Mexico Culture Travel Tours – Feria de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico

Posted by & filed under Culture, Holidays, Fairs & Festivals.

Aguascalientes Feria de San MarcosThere’s no better way to immerse yourself in Mexican culture than attending one of the longest-running festivals in this friendly country! The San Marcos National Fair 2012 is scheduled to run from April 20th to May 13th in charming Aguascalientes. During this time, you can get to know the locals, sample the best Mexican food you’ve ever tasted, buy some local arts and crafts to take back home, listen to great music by a wide variety of artists and so much more!

The San Marcos National Fair is the best time to visit Aguascalientes. Held in honor of St. Mark, the patron saint of this charming city, this festival has delighted locals and tourists since 1828. Around the globe, La Feria de San Marcos, better known as the “Fair of Mexico,” has a well-earned reputation as the highlight of any spring visit to this sunny nation. While you’re at the fair, don’t miss the following feature attractions:

  • Traditional Charreadas and Skirmishes
  • Livestock Expo and Thrill rides
  • Typical Fair Food and Traditional Mexican Cuisine
  • Local Arts and Crafts
  • The Colonial-Designed Buildings at The Casino
  • A Variety of Shows Including Plays, Musicals and Concerts

During your stay, don’t miss some of the other attractions that Aguascalientes is famous for. The Garden of San Marcos is a peaceful retreat that offers a welcome break from the more bustling areas of the city while La Isla de San Marcos is the best place to view the impromptu art exhibits that line the sidewalks of this cultural complex.

Quinta Real Aguascalientes

Quinta Real, Aguascalientes

To meet the needs of the thousands of tourists that descend on the San Marcos National Fair, Aguascalientes has an international airport with daily flights and several luxury hotels. If you need help booking your flights, picking the perfect place to stay or scheduling an exciting adventure, give us a call! At Journey Mexico, we have the inside scoop on all the best things to do and see in Aguascalientes and in the rest of Mexico! Take advantage of one of our Mexico Culture Travel Tours or allow one of our travel agents to create a customized experience just for you.

Help the Native People of Copper Canyon. Donations Accepted.

Posted by & filed under Copper Canyon, Things We're Proud Of, Upcoming Travel.

Journey Mexico is on a mission to help the native people of Copper Canyon! After a season of severe drought, the Rarámuri or Tarahumara Indigenous are suffering water shortages, food shortages and are in great need of our help. Journey Mexico is getting involved by delivering much-needed supplies to seven communities located on our hiking tours. We hope to raise $500 USD or more per village. During the weekend of March 15th Journey Mexico staffer Karina Huet plans to travel to Copper Canyon to purchase the items and either hike, mule or drive the goods into the following villages:

• Huetosachi
• Mogotavo
• Otéviachi
• San Alonso
• Arecaina
• Wakajípare
• Guitayvo

We’re depending on our staff, our clients and a partnership with the local American School to raise the funds necessary to help this worthy cause. To participate, you can give a direct monetary donation or sponsor one of the primary-school kids in the jog-a-thon as these thoughtful children “run for the running people!” If everything works out as planned, we hope to keep this campaign going with additional drops mid-summer and early fall.

At Journey Mexico, we want to give back to the local communities, especially some of the poorest villages in the most rustic areas. To these underprivileged villagers, a sum that seems insignificant to most Americans and other international tourists can make a real difference.

If you can find it in your heart to help out a country that opens its arms to international travelers of all types and backgrounds, now is the time to make a difference. Call us or email us today to find out how you can help Journey Mexico help the running people! info@journeymexico.com +52-322-225-9821 or +1-619-819-5111

February 2012 Newsletter

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions, Upcoming Travel.

It’s not too late to catch the February Journey Mexico Newsletter where our headline story recaps the month’s theme of Luxury & Love . The spotlight section features Mexico City, where you can also follow and share pictures, posts & video all month long on our facebook!  Our Travel Promotion highlights Four Seasons Punta Mita and The Sea of Cortes Aquatic Explorer.  Ands always, you will also find the latest news of hotel & industry updates, and latest news from Journey Mexico including upcoming travel dates through April.

You can view the newsletter in its entirety here>>

Travel Fair 2012 – Largest in Mexico to be held in Puerto Vallarta in March

Posted by & filed under Holidays, Fairs & Festivals, News, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita, Tourism Tianguis, Upcoming Travel.

