Feb

Shopping in Monterrey

Monterrey shopping features modern commercial centers, crowded by locals that wish to buy the most fashionable item, handcrafts brought from all regions of Mexico, or the furnishings for their houses, which are clear indicators of the areas prosperous economy and the peoples high purchase power; this creates a great offer of articles, and in many cases, real bargains, thanks to the competition among merchants.

The modern shopping centers are spread all around the city and there you will be able to find the most renowned Monterrey shops on a national level and elegant boutiques, in addition to original decorative pieces. Usually, all the commercial malls have a cinema complex and top-rated restaurants.

You will find different Monterrey shops with samples of folkloric art, silver, wood, blown glass, pottery items, and embroideries, clay lamps and huichol art, are some of the objects that you can acquire. There is also an outstanding variety and abundance of leather products and the area is probably the one with the biggest inventory of cowboy boots in the country.

Monterrey also offers a great number of art galleries that exhibit samples of Mexican, Central American and South American contemporary painters and beautiful bronze and ceramic sculptures, which will really please collectors.

The Pink Zone (Zona Rosa), next to the Macro Plaza, is the perfect place to do shopping in downtown. There is a large pedestrian boulevard there and is very frequented, mainly by the locals.

Galerias Monterrey

Commercial complex where you can find different boutiques of the best-known brands and buy a wealth of articles and services at the same place. Here you can find Liverpool, a very recognized Mexican department, a food court, so you can enjoy the delicious Monterrey’s specialties, as well as other shops with the hippest music, fashion and state-of-the-art technology.

Handicraft Markets

Visit one of these markets where the Union de Artesanos de Monterrey (Union of Artesans of Monterrey) that sells products in small and organized booths. You can find everything from hand-carved wooden key chains to leather goods like hats and boots. There are also traditional local sweets, among many other things. We are sure you’ll find the souvenir you’re looking for in your visit to the Sultana del Norte (the Sultan of the North: another name for the city of Monterrey).

Monterrey Shopping Plaza Fiesta San Agustin

If you are shopping in Monterrey you can not miss Plaza Fiesta San Agustin. Established in 1998, Plaza Fiesta San Agustin features a wide assortment of department stores and specialized shops that offer clothing, footwear and accessories for the whole family, along with furniture, home appliances, electronic products and many other different goods. It is one of the best commercial centers in the city for buying all the personal articles you will need during your vacations, as well as the most fashionable item and the ultimate high-tech gadget. The ideal place for grabbing a bite, having a cup of coffee or just people-watching, also features cinemas, banks and all the services that modern life requires.

Plaza Mexico

It is a shopping center located right in the heart of Monterrey. Its architectural design resembles the one of the classic buildings that were built at the beginning of the 20th century and was constructed with the same materials; one of its outstanding details is a beautiful leaded glass dome, that produces a wonderful explosion of color and it is a great delight for the eyes. It is divided into two levels, which house more than a hundred stores and restaurants that are open every single day of the year. One of Plaza Mexico’s main peculiarities is that it has always given a great importance to the patriotic symbols as well as to the Mexican culture; that’s why each year, huge celebrations take place there during the most important dates of the Mexican calendar.

Share This

Posted in Monterrey | No Comments »

Feb

12

Weddings in Mexico

Please note this is the only legal wedding as held here in Mexico. The legal and religious weddings are held separately and also require different sort of documents depending on your citizenship status. Some hotels and resorts offer wonderful wedding / honeymoon packages at the many different resort destinations through out Mexico. Cruise ships also play a part in the many Mexico wedding that are celebrated here every year. Many cruise lines offer Mexico wedding ceremonies on land with the wedding receptions held on the cruise ships. They also offer special wedding / honeymoon cruise packages that include special discounts to your entire wedding party. Click here for more information on Mexico Wedding Cruises.

LEGAL WEDDING:
Weddings are generally held from Monday through Saturday depending on the location of the service. Some locations must be reserved ahead of time for a Mexico wedding, this is especially true for resorts, hotels, churches and restaurants who will also be catering to other guest. Your identification / status documents for you and your partner are important part of a Mexico wedding and you will need to have copies made in advanced & the originals ones when you arrive at the Hotel.

DOCUMENTS:

*Valid Passport (the best form of ID in Mexico)
* Tourist card
* Original birth certificate
* Blood tests (Original Sheet.-Blood type,venereal diseases such as syphilis and AIDS, have be dated 15 days prior to the wedding, otherwise they will not be valid. The cost for these test in Mexico are approximately $ 100.00 USD per person, the cost may vary depending on your location. In the smaller resort cities and towns these tests generally have to be translated in to Spanish.
*Valid Passport or driver’s license
*Names and last names, addresses, ages and nationalities and tourist cards
* Final divorce degree / agreement (Does not have to be translated, but all pages are needed)
* 4 witnesses, hotel and resort staff may assist in being your witness for $ 20.00 USD each, or if your witnesses are not Mexican residents, you will be needing copies of their Passports. Tourist cards and ID card with photo (driver license)are excepted for witnesses.
* Complete a marriage application form.
* Do not forget to bring all the original documents with you in case there is a need to verify any information.

WEDDING NOTE: Justices in the larger resort destinations like Cancun and Acapulco speak English, outside of the larger resort areas the Justices do not speak English, but the ceremony can be translated by a appointed supervisor.

SPECIAL NOTES:
All legal arrangements must be completed at least 2 weeks prior the wedding date. In order to guarantee the commitment of the Justice of the Peace his payment must be made 3 weeks prior to the wedding date. As in most places in the world things get done faster in the larger cities, give yourself a comfortable time buffer to make sure tasks are completed in time.

