Akumal is a small seaside village located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, about 60 miles south of Cancun in an area call the Riviera Maya. If you are looking for the charm of the Caribbean at a slower pace of life, along with brilliant white beaches and excellent snorkeling and SCUBA diving, this is a great choice.

Akumal is 16 miles to the north of Tulum, one of the most visited of Mexico’s archeological sites, making it an excellent jumping off point to explore the treasures of the Riviera Maya and the interior.

The name Akumal means “Place of the Turtle”, due to the fact that sea turtles nest here each year from the end of April to October. These magnificent creatures can frequently be seen swimming in the shallow waters near Akumal. An important local organization, the Centro Ecologico Akumal, is dedicated to protecting these animals.

Akumal’s shallow bays are a popular destination for scuba divers and for those who enjoy snorkeling. The water is an incredibly brilliant turquoise blue color with fantastic clarity. The world’s 2nd largest barrier reef occupies these waters and the abundance of sea life is amazing. There are over 500 species of fish and 4 different species of sea turtles that can be seen here. For those who prefer fresh water, there are a number of cenotes (sinkholes) that provide entrance to underlying cave systems, offering the cave diver fantastic opportunities for exploring.

Adventures on land include exploring the surrounding jungle where hidden caves can be explored and where exotic flora and fauna can be seen. Deep-sea fishing is an active sport in these waters as well; the promise of a day’s catch might include Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Marlin or Sail Fish.

The town of Akumal has a rich and fascinating history. Akumal was originally a seaport and trading center of the Maya. However, in the 16th-century a historic event occurred that had a lasting impact on the area. In the year 1513, a Spanish galleon shipwrecked off its coast. Seventeen sailors made it to shore and were promptly made slaves by the Maya. Only two of these sailors survived their ordeal, one of these men, Gonzalo Guerrero, married a Mayan princess. Their union created the first mestizos. Gonzalo so integrated himself with the Mayan people, he no longer considered himself a Spaniard. Today, a statue of Gonzalo Guerrero greets the visitor at the entrance to the town of Akumal.

The following buisnesses provide services in the caribbean village of Akumal, Quintana Roo.

Aquatech Diving & Tours

Villas DeRosa Rentals

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Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, on the “Mexican Riviera” are considered two resorts in one. Located in the northwestern part of the state of Guerrero, 150 miles up the coast from Acapulco via coastal Highway 200. Unlike any other Mexican beach resort destination, it comprises two entirely different places with distinct lifestyles, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, only 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) apart.

	The beaches of Ixtapa’s hotel zone

Ixtapa, a modern, world-class resort was born in early 1972 when FONATUR (the National Fund for Tourism Development), which also developed resorts such as Cancún and Huatulco, began designing the master plan. In the case of Ixtapa, the fifty percent land allotments must remain “green” — hotels, commercial and residential structures are limited in size proportionate to their land area. Also, growth here is limited. The entire “hotel zone” extends along just a 2-mile strip of wide sandy beach called Playa del Palmar, on the open Pacific. This is one of many beaches in and around Ixtapa – Zihuatanejo. Across Boulevard Ixtapa and the hotels are village-like shopping malls, and it is all walkable.

At one end of Ixtapa, as you enter on the way from Zihuatanejo, is the 18-hole Ixtapa Golf Club. At the other end, the Marina Ixtapa development includes a 600-slip yacht marina, a nautical-ambience promenade with restaurants and shops, and the new 18-hole Marina Golf Course.

Zihuatanejo, down the coast (southeast) from Ixtapa is an old fishing town on a picturesque sheltered bay that is only 1.6 miles wide.

	Tranquil & pleasant Zihuatanejo Bay

Until the advent of Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo was hardly known even among Mexicans. With the advent of Ixtapa, Zihuatanejo began to grow and the little dirt streets were paved with decorative brick. Yet, the town retains its original charm, traditions and congeniality. The easily walkable central area (el centro), with small restaurants, shops and a delightful brick-paved beachfront promenade (paseo del pescador or fisherman’s walk) is only a quarter of a mile wide.

The temperature averages 79 degrees Fahrenheit, with summer highs in the low 90s and winter highs in the upper 80s. During the rainy season, June through September, showers are usually brief and generally at night, so the sun shines practically every day.

Toward the end of the rainy season, the countryside and the mountainous backdrop of the Sierra Madre del Sur turn brilliantly green with multicolored blossoms of trees and flowers. A few months after the rainy season, vegetation turns gradually brown until the rainy season begins again.

For those wishing to venture outside these two spectacularly beautiful resorts, small fishing villages such as Troncones and Barra de Potosi make wonderful day trips.

Resource: Mexonline

Posted by AetnaJo Buitron on May 10 2012

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Introduction
Laguna San Ignacio is a protected bay of Baja California, a little more than half way down the long peninsula’s Pacific Coast. One of several such bays, Laguna San Ignacio is a known nursing area for the California Gray Whale, and is famous among nursing grounds for its “friendly encounters.” Every season, hundreds of people from all over the world come here to see the whales up close, even to touch them, as the whales here are just as curious about the human visitors. Recognized for its importance in birthing and raising young whales, Laguna San Ignacio is a protected bioreserve under Mexican law, and has received numerous international recognitions.

Industrial Development Halted

In recent years, Laguna San Ignacio had become an environmental and political battleground as Japanese industrial giant Mitsubishi had teamed up with the Mexican federal government to built a large, state of the art salt evaporation complex within the protected bioreserve. The controversial project drew heavy criticism from various environmental groups and the tourism that relies on the whales, and was finally defeated.

Resources: Mexonline.com

Re-Published by AetnaJo Buitron on April 3, 2012

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Wow, another year has gone by and upon popular request once more, I am sharing this great article on Mexico’s Semana Santa or Holy Week.

Hola. I am re posting this article again due to several  requests. Holy week is a very special and sacred time for Mexico and Catholics throughout the world.

Semana Santa is one of  Mexico‘s most important holiday seasons of the year behind only Christmas & NewYears. It runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. In addition to attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, many Mexicans will also take advantage of the holiday to go on vacation. If you’re planning to visit Mexico during Semana Santa, make sure you checked on availability in advance.

Semana Santa in Mexico

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, celebrates the Christian holiday of Easter. Mexico is nearly 90 percent Catholic, so this religious holiday takes on a special meaning that the entire community shares and participates in.

All of Mexico celebrates Semana Santa, but certain cities and villages are better known for celebrating the holiday, and often provide reenactments of the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. The best known cities are Ixtapalapa (in Mexico City), Pátzcuaro, San Cristobal de las Casas (Chiapas), and Taxco. Smaller and silent torch lit processions, Processión del Silencio, also take place in Aguascalientes and San Luis Potosí.

Each community celebrates the holiday with it’s own regional flavor, however, popular with the whole country is the breaking of cascarones, colored egg shells filled with confetti, over friends and family. Churches will be filled with those attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and families will take this opportunity to be together.
The most moving event of Semana Santa is the reenactment of the Passion of Christ, or the Passion Play. The event’s in the mentioned cities are sponsored by religious or community groups, and can include large processions of penitents, sometimes on their knees, a portrayal of the last supper and the crucifixion itself.
In many cities, important religious images from the church will be displayed, traditional altars are decorated at home and in the streets, and flower decorations and palm crosses will be found everywhere. The central colonial cities seem to celebrate this holiday with the most reverence and tradition, and if you wish to see the beauty of traditional Mexico, Semana Santa would be well worth seeing for yourself.

Enjoy!

Resource: MEXonline.com

RePublished by AetnaJo Buitron on April 3,2012

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It’s no surprise that Cancun is Mexico’s top tourist destination. Located on the tip of the Yucatan peninsula it’s beaches are simply beautiful and with little competition. Cancun‘s beaches offer gleaming white sands from the offshore coral reefs and the clear blue-green waters of the crystal clear Caribbean. A wide range of restaurants, exciting night life, a variety of shopping opportunities and the overall tropical atmosphere draw over two million visitors a year.

	Cancun’s beach front hotels

Cancun has more than 200 days of sun a year and the temperature averages a pleasant 80F (25C). The “hotel zone,” which is what most tourists think of as Cancun, is a fourteen mile long, thin island shaped like a “7.” To the East is the Caribbean Sea with wide open beaches and a steady breeze. To the North the shore is buffeted by Isla Mujeres (Isle of Women) providing calm waters. Towards the South and West, between the island and the mainland is the Nichupte Lagoon which is perfect for all sorts of water sports and activities, like water craft rentals and kayaking.

Along the hotel strip, Cancun offers some of the finest hotels and resorts you will find anywhere in the world, with something for every budget and taste – there are few limits in Cancun. There is also a good selection of quality, budget minded lodgings and plenty of family friendly places. If you want the best and intend to be pampered, don’t worry, Cancun will take excellent care of you, with spas that are among the best. MEXonline.com has one of the most comprehensive guides to Cancun lodgings, just look under Accommodations to get started.