Puerto Vallarta Travel FairPuerto Vallarta is pulling out all the stops for the 37th annual Tourism Tianguis Mexico travel fair 2012 that is being held in the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center from March 25th through March 28th of 2012. Every year, this event is held to find new ways to strengthen tourism in Mexico.

According to the director of this exciting event, Miguel González González, this year’s travel fair will focus on Mexico’s core attractions including beach destinations, adventure tourism, luxury resorts and business travel. If you’re attending Tianguis 2012, you will also be presented with a wide range of hands-on activities that will make this event the most successful Mexican travel fair to date. Depending on your interests, you can take part in a golf tournament, view a fireworks show and attend numerous cultural events. You can view the site for the Tianguis Turistico here.

To keep everyone organized and make sure they don’t miss a thing, this year’s Tourism Tianguis is going hi-tech. Participants will have access to an interactive website, a new appointment system, streaming information to their mobile devices and a number of other organizational and Tourism Tianguis Puerto Vallartacommunication tools.

This year’s event is already demonstrating a heightened level of interest in Mexican tourism. Here are a few numbers that illustrate this increase year over year:

  • Buyer participation has increased by 50 percent.
  • Business appointments have increased by 25 percent.
  • The number of registered countries has increased by 30 percent.
  • This year’s venue offers 67 percent more space.

So far, the Mexican government has invested 65 million pesos to this event, but they expect the payoff to local businesses to approach 118 million pesos. Part of this effort includes the new Malecon, improved access roads and a restored historic center. With this preparation, Puerto Vallarta is positioned to impress both the travel industry and visiting tourists.

If you’re planning to attend this travel fair or visit Puerto Vallarta for any reason, give Journey Mexico a call. Both Matteo and Rene will be attending from Journey Mexico. We can help you choose the best accommodations for your stay and give you valuable inside information about the best things to do in this lovely part of Mexico.

The State Department’s Travel Advisory for Mexico Clears the Top Tourist Destinations

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety.

Map of MexicoMexico is a beautiful tourist destination, and it would be a shame to let the problems in a few specific regions put a damper on enjoying the rest of this friendly country. From time to time, the State Department issues Travel Warning reports to make sure U.S. citizens are aware of any international security concerns. The most recent report dated February 8, 2012 highlights areas that are considered safe for travel as well as areas without a current travel advisory.

The State Department Has Cleared these Lovely Mexican Destinations for U.S. Travelers

If you’re considering sunny Mexico for your next luxury vacation, these exciting destinations have absolutely no travel advisories. Why not fly south for a little relaxation and adventure?

  • Northern Mexico including Baja California and Cabo San Lucas
  • Southern Mexico including Campeche, Chiapas
  • Central Mexico including Estado de Mexico, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Leon and Hidalgo, Puebla, Queretaro
  • Mexico City
  • Oaxaca including Huatulco and Puerto Escondido
  • Quintana Roo including Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Tulum
  • Tabasco including Villahermosa
  • Tiaxcala
  • Yucatan including Merida and Chichen Itza
  • Riviera Nayarit

Millions of US Citizens Safely Travel to Mexico Each Year

Every year, millions of travelers from the United States cross into Mexico for business, pleasure or educational purposes. In fact, over 150,000 U.S. citizens venture into Mexico on a daily basis. The Mexican government spends a considerable amount of resources to protect tourists from both the U.S. and other countries. As a result, resorts and other tourist destinations do not have the type of drug-related crime that is seen in the border regions or along the primary trafficking routes. Plus, the State Department has found that there is no evidence that any organized criminal group in Mexico has targeted U.S. citizens based on their country of origin.

More Information is Available

Journey Mexico encourages everyone to review the latest Mexico Security Update released by the U.S. Embassy to learn more. This information will ensure that you’re fully aware of any recent security events that could impact your safety during your stay in Mexico. The State Department’s Country Specific Information for Mexico provides even more information about safety issues in this charming country.

Don’t forget that Journey Mexico’s president, Zach Rabinor, is the top-rated in-country travel specialist. Because he literally lives and breathes Mexico, we can give you first-hand accounts and expert advice to make sure you fully enjoy your trip to this exciting country.

Carnival in Mexico

Posted by & filed under Culture, Holidays, Fairs & Festivals, News.

