Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals» Travel Tips

The Mayan Effect: Pyramid of the Sun

Azzi — Sun, 15 May 2011 01:06:54 +0000

Perception is everything, they say, and in fact, it is true. What appears one thing to someone may not appear the same to the other. But the reason this post has started off with such a vague topic is because of the fact that Mexico, in spite of being a modern country, has still not lost its ancient charm that it’s native ancestors, the famous people from the Mayan civilization created. So, in spite of the modernity, there still exist towns like Teotihuacán where ancient tradition and architecture still hold sway. Ladies and gentlemen of the traveler kind, I give you. the Sun Pyramid. Change your perception from Mexico to Maya, and enter the city.

The famous Aztecs gave the Sun Pyramid its name, as they used to visit Teotihuacán long after it was vacated by the inhabitants. The pyramid first came into existence around 100 AD, and, the construction was two phased. Basically the first one gave the structure and the second one provided the finishing. What is mind boggling is the fact that in such an old time, people actually knew the technology to make buildings this huge, and the sun pyramid is huge. It is in fact the third tallest pyramid in the world at 225 meters, after the Pyramid of Cholula, Mexico and of course, the great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt. Agoraphobics, beware..

Unfortunately, archaeologists have been unable to connect the pyramid of the sun to any deity or important figure within the Teotihuacán society, because of the continuous corruption of the structure’s original integrity, by forces both natural and man made. However, what is unchanged and will forever remain is the grandeur and beauty professed by this massive structure. There is a hidden, mystical meaning behind every piece of work of the great Mayans. Visit the Pyramid. See if you can connect to it…

Chiapas: It’s a vast, historic place

Azzi — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:20:17 +0000

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..

Chihuahua: History lovers stop here

Azzi — Fri, 13 May 2011 14:18:22 +0000

There’s this bus that goes around the city of Chihuahua, called the Trolley el Tarahumara, that takes tourists and travelers around the city, showing them museums, monuments and all the places where a traveler might find his heart. The point in making here is not about the bus or the name 0f that bus, this little episode tells you that if a city could need the services of a bus to show tourists what’s around, it must be full of tourist attractions, and in fact, Chihuahua is. More so, if you are a history lover. Those in need of a good dose of history signs in the modern world, need look no further. Chihuahua is here for them.

First things first. a visit to Chihuahua would be grossly incomplete if you dont happen to visit the appropriately named Mammoth Museum, at Ave. Juarez. It is the city’s largest museum and has as much as 13 halls filled to the brim and indexed to the last detail with everything historic and prehistoric. Dinosaurs, arts, people, evolution, in fact, everything related to the life on earth has been faithfully documented. But this is just the beginning. You would then want to visit the Seed Centre Museum of Science and Technology, the Museum of Republican Loyalty many others that would satiate your thirst for history.

The city also sports other attractions worth watching, like the famous Murals, the Government Palace, the City Hall, the Archdiocese and the Quinta Gameros. This however, is just a small list of things worth seeing in Chihuahua. The complete splendor is only experienced through the first hand visit. Take our recommendation. After you have gone through the historic parts and satisfied your appetite with monuments, watch a game of the local Dorados de Chihuahua, the city’s representative in the Mexican league. Bullfighting is the other option. Just remember that you are not gonna sit idle here..

Cancún: The Tourist Magnet

Azzi — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:38:01 +0000

Coastal cities are always welcome. The ocean has a sort of charm few other natural concoctions can provide. Just a solitary evening on a nice, romantic beach is enough to relax the mind and free it from the intangible intricacies of life. And, if that coastal city is good enough to provide other modes of entertainment and features what travelers call “tourist attractions”, so much the better. Going a step further, Cancún, sitting serenely in the eastern state of Quintana Roo has an entire island dedicated to wavering travelers. Thats an invitation good enough.

Known to the early Mayan inhabitants as the Nizuk (which means, “a point of grass”) Cancún’s share of the modern age started in the 1970s when there were, believe it or not, only 3 residents living there. With extensive government aid and proactive measures by the authorities, Cancún grew in size and popularity and has never looked back. Today, an entire island in the shape of seven is loaded with hotels and resorts and the beaches with the sparkling white sand are a feast for the senses. Due to it’s long history, you will also find some Mayan ruins and archaeological sites nearby. The real attraction, however is the city itself. the Suparmanzanas (superblocks of residential areas with neat park studded features) are sure to attract your attention.

