MexicoVacationTravels.com

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.

Many areas in mexico offer the dolphin experience.  It is an incredible adventure that the whole family can enjoy.  You will not only be able to swim with these marvelous creatures but you will also learn many amazing facts about them.

The dolphin is one of the most intelligent and beautiful creature in our waters.  They belong to the group of warm-blooded mammals know as the Cetasceans, which also includes the whales.  Dolphins are regarded as the “toothed whales”.

Bottlenose dolphins live in the temperate waters off of both coasts of Mexico.  They live in family groups commonly referred to as pods.  These pods are long term social structures that vary in size and generally form some sort of social hierarchy.  They communicate with sounds that resemble moans, trills, grunts, and squeaks.  A mother dolphin will whistle continuously to her calf for several days after its birth to imprint her original sound for identification.  All of these sounds are made by air movement in the trachea and nasal sacs.  Many have speculated that dolphins actually have their own language, but nothing conclusive has been discovered.

Dolphins can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour but generally swim at speeds of 4 to 7 mile per hour.  They regularly dive to depths of 150 feet to catch their food but can only maintain the dive for about 10 minutes when they will need to surface for a breath of air.  They are acrobatic and playful, causing audiences to gasp in awe at some of their amazing spins, turns, and flips.

At the many dolphin parks such as Puerto Aventuras, Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen the whole family can experience the excitement of spending time in the water with these amazing animals.  Depending on what package you choose, you will be able to mingle, ride, and play with them.  They will definitely capture your heart with their handshakes, kisses, and playful actions.  Take the swim, an experience the whole family will share in memory for years to come.

An Old World Shopping Experience

The origin of the mexican Mercado can be traced back to a group of people who arrived in North America some 12,000 years ago.  The Clovis People as they were known, were initially big game hunters but when the glaciers began to retreat in North America and the woolly mammoths and giant elk disappeared they were forced to look elsewhere for survival.  Around 2000 BC they learned how to work the land and grew things like maize, beans and squash.  Now that they had become farmers, they gave up the nomad lifestyle of chasing wild game, to stay in one place to tend their crops.  This brought about a complete cultural change.  Now, as a community, they had wares to buy and sell.  Thus the mercado is born.

Chiles, Chiles, and More Chiles

Around 1500BC the Olmec Culture was the first major culture to be born in mexico.  They were responsible for building massive temples and enormous structures of stone.  They had a calendar and a writing system that helped them to keep track of their inventories.  The temple cities were generally for religious ceremonies, but when this many people come together a form of commercial commerce was bound to evolve.  In these days, goods traded would include things like jade, marine shells and pottery.  At these trade centers, people exchanged goods and services but the mercados also provided a place for people to meet and communicate.

As time passed, Mexico became a place of great action and growth.  Villages became towns and cities and the mercado also grew in complexity and size.  As civilization evolved so did the mercado, and people became more and more dependent on them to peddle

there goods and services.

Over time, the markets have become more sophisticated but they still hold all their Old World charm.  A visit to a mercado is definitely a cultural experience.  To smell the smells, see the wares and watch the people is an energizing experience.  An adventure back in time awaits you.

Forget Animal Planet, a trip south to mexico’s Xcaret brings you face to face with some of the most beautiful creatures on Earth. Stunning habitats and the gorgeous surrounding resort make this a must see for your next mexican excursion.

Gliding ray (photo by teufelgt courtesy of Flickr)

The wildlife of Xcaret are an eclectic mix of Mexico’s creatures great and small. Jaguars, Tapirs, Deer and Monkey all enjoy the fantastic realistic enclosures that seek to contain, as well as maintain a happy life for, the animals.

Sea creatures are an intriguing mix of playful Rays, colorful tropicals and ferocious sharks. Aquariums throughout the park highlight the gorgeous colors of tropical fish and coral reefs. Manatee Lagoon is an absolutely inspiring exhibit that forces visitors to re-evaluate the importance of ecology in the modern world since the Manatee, whose principal species is found in Mexico, is on the verge of extinction.

Just one of many iguanas (photo by dkaz courtesy of Flickr)

A visit to Xcaret will show you a world of endearing creatures whose future is in our hands. The park works to raise awareness in a fun and entertaining way that will bring your back for return visits.

Seahorse at Xcaret (photo by teugelgt courtesy of Flickr)

The animals found at the Xcaret Ecological Park are a mere sampling of what can be found across the exotic plains, mountains and jungles of Mexico. It is a well planned, well maintained and well loved attraction that is sure to grow in size and admiration.

