Rosewood Mayakoba is a 1,600-acre luxury resort enclave on the Riviera Maya just 30 minutes south of Cancun and north of the seaside village of Playa del Carmen. The hotel offers an irresistible blend of Mexican spirit and European sophistication. Nearby attractions include the ever famous Mayan Ruins and the 2nd largest reef in the world – The Great Mayan Coral Reef.

All 128 suites are not only in the waterfront, but each of them strikingly modern in design. Some on the bleached-white beach, others on the aqua canals that wind through a dense mangrove forest and each has a plunge pool. And about all other activities you can do on the resort? Well, Rosewood Mayakoba features a 12 lagoon-embraced treatment rooms, Island Suites, therapeutic lounging pools, fitness center and a lot more!

Stay at the hotel for 2 consecutive nights and get the 3rd night for free! Rate starts at $700. Visit RoseWoodMayakoba.com for complete details.

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The Westin Resort & Spa in Cancun rests peacefully at a quiet end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. A gorgeous resort and off the beaten path, it’s at the end of the penninsula, 7 km away from Plaza Kukulcan, away from the more crowded areas of Cancun even during busy seasons. Enjoy the serenity of its private white-sand beaches with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon providing all-day swimming and sunbathing, while a health-and-beauty spa offers holiday rejuvenation.

The hotel offers 379 bright and airy guest rooms of contemporary decor, the signature heavenly bed, and views of the sea or the lagoon. They also offer exclusive services and a private pool for guests who would upgrade to the Royal Beach Club package. Each room features a comfortable sitting are for two, a minibar, a swiveling 27″ television, satellite programming, a spacious desk, high speed internet access, direct-dial telephone, AM/FM clock radio, and all other comforts and conveniences of standard amenities.

Hotel amenities include 4 outdoor pools, WestinWORKOUT gym, Heavenly Spa by Westin, outdoor lighted tennis courts, Westin Kinds Club, a business center, on-site hotel parking, safety deposit box, 24-hour front desk and concierge services. Guest services include tour service, pet service and beaches and water sports activities.

A top notch hotel all in all, The Westin Resort & Spa is worth your every penny. Whether you choose to say indoors to relax and recharge or outdoors to enjoy non-stop excitement under the sun, you’ll find your little piece of paradise with Westin Resort & Spa. Average nightly rate is $119. Visit their website for more information.

Address:
Boulevard Kukulcan KM 20
77500 Cancun Mexico

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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.

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.

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.

Mexcaltitan (CC photo by Adam79 courtesy of Flickr)

Within Mexico’s state of Nayarit lies a bayou-like atmosphere that indulges visitors in a trip to another world. Surrounding the island city of Mexcaltitan, lies an immense swamp with an amazing collection of creatures big and small. Beautified with exotic orchids, plants and mangroves, the surrounding lagoons, lakes and streams are an ecosystem bursting with life.

Mangrove roots (CC photo by Jenny Yo courtesy of Flickr)

Amidst the Mangrove and other over hanging plants hide fishes, snakes, crocodiles and turtles. Along the shore, ocelots can be spotted early in the morning carefully walking near crocodiles basking in the bright morning sun. The area is very popular with birdwatchers as it is very common to see the many bold and beautiful species abundant in the area.

Crocodile (CC photo by Jenny Yo courtesy of Flickr)

Boat tours are available to take you through the jungles and guides are very knowledgeable and happy to help visitors locate wildlife, as well as, plants. Make sure to let them know your interests since they will often slow down the craft to identify species and patiently insure that the perfect photographic shots are taken.

Turtle (CC photo by Another Preposterous Id courtesy of Flickr)

The swaps around Nayarit are bountiful in exotic flora and fauna, and the people in and around the city of Mexcaltitan are known for being extremely friendly and patient with visitors. While the city is old and well worn, you will instantly feel at ease with the safe and amiable environment. Nayarit is an expanisive area of interesting landscape, but if possible, try to visit the city of Mexcaltitan. The people work hard to help visitors not only enjoy their visitis, but make sure they have the time of their lives.

Bat in flight (photo by Barracuda 1983 courtesy of Wikimedia)

The bat’s an intriguing little creature surrounded by much myth and legend. A history of blood-sucking stories and tales to terrify have distorted the true beauty of this helpful Mexican native. While some blood makes up the diet of vampire bats, most of these benign creatures feed on insects, nectar and pollen. Much like bees and other pollinators, bats are actually a gardener’s friend and in Mexico, green thumbs have about 140 species to team up with.

Bats feeding (photo by Gordon McDowell courtesy of Flickr)

One of the most famous bats is the vampire bat. Stories about this little blood lover run rampant in Mexican lore.  The actual life of this little guy is very interesting. Vampire bats do not suck the blood of victims, instead they make a tiny cut that is usually not even felt and then lap up the blood. Most will walk up to a sleeping victim, most often cattle, for a meal. Vampire bats make up a small selection of the many species in Mexico.

Bat munching on some fruit (photo by the Gordons courtesy of Flickr)

The other species of bats in Mexico enjoy the many decadent fruits found throughout the country. Much like the furry guy above, bats enjoy the bounty of vegetation growing in Mexico and providing an amazing source of food. These bats endear themselves to farmers and gardeners by offering the free service of pollinating flowers and ensuring a good crop.

Bats in a temple (photo by NCReed Player courtesy of Flickr)

Other bats enjoy the carnivore’s life feeding off of insects and even small amphibians and rodents. While ideas of bats going after humans may hide in the back of your mine, bats actually perform helpful services, much like a farm cat. They keep the mosquitoes, rats and mice at bay.

You can find bats throughout the many forests and jungles of Mexico, the cavernous ruins, along rivers, streams and lakes and in the many caves. While helpful and a relatively shy creature, you should avoid handling bats. They can bite and there is a small chance that you can become infected with rabies. While the risk is small, who wants to risk it? Enjoy them from afar and revel in their helpful nature.