Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl refers to two things in Mexico. The first is its beloved folklore, a legend that has been passed on from generation to generation. The second is in reference to the snow-capped mountains of which this legend is based from. It’s probably quite unthinkable to find this in a tropical paradise, but Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl really does become covered with snow at certain times of the year.

Popocatépetl is known as the second highest peak in the country and it’s actually an active volcano. Iztaccíhuatl is the third highest, that links to the other peak. Archeological evidence shows that this mountain has been explored by Aztecs early on.

Today though, these mountains are summit peaks trekkers, hikers and climbers visit. Ixta is especially more popular of the two, given that it is already extinct, with a unique topography at that.

Ixta is especially described like a sleeping lady. The north side of the mountain is considered its head while the summit, where climbers converge, is where her breasts are. The stomach part of the mountain is its most glaciated area and far south is the sub peak, or her feet.

Some level of skill or expertise is required to climb this, but even a 12 year old is allowed, given that the child knows how to handle himself during the course of the travel.

For first timers, the course to take is usually by ‘The Ridge of the Sun’, which starts off at her feet, to the stomach and to the breast (or the summit).

Surrounding the area is the National Park, which was preserved beginning 1937. Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl is filled with extraordinary species of animals as well, including the white-tailed deer, the lynx and the zacatuche.

The best conditions to climb Ixta though is between the months of December and March and you have to have a permit to do so.

Take our word for it. This place is deep. So deep in fact, that if Chiapas’ ancient Mayan ruins haven’t left you awestruck, then of a surety, it’s signature music, Marimba will have an indelible impact on your mind. Chiapas is a state best visited with an open mind, a yearning to appreciate the finer details in the prehistoric art and architecture. Its not a place where you expect a bustling nightlife, but it more than makes up for the deficit by having a real powerful energy sourced directly from the elements of nature. Welcome to the jungle, traveler.

Chiapas is colorful. It is evident in every piece of art you see here, prehistoric or not. Whether it is the cave paintings found in the La Sima de las Cotorras or the celebrated works of more modern artists such as Ramiro Jiménez Chacón and Héctor Ventura Cruz. If its extravagant ruins that you are after, then the historic city of Palenque would sure leave you in awe and wonder. Ancient times were one heck of a period, and Chiapas is one of the shining examples of them. If you have an ear for poetry, Chiapas has been the cradle for some of Mexico’s best poets, like Jaime Sabines and Rosario Castellanos.

The cuisine of Chiapas is not to be left out either. Food in this state derives heavily from the style of the indigenous people and makes heavy use of the chiplin, which is a strong flavored herb used to add spice to the food. You’d be a real hero if you manage to taste the immensely feared simojovel, which is chilly best avoided by regular mortals, so much so that it is rarely used. Besides this, the ubiquitous  Tamales and meat servings derived from European traditions form the bulk of Chiapas cuisine. Take our advice. Visit Chiapas. It’s mystical mountains and Mayan heritage are hard to resist..

Second highest peak of Mexco. An active volcano spewing smoke all year round and an appearance that can intimidate the toughest of mountaineers, thats the combo that you get from Popocatepetl as the volcano is called. Its hard not to call the wonder a monster. One of the three mountain peaks in Mexico to provide the genesis to glaciers, Popocatepetl has been a mixed blessing for the people of Mexico. You, as a traveler, have to come up here and relish the extravagant facade posed by this great mountain.

Popocatepetl gets its name from the Nahuatl words of pop?ca and tep?tl, the meaning of these two terms being “it smokes” and “mountain” respectively. Hence the word Popocatepetl literally translates to “smoking mountain”, which it is, being an active volcano for the past 100 years, with major eruptions and spewing of gases at regular intervals of time. The base of the volcano is as large as 25 kilometers in diameter and the main crater is an elliptical hole measuring a giant 600m long and 400m across. This monster is more than 5000 meters high and has been in existence for about 7,30,000 years. Mind numbing statistics these, no doubt. The first attempts to scale this great  mountain were made in the early 16th century by native Mexicans.

Popocatepetl is visible from Mexico City itself, which is about 70 kilometers fro  the Mountain. But you would need clear weather to see the monster at it’s full glory. A better spot to see the Popocatepetl would be a small town Puebla, which is just 40 kilometers away, and from here you can catch a glimpse of the mountain’s ever continuous trail of smoke and it’s snowy physique. Mountain climbers can have a stint at climbing the mountain but this is best recommended to the experienced ones. All things considered, Popocatepetl is a must subject for both the eye and the lens, no questions asked..

