Condé Nast Traveler Gets Hungry For Tamales

Posted by & filed under Condé Nast, Things We're Proud Of.

Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s contributing editor, Mark Schatzker was recently reporting from Mexico City when he found himself hungry for some traditional Mexican food.  In his article, “”An Envelope of Joy” featured in the July 3012 issue of Condé Nast Traveler,  Mark tantalizingly describes what a tamale is and the joy of sinking his teeth into the warm corn masa.  Hungry for more and knowing that there are endless variations of tamales in Mexico;  he called upon  Journey Mexico asking for some advice about the best tamale destination.

As a result, Journey Mexico’s expert recommendation landed us a spot in Condé Nast Traveler!

 

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Journey Mexico’s Tamale Recommendation:

“I love the tamales in Oaxaca, where they are known for using thing corn dough and lots of filling. I like getting the pork leg tamale from the Tamales Geno stand in La Merced market, helmed by a vivacious mestizo woman who’s constantly steaming and folding the tasty treats right there at the stand. For less traditional tamales, I travel to Itanoni, a restaurant on the outskirts of the city known for its corn based dishes. There I order flor de calabaza or squash-flower tamale, stuffed with the freshest squash[Av. Belsario Dominguez 513, Colonia Reforma; 52-951-513-9223]. On the way back to the city center, I fnd it hard not to stop at the Monta Alban ruins,w here you can walk through a maze of tunnels that connect many of the structures, which date to 500 B.C.” – Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico

To read the complete article, pick up the July 2013 issue of Condé Nast Traveler; or you can read it here: The Best Tamale I Ever Ate Was Also the Stupidest.

 

 

Can’t get enough tamales!?

We  asked our friends on Facebook to tell us their favorite place for tamales and here’s what they said:

“[Tamalli, in Mexico City] is a little frou-frou as it’s not buying from an old lady you know or from a long-standing family business or puesto, but I love the tamales from this place, especially the chocolate ones. I always ask my mother-in-law to get me some from here at Christmas when I visit.” -Maura Hernandez, The Other Side Of The Tortilla

“My favorite tamales are the Yucatan-style tamales, specifically tamales torteados that we eat in downtown Cancun” – Laura Winfree de Mendez , Gringation Cancun

“According to popular consensus among my tamale loving friends in Oaxaca, the favorite tamales can be found at the Sanchez Pascua Market on Porfirio Diaz in the center of town. So head there to find Catalina Minerva Paz who runs Tamales Cande and eat the best Tamale Oaxaqueños in town! Wash it down with a fresh juice from the Super Jugo stand next door!” – Susannah Rigg, Mexico Retold

“Oaxaca! They ruined me on Mexico City tamales forever. The best ones I tried were on a tour with Susana Trilling, at the market in San Agustín Etla. I still dream about the squash flower-chepil ones.” – Lesley Tellez, Eat Mexico

 

Planning a Luxury Trip to Merida

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Destinations, Luxury.

Capital of the state of Yucatan, the colonial city of Merida was founded on the ancient Maya city known as Thó and offers a stark contrast to the seemingly untamed heartland of several ancient civilizations.  The narrow streets and shady plazas create a feeling of the old-world, as horses and cars traverse the cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old mansions. Perfect for travelers seeking luxury and culture, Merida offers first class facilities– many of the mansions and haciendas have turned into luxury boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants and cafes, galleries and museums. A stroll down Paseo de Montejo with traditional Yucatecan music leading your way is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Best of all, Merida  is one of the safest cities in Mexico.

Culture Dancers in Merida

When to Visit Merida

Throughout most of the year, Merida has a tropical climate and cool winds that blow in from the nearby coast with temperatures that range between 28ºC(82ºF) and 35º C(95ºF). The rainy season runs from June through October. In reality, any time  is a good time to visit Merida.  On any of the given 365 days of the year there is a cultural celebration with shows and serenades waiting to entertain  you. On Sundays in particular there are a series of activities in the historic center that really bring out Merida’s true  colors. For an even deeper immersion, you can try to coordinate your visit with one of the major cultural and festive events throughout the year: January 5 (Merida’s Anniversary and city festival), February 28 to  March 4 (carnival celebrations), October (Cultural Autumn), November 1 and 2 (Hanal Pixan).

 

What to Visit in Merida

Museums: Anthropology and History Museum which exhibits a great sample of Mayan history and anthropology; Museum of the Yucatecan song which is an exhibition of items and words that gave the yucataen style fame; and the Museum of Popular Art which displays different ethic groups of Mexico and strengthens the regional identity.

Barrio de Santiago – One of the oldest neighborhoods in Merida which is anchored by the Santiago Chuch is a must. The church’s construction in the 17th century helped the urbanization of what had previously been a Maya village. Also worth checking out is the Santiago Market and Park

Palacio de Gobierno –  A grand government building from the outside, on the inside are beautiful murals that tell the symbolic history of the Mayans and the Spanish takeover.

Paseo de Montejo – Emulating the Champs Elysees in Paris, the famous Paseo de Montejo is is lined with historic colonial mansions that have been converted into restaurants, bar, boutique hotels, galleries, shops and museums.

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Paseo Montejo Merida

 

Where to Eat in Merida

Casa Piedra – Located in the beautiful Hacienda Xcanatun, this restaurants serves up superb service and and Mexican Contemporary gourmet dishes. The chef fuses European techniques with Caribbean and Yucatecan ingredients. Hacienda Xcanatun is also a great hotel option while in Merida!

Casa Piedra

El Principe Tutul Xiu – This restaurant is legendary for its Yucatecan  dishes that combines the history and culture of the area. The food is exquisite and the chef believes the most important ingredient is tradition.

Rosas & Xocolate – The culinary specialties created by master chefs  are sure to satisfy. Rosas & Xocolote offers a unique ambiance and beautiful atmosphere, with a menu full of  culinary innovation.

 

Where to Stay in Merida

Casa Azul — This beautiful boutique hotel is located a few steps away from Paseo de Montejo. It was built in the XIX century and declared a Historical Monument. With only 8 rooms, the facilities are a grand mix of luxury and comfort. The backyard has an inviting pool and the terrace is uniquely located in front of the hotel where you can enjoy  an exquisite gourmet dinner or just share drinks under the murmur of traditional music performed by great singers.

Boutique hotel in Merida

Casa Lecanda — An elegant Yucatecan home is the backdrop for this 7 room boutique hotel, restored to perfection and infused with exquisite European architecture. Surrounded by swaying palms, magnificent arches, luxurious Spanish tile and the vivid beauty of local Merida, Casa Lecanda is a stunning sanctuary. Guests enjoy a tranquil refuge with historical appeal.

Luxury boutique hotel in Merida

 

Merida Tips

Keep in mind that Merida is a great starting point for discovering the rest of the Yucatan and its archaeological treasurers. When planning your luxury vacation to Merida you can opt for a tranquil experience (Tranquility in the Yucatan), an exploratory journey (Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula), a cultural immersion (Culture of Mexico), an archaeological expedition (The Archaeological Mayan Journey), or an adventurous exploration (Adventures in the Yucatan)!

 

 

 

 

New UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

Posted by & filed under Adventure, News.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committe added 34 sites to the UNESCO World Heritage List last week after meeting in Cambodia. One of Mexico’s natural attraction, El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, was included on that list, considered of having outstanding universal value.

El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is located in the Mexican state of Sonora and is made up of two distinct parts. To the east, a dormant volcanic shield, El Pinacate, of black and red lava flows and giant craters; and in the west, the Gran Altar Desert with active sand dunes towering up to 200 meters high.  El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar’s variety of landscapes  have promoted a large diversity in species, many of which are found only in the Sonoran Desert.  The subtropical desert ecosystem is reported to host more than 540 species of vascular plants, 44 mammals, more than 200 birds, over 40 reptiles, as well as several amphibians. The Sonoran Desert is considered to be the desert region with the most biodiversity in the world.  The area also has a rich archaeological history and is considered sacred by an indigenous group.

The UNESCO World Heritage list now has 981  properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage. Of the 981, Mexico has a total of 32, the largest in the Americas and the sixth most in the world.

