Hacienda History

In the 16th century, the haciendas were introduced to Mexico by Spanish royalty to reward the conquistadors and other nobility with confiscated land from the Indians. They operated similar to the southern plantations of the United States as a caste system: the masters were European "hacendados" (landowners), and the slaves were "indigenas" (Indians). Although not lucrative for the Indians, the haciendas were successful businesses.

Mexican haciendas became a major influence in Mexico’s economic and political culture for nearly four centuries. Governed as small towns each led by a "hacendado," a powerful man with widespread economic and political influence, these self-sustaining, rural communities were agricultural and livestock centers producing vegetables, fruit, and meat for trade.

Each hacienda focused primarily on one product common to the region. In the Yucatan, the primary agricultural crop was henequen, a type of agave plant. Sisal, a rope derived from henequen, grew so much in popularity in the 19th century that production became extremely fruitful. As a result of the high profitability from producing this rope, henequen was dubbed "oro verde" or "green gold."

Hacienda Design

Mexican haciendas were private estates consisting of a primary hacienda or main house, guest residence, servants’ quarters, stables, corrals, granaries, blacksmith forges, general stores, chapels, schools, and hospitals; they even wove cloth to make their own clothing. A single estate could be large enough to sustain nearly 1,000 people, including administrators, clerks, foremen, priests, teachers, and servants of Indian and mestizo (Spanish & Indian mix) descent.

As the haciendas flourished, they became symbols of wealth, evolving into refined architectural constructions designed with imported items from across the world. Based on Spanish colonial style, the Mexican haciendas exhibit simple, solid structures with fancy, Spanish Baroque decorations in a distinctive Mexican fashion which render them Mexican architectural treasures. Each hacienda has its own romantic yet rugged appeal, designed with pillars, arches, natural materials, and rich colors.

Unfortunately, the Mexican revolution resulted in the destruction of many haciendas between 1910 and 1920, although quite a few still exist in the Yucatan Peninsula today. Privately owned by the descendants of landowners, purchased by independent Mexican citizens, or abandoned in the jungles, several of these haciendas are open to the public for tours. Many are found near Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, Mexico, since this is a former Spanish colonial town and cultural center of the Yucatan. As a fascinating part of Mexican history, be sure to include a tour of the Mexican haciendas on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Yucatan Haciendas

                                            Hacienda Sotuta de Peon

                                                   Hacienda Yaxcopoil

                                                        Hacienda Ochil

                                                     Hacienda Uayalceh

                                                           Hacienda Teya

____________________________

About the Author

Christina Famiglietti is a professional writer and editor with experience in various industries. Her most recent passion is the Mexican Caribbean, where she lives and is inspired to write about her beloved Mexico — its nature, culture, travel, and tourism.

Regardless if you opt for an all-inclusive or not, if you are the type of tourist that likes to get out and get a taste of the local flavor, there are some fundamental tipping etiquette differences between the United States and Mexico that you should keep in mind.

A) It is the American instinct to tip the taxi drivers but when in Mexico, it is not necessary. This is especially the case in resort areas with high tourist traffic. Only tip if the taxi driver did something extra special. Standard taxi rates in places like Cancun or the Riviera Maya are pre-determined and already include the tip.

B) Allow baggers to bag your groceries and then tip them. Most of the baggers are either high school teens or retirees working purely for tips. Standard tipping rates depending on amount of purchases and range from 5 to 10 pesos. This is equivalent to 50 cents to a dollar.

C) It is customary to tip tour and activity guides in Mexico. If you take a dinner cruise or swim with the whale sharks, it is customary to tip the captain of the cruise yacht or tour boat. If you are touring the Yucatan jungle on horseback, don’t forget to tip your guide at the end of the trip. Just like dining in a restaurant 15% to 20% of the over all tour price is an appropriate tip.

D) If you rent a car in Mexico, remember that self service gas stations don’t exist. Regardless of where you roam, there will always be a gas attendant waiting to fill your gas tank, check fluid levels, wash the windshield and clean the tires. If they simply fill the gas tank, most locals don’t tip. Regardless, for the workers that are working under the hot Mexican sun, a tip is always appreciated. An appropriate tip for a gas attendant in Mexico is 5 to 10 pesos.

______________________

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.

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.
_____________________________

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.

<!–c7484d08547d49cd9c1ef8ac790eb9f8–>

Have you ever imagined that a sea turtle can literally give you the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful vacation spots in the World? Well, it is true!

At Yucatan Holidays, we care about the environment and we love protecting the different plant and animal species that live in our region. Each year, from May through September, hundreds of sea turtles visit the pristine beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya to lay thousands of eggs. Each turtle lays between 100 to 200 eggs!

