Cave of Crystals in Chihuahua, Mexico Video

Posted by & filed under Adventure, Copper Canyon, Nature, News.

Here’s a really wild video of the Naica Cave in Chihuahua, Mexico. More than 300 meters below the Earth’s surface, super-heated water separated minerals as the water was forced through the above layers of rock. As the water reached a pocket of earth far enough from the lava to cool but close enough to the earth’s core to remain pressurized and heated, the minerals reformed as the crystals you see in the video.

You can find more information about the cave and watch a trailer for a documentary about the cave at the NAICA la Pelicula website.

Celebrating Mexico’s Bicentennial

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

As the year moves on, celebrations in Mexico will no doubt reach historic proportions. September 16th of this year marks the bicentennial of Mexico’s Independence and in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism’s current promotion of cultural tourism, the pre-independence day celebrations are already kicking off, especially in Mexico’s Colonial Heartland.

Ellen Himelfarb wrote an excellent article for Telegraph.co.uk entitled: “Mexico: Freedom fiestas mark independence bicentennial” in which she describes a recent trip from Mexico City to the heartland via the newly revamped highway (currently called “The Freedom Route”) that connects the two.

In her article, Himelfarb gives some nice, brief descriptions the culturally and historically rich towns of San Miguel, Zacatecas, Atotonilco, Dolores Hidalgo, Querétaro, and Guanajuato – all featured locations in our trips to the Colonial Heartland. For more information about experiencing this important year of celebration in Mexico, visit our Colonial Heartland page where you can browse through sample itineraries of trips to the region, or you can click the “Build a Custom Trip” button to work with our expert planners to build a fully customized trip of a lifetime.

New Photos From Baja Wine Country

Posted by & filed under Culinary Vacations, Culture, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Luxury, News.

We just received a batch of photos from the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California via The Baja Wine Country Guide. The Valley of Guadalupe has been producing world-class wine for some time and is now beginning to receive the international attention it deserves. Many of the wineries in photographs are visited on our Valley of Guadalupe Wine and Cheese Tour.

Thanks again to JP at PeaPolz Media and to Bajawine.info.


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Partner Location Hacienda de San Antonio Summer Promotion

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

Journey Mexico partner location, Hacienda de San Antonio in Colima, is offering a two-night promotion to celebrate the town’s annual tribute to Saint Anthony on June 13th.

In Mexico, Saint Anthony is venerated saint who is often called upon for assistance with lost items. In 1913, a nearby volcano erupted and threatened to destroy the areas coffee plantations. The people of the town gathered and prayed to Saint Anthony promising to build a chapel in his honor if the plantations we not harmed. The coffee fields did in fact go unharmed, and the town’s people gathered and built the Chapel of San Antonio. Since that year, people from all around the area gather annually at the Chapel on June 13th to pay tribute through dance, music, and celebration.

The Hacienda de San Antonio is opening its doors to all who wish to partake in this year’s celebration with a promotional package that includes:

  • 15% off of normal room rates
  • A 55 square meter suite with a large bathroom, a fireplace, an iPod dock, a king size bed, and either volcano, garden, or river views
  • Hikes throughout the property
  • Evening margaritas
  • A bottle of mangrapa and a bag of organic coffee

The two-night promotion is being offered for $1,070 USD. There is also an optional food and drink promotion for $180, which includes three meals a day with all alcoholic beverages included. To take advantage of this offer, visit the Colonial Heartland page and click the Build a Custom Trip button.

The Whale Sharks are Here!

Posted by & filed under Nature.

Each summer, thousands of Whale Sharks (the world’s largest fish) migrate through the waters surrounding Isla Mujeres, a Caribbean Island off the cost of Cancun, Mexico. Although Whale Sharks can grow to be over 60 feet in length, they pose no threat to humans whatsoever, which creates an incredible opportunity for humans to interact with these massive creatures. Diving into the blue waters of the Caribbean to swim with Whale Sharks is a thrilling experience, which, those who have done it will tell you, simply can’t be described with words.

