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.

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.

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.

Beautiful Sights At Baja's Picacho del Diablo

Baja California holds many gorgeous hiking trails, but one of the most popular, is Picacho del Diablo. This 10,154 foot mountain is quite a feat for avid hikers, so come prepared and ready for work. While it can be climbed in a very long and strenuous day, most choose three to four days to take in the beautiful sights.

Scenic views (CC photo by BBQ Junkie courtesy of Flickr)

Picacho del Diablo is the highest point on the baja peninsula. It’s a relatively close mountain to reach from the United States bringing many visitors from California and Arizona. Other popular peaks require much more travel with locations much further to the south and inland.

Fresh air and gorgeous sights (CC photo by BBQ Junkie courtesy of Flickr)

The flora of the area is simply a continuation of that found in northern Mexico. Chaparrals cover the lower elevations, as well as, popular desert succulents. Pinion sprinkle throughout the trails while pine and coniferous trees thicken as you travel further up.

Nature at its best (CC photo by BBQ Junkie courtesy of Flickr)

Wildlife consists of numerous incests and reptiles. Mammals including coyote, fox, bobcat and raccoon are also frequently spotted. As with most hiking trails, it important to show the utmost safety to prevent snake bites and other negative encounters with animals. Watch where you step, wear appropriate gear and keep your distance of wild animals and your trip should remain fun and exciting.

The area is fabulous and offers the perfect backdrop for golden memories and superb pictures. There are travel groups that offer traveling in larger groups which some find more enjoyable. Small groups are also available and, in the least, a pair of hikers is safest. It is quite an intense hike and safety in numbers makes the most sense. Regardless of who you travel with, the trip is worth your time in Baja.

Brilliant blue (CC photo by Nico Gonzalez courtesy of Flickr)

The Mexican Blue Jay is a brilliantly colored bird that can be found in the gorgeous Sierra Madre of Mexico up into the United States. The bird is also known as the Gray-Breasted Jay and is most happy amidst the Pine and Oak trees of Mexico’s forests.

Looking for food (CC photo by Jerryoldenettel courtesy of Flickr)

The omnivore diet of the Jay consists of both seeds and nuts, as well as, small reptiles, amphibians and bugs. The Jays host a cooperative breeding system that allows many birds to support a nest. The supporting caregivers can be both breeding members or non reproductive helpers.

Mmmm, a peanut (CC photo by Caddymob courtesy of Flickr)

The Mexican Jay is quite interesting in coloring as the brightness of it’s hue is dependent on location. Following Gloger’s rule, the Jay’s colors seem to brighten the closer it lives to the equator. Mexican Jays in Arizona will look more washed out than those living further south.

Enjoying the sun (CC photo by Ross@Florida courtesy of Flickr)

Mexican Jays are social birds, not just during breeding season, but throughout the year. It’s quite common to find and handful to over twenty birds dwelling together or close together within a territory. Many bird enthusiasts are able to distinguish between juveniles because their bill, close to the base, remains light colored for the first few years. Each has a distinguishable pattern. After those beginning years, it will turn completely black.

Tourists traveling on a budget or looking for affordable fun with children, should definitely give bird watching a try while in Mexico. This little beauty is quite common and its pretty songs are sure to please. Locally the bird can be known as charra azulosa, a parajo azul or urraca azulejo. Ask around and you might be able to find the perfect spot for prime birdwatching. Don’t forget the camera and a few handful of pine nuts to share with your feathered friends.

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)

Road through Sierra Juarez (CC photo by phylevn courtesy of Flickr)

Sierra Juarez is quickly becoming a favorite for Oaxacan locals and visitors as well. This stunning mountain range, also know as Sierra Norte, is located about an hour’s drive Northeast of Oaxaca and offers superb settings for hiking, biking, birdwatching and photography.