	Cancun has lots of fun night life

Downtown Cancun, or the Centro, has a much different feel, because it is where the local population lives. Cancun City has several hundred thousand residents, and offers markets instead of malls, and street vendors and outdoor cafes rather than air-conditioned restaurants. Downtown Cancun has little of the glitz of the hotel zone, but is a fast growing and interesting city to visit in it’s own right, with plenty to see and do for those wishing to explore a little more. Enjoy!

Resources: Mexonline.com  Re-Published by AetnaJo Buitron on March 1, 2012.

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Located about an hour south of world famous Cancun by an easy drive or inexpensive and comfortable bus ride is the smaller village of Playa del Carmen. You won’t find any high rise resorts here, but you will discover a wonderful seaside gem with smaller boutique lodgings and a distinct European flavor.

And no wonder, since Playa del Carmen is popular with many European tourists and has many residents originally from there, who visited and returned to stay. There are many fine restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from, all set in a nice foot-traffic only street that parallels the beach for length of the town.

For those who want to shop, you’ll find some of the internationally known fashion stores, as well as a big selection of local shops with everything from Cuban cigars and handicrafts, to sports equipment and services for the tourist. Internet cafes are plentiful and makes keeping in touch easy. It’s all here within walking distance of your hotel.

There is plenty to do around Playa del Carmen as well. The ferry to Cozumel island is here, with scheduled trips there and back several times a day. You’ll also be close to the Eco-Parks in the area, several of Mexico’s famous archaeological sites can be reached from here, and for the more adventurous there is great SCUBA diving offshore or in one of the nearby Cenotes, the underground water filled caverns.

 

Resources: Mexonline.com
Re-Published or Posted on February 16, 2012 by AetnaJo Buitron

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San Carlos

San Carlos is a beautiful little beach town just 4 hours south of Nogales, Arizona. The topography of San Carlos has been described as “Sedona on the Beach.” The incredible mountains dive right into the clear blue waters of the Sea of Cortez . San Carlos, Mexico hosts many activities when you’re not relaxing on the sandy beaches; such as an 18-hole championship golf course, diving and snorkeling, kayaking, and offshore fishing tennis courts, a bowling alley, and numerous gift shops and galleries for shopping and browsing. For the boater, two marinas are available with paved launch ramps, Authentic restaurants featuring fresh seafood, Mexican cuisine and American plates are abundant through out San Carlos. For lodging we have many hotels, condominiums and private home rentals to fit every group and budget, in various San Carlos rental areas.

Las Glorias

Wonderful Condos and Villas overlooking Marina San Carlos, also known as Marina Terra.

San Carlos Homes

Find the best home for your group, we have them in all areas of San Carlos. Ocean front, on the beach, gated residential…

Bahia Delfin

These are located on San Francisco beach one of the nicest beaches in San Carlos. Nothing but pure so…

Playa Blanca

These Beautiful Condos are the Newest, Modern and most Luxury Lodging in Sa…

Marina Real

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Chichen Itza, El Castillo, Kukulkan Pyramid, Mayan Civilization

Chichen Itza which means “at the mouth of the well of Itza “, is the 2nd most visited archeological site of Mexico today. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza which known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is one of the new seven wonders of the world elected in 07.07.2007. It is exactly 24 m. high considering the upper platform. Apart from the Kukulkan Pyramid, in Chichen Itza there many other archaeological sites to visit, all carrying traces from Mayan Culture in many ways.

Chichen-Itza, now including one of the new 7 wonders of the world; the Kukulkan Pyramid, is located in the Peninsula of Yucatan, in the Yucatan State; Mexico, between Valladolid and Merida and is just120 km from Merida.

The New Seven Wonders of the World were announced on july 7th, 2007 in Lisbon, Portugal after seven years of publicity and promotion.

* Chichen Itza, Mexico
* The Great Wall, China
* Petra, Jordan
* Christ Redeemer, Brazil
* Machu Picchu, Peru
* The Roman Collesseum, Italy
* The Taj Mahal, India

Chichén Itzá
“The most famous, spectacular, and, consequently, most frequently visited of Mexico’s Mayan sites, the magnificent metropolis of Chichén Itzá was the principal ceremonial center of the Yucatán.”