Share This

Posted in Mexican Weddings | No Comments »

Feb

12

Mexico History

Mexico is the ideal place to enjoy sun and beach, and offers extensive adventure opportunities from backpacking through the mountains or enjoying the luxury of a five star resort. Mexico also is the optimal start point for you to explore tropical coral reefs and jungles and archaeological sites of the old Mayan world.

Beaches in Cancun

Mexico History
Mexico is a traveler’s paradise, crammed with a multitude of opposing identities: desert landscapes, snow-capped volcanoes, ancient ruins, teeming industrialized cities, time-warped colonial towns, glitzy resorts, lonely beaches and a world-beating collection of flora and fauna. This mix of modern and traditional, the clinched and the surreal, is the key to Mexico’s charm, whether your passion is throwing back margaritas, listening to howler monkeys, surfing the Mexican Pipeline, scrambling over Mayan ruins, shopping the Mercado’s or experiencing some of the best sportfishing and diving in the world, all a part of the endless things Mexico offers the world.

Mexico’s Historical Attractions
From the ancient ruins of the Olmecs, Maya, and Aztec, to the train routes used by the brash and legendary Pancho Villa - rank second only to the beaches of Cancun - and Acapulco as the prime reason people come. Mexico is still an unspoiled paradise of breathtaking scenery with the constant discoveries of histories old and new, from the Maya ruins to the modern metropolitan of Mexico today.

Mexico Copper Canyon

Mexico’s Geo
Mexico covers a surface of 761 thousand square miles and is divided into 31 states and the federal district. At present time it has a population of approximately 101 million people. It also holds claim to Mexico City, the largest city in the world with over 18 million people and growing. The country is bordered in the south by the countries of Guatemala and Belize and in the north by the United States of America. It is surrounded by 4 coasts: The Sea of Cortes, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

People of Mexico

Mexico’s People
Mexico with its fertile plains and great mineral wealth, was the crown jewel of Spain’s colonies. It was heavily taxed, ruled directly from Spain, and permitted no autonomy. The Spanish monarchs distributed land to settlers in the form of encomiendas (the predecessor to the hacienda), which were worked by Indian slaves that the settler’s were charged to protect and convert to Christianity. A caste system developed: there were Espanoles (Spaniards born in Spain), criollos (Mexican-born, but with Spanish blood), mestizos (Spanish and Indian), and finally the indigenes, the Indians.

Mexico is a diverse country and a millennial culture with the Olmecan tribe being the first civilization that appeared around 1500 years BC. Mexico is rich in traditions, history, art and religion offering a complete tourist infrastructure that guarantees a comfortable and secure stay of those visiting its different destinations. Mexico has everything and more! Mexico, It is truly beyond your expectations! Bienvenidos Amigos!

Share This

Posted in Mexico History | No Comments »

Feb

12

Mexico Customs

How do I get around?
In Mexico, city buses in the larger cities are generally available from 6:00 am to midnight in the larger resort night spots. Taxi cabs are available 24 hours a day and run at fixed rates, so check prices. In Playa Del Carmen, buses run to Cancun every 30 minutes and ferries to Cozumel are available almost every two hours. Check with your hotel desk for local bus and ferry schedules.

NOTE: Buses cost $3 to $6 pesos (NO American coins) per person / 1 way depending where you are. You get a ticket, but, it is for their control. There are different buses for different directions, so ask questions. Most bus drivers speak enough English to head you in the right direction. If you are traveling within the hotel zone in Cancun then it really does not matter what bus you take (Wet’ n Wild is the exception. It is in the hotel zone but only half the buses go there so ask before you get on). R-2 & R-15 go to Wal-mart Super Center & Mercado 28. You have to read the front right window of the bus as it lists where it ends up. R-1’s will go to Puerto Juarez, Wal-mart Super Center, Plaza 2000, Mercado 23, the bus station itself. The R 27 turns left on Tulum Ave & goes to Plaza Las Americas (the local’s mall).

Currency
The peso is the Mexican form of currency. It is suggested that you exchange small amounts of U.S. dollars for pesos. Major credit cards are also widely accepted in all the resort areas. A pocket calculator can also be helpful when you shop to help convert U. S. dollars to pesos. Bartering when shopping outside of the resort areas is practiced. U.S. dollars are accepted in the resort areas but keep in mind any change that is due back will be in pesos. One recommendation is to use a credit card which will present the daily currency exchange on your next billing statement.

Pesos are the way to go if you are any nationality other than American. In Mexico every store, restaurant and street/beach vendor accepts the US dollar. The reason to use pesos if you are not American is to eliminate a currency conversion which can get pretty tricky if you have to convert the Euro to American because the vendors generally price everything in pesos then calculate the cost in American dollars if you ask. Of course most vendors will be able to convert the cost from pesos to Canadian or Euro. They ALL have calculators and know the daily exchange rates.

Mexico Currency Exchange Rate
Over a couple of days you will inevitably end up having pesos in your pocket [change is always given in pesos] so if you are not American you will have pesos and American dollars and have to deal with not one foreign currency but two. Stick to pesos and you only have to make one conversion.

NOTE: Most stores, restaurants will take US dollars and travelers checks. Odds are however that the exchange will be in their favor. It is best to exchange your money first in either the bank (best options), exchange places (casa de cambio) or in the hotel (check the rates offered first, because hotels charge you a higher exchange rate). NO ONE takes US coins, bills that are ripped, written on, taped up or glued back together. ATM machines, credit card slips are in pesos so DON’T PANIC when you see all those zeros. Also the keypad is Numerical Only so memorize your Password by it’s number too.

