mexico offers a menagerie of exotic wilderness trails from lush jungles to Chihuahuan desert. One of the best ways to soak up the glory of this country is from the back of a horse. Whether meandering through the mountains or splashing along a pristine beach, horseback riding in Mexico is an exhilarating experience which enhances any vacation to the highest power.

Ready to ride (CC photo by Simply Schmoopie courtesy of Flickr)

Horseback riding through Mexico is quite popular because of its adaptability for many different tourists. A dude ranch offers the perfect experience for someone longing to relive days of old,  working the ranch with hard days and tranquil nights. Sometimes visitors simply want a day trip into the wilderness to enjoy the beauty for the day, but returning to the comfort of a lush hotel room in the evening. Even still, tourists may want a few hours on horse back riding along the waves before or during the gorgeous mexican sunsets.

Horses resting (CC photo by Simply Schmoopie courtesy of Flickr)

Some of the most popular destinations include Casa Sagrada in Oaxaca, Rancho Esmerelda located just south of the Arizona-Mexican border and Rancho Las Casacadas just outside Mexico City. Along the coast it is simple to find area horse rentals. They usually rent by the hour and the fees are quite reasonable, especially for families. Playa Maroma Paradise and Tres Rio are two well visited coastal horseback riding locales in Cancun.

Sunset on horseback (CC photo by Tim Knows courtesy of Flickr)

Even if you have never rode horseback, you can enjoy this invigorating past time. Make sure you let the trainers know you are new so they can give you some tips. The horses are pros and will take the lead even if you are uncertain. You want to make sure and stretch before and after the ride since you may find yourself using some muscles that have gone unnoticed. The best word of advice is to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.

Aguas frescas (CC photo by mswine courtesy of Flickr)

Aguas Frescas translates to fresh waters is a refreshing treat popularized in mexican and spreading like wildfire across the borders to the north and south. The sweet drink is often enjoyed as a snack or as an accompaniment to meals. Depending on the ingredients, the drink can also be enjoyed as a delicious and nutritious breakfast.

Lots of kinds of aguas frescas (CC photo by the Daily Joe courtesy of Flickr)

With all the tantalizing fresh fruits found in marketplaces throughout mexico it’s not surprising that the lists of flavors can be quite extensive. Some of the most popular flavors are horchata, jamaica and tamarindo. Horchata is a rice drink, jamaica is a flower and the tamarind pods flavor the tamarindo.

So many flavors (CC photo by Biskuit courtesy of Flickr)

Fresh fruits and even vegetables are pureed to make some very delicious creations. One flavor becoming quite popular is a mix of cantaloupe and cucumber. The puree is mixed with water and sugar or honey for sweetening and thinning out. Sometimes other flavors and herbs are added for medicinal qualities. Instead of water, yogurt or milk is sometimes used for a creamier consistency and for a healthier alternative.

Aguas frescas in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero (CC photo by Dolanh courtesy of Flickr)

You are sure to find these amazing drinks throughout Mexico’s biggest to smallest cities. Vendors use rolling carts, like the one above, or afford gracious cafes where you can sit and enjoy an agua fresca with a pastry. Take a time out from shopping and from tourist attractions to indulge in this sweet Mexican treat that is sure to please.

Mural at the Museo del Desierto (CC photo by Natanvd courtesy of Flickr)

Thousands of square miles across ten states in mexico is covered by the Chihuahuan desert. While many believe the land is vacant and void of life, a visit to the Museo del Desierto in Saltillo will prove otherwise. Visitors are sure to delight in this expansive living museum that highlights the flora and fauna of the modern land, in addition to an extensive visit into the past.

Dinosaurs and more (CC photo Natanvd courtesy of Flickr)

The museum hosts a stunning collection of pavilions which highlight the various ecosystems found in and around Coahuila. The first dinosaur remains found in the area are a favorite exhibit, as well as the live animal enclosures.