Resources: Chichen Itza.com

Re-Published on January 5, 2012 by Aetna Jo Buitron

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January the 6th is a special day in Mexico. Known as ‘El Dia de Reyes’ (Three Kings Day), this holiday represents the height of the Christmas season. The date marks the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas and commemorates the three wise men who traveled from afar, bearing gifts for the infant baby Jesus. The children of Mexico in particular look forward to this holiday as traditionally, gifts are exchanged on this date, not on Christmas day.

In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus doesn’t hold the cachet that he does in the United States. Rather, it is the three wise men who are the bearers of gifts, who leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name of the Epiphany which dates back to the 4th century. A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism and to pay homage to the three wise men.

	Los Tres Reyes Magos

Many believe mysterious events preceded Jesus’ birth with perhaps the most notable being the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. This new star appeared in the evening sky just prior to the arrival of Jesus. Three wise men or Magi as they were then known, whose names were Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, traveled a far distance to pay homage to the Christ child. They brought with them fine gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Three Kings Day remains an important holiday for the people of Mexico. In addition to the gift-giving aspect of the day there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as ‘Rosca de Reyes’ (King’s Cake), this holiday dessert offers much in the way of symbolism. Shaped in the round to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Baked inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion of ‘Dia de la Candelaria’ (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2nd.

	Rosca de Reyes

The effigy of the baby Jesus, hidden inside the cake, represents another aspect of the holiday. The reason Jesus is ‘hidden’ inside the bread is to symbolize how in life, the Christ child’s birth location also needed to remain secret, in order that his life be spared. The ruler of Jerusalem at the time, King Herod, had been appraised of the mystical signs that indicated the new and rightful King of Jerusalem was soon to be born. Herod’s reaction to these predictions was swift and horrible. He ordered his minions to murder all male infants recently born in Bethlehem. However, as destiny would have it, Mary and Joseph found their lodgings in a manger, not an inn. Herod’s henchmen didn’t think to look for an infant in such a location.

Another lovely custom associated with the Three Kings Day holiday centers around the evening meal. Traditionally, the supper served on this special day is delicious corn tamales accompanied by hot chocolate. This makes for a perfectly quintessential Mexican meal and one that is enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

Resource: Mexonline.com

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Mexico has given the world so much. Certain contributions that Mexico has bestowed upon us may surprise you. Read on to catch a small glimpse of Mexico’s many gifts.

The Poinsettia
Each year, just before Christmas, poinsettia plants start to make their annual appearance in grocery and retail chains nationwide. The poinsettia has become synonymous with the Christmas holiday season and many bring this plant as a gift when visiting friends and family. Indeed, the plant’s bright red flowers lend a joyous presence to any environment and holiday decorations don’t seem complete without them. This plant is native to Mexico and originally came from a particular region near present-day Taxco. The Aztecs, whose name for the plant was ‘cuetlaxochitl’ used the poinsettia medicinally and also as a dye.

	Joel Roberts Poinsett

The plant adopted its current name after the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Joel Poinsett (1825-1829). This dignitary was so impressed with the plant that he had it shipped to his plantation in South Carolina.

Some decades later, in California, Albert Ecke, started to sell the flowers from his florist stand near Hollywood, California. It is believed he found the plant growing wild, in the foothills of present day Los Angeles. Ecke noticed that the plant’s flowers would bloom in a profusion of bright red around the Christmas holiday season. The plant proved enormously popular as a holiday decoration and a multi-million dollar business was born. Today, the base of operations is located in Encinitas, California, where the poinsettia is grown in greenhouses and shipped world-wide.

Chocolate
Chocolate is one of life’s true pleasures. When Cortes met with Montezuma, the Emperor of the Aztec Empire in 1519, he was presented with a frothy drink, presented in a golden goblet that was accompanied by a tortoise-shell spoon. This drink, a spicy blend of chiles, vanilla and ground cacao beans, was called ‘xocoatl’ which translated, means bitter water. Of course, Cortes’ eyes were riveted by the golden vessel that the exotic drink was served in. However, after tasting the golden cup’s contents, his taste buds were captivated by the exotic and invigorating taste of this native drink. Cortes soon learned that the cocoa bean was a valued means of currency, its pods utilized to purchase a variety of goods. When Cortes returned to Spain, his ships were heavily laden with gold and silver but also, amongst the cargo was the cocoa bean. Once this magical bean made its way to Europe, its evolution included the addition of sugar which led, ultimately to the creation of, what we now call today, chocolate.

