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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.

From the net media: “Soon, whale watching season will come to an end in San Diego. Gray whales are migrating past our coast on their way to Baja, then back up to the arctic. You can spot them by boat or kayak as they make the annual journey, but what exactly are they doing down there in mexico?

Scammons Lagoon in Baja California is one of a few places where you can get close enough to count the barnacles on a whale. Winter through early spring is prime time to get an intimate look at gray whales mating and giving birth. Andiamo Tour Mexico takes you into the lagoon on a panga to see it all.

“This is when you see the biggest variety of activity so you’ll have the couples who come down to mate,” Andiamo Tour Mexico owner Maria Mitrani said.

Traveling south is no easy task. It’s one of the longest mammal migrations, at more than 10,000 miles round-trip from the cold Arctic Ocean. But it’s no wonder they travel so far - the lagoons of Baja provide warm water and shelter.

A naturalist from Birch Aquarium at Scripps is helping us keep an eye out for a friendly whale. Some believe that if you sing, they will come. At first, nothing happens. As soon as you think the whales have lost interest, they surprise you with a brilliant show by breaching.

“We saw tons of mating, we had a whale breach 10 times in a row which i have never seen before and it was amazing to see a large animal throw its body out of the water,” SIO Whale Watching Coordinator Staci Shaut said.

But it doesn’t end there. A curious whale decides to move in. Most of us have only seen pictures of this unique connection between humans and whales. Those who experienced it had a hard time putting it into words.

There is still some time left in this whale watching season. Birch Aquarium at Scripps is leading its next excursion March 25-29. We’ve been told that the end of March is when you tend to see more playfulness with the whale moms and their calves.” Photos  via Flickr.

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.

Arcos de Queretaro

CC photo by 08studio courtesy of Flickr

The City of Santiago de Queretaro is located in the mexican state sharing the same name. It was founded in 1518 after several battles between local native Indians and the Spanish conquistadors. It is said the the Apostle St. James, or Santiago, appeared with a silver cross and made a call for peace between the two groups. It was later known as the “battle without weapons”.

Architecture of Queretero

CC photo by Mexicanwave courtesy of Flickr

The city is a delightful change from the typical tourist lures of mexico. Here, spring break parties are replaced with beautiful city walks and intimate craft shops. Visitors are sure to enjoy the city tour by trolley and indulgence in one of the many delicious eateries.

Architecture in the area is breathtaking with the arches and detailed colonial decor in both interior and exterior designs. The aqueducts stun visitors with seventy-four immense arches that span a length of 1280 meters and 28 meters in height.

Santiago de Queretaro: Under the Watchful Protection of St. James - Patio in a Queretaro house

CC photo by Marcopako courtesy of Flickr

Winter season can get quite busy as Santiago becomes a favorite tourist destination of Mexican visitors from around the country. Christmas vacations offer families the perfect time to enjoy time away from work and school. Santiago indulges these families in calm and subdued activities and child-friendly fun.

Plaza de Armas

CC photo by Christian y Sergio courtesy of Flickr

Santiago de Queretaro is easily accessible from Mexico City through the readily available bus lines or three-hour drive. The area is a great place in enjoy some relaxation and slow-moving recreation. Many visitors return year after year once they have a taste of this enchanting colonial city.

Axolotl

CC photo by Pablo Neco courtesy of Flickr

The axolotl is a species of salamander that is native to the mexican lakes of Chalco and Xochimilco in mexico City. Also known as the Mexican Walking Fish, this little aquatic creature is not a fish, but an amphibian. The Axolotl is becoming the topic of research and popular specimen since it’s natural habitat is in danger and because it holds the key to regeneration of body parts. Beginning with the Spanish conquistadors who began draining the natural lakes and continuing today with waste water choking out its natural living space, the Axolotl’s land is being lost.

Hello world

CC photo by Only Alice courtesy of Flickr

While the draining of the lakes took a toll on the Axolotl, the species survived. However, the complete draining of Lake Chalco in the 1970s and the release of Mexico City’s waste water into Lake Xochimilco, was the final battle for this tough salamander. It is important to note that Xochimilco is now merely series of canals, not a lake, and hardly a plentiful environment for the Axolotl to thrive.

Albino

CC photo by Patries71 courtesy of Flickr

The next hit came from African Tilapia and Asian carp being introduced into Xochimilco to boost fishing. These species devoured Axolotl eggs and lead to a drastic drop in Axolotls in their natural environment. What misleads many is how plentiful the animal is in home aquariums around the world. While the Axolotl remains on the endangered species list, its popularity as a pet and use in labs increases its chance for survival, if only in labs.

Beautiful coloring

CC photo by Interrobang courtesy of Flickr

While the future for the Axolotl is uncertain, one thing is true, this is one interesting amphibian. They are easily found in pet stores specializing in reptiles, fish and amphibians. They are fascinating to watch and come in several colors. From albino white to even black, all Axolotls have the distinctive feathery gills that makes them stand out as both prehistoric and almost regal. The Axolotl has earned a place among the many beautiful, intriguing and extremely endangered creatures of Mexico. It deserves respect and a chance to live in the natural surroundings evolution has picked out for it.