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The jaguar has fascinated the mexican people since pre-historic times. The Mayas, Olmecs, Aztecs, and all the other peoples that have inhabited the land have attached great mythological and religious symbolism to this mighty beast, and the creature still remains a manifestation of the Mexican spirit with its noble form, powerful body, and indomitable spirit.

The Jaguar has the most powerful bite of any animal in the feline family. It is stocky, with thick bones and sturdy build, suited to its task of capturing all kinds of prey with ease and ruling the jungles. It is an apex predator, meaning that its only real enemies are human beings and destruction of its habitat by human beings.,

The Jaguar was also a major theme in pre-Columbian art. It was depicted in the were-jaguars of the Olmecs which is today believed to represent some kind of animal-human hybrid among native tribes.

mexico is one of the nation’s the biological diversity of which is termed megadiverse. A large number of plants, and animals exist only in the borders of this nation, and a smilar number is only found inside a few other countries in addition to Mexico. Mexico is the home of the Jaguar, the vanilla, and potato.

Approximately 2500 speciaes are protected by mexican laws. In addition, the Mexican state designates a vast part of the country as protected areas where human activity is restricted. Mexico has industrialized somewhat later than many other nations, but this is also an advantage whenm the subject is preservation and protection.

The rich diversity of Mexican flora and fauna is not very well known in the rest of the world. A lot of people are familiar with the wealth of Brazil in this respect or Kenya for instance, yes Mexico is no less blessed either. If your path leads you here, you’ll leave with amazement and boundless satisfaction.

If you seek the exotic and the extraordinary in your tiprs to mexico, you can never miss the opportunity to visit the Sacred Groves of Chichen Itza. Sinkholes, underground caves,  waterfalls, meadows that look like crystal fields of magical beauty, will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

In addition, you can visit the coral reefs, and enjoy snorkelling with your friends and family. The beauty of the landscape is multiplied by the rich historical heritage of the location, and the friendly attitude of the locals. Rest assured that you’ll love the trip to Chichen Itza.

My husband and I took the ultimate mexican vacation in December, when the weather of the Pacific Northwest was at its very worst.  We left the cruel winter far behind, and entered a world of  pure fantasy.  When our taxi  from the airport pulled off the main street onto a narrow cobblestone road,  that was lined with stately palms swaying gently in the breeze as though they were sentries announcing our arrival, I knew instinctively we were entering a very special place.  We had to pass through a massive wrought iron gate which absolutely defined the boundary between reality and fairytale.

A Sunset as Viewed from our Window

Our taxi was met by an energetic welcoming staff.  We were given flutes of fine champagne as we exited the vehicle.   They said our luggage would be taken to our room and told us to relax and enjoy and that we would not have to worry about a single thing for the next 7 days, which proved to be exactly the case.

If one so desired, you could spend the entire 7 days right at the resort.  The food is unbelievable and abundant, and you have the choice of 5 gourmet restaurants, as well as 24 hour room service, a large buffet for breakfast and lunch, and snack bars set up on the beach.  There is a world class spa that offers a variety of different treatments.  I personally liked the hot stone massage, which was done on a deck over looking the ocean.

There are three pools, with the main pool having a swim up bar and a jacuzzi insert.  Of course, then you have the huge sandy beach which is dotted with thatch huts if you need a shaded break.  It is the largest private beach in Puerto Vallarta, which means you have plenty of space to spread out and catch the warm sun’s rays.

There is nightly entertainment specials and planned daily excursions off-site if you wish.  The all inclusive package is unbeatable, as it includes all drinks, meals, activities and gratuities.  The service awesome, and the staff makes the trip memorable for all.  Xavier, who was our server at the breakfast buffet presented my friend and I each a plate he had made, and  our husbands with a bottle of tequila gold, on the last day of our stay.  I know this will sound like a clique’,  but this is stuff of which dreams are made.  We will definitely return to this quiet paradise on the Pacific.

The Rio Caliente Spa is the only true hot springs spa left in mexico.  The streams of Rio Caliente are fed from an underground volcanic lake and temperatures can reach as high as 157 degrees F.  The water has an extremely high alkaline content and is known to possess amazing healing powers.  It is a great getaway from all the everyday stressors of a modern life style at a very reasonable price.  A New Age atmosphere that embraces all aspects of naturalistic health methods is very healing and rejuvenating.  It is a spiritual journey that addresses the issues of the mind and the body, looking to put a new balance in a guest’s life.