Vanilla
Vanilla has enchanted people with its sublime taste for hundreds of years. The first people to cultivate it were the Totonacs, an indigenous people who resided near the Gulf of Mexico in present day Veracruz. Native to Mexico, the vanilla bean is derived from the world’s only known edible orchid. Vanilla is used as a flavoring agent in many desserts as well as exotic perfumes. Vanilla is the world’s second most expensive spice after saffron and delights connoisseurs the world over with its fabulous taste and unique attributes. Today, much of vanilla’s production occurs in Madagascar in the Tropics, however, its birthplace will always be Mexico.

The Avocado
The ancient Aztecs held the avocado in high esteem. Today, this wondrous fruit is enjoyed daily the world over, frequently eaten as guacamole. The avocado is native to Mexico, Central America and South America. The Spanish conquistadors, upon discovering this fruit, applauded its attributes in letters written to the crown. They even discovered that the seed, when crushed, releases a red dye that works extremely well for inking documents. Some of these documents survive today. Another name for the avocado is ‘alligator pear’ due to the rough green texture of its skin and shape. The avocado is a nutrient-rich super food, containing more beta carotene than any other fruit and surprisingly, exceeding the banana in potassium content. As well, the avocado contains many other important vitamins and minerals. The Aztecs definitely knew a good thing when they tasted it!

Tequila
The history of tequila is an interesting one. For thousands of years in Mexico, a sacred drink called pulque was enjoyed, a fermented beverage. Pulque is made from a type of agave, the maguey, which is native to Mexico. Due to the plants appearance, oftentimes it is mistaken for a cacti. The agave was used historically by the indigenous peoples of Mexico for a wide variety of uses. The leaves produce fibers that can be made into rope, clothing and paper. Its flowers and stalks are edible and the sap of the plant produces a sweet liquid called ‘aguamiel’ (honey water).

The Spanish conquistadors, upon their arrival in Mexico, were keenly interested in the Aztec’s drink of choice, pulque. Curious and motivated, with their supplies of brandy running low, the Spaniards set out to make their own beverage from the agave. Promptly, they had distilling pots sent over from Spain and as a result, North America’s first indigenous distilled alcohol was born. Some decades later, a Spanish aristocrat discovered the blue agave plant which grows in a specific region of Mexico, in Jalisco state. It is the blue agave that Tequila is derived from. The rest is history, as they say. Today tequila is considered Mexico’s national drink and even has a city named in its honor, aptly named Tequila.

The Jumping Bean
Mexican jumping beans have delighted children for ages and definitely have a bit of magic about them. Placed in the hand, the little beans begin to ‘jump’, seemingly on their own accord. Many adults have fond childhood memories of being mesmerized by the jumping beans’ antics. Not quite a toy but definitely a curiosity, the jumping bean needs to be credited for untold hours of amusement. Interestingly, however, jumping beans are not beans at all. Deep in the deserts of mainland Mexico as well as in certain parts of Baja California, a native plant grows that gives ‘birth’, so to speak, to the jumping bean. This plant bears flowers that moths find particularly attractive. These moths lay their eggs on the plant, inside a seed capsule. As the egg begins to grow, it starts to move around as the moth larvae inside develops. This is the famous Mexican jumping bean. Should conditions be ripe, some months later, a moth will emerge from the ‘bean’ and the cycle carries on.

Chewing Gum
Deep in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula grows the tropical sapodilla tree, whose trunk, when cut, oozes a milky white substance called chicle. This ingredient, in combination with flavorings and sugar, created the basis of our modern day chewing gum. Since time immemorial people have chewed on a variety of substances, ranging from sweet grass to wax to tobacco.

However, it is chicle that deserves credit for the gum industry as we know it today. And, curiously enough, it is General and Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna who helped bring this event to fruition. While in exile in the U.S., Santa Anna thought he had a great business idea. He imported chicle from Mexico in hopes it could be used as a rubber substitute in carriage tires. Alas, the chicle proved not suitable for this purpose. However, a business acquaintance named Thomas Adams, who had purchased the chicle from Santa Anna, discovered another use for the product, namely chewing gum. A whole industry was born and ‘chiclets’ became available in every corner drug store, to the joy of children everywhere. Today, the vast majority of chewing gum is produced with a less expensive substitute than natural chicle. However, the ‘real thing’ can still be found in certain specialty shops nationwide.

Resources: Mexonline.com

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