Just east of the much feared Trans Mexican Volcanic belt, just a 100 kilometers from the Mexican Gulf, sits a gigantic monster that has remained silent for a while now. It is so huge that it is the biggest and tallest thing in Mexico. Covered in snow all the year round, it has been known to spew fire from it’s mouth at regular intervals in the history of the earth. Now, before you begin to believe this is another story about Mexico’s monsters, this post is actually about the majestic Pico de Orizaba, a doemant volcano in Mexico that also happens to be Mexico’s highest point.

Standing at close to 6000 meters, Pico De Orizaba can be considered the natural barrier between the Mexican Gulf and the Plateau. The volcano has been the home to Mexico’s largest glacier. the Gran Glacier Norte. Pico De Orizaba is a dormant volcano, which means it opens it’s mouth very less (which is a good thing, as an active volcano is a first rate harbinger of destruction and calamity). Vegetation is scarce, given the mountain’s height, and there is only snow and more snow, interspersed with alpine trees, to greet the wannabe mountain climber.

If you are one of those who wish to scale every mountain there is on earth, and have come to Mexico to conquer it’s highest glory, then the months of October till March are your best bet to make the daring move. The Piedra Grande Hut Base Camp, situated at a  altitude of about 4300 meters, would be your ideal site for camping. Various trails are available to suit the novices as well as the expert mountain climbers. And if you would just want to visit the volcano for the purpose of seeing the beast in it’s complete glory, but are a little hesitant to climb, dont worry, as the view itself is breathtaking enough for a well deserved visit. Get your boots ready..

Best Hidden Beaches in Mexico

The country of Mexico is renowned for its coastal beauty and hidden beaches. Mexico has some of the best secret beaches in the whole world.

Best Secret Beaches In Mexico

• Riviera Maya – If you are looking to escape the crowds and spend your time relaxing by the ocean, then the Riviera Maya beach is just the place for you. It lies between Tulum and Puerto Adventuras and is a protected area. The beach is home to a protection program for turtles. During the spring months and in summer, you will be able to see the baby turtles hatching from the eggs and retuning to the ocean. This beach has no bars and no restaurants. You have to bring your own food and drink. The palm trees on this beach provide plenty of shade and there is also a freshwater sinkhole just a few minutes away from the beach. The beach also has a loyal caretaker who could provide you with some fresh coconut water if you desire.

• Costa Maya – For a cozy and private afternoon on the beach, you should pay a visit to Costa Maya. The Costa Maya is a group of white sandy beaches on the Belize border. This is a very remote destination. You could spend your time here snorkeling or diving, kayaking, fishing or simply relaxing over the soft sands. The beach does not have large hotels or gift shops. It might be difficult to find a telephone in this beach. There are some comfortable but small guest houses which you can avail of in this beach.

• Puerto Escondido – To escape the crowds, there is no place better than the Puerto Escondido. This is a secret port area which is not easily accessible. There are several beaches here which can provide you with the best surfing experience. You will see the fishermen bring in their catch for the day to sell in the markets. The beachfront palappas serve local delicacies like the grilled fish. There are some cheap but small hotels on these beaches and a few four star resorts.

Thus, there are various hidden beaches in Mexico which you can visit for a very private holiday experience.

Minimal is more. You gotta trust it. If you want to be awed by Mexico, if you want to lose yourself in architectural splendor, if you need to feel the highest energy in a natural setting, take our word, don’t go to the cities, don’t get lost in civilized settlements. Instead, pay a finer attention to the ruins of Mexico, the world famous remains of the great civilizations of the Mayas and Incas. Don’t give much to history, because if you do, you might as well take up architecture as a serious profession. No, just take a walk around. Ruins were never so much captivating.

You are guaranteed to be overawed by the sheer beauty presented by the magnificent architecture, as you go deeper into the ruined city that is Palenque. It was a great state that flourished way back in the 7th century when Science and Mathematics were niche segment of study. And yet, what you will deduct from the ruins is that, if a place could hold awe and impose a presence after close to 1500 years, the original model of Palenque must have been jaw dropping, with words unable to fully describe the untold beauty of the place. You bet.

If you visit Palenque, which you definitely should, their await for you wonders in the form of The Palace, Temple Of The Inscriptions and The Temples of  the Cross Group. The Temple of the Sun should be the cream of the crop. Important artifacts that show the Mayan culture and way of living have been wonderfully preserved and are a must visit too. Steep and voluminous stairs adorn each and every temple in Palenque, and will give you a glimpse of how hard working the Mayans really were. Their awe inspiring height and pure stone construction makes you wonder how these structures were actually built by elementary technology. Just one suggestion: Go for Palenque. It’s worth it.