Authentic Travel Is Journey Mexico’s Aim – Travel Weekly

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

Journey Mexico recently chatted with Travel Weekly about our aim to provide authentic travel in Mexico. Below are excerpts from the article “Authenticity is tour op’s aim” written by Gay Nagle Myers and featured on Travel Weekly’s website:

Oaxaca Native Crafts Woman Alebrije

Agents seeking answers to questions on travel to Mexico have a bounty of websites and resources at their disposal. For programs that offer vacations at incredible beaches and luxurious resorts, scores of operators more than fill that bill.

If the unexpected in culture, nature, wildlife, cuisine and customized luxury experiences are on a client’s bucket list, inbound operator Journey Mexico is one of the go-to experts.

 

 

Tulum ruins view“We handle approximately 2,500 guests a year, primarily on customized tours, although we do offer about six fixed departures for groups,” Rabinor said. “We have a couple of small-group tours with a maximum of 13 participants and a couple of programs that carry up to 50 guests.”

He emphasized, however, that customized programs for couples and families with an average of three to six participants each account for the majority of Journey Mexico’s business.

“Our market is upscale, high-end, luxury travelers and active travelers, people looking for the real Mexico,” Rabinor said.

 

To read the complete article on Travel Weekly, click here.

 

Conde Nast 2013 Travel Specialist – Annual List of the Pros to Turn to When a Trip Has to Be Perfect

Posted by & filed under Condé Nast.

CN Travel Specialist 2013

 

For the fourth year in a row, Journey Mexico’s President and Founder, Zachary Rabinor, has been named Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialist for Mexico! Top Travel Specialists in Condé Nast Traveler is a  distinction that only a handful of travel professionals from around the world have been awarded.

 

Is a Travel Specialist Really that Big of a Deal?

Actually, it is. Every year, about 10,000 travel agents and tour operators try to break onto this list since its inception 14 years ago, only a tiny fraction have made the grade—this year, 146 specialists. Instead of picking someone who has never stepped foot on foreign soil, this title guarantees that you’re working with a superb expert who knows your destination inside and out. A specialist is someone with the ability to score  rooms with the best views, provide the savviest English-speaking guides,  free upgrades,  special access and ultimately, who will produce the maximum experience.

How was Zach Chosen?

First of all, Zach doesn’t just sit in his office and page through travel guides; he lives and breathes Mexico!  In the first six months of 2013 alone, he has personally led a surf trip in Huatulco, a scouting adventure in the Copper Canyon with his family, site inspections along the Riviera Maya, visited Valle de Bravo, and led a super VIP tour through the Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas through to Colima and Punta Mita. While traveling, not only is he making connections that mean all the difference to his clients, but he also checks out the best hotels and resorts to continuously perfect our Journey Mexico portfolio of private villas and unique accommodations.

zachandfam

 

His knowledge and expertise of Mexico has warranted him recognition as not only a Top Travel Specialist in Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List but also as a Conde Nast Traveler Villa Specialist (2013 announcement here).  Zach is the only Travel Specialist in Mexico who has also been chosen as one of the World’s Top Villa Specialists (also by Condé Nast Traveler). You can view Zach’s CNT profile here.

 

 

awards-CNTTestimonial

Have you 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!

Updated Mexico Travel Warning from U.S Department of State – Most Tourist Cities Safe

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety.

In an effort to make sure U.S. citizens are aware of any international security concerns in Mexico, the U.S. Department of State has been updating their travel warning about every eight months or so. The report was edited last week, with little changes from its prior on November 20, 2012.

General Conditions

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. More than 20 million U.S. citizens visited Mexico in 2012. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) have targeted U.S. visitors and residents based on their nationality. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that is reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes. More >>

 

Cities Clear For Travel

The follow tourist cities and places continue to have no warning or advisories in effect:

Baja California Sur: No advisory is in effect.
Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, La Paz, Todos Santos, Isla Espiritu Santo, Loreto, Laguna San Ignacio, Magdelena Bay

Campeche: No advisory is in effect.
Campeche City, Calakmul, Edzna

Chiapas: No advisory is in effect.
San Cristobal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Comitán, Tapachula, Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Toniná, Sumidero Canyon, San Juan Chamula, Zinacantan

Guanajuato: No advisory is in effect.
Guanajuato City, Leon, San Miguel de Allende

Guerrero*:
Acapulco, Taxco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa

Jalisco#:
Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Tequila

Distrito Federal: No advisory is in effect.
Mexico City (Polanco, Santa Fe, San Angel, Coyoacan, La Condesa, Chapultepec Park, Bascilica de Guadalupe, Historic Center, Zócalo, Xochimilco, Teotihuacan, Templo Mayor, Bellas Artes)

Michoacan*:
Morelia

Nayarit#:
Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, Bucerias

Oaxaca: No advisory is in effect.
Oaxaca City, Sierra Norte, Monte Alban, Mitla,  Teotitlán del Valle, San Bartolo de Coyotepec, San Martin Tilcajete,  Cuilápam de Guerrero, Tlacolula,  Huatulco, Puerto Escondido

Puebla: No advisory is in effect.
Puebla City, San Andres Cholula, San Pedro Cholula

Queretaro: No advisory is in effect.
Queretaro City, Bernal

Quintana Roo: No advisory is in effect.
Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum,  Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba, Akumal, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Aventuras, Cozumel, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve,  Xpu-Ha

Sinaloa*:
Mazatlan

Tabasco: No advisory is in effect.
Villahermosa

Yucatan: No advisory is in effect.
Merida, Chichen Itza, Isla Holbox,  Ek Balam, Valladolid,  Izmal, Uxmal

*There are advisories in effect for the state. The listed cities are okay for travel but you should exercise caution and stay within tourist areas. Read the warning for specific details and outlines.
#There are advisories in effect for the state but the listed cities are okay for travel.

Journey Mexico Recommends

As with any travel, you should always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. We encourage everyone to review the detailed information on staying safe in Mexico via the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Mexico.

In a recent Travel Weekly article, our very own Zach Rabinor commented on  safety concerns and said, “Mexico is back on the map for many international travelers. Business definitely is rebounding. The recovery we see is reflected in increased arrivals, package sizes, forward bookings — a great indicator of traveler confidence in a destination — and more off-the-beaten-path trips to cultural, natural and adventure destinations, which are another indicator of travelers’ comfort with their own safety and personal security.”

For more resources on the Safety of Mexico, check out our regularly updated resources with over 60 articles, posts, tweets, infographs & more! Safety of Mexico Resource
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Note: The U.S Department of State travel warning was updated January 9, 2014. Read the new post here: 2014 UPDATED MEXICO TRAVEL WARNING FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

 

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!

 

cnt-tamale-2

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
info@journeymexico.com

 

 

 

 

 

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-mangrove-beach
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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: