Articles in the category Visit Tips

Discovering Xplor in the Rivera Maya

A very sweet “Adios” is the last thing I heard before the zip line guide grabbed my harness and threw me off a very high tower. The next thing I remember is finding myself suspended high above the Yucatan Jungle in mix of fear and awe.

I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into when I was asked to visit Xplor Adventure Park and like a bad writer, I failed to do my research. I arrived wearing workout gear and not knowing that water shoes would have been a great idea. But it all worked out in the end it was a day well spent indeed.

After swinging through the jungle like a spider monkey, I opted for the cave swim. I swam in a subterranean river meanwhile observing thousand plus year old stalagmites, stalagmites and stopping for the occasional photo. It was an activity that touched the adventurous side of my heart and exposed me to type of nature that I have never before seen. From there, I paddled on a raft through a cave and partook in some off road explorations in an amphibious vehicle, through caverns and over suspended bridges. It was a day full of adventure and I only got to experience a small portion of it.

Before I knew it, the park was closing and everyone was leaving to go home. I felt like a little girl at the amusement park that couldn’t get enough and would have gone all day if allowed. When it was all said and done, I sleepily ended my adventure with a tour of park’s souvenir shop and made the hour journey north back to Cancun.

Kristin’s Recommendations

1. Make a visit to the park’s souvenir shop first. It is where you can buy water shoes if you didn’t pack some for your trip to Cancun or the Riviera Maya.

2. Don’t worry about food, the park has done an excellent job at setting up food and beverage stands throughout the park. With hammocks and toilets nearby too!

3. Knowledge of Spanish is not needed. All park guides are bilingual and are eagerly willing to assist you in either Spanish or English. Actually, when zip lining from one tower to another; it is fun to switch languages on them. For some of them I spoke English and to others, it was Spanish. But shh that’s our secret.

Take a look at more photos in our Xplor Gallery.
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About the Author 

Kristin McCollum is a travel writer that has spent the past year traveling and working throughout Europe and Mexico. Now settled on the Yucatan Peninsula, she finds inspiration in every person she meets and in the natural beauty which surrounds her. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

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The Whale Shark Adventure | Cancun – Isla Mujeres

If you visit Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Holbox or Isla Mujeres take one day off the beach and wake up early to enjoy one of the most exciting adventures. Join our expert tour guides for the unique experience of swimming with WHALE SHARKS; season is coming to an end next month!
Do you have an underwater camera? Don’t forget to bring it or get one for less than $20 USD! If you want to see all the photos, click in our Whale Shark Adventure Photo Album.

Have you ever image to swim with the biggest fish on earth? Will you do it? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We want to know!

A Spa of the Senses: The SenseAdventure Tour

It is an adventure like no other, an adventure of the five senses. Mr. Gerardo Carrera Saucedo and the sense adventure staff at Hacienda Tres Ríos Nature Park and Spa Resort in the Riviera Maya have carefully crafted a tour to engage all five senses either in harmony or one by one: The SenseAdventure Tour™.

It reunites the soul with nature and rekindles the inner-child. Taste, touch, smell, see and hear the uniqueness of the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The distinctive and matchlessness flavors, flora and wildlife of the region make this luxury all-inclusive resort’s nature park the perfect place to experience a tour of the senses.

The adventure team guide sense adventure seekers through a small portion of the three hundred twenty-six acres of natural untouched beauty that is nestled next to the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea. Upon completion of the tour, adventure goers experience a type of feeling, warmth, relaxation and happiness that no in-spa massage could accomplish.

About the Author

Kristin McCollum is a travel writer that has spent the past year traveling and working throughout Europe and Mexico. Now settled on the Yucatan Peninsula, she finds inspiration in every person she meets and in the natural beauty which surrounds her. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Some Ideas to Travel Green | Earth Day 2010

From turquoise blue oceans to exuberant vegetation, Mother Earth has given us striking, beautiful places to visit, one being Mexico’s Riviera Maya. Unfortunately, as travelers our visits tend to strike the environment in a negative way.