Sharks in captivity (photo by Hugo Cadavez courtesy of Flickr)

The park is open year round from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. In the summer months they stay open an hour later. They are located at Highway Pto. Juárez,  Chetumal km 282 Solidaridad, Quintana Roo and parking is free.

Las Hadas  translates to the fairies and Las Hadas Resort in Manzanillo, Colima looks very much like a fairyland.  Upon entering the area by sea it is obvious why the name was chosen. This beautiful place resides seaside off the coast of the Pacific Ocean where striking blue waves meet cozy warm beaches. The white buildings stand in contrast to the blue sky and ocean creating a delightful Mediterranean meets mexico vibe.

Las Hadas (photo by D Guisinger courtesy of Wikipedia)

The deep blue water of the area becomes even more animated in the evening as phosphorescent organisms o illuminate the waves creating a very magical feel. The local beaches boast pristine white sands with year round warm water to bask in Mexico’s gorgeous sunshine.

While poolside entertainment is quite the choice, there are several local attractions worth a visit. The Colima Volcano, Colima Archeological Museum and Slorenia Cave are all must sees that are sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Mountainside at Las Hadas (photo by 2 jaguar404 courtesy of Flickr)

food at the resort is amazing offering some of Mexico’s best seafood. The meals seamlessly blend Mediterranean flare with the local favorites. The seafood is the freshest available and caught in the nearby waters. Excursions to the local markets can also offer a choice of interesting and tasty snacks and treats to enjoy upon returning home.

Las Hadas is truly a charming resort with magical qualities that entertain as a romantic getaway or location for a family vacation.

Las Hadas Marina (photo by D. Guisinger courtesy of Wikipedia)

Manzanillo is located in Colima, mexico and stands as one of the country’s busiest sea ports.

Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World”, Manzanillo holds world renowned annual Sailfish tournament and sports fishing is the favorite pastime for many return visiting tourists. While deep sea fishing is superb in the surrounding waters, the intriguing Green Flash phenomenon occurs often enough here that visitors can’t help but hope for a glimpse of the magical green-tinged sunset.

Beautiful colors of Manzanillo (photo D Guisinger courtesy of Wikipedia)

There is much to see and do in and around Manzanillo with appealing architectural details and striking color partnerships decorating buildings and tile work around town.  Some of Mexico’s most amazing beaches are found around Colima, and all the aquatic fun of scuba diving, snorkeling and beach combing can be enjoyed along its mexican coastline.

Beaches of Manzanillo (photo by D Guisinger courtesy of Wikipedia)

Of course, as found all over Mexico, food in the area represents the livelihood of the locals. Seafood is the choice fare for tourists, as well as Manzanillo residents. Fresh from the Tuna ports or hot off the deep sea tours, fresh catches of the day produce some of the most amazing dishes at local restaurants and eateries.

Off the coast (photo by D Guisinger courtesy of Wikipedia)

Manzanillo is a stunning costal city with wonderful attractions that are sure to appeal to every family member. Whether shopping at the market or enjoying the life under the sea, Manzanillo is sure to provide the perfect escape for your next vacation.

Nuevo vallarta is not to be confused with Puerto vallarta. This nice and new resort town has its personal beauty and it offers visitors an exciting and at the same time relaxing time. This Resort town is located in the state of Nayarit which borders the state of Jalisco where Puerto Vallarta is. It is actually a few miles away from Puerto vallarta so you can come and visit both towns. The town of Nuevo vallarta has everything you need to enjoy your vacations. It has modern hotels, most of them with an all-inclusive plan, fancy as well as cheap restaurants, night clubs, and shops.

Nuevo Vallarta also offers visitors a variety of places to stay besides hotels. There are condos for rent and villas, some of which are right on the beach. The scenery of the place is absolutely wonderful. the town is surrounded by lush vegetation, rivers, and an amazing lagoon. All of this can really give you a feeling of peace and tranquility. This Town also has a great potential for growth, just in case you are thinking of investing.

As far as entertainment, let me tell you that Nuevo Vallarta has it all. It has exciting water sports, eco-tourism, whale watching, and even a visit to a turtle reserve. The place also offers a beautiful and well kept golf course designed and developed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Von Hass. If you are interested in any of these activities that the place offers, you can always find a tourist office or get information from your hotel about times and places. Your hotel might even help you arrange some of these tours.

If you are looking for excitement and not relaxation, then you shouldn’t miss the night clubs or discos this place offers. even though you won’t find as much nightlife as in Puerto vallarta, Nuevo vallarta has its own charm when it comes to clubbing. So make sure to keep this resort town in mind next time you are planning to visit mexico.

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