Spanish is the official language. English is also widely spoken in the hotel and resort areas and the tourist areas of the cities. Don’t forget the universal language of a smile and a few general hand gestures works also.

Rental Cars
Rental cars, primarily standard-shift sub compacts and four-wheel-drive vehicles, are available at the larger airports and throughout Mexico. You can rent an automatic car with air-conditioning if you reserve it in advance. You can also hire a big, late-model car with air-conditioning and an English- speaking chauffeur at many hotel travel desks. There are no rental cars available on the smaller islands like Isla Mujeres but you can rent a golf cart and drive it around the Island; you can also bring a car over on the Punta Sam ferry.

International road signs are used in Mexico– although the words are in Spanish, you’ll recognize the signs themselves. Keep your eyes open for bicycles, three-wheeled carts, mopeds and pedestrians, and be especially careful in the traffic circles. One final word of advice: Look out for yellow signs with small mountains on them–they indicate topes, or speed bumps, ahead- sometimes immediately ahead.In the town, the limit is generally 40 km/hr (approx. 25 mph) and in the Hotel Zone and resort areas 60 km/hr (approx. 37 mph) depending, with busy sections at 40 km/hr. Highways range between 90 km/hr (approx. 55 mph) and 100 km/hr (approx. 68 mph). Speed bumps are a very popular way of keeping drivers within the speed limits; look for them when entering and leaving towns and villages. If you run out of gas or break down, don’t leave the vehicle; Mexico’s “Green Angels,” part of the Tourism Department, patrol the main roads and will lend you assistance.

Taxis
If you don’t want to drive yourself, there are other ways to get around Mexico. One of the easiest is to take a taxi. Taxis are easy to find at the hotels, downtown, and at many of the most popular attractions. Taxi rides can be costly, however, with even short taxi rides costing $3-$4 US. You can find the taxi rates at most of the hotel entrances, just be sure to settle on a fare with the taxi driver before departing for your destination. Tips are not required, but are suggested.

Public Transportation
You could also use Mexico’s public transportation system. Air conditioned buses run in the larger Hotel Zones and resort areas and in the downtown area, and the one-way bus fare is approximately $.50. Just be aware that buses can get very busy during the peak hours of 8 to 9 a.m., 1 to 2 p.m., and 4 to 5 p.m.

Ferry Transportation and Water Taxis
Leave from many different pier points at the different resort destinations in Mexico. Check with the tour desk at your hotel or resort for schedules and prices. In Cancun and Puerto Juarez to Isla Mujeras on to and from hourly schedules starting approx. 6am with last boats back to Cancun around 8pm. Price varies from 12USD to 20USD for round trip.

Whether you enjoy land-based or water-based activities, Mexico has something to offer you. With Mexico’s beautiful weather, there are plenty of opportunities to do as much, or as little, as you want. Here, you can do things that you’ve only dreamed about!

Boating and Fishing
Many people are surprised to find out that different parts of Mexico have fantastic freshwater, deep sea and lagoon fishing. From March through July, the best fishing is for dolphin fish and sailfish. If you’re interested in blue and white marlin or bluefin tuna, Los Cabos and The Baja areas are world renown. You can find many different options at the local marinas in the area. Also superb mangrove and flats fishing is now offered for different Mexico areas.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Mexico has some of the most beautiful underwater scenery anywhere, which you’ll be able to enjoy through one of the many snorkeling or scuba diving options that are available. At many of Mexico’s resorts you can rent snorkeling gear, and there are a lot of good local scuba companies in the resort areas as well.

Parasailing, Watersking, and Windsurfing
The resorts in Mexico are known for always having the most recent watersports “toys” around. Enjoy any of these activities in the beautiful waters around Mexico. The three best areas for these activities are Nichupte Lagoon, Bahia de Mujeres, and the Caribbean Sea area of Cancun.

Golf
For those who are more interested in land-based sports, Mexico is a fast-growing destination for golf. The featured course is Pok-Ta-Pok, a course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. It has a lot of character, as it is set around Cancun’s saltwater lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. There are many new courses in Mexico under construction or that have just opened that you will also want to consider.

Tennis
If you’re into tennis, you’re in luck. You will be able to find tennis courts at most resorts throughout Mexico.

Spectator sports
If you’d rather watch a sport, Mexico has options for you. If you’d like to learn about a new sport, see a jai liah game, which are held daily.

Watch the sun and drink a lot of water The region is hot year round. Make an effort to drink more (purified, of course) water than normal or you could get dehydration sickness. It is better to drink water than sodas, because your body will get more benefit from it. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, weak or get a headache you could have heat stroke. Immediately sit in the shade and drink some water while you rest. If you get a slight headache, take that as a warning that you are getting dehydrated and drink more water.

SAFETY
Resort cities in Mexico are some of the safest cities in the world for their comparable sizes and the federal and local governments spends a good part of their yearly budget on different kinds of training programs for local police and promotional campaigns to protect all tourists and visitors. The Mexico resort destinations have a lower crime rate than most small cities in the U.S.There has been a lot of talk recently about crime in Mexico. We can only say that most of the violent crimes reported in the news are in the Mexico City area. Mexico City is the largest city in the world with a growing population of over 18 million people. The Caribbean Coast is relatively safe and most problems are petty thievery. You can have a great vacation free of incidents if you use common sense just like you would at home. Lock your car, take your valuables with you, or put them out of sight. We don’t recommend hiding your wallet in your shoes on the beach while you go swimming. It’s not a secure hiding place. Thieves are looking for easy targets. With a little common sense you can avoid having a problem.Keep alert when crossing busy streets in Mexico, where drivers may be less pedestrian-friendly than you are used to at home.By far, the greatest danger in Mexico is overexposure to the sun. Play it safe and apply sunscreen liberally, especially if you are fair skinned. If you don’t, you will probably wish you did.

