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Xochimilco is the Venice of mexico. The boats that glide peacefully on the channels and the oars that beat the water gently and scatter the birds and fish along the path, all add a particularly poignant sense of beauty and melancholy to the beautiful channels.

Your trip to Xochimilco will leave you as many good memories as a long journey to Venice would. The location has not seen any less intrigue and turmoil than the Italian city, and the lovely scenery is just the spicing on the unforgettable experience you’ll have in 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.

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.

Morning Mists & A Marvelous View Of The Sun At Rio San Cristobal

The San Cristobal river offers a striking journey into the enchanting and gorgeous world of mexico. Starting early in the morning tours offer a marvelous view of the rising sun and a better chance of meeting some of the most amazing and beautiful creatures of Mexico. The area also holds on to the glory of Mexico’s indigenous people who still live along the banks in thatched-roof homes on stilts.

Crocodile (CC photo by Ehoyer courtesy of Flickr)

From the safety of your boat, crocodiles are seen sunning themselves on the shore while turtles, fish and other aquatic creatures play in the peaceful water. Tour guides are known for taking extra time to ensure an entertaining tour and are more than happy to slow down to show riders the things only locals have a trained eye for.

Solitary Eagle (CC photo by Ehoyer courtesy of Flickr)

The area boasts an amazing collection of birds that enjoy the expansive trees and grand collection of fish, insects and rodents to feed on. Bring binoculars to get an up close view of these majestic and even comical animals who have grown accustom to humans, but still remain a safe distance from travelers.

Rio San Cristobal (CC photo by Ehoyer courtesy of Flickr)

The area offers a perfect adventure just waiting for the avid adventurer or passive visitor. Wildlife encounters are sure to please children, as well as, parents while photographers have a field day with the candid shots to be taken along the journey. The San Blas Jungle River Tour offers a great trip for about $60 per person. It’s a great idea to bring sunscreen, bug repellent, water, a towel and pesos. There are a few shops in town that may beckon tourists, but pesos are a must for payment. A swimsuit may also be a smart addition to your wardrobe as it is likely to get wet during your travels. The trip is sure to bring a smile or two to any visitor looking for a glimpse into the jungles of Mexico.

The Chinampas, or floating gardens, of mexico are both amazingly stunning and rich in history made possible by the gorgeous water Hyacinth. Not only has this flower become the symbol for the canals of ancient Mexico, but has even given way to Aztec tales still alive today.

Up close (CC photo by Rescue Dog courtesy of Flickr)

The hyacinths grow layer over layer creating a floating floor the is said to hold cows and even horses.  In the least, the beds of hyacinth leaves are strong enough to hold water birds that feed on fish and insects in the area. One area on the Lerma River, becomes the starting place for a devastating trip taken by the hyacinth. The plant travels to Lake Champa and empties the Santiago River. The floating beauties then meet an undignified demise as they plummet over the Juanacatlan Waterfall.

Majestic purple (CC photo by Rescue Dog courtesy of Flickr)

The beauty of the hyacinth balances with a horribly sad mexican tale that tells of a father and daughter. The Aztec father was a chief who studied ways to overthrow the Zapotec Indians of the area. He made a deal with his daughter who was to marry the Zapotec leader only to later betray her new husband. Instead, the bride fell in love with her Zapotec husband which greatly angered her father. The Aztec chief sent warriors to behead his daughter and throw her in the river. While her body was recovered to receive proper burial, the hyacinth are said to be the beautiful locks of the maidens hair spreading over the river.

Hyacinth face (CC photo by Aussie Gail courtesy of Flickr)

While many species of plant life struggles to survive amidst modern population sprawl, the water hyacinth is a fighter that often overruns rivers in Mexico. In some areas, two species of weevil and a species of moth are being evaluated as biological deterrents for hyacinth explosions. Needless to say, it shouldn’t be difficult to find grand patches of this beautiful flower along the river ways at Mexico City’s Xochimilco. They are definitely a photographer’s muse and are sure to delight visitors to Mexico.

There’s a reason why mexico’s ruins and archeology reveal so many statues and pictures of snakes. Mexico is brimming full of this intriguing creature. Venomous snakes, docile snakes, swimming snakes and tiny snakes. While walking about Mexico, there is a possibility of encountering a slithering friend, but don’t let fear keep you away. Some common sense and knowledge of the area you are visiting is all that’s needed to enjoy your trip, even if a snake crosses your path.

Rattlesnake taking a dip (CC photo by Vizko Lizard courtesy of Flickr)

Remember, snakes aren’t very social. They probably don’t want to be bothered and will try to stay away from people. That being said however, they still need to survive and that means crossing paths with humans. Many may think they are safe in the water, but snakes can and do swim. Above, a rattlesnakes moves into the water just outside of Morelos, Mexico. Don’t let this keep you out of the water. Just remain alert and conscious of your surroundings. The snake is going to move away from great splashes and waves which can spell danger for its livelihood.

Brilliantly colored rattler (CC photo by Vizko Lizard courtesy of Flickr)

The beautiful specimen above shows the amazing color patterns that rattlers use to blend into their surroundings. Had this snake been photographed amidst the leaves and foliage around the gray rock, it would have been much more difficult to spot. Snakes are usually pretty hard to spot. Not only does this camouflage help protect them from predators, like us, it helps them hunt for food. Keep a look out for where you step and where you place your hands or sit. Again, alertness matters most.

Blending in (CC photo by Pablo Leautaud courtesy of Flickr)

Respect the wonderful and wild nature of Mexico’s great outdoors and you are sure to leave with some amazing photos and memories which may even include a snake or two. Hiking, walking or swimming in the many beautiful lakes, rivers and streams can bring you face to face with any of the many amazing snakes, but staying alert and aware of your surroundings is all that’s needed to stay safe. Ask locals about animals you should be aware of. Not only are they use to encounters with local species, but they may offer suggestions for staying safe on your journeys.

Coral snake in a hat (CC photo by Cordyceps courtesy of Flickr)