Responsible, sustainable tourism is necessary if we wish to preserve the sustainability of the environment and the beauty of the colorful coral reefs of the Caribbean, the white sand beaches of the Riviera Maya, and the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula. There are certain actions we can take as responsible visitors to compensate for the damage we have caused and prevent further deterioration of our ecosystems.

Making these small gestures will help decrease the impact we have on natural habitats, while still ensuring an exceptional vacation as we enjoy the natural wonders of the Riviera Maya.

Before you leave for your Riviera Maya or Cancun vacation, make your home eco-friendly to help save the environment and help you save money.

*Turn your water heater to the lowest setting.

*Adjust air-conditioner or heater thermostat to the lowest level.

*Turn water off from the outside connection.

*Unplug appliances and switch off surge protectors.

*Discontinue your newspaper delivery during your vacation.

Environmentally conscious hotels and resorts with “green” policies such as Hacienda Tres Ríos in the Riviera Maya are contributing to a more responsible, sustainable tourism industry. When arriving to your resort, make these small gestures and you’ll l help decrease the impact we have on natural habitats:

*Request your room towels and sheets not to be changed everyday.

*Turn off AC, heater, lights, and TV when you are not in the room.

*Take shorter showers and shut-off the water while you apply soap and shampoo.

*Open shades for natural light, but shut them when you’re out to maintain the room temperature.

*Use biodegradable sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

*Do not feed or disturb fish, animals, plants, and other living creatures.

*Do not buy souvenirs made out of animal or plant parts.

*Do not litter and use recycle bins when available.

*Reduce your carbon footprint by supporting projects that reduce carbon dioxide emissions to counterbalance the emission from your vacation, otherwise known as carbon offsetting.

Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, one of Yucatan Holidays world-class resorts, developed a set of Best Environmental Guidelines as a foundation for its planning, construction, and operation. The Green Team—composed of engineers, architects, and scientists—is in charge of following the Tres Ríos’ mission for sustainable luxury tourism in Mexico; this means ensuring the conservation of the area’s jungles, mangroves, and dunes without sacrificing luxury and comfort.

Visit the Yucatan Holidays website and discover how the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort offers you a real green travel experience for this Earth Day 2010

Chichen Itza and the Spring Equinox | Yucatan Holidays

Visit Chichen Itza next March 21st to witness the magic of the Spring Equinox.

Seen in different indigenous cultures throughout Mesoamerica as a feathered snake, Kukulkan, will make its descend on the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula this March 21^st during the spring equinox at Chichen Itza.

Kukulkan–or Quetzalcoatl in the Aztec tradition–represents a mystical deity surrounded by a number of legends and stories. In the Yucatan Peninsula, Kukulkan ruled over Chichen Itza during the 10^th Century.

One of the many legends that surround the feathered snake is that of Quetzalcoatl of the Aztecs who arrived to the Yucatan Peninsula after he was exiled from the Toltec capitol of Tula. After promising the Aztecs to return, he arrived on a bed of snakes to rule the Mayans of the Gulf of Mexico.

Every year, thousands of people travel to Chichen Itza—one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—to witness the symbolic descent of the deity. This incredible example of the Mayan’s architectural intelligence is created when the sunlight bathes the western part of the pyramid’s main stairway. Seven isosceles triangles are formed and compose the body of the 37 yard-long serpent that creeps downwards until it joins the serpent’s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. Kukulkan—the feathered snake—descends twice a year during the spring and autumn equinox.

An equinox occurs when the sun, in its orbit around the earth, passes directly over the Earth’s equator making the length of daylight and evening hours equal. The word equinox is derived from the Latin word for equal “aequus” and “nox” meaning night. The fall equinox happens on September 22. The snake descends from around March 19^th to the 23^rd, but its effects are most dramatic on the actual day of the equinox.

The Mayan archeological zone, Chichen Itza (on April 3rd, Elton John will be performing live from there.) is composed of a number of Mayan ruins, the most prominent and famous being El Castillo or the grand pyramid.

Kukulkan’s pyramid was built for astronomical purposes. The staircase on all four sides is made of 91 steps on each side totaled with the last step on top equal the 365 days in a solar year. The event is the most dramatic display of Mayan astronomical knowledge encoded into architecture.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience only has a 72-year time window—from 1976 to 2048—so book your vacation with Yucatan Holidays to witness the spring equinox in Chichen Itza.