Carnival in VeracruzThis week marks the beginning of Carnival (also known as Mardi Gras in the US), which is celebrated in many regions of the world and was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards. Because celebrations begin the week before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent), the date of Carnival changes year to year. This year’s festivities will begin this weekend for most of Mexico; however, the nation’s two largest celebrations in Veracruz and Mazatlan have already begun.

The history of Carnival relates to the Biblical 40 days of Lent, which refers to the 40 days Jesus Christ spent in the desert. During lent, participants give up eating rich foods such as meat, dairy, fats and sugar to pay homage to the suffering and self control of Christ. Because all rich foods had to be rid of by Ash Wednesday, people began converging for large feasts leading up to the start of Lent in order to dispose of the food so it wouldn’t just go to waste. These feasts are the origin of the large, colorful parties we celebrate today.

Though Mexico’s most famous carnival festivities are held in Veracruz and Mazatlan (and are considered by many to rival those of Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans), other cities throughout Mexico like Merida, Cozumel, Campeche, Ensendada, La Paz, and Puerto Vallarta throw large Carnvial celebrations that are not be missed.

Mexico Expert Travel Agent – Why Do You Need One?

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

Mexico Expert In-Country Travel AgentIt’s fun to browse online travel sites like Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz to get a closer look at exotic destinations and dream about a well-deserved getaway. However, if your plans include a luxury adventure in Mexico, it may not be a good idea to book your trip all by yourself. Here are just a few reasons why you need an expert travel agent:

An Expert Travel Agent Caters to the Luxury Market
Online travel sites are price driven. These Internet gurus know that their customers come to them primarily for bargains, and they certainly deliver. However, this also means that they may not even include the most luxurious accommodations like small, boutique resorts or private villas. An expert travel agent or travel specialist knows the luxury travel industry in detail and can offer personal recommendations about the best place for you to stay based on your individual needs whether that means an all-inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya or an oceanfront villa with the best surf you’ve ever seen right at your doorstep.

They Know the Area Inside and Out
Of course, an adventure getaway in Mexico doesn’t stop with premium accommodations. An expert in-country travel agent can make the necessary arrangements for a private tour of an ancient ruin, a seat at the chef’s table in an exclusive restaurant or an exciting dive of an uncharted cenote. In fact, these professionals have usually experienced the very thing they’re recommending. You definitely won’t get that kind of personal service at an online site.

They’re Your Lifeline While You’re Away
If you book your own flights, rental car and room, who can you turn to if you have a problem? Although smartphones make it easy to log onto a website, it’s not the same as reaching out to a real person who knows you when your plans go astray. An expert in-country travel agent will be able to help whether you lose your wallet, have a health emergency or your flight is cancelled. Even if you never need their assistance during your vacation, just knowing they’re only a phone call away will add to your peace of mind during your stay in this friendly country.

For help planning your next luxury adventure in Mexico, give Journey Mexico a call – in-country Mexico specialists headquartered in Puerto Vallarta with over 30 years combined experience. Our president, Zach Rabinor, is the only Conde Nast Travel Specialist for Mexico who is also a CNT Villa Specialist.

International Luxury Travel Market Americas

Posted by & filed under ILTM, Riviera Maya & Tulum, Upcoming Travel.

International Luxury Travel Market Americas

As a provider of luxury travel to Mexico, we’re excited to share some news with our clients. The International Luxury Travel Market is holding a completely new conference this year to focus on the travel and hospitality needs of visitors to North and Latin America. Branded as International Luxury Travel Market Americas, or ILTM Americas, this event will bring together the movers and shakers in this segment of the industry to discuss the latest developments and innovations in this marketplace.

Although this sounds like it will only be of value to travel agents and other insiders, it really benefits visitors to this region the most. It might not happen overnight, but you can expect to see improvements in every area over the next few years as a result of this conference.

ILTM Americas Takes Place This Fall
As the weather starts to turn crisp in the northern regions of this part of the world, interested travel and hospitality professionals will head south to Mayakoba, a luxury resort on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. From October 1st through the 3rd, this group will attend educational sessions, meet with vendors and discuss current and forecasted trends in the industry.