Share This

Posted in Yucatan | No Comments »

Feb

12

Scuba Diving in Mexico

Scuba Diving Mexico One of the most popular and rewarding activities for any Mexico beach vacation is scuba diving Mexico. Scuba diving tours and resources are abundantly available all along the Mexican coast with many of the popular resorts town offering great deals that combine scuba diving Mexico with accommodations and other travel plans. If you plan to include scuba diving Mexico in your Mexico beach vacation, read on for information on some of the more popular locations for diving Mexico.

Scuba Diving Cancun

One great place to experience scuba diving, either as a novice or experienced diver, is Cancun. Located just 12 miles from the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, scuba diving Cancun is known for the gorgeous reefs that stretch along its white sand coast. Apart from great shopping and exciting 24/7 nightlife, Cancun has an intricate underwater landscape that is one of the most beautiful in the world. Scuba diving Cancun reveals a dazzling underwater world with coral cliffs, canyons and underwater vegetation, all within minutes by boat from different pick-ups in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Friendly fish flock to these underwater paradises for food and travelers scuba diving Cancun will have the chance to swim along side schools of angelfish and experience other colorful sea life.

Scuba Diving Cozumel

A world renown diving hotspot on the Yucatan is Cozumel. A Water Mecca for boating and fishing enthusiasts, scuba diving Cozumel is also one of the most popular activities in the area. Nearly every hotel in Cozumel will offer packages for scuba diving the vast coral reefs and walls of Cozumel and for good reason as the dive areas are only minutes from shore. Divers may choose from one of two popular locations. The shallow and colorful reefs off Playa Del Carman is widely frequented, as is Chinchorro Banks, which offers access to the second largest barrier reef in the world (after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef) and spectacular wall dives. Scuba diving Cozumel is a great choice for divers of every level. The island of Cozumel also offers plenty of other entertainment, such as visiting nearby Mayan ruins or just hanging out on the beach in this beautiful laid back Isla of the western Caribbean.

Night Diving Cozumel

Night dives on the barrier reef from Cozumel are very popular and offer a unique and fascinating world beneath the blue western Caribbean. One of the most memorable dives in diving Mexico, will be experiencing the very different marine life that comes alive with a new variety of colors and species during a night dive. On a diving Mexico night dive its not uncommon to find some of the coral reef in-habitants asleep in a suspended state, while others flash by leaving a trail of florescent colors in their wake. Most of the Cozumel island dive shops will offer a night dive, so don’t miss the boat for a true underwater treat diving Mexico.

Diving Mexico Pacific Coast

One of the more popular scuba destinations for divers around the world is Puerto Vallarta. Puerto Vallarta scuba diving is a rare treat, as many of the nearby islands and bays, such as Los Arcos, Majahuitas. The Marietas islands have been designated as protected underwater national parks. Between December and April, Puerto Vallarta scuba diving will likely offer views of humpback whales, as the mammals migrate to the warms seas off the coast each winter. Whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions and a variety of tropical fish also make this safe haven their home. Puerto Vallarta scuba diving is a great adventure for anyone taking a Mexico beach vacation in the area.

Scuba diving Mexico in the Sea Of Cortez, also offers great spots off the coast of Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Depending on the length of your Mexico beach vacation, you may want to take a day or two to explore all that Mexico diving has to offer. Day trips, as well as longer boating excursions, are widely available. Winter is by far the best season for scuba diving, as the highest number of sea creatures will migrate to the warm Pacific waters of Mexico. If you plan to dive during this time, be sure to book ahead, as tours do fill up. Whether you’ll be taking your first dive or your hundredth dive, the scuba diving Mexico offers is truly a world-class diving adventure.

Diving Mexico Specialties

You will also find diving Mexico, that there are several specialty dives to wet your diving appetite. In this ancient land of the Maya, the Yucatan area of Mexico is literally catacombed with sand stone caverns and blue hole cenotes. Many of these caverns are underwater and chain for miles offering some of the most exciting underwater challenges for advance cave divers. Cenote diving is a unique underwater vision of a world held sacred by the Maya Indians even to this day. These crystalline blue water entrances to the Maya underworld offer scuba divers and snorkelers rare views of stalagmites and stalactites formed thousands of years ago before the water tables rose and filled the caverns and formed the cenotes (blue water sink holes).

Share This

Posted in Cenotes, Scuba Diving Mexico | No Comments »

Feb

12

Mexico Whale Watching

Mexico Whale Watching If you’re fortunate to be visiting Los Cabos, Cancun or Puerto Vallarta in the months of January through March, it’s likely that at some point during your stay you’ll be treated to the sight of whales spouting off shore. Many whales that feed in northern waters migrate south each year. From mid to late fall, gray whales make the longest migration of any mammal, a 6,000 mile journey from their summer homes in the Bering and Chukchi Seas between Alaska and Siberia, to winter in the warm waters of Baja California and the Sea of Cortez. Averaging a speed of four to five knots, they arrive in late December seeking both shelter from the frigid northern waters and refuge to birth their young. Gray whales (also known as the Pacific gray, California gray or grayback) calve in the protected, shallow lagoons of San Ignacio, Scammon’s, Ojo de Liebre and Magdalena Bay. Bottom-feeding grays are placid shore lovers who spend most of their lives traveling. Once found in Europe and Asia, the gray population is now confined to the North Pacific, from Siberia and Alaska south to Mexico.