 

 

Photo by IUCN Tilman Jaeger

Photo by IUCN Tilman Jaeger

Chactun, The Lost Maya City in Mexican Jungle

Posted by & filed under News, Yucatan.

Archaeologist Ivan Sprajc leads the team of foreign and national experts. (Mauricio Marat / INAH)

Archaeologist Ivan Sprajc leads the team of foreign and national experts. (Mauricio Marat / INAH)

News recently broke that archaeologists and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)   have found an ancient Maya city that until now has remained hidden for centuries in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula– 75 miles west of Chetumal covering roughly 54 acres in the southeast of Campeche

They named the city Chactún, meaning “Red Rock” or “Large Rock” and hope that this discovery will provide further clues and evidence about how the civilization collapsed.

Chactún, which covers about 54 acres has ball courts, plazas, sculpted stone shafts (stelae) and most impressively, 15 pyramids including one that stands 75 feet tall.

Read Full Article Here

 

 

 

 

June 2013 Newsletter

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

June Blog NLHot off the digital presses! June’s newsletter is packed with the latest in what’s going on in Mexico and where to go. This month the spotlight is on wildlife adventures in Mexico– butterflies, turtles, and whales, oh my! Be sure to also check out the exclusive promotions we secured from Casa Azul in Merida and Hotel Bo in Chiapas.

 To view the June newsletter in its entirety, click here.

 

Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Mexico

Posted by & filed under Los Cabos & Baja Californias.

The non profit organizations dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife, SEETurtles and SEEtheWILD, have created a petition to protect the endangered loggerhead sea turtles and they plan to send it to various Mexican government authorities this week.

The loggerhead sea turtle migrates thousands of miles across the entire Pacific Ocean through deadly longlines and plastic pollution from their nesting grounds in Japan to feed on the abundance of red crabs along the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Too often they are met at the end of this arduous journey by an invisible wall of death – hundreds of gillnets stretched across Baja’s coast. Last summer a horrific 600% increase in dead sea turtles was observed in Gulf of Ulloa along Baja’s Pacific coast, an area famous for its friendly gray whales and an important eco-tourism destination. A stunning 483 loggerheads washed up dead on 40 km of shoreline in just the month of July, and scientists estimate over 2,000 loggerheads were killed last year in gillnets alone off of Baja’s coast.

As a travel partner of SEEtheWILD, we at Journey Mexico lend our support and believe that the President of Mexico must respond immediately to protect these sea turtles.

SEETurtles’ first action in bringing attention to this devastation is to send a letter to the Mexican Secretary of Tourism and to the officials of the Baja California Sur state government. With the support of 27  tourism organizations and tour operations, including Journey Mexico, there is hope it will make the economic case to the government for strong action to protect the turtles.

We invite you to get involved as well. Below is a link to a petition to the Mexican government.. Please feel free to share that in any way– we must encourage solutions to this pressing problem!

Sign the petition to protect endangered loggerhead sea turtles here

turtles

 

A New Website to Inspire Luxury and Adventure Travel

Posted by & filed under News, Things We're Proud Of.

newwebsite

 

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco –May 2013 —  Journey Mexico, the leader in Mexico Travel offering unique luxury, adventure, natural and cultural tours throughout Mexico, has launched a new version of their website: www.journeymexico.com.  The site welcomes you with stunning images and a straightforward menu. With just a click, travel agents and travelers can immerse themselves in all that Mexico’s destinations have to offer – from vacationing in the most exclusive villa on the Mexican-Caribbean Coast to hiking the rugged terrain in the Copper Canyon.

There are three main trip planning features; you can browse by destination (custom travel), interests (experiences), and exclusivity.  In the exclusivity menu item, you will find what sets Journey Mexico apart from other tour operators. It is in here where you will find collection of the best private villas, luxury yachts, private flights, over-the-top expeditions, and every other extravagant detail one would need to plan a lavish retreat. Browsers also have the opportunity to scroll through Journey Mexico’s handpicked property portfolio which only includes properties that have been personally examined by a Journey Mexico staff member. Ranging from haciendas and boutique hotels to hotels and resorts, Journey Mexico’s featured properties ensure they have done their homework and only are providing the best to their clients.