An amazing collection of reptiles, mammals and birds make up the majority of the living portion of the museum and it is fascinating to see how the various species adapt to the dry and supposedly,uninhabitable desert climate.

What is most fascinating is the museum’s ability to marry the fields of anthropology, ecology, paleontology, biology and archeology into one big beautiful ball of knowledge. One of the best indications of how to rate this museum is knowing how many in the scientific community have enjoyed visiting the Museo del Desierto.

Wildlife (CC photo by Natanvd courtesy of Flickr)

Before your trip, visit their website at www.museodeldesierto.org. The site is brilliantly constructed with a very interacted interface that is sure to please children, as well as, their parents. You will be able to see the various exhibits and be notified of upcoming events. It is very informative and a wonderful educational tool when traveling with younger tourists.

Turtles sunning themselves (CC photo by Mbiosis courtesy of Flickr)

The Museo del Desierto is located at Prolongación Pérez Treviño 3745 in Saltillo, Mexico. They are open Tuesday through Sunday and operate from 10:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening.

Light and delicious (CC photo by Zanzibar courtesy of Flickr)

With the popularity of sushi, ceviche is becoming quite popular with people not yet ready for raw fish, but longing for the freshest seafood creations. The name, Ceviche, is believed to come from the Spanish word escabeche which means a marinade. While the dish can be found throughout mexico, Central and South America, its origin is often debated. All countries want to garnish the honor of creating this classic and delicious dish.

Elegant ceviche (CC photo by toast for brekkie courtesy of Flickr)

The ingredients differ from country to country, but in Mexico, the most common seafood is that which is locally caught. Mackerel, octopus, squid, shrimp and tuna are very popular items making up the bulk of the dish. The shelled items are usually already cooked, while the fish is usually raw when added to the mix. Here is the magic in the dish, the fish will be “cooked” when served, although no heat will be used.

Ceviche topped with avocado (CC photo by OBiTRAN courtesy of Flickr)

The other ingredients in ceviche break down the proteins in the dish pickling the fish in a very short time. Lemon and lime are the catalysts for this while onions, garlic, cilantro, tomatoes and salt add the well known flavor. Traditional ceviche is usually left to marinade for up to three hours, however, the fish “cooks” in the time it takes to mix the ingredients together so it’s often used as a quick appetizer.

Plate of ceviche (CC photo by Nodame courtesy of Flickr)

Ceviche is usually served in an elegant dish with crackers or tortilla chips. A few slices of avocado are the staple for decoration. The ceviche can also become the topping for tostadas where slices of avocado or guacamole top the tasty corn disks. Either way, this seafood is sure to please. It is found throughout Mexico and usually an affordable treat. From Acopulco to Tijuana and Cabo in between, the dish is the best way to taste the local catch while indulging in a relatively healthy dish.

While there are several ways to learn about Mexico; reading books, tours of the country or talking to locals, why not take a quick tour of the National Palace? The murals created by Diego Rivera may not be the only reason visitors come to the National Palace, but they are one of the most popular reasons. The colorful and informative paintings offer an amazing look into Mexico’s rich history through the eyes of one of the country’s well loved patriots.

The story of Mexico continues (CC photo by Wallack Family courtesy of Flickr)

The murals were completed by Diego Rivera over a span of twenty-five years. They offer an overview of mexican history from 1521 through 1930, when Rivera began painting. The murals hold all the important symbols of Mexican culture including the flag, the eagle and the extremely honored Quetzalcoatl. The murals continue with an honest view of history unfolding and showing the conquests which included the brutal torture and rape by Spanish conquistadors. The mural continues into the 1930’s where it even includes Frida Khalo, Famous painter and wife of Rivera.

Wondrous creation by Rivera (CC photo by Kudumono courtesy of Flickr)

The murals are an amazing look into the rich history of Mexico, but are so valued by locals because of the honest portrayal of invaders and the strong indigenous people. Rivera, who often fought for the working class, made sure the heart of Mexico was portrayed as the little people that run the country and often go unsung. His communist beliefs are defiantly felt through his work and, unlike his work north of the border, his paintings remain untouched.