Sea of Cortez Los Cabos Whale’s Of The Sea Of Cortez

Like all mammals, the gray whale is warm blooded, breathes air and nurses its young. Moderately large in size, they range in length from 40 to 50 feet and can weigh up to 73,000 pounds, with males smaller than females. Gray in color, hence the name, they are classified as Cetacea, marine mammals that include whales, porpoises and dolphins and belong to Mysticeti, one of the three families of great baleen whales. Grays have no close relatives; they are the single species of the family Eschrichtidae. Grays, right whales and the family of fin, blue, sei, Bryde’s, minke and humpback whales (balaenopterids) have baleen fringes, made of whalebone, instead of teeth. The baleen lines the upper jaw and works like a large comb, filtering plankton from salt water and, in the grays’ case, sediment. When the whale’s mouth is full it closes and forces the water out, catching the plankton in the baleen. When all of the residue is filtered, the whale swallows. Unlike other baleen whales, grays are the only whale to bottom feed, staying down for 3 to 5 minutes to eat; leaving a trail of grooves in the ocean floor behind them. They can remain under water for fifteen minutes before running out of air. Grays are characterized by a long snout and double blowhole on top of their head. In place of a dorsal fin, the gray has a hump with dorsal ridges running to it’s flukes (tail).

The Baja Lagoons

The lagoons frequented by the grays are mid-way to three-quarters of the way down the Baja peninsula and offer optimal conditions for female grays to give birth. After a gestation period of thirteen months, newborns enter the world about 15 feet long and weigh around 1,500 pounds. Whale milk is more than 50% fat and 10 times richer than cow’s milk, allowing the calf to build up blubber for the long return trip north in the spring. Mother grays are extremely affectionate, playing constantly and bracing the calf on her back when it needs to rest. In the sheltered lagoons, the calves learn survival skills and build their muscles by swimming against the ocean currents flowing into the calmer waters. The calves weigh around 3,000 pounds and are about 19 feet long when they are ready to leave the lagoon. The grays natural predators are sharks and orcas (killer whales) and mother grays are always on guard for the enemy.

Although each of the lagoons is hundreds of miles or more up the peninsula, whale watching around Los Cabos can be very fruitful. While the gray whale is not the only species you will see (blue, humpback, sperm, Bryde’s, sei, fin, and the occasional orca ply these waters) it is the most commonly sighted whale around Los Cabos or Puerto Vallarta. Many male grays travel into the Sea of Cortez, as well as females, once their calves are mature enough to leave the sanctuary of the lagoon.

Mexico Whale Watching Tours Whale Watching Tours

Simply watching these incredible creatures frolicking amongst themselves is an awe-inspiring treat. Spouting, the visible exhaling of air by the whale, is usually your first indication of whale activity, however, you may see breaching, too. Breaching, when the whale leaps almost completely out of the water and falls back with a large splash, is a spectacular sight. Remember that the whales are moving and will stay under for two to five minutes, so try to anticipate what direction they are taking so you are able to focus on the location of their next breach or spout. You’ll also see the whales showing their flukes, which is known as sounding. If you’re in a small boat, Zodiac or kayak, you will be able to move in much closer and may get an eye-to-eye close-up with a new friend. Called spyhopping, this is where the whale pushes itself up out of the water until he can see his surroundings (and you), and for first time whale watchers this is especially thrilling.

If you want to see mothers and their calves first hand, whale-watching trips to Magdalena Bay (the closest calving area to Los Cabos) are best made with daytrip fly-in tours. This is a completely different experience than whale watching off the coast of Los Cabos as you are in a protected area of extremely calm, shallow water. Here you will be able to interact with the whales and get much closer to them than in the open ocean. The opportunity to pet whales is not uncommon. If you have more time to spend a few days in Magdalena Bay, there are several tour companies that operate from Loreto as a base camp.

Whale Watching Season In Mexico

You will find that there are several local, top notch-whale watching tours that will bring you as close as possible to the grays and other whales off the coast of Los Cabos and they generally conduct daily excursions from January to March. Whale watching tours in Mexico start early December and run through late spring.

Share This

Posted in Mexico Whale Watching | No Comments »

Feb

12

Veracruz

The beautiful port of Veracruz emerges quite frequently in Mexican history from the days of Mesoamerican civilization to the arrival of the Europeans to the Americas. Now, the biggest trading port in Mexico, Veracruz is bringing in a healthy economy and a vibrant tourist industry.

Port of Veracruz Description

In Veracruz, you will always notice details that catch your attention. At a restaurant close to the Malecon (seawall), try tapping a coffee spoon on a glass. This action, in this region, is used to call a waiter. Cafe con leche (or cafe latte) is served in a style very particular to Veracruz by pouring a bit of hot coffee into a glass. Then, using a coffee pot with a narrow-nozzled spout, the waiter fills the rest of the glass with boiling milk, lifting the pot high above his head while still pouring. These things set the pace of the Port for the lively hubbub of Cafe de la Parroquia, all following a metronome of the shipyards embarking and disembarking merchandise, youngsters strolling romantically by the waterfront and the harp and “jarana” playing as dancers can be heard tapping out the rhythm.

The Port’s modernization has included the creation and restoration of attractions like the Veracruz Aquarium, the San Juan de Ulua fortress, the Naval Museum and the City Museum. If you’re lucky enough to travel to Veracruz during the Carnival season, an absolute great time is guaranteed. The biggest carnival in Mexico is an incomparable colorful music show where happy and worry-free locals will always, always welcome you with a sincere smile.