An additional key feature to the site is that it can be navigated by which travel style is preferred. Travel style choices are private, group, family vacations, executive retreats, and honeymoons.
In private travel you will find a collection of sample itineraries that inspire travelers to discover Mexico, beyond the beaches. All private journeys include private transportation, private guides, and can be 100% tailored to fit the travelers wants and wishes. In group travel, you will find a   a collection of itineraries with set departure dates. These trips tend to have small group sizes and provide the opportunity to see more for less as they are priced for multiple travelers.

Other highlights to the website are:

Plan Your Trip: When you’re ready to get started, the Plan Your Trip form gets sent directly to the Travel Planning Manager, Gerardo. He is your direct line to creating the exploratory vacation of your dreams. Journey Mexico’s travel planners take pride in developing relationships with their clients in order to understand their travel styles and necessities and translate them into a seamless itinerary.

Resources for Agents: There is a password-protected trade login portion to the site specifically designed to provide travel consultants with the resources they need to understand what Journey Mexico can offer to them and their client in creating the perfect Mexico itinerary.

Off the Beaten Path: The new site not only includes postcard-perfect photos of travelers on beaches, but also features the more authentic experiences on the less traveled destinations. The photos and information throughout the site are informative and stimulating, whether it is their weathered friend, Dona Sophia, inviting traveler into her home or the photos taken while participating in a traditional native wedding ceremony off-the-grid.

Meet the Team: At Journey Mexico, each member of the team is an important component to the company’s success on every level, internally and externally. With two offices (one in Puerto Vallarta and one in Cancun) and a still relatively small team, they invite you to get to know everyone as a way of demonstrating that you can trust the Journey Mexico family to not leave any detail of your vacation overlooked.

Blog and Streaming Info: There is no need to wander from our page for news about what’s going on in Mexico. Whether it’s the new hottest hotels, safety concerns, or general destination information, Journey Mexico’s blog and social media platforms are updated constantly. Journey Mexico has made connecting with their brand easy with a range of social media platforms including, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, StumbleUpon, LinkedIn, YouTube, and their Journey Mexico Blog.

For more information about Mexico travel company, Journey Mexico, visit www.journeymexico.com.

Contact:
Journey Mexico
+52 (322) 225 9821
[email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

Leading Eco-Friendly Hotel in the Riviera Maya

Posted by & filed under Ecotourism, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Ecotourism in Mexico is taking charge and more and more travelers are looking for hotels and resorts in Mexico that exercise eco-friendly practices yet still provide the amenities and comfort to feel like a five star vacation. Tulum is leading the trend with eco-chic boutique hotels, and these  5 amazing,eco-friendly hotels have also implemented green practices in their small-sized accomodations. But what about the travelers who want a resort style vacation? We recently visited Hacienda Tres Rios, a resort in Riviera Maya that has implemented a model of sustainable tourism that distinguishes itself from other hotels.

Tres Rios was formally a nature park open to the public that sat on 326-acres of rich mangrove forest, fresh water rivers, an abundance of natural flora and fauna, and white sand beaches. It is the only place in the Yucatán Peninsula where three fresh water rivers join and merge into the ocean. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma ripped through the area and wiped out much of Tres Rios Nature Park. Instead of leaving it to perish, Tres Rios asked the Mexican government for permission to build a ecologically sustainable, all-inclusive resort.
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Tres Rios spent several years studying the ecological community with a team of scientists and experts before building the resort. They took time to study the delicate environment and they replanted the mangroves to build the ecosystem back to its former state. Once they established a clear set of environmental criteria to guide the design of the complex, they chose cutting edge technologies to implement in the hotel to protect the resort and its environs.