Why ILTM?
The reason that ILTM Americas is so exciting is that this is an invitation-only event. This means that only the leading professionals who specialize in the luxury travel market in North and Latin America are allowed to attend. This might sound elitist, but it means that no one is distracted by attendees who have nothing to contribute. With only three days to spend on these important topics, there’s really no time to waste.

Journey Mexico Will Be There
You can bet that Journey Mexico will participate in ILTM Americas. With Zach Rabinor, the only Conde Nast Traveler Specialist for Mexico who is also a CNT Villa Specialist, as our company president, the invitations are already on the way. If you’re considering a trip to Mexico, call on us for an unmatched level of first-hand experience and knowledge. We can help plan your next venture South of the Border whether you’re interested in indulging in a luxury resort vacation or a more active experience touring the ruins, diving the cenotes or exploring the coral reefs.

If you’re attending the ITLM Americas summit, we’ll see you there! For everyone else, check back for more information about what we accomplished during this industry conference. We’re sure we’ll have some exciting news to share.

 

Matteo’s Moments: Dia de la Candelaria

Posted by & filed under Journey Mexico TV.

Dia de la CandelariaToday’s Matteo’s Moments is a follow up to the Jan. 6th, Día de Los Reyes webisode in which Jenny, Andrea, Miguel, and Diego each found a baby Jesus (or a wise man) in their piece of the Rosca de Reyes. According to Mexican tradition and much to the delight of the rest of the office, those who find baby Jesus and the wise men must bring tamales for everyone on Feb. 2nd, Dia de la Candelaria.

In this episode of Matteo’s Moments, Matteo gives you an overview of the Dia de la Candelaria tradition, but you can find more about Dia de la Candelaria at this Mexican cooking and culture blog: The Other Side of the Tortilla.

January 2012 Newsletter

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions, Upcoming Travel.

The January edition of the Journey Mexico Newsletter is out, with a new look! Our headline story recaps 2011 travel and shares 2012 predictions and we’ve added a spotlight section featuring the Copper Canyon!  Our Travel Promotion highlights the luxury Haciendas, 5 beautiful properties in the Yucatan you can choose to stay at with an exclusive JM offer.  Ands always, you will also find the latest news of hotel & industry updates, and latest news from Journey Mexico including upcoming travel dates for January & February.

You can view the newsletter in its entirety here>>

The Luxury Collection: The Haciendas

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions, Yucatan.

Looking to discover the local treasures of Mexico with exceptional experiences? Nestled between azure waters and archaeological treasures, the historic Haciendas in The Luxury Collection of Starwood Hotels & Resorts combine a rich heritage with extraordinary amenities.  Journey Mexico, together with The Haciendas in the Yucatan region of Mexico, bring you an exclusive offer valid at any five of their properties.

Offer:

3 night minimum stay (mix-and-match)

Upgrade to next category subject to availability upon arrival

American Breakfast

One 3 course dinner (alcoholic beverages not included, indicate the hacienda  at time of booking)

Booking Window: January 02 – March 31, 2012
Travel Window: January 02 – March 31, 2012

Rates starting at $490 usd per room per night  + 19 % taxes + 5% service charge

Is Travel to Mexico Safe? Judging from the Numbers, Many are Saying ‘Yes’

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety, News.

Is it safe to travel to Mexico?If you’d like to take a trip south of the border for a little fun in the sun this year, don’t let those news reports put you off. Mexico, like any other country including the U.S., has isolated areas that are dangerous for anyone, but most of this friendly destination is perfectly safe for tourists. In fact, Mexico saw a tremendous growth in international tourism during 2011.

The Numbers Never Lie!

If you’re still not convinced, take a look at these numbers:

  • 3.4 percent more Americans and 3.7 percent more Canadians visited Mexico in 2011 compared to 2010.
  • German tourism jumped by 8.4 percent, Argentinean by 23.6 percent and French by 5.8 percent.
  • In the first half of 2011, 10.3 million Americans visited Mexico. This accounted for 36 percent of all international travel by United States citizens during this time period.
  • Over the same six months, only 5.2 million Americans traveled to Europe, and 3.2 million visited the Caribbean.

Of course, most of these adventurous travelers had the time of their lives and never felt threatened in any way during their stay. With beautiful beaches, exotic ruins and wonderful food, it’s no wonder that more and more people are living it up in Old Mexico!