Veracruz has a wide assortment of tourist activities, however, and is not centered only on the Port. The surroundings have an endless array of natural resources, landscapes and climates that go from soft beach breezes on the gulf to snow-capped peaks on the Sierra Madre Oriental. These are factors that have enticed the state tourism sector to invest in and develop ecological and adventure options.

History Veracruz History

The land where southeastern Veracruz lies today is a large and extremely fertile flood plain, formed over time from sediments carried from the high lands by plentiful rivers. These conditions made it easy for groups of migrants to settle and later to give origin to a very little-known Mesoamerican civilization called the Olmecs. Their name comes from the Aztec word meaning ‘rubber country inhabitant’.

The location of the present Port of Veracruz is the fourth settlement of the city after Cortez first founded it on the Chalchihuecan islet. From there, it went to the indigenous town of Quiahuixtlan. Due to administrative problems with the ships, it was then moved north to where the town of La Antigua lies now. Finally, at the end of the 16th century it was taken back to the original site of Quiahuixtlan for it was considered a “more decent and convenient place” according to the viceroy Zuniga and Acevedo.

During Mexico’s independence, Veracruz played a heroic role in resisting the invasions from Spain in 1829, from the U.S. in 1847 and 1914, and from France in 1859, when it played the role as the Nation’s capital during these arduous times. Even when oil and trade were the source of the state’s economic prosperity in the past, at the present, the Port of Veracruz is experiencing a boom due to the active participation of Mexico in international trade. This has propelled a careful but intense development in tourism, preserving the immense natural resources of its surroundings.

Art and Culture

Being a port city with intense trade activity, Veracruz is an authentic melting pot of ethnicities, cultures and art. The state’s musical tradition has its origins in the ethnological fusion of African, Native American, Spanish and other cultures. In terms of architecture, the sober and age-old Spanish fortresses coexisted with modern shipyards. The Franciscan and Dominican styles juxtaposed strongly with neoclassical and modern styles. The word “eclectic” acquires a truly wide and unusual sense and whether it is in art or in culture, this intense exchange has shaped the personality of the Jarochos (the word for Veracruz locals), who are known for their friendliness.

Boca del Rio

Boca del Rio is a municipality that sits next to the port of Veracruz, connected by a boulevard with a magical feel to it. It got its name in 1609 because it sits on the left bank of the mouth of the Jampa River. On January 24th 1988, it was declared a city by official decree.

Boca del Rio is a growing city, its modern aspects contrast with the richness of the traditions of its people, steeped in customs. Its world-class hotels, nightclubs, specialized restaurants and first class infrastructure and services along with its World Trade Center and malls make it equal to all large cities without taking away from the warmth of its people. Whether it’s just chatting long hours or playing sports, Boca Del Rio will provide a fabulous backdrop for you next vacation.

Shopping in VeraCruz

Welcome to Veracruz

A stroll through the streets of downtown Veracruz could end up being an interesting shopping adventure. Whether they are souvenirs or everyday objects, shops at the Mercado Hidalgo, Mercado Orizaba and Plaza Acuario have a great variety of products and most of them made in the vicinity.

Among the handcrafts that you can find there are waist loom-woven textiles, cross stitched embroidery, crochet work, blown glass; toys, tools and hats made out of palm leaf; coconut, seashell and conch crafts and wickerwork furniture. If you stay by the plaza at night after a spell of danzon (a couple’s dance, popular in the Caribbean), you will find the place turns into a huge souvenir market where the best buy will probably be a fan.

If you wish, however, to expand your wardrobe, you’ll find the best department stores available in Mexico in many of the modern malls, with internationally renowned brands, in the Port as well as in Boca del Rio area.

Plaza Acuario

When you finish your visit to the city aquarium, you can continue your adventure in this mall where you will find a wax museum, a totally functional scaled-down city for kids called Portal de los Ninos and an ample selection of the best handcrafts of Veracruz.

Handcrafts Market

If you don’t feel like going back home with just a t-shirt as your only souvenir, at the handcrafts market you will find an eclectic assortment from hand fans, Barbie dolls turned into mermaids decorated with shells, ashtrays and adorned feathers with ocean motifs, small wooden ships, necklaces and other crafts made of wooden and shells. Your best bet for original souvenirs.

Las Americas Shopping Mall

Plaza Las Americas in Veracruz is connected to Puerta del Sol Hotel and features top quality department stores, avant-garde boutiques and a food court. Its modern installations are air conditioned and beautifully decorated to provide you with a comfortable shopping experience.

Mocambo Shopping Mall

Mocambo Shopping Mall

The oldest mall in Veracruz is located in the south of the city. It is fully air conditioned and sells all the popular brands, both local and national.

Share This

Posted in Veracruz | No Comments »

Feb

12

Riviera Maya

On the east side of the beautiful state of Quintana Roo is the Riviera Maya, a new tourist destination comprising well over 100 kilometers (80 miles) worth of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which could be referred to as astonishing; The Riviera Maya, a totally different place that starts some 20 minutes south of Cancun’s International Airport up to the picturesque Punta Allen fisherman’s village.

Beaches in the Riviera Maya Description

The Riviera Maya is a 130-kilometer strip located on the West coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It ranges from solitary beaches to modern architectural complexes, including hotels, marinas, sports facilities and restaurants. Playa del Carmen, for example, which used to be a peaceful fisherman’s village, is now the site of prestigious international hotels. Nearby is the area’s principal ecological reserve, Sian Ka’an, a habitat noted for the richness of its flora and fauna.

