Holiday in Mexico

Renee asked:


We have family friends that are first generation Mexican Americans. Since they are legal, they are able to take trips to Mexico and back. The younger fellow commented that Mexico is mostly desert, and they had to put nets over their little house to protect from scorpions. And they still had them in the house. Is the desert climate the worst thing? Or is it corruption? Or is it they like America in general? Or other?

Karen

JimmyD asked:


We are looking for a place to relax in Mexico. We are a family of 5, middle class, actively interested in the culture and exploring in Mexico AND getting out of the cold. Our plan is to fly late March 2006 & spend a week playing on the beach, body surfing, hiking and any other fun outdoor activities. We also love authentic Mexican food.

Willie

Carolyn McFann asked:


If you love nature and want to know more about Mexican history, visit XCaret, an hour south of Cancun.

Having lived in the nearby city of Playa del Carmen and worked as the illustrator for this company years ago, I spent a large amount of time there, and it is stunning.

What exactly is this place? It’s a combination of zoo, aviary, butterfly garden, amusement park (without rides) and outdoor natural history museum and more. Situated within the Mexican jungle, you board a bus at the main Cancun-Tulum corridor road, and it takes you down a lush jungle road to the park. It is a large complex, so expect to spend the whole day there, and use vast quantities of sunscreen to avoid getting sunburned while there.

Walking into XCaret’s main building, holding the gift shop and dioramas of major Mayan ruin sites, you will see a snack area. Sometimes there are events that happen in this building, which is the gateway to the park. Make sure to go to the gift shop, there are many lovely nature-related items for sale. You may even find something with my artwork on it, as many of my designs were used for novelty items. There are posters (which I did not do) that were there before me, and are still being sold, that are incredibly original and beautiful work. This isn’t your average tacky gift shop, it’s impressive.

When you walk into the park itself, you are walking into a maze of exhibits and attractions, woven by paths throughout a huge section of the Mexican jungle. There is an underground river cave, where you can go snorkeling. If you get to the park early, you’ll be able to do this without being in too big a crowd. It’s surreal to be carried by the water through a real underground cave, that winds around the park. Very relaxing. This is a great way to cool off, as the hot sun can get to you, even in the jungle.

There is a horseback riding stable. The horses are gorgeous Spanish-descent creatures, with long manes and elegant stature. But, when I was there, they were slow and just did what the horse in front of them did. If you want to gallop independently on the beach, forget it. They follow eachother in a line day in and day out, so they are trained to be trail horses only. It’s fine if you are afraid of riding and want to try it, there’s a high probability that none of them will buck you off. The ones I saw were mellow, not hyper.

Both the zoo and aviary have lovely animals that are indigenous to the Yucatan peninsula, such as jaguars, flamingos, parrots of many sizes and colors, a harpy eagle, spider monkeys, and more. All animals at the park are well taken care of. Many live in very elaborate, natural environments. The jaguars are kept on an island, separated from the tourists by a deep gorge. You can see them wiithout fear of them escaping, as they live their lives free from bars. It is a beautiful, large setup.

The lagoon is a scenic area that feeds into the Caribbean Sea, where you can go snorkeling or swim with dolphins. There are hammocks to rest in, for those who don’t care to swim. This area is so colorful, with the deep turquoise water of the sea, the flowers, and palm trees all around. It is truly the full tropical experience. Stop and take a rest there.

At the amphitheatre, there are various shows worth seeing. These actors, dancers and musicians put their whole hearts and souls into their performances. For example, when I was there, they had a showcase of the different regional dances of Mexico, along with each area’s characteristic costumes. It was spectacular. They have evening performances on different themes, expertly lit for the full night effect. It is all educational and great family fun.

When at the park, don’t forget to stop by the numerous restaurants and snack areas. In Mexico, the wait staff will go out of their way in grand style to take excellent care of you, so tip them well. These jobs are in high demand, so they are taken very seriously. If you want top quality service, try the restaurant near the ocean, for scenery and great food.