10 tips for a Valentine’s Day in the Riviera Maya

Men have been trying to find a way to show love and romance since the beginning of time, and yet every Valentine’s Day many frantically search for a way to make that day memorable for their special someone.

There have been many unique ideas to celebrate this special day, but for the truly romantic, this February 14^th comes down to doing something extra special for the one you love.

Here are 10 great ideas for spending Valentine’s Day in the Riviera Maya:

1. The Gift of Giving: Surprise your special someone with a romantic getaway to the Riviera Maya and submerge yourselves in the crystal-clear, turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea and white beaches of Mexico.
2. For Music Lovers Only: Plan your vacation to the Riviera Maya this April and enjoy a musical legend’s performance at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sir Elton John will perform in concert on Saturday, April 3rd, at Chichen Itza. Take advantage of this unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
3. A Day for Two: Pack your picnic basket along with your swimsuit for a romantic picnic on the white beaches of the Caribbean. Let the day turn into night as the sun sets and that lovely afternoon light washes over your loved one’s face.
4. For The Owls: If you prefer moonlight over sunlight, plan a nighttime beach picnic under the stars, and begin an endless night on the Riviera Maya’s magical beaches.
5. The Adventurous Couple: If you are one of those couples who connect during the adrenaline rush of a great adventure, Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer some great options for you this Valentine’s Day. Explore the Yucatan jungle and discover nature’s wonders in underground caves.
6. Cooking for the Heart: If the expression that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach is true, then reach his (or her) heart by learning some special recipes in the Riviera Maya. Prefer not to cook? Just enjoy a delicious meal at one of our restaurants that range from Mexican to international cuisine. You and your loved one’s heart’s desire will be satisfied here.
7. A History of Love: Even though Mexico is a relatively young country, its streets are filled with rich history, including the Mayan civilization that once flourished in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Spanish influence that followed. Mexico contains a unique blend of cultural backgrounds that make it a friendly, inviting country with a rich heritage and traditions.
8. Giving a Little More: While reconnecting with your special someone on a romantic getaway, consider including a tour from Kanché, a non-profit civil association that uses the profits from its tours to generate socially oriented projects that help the environment and the community.
9. Connect with Nature: With its lush green jungles and soft white sand beaches, the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula offers you many wonderful ways to reconnect not only with your partner, but also with nature. Enjoy a day away from your hectic routine by hiking through the jungle and snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea and cenotes (natural sinkholes).
10. Do Not Disturb: Spend the day with the “do not disturb” sign on your door at one of our all-inclusive, luxury resorts where you can enjoy the company of your partner in private while relaxing in a soothing bath or bubbling Jacuzzi.

Swimming with Dolphins and More at Isla Mujeres

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Isla Mujeres (25 minutes from Cancun) to enjoy my Dolphin Encounter and to spend the day participating in numerous activities that are part of the tour.  Everything started when we departed from El Embarcadero in Cancun on the Dolphin Princess, a very nice 3-deck ship, which included a complete breakfast and drinks.  The ship arrived at Dolphin Discovery park where a dolphin show awaited us.

After the show and some training about the signals that dolphins understand, we where ready for our dolphin encounter.  It lasted around 30 minutes, and we had the chance to touch, swim, and learn many things about these gorgeous animals: definitely worth the experience!

After enjoying some fresh drinks, we headed to Garrafon Natural Reef Park (only a 5-minute drive away).  This park is incredible and totally worth visiting for a day.  It’s large, clean, and surrounded by beautiful island landscapes with very kind, helpful staff.  Among the activities on our tour were kayaking,  snorkeling along the reef (awesome even in chilly water), and my two favorites:  the bicycle tour to the southern tip of the island and the zip-line.

The bicycle tour took us to a part of the island with ancient Mayan ruins, such as a temple built to the moon goddess, Ix-Chel; then to the Cliff of the Dawn, the first place in Mexico to get the sun’s rays in the morning; and finally to a sculpture park.  These were some of the most interesting and beautiful highlights of my day.