Be Smart and Be Safe

Whenever you’re traveling, it’s important to take certain precautions to protect your safety. This is true whether you spend your vacation at a nearby campground or i

n a posh resort. Here are a few tips to follow during your stay in Mexico:

  • Know Your Destination – Before you leave home, do a little research. This can alert you to any danger zones as well as help you learn the local customs. Here’s another tip: Rely on an experienced travel agent who really knows Mexico for the best advice.
  • Leave Your Valuables at Home – Pack light and leave your fancy jewelry and expensive watches at home.
  • Don’t Flash Your Cash – Only use ATMs in safe areas and put your money away immediately.
  • Check In Frequently – Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone back home and check in frequently. While you’re away, don’t share your exact plans with even the friendliest stranger.

If all else fails, consider one of the guided tours offered by Journey Mexico. With this plan, you’ll see the highlights of this beautiful country while having the added security of group travel and a leader who knows the ins and outs of this exciting area. Give us a call today to book your next trip!


Let us help you plan an exotic Mexico vacation today!
Tel: +52 (322) 225 9821
Toll Free (from the U.S.): 1-800-513-1587
Fill out our online form>
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Condé Nast Hosts Facebook Chat with Journey Mexico to Answer Mexico Questions

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


 Repost from Conde Nast Traveler

Thanks to Mayan prophecies and reports of violence, travelers have a lot of questions about traveling to Mexico these days. On Thursday at 2pm EST, Zachary Rabinor of Journey Mexico—one of the top-rated, thoroughly vetted travel specialists that is recommended in Wendy Perrin’s Top Travel Specialist Collection—will be live on the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine Facebook page to answer questions.

 

Here are a few more details about this online session:

When & Where
The Conde Nast Traveler’s Facebook chat is scheduled for today, Thursday, Jan 12, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Getting there is easy. Simply link to the Conde Nast Traveler’s Facebook page. In the meantime, spend a few minutes thinking about what you’d like to get out of your trip to Mexico so that you can make the most of this opportunity. You can post your questions as soon as the chat starts.

A Little About Zachary Rabinor
Zachary, your travel expert for this event, lives and breathes Mexican tourism. In fact, he spends most of his time inside the country and bases his operations out of Puerto Vallarta. If you’re looking for someone who knows the scoop on where to stay, the local culture, the best surfing spots or how to get a seat at the chef’s table in a top restaurant, Zach is the man to talk to! On January 12th, be ready to ask Zach the hard questions. You can bet he’ll have the answers!

Don’t miss this chance to ask Mexico’s top travel specialist all your most detailed questions. If you found this post a little too late, don’t worry! Just give our travel experts at Journey Mexico a call. If they can’t answer your questions, they’ll get the information for you directly from Zach! He’s definitely the brains behind Journey Mexico.

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Update Post-Chat: You can find the thread here

Two New Boutique Hotels Opening in Mexico in 2012!

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Mexico City, News.

Part of the allure of a vacation abroad is the promise of something a little more exotic than your area hotels. In fact, some travelers are a little disappointed by the cookie-cutter resorts that line the coastal areas of the more touristy parts of the world. Other than a slight accent and the local landscaping, the food and the accommodations feel so familiar that they might as well have stayed at home.

To satisfy this niche in the travel industry, two completely new boutique hotels are opening their doors in Mexico this coming year to offer their guests something a little different. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Habita’s Eco Hotel Endémico Resguardo SilvestreHabita's Eco Hotel Endémico Resguardo Silvestre

Although its urban hotels are nothing short of striking, the Habita Hotel Group has taken a different approach with their newest property. The Eco Hotel Endémico Resguardo Silvestre features 20 stark, modern units situated on a rocky hillside within a 40-acre winery in Baja California.

Each unit, or room, has its own terrace and clay chimenea to warm up a chilly evening. However, this rustic, eco-friendly retreat isn’t without its luxuries. Leave your sleek, minimalistic accommodations by the primitive pathway to tour the grounds. Along the way, you’ll encounter a luxurious pool dramatically cut into the hillside and a gourmet restaurant ran by the Culinary Arts School of Tijuana.

If you’re looking for something different on your annual getaway, you can definitely find it a little more than an hour south of the border! This trip might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely different from home.

