Travel Ideas

by: David Chandler

Mexico is popular with travelers from all over the world. The visitors of Mexico go there for many reasons: sunshine, blue seas swarming with fish and coral, crystal-white beaches, mountains and volcanoes, jungles full of striking wildlife, collectible folk art and the wonderful remains of ancient cultures.
Mexico is known for its tourist destinations. Its fantastic location and year-round mild climate, gorgeous white beaches are ideal for water sports. The site of the Caribbean Ocean makes this place a desired vacationing spot for all.
History of Mexico
Mexico has reminders of its past in just about every city you visit, due to Mexico’s vast history. Sometime during the last ice age nomadic tribes of hunter-gatherers from Asia first crossed the Bering Strait and entered the Western Hemisphere. The various civilizations of Mesoamerica are distinguished from others elsewhere in the New World by a variety of common cultural developments including hieroglyphic writing, commerce and trade, an extensive knowledge of astronomy, a highly accurate calendar system, and fascinating religious beliefs featuring a complex pantheon, a ritualistic ball game, and human and animal sacrifices.
Cities of Mexico
Cancun has a first rate tourist road and rail network. The most famous hotel chains in the world have combined luxury and comfort with hospitality. Cancun has fascinating Mayan remains, as well as a museum displaying pieces from this culture. It’s excellent overland and air links will whisk you to some of the most impressive places in the Mayan World in both Quintana Roo and neighboring state of Yucatan.
Cabo San Lucas at the southernmost tip of Baja, was once a base for pirate ships waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships. It has quickly become the main point of Los Cabos: million-dollar condos have sprung up, palm trees have been transplanted, golf courses have been laid, water has been piped in from San Jos? and everywhere is kept immaculate.
The island of Cozumel Mexico has shops with a nice selection of goods including fine jewelry stores. There are so many great reasons to visit Cozumel that once you visit once, you might just get hooked. Compared to other tropical vacation spots, Cozumel is very inexpensive. The unusually short 2-hour flight from Houston, Miami, or Dallas/Fort Worth means you can be lying on a lounge chair sipping a beverage by noon!
Puerto Vallarta is smaller, quieter and younger than Acapulco. In its own way, it is actually every bit as commercial - perhaps more so, since here tourism is virtually the only source of income - but appearances count for much, and Puerto Vallarta, while doing all it can to catch up with Acapulco, appears far less developed and retains a more Mexican feel.
Christmas in Mexico
Christmas for Mexicans, in traditional homes and rural areas, is a religious holiday. It is a celebration of the Nativity. The first thing to know about celebrating Christmas in Mexico is that most everybody takes off the last two weeks in December to spend more time with the family, visit with old friends, even make new friends.