The zip-line was another fantastic activity of the tour.  The adrenaline flowed as I prepared to climb the 42-foot tower built at the highest point of the park and then launched from nearly 100 feet above sea level.  It was priceless!

We concluded the day by indulging in a buffet meal with a wide variety of Mexican dishes, and resting on one of the hammocks in the peaceful Hammock Garden.  I’m sure that the Dolphin Encounter and Garrafon Park tours will be among those you will never forget (and not regret)!

Contact Yucatan Holidays for more information on the amazing tours we have for you and the unparalleled travel deals for this winter.

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Jorge is the Social Media Executive for Yucatan Holidays. A travel lover & tennis player living in Cancun. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter to find out the latest travel deals in Cancun & the Riviera Maya.

Tips for moving in and around Cancun|How do I get to…

After more than 20 years of living in Cancun, I’ve learned about the things that concern travelers and visitors in this paradise. Besides the weather (which can easily be followed on the web), adventurous and thrifty tourists wonder about transportation options. They prefer to discover the city vibe in a more authentic way instead of renting a car.  As a travel lover, I must say this the BEST way to really know the places and the people.

A) … my hotel for the first time?

One of the first challenges for you is how to get to your hotel. If the place you’ve chosen doesn’t provide transportation services, it could mean that your hotel or hostel is located in Cancun Centro/downtown Cancun.  (All of our resorts & hotels offer transportation services.)  The moment you leave the airport Arrivals gate, many people will offer you transportation.  Think twice.  These companies charge between $30 and $60 USD to take you to your destination, which is probably just a 25-minute drive away.  Instead, ask for the ADO bus stop, and for +/- $4 USD ($45 pesos) , a comfortable bus will take you to the main ADO bus station in downtown Cancun.  From there, a taxi driver will charge you no more than $3 USD (the minimum is $20 pesos or $1.70 USD) if your hotel is located in Cancun Centro.

If your hotel is in on the main tourist route, the Cancun hotel zone, it’s still a better deal to take the ADO bus downtown and then take a taxi, which will cost you between $6 and $18 USD, depending on the location of your hotel in the hotel zone.

B) …the hotel zone and the beaches?

The easiest way to get to the beach, besides walking, is to take the bus. If you’re staying downtown, find your way to Tulum Avenue (Cancun Centro’s main street) or  to Wal-Mart, two centrally located spots with continuous public bus transportation to the hotel zone, where the newly recovered beaches are.  From Tulum Avenue, take bus numbers 1, 2, or 27; from Wal-Mart, take bus number 15.  All buses are well identified with the Hotel Zone – Downtown sign marked on their front window.  Bus fare is less than a dollar ($7.50 pesos).  There are several public beaches in the hotel zone, but Playa Chac Mool (pronounced “shuck mole”); Marlin, and El Mirador are the nicest.

C) …restaurants, nightclubs, etc.?

It depends on where you want to go.  If you are going to a restaurant or a nightclub (most likely) in the hotel zone, read item  B above.  If you plan to stay in downtown Cancun, it’s a good idea to buy a map and then walk or take a taxi.  The taxi will charge you the minimum fare ($20 pesos or $1.70 USD).  Ask your hotel or hostel concierge for recommendations on where to find an authentic Mexican meal.  They will usually know some great spots.

D) …Playa del Carmen & Puerto Morelos?

Go to the ADO bus station (see item A above), and you’ll find convenient, comfortable buses that travel frequently (almost every 15 to 20 minutes) to your destination.  For $3 USD, you can go to Playa del Carmen and for a bit less, to Puerto Morelos.

When you visit, stay with us at the Ocean Spa Hotel or Laguna Suites.  We have great vacation packages and travel deals that will help you enjoy your next Cancun vacation.

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Jorge is the Social Media Executive for Yucatan Holidays. He is a travel lover & tennis player living in Cancun. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter to find out the latest travel deals in Cancun & the Riviera Maya.