In 2008, Hacienda Tres Rios opened its 273 all-suite, five star resort; and the Tres Rios Nature Park became open exclusively for guests of the hotel. The Environmental Management System they implemented included 7 programs and 20 sub-programs including wildlife management, waste management, environmental education, and contingency actions. To read about all the sustainable practices the hotel is currently operating under, you can read The Green Book: Tres Rios, a Model of Sustainable Tourism. One practice that stood out was the ‘Cabon Neutral Accommodations, TravelGreen™’  which is a collaboration with Sustainable Travel International where guests have the opportunity to make their stay carbon neutral. With just one dollar per room per night, guests have the opportunity to compensate for 33.6 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to international reforestation projects.

tres-rios-mangrove tres-rios-kayaks
Part of the Rainforest Alliance Program, Hacienda Tres Rios Resort & Nature Park has received recognition for their eco-friendly and sustainable efforts from SEMARNAT, Green Globe Certification, World Travel Awards, Magellan Awards, and Community Advancement Award (just to name a few!)

For travelers who aspire to be earth-friendly and who wish to contribute to local communities while not compromising all the comforts deserved on vacation  Hacienda Tres Rios Resort is leader in sustainable tourism development.. The hotel’s beautiful, varied natural landscape provides the perfect background for the discriminating eco-tourist.

tres-rios-resort

Mexico’s Top Wildlife Adventures

Posted by & filed under Adventure, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Monarch Butterflies, Whale Watching.

The Huffington Post recently published an article called Mexico’s Top 4 Wildlife Adventures which featured some spectacular experiences with nature. It just so happens that Journey Mexico is an expert in leading these adventurous experiences, so here is our take on the Top Four Wildlife Adventures they list:

Swimming with Whale Sharks

In the open waters just off the Yucatan Peninsula’s coast, docile whale sharks gather every summer for feeding. Posing no threat to humans, it allows the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside them. On our  Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip, guests are taken to the open waters just 1 to 2 hours from Isla Mujeres where they will find some of this year’s largest aggregations of whale sharks.

mexico-whale-shark

Sea Turtle Conservation

For generations, sea turtles have played a key role in Mexican culture in native coastal communities. However in past 20 years, a combination of factors, including the low percentage of hatchlings which survive to adulthood, and environmental degradation, have resulted in the turtles becoming endangered in Mexico.  On our Sea Turtles and Whale Watching Tour, travelers stay at a sea turtle monitoring base camp on Conchalito Island for 5 days and can participate in hatchling releases, monitoring, and open ocean sea turtle viewings.

mexico-sea-turtles

Mystical Migrating Monarchs

Every October through March, the Monarchs Butterflies of North America embark on an annual migration to Mexico that is unmatched by any other butterfly in the world.  They travel much farther than most butterflies and are the only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year. On our Magical Mexican Migrations Trip, travelers visit the highlands of Michoacan and Mexico State where amazingly, the butterflies arrive in the masses to the exact same trees, transforming them into a fluttering, vibrant-orange spectacular.

mexico-butterflies

The Great Gray Whales of Baja

The longest known mammal migration in the world, the Pacific gray whales migrate 5,000-miles every year from the frigid waters of Alaska’s Bering Sea to the warm water lagoons of the Baja Peninsula. These great animals have been hunted nearly to extinction but with Journey Mexico on the San Ignacio Whale Watching Trip, you’ll interact with conversationalists to learn about what is being done to preserve these incredible creatures and their mating grounds.  Travelers experience up-close meetings with these magnificent creatures and experience one of the world’s most memorable wildlife encounters.

Whale watching

 

What makes us experts in offering these superb wildlife experiences? Well, our  Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” .  We also actively work with a number of local conservation and development organizations where  we invite you to take a hands on approach and join us about learning to protect the pristine coasts, mountains, canyons, and jungles of Mexico. And incase you were wondering, none of these photos are stock — they were all taken by Journey Mexico in the field!

Best New Hotels In Mexico 2013

Posted by & filed under Chiapas, Condé Nast, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Luxury, Mexico City.

If you’re looking for the newest and hottest hotels in the world, Mexico is a great place to start. In Condé Nast Traveler’s 2013 list of the best new hotels, Mexico was tied with China  and Morroco for 7th place out of 57 counties, each with numerous new hotels making the cut. Worldwide more than 1,000 new hotels opened last year and five of those, located in Mexico, were worthy enough to make the list of the very best.