About The Author

David Chandler
For more information, go to: http://www.TexasInfoCenter.com

• Acapulco is rated as one of the top tourists attractions in Mexico.  It is also considered Mexico’s largest beach resort.  It is home to some of the world’s finest hotels, as well as many beautiful beaches.  Acapulco offers a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, fishing, golf, tennis, and scuba diving.   Boats trips are regular features of a trip to Acapulco.  Acapulco is also a great place for family vacations, as well as romantic getaways.  Many all-inclusive packages offer fun filled activities for couples and families, but at a descent price.
• Cancun is one of the world’s most famous resort towns.  According to the town’s history, a computer selected its location when the Mexican government was looking for the perfect location to build its newest resort.  Since then, Cancun has grown into a large community and one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.  When looking for a vacation spot, many individuals automatically consider vacationing in Cancun.  Cancun is most known for its nightlife; however, that is not all that Cancun is about.  With nearby Mayan ruins, you can incorporate education into your vacation.
• Puerto Vallarta is another popular Mexico tourist attraction.  It is considered a tropical paradise. As with Cancun, there are a large number of local historical sites.  The Sierra Madre Mountains are home to a number of guided tours.   While on these tours, you can easily spot exotic wildlife.  Fishing and scuba diving are perfect daytime activities to engage in.  Puerto Vallarta is also known for its nightlife. There are many bars, nightclubs, and discos.  Another popular and great feature of Puerto Vallarta is the fine shopping experience.  You will likely enjoy shopping at many high scale boutiques.
• Mazatlan is famous as being one of the world’s greatest fishing ports.  The waters are known as being the perfect debt and temperature for fishing.   Some of the other popular activities available in and around Mazatlan include surfing, tennis, golf, and fishing.  It is also known for the malecón.  The malecón is a long winding stretch that runs through nearly the entire city and covers roughly five miles of beach.  Another great feature of Mazatlan is a celebration that is similar to Mardi Gras.  It is held before Ash Wednesday and lasts for five days.  This event often involves fireworks, parades, dancing, and music.
• Cozumel or the Coral Island is Mexico’s most populated island.  It is a popular attraction for who love to go snorkeling or scuba diving. This is due to the beautiful coral reefs that can be found underwater.  Cozumel is the ideal vacation destination for those who wish to see the ocean at its finest.
• Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa is one of the most popular beach resorts in all of Mexico.  Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa is located in Cancun.  The resort differs from other resorts in that it does not have a Mexican theme.  Instead, the theme is French. If you are interested in vacationing at the Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa, you will find a wide range of on and offshore activities. Popular resort activities include swimming, golfing, and beaching.  The onsite spa is ideal for travelers who just want to pamper themselves.
• La Jolla de Mismaloya is located in Puerto Vallarta.  Similar to the above mentioned Cancun resort, La Jolla Mismaloya has a French theme.  La Jolla de Mismaloya is most well-known for being a resort that caters to children of all ages. The resort is popular for its beachfront activities. These activities may include relaxing by the spa, swimming, or boating.  As with most other beach resorts, La Jolla de Mismaloya has an unlimited number of activities that are geared towards adventure lovers. These activities often included guided tours that require horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, or biking.
• The Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is located in Cancun.  It is known as one of the most top rated beach resorts in the Cancun area.  The resort’s topnotch service is often hard to find at other area resorts. Aside from traditional beach activities, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is most well-known for its amazing, unique, and exciting adventures.  These adventures often include snorkeling, scuba diving, boat tours, sailing, and jet skiing.
• The Fairmont Acapulco Princess is located in Acapulco. The Acapulco area is most well-known for its wide range of landscape sceneries. Beaches, jungles, and deserts are all located within a sort distance of each other in the Acapulco area. The Fairmont Acapulco Princess is most known for its unique, but intriguing structural designs. The hotel is stocked with modern accommodations, but the structural designs of the hotel takes you back into time.  Onsite resort facilities include multiple pools, multiple tennis courts, a day spa, fitness center, and shopping center.
• The Westin Regina Beach Resort is located in Puerto Vallarta.  While the resort is most known for its golf accommodations, the beach area is just as spectacular. Aside from a golf course, onsite facilities include swimming pools, tennis courts, and amazing restaurants.  If you are looking for an adventure on or under the water, the Westin Regina Beach Resort may have just what you are looking for.  Popular water activities include swimming, boating, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Millions of Americans schedule a Mexico vacation.  If you are interested in scheduling a vacation in Mexico, or you already have, you may be wondering what you can do while on vacation.  In Mexico, there are an unlimited number of activities that you may find exciting.  One of those activities may include scuba diving.

When it comes to scuba diving in Mexico, there are many travelers who are misinformed.  Many believe that you have to be an experienced diver to enjoy underwater diving.  This is simply not true. Before going scuba diving in the ocean, it is advised that you have basic knowledge of diving and strong swimming skills.  However, you do not have to be an experienced diver. When vacationing in Mexico, there are many individuals who go scuba diving for the first time.

Scuba diving is a pretty self-explained activity.  Scuba divers are featured in many movies and can be found in many amusement parks. While the general idea of scuba diving is the same in Mexico, what you will see underwater is not.  There are a number of underwater animals and plants that can only be seen in or around the Mexico area. This in itself is one of the many reasons why you should schedule a scuba diving adventure.

In Mexico, scuba divers are often able to swim with the dolphins and sea turtles. To many, this alone is worth the cost of scuba diving.  Aside from swimming with sea animals, you can also spend your scuba diving trip examining the life and environment underwater.  Just a few of the many sea animals that you may see in Mexico include lobsters, eels, sting rays, and a large number of different kinds of fishes. The fishes found in underwater Mexico often include puffer fishes, spotted fishes, and parrot fishes.