Ya’ax Che Spa | Well-Being the Mayan Way

The name Ya’ax Che means La Ceiba, the Mayan tree of life.  This tree can be found in the center of the world – its roots penetrate the infra-world, its trunk rests on the Earth, and its highest branches hold up the sky.  Its branches represent five points of reference: the East is the sun; the North is the feminine; the South is the masculine; the West is the negative; and the center represents the human being.

Ya’ax Che Spas are located inside each of our hotels, offering guests the opportunity to experience wellness and relaxation in a traditional atmosphere.  Designed to reestablish balance with nature of the mind, body, and spirit, our treatments combine ancestral Mayan wisdom with advanced body health techniques and state-of-the-art equipment.

The philosophy of YA’AX CHE SPA is based on the Mayan belief that as human beings, we are connected to everything that surrounds us: the universe, our fellow men, and nature.  Ya’ax Che Spa will help you rediscover this balance in the center of your universe.

Spa treatments are enriched by applying elements of nature with indigenous ingredients, such as lemon grass, lime, jasmine, aloe, cacao, sesame, ecological honey from the tropical jungle and flowers, to name a few, and the use of sacred sounds, herbal baths, quartz and other stones.  The ancient knowledge of these rituals is combined with modern principles in treatments to renew energy and balance the physical, mental, and spiritual self.

Plan your winter vacation with Yucatan Holidays, and indulge yourself in one-of-a-kind spa treatments in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.  The experience of luxury wellness is up to you.

All Inclusive Vacation in Cancun & the Riviera Maya

Whether you’re with family, friends, or your partner, planning your vacation is an important thing to do and is something that must be done thoughtfully. If you’re looking for a great travel deal or an indulging experience regardless of the price, Cancun and the Riviera Maya have a large number of options for everyone. What usually motivates travelers (especially when it’s a family or a honeymoon trip) is convenience, like getting a special price that includes meals, drinks, entertainment, transportation, and other great activities in a quality, all inclusive package.

“Once favored by budget-minded couples and swinging singles, all-inclusives are now going upscale,” says Christian L. Wright from Condé Nast Traveler, and he’s right. The all inclusive concept that once referred to cheap buffet meals, low-class alcohol, and poor accommodations has now changed completely – and for the better.

Some of the most amazing, luxurious, and renowned hotel groups have discovered a perfect place for their mega resorts in the Riviera Maya, all of them offering tourists the all inclusive experience.

We know you want it.

The northern hemisphere is starting to welcome chilly weather, rain, and snow. Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Europe are looking for warmer temperatures, sunny days, and pristine beaches. The Riviera Maya and Cancun have all that and much more. The Mexico Caribbean is known worldwide for its endless summer atmosphere, and if you add the opportunity to have a complete, carefree experience at a nice resort, what else can you ask for?

Yes, we are All Inclusive!

Today, talking about all inclusive vacations means that you pay one price, a one-time only fee, and (depending on the resort) you won’t have to worry about transportation, meals, drinks, tips, outdoor activities, and if you’re lucky, about the nightlife. (Some resorts have their own bars and/or nightclubs!)

And we’re talking about worldclass meals at fine restaurants with the best chefs; for instance, El Alebrije (fine Mexican food) or  Kotori (Asian fusion) at Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort. This is a whole new concept in all inclusive vacations.

If you’re traveling with kids, you don’t have to worry either. At this premium resort, a wide range of activities for children are available. If you prefer to have a romantic evening, you’ll be able to request a qualified babysitter so you won’t have to worry about a thing.

If this isn’t enough, in addition to the all Inclusive services – and for a very reasonable price – the resort can coordinate some great tours to visit all the must-see places in the area (like the  Mayan ruins) or maybe just spend a whole day relaxing at a unique spa. It’s up to you.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya are perfect yearlong destinations, so the only thing you have to do is start looking for the best deals (yes, these upscale resorts have really great options for different budgets, depending in the season). Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, in the heart of the Riviera Maya, is one the best options available. This luxurious resort offers not only premium, all inclusive services, but it includes a bonus: access to a private nature park with 10 cenotes and three rivers for swimming, snorkeling, diving, or kayaking, and hundreds of acres for hiking, bird watching or bicycling. Now, THAT’S all inclusive.

Enjoy  360° views of your next all inclusive resort, Hacienda Tres Rios.