Even though the Maya culture remains present in the zone, through the many indigenous communities still found here which preserve the traditions, religion and social structure, the splendor of ancient Maya civilization is most evident in the numerous archaeological sites in this area. It is through the pyramids, “pelota” playing fields, sculpted stone pillars, plazas and temples that some of the mysteries still surrounding one of America’s most important cultures has been partially deciphered.

The Riviera Maya’s principal quality is its diversity. Here one can choose everything from adventure sports to playing golf or tennis, jungle tours on foot or horseback, many different water and nautical sports, and the indescribable cultural and archaeological treasures of the Maya world. You can experience them in a Riviera Maya vacation.

Forests, jungle, flora and fauna, archaeological sites, solitary beaches, a turquoise-colored sea with crystal-clear water which turns to silver by moonlight, the fantasy and warmth of the tropics, the mystery of the millenary culture which lives on in the Maya people, are just some of the qualities which have turned the Riviera Maya into a destination which can compete favorably with all the rest of the Caribbean’s tourist destinations.

For all these reasons, this region - where the ancient Maya civilization flourished and reached its full splendor - is a top-level tourist destination today, preferred by both local and international travelers.

Shopping in Riviera Maya
The actual concept of a touristy destination includes buying original products from each place that can not be found elsewhere. In this aspect the Riviera Maya shopping has the best opportunities for unique travel treasures.

The handicrafts of the region are famous all over the world for their originality and colorful shapes; you will find also beautiful silver and pewter. There is a great variety of art galleries and jewelries at Playa del Carmen, where you can find original pieces encrusted with precious and semiprecious stones. As a fact the stones at the Yucatan peninsula are very famous: amethyst, opal, onyx o turquoise refulgence and engrain bracelets, necklaces and silver earrings.

In the Riviera Maya shops you will find lots of hats, w Shops in Riviera Maya ool sarapes, cotton hammocks, a Mayan liquor called Xtabentun, and colorful wraps with printed designs full of creativity, artists and craftsmen are in the streets offering their unique work. Not to forget are the unique Caribbean guayaberas with an open needle work and interesting embroidery, perfect for the beach.

The site with more options is Playa del Carmen, any way in every town and in the majority of the resorts along the 100 kilometers of the shore at the Riviera; there area shops that sell regional products where nature inspires creativity with the background of the ancient culture.

Apurate

You have to visit this Riviera Maya shop if you want to buy casual clothes and leather. Located in the 5th avenue (Quinta Avenida), Playa del Carmen.

Blue Planet

Riviera Maya shopping would be incomplete if you don’t stop at this Clothing shop in the 5th avenue in Playa del Carmen.

Share This

Posted in Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo | No Comments »

Feb

12

Puerto Vallarta

When you think of the Mexican Riviera, with its palm-fringed beaches, luxuriant jungle vegetation and posh resorts, many places come to mind. But no resort typifies better the classic Mexican beach vacation than Puerto Vallarta does. It has come to be the sixth most popular travel destination in the world. Therefore, your Puerto Vallarta vacations guarantee you the utmost entertainment and relaxation.

The famous sea-horse statue, a Puerto Vallarta landmark Description

As you arrive by plane, Puerto Vallarta’s romance and beauty begin to take hold as a blanket of lush tropical jungle surrounding the quaint colonial city, as it climbs away from the blue Pacific into the Sierra Madre mountains. Puerto Vallarta is nestled in the shores of Bahia de Banderas, Mexico’s largest bay and second largest in North America.

Offering an extremely wide variety of attractions and entertainment options, Puerto Vallarta has something special for everyone, regardless of your personal preferences. There are many cultural events and exhibits, exciting day trips to the jungle, relaxing days at the beach and countless romantic hideaways.

A modern marina and cruise ship port attract visitors on ships and yachts from all over the world. The city’s clean and modern infrastructure, friendly atmosphere, unique Old Mexico ambiance and incredibly diverse shopping possibilities, including crafts made by locals, attract International and Mexican tourists in droves. Night life abounds with many popular night clubs and an array of quality restaurants to please even the most discriminating palate. You’ll find all sorts of lodgings available from budget inns to world class beachfront resorts. All this variety guarantees you that your Puerto Vallarta vacatons will be the best ones in your life.

Beaches in Puerto Vallarta Beaches

Puerto Vallarta is a haven for anyone who enjoys any type of beach activity, from whale watching to parasailing. Bungee jumping over the Pacific, windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing or fishing are available for you. The surf at most beaches is normally calm and safe for swimming year around.

Playa de Oro is a wide, sandy beach with a few rocky areas interspersed, popular because of its water sports. Further north, the beaches of Banderas Bay are pristine and quiet as they reach up toward Punta de Mita. In winter many tours are available to view the magnificent Humpback Whales.

Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach, Playa de los Muertos, is located just south of the malecon and the River Cuale. It is lined with beachfront hotels and restaurants and is usually bustling with activity, sun worshipers by day, the dining and nightlife crowd after dark. The beachfront bars and restaurants in this area are a great place to catch one of the incredible Vallarta sunsets.

South of town, you’ll find Playa de Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlan, the last two beaches accessible by road, great for relax and swimming. You can hire local pangas here to take you to Yelapa, Las Animas or Quimixto.

Destiladeras is one of the most enjoyable beaches in the northern area. Snorkeling, wind surfing and bird watching are also great at the Las Marietas Islands Bird Sanctury.