Next time you visit Mexico, consider letting us arrange a stay for you in one of these hotels:

1) Downtown, Mexico City

Boutique hotel in Mexico City
Hotel Downtown is a converted 17th century building that now doubles as a boutique hotel and youth hostel. The large rooftop terrace has spectacular views of the skyline and of the historic center including Torre Latinoamericana and the San Felipe Neri Church. The colonial architecture and fresco by muralist Manual Rodriguez Lozano allow guests to enjoy a unique space.

 

2) Live Aqua Bosques, Mexico City

Santa Fe Mexico City hotel
Live Aqua Bosques is a unique and innovative hotel concept. The hotel is located in Santa Fe, known as Mexico City’s bustling business district and is nothing short of pure luxury. The design is a dramatic blend of aromas, colors, sounds, and atmospheres that bring all the senses to life and encourages complete relaxation for guests.

 

3)3) Hotel Bo, San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas

Chiapas boutique luxury hotel
Hotel Bo is a fresh new look on San Cristobal de las Casas. The hotel plays with the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water and also integrates the traditions and roots of Chiapas in many decorative details. They combined the concept of a house and a hotel to create a space that generates a warm welcome for travelers.

4) Nena Boutique Hotel, San Miguel Allende, Guanajuato

Nena Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of San Miguel Allende. The former private estate is now converted into six luxury guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, and a rooftop sky lounge with plunge pool.

 5) Endémico Resguardo Silvestre, Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

endemico
Endemico is a unique boutique concept located in the Baja wine region of Valley of Guadalupe. Built into the hillside are twenty freestanding cabins which were designed to highlight the isolation of the desert. Complete with infinity pool, the ecology-minded vineyard hotel is a hotel you will want to experience for yourself firsthand.

Whale Shark Season 2013 Has Started

Posted by & filed under Riviera Maya & Tulum, Yucatan.

The 2013 Whale Shark Season has officially started in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula! Beginning May 15th and ending September 1st,  whale sharks migrate from around the world to the warm, tropical waters of the Mexican-Caribbean Sea.

The start of the season is always highly anticipated because it means that adventurers have the opportunity to swim and snorkel with these giant creatures in their natural habitat.  Although whale sharks are the largest fish in the world and grow to be over 40 feet in length and 15 tons in weight, they pose absolutely no threat to humans. They are slow moving, docil animals that feed mostly on plankton, completely harmless to those that join them for a swim.

The waters surrounding Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy are known to have some of the densest populations during this period. Isla Holbox is also known for whale sharks but in recent years, they  have moved away from Holboxs toward the Caribbean Sea and Isla Mujeres. In 2011, Mexico recorded the largest aggregation of whales sharks ever, with more than 400 gathering in one place to feed!

Swimming with Whale Sharks Isla Holbox Whale Sharks in Mexico

Swimming with whale sharks in Cancun

If you’re thinking about swimming with whale sharks this year, here are some tips:

When: While May through September is the official season, the largest congregations are in July and August. The fifth annual Whale Shark Festival is scheduled to take place on Isla Mujeres, July 11-14, and will share local cuisine, music and raise awareness to environmental education and preservation of whale sharks.

Where: Whale Sharks are moving around quite a lot – however in the past years they have been gathering more towards open clear waters – 1 to 2 hours from Isla Mujeres. While there are still small congregations around Isla Holbox, the experience is by far superior in open waters of the Caribbean where the sea’s clarity up to triples that of Isla Holbox.

We recommend staying at Villa Rolandi right on Isla Mujeres. Another option is Casa Sandra on Isla Holbox.

Who: Anyone from a beginning swimmer to a professional snorkeler can join the adventure of wading with whale sharks.

How: Journey Yucatan (a brand of Journey Mexico) can provide you with a tour to swim with these amazing fish. We can arrange anything from a group tour to a private yacht encounter. For a full itinerary, check out our Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip.

 

Casa Sandra

Casa Sandra

Casa Sandra

Casa Sandra

whale-sharks-4

New Flights to Mexico in 2013

Posted by & filed under News.

Los Angeles to Cancun and Huatulco:
Aeromexico is now offering new nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Cancun and Huatulco, Mexico. The Cancun service will operate June to September on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Huatulco Service will operate June to mid-August on Fridays.