Since my time at XCaret years ago, it has surely grown even more since then. Whatever has been added is surely innovative and educational. This establishment is pure class, they know how to take care of their customers and treat them right. Make sure to see all the sights and exhibits. You will walk away with a better understanding and appreciation for the Yucatan peninsula, its history and nature.



Maxwell

Annie Dubois asked:


When Christmas time comes, many people shop for presents, prepare menu plans for the visiting family members and friends, and of course, choose Mexican Christmas traditions to make this holiday more authentic and familiar. The piñata has been used for hundreds of years in celebrating various holidays such as Easter, birthdays, and yes, Christmas.

There are some wonderful memories in my own past where a piñata was the center of the celebrations. These brightly colored objects are made of paper mache and brilliant colors. Whether the container is a donkey, a star, or some other favorite design, there are few people that can resist taking a swing at a piñata.

Traditionally, a piñata is filled with sweets such as sugarcane, but now there are toys, gifts, and even money that can come out of the favorite piñata. Once upon a time, a piñata was a clay ritual pot filled with water in the pre-Columbian Aztec days. This was a symbolic symbol for thunder and represented the pouring of rain following a thunderstorm.

Of course, another type of piñata was used to represent Huitzilocochtli the war god. This clay pot was covered in feathers and filled with little trinkets. With the addition of Catholicism to the region, these rituals were adapted to fit such religious celebrations.

There are many theoretical origins for the lovely piñata, but the truth of the matter is that it does not matter where this wonderful tradition started. What matters is that these are fun for children around the world, and while Mexico is often a traditional place where these are associated, the mighty piñata has definitely crossed the borders and are available for any culture for just about any occasion.

If you appreciate an authentic Mexican Christmas, you will appreciate the piñata. These are wonderful when filled with sweet treats and little toys. Watching the gleeful delight with which the youngster in your life swings wildly hoping to score a bit of something special is something any adult can appreciate. Of course, not only children appreciate this activity.

An authentic Mexican Christmas is a wonderful time for family and friends. Yet this symbolic piñata has spread to other holidays and celebrations. Today, you can even fill the container with other items that make it more age appropriate. Regardless of what is inside, you will find that getting to what is inside is part of the fun.

When the time comes, you can purchase the piñata for your Mexican Christmas, or you can choose to purchase one. These are available in seasonal designs or you can even create your own! The internet has definitely made it a lot easier to get the design choices you need, and you will even find that some websites offer an interesting look on the history. You will definitely get more than you expect when you choose this avenue for your shopping.

Having a great Mexican Christmas means being with family, friends, and people who care. Yes, having a celebration filled with tamales, delicious desserts, and other awesome cuisine is great, but the reason for the season is better when shared with those you love.



Morgan

Fumaman asked:


I know its a weird question to ask but I’m planning on living there for a while and I’m wondering what the population characteristics are. Is it majority Mestizo? Does it have tons of Indiginous peoples? Does Mexico City really have a large European descended population?

Denise

dazednconfused asked:


I have not flown since 9/11 and I am wondering what exactlly we have to do when we arrive at the airport when flying to Mexico? How early do we need to go to check in, and is it more of a search since we are flying there? Our flight leaves at 6:45am we were planning on being there around 5am, does that give enough time?

Devante

Erick Laseca asked:


The height of Mayan civilization may have ended some 1600 years ago, but this enigmatic empire seems to be making a come-back. This past Friday, December 8th, movie theaters across North America released Mel Gibson’s much-anticipated feature, Apocalypto, filmed in Mexico, bringing the late, great Mayan civilization to life on the big screen.

For centuries, the world has been mystified and intrigued by this unique culture. Considered one of the greatest civilizations of all time, and regarded as the most outstanding intellects of ancient Mexico, the Mayans were a cutting edge society, incredibly enlightened for their time. Not only were the Mayans an incredibly advanced civilization much like the Greeks, but their legacy also remains today in areas that spread from Central Mexico to Honduras, similarly to the Greeks legacy which has transgressed the tests of time.