Time has passed and now, the little turtles are hatching. This is why TODAY we launch the “Name the Sea Turtle” Contest! This is what you have to do:

STEP 1. Take a look at the baby sea turtle photos below. Pick a name for the turtle and think why you picked that name.

STEP 2. Write in the comments area below the name you chose for the little turtle and the reason or the story of that name in a couple of lines.

STEP 3. Invite your friends to visit and LIKE the Yucatan Holidays Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/YucatanHolidays

STEP 4. You have ONE WEEK to send the name for the baby turtle and the story! (only ONE name per person) On Wednesday, September 1st at 6PM (CST) the first phase of the contest will be over!

STEP 5. On Friday, September 3rd at 12PM (CST), we will post the 10 best names (picked by the jury) on our Facebook Page. Once published, you’ll have to tell your family, your friends, the friends of your friends and everyone else to LIKE the name you chose!  Remember: To vote, they have to LIKE the Yucatan Holidays Facebook page first!

STEP 6. Last day to LIKE (vote) is Friday, September 10th at 12PM (CST). On that same day, the winners will be announced!

__________________________________________

THE PRIZES

Your favorite part. This contest will have 3 winners.
1st Place: 5-day / 4-night stay in Cancun* + 2 Dolphin Encounter adult tickets (Take a look at the Dolphin Swim gallery )

2nd Place: 5-day / 4-night stay in Cancun* + Lobster Dinner Cruise (Take a look at the Lobster Dinner gallery)

3rd Place: 5-day / 4-night stay in Cancun*

Yucatan Holidays, Dolphin Discovery and Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise want you to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Cancun! So start thinking, pick your name, and tell your friends to vote!

__________________________________________

THE SOON-TO-BE-NAMED BABY TURTLE

Baby turtle says: “You give me a good name, and I’ll help you win!!”

* 5 days / 4 nights of hotel accommodation in Cancun (not all inclusive accommodation) for 2 adults and up to 2 kids (less than 12 years old). You’ll be able to choose between two of our Cancun hotels: Ocean Spa Hotel &  Laguna Suites Golf + Spa

- Airport – hotel transportation.
- The chance to upgrade your prize to all inclusive or to our luxury Hacienda Tres Rios Resort at a discounted rate.
- Vacation prize is valid for 18 months and has no date restrictions.
- Taxes and activation fee are not included ($169 USD)

Upon arrival, we all thought that we were simply going to release previously hatched turtles, pat them on their tiny shells and wish them luck. We were wrong. Within a blocked off area, designated solely to turtle nests in Cancun’s hotel zone, hundreds more of them were born right before our eyes. We were simply standing nearby observing the nest and throwing around some sea turtle fun facts when a bunch of these adorable little creatures made their rapid escape from the sandy earth. It was like a turtle fountain! They just kept coming and coming and coming until we had two larges boxes full of them almost ready to release.

Some of the sea turtles were not quite ready to be set free. Just newly hatched, warm and sandy, their tiny umbilical cords were still exposed which made them very vulnerable to predators. So those little squirts are waiting it out a night before they are sent to sea. If you are already in the Mexico Caribbean for the turtle hatching season or will be next year, here are some important things to remember while observing them.

· If you are lucky enough to witness a female sea turtle lay eggs, keep your distance and do not take photos with flash.

· When the baby sea turtles hatch, keep quite, don’t use light and simply observe.

· Only handle sea turtles with the proper authorization. Never try it on your own. They are simply too vulnerable of a species.

· Do not release them directly into the water. Let them find their way. If they waddle in the wrong direction, simply turn them around.

_________________________

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 onTwitter.

What tequila facts did we absorb into our bellies and our minds?

There is a proper way to drink tequila. It is neither with salt nor lime, instead to truly enjoy the flavor, you must breathe in, hold it, sip and enjoy. If anything must accompany tequila it is cinnamon and orange. Both accompaniments enhance tequila’s flavor whereas lime and salt merely eliminate it.

Authentic tequila can be made from one plant and one plant only. Also, it can come from only one region in the world. Sounds a lot like France’s champagne right? The Blue Agave Tequilana Webber Plant is the only agave plant in which tequila can originate and it comes from very specific regions located in western Mexico.

Tequila production dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Long before the Spanish arrived, pre-Hispanic tribes discovered the sweet liquor derived from the hearts of agave plants. The Europeans were the ones to perfect the distillation process via the use of Arabic procedures and American and French oak barrels.

Knowing how to read a tequila bottle label is vital in finding valid tequila. If it is not ‘100% de agave ‘or it is not made in Mexico, it is NOT tequila at all.