Los Angeles to La Paz:
Aeromexico will begin offering a nonstop route between Los Angeles, California to La Paz, Baja California Sur starting June 20. The service will operate on Thursdays and Sundays.

Nashville, TN to Cancun:
AeroMéxico inaugurated low-frequency seasonal services between Cancun to Nashville, TN last February.Weekly flights will be offered until 11 August.

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas to Cancun
Spirit Airlines, expanded its network on April 25, with a new service connecting Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (DFW) with Cancun (CUN) three times weekly.

Dalls/Fort Worth, Texas to Hermosillo and Zacatecas:
On June 12,  American Eagle will begin service from Dallas-Fort Worth to two destinations in Mexico;  Hermosillo and Zacatecas.

Austin, Texas and Los Cabos:
Southwest Airlines will launch daily service between San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur and Austin, Texas, on June 2. Southwest’s AirTran  will operate the flights.

Domestic Flights from Toluca, Mexico:
VivaAerobuscommenced operations on two domestic routes from Toluca (TLC), the capital of the state of Mexico, on 8 April. Thrice-weekly flights to Tampico (TAM) and twice-weekly to Villahermosa (VSA) are the airline’s first destinations from the airport.

AeroMéxico returned to Toluca (TLC) on 25 February with three domestic routes operated by AeroMéxico Connect. The airline now operates services to Cancún, Guadalajara and Monterrey with daily, twice-daily and thrice-daily frequencies respectively.

Mexico City to Merida:
Volaris continues the expansion of its domestic network with the launch of services from Mexico City to Mérida in the Yucatán Peninsula. Volaris’ CEO, said: “In 2013, we want to strengthen our presence in the south-east of the country, helping our passengers to reduce travel times in tune with their wishes.”

Mexico City to Chiapas:
Volarisnow offers services to Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of Chiapas and a major transportation hub for tourists visiting Chiapas. Twice-weekly flights operate from Mexico City.

Chihuahua to Cancun:
The Chihuahua Tourism Board has shared the news that there is a direct flight between Chihuahua (CUU) and Ciudad Juarez through Cancun, Mexico. This direct flight opens up emerging markets, specifically Russian tourists.

The information above includes re-posts from Airline Network News and Analysis and AeroMexico

National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” 2013: Mexico

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Destinations, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Monarch Butterflies, National Geographic Tour of a Lifetime.

Nat Geo Tour Lifetime 2013

Journey Mexico, the leader in Mexico Travel offering unique luxury, adventure, natural and cultural tours, is pleased to announce that its Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” and will be featured in their May 2013 magazine issue.

The “50 Tours of a Lifetime” are National Geographic Traveler’s selection of the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours. This is the third year in row that one of Journey Mexico’s trips have made the list, with the first being Copper Canyon Semana Santa Trek and second, Chiapas: A Journey Through Mexico Less Visited. This year’s theme was tours that ‘capture the spirit of exploration.’ National Geographic Traveler’s executive editor Norie Quintos said “[the tours] push the boundaries of mainstream tourism, whether taking travelers to the far corners of the globe, or helping them dive deep into the culture of familiar destinations.”

With that said, it is no surprise that our  Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour stood out to the editorial team. This tour immerses you in the circle of life, as  creatures ranging in size from 3-4 inch featherweights to school bus-sized 30-40 ton giants make their way to Mexico by air and sea. The trip visits both the World Heritage highland forests of Michoacán and the marine enclaves of Baja California, delighting and mystifying human observers.

 

monarch-butterfly-tour

 

whale-watching

 

Journey Mexico is pleased to offer this tour of a lifetime, so that explorers can experience both of these extraordinary congregations of wildlife.  We invite you to join Monarch butterflies and eastern Gray whales in their annual sojourn and learning about conservation issues that threaten the future of these precious ecosystems.  Explore historic Morelia, kayak the Sea of Cortez, and snorkel with wild sea lions.  Along the way, expert naturalist guides will reveal many charms of Mexico, proven here to draw repeat visitors from great distances.