While the sea animals found underwater are the most exciting part of scuba diving, there are other underwater activities that you can participate in.  Many scuba divers enjoy diving along coral reefs that are found along the coast of Mexico.  Coral reefs are not only home to a large number of sea animals, but they also make for great adventures. You may find it exciting traveling in, over, or around the many different sized reefs.

Unless you are an experienced underwater diver, you are advised to go scuba diving with a trained professional. These professionals are most commonly found with scuba diving tour groups.  Scuba diving tour groups can be found all along the coast of Mexico.  Scuba diving is a popular pastime in Mexico; therefore, you are encouraged to schedule your scuba diving adventures ahead of time.

In addition to scheduling a scuba dive with a trained diver, you can learn how to scuba dive at a number of locations in Mexico.  Many of these locations also offer guided tours.  Scuba diving lessons are offered as group lessons or private lessons.  Private lessons may be more expensive, but many first time scuba divers find them rewarding, in more ways than one.

Underworld Scuba operates scuba diving and snorkeling tours in the Manzanillo area of Mexico.  It has been said that the Manzanillo area is one of the best places to go scuba diving in Mexico.  Underworld Scuba, along with number other companies, state that the area is thriving with underwater life and adventures. Another popular scuba diving tour company is The Puerto Dive Team, which operates out of Oaxaco Mexico. They are most known for their private one-on-one underwater tours.

To find other guided tours that are designed for scuba divers, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or do the research yourself.  Whether or not you have already selected your Mexico destination, you should easily be able to find nearby tours. The closer you are to the coast, the more tours you will have access to.  What you can do and see underwater is absolutely amazing.  It is likely what you see will stay with you for years to come.

Vacationing with your family in Mexico offers many benefits.  Though many cities are associated with constant partying, there are also many activities that are designed for young children and teenagers.  Many children receive discounts at many popular tourist attractions.  Selecting an all-inclusive vacation package for the whole family is one of the best ways for everyone to enjoy their vacation in Mexico, without having to worry about the cost.

If you are interested in visiting Mexico with your family, you will want to examine some of the many attractions that are specifically geared towards children. These attractions and activities are ideal for making the most out of your family vacation.  Below is a summary of just a few of the many attractions and resorts that you may find exciting in Mexico.  For additional information, you are encouraged to contact your local travel agent or use the internet to guide you in your search.

Located on the Mayan Riviera is the Xcaret Theme Park.  The Xcaret Theme Park is a wonderful attraction for those who are looking for a family resort.  Located in Cancun, Mexico, the Xcaret Theme Park is a theme park that is often compared to Disney World or Disneyland.  Similar to Disneyland and Disney World, you can expect to enjoy a fun filled day at Xcaret, thanks to amazing rides and attractions.

An deep underground river is a popular feature of the Xcaret Theme Park.  You and your family can see plenty of beautiful tropical plants as you enjoy the river.  Xcaret is also host to many wild and exotic animals.  There is a butterfly pavilion, a coral reef aquarium, and you are given the chance to swim dolphins.  Many children, as well as adults, will be thrilled with this theme park.  In addition to the Xcaret Theme Park, Cancun offers many family friendly resorts.  To find a luxury resort that offers family oriented activities you may want to check on the internet or speak with your local travel agent.

Cozumel also offers many great attractions and activities that are designed for individuals of all ages, including children. Cozumel is ideal for family vacation, especially because it has one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico, as well as the world.  Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs.  This often creates an incredible adventure and learning experience for children.  If your children will enjoy scuba diving or snorkeling, then you will want to plan a trip to Cozumel.

With so many options for families, choosing a Mexican all-inclusive vacation is a great idea. The vacation package will also include items such as snacks, drinks, meals, as well as hotel accommodations and airfare.  Teaching children about various cultures and customs and letting them view the Mayan ruins first hand is an amazing lesson in geography and history. While education is nice, the above mentioned locations do not completely just focus on it. There are so many fun filled activities such as snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, fishing, sailing, and parasailing. These activities are great for families with active children.