Mayan Steam Room for Men

In the Mayan Steam Rooms, volcanic spring water is fed directly into the steamroom’s underground chamber.  There are steam rooms for both women and men.  An aroma of freshly cut eucalyptus branches is filtered into the rooms.  The effect created is one of total relaxation and serenity.

There are many very reasonable vacation packages available.  One program that is very popular is the 12 day “Quit Smoking Retreat”.  The Quantum Healing technique is used to first eradicate cravings by removing the nicotine frequencies from your cells and then a special type of image work uncovers and repairs the causes of your nicotine need.  The overall goal is to allow you to become healthier and more vibrant in a very supportive environment.  The vegetarian cuisine served is delicious and and very healthy.  Spa treatments, yoga, hikes, and daily swims are utilized to help detox the body and then begin boosting your now smoke free life.

Accommodations are lovely.  All rooms have a working fireplace and a private tiled bathroom.  Pool side rooms are of course a little more than the patio rooms but every room delightful.  A trip to the Rio Caliente Spa whether it be a weekend getaway, or a two week sabatical, it is definitely a well deserved retreat when the pressures of every day life are getting you down.  Enjoy, Relax, Rejuvenate in the beautiful  Bosque la Primavera, an extensive forest, just 20 miles west of Guadalajara, Mexico.

mexico is a bird watcher’s paradise and is the home to over 1000 of the world’s 8000 species.  These are incredible numbers, and not lost on bird watching travelers around the world.

Bird’s have long held a prestigious position in mexican mythology.  For instance, it was believed when a soldier died he became a hummingbird and went to live in paradise in the sun.  Birds were used to depict time and some were even considered to be bad omens.  On ancient Aztec and Mayan pieces of art, birds were always present and symbolic of many things in their day to day life and beliefs.

There are many vacation tours designed especially for bird watching.  For example, Puerto Vallarta is the home for over 300 of the 1000 species.  In this area, you will be able to see birds that live by the ocean, in the mountains, and in the valley.  Daily tours can be arranged at most of the larger hotels and resorts.  In La Huerta a tour is available to view a wide range of tropical birds from inside a canoe.  Tours in Villas Buena Vida and Rincon de Guayabitos are walking adventures where you can set your own pace.

This is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, a day, or an entire vacation.  There are many books available to help you plan any type of session you want, and it is recommended that you always have a plan!  Enjoy and learn, there are so many exotic and native birds just awaiting you and your binoculars.

Dolphin area at Xel Ha

CC photo by Mewzii courtesy of Flickr

Xel Ha is a natural water park offering gorgeous natural features highlighting the amazing local flora and fauna. The popular inlet is a magnificent adventure for visitors, especially families, offering over 70 recorded species. Occasionally sea turtles, manatees and barracudas visit the area. It is sure to start your visit on a high note.

Xel Ha Waterpark

CC photo by Umbrau44 courtesy of Flickr

One of the best times to have at Xel Ha is with the dolphins. These intelligent creatures are famous for coming to the rescue of injured swimmers by pushing them to the service. They are often seen playing in the waves for fun, just as their human counterparts. Here at Xel Ha, programs offer visitors a chance to see just how smart these beautiful animals are and a once-in-a-lifetime chance for children to experience marine bilogy firsthand.

For relaxation, find a hammock of lounging chair along the superb stretch of sandy beaches. beachcombers aren’t the only ones enjoying these sandy havens. The Xel Ha beaches save an average of 35,000 loggerhead and green sea turtle eggs. At the end of breeding season, and average of 20,000 hatchlings are released from Xel Ha each year.

Gorgeous view

CC photo by Ferran Rodenas courtesy of Flickr

Xel Ha’s  Chacah garden offers a walk through Chacah trees which have been planted by local and international celebrities. The Mayan wall showcases remnants of Mayan ruins which run along a footpath leading to the Xel Ha river. Cenotes at Xel Ha reveal results from the amazing event that occurred 65 million years ago when a meteor crashed into the Yucatan peninsula created various disturbances in the geology of the area.

Hidden Lagoon at Xel Ha, Riviera Maya

CC photo by Javi Celard courtesy of Flickr

Xel Ha is a beautiful place for families to enjoy ecology education in a fun and fully interactive setting. They offer several different packages that are sure to satisfy various budgets and time constraints. The park is well thought out and wonderfully maintained. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and work hard to make your visit the best possible. Xel Ha is a true gem in the Riviera Maya.