Destinations - Category

Taxco

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

taxco-santa-priscaTaxco, a city just a little over 100 miles from Mexico City, is known as the silver city. This city is nestled in the mountains and offers amazing views. The mines today have little silver left, but much silver is still sold in the town as it’s brought in from mines in surrounding areas. The mines never had much silver in them, but as silver crafting in the town made the town widely known, the town got its nickname.

Taxco is a popular stop for people who are traveling in the Mexico city area due to its close location to Mexico City. Most tourists leave at the end of the day which allow those staying overnight to experience Taxco in a way that most tourists can’t. Many steep and narrow roadways and small plazas make up the city. Unlike many other Mexican cities, there are no suburbs around Taxco, making the area quaint and open for exploration. The colonial feel of the town and the availability of many items made from silver draw many tourists. The Templo de Santa Prisca, a temple located on the main square, also draws many tourists because of it’s pink stonework and gold work around the altar. There is also a cable car in Taxco which will take visitors to the top of the mountain where the hotel, Hotel Monte Taxco, is located. The view from the top is beautiful and makes a great photo opportunity.

There are also museums in Taxco where travelers can learn more about the area. There is an art museum, an archaeology and history museum, and of course, a silver museum. Tourists can also check out Las Grutas de Cacahuamilpa which are limestone caves nearby. Tours of these caves are usually in Spanish, so it’s important for English speaking tourists to check for an English speaking tour ahead of time.

Veracruz

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

veracruz-riverVeracruz, a large city, is located within the state of Veracruz in central Mexico. There is much to do in Veracruz, although it is considered to be off the beaten path to tourists. This city has a strong Cuban influence is prided for having probably the best nightlife in the entire state of Veracruz. In the evening nearly the whole city seems to come alive with music and dancing. Although Spanish is widely spoken here, those speaking English will not have a hard time communicating as a large percentage of the population speaks English as well as Spanish.

Veracruz has a rich history starting with Cortez first landing here. This city also has seen its fair share of pirates as it was sacked by pirates on numerous occasions. It was also bombarded by three different foreign militias. Disease also was rampant in Veracruz when it was a younger city. Many diseases such as cholera, yellow fever, and malaria killed off many citizens of this city. Because of this, Veracruz was not able to grow to its full potential until recently. So it could be a good thing to get a real travel insurance before travel, you can find one here at travel insurance comparison.

There are many sights to be seen in or around Veracruz such as San Juan de Ulúa Castle which is the last fortress of the Spanish Empire. It was also used as a prison. The fortress is located near the downtown area. The downtown area, with its rich Cuban culture, allows tourists to listen to traditional Cuban music and enjoy a mixture of two cultures — Mexican and Cuban. This is the same heavy influence which led to the creation of the song, “La Bamba” which was made popular by Ritchie Valens. The song actually came from this region and visitors can here the song sung here as well as many other songs that give off a similar vibe. Visitors can also check out the Baluarte de Santiago which is the last standing part of the wall that used to surround Veracruz.

Sumidero Canyon

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

sumidero-canyonThe Sumidero Canyon, created by the Rio Grijalva, became popular for travelers after the river was dammed for hydroelectric power. Before the dam was built, the river was not navigable. After the dam was built, the water rose making the journey on the river much safer. Those who wish to take a trip down the river embark from Cauhaure which is located near Chiapa de Corzo. The trip down the river offers tourists the chance to view the high canyon walls. In some places, the walls rise over 2500 feet above visitors. One point in the trip, tourists can see moss hanging off the rock faces of the canyon wall. This gives off a Christmas tree-like appearance which makes it one of the most interesting views on the river trip. Visitors may also see interesting wildlife on the trip such as heron, egrets, kingfishers, monkeys, and even crocodile. The boat will take passengers from its start point all the way to an area nearby the hydroelectric plant. The water is at its deepest near the hydroelectric plant where is gets as deep as 860 feet.

There is an ecological park in the area, which was built in April 2003, that can only be reached by boat. The ecological park houses a wildlife sanctuary which allows visitors see see many different local plants and animals. The park also offers visitors the chance to go mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and swimming. Many tourists also enjoy the zip line which is also available here. There are also many activities here that allow travelers to learn about the ecology, ecosystems, and environment. This makes it a great learning experience for children, making Sumidero Canyon a great place for the whole family. It’s a great idea for travelers to bring a swimsuit as it is likely that travelers will want to take a dip in the water at the ecological park.

Guadalajara

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

guadalajaraEach year thousands of travelers find themselves in Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico. This city has the strongest economy in Mexico, as it was named as having the second most strongest economic potential of all the major cities in North America, just after Chicago. Because of this and the city’s strong electronics market, Guadalajara is sometimes called “Mexico’s Silicon Valley.”

This city is not only great for business as it also has a lot to offer tourists. Located in the state of Jalisco, where the drink Tequila was first developed, Guadalajara offers visitors the chance to try over 200 different varieties of Tequila. The city also offers an amazing nightlife, and is considered the best place in Mexico to party. The food is also very much acclaimed as well, allowing customers a wide variety of high quality meals. The city has many different districts each of which offer something different.