You can take a boat ride into the Caribbean sea towards the Nichupté Lagoon, or jet ski around a jungle for pure a adrenaline rush. And, if you choose to remain within the realms of the city, which in itself is a treat for the eyes, Cancún’s nightlife will leave you in a state of trance, all night long. Take special notice of the tradition dancers, whose enthralling performances is not to be missed. Its hard not to be pulled by the metropolitan beauty married with one of the most exotic natural water moments , and Cancún is talented enough for that. It’s a magnet.

Durango: You’ll come here for many reasons

Azzi — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:53:29 +0000

There a re actually a lot of excuses to find yourself in the state of Durango. For one thing, it is the second least populous state in the whole country, (which means that there are other exciting avenues of enjoyment in store). Besides, Durango is full of color. If you get bored of one thing, you can hop onto another. The plethora of options is vast and fun filled. Whether you are an adventurer or a lily livered newcomer, Durango welcomes you with open arms. The state is a heady mix of arts, culture, nature and wildlife. All rolled into one.

Durango is known as the land of the Cinema, as is evident for the fact that during the 50s to the 70s, Durango was the hot hub of MexIcan Cinema. So, if you happen to have enjoyed a few Mexican movies, dont be surprised if deja vu strikes you as you roam around. But this si just the begining. Durango also boasts some of the most varied wildlife found in Mexico, chiefly the scorpions, whose variety and species will leave you stupefied(if you happen to be a scorpion lover, that is. More likely, you are a photographer). Having said that, turn your gaze and taste to the cuisine, and preparations like caldillo and marmalades will have you wanting for more.

For the people with adventure in their hearts, the great geographical features of Durango make sure that you can engage in a wide variety of outdoor adventures such as kayaking, abseiling, mountain biking, etc. Then you can visit gorges, waterfalls as deep as 80 ft. ( Salto del Agua LLovida is what we are talking about). Suffice to say, Durango is not a boring state in the least, and the best you can do to you Mexico vacation schedule is to come up here and open your heart t it’s true yearnings. No kidding.

Road Trip in Mexico? Tool to Calculate Distance, Tolls, and Gas

Eduardo — Wed, 11 May 2011 12:40:22 +0000

Today I will tell you about a great tool provided by the Mexican Ministry of Transportation (called SCT), which helps you calculate the driving distances and travel times between several points throughout the whole country. We know that there are a lot of tools out there that can help you calculate distances, like Mapquest of Google Maps to name a few. The difference here is that this tool also lets you know how much cash you need to take with you to pay any toll booths you may cross during your trip. As you may know, there are several toll roads in Mexico because the government grants a concession to private construction companies to build this roads. The page you need to add to your bookmarks: Route cost calculator for Mexico.

This is the English version. It is very easy to use, you need to select an origin state, for example, Distrito Federal (Mexico City), select an origin city (in the case of Mexico City, several common points are listed, like Zócalo, Chapultepec, Xochimilco. You can use a map like Google to help you pinpoint the location of these places to give you an idea of their location, either north, west, east or south of the city), select your destination state and destination city, and your type of vehicle (the default is automobile but there are a lot of other options listed for you to choose). Then, just click on Find Route and voila! You get an interactive map that you can zoom in our out and a list of the road segments with their length in kilometers, the name of the toll booth and the cost.

Try and to a search from Distrito Federal, Zócalo (downtown Mexico city) to Guerrero, Acapulco, a famous tourist destination. You’ll see that it will cost you 531 pesos (44 USD) in tolls, for a 390 km, 4 hour drive. Guess you didn’t know that, did you?

Pico De Orizaba: The very pinnacle of Mexico

Azzi — Tue, 10 May 2011 23:53:56 +0000

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..

Copper Canyon: Don’t look for the copper, though

Azzi — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:32:37 +0000

Mountains and canyons have their own special aura. Amazingly, they inspire awe more than perhaps any other natural concoction there is on earth (except perhaps a high rise waterfall). Due to this awe, mountains are often the tourist attraction for the tranquil seeking mob of our generation. If anyone is fed up with the ways of the world and it’s devastating intricacies, the mountain is the ultimate go-to destination. Since you, dear traveler, are in Mexico for a vacation, might we suggest a canyon for you? The copper canyon it is, and no, there is no copper here.