Shopping in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta shopping focuses in local craftsmanship since this beautiful port has been for a long time famous for its works of art. That’s why Puerto Vallarta shops offer a wonderful variety of handicrafts and souvenirs. You will have the opportunity of choosing among one-of-a-kind art pieces from many famous Mexican and International visual artists. However, Puerto Vallarta has something for every budget and if you have a good eye, you’ll be able to discover works from artists yet unknown, working on the floor of Pueblito del Sol cultural center.

Almost every handcraft produced in Mexico is in this port: masks, clothing and textiles, sarapes, ceramics, bown glass, copper, silver, carved wood, kitchen ingredients and liquors. Best buys are the ones produced locally thou, such as leather sandals and hand made cotton clothing. There are also furniture which can be shipped abroad.

Handicrafts shops in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta shopping features an wide range of jewelry to the most surprising products, either at the flea market or at the most modern malls. Strolling down the streets you will notice buy opportunities are virtually everywhere, beside having the opportunity of having a close sight on Vallartans daily life. These are some of the main Puerto Vallarta shops.

Plaza Neptuno in Puerto Vallarta Plaza Neptuno

Large shop featuring silver, Oaxaca pottery and wood carvings, lacquer chests, dance masks and pre-hispanic pottery reproductions.

Share This

Posted in Puerto Vallarta | No Comments »

Feb

12

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a stunningly beautiful, vibrant part of the Mayan World located on the pristine Caribbean coast of Mexico. Playa, as it is now affectionately known, is the perfect base from which to explore the fascinating sites along the Cancun-Tulum Corridor, now called ‘Riviera Maya’. Blessed with miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters, experience an unforgettable time and the endless adventures Mundo Maya has to offer.

Water activities in Playa del Carmen Mexico Description

The capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen has evolved from, originally a small village of Mayan pilgrims, into a lively, cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. Its natural features, beauty and miles of white sandy beaches, its enviable geographical location and its blend of sea and jungle make this destination on the Mexican Caribbean a magnet for both Mexicans and visitors from all over the world.

Playa is a fantastic place to spend your vacation, hang out, or even live. The town has grown along the beach, so wherever you go, you will feel the close to the ocean. The main street is called Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue. It is a pedestrian walkway and a prominent point of reference. Here is where you will find the majority of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Life in Playa del Carmen is characterized by variety and diversity.

South of the dock there is an area called Playacar. This planned development is where all the big, all-inclusive resorts are located. You will also find the golf course, some private homes and condos, the aviary, and some interesting Mayan ruins.

There are diving facilities both inland and by the sea, the deep waters, separating it from Cozumel , are also ideal for sport fishing. If diving’s not your thing then the jungle invites you to explore its lush, magical world, while trips to the nearby archaeological sites are extremely gratifying.

Beaches and Attractions in Playa del Carmen Mexico Beaches and Attractions

Whilst on your vacation in Playa del Carmen you will find an enormous variety of water activities, ranging from swimming or playing in the sea, or more strenuous sports such as windsurfing, sailing or diving in the nearby reefs, to going on boat trips or using the other types of watercraft available, such as canoes or jet skis.

Diving enthusiasts can enjoy scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of Playa del Carmen. You can also go snorkeling and diving on the Great Mayan Reef, located less than 100 meters out from the beach. Alternatively, you can go diving in the nearby caves, which is an experience out of this world.

Playa del Carmen is also an ideal spot for visiting one of the most beautiful parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which also happens to be the location where ferries set out for the Island of Cozumel. It is also near the natural well area of Puerto Aventuras, while the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha, is just a forty-five minute drive away.

When the sun sets in ‘Playa’ the fiesta begins! The evening offers a huge variety of options; every conceivable taste is catered for, from quick and cheap to a five star fine dining experience. The night clubs and bars open early and close late. Lose yourself in the balmy Caribbean nights and fill your senses with the sights, sounds, food and music that make up this tropical paradise!

Shopping in Playa del Carmen
Shopping could be Playa’s biggest attraction. Quinta Avenida, the main shopping street in Playa del Carmen, is open exclusively for pedestrians.

There are some beautiful boutique galleries featuring artists from San Cristobal or Oaxaca. Fine examples of handicrafts from Mexico’s different regions, including furniture and silver jewelry are widely available. You can also get, at truly low prices, clothes and shoes of a magnificent quality.

Do not miss the chance to experience the newest Paseo del Carmen shopping mall. Here you will find exclusive stores and restaurants with a very traditional atmosphere.

Selva y Mar in Playa del Carmen La Quinta Avenida

La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is a cobblestone pedestrian street, here you will find people from every different nationality creating a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is the main convergence point in Playa del Carmen and it’s located just one block from the beach! Here you will find the most important restaurants, lively nightclubs, and a huge variety of stores, small handicraft stands, as well as all the big, well renowned designer boutiques.

Besides the beaches, La Quinta Avenida is the most visited area and it gets pretty crowded in high season. It has a magnificent multicultural ambiance. Located at the far end is the pier where the ferry departs for Cozumel.

Paseo del Carmen

Paseo del Carmen is a spacious, inviting open air mall, located between 5th Avenue and Playacar. Designed with a contemporary Mediterranean feel, combined with the eastern influences of Feng Shui, this mall has a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. High Fashion Boutiques, exclusive handicrafts, fine art, souvenirs and jewelry make it the perfect starting point to begin your shopping experience.

Playa del Carmen Shops

Soho

In this exotic boutique you will find the most outlandish, urban chic couture: plastic vogue, retro and cyber trends, among many others. Here garments are as stylish as astonishing, originality and uniqueness is what Soho is all about. If you enjoy the wilder side of high fashion from Madonna to Hollywood, Soho will fit your personality and style.

Share This

Posted in Playa del Carmen | No Comments »