Beauty in simplicity (CC photo by Wallack Family courtesy of Flickr)

The National Palace in Mexico City is open weekdays and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Monday it opens at 10:00 and closes at 5:30 while Tuesday through Friday it opens at 9:00 and closes at 5:30. There are English-speaking guides available for a nominal fee and worth the extra knowledge  you’ll  learn about the murals, as well as the Palace.

Brilliant blue (CC photo by Nico Gonzalez courtesy of Flickr)

The mexican Blue Jay is a brilliantly colored bird that can be found in the gorgeous Sierra Madre of mexico up into the United States. The bird is also known as the Gray-Breasted Jay and is most happy amidst the Pine and Oak trees of Mexico’s forests.

The omnivore diet of the Jay consists of both seeds and nuts, as well as, small reptiles, amphibians and bugs. The Jays host a cooperative breeding system that allows many birds to support a nest. The supporting caregivers can be both breeding members or non reproductive helpers.

Mmmm, a peanut (CC photo by Caddymob courtesy of Flickr)

The Mexican Jay is quite interesting in coloring as the brightness of it’s hue is dependent on location. Following Gloger’s rule, the Jay’s colors seem to brighten the closer it lives to the equator. Mexican Jays in Arizona will look more washed out than those living further south.

Enjoying the sun (CC photo by Ross@Florida courtesy of Flickr)

Mexican Jays are social birds, not just during breeding season, but throughout the year. It’s quite common to find and handful to over twenty birds dwelling together or close together within a territory. Many bird enthusiasts are able to distinguish between juveniles because their bill, close to the base, remains light colored for the first few years. Each has a distinguishable pattern. After those beginning years, it will turn completely black.

Tourists traveling on a budget or looking for affordable fun with children, should definitely give bird watching a try while in Mexico. This little beauty is quite common and its pretty songs are sure to please. Locally the bird can be known as charra azulosa, a parajo azul or urraca azulejo. Ask around and you might be able to find the perfect spot for prime birdwatching. Don’t forget the camera and a few handful of pine nuts to share with your feathered friends.

Drying racks (CC photo by petirrojo courtesy of Flickr)

The gorgeous mexican pottery known as Talavera has an intriguing history that dates back to the 16th century. mexico is full of tales and stories, so it is sometimes difficult to trace the facts back. There is a pretty solid agreement, however, that the Talavera so popular in Mexican has far reaching roots in Spain. That is where it all began.

Applying the glaze (CC photo by petirrojo courtesy of Flickr)

While the indigenous people of Mexico have always produced beautiful pottery, in the 16th century they were taught skills that would take the art to a new level. Monks from Spain brought artisans to Mexico and these tradesmen taught local the art of pottery work known as majolica. Natural ingredients from the earth, namely clay, is transformed into pottery through use of potter’s wheels, molds or by hand.

Before and after (CC photo by petirrojo courtesy of Flickr)

While the intricate details of brushing pigments onto unfired glaze is part of the process that was missing from ancient Mexican pottery, the cultural vibrancy of the indigenous people would bring flare and brilliance to the pottery. Their use of colors and locally loved items, like flowers, foods, and animals, would set Mexican talavera a part from that of Spain.

Talavera factory in Dolores Hidalgo (CC photo by Joeh courtesy of Flickr)

Puebla was the first place that talavera took flight and today, it is the one place in Mexico with strict restrictions and standards that date back to the 16th century. These regulations are taken very seriously and even protected by the Mexican government. One such rule even dictates which clay can be used and even which area around Puebla where it can be gathered.

Talavera is indeed one of the most beautiful crafts found throughout Mexico, but a trip to one of the factories in Puebla or Dolores Hidalgo can offer an amazing snapshot of Mexican history. The colorful pottery that accompanies you back home holds a more sacred memory when you see how it is made.