To celebrate the beautiful Whale Sharks, the exhilarating bond between the fish and Isla Mujeres, and to promote eco and responsible tourism of the region, a festival is held annually on the island. This year’s events are scheduled for July 16-18 and will include trips to swim with the Whale Sharks, traditional dances performed by locals of the region, guest speakers, and opportunities to explore the ancient Mayan Ruins nearby.

Visit our Whale Sharks Experience Page for more information about these incredible fish and to view sample itineraries of trips built around swimming with the Whale Sharks, visiting ancient Mayan archeological sites, and experiencing the culture of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

Journey Mexico and Eco Tourism

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

A dedication to conservation and Eco-minded travel has always been a core value of Journey Mexico. We are proud to work with RED Sustainable Tourism and SEE Turtles (of which JM president Zachary Rabinor is an advisory board member) to offer several eco-tourism travel experiences in Baja California where travelers have the opportunity to help with sea turtle restoration and monitoring, learn about sustainable fishing practices, help protect local ecosystems, learn about the most important Gray Whale ecosystem in the world – first hand, and more!

You can search for these eco-adventures on our website under Baja California, Sea Turtles, and Whale Watching and, of course, if there is custom eco-adventure that you’d like to experience, we’ll be happy to create a unique itinerary for you!

To read more about eco-friendly hotels in Mexico, read more of our ecotourism blog posts.

Journey Mexico Has New Tourism Routes Covered

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

Zachary Rabinor and Gloria Guevara

JM President, Zachary Rabinor, with Minister of Tourism, Gloria Guevara

As mentioned in a previous post, Gloria Guevara, Mexico’s new Minister of Tourism, is advocating the promotion of Mexico’s many culturally-rich locations in order to boost tourism to Mexico by showcasing the country’s historic and world heritage sites as well as its gorgeous beach towns.

Guevara recently unveiled ten travel routes that she feels will attract discerning and culture-oriented travelers to Mexico. Journey Mexico, long a champion of Mexico’s Off the Beaten Path Cultural and Natural wonders is delighted to see the Secretary of Tourism prioritizing these same regions in its new campaign, “Routes of Mexico.”  JM Founder and President Zachary Rabinor and Director of Operations Matteo Luthi were among the invited guests of President Felipe Calderon and Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara at the recent unveiling and launch of this important campaign which is aimed at educating the world and promoting the lesser visited cultural, natural and active travel destinations of Mexico.

The core of the program will feature 10 routes as translated and outlined in Laura Del Rosso’s article at Travel Weekly. Mexico currently has 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has long been recognized in Europe and beyond as a world class destination for experiential travel for archeology, culture, wildlife, nature, landscapes, active travel and more.  The campaign will work to reinforce Mexico’s visibility and importance as a cultural and natural destination worldwide with special emphasis on the N. American Market where Mexico has largely been promoted and perceived as a Sun and Sand destination.

At JourneyMexico.com, you can use our interactive destinations map to locate trips to all of the regions outlined in the new routes and more!

Ancient Tomb of Dignitaries Found in Chiapas

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

Ancient discovery in Chiapas, MexicoA great archeological discovery was made last week in Chiapas, Mexico. Mexican and American archaeologists found a tomb containing the remains of four skeletons that, based on their location, the tomb, and the jewels on their appendages, are believed to be those of important dignitaries.

Based on their findings, the scientists believe that this tomb and it’s skeletal remains could be “the oldest of its kind in all of Mesoamerica,” possibly dating back to between 500 and 700 AD, which, if proven, would require the chronology of the Olmec and Mayan cultures as we know it to be completely adjusted.  (Source: La Prensa)

A trip to Chiapas is a must for all fans of archeological travel. As shown by this recent finding, Mexico is a country continually offering new findings and clues into the ancient world of Mesoamerica.

Journey Mexico Invited to Lunch with President Calderon

Posted by & filed under News.

Journey Mexico president, Zachary Rabinor, and director of operations, Matteo Luthi, have been invited for lunch by Mexico’s President, Felipe Calderon, for the launch of Mexico’s new promotional campaign, “Routes of Mexico,” which aims to promote, educate, and change the perception of Mexico as a “Beach Only” destination.