In addition to the above mentioned popular Mexican destinations are that are designed for the whole family, you may want to consider additional sights and attractions.  Mexico has so much to offer you and your family. In fact, you and your family may wish that you could stay in longer.

by: Daniel Levy

A beautiful ride across cities and places named World Heritage by the Unesco, through an splendid protected natural area and ending in a surrealistic garden by artist Sir Edward James. Just keep reading…
The ride starts in Queretaro City at 5,970 ft above sea level.
Queretaro is a colonial city founded more than 500 years ago and named World Heritage by the Unesco in 1996 . It’s located in the center of the country two hours North Mexico City. Nowadays it has become one of the most dynamic cities in Mexico due to the surrounding industrial parks where many international companies are located.
The first stop is just 45 minutes away: “La Pe?a de Bernal” (The “Rock of Bernal”). We are talking about the third biggest rock in the world and the highest in Mexico. At its feet a quaint little town were you can stop for a soda, lunch or spend the night. You can also find nice little souvenirs. Whatever you decide to do, this place is a must.
If you like rock climbing, you are in the right place too!
The road to Bernal doesn’t present any major challenge, most of the road is straight with just a few extended curves… but just after passing Bernal it starts to get fun!
Surrounded by an arid landscape due the high content of lime in the soil, you start with a very interesting section of twisties, one after another, up and down, a technical road between the mountains for about 30 miles. The landscape changes a bit as you advance and a few miles later you are in the middle of a semidesert.
After this twisty section you then continue on a straight part of the road. A few more miles down the route and you find a military checkpoint… Don’t worry about it, they are normally courteous people just looking for arm and drug smugglers.
After the control point the curves and the fun start again. As you get to “Pe?a Blanca” (”White Rock” in English) - by the way if you need gas, this is the place to stop and fill it up - you start climbing the mountains twist after twist.
I love this part: most of the ride you can clearly see three or four turns in front of you, and as it is a low traffic road, you can enjoy yourself taking the best lines (always keeping it in the safe side if you know what I mean!).
After climbing for a while you notice how things start to change and suddenly what were rocks, sand and cactus are now pine trees. It’s beautiful.. You feel the change of temperature and then you reach “La Puerta del Cielo” (The Door of Heavens”) the highest point in this ride.
We are now at about 9200 feet above sea level… The turns continue but now you are going downhill. Remember to adjust your riding to that fact. Unfortunately I have seen more than one forgetting about it that and paying the consequences.
As you start descending you ride through a small town called Pinal the Amoles… descend, turn turn, descend turn turn, descend turn turn… I love it! About 10 miles after Pinal de Amoles, the weather starts to change again and gets warmer. The vegetation also suffers a sudden transformation.
You keep devouring the road and you cannot help but getting marveled of the landscape around you… Just remember to keep your eyes on the road! Turn, turn… You are in the middle of the Sierra Gorda protected area and home of multiple plants and animals.
You continue descending till you reach Jalpan de Serra the most important town in the Sierra Gorda and place where Father Junipero Serra built one of his most important missions in the area before heading north to build the Missions in California. These missions were also named World Heritage by the Unesco in 2003.
In Jalpan you can find a couple of simple but nice hotels and some restaurants. Another possibility to spend the night is to ride a few more miles west to a place called Conca where you ‘ll find a hotel with Spa to relax from the day’s ride and get ready for the rest of the trip.
After Jalpan our next stop and final destination is Xilitla, so you head north-east till you reach the state of San Luis Potosi.
A few miles after crossing the state limits in the middle of the mountains, at about 3,300 ft asl, in a rain forest of incredible vegetation you get to Xilitla.
This town was chosen by Sir Edward James, a surrealistic British artist - also noble and rich -, to spend the rest of his life. It is in this place he built a huge garden, a private zoo and a meditation place in the middle of the jungle. Its very difficult to describe it with words… Maybe the photos in this site can help: http://www.junglegossip.com/.
In Xilitla you can stay in the Castillo “The Castle” the house of former Sir Edward James’ right hand and friend: Plutarco Gastelum. This exclusive Bed and Breakfast is unique in its kind and you can see, feel and breath the influence of the artist everywhere.
Another possibility to spend the night is to ride a bit more to the north and stay in Ciudad Valles an important city of San Luis Potosi state where you will find all kind of hotels and restaurants, night life etc.
My recommendation… stay at the Castillo, forget about your ride and enjoy for a whole day this Mexican Shangri La.
After spending the whole day in Xilitla prepare for a long ride back to Queretaro. For this one I like to leave early in the morning and keep, if possible, a fast pace. Turn, turn…
We are talking about many miles and literally hundreds of twisties… Once my wife counted them… She stopped when she was at the 500th and we hadn’t arrived back to Queretaro City yet!
It’s so fun that the time flies and suddenly you realize it’s all over and you would like to turn around and do it again…
You know the feeling right?
Another possibility from Xilitla is to head to the famous Huasteca Potosina a zone of exuberant rivers, waterfalls and springs… But that area deserves a whole article by itself. I will be writing it in the future.
If you liked the trip I described and want more information about great motorcycle rides in Mexico and/or to contact me for any other issue please visit my site at www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com.
Enjoy the ride!
Daniel Levy
P.S. Below you will find a few facts about this ride.
Facts about the ride:
Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced

Recommended time to enjoy the trip: 3-4 days

Total length of the ride: about 600 miles

Checkpoints:

Queretaro-Bernal

Bernal-Military Checkpoint

Military Checkpoint-Pinal de Amoles

Pinal de Amoles-Jalpan de Serra

Jalpan de Serra-Xilitla
Weather: normally clear and dry with the exception of the rainy season from July to September where you can find some heavy rain.
Recommended Map: Guia Roji Mexico Tourist Road Atlas. You can find it at Amazon.

About The Author

Daniel Levy is the owner and contributing writer of www.Japanese-Motorcycles-Only.com. He loves motorcycles and Web development. For more great info visit http://www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com.

Each year, a large number of individuals, couples, and families make the decision to travel to Mexico.  Most have visited Mexico before.  If you are planning a Mexico vacation, and you have never been there before, you may have some concerns.  You may be wondering what places are safe for you to visit.

Mexico is like all other countries.  There are areas that are known as tourists attractions and then there are other areas that tourists are advised to stay away from.  You can easily learn about these areas online.  Researching every city and town in Mexico is a long and daunting process.  To save time and a costly vacation mistake, you are encouraged to examine the benefits of taking a guided Mexico tour.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of booking a guided tour in Mexico is that you will be with a local who is familiar with the area. Guided tours are held in areas that are considered safe.  In addition to showing you around certain areas of Mexico, your tour guide may be able to offer you additional travel tips and suggestions. These suggestions may help you with your vacation after your guide has ended.

If you are interested in taking a guided Mexican tour, you will have to find the tour company which you wish to do business with. There are a large nubmer of guided tour companies in the area.  If you do not have a preference as to which company you’d like to tour with, you may want to first search for a destination.  The destination you select will be important in determining what you will learn and see while on a guided tour.

Many guided tours take place in Cooper Canyon, the Oaxaca Mountains, the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja.  In Mexico, Baja is most known for its water activities.  Many popular guided tours include whale watching and kayaking. Whether you set out to watch the whales or you select a kayaking tour, you are sure to see Gray whales.  Many times, they will come right up to your boat, making for great pictures or video footage.

Cooper Canyon and the Oaxaca Mountains are guided tours that are ideal for those that love to hike.  To participate in these tours, it is advised that you receive the proper health clearance.  You tour will likely follow trails, but much of the terrain can be rough. The Yucatan Peninsula is ideal for travelers who wish to learn more about the ancient history of Mexico.

The above mentioned destinations in Mexico are just a few of the many.  Guided tours are found all across Mexico.  If there is particular topic or activity that interests you, you are sure to find a guided tour that will offer you excitement.  Hikers often select a hiking tour, boats often opt for boat tours, and history lovers often select tours that focus on the history of Mexico.

In addition to selecting where you’d like to go on a guided tour, you will also need to determine how long you’d like that tour to be.  In Mexico, guided tours can last as long as one day or over one week.  You should easily be able to determine how long a guided tour is by looking at the price.  Weeklong guided tours can cost thousands of dollars, but most of your accommodations are taken care of.  Some guided tours can be considered all-inclusive vacations.

Journey Mexico, Siesta Tours, and Ufly Mexico are three of the most well-known guided tour companies in Mexico.  You can examine the tours found by these three companies by visiting their online websites or by requesting free travel brochures.  If you are interested in finding additional tours, your local travel agent may be able to offer you assistance.

By selecting a guided tour of Mexico, you do not always have to be looking over your shoulder.  Vacationing in a safe area with an experienced tour guide is about as carefree as your Mexico vacation can get.