Mel Gibson’s Apocalypto is entirely in the Yucatec Maya language and the cast consists of local indigenous Mayan actors. Filmed in Veracruz, Mexico, the movie depicts ancient Mayan life and also connotes to the Mayan prophecy, “Fin de los Tiempos”, in which they prophesized that the world would end its 5,200-year fourth and current cycle on the winter solstice of December 21, 2012. Cycles play a huge role in the Mayan culture and a great amount of their time was spent studying astronomical rotations and synchronicity to human events.

While the major Mayan cities portrayed in the movie are gone, the ruins still remain offering visitors to Mexico a unique piece of history and culture to absorb.

Mayan Culture

The Mayans cultivated the most advanced written language of the hemisphere, excelled as astronomers and were highly-skilled mathematicians, being the first in the world to arrive at the concept of zero, and use complex calculations. They were also admirable urban planners and their grand cities were filled with monumental temples which were built without the use of tools as we know them today.

Mayan cities were carefully designed with temples and places in the center and a nearby ball court, which enabled the Mayans to play a game considered to be the precursor to soccer. The ruins of these amazing cities are found throughout Mexico, specifically in the Yucatan states. Exciting new finds in the field of archaeology are revealing countless treasures from their temples and pyramids as scientists work to unravel mysteries of the past.

The area of the Mayan civilization extended throughout the northern Central American region which includes the present-day nations of Guatemala, Belize, western Honduras and El Salvador, as well as the southern Mexican states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, Campeche, and Yucatan. Their history can be traced through three major periods: the pre-Classic from 2000 B.C. to 200 A.D.; the Classic from 200 A.D. to 900 A.D.; and the post-Classic era from 900 A.D. to 1521 A.D. As people worldwide are in awe of these advanced people, it is becoming increasingly popular to study them and learn more about the Mayans via travel, literature and now, film.

Chichen-Itza

Of their most notable constructions, Chichen-Itza remains one of the most famous Mayan sites, and is currently a finalist to become a new Seven World Wonder. Located in Yucatan State, Chichen-Itza is one of Mexico’s most archaeologically impressive creations, and one of the country’s most visited landmarks. When built by the Mayans, these magnificent pyramids were perfectly aligned to the sun and Chichen-Itza was constructed in such a way that during the equinoxes, the setting sun casts a shadow of a serpent descending on the northern steps of the pyramid. This effect was a result of the Mayan’s incredibly precise astronomical and architectural measurements and Chichen-Itza was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.

Chichen-Itza, which reached its peak between 700 and 1200 AD, was the political, economic and military power in the area. It is surrounded by lush green vegetation, underground rivers, natural wells and limestone that the Mayans used to construct their magnificent buildings. There are scenes in Apocalypto where the Mayans are completely covered in white limestone dust, showing the intensity of labor that was exhibited while creating their massive pyramids and temples.

Tulum

If Chichen-Itza awes the observer with its size and complexity, Tulum charms with its location on a limestone cliff above the turquoise splendor of the Caribbean. Located about 75 miles south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo, Tulum is the only completely walled Mayan settlement known and is so popular that it attracts about 2 million visitors annually.

This small collection of temples on a bluff overlooking the blue-green sea served as a major trading center and port for the 4,000 or so Mayan canoes that plied the seas from Mexico’s northern coast to South America. Laden with feathers, furs, jade, medicinal herbs, salt, and honey, these canoes navigated a network of inland canals dug by the



Uxmal

Another important ruin in the Yucatan Peninsula is Uxmal, located 50 miles south of Merida. Uxmal is the peerless example of classic Pu’uc architecture named for the hilly Pu’uc region of northwestern Yucatan where this style attained its ultimate refinement. It’s also the largest site, known for its exquisite sense of proportion. The invention of a local type of cement made from seashells allowed for the construction of wide arches, huge gateways and impressive rooms which add to the beautiful proportions.

