses. The medical examination represents a savings of approximately 40 percent over the cost in the United States.

In addition to the cost savings, a unique feature of the Medi Holiday program is the time it takes -- practically none at all. There's no waiting at the doctor's office, and the entire medical procedure takes less than three hours of vacation time and guests receive all results within 24 hours. All the tests, including EKG, tread mill, urinalysis, PSA, CBC, blood chemistry, lipid profile and blood group, are done at Casa Velas in the privacy of the on-site cardiologist's office. Guests also receive a personalized health menu created by the hotel's nutritionist, two spa treatments daily recommended by a Casa Velas Spa certified therapist and upon request, an interview with a plastic surgeon at no extra cost.

Available from January 3rd, 2007 to December 15th, 2007, the 3-night Wellness Spa/Medi Holiday Program costs $425 per person per night based on double occupancy, and also includes all of Casa Velas' luxury offerings. Included in the price are accommodations in a Grand Class Suite with plunge pool or Jacuzzi and Bulgari amenities; all meals with a la carte service in the hotel's gourmet restaurant; access to the exclusive beach club and Sushi & Wine Bar; 24-hour in-suite room service; and a fully-stocked mini-bar with premium brands.

Mexican Mayans Descendants Make Debut in Apocalypto

2006-12-11T06:11:00.000-08:00

The height of Mayan civilization may have ended some 1600 years ago, but this enigmatic empire seems to be making a come-back. This past Friday, December 8th, movie theaters across North America released Mel Gibson’s much-anticipated feature, Apocalypto, filmed in Mexico, bringing the late, great Mayan civilization to life on the big screen.

For centuries, the world has been mystified and intrigued by this unique culture. Considered one of the greatest civilizations of all time, and regarded as the most outstanding intellects of ancient Mexico, the Mayans were a cutting edge society, incredibly enlightened for their time. Not only were the Mayans an incredibly advanced civilization much like the Greeks, but their legacy also remains today in areas that spread from Central Mexico to Honduras, similarly to the Greeks legacy which has transgressed the tests of time.

Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto is entirely in the Yucatec Maya language and the cast consists of local indigenous Mayan actors. Filmed in Veracruz, Mexico, the movie depicts ancient Mayan life and also connotes to the Mayan prophecy, “Fin de los Tiempos”, in which they prophesized that the world would end its 5,200-year fourth and current cycle on the winter solstice of December 21, 2012. Cycles play a huge role in the Mayan culture and a great amount of their time was spent studying astronomical rotations and synchronicity to human events.

While the major Mayan cities portrayed in the movie are gone, the ruins still remain offering visitors to Mexico a unique piece of history and culture to absorb.

Mayan Culture

The Mayans cultivated the most advanced written language of the hemisphere, excelled as astronomers and were highly-skilled mathematicians, being the first in the world to arrive at the concept of zero, and use complex calculations. They were also admirable urban planners and their grand cities were filled with monumental temples which were built without the use of tools as we know them today.

Mayan cities were carefully designed with temples and places in the center and a nearby ball court, which enabled the Mayans to play a game considered to be the precursor to soccer. The ruins of these amazing cities are found throughout Mexico, specifically in the Yucatan states. Exciting new finds in the field of archaeology are revealing countless treasures from their temples and pyramids as scientists work to unravel mysteries of the past.

The area of the Mayan civilization extended throughout the northern Central American region which includes the present-day nations of Guatemala, Belize, western Honduras and El Salvador, as well as the southern Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan. Their history can be traced through three major periods: the pre-Classic from 2000 B.C. to 200 A.D.; the Classic from 200 A.D. to 900 A.D.; and the post-Classic era from 900 A.D. to 1521 A.D. As people worldwide are in awe of these advanced people, it is becoming increasingly popular to study them and learn more about the Mayans via travel, literature and now, film.

Chichen-Itza

Of their most notable constructions, Chichen-Itza remains one of the most famous Mayan sites, and is currently a finalist to become a new Seven World Wonder. Located in Yucatan State, Chichen-Itza is one of Mexico’s most archaeologically impressive creations, and one of the country’s most visited landmarks. When built by the Mayans, these magnificent pyramids were perfectly aligned to the sun and Chichen-Itza was constructed in such a way that during the equinoxes, the setting sun casts a shadow of a serpent descending on the northern steps of the pyramid. This effect was a result of the Mayan’s incredibly precise astronomical and architectural measurements and Chichen-Itza was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Chichen-Itza, which reached its peak between 700 and 1200 AD, was the political, economic and military power in the area. It is surrounded by lush green vegetation, underground rivers, natural wells and limestone that the Mayans used to construct their magnificent buildings. There are scenes in Apocalypto where the Mayans are completely covered in white limestone dust, showing the intensity of labor that was exhibited while creating their massive pyramids and temples.

Tulum

If Chichen-Itza awes the observer with its size and complexity, Tulum charms with its location on a limestone cliff above the turquoise splendor of the Caribbean. Located about 75 miles south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo, Tulum is the only completely walled Mayan settlement known and is so popular that it attracts about 2 million visitors annually.

This small collection of temples on a bluff overlooking the blue-green sea served as a major trading center and port for the 4,000 or so Mayan canoes that plied the seas from Mexico’s northern coast to South America. Laden with feathers, furs, jade, medicinal herbs, salt, and honey, these canoes navigated a network of inland canals dug by the

Uxmal

Another important ruin in the Yucatan Peninsula is Uxmal, located 50 miles south of Merida. Uxmal is the peerless example of classic Pu’uc architecture named for the hilly Pu’uc region of northwestern Yucatan where this style attained its ultimate refinement. It’s also the largest site, known for its exquisite sense of proportion. The invention of a local type of cement made from seashells allowed for the construction of wide arches, huge gateways and impressive rooms which add to the beautiful proportions.

Yucatan Peninsula

In addition to fascinating ruins and colonial treasures, Mexico’s Yucatan State also offers much for ecotourism and the adventure tourist enthusiast. Its climates have produced forest surroundings that support a wide range of fauna. Visitors can enjoy sports in the open sea in Yucalpeten, while birdwatchers can admire the wide range of species found in El Palmar as well as the impressive flamingo population of Celestun. The lack of surface rivers means that the state obtains water from a complex system of underground rivers, which attract scuba divers and snorkelers. Limestone sinkholes, or cenotes, are also great for exploring.

While the Yucatan State may offer a wide range of Mayan culture and fantastic tourism options, Veracruz State is the site where Apocalypto was filmed. The footage floats from the jungles of Catemaco to the City of Veracruz, offering an excellent look at the southeastern state which invested 1.8 million dollars into tourism in 2005.

After seeing Apocalypto, one will surely be inspired to travel to Mexico and learn more about the country’s vast indigenous cultures. From the cinematography to the amazing landscape, Apocalypto offers a unique look at prehispanic Mexico, and the influences which remain today.