Hotel Downtown in Mexico City

Another Grupo Habita property scheduled to open in March 2012, this new hotel will be located in front of the Casino Español in charming Isabel la Católica. In an exceptional repurposing effort, this boutique hotel is a renovated palace originally built in the 17th century. Hotel Downtown will offer 17 boutique rooms and 17 hostel rooms to meet a variety of needs and budgets. Expected to be a favorite for visitors to Mexico City, make your arrangements early to guarantee a room in this historic palace.

Whether you prefer to kick back in the standard luxury of a big-name resort or soak up the local culture in a secluded, private villa or a traditional Mexican hotel, Journey Mexico can make it happen! We can tailor your accommodations and itinerary to meet your individual needs and interests if one of our established tours doesn’t appeal to your sense of adventure. Give us a call today!

Let us help you plan an exotic Mexico vacation today!
Tel: +52 (322) 225 9821
Toll Free (from the U.S.): 1-800-513-1587
Fill out our online form>>

Matteo’s Moments: La Rosca de Reyes (King’s Ring Cake)

Posted by & filed under Culture, Journey Mexico TV.

Rich in Culture and Tradition, Holiday Season in Mexico isn’t over yet. On January 6th, Mexico celebrates a tradition called La Rosca de Reyes, which is a celebration of Epiphany. The celebration commemorates the arrival of the three Wise Men (or Magi), marking the end of the Christmas season. In this tradition, a round cake is baked with a figurine of baby Jesus inside (which symbolizes the flight of Jesus from King Herod), and whoever cuts the piece of cake containing baby Jesus is blessed and is required to host a party on February 2nd (Dia de la Calendaria) and provide tamales to the guests.

Here in Mexico, the tradition has evolved to include the baking of the three wise men as well as baby Jesus into the cake, as you’ll see in this webisode of Matteo’s Moments. You can learn more about the Rosca de Reyes tradition here.

Top Travel Destinations Worldwide for 2012 Include Mexico’s Tulum, Chichen Itza and Chiapas

Posted by & filed under Cancun, Chiapas, Chichen Itza, Riviera Maya & Tulum, Yucatan.

CNN Travel recently asked the top travel experts from Orbitz, Lonely Planet, Smarter Travel and Altour for their picks for 2012. With all the recent publicity about the impending end of the Mayan calendar, it should come as no surprise that this part of Mexico, including Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Chiapas, tops the Top Travel Destinations in the World for 2012!

If you’d like to soak up the sun on an unforgettable trip to the Maya World, here are a few examples of what you might experience during your stay:

Chichen Itza – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
No trip to the Maya would be complete without touring the most famous ruins in Mexico. Let Journey Mexico show you the way to a private entrance where our expert guide can lead you directly to the most interesting features of this ancient city. After a leisurely lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the ancient temples of Coba, a relatively new discovery with more than 6,500 unexplored structures.

Edzna and Uxmal – Plus a Tequila Tasting!
On a different day, experience the magic of the ceremonial sites and religious temples of Edzna. Nestled within the jungle, this set of ruins houses the Platform of the Knives, the Big House and the Gran Acropolis. Once you’re done, enjoy a traditional Mexican meal before reaching Uxmal, one of the best examples of Puuc architecture in the world. As you roam through the temples, your guide will explain the intricacies of the ancient society that once called this city home. Finish off your day with some of the best Tequila in the world as you learn more about one of Mexico’s most important products.

The Biosphere Reserve of Celestun
Leave the ruins behind and discover a part of Mexico that’s full of life! This protected area contains one of the nation’s largest wetland areas. Among other wildlife, you’ll get a chance to see one of the largest colonies of charming Pink Flamingos. Afterwards, enjoy your midday meal in the shade at one of the local beachfront restaurants.

Enjoy the Riviera Maya!
Spend a day or two in luxury before or after your tour of the ruins! Relax by the pool, snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, shop for souvenirs and sample the local cuisine. No matter how you decide to spend your time in the Riviera Maya, this will give you a complete picture of the pleasures this part of Mexico has to offer!

Of course, these are just a few examples of how Mexico earned a top spot on CNN Travel’s list of top destinations for 2012. If you’d like to learn more about what you can see and do in Mexico in the coming year, contact Journey Mexico for more information.

Exotic Mexico Vacations

Posted by & filed under Adventure.