The weather in Guadalajara is mild which makes it a great place for those who enjoy perfect “not too hot, but not too cold” weather. The area offers many zoos, amusement parks, festivals, golf courses, and tennis courts. This makes it an excellent choice for a family vacation. Those enjoy history will never find themselves bored in Guadalajara as the city offers astounding architecture in nearly all of its districts. In the downtown area, the Guadalajara Cathedral draws many tourists as there is an underground commercial district underneath the cathedral’s large fountain. Surrounding the cathedral are the plazas of the crosses, which are four plazas each shaped like a cross. Each one of the cross plazas offer shoppers and diners something different. This particular section of the city cannot be missed as it also houses the Palacio de Gobierno, which is known for its many murals. One mural in particular is that of Miguel Hildalgo and draws crowds.

Cozumel

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

cozumel-beachCozumel, the third largest island in Mexico, is a unique place as it has deep Mexican traditions with a Caribbean flair. The people here are warm and friendly and the area provides a lot of excitement, relaxation, and fun for travelers. The area offers activities for those in pretty much every age group. There are many hotels in the area and over one hundred restaurants which give travelers the chance to experience many different types of food while enjoying the beautiful atmosphere that the island provides.

Know worldwide for its coral reefs, Cozumel is a prime location for snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, swimming, and kayaking. The beaches of Cozumel are beautiful and are a great place to catch a breathtaking sunset. Jacques Cousteau once remarked that Cozumel is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive. Although the coral reefs bring visitors in droves each year, a deep water pier was built in the 90s which allows cruise ships to dock. Since then, cruise ships have done much damage to the reefs in the area.

Those who wish to enjoy an eco-tour will enjoy Cozumel as it also has unique wildlife. This is apparent in the fact that in the Mayan language the word Cozumel means “island of the swallows”. The island’s central area is undeveloped, thus it offers visitors to catch a glimpse of the rare wildlife that live in the swampy areas deep within the jungle. There are many national parks on the island and other protected areas. The southern part of the island is known for its lighthouse as well as the Columbia Lagoon which is a great place to few some of the island’s endemic species. Much care should be taking when going on a Cozumel eco-tour as it is home to many endangered species such as sea turtles.

Copper Canyon

Wednesday, July 29th, 2009

copper-canyon-railway1A popular location for tourists and traveler who wish to go sightseeing is Copper Canyon. Copper Canyon is a group of canyons whose area is actually deeper in some places than the Grand Canyon in the US. It is also at least seven times larger than the Grand Canyon. The entire Copper Canyon area actually makes up nearly a third of the state of Chihuahua. These canyons were made up by several rivers all of which are tributaries for Rio Fuerte. Those traveling the area can view many magnificent vistas that appear in many books and magazines. Travelers may also get a glimpse of a mountain lion or a wolf, but this is fairly uncommon as these animals tend to avoid areas more popular for tourists.

There are many ways that tourists can get around in the Copper Canyon area including hiking, biking, horseback riding, and by train. The train that goes through this area is the most popular way of transportation as it offers some magnificent views of the canyons and rivers. Because of this, this railway is the most popular railway in Mexico among tourists.

This area is the home to an indigenous people known as the Tarahumara. The Tarahumara people are generally reserved and prefer to have little interaction with tourists. Some of the people, however, will sell food and crafts to tourists allowing travelers to own a piece of Tarahumara culture. In recent years a large number of these people have been forced by drug cultivators to work in the drug cartel. The area, however, is generally safe for tourists.

There are a few cities and towns in the Copper Canyon area, such as Creel, which is the main town in this area. Creel is located at the top of the canyon, which is also the highest point in the railway. Another important settlement in the area is Batopilas, which is located at the bottom of the canyon on the Batopilas River. This particular town was first settled by the Spanish in the early 1600s to mine silver.

Cabo San Lucas

Monday, June 29th, 2009

cabo-san-lucas-beachescabo-san-lucas-beach-rocks-sandCabo San Lucas, on the Baja Peninsula, is located at the bay where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific ocean. This area has just recently become popular with tourists, so it offers a quieter and friendlier atmosphere than other more touristy areas of Mexico. There are many different types of hotels at Cabo San Lucas from its small and intimate hotels to all-inclusive beach resorts.

There are many things for travelers to do in Cabo San Lucas including golf, water sports, and sightseeing. Sportfishing is popular in the area and marlin is the main reason many sport fishers find themselves in the area. Tourists can find sport fishing lessons as many companies will take tourists out and teach them the tricks of the trade. Cabo San Lucas is also a great tourist location for families as it offers amazing beaches where children can play in the sand or go swimming. Those interested in scuba diving, parasailing, or surfing will also find that these activities are popular in the area. There are also many guides who are willing to teach tourists how to do water sports. Many of them have their own boat and will take tourists either in large groups or in smaller intimate groups. This is not only a fun way to learn something new, but is also a great way to meet new people. May it be diving, playing outdoor sports, or simply relaxing in the beach, you’ll never run out of things to do at Cabo San Lucas resorts.