Situated in the state of Chihuahua, the copper canyon gets its name from its walls, which appear green in color. At some places, it is deeper than the grand canyon and flourishes in a wide variety of flora and fauna (photographers alert!). Like the Holbox Island, this place too is well secluded from metropolitan stuff and what you get is pure nirvana in the form of raw mother nature at it’s best. The village Creel is the highest point of the canyon and stands at about 8000 feet. Guaranteed, views from there are breathtaking and euphoric. Life is traditional, simple and old school. Worth a visit to the locals.

Do some mountain biking, have some much needed hiking, enjoy a bit driving or climb atop a horse to do some riding. Its almost poetic in this form, and at the canyon, you almost become a poet, bathed in the glory of mother nature. The smell of fresh air and the awesome sense of belongingness to the region. That’s what the Copper canyon promises. And with the promise, you get those valuable insights to life, almost philosophically. Don’t just read our advice. Visit the canyon and find out for yourself.

Isla Holbox: The place less traveled

Azzi — Mon, 09 May 2011 21:58:00 +0000

Which is why you should probably travel to this place. Not many people, no roads, no vehicles, no nothing. Just sand and water to quench your sea thirst and lots and lots of tranquil you haven’t felt in a while. You see, if you are one of those travelers who love the open ended beauty of nature without those traffic light and the roar of trucks, if you’d rather spend all day staring at the open sky rather than at the accounting book, if you’d prefer the quiet and soothing sound of waves gushing on the seashore than a police siren, then this black hole (holbox means black hole in Yucatec Maya) is the most suitable place for you.

Don’t worry about the island’s dimensions. Its just 12 kilometers long and about a tenth of that figure wide. Great views from all the sides adorn this little island and what’s more, there are no disturbing elements for miles at a stretch to waver the thinking mind. Talk about attractions? you can view the great whale shark from this island, have a dig at the place’s one and only industry fishing and of course, the biggest attraction is actually the absence of noise. Tranquility is at it’s best here.

And, if you happen to be a kite board lover, this island provides one of the safest and best avenues to have a stint at kiteboarding. There are no big obstacles, the wind speed is almost perfect and best of all, there are actually two schools here that teach budding kiteboarders have a ride of their life. And because there are no cars and no roads whatsoever, people there move about with the help of mopeds and golf carts. Its a novelty you will not find in any other place. More than that, its the birds and their variety that will catch your attention on this black hole. A must visit.

Mariachi: The Mexican rhythm

Azzi — Mon, 09 May 2011 21:57:06 +0000

You come to Mexico and you, having a strong bond with this called music, have this first question out of your mind: “What’s Mexican music like? What’s the genre? What do the Mexicans typically like to hear?”. And for all these questions, you’d have just one answer: Mariachi. A country’s culture is nothing without it’s signature music, and Mexican music is nothing without Mariachi. Such is the stature of Mariachi in Mexico. It is the emblematic genre of the country. Usually related to wedding parties (Mariachi is derived from Mariage, French for Marriage), Mariachi forms the heart and soul of Mexican music.

Originating in the colorful Jalisco, Western Mexico, Mariachi music consists of classical guitars, violins trumpets, the five string Vihuela and a guitarrón (base guitar). Harps may or may not accompany the setup but this is nevertheless an almost complete arrangement. Violin is the dominant instrument of the ensemble, with as many as 8 violins in a single group. Professional groups are known as the Mariachis, and are a staple of almost every celebration that comes and goes in Mexico. and you’d be hard pressed to find a gathering without this traditional music playing.

Popular venues and events, where Mariachi is played include Weddings and the quinceañeras (a celebration to mark a girl’s 15th birthday). It is also played at famous venues such as the Plaza de los Mariachis in Guadalajara and the Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City, usually for the purpose of serenading women (and did you know that the Mariachi lyrics are deeply romantic?) Mother’s day is another occasion when Mariachis are in hot demand (because a good melody is always welcome at an emotional level). Mariachi combines the soft, tender approach to its soul, at the same time being energetic and fun for the chic people. Wavering traveler, you have to listen to this.