 

 

Surf Vacation to Huatulco

Posted by & filed under Destinations, Oaxaca.

Just another day on the job! After hand crafting the perfect custom-made surf vacation to Huatulco for three travelers, Journey Mexico’s Founder, Zachary Rabinor took it upon himself to personally guide them during their excursion.

The 5 day adventure was no ordinary surf trip. It included accommodations at the elite beachfront VIlla Bocana, a local guide, personal chef, independent transportation, personal photographer and videographer, and private yacht.

Check out the video from their Huatulco surf trip:

April 2013 Newsletter

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

April Blog NLHot off the digital presses! April’s newsletter is packed with the latest in what’s going on in Mexico and where to go. This month we feature a post about how many hotels in Mexico are making headlines for their excellence. We also feature an exclusive promotion we secured from Hacienda San Angel in Puerto Vallarta. Other highlights include the Volcano Climbing Expedition, Palace Resorts, and Hotelito Mio.

To view the April newsletter in its entirety, click here.

 

 

Incredible Photos of Tulum

Posted by & filed under Destinations, Riviera Maya & Tulum, Yucatan.

One cannot read information about Mexico’s Riviera Maya without a picture of the beautiful Tulum ruins as the highlight photo. The town of Tulum and its ruins are located on the south end of the Riviera Maya, about an hour and 40 minutes drive from Cancun. It has evolved into  a world-class tourism destination that Journey Mexico knows inside and out.

To check out our Tulum guide click here; or just enjoy photos from our most recent trips:

Tulum ruins view tulum-ruins-2 tulum-ruins tulum-beach-2 Dreams Tulum Dreams Tulum Dreams Tulum Beach

Scenery in Tulum Boutique hotel in TUlum Hammock in tulumPhoto Credits: (1-4) Graham Mattock, (5-7) Jessica Seba, (8-10) Zachary Rabinor

Conde Nast Chooses Journey Mexico’s Founder as Top Villa Specialist in 2013

Posted by & filed under Condé Nast, Things We're Proud Of.

Conde Nast Villa Specialists in 2013

Condé Nast Traveler,  the world’s premier travel magazine, released their much anticipated “2013 Conde Nast Villa Specialist” Annual Guide to the World’s Top Villas Specialists in their March 2013 issue.  Journey Mexico is proud to announce that Founder and President, Zachary Rabinor, has been awarded the title of Top Villa Specialist for Mexico.

This thoughtfully hand-picked list is chosen by Wendy Perrin, the Director of Consumer News and Digital Community, who comments on the selection process:

For sheer peace of mind, nothing beats the voice of authority. That’s why for the past eight years, we’ve been rigorously vetting villa rental agents around the world—renting from them, accompanying them on villa inspections, interviewing them extensively, and hearing feedback from readers. Getting on our list of top villa specialists means filling out a 47-question application and sending sample house books, checklists used to evaluate properties, and at least one client reference… …Forty-one agents made this year’s cut, representing properties in all our favorite destinations—from Tuscany to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

Zach has earned the Villa Specialist for three consecutive years now which is not an easy task. As Perrin explains in CNT,  “Staying on this list is even tougher: It requires proving user-friendliness, conscientiousness, and honesty time and again”.  Zach is the only Villa Specialist in Mexico who has also been chosen as one of the World’s Top Travel Specialist (also by Condé Nast Traveler). You can view Zach’s profile here.

Villa Bel Ha in Riviera Maya

VILLA BEL’HA, Mayan Riviera, Four bedrooms; from $14,000 per week.

What Conde Nast Traveler has to say about Zach :

Mexico resident Rabinor has assembled a carefully chosen portfolio of luxury properties all over the country, with a concentration in Puerto Vallarta and Punta de Mita. Whether at a country hacienda or a contemporary beachfront casa, you’ll find authentic Mexican style, full staff (at most properties), and information packets that offer guidance on everything from tequila tastings to turtle-nesting sites. Rabinor can also masterfully plan any local itinerary or day-trip.

Already traveled with Journey Mexico before thanks to Zach’s assistance? If so, he requests you to kindly leave a comment on his profile found on this link. Thank you!

 

Villa Expert in Mexico