There are many sights that make this area a great place for photo opportunities and sightseeing. Cabo San Lucas is famous for its natural stone formation, known as El Arco, which is located at Land’s End. Many tourists also take photos of sunsets in Cabo San Lucas and some of the more picturesque areas of the town itself. Cabo San Lucas is also known for its seafood which attracts many seafood lovers from more landlocked areas.

Acapulco

Monday, June 29th, 2009

acapulco-beachAcapulco, a major sea port on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is an increasingly popular travel destination. Once a place that has lost major popularity with tourists, Acapulco is climbing back up as a major tourist attraction in Mexico. Major hotels in Acapulco have been updated and much has been done about the pollution and sewer system in Acapulco. Acapulco is a great place for tourists who wish to get off the beaten path as it isn’t as touristy as places like Cancun and Cozumel.

Those who are adventurous can try cliff diving of of La Quebrada. The activity of jumping of this cliff into the swirling water below has been popular since the mid 1930s. Jumpers have to be wary of the strong current and tide below, however. There is a water park called CICI right by the main beach which is a must visit for travelers with children. The area also offers many water sports. Isla de la Roqueta is a small island off of Acapulco that travelers can get to by ferry. Fishing, snorkeling, and diving are popular here as well as swimming as the island is surrounded by shallower water than that of Acapulco.

Acapulco’s town square, Zócalo, allows tourists to see more culture than town squares of most other Mexican tourist cities. The cathedral is located in this area as well as many small shops and restaurants. Those wishing to get away from the tourist scene in Acapulco can visit the nearby town of Puerto Marquez, which is quieter and friendlier. It’s a good idea for travelers here to know some, even if just a little, Spanish as Puerto Marquez isn’t really a tourist area thus far less locals speak English. Puerto Marquez is a great place for travellers to experience Mexican food at its finest. The food and lodging here is also cheaper here than Acapulco.

Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan

Monday, June 29th, 2009

mayan-ruins-yucatanThe Yucatan peninsula is known for its beaches, but known more so for the Mayan ruins which dot the area. These ruins give tourists the chance to touch the same structures that those in an ancient civilization did. They also give visitors the chance to learn how those living in this ancient civilization lived.

At one time, Mayapan, located just 25 miles from Merida, was the political and cultural capital of the Yucatan peninsula for the Mayans. The area, which is approximately two and a half square miles, now contains over 4000 structures. A large part of the archaeological site is surrounded by a large stone wall which was used as a defensive structure by the Mayans.

Chichen Itza, is located in the center of the Yucatan peninsula and was constructed before 600 AD. The area contains beautiful columns, stone walls, temples, and even ball court which was used by the Mayans to play Mesoamerican ballgame. The Great Ball Court, which is located here, is one of the most impressive examples of Mayan ball courts that still exist. There are no above ground rives in the area, but the Yucatan is famous for its underground rivers. The landscape nearby is dotted with ceynotes which are large, natural sinkholes that area caused by these underground rivers. One of the most popular ceynotes of the area is the Seynote Sagrado (or Sacred Ceynote.) The Seynote Segrado was used to make sacrifices to the god of water by the Mayans when there was a drought.

Another great set of Mayan ruins on the Yucatan are the ruins of Tulum. The ruins of Tulum are the only ruins in Mexico which are right on the ocean. The main temple sits on a rock formation over the ocean. The beach below offers swimmers the chance to look up at the ruins of Tulum while enjoying the warm ocean water.

Morelia

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

morelia-city-by-nightMorelia, which is the capital of the Mexican state of Michoacan, is a colonial style city that is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico. This city is not popular with tourists for some reason, giving those few tourists who do travel through it the chance to experience a wonderful place in Mexico without being “another tourist.” Although this isn’t a location on the traditional tourist track, many people here speak both Spanish and English. This is because Morelia is a large college town and many students have learned English as a part of their studies. Morelia is full of parks, cute shops, nice weather, and beautiful architecture. Besides being a large college town, it is also the capital of the State making it a center of governmental importance.

Great sites in Morelia include the baroque style cathedral that dominates the downtown area. The cathedral shows a great example of flying buttresses and tiled cupolas. The “Day of the Dead” celebration takes place here each November, so it’s important for those traveling to note this ahead of time if they wish to take part or to avoid the crowds and go elsewhere. The “Day of the Dead” festival cannot be missed, however. Another architectural feat that cannot be missed is the aqueduct. The aqueduct runs down the Avenida Acueducto. Built in the 17th century, this huge aqueduct brought water to Morelia in the city’s youth. The Santuario de Guadalupe, adorned in pink and white with gold trim work, is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Mexico. It also contains many oil paintings which cannot be missed. Casa de Artesanias, located on the Plaza San Francisco, is a great place for those looking to buy art and any wares. The art here can be purchased cheaper than other more touristy places in Mexico and is usually more authentic.

Subscribe to RSS