Exotic Mexico Vacation - Centoe Diving Yucatan PeninsulaMexico expects a busier holiday season than last year. According to the Secretary of Tourism, Mexico expects more than 10.4 million visitors just in the last 2 weeks of 2011. Last year, Mexico was the 10th most visited country in the world! Why? There is such a diversity of incredible places to visit in Mexico. One in particular we are very fond of is the underwater cave system in the Yucatan peninsula: the Sistema Sac Actun.

Divers flock to the Caribbean to explore the coral reefs and warm ocean waters, but this area in Mexico offers an entirely different type of diving experience. Positioned on the coast of the Yucatan peninsula near Tulum, an extensive network of underwater caves lies in wait for the more adventurous visitor. Sistema Sac Actun, or the White Cave System, meanders for 113.8 miles making this structure Mexico’s longest cave. If you’re looking for an exotic Mexico vacation and are interested in cave diving, this is the place to be!

Cenote Diving

The less-experienced diver can get a taste of Sistema Sac Actun by exploring one of the many local cenotes, or sinkholes, that have been made available to the public. Just a short drive from nearby Cancun or Cozumel, tourists can bring their own equipment or rent anything they need at a local dive shop. The Grand Cenote, located on Coba Road to the west of Tulum, is the most popular due to its easy access. Other well-known entryways include:

  • Pet Cemetery – This shallow dive is filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and blind fish.
  • The Pit – Take the 24-foot plunge straight down to enter this deep cenote. The maximum depth in The Pit reaches 370 feet, the deepest part of the entire system.
  • Dreamgate – The roots that reach into this cave from the surface give it a dreamlike appearance. A shallow dive, Dreamgate is one of the most decorated sections of Sistema Sac Actun.

Cave Diving

Expert divers use the cenotes to access the entire cave system and travel through 500,000 feet of surveyed areas and pathways. Note that new areas are being discovered by the official exploration team all the time, but no one else should venture outside of charted territory. Maps are available for most of the established paths that wind through this network of caves and cenotes, and navigational markers are positioned along the way.

Once inside this system of underwater caves, the sights vary from ghostly limestone to dramatic formations that look even more beautiful than similar structures found in dry caves. Depths are fairly constant and rarely extend below 40 feet. The water is crystal clear, and temperatures hover around 77 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. Some cenotes include seaweed and other vegetation that gives the environment an otherworldly appearance. In these areas, tropical fish are often seen.

Safety Considerations

Sistema Sac Actun isn’t for everyone. No one should attempt to explore the shallowest cenote without proper instruction. A beginner SCUBA class only takes a few hours and could be enough to allow you to venture into one of the easier cenotes with the help of a guide. To explore the cave system, expect to spend at least two days in class to go with a guide or a week to obtain cave-diver certification assuming you already have your open-water certification. To minimize the time needed for training during your vacation in Mexico, contact a local dive shop at home for advance preparation.

With a little planning, this beautiful and mysterious network of underwater caves can be an exciting part of your active vacation in Mexico. Although the water is not as deep or wide as the open ocean, it’s just as dangerous. Caution should always be taken to ensure your safety.

Let us help you plan an exotic Mexico vacation today!
Tel: +52 (322) 225 9821
Toll Free (from the U.S.): 1-800-513-1587
Fill out our online form>>

10.4 Million Tourists Expected to Visit Mexico in Final Two Weeks of 2011

Posted by & filed under Media, Mexico Today.


Source: Marca Pais – Imagen de Mexico

#MexicoToday: Approximately 10.4 million tourists are expected to visit Mexico during the last two weeks of 2011, according to estimates announced recently by Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo.

The Mexican newspaper Excelsior reported that 10.4 million national and international visitors will vacation in Mexican tourist destinations between December 16, 2011 and January 2, 2012. This statistic represents a 4 percent increase over the same time period last year. Approximately 60 percent of these tourists will vacation in Mexico during the final week of 2011.

Wondering how accurate their predictions might be? Take our growing travel company, Journey Mexico, for example. Agreeing with the estimates announced by the Secretary of Tourism, our December 2011 figures show a 5% increase in passengers travelling to Mexico compared to last year. Things are looking even better as 2012 approaches, bookings for the coming year are up 64% over this same time last year!

MexicoToday will celebrate end-of-the-year tourism with the special hashtag #10millionTourists. Visitors to Mexico are encouraged to follow @MexicoToday on Twitter and use the hashtag to share their vacation stories.