Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals» hiking

Cozumel Ruins

Vic — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:03:50 +0000

One of the best places to visit in Cozumel is the Cozumel Ruins.

This place is very popular among tourists who want to visit Cozumel, Mexico. Cozumel actually have many ruin sites both non excavated and excavated places like San Gervasio, El Cedral, and Castillo Real.

If you love pre-historical ruins and other ancient architectural ruins, Cozumel ruins is the perfect place for you.

Do not forget to bring your digital camera with you to take some photos of this historical landmark in Cozumel.
You will learn many historical inhabitants in this Island by just going to these popular ruins. You realize how rich Mayan culture is and they are amazingly preserved until now.

There are at least 24 archeological sites that have been discovered in Cozumel island. They are mostly occupied from AD 0 by Mayans. Hence, if you visit Cozumel, you would not want to missed this opportunity to see these amazing historical place.

Mexico Travel Tips: Things To Prepare With Your Camera

dooce — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:46:19 +0000

If you are traveling to Mexico for a luxurious beach vacation, be careful with your digital camera. The beach sand gets on the zoom lens when it closes the sand can jam the zoom lens making your camera inoperable. In order to avoid this, make sure the zoom lens is free from any debris before you close it.

Make sure to bring enough batteries for your camera and memory cards before you go to mexico. If you forgot to buy these, you can always purchase them at Yucatan Peninsula, Mayan Riviera, and Cancun. Although they are much more cheaper to buy them at a discount store back home.

These are just some of the reminders that you may consider when you prepare your digital camera before going to Mexico. Have a wonderful time!

The Gorgeous Sierra Juarez Mountains of Northern Mexico

nelsonmelle — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:00:18 +0000

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.Â 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)

Huasteca Potosina in San Luis Potosi: A Beautiful Adventure

nelsonmelle — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:33:39 +0000

Cascada de El Meco (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

The Huasteca Potosina is a region of the Sierra Madre that is named after the indigenous Huasteca culture and is found east of the capital of San Luis Potosi. The gorgeous area offers an amazing collection of both rapid, wild waters, as well as, calm a serene lagoons. Both ends of the spectrum are equaling facilitating with the stunning backdrop of rich jungle vegetation surrounding you.

Cascada el Salto (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

The Cascada el Meco is just one of the many waterfalls you will find through out the area. Smaller waterfalls, like the one above offer a more subdued experience. The falls, like many, lie at the mercy of rains and the Cascada el Salto, above, has dwindled to one of the smallest streams ever.

Gorgeous water (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

The colors of clear blue water are absolutely breathtaking and many enjoy snorkeling around the waterfalls and lagoons. The surrounding forests are home toÂ over 2,000 species of plants including orchids and lianas. The area is also home to the endangered Spider monkey, Jaguar and Kinkajou (also known as the Honey Bear). For these creatures, it is hoped that visitors will enjoy the grandeur in the most respectful ways possible.

Tranquil waters (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

There is a bounty of recreation available in Huasteca Potosina. Rafting, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, hiking and camping are just a handful of fun the region holds. The area is a true treasure and photographs of the area are some of the most stunning you will take in Mexico. Huasteca Potosina is a must visit during your stay in Sal Luis Potosi.

Piedra Volada Falls: Waterfall Flowing or Dry, this Place is Beautiful

nelsonmelle — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:36:35 +0000

Cliffs of Piedra Volada (photo by Izennen courtesy of Flickr)

Piedra Volada translates to “flying rock”. The reason for the name is not really know, although some creative ideas have floated around.Â What is known, however, is that the area is absolutely breath taking with stunning landscape and beautiful weather.

The valley (photo by Izennen courtesy of Flickr)

During the wet season, the gorgeous area offers a bonus with one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The falls can only be seen from a moderate distance, but are the largest in Mexico and the eleventh largest in the world. When they run, it is off Candamena Canyon in the Copper Canyon area of Chihuahua, Mexico.

The rock seems to hover or be thrown (photo by Izennen courtesy of Flickr)

The great thing about Volada is that it has landscape toÂ meet all hiking levels. There are trails for beginners, as well as, more advanced treks for more expereinced visitors. The area offers a supurb collection of flora and fauna with enough plain space to make camp if an overnight suits your visit.

Gorgeous country (photo by Izennen courtesy of Flickr)

The area around Piedra Volanda is strickingly beautiful and travel-friendly. The falls were only recently discovered in 1996 although there are ruins of mining camps and other proof of man enjoying this spectacular area. There are several tours that venture into the area or many choose to make their own way, however, it is usually better to travel with locals who know the area. Piedra Volada is definately worth a camp out in order to fully appreciate the beauty of its night skies and early morning daybreaks.

Malinche National Park: Heaven for the Outdoor Enthusiast

nelsonmelle — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 04:25:30 +0000

Malinche in the distance (photo by Gary Denness courtesy of Flickr)

MatlalcuÃ©yetl is the old world name for the volcano more popularly know as La Malinche. Dormant for over 3,000 years, the mountain is located in the Mexican states of Puebla and Tlaxcala. It offers the perfect backdrop and namesake for the National Park with some of the most stunning nature trails in Mexico.

Malinche Lays dormant (photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

The highlight of La Malinche National Park stands at 14,646 feet above sea level and is often used by mountaineers for training and acclimation exercises. However, on any given weekend you can find outdoor enthusiasts of all levels and ages meandering down the paths and enjoying picnics around the park.

The Centro Vacacional IMSS la Malintzi offers 40 cabins, a camping area and recreational facilities in the vacinity. Weekends are a favorite for locals, as well as tourists, so a visit during the week will offer a more peaceful trek.

Malinche from Puebla (photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

The mountain trail is favored by many because of its gradual incline and the fact that no special equipment is needed. If you are of average fitness level then you shouldn’t have a problem completing the journey. It is about a day long trip and you should come prepared with basic hiking gear, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. Because of the high elevation, it can get quite cold at the top. Many suggest dressing in layers for optimum comfort.

Mexico's volcanos with Malinche among them (photo courtesy of Wikimedia)

While Malinche is the modern name used by many for this picturesque mountain and her National Park, her original name seems more fitting. Matlalcueitl, translates to “Lady of the Jaded Skirt” and refers to the Goddess of rain and songs. The land truly resembles the majesty of a goddess and what better way to honor the history of this beautiful country then by enjoying a day in one of its many playgrounds.