The campaign will promote Mexico’s rich cultural, natural, active, and luxury experiences with an emphasis on “off-the-beaten-tourist-path” locations, focusing largely on the interior of the Republic including: Colonial Cities, Yucatan, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Copper Canyon, Baja California, Veracruz, and more.

Journey Mexico is honored and excited to play a large role in the new campaign as we have always been dedicated to providing unforgettable adventure, nature, cultural, and luxury experiences in all of the regions highlighted in Routes of Mexico.

Flight of the Monarch Exhibit in Chicago

Posted by & filed under Monarch Butterflies, Nature, News.

Migration of the Monarch Butterfly ExhibitThe Peggy Notebaert Museum Nature Museum is celebrating the annual migration of the Monarch Butterfly as a natural link between Mexico, the US, and Canada with an exhibit that debuts this Saturday in Chicago. The exhibit is being put on in conjunction with the Consulate General of Mexico and is entitled Sanctuary: Flight of the Monarch Butterfly. The exhibit is designed to “transport visitors of all ages on the wings of the Monarch Butterfly through the perspectives of award-winning Mexican artists” via paintings, photography, multimedia video, and sound installations.

Every year, millions of Monarch Butterflies travel thousands of miles from Canada, across the US, to a sanctuary in Michoacan, Mexico. This unbelievable feat attracts visitors to Mexico from around the globe as the sight of the millions of Monarchs is truly unforgettable.

Good News From Journey Mexico Partner – SEE Turtles

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

Conservation tourism project, SEE Turtles, has recently surpassed the milestone to raise $100,000 for sea turtle protection. The goal of SEE Turtles is to protect sea turtles through conservation programs, eco-tourism, and volunteer projects as well as to aid communities surrounding important habitats. Journey Mexico founder and president, Zach Rabinor, is a member of the SEE Turtles advisory board, and all of us at Journey Mexico are very proud of the accomplishments achieved by SEE Turtles.

To celebrate this achievement, SEE Turtles is giving away a trip to a sea turtle conservatory in either Costa Rica or Baja California to see the project in action. For more information about the giveaway, visit the SEE Turtles sweepstakes page.

The Music of Oaxaca, Mexico

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

On Friday, the National Post published an excellent article by Karen Ashenburg about the abundance of music and dance that Oaxaca has to offer those traveling to the region (almost always for free). The article begins on a comical note as she explains that music was at the bottom of her list of reasons to travel to Oaxaca. But as anyone who has been to Oaxaca will attest, the music of the region is so beautiful, spirited, and abundant, it’s impossible to ignore it as being one of the most impressive aspects of Mexican culture.

Ashenburg’s article paints a vivid picture of the Zocalo, the city’s main square, as she describes the way the local music of Oaxaca slowly overtook her trip. From the bands in the Zocalo playing for dancing lovers, to the Mariachi groups serenading dining couples, to the pan pipers playing for anyone walking by, the wealth of music in the city (in addition to its food, its architecture, its crafts, its art, and its people) makes traveling to Oaxaca a must for anyone wanting an unforgettable cultural experience.

Safety of Oaxaca, Mexico

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety, Oaxaca.

Alvin Starkman wrote a great article illustrating the safety of Oaxaca, Mexico, which is currently posted on Suite101.com.  The article does a great job of reminding travelers concerned by intimidating news reports to always check the dates of the events being reported (as many of the condemning reports date back to 2006) and to always check the credibility of the source.

For those looking to travel to Oaxaca, the article also gives tips on how to find unbiased information about the safety of the region.

Hola Mexico Film Festival

Posted by & filed under News.

Having much success in 2009, the Hola Mexico Film Festival is back in the US for a second year. Beginning in April, the festival has already taken place in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami this year, and remaining events are scheduled for Chicago (May 20-25), Washington, DC (May 27-June 1), and NYC (June 2-6).

The Hola Mexico Film Festival is the world’s largest tribute to Mexican film, showcasing the country’s creativity, ingenuity, and charm. General Admission tickets for the event range from $8 – $14, and more information about the festival can be found at its website. If you’ll be in Chicago, DC, or New York within the next month, definitely go catch some of the festivals films. Journey Mexico strongly recommends El Estudiante (The Student); it’s great!