Yucatan Peninsula

In addition to fascinating ruins and colonial treasures, Mexico’s Yucatan State also offers much for ecotourism and the adventure tourist enthusiast. Its climates have produced forest surroundings that support a wide range of fauna. Visitors can enjoy sports in the open sea in Yucalpeten, while birdwatchers can admire the wide range of species found in El Palmar as well as the impressive flamingo population of Celestun. The lack of surface rivers means that the state obtains water from a complex system of underground rivers, which attract scuba divers and snorkelers. Limestone sinkholes, or cenotes, are also great for exploring.

While the Yucatan State may offer a wide range of Mayan culture and fantastic tourism options, Veracruz State is the site where Apocalypto was filmed. The footage floats from the jungles of Catemaco to the City of Veracruz, offering an excellent look at the southeastern state which invested 1.8 million dollars into tourism in 2005.

After seeing Apocalypto, one will surely be inspired to travel to Mexico and learn more about the country’s vast indigenous cultures. From the cinematography to the amazing landscape, Apocalypto offers a unique look at prehispanic Mexico, and the influences which remain today.

For more information, please visit www.apocalypto.com and www.visitmexicopress.com.

About the Mexico Tourism Board

The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

FOR PRESS ONLY: For additional ideas, help with a story or general travel and tourism information about Mexico, please contact the MTB’s North American Press Room directly at 1-800-929-4555, by e-mail at northamericanpress@visitmexico.com, or visit our press Web site at www.visitmexicopress.com. To access an online warehouse of free, downloadable b-roll, visit www.thenewsmarket.com/visitmexicopress.

# # #

Erick Laseca

Mexico Tourism Board

312-228-0517

erick.laseca@bm.com



Wade

Jessica Nielson asked:


Land activities are always fun for everyone. The entire family can enjoy spending time in Red Sea Rivera doing some horseback riding, camel riding, safaris, or motorbike riding. The horseback riding and camel rides take you on the beaches or with a little more time, you can take a desert excursion. You might even enjoy the quad runner, motocross, and motorcycle and go-kart tracks. This is where the adrenaline starts pumping. Take a quad runner to the desert and see first hand what the area has to offer. You can stop anywhere and enjoy a picnic or keep going for miles.

The nightlife in some of the towns is what makes the area so popular. There are pubs, nightclubs, eateries and specialty bars. The locals like to share with everyone and they will show you the popular hotspots and how to have fun. They do know how to drink, which might not be a good thing for everyone. You will even find the older locals playing a game of backgammon and sipping tea while smoking the local water pipe. You can even go to the popular clubs where the surfers and divers go to every day after an incredible day on the water.

When you find that the day is over and food is something you need, you will find cuisine from many different countries available. There are restaurants with Dutch, German, Russian, Greek, Mexican, French, Italian and Chinese cuisine. Everywhere you look, you will see some place to eat that will impress everyone. The foods are tasty and the chefs are personal and take pride in preparing your foods. If you cannot finish everything, ask for a take out bag for snack later that night. You will even find little cafés around the beaches with snack bars and drinks.

There are places where you can enjoy a night around a campfire while dancing to the music from the indoor music playing. You can sit for hours watching the fire and the rising moon. If you get there before the sun goes down, you can see a beautiful sight over the water. The sunsets are red and beautiful. If you are lucky enough to be there when there is a full moon, you will be in awe at how beautiful the water looks under the moonlight. It is peaceful and relaxing to see. It makes one feel a million miles away from everything.

Golfing can be another part of your holiday to Red Sea. There are many golf courses that were designed by some of the world’s well-known golf pros and designers. The golf courses offer eighteen holes of beautiful views and challenging holes. If you are a golfer, you will find this area as many different types of courses to offer. Test your skills and see how well you do. Everyone can enjoy a good time visiting the area of the Red Sea. There is nothing better than relaxing in the warm, inviting sun with a few cold drinks.



Savannah