A Walk in Sierra Juarez (cc photo by phylevn courtesy of Flickr)

Wild life in Sierra Juarez is high in ratio to the surrounding area and is considered one of the richest places to encounter an amazing collection of species including endangered animals like jaguars and spider monkeys. While the likelihood of encountering larger mammals is relatively low, you probably will enjoy the brilliant colors of butterflies in the area in addition to several smaller mammals, reptiles, insects and birds.  The startling colors and sizes of butterflies in the area make it a hot spot for collectors whose collected specimens from Sierra Juarez are worth upwards of $1000 for one butterfly.

Palo Seco (CC photo by phylevn courtesy of Flickr)

The weather in Sierra Juarez intrigues visitors who, in amazement, move from dry warm desert-like air to moist cold mountains in the short span of an hour. Tourism in Sierra Juarez has only recently, in the last decade, become very popular. Eco tourism is one of the main reasons for the interest in the flora and fauna of this amazing area. Since it’s relatively new to well traveled tours, it is best to make plans in person rather than online. It will also do you well to have an open mind and relatively loose schedule. Like many wilderness adventures in Mexico, traveling through Sierra Juarez should be enjoyed leisurely to take in the beauty.

Scenic views (CC photo by Jerry Oldenettel courtesy of Flickr)

Crocodile smile (CC Photo by Kendrahw courtesy of Flickr)

Located just outside Puerto Morelos, Mexico, Crococun offers visitors a first hand chance to walk and talk with the animals. Often described as an unbelievable experience that could never compare to traditional zoos, visitors step over crocodiles basking in the sun and feed friendly monkey families that follow you along gorgeous jungle trails. It is one place you simply can not miss.

Brilliant colors(CC Photo by Kendrahw courtesy of Flickr)

The zoo offers a tour guided adventure where visitors encounter spider monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, Guacamayas, lizards and more. Hands on presentations put these exotic creatures right in your hand, or at least allow you to feed them. Most of the guides are college students who offer a detail oriented, lively and highly enjoyable tour. The tour is included in admission, but many gladly tip the guides for such a great time.

Basking in the sun (CC Photo by Kendrahw courtesy of Flickr)

Originally, it was a crocodile farm focused on commercialization of crocodile goods. In 1988, after a pounding by Hurricane Gilbert, the park reinvented itself as a crocodile preservation park. Because of the strong ties of the Mexican culture to nature, these eco-minded ideas are becoming more common and widely embraced. Croco Cun Zoo is benefiting from more environmentally sound tourists looking to learn and make a difference while enjoying the beauty of Mexico.

Monkey see(CC Photo by Kendrahw courtesy of Flickr)

The zoo is truly a crocodile’s paradise meaning bring your bug spray. Many report the best time feeding the animals so bring plenty of food as well. Bananas, of course, are the favorite of local monkeys, but any fruits and vegetables will surely be devoured. The park is open from 9:00 in the morning until 5:00 in the evening every day of the week. It is reasonably priced at $20 for adults, $12 for children over 6-years and free for younger children. The park is located just outside of Puerto Morelos at kilometer 31.

Their address is Km 31, Carretera (road) Cancún-Tulum, Riviera Maya and they can be found on the web at http://www.crococunzoo.com

Located on twenty acres brimming with 3,000 species of plants, the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a traveler’s must see.  It is a short 12-mile trip from Puerto Vallarta, located in the stunning Sierra Madre Mountain Range. While visitors delight in this living museum, the facility actually stands as a research facility as well.

Visiting butterfly (CC photo by Phlash70 courtesy of Flickr)

Exotic and intriguing (CC photo by Zzzed courtesy of Flickr)

Beauty every where you look (CC photo by Karmor courtesy of Flickr)

The Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens are  located at Carretera Puerto Vallarta a Barra de Navidad Km. 24 Las Juntas y los Veranos Cabo Corrientes Jalisco. C.P. 48447. The trip there is half the fun offering an amazing view of the ocean coast and possible meetings with local cattle grazing on the hillsides. If you don’t feel up to the drive, a taxi ride from Old Town Puerto Vallarta will only run you about $20 one way. The park admission is a mere $4 and a steal for family travels and affordable fun.

For another fun thing to do, visit the Malecon Puerto Vallarta after a day at the Botanical Gardens.