10 Reasons to Visit Mexico This Summer

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

According to an Orbitz report, Mexico has two of the top three spots on Top 10 Summer Travel Destinations 2010. If that’s not enough of a reason to book a trip, here are ten more:

1. It’s the value season – Because most people travel to Mexico to avoid the cold winter, summertime is considered the low season. During low season (May – October), you can take advantage of real value offerings in many luxury properties and avoid crowds in some of Mexico’s spectacular sites.

2. Water, water everywhere. While many travelers flock to the world class beaches of Mexico, we have quite a few sources of cool refreshing water that are perfect destinations for summer travel!  Natural pools called cenotes –secluded and revitalizing – are scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula and provide a delicious respite from the heat in between visits to mystical Mayan ruins.  Rushing rivers cruise through Mexico’s canyons (the Copper Canyon, Sumidero Canyon) and to the coasts offering rafting, canoeing, kayaking and swimming.   Mexico’s mountain lakes stay cool throughout the hottest months of summer and their energizing waters invite a dip whether on a hike, a day trip or even a shopping trip!  The Sea of Cortez has been named “the World’s Aquarium” and has marine wildlife beyond your wildest dreams.

3. Travel the highlands – A country of much geographic diversity, Mexico has highland regions that stay cooler in the summer and are unique cultural destinations.  Towns such as San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Patzcuaro, San Cristobal de las Casas, and Oaxaca dot the Mexican countryside and are fabulous spots for watching local artisans make original crafts.

4. Natural wonders of summer– Whale sharks season in the Yucatan Peninsula is in the summer and swimming with these majestic beasts is the experience of a lifetime!  If you are looking for an experience with a smaller sort of marine life, assisting with sea turtle nesting along the Pacific Coast is a great adventure for the whole family this summer.  These little hatchlings fit in the palm of your hand and find their way into your heart!

5. White water rafting in Veracruz – The River Antigua, River Filobobos, and River Actopan in Verzcruz offer world class rafting levels II, III, IV and V.  These exciting rapids run through lush mountains and along valleys sprinkled with small haciendas.  You can also explore recently uncovered archeological ruins in the area, or, when you need to dry off a bit, try your hand at fishing, birding or mountain biking.

6. Surfing along the Pacific Coast  – Any of the numerous south-facing beaches along the Pacific Coast pick up summer swells and surfers worldwide flock to the shores seeking the wave of the season!  The beauty of this stretch of coast is that while there are quite a few well known breaks, there are just as many desolate surf spots where you and your friends will be the only ones in the water!  Nothing like the crowds of Southern California.

7. Guelaguetza in Oaxaca – The festival of sharing, Guelaguetza, is celebrated in the city of Oaxaca as well as the surrounding pueblos on the last two Mondays of July.  Local dances to honor Centeotl, the goddess of corn, combined with other traditional folk dances make this celebration a foot stomping and heart warming holiday!

8. Our Green Season – While it rains during the summer months for much of May, June, and July, this is relegated to afternoon showers.  The amazing off-shoot of this is that Mexico’s countryside breaks out into a myriad of Greens from the tropical low-lands to the patchwork and fertile agricultural highlands.  A far cry from the cactus and desert imagery that Mexico is known for, our green season is a refreshing splash of lush color.

9. Eat, drink, and make merry- People from all over the world visit Mexico to enjoy its delicious cuisine – from the taco stands in the streets to unforgettably fresh seafoodserved in open air, beachside restaurants. Oaxacan cuisine is like nothing you’ve tasted, and the wine from Baja’s valleys rivals those of California and Australia and is sure to elevate your dining experiences from incredible to divine.

10. After your meal, how about some fine spirits to raise your spirit!! – It’s not real if it wasn’t distilled and bottled here in Mexico. The state of Jalisco, in the colonial heartland of Mexico, is the Tequila capital of the world. The actual town of Tequila is just outside one of Mexico’s most charming cities, Guadalajara, where you are sure to find the smoothest Tequila you’ve ever tasted at prices you’ve never seen.