Chef Oscar also opened up our palates to all five various types of tequila: blanco, joven, reposado, añejo and extra añejo. We even got to try the very expensive, very tasty Herradura Extra Añejo, a tequila brand that sells for at least 500 USD in the United States. Needless to say, after all of the tequila tasting and a brief instruction on how to make sangrita, all writers stumbled away happy, ready to write and do the “cuchi cuchi” in the streets of near by Playa del Carmen.

Ready to answer a few questions in the comments below?

YH QUICK TEST

1. What is the name of Chef’s Oscar dance?
2. List the 4 steps you must follow to properly drink tequila.
3. What is the name of the only plant from which tequila can be made of?
4. Who perfected the distillation process of the tequila?
5. Which one is your favorite tequila brand?

Good luck and Salud!

__________________________

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.

Kay Walten (LocoGringo) , Cheri Lucas (Trazzler), Craig Zabransky (Stay Adventurous), Chris Gray (Chris Around the World), Rachelle Lucas (Inn the Kitchen), Matt Long (Land Lopers) and Janice Waugh (Solo Traveler) were the travel bloggers invited by the Riviera Maya resort for an unforgettable weekend.

Dinner at the Chef’s Table, Green Globe Certification ceremony, tour along the plant nursery and the exclusive Nature Park, the SenseAdventure tour, the temazcal (a challenging experience!), Mexican dinner and a visit to Playa del Carmen were just some of the activities that the distinguished guests enjoyed during their visit.

This is the first bloggers trip we had and we hope to have more in the future. Are you a blogger or a travel writer? Would you like to be invited to Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort? Why should we pick you? Let us know in the comments below!

In the kitchen with Chef Oscar.

During the Green Globe Certification Ceremony.

A whole new experience, the SenseAdventure Tour.

The Tequila Tasting was one of the best experiences.

Take a look at the Travel Bloggers in the Riviera Maya photo album in Flickr!

______________________________

About the author

I’m Jorge the community manager and destination marketing strategist of Yucatan Holidays. Always on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube among many other social network sites trying to share with the world the amazing natural beauties and rich history of this land of wonders.

September may be the beginning of the winter holiday season, but it also marks a special Independence Day holiday in Mexico. This year, on September 16, Mexico celebrates 200 years of freedom from Spanish rule and 100 years since the end of the Mexican Revolution. It will be an exciting occasion with many commemorative festivals and events. In honor of this monumental occasion, let’s take a brief look back…

History of Mexican Independence

Before present-day Mexico existed, pre-Columbian Mesoamerica was inhabited by Aztecs and other Indian civilizations until Spanish conquerors claimed it as New Spain in 1521. Spain’s oppression and tyranny continued for centuries until, on September 16, 1810, the Catholic priest Father Miguel Hidalgo, from Dolores, spurred the natives to action with his Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) in a revolt that lasted one year and ultimately evolved into the Mexican War of Independence.

Another Catholic priest, Father Jose Maria Morelos, continued the cause after Hidalgo’s execution, and paved the way to independence by establishing the first proclamation of separation from Spanish rule, granting equal rights to all Mexicans in November 1813, with the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America. Morelos shared the same fate as Hidalgo, who became known as the father of Mexico, and Morelos, as a national hero.

After winning the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, the Treaty of Cordoba, formalizing Mexican independence from Spain, was signed in August. In September 1821, the final document, the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire, pronouncing Mexico as an independent nation, was signed in Mexica (once part of the Aztec empire), which is where the country’s name originated; "Mēxihco" in the Aztec Nahuatl language later evolved into "México" in Spanish.

Officially named the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), this beautiful country honors its independence and bicentennial on September 15-16, 2010.

Bicentenario Celebrations in Mexico

Traditional Independence Day festivities are held throughout Mexico each year on September 15-16, but in 2010, there will be extra fanfare for its bicentennial, celebrating 200 years of hard-won independence from Spain. Starting in early September, cities and towns are bedecked with Mexican flags in green (symbolizing independence), white (religion), and red (union) and other decorations in the same color scheme.

Celebrations begin on the eve of Independence Day, September 15, when citizens enthusiastically gather together in zocalos (town squares) across Mexico, drinking cervezas (beer) while awaiting the official commencement of the holiday. Around 11:00 p.m., local politicians ring a symbolic liberty bell and re-enact Hidalgo’s "grito," a patriotic speech calling for Mexicans to unite, and the crowd responds: "Viva Mexico" and "Viva la independencia!" Afterwards, fireworks and patriotic music fill the air as Mexicans sing their national anthem.

The merriment continues on Independence Day with parades, carnivals, rodeos, bullfights, folkloric dancing, mariachi music, and indulgence in Mexican food and cervezas. Festivals consist of the customary singing, dancing, and comedy skits, including some special events for the bicentenario, such as outdoor entertainment, cultural demonstrations, art exhibitions, film screenings, museum re-openings, and admission to newly restored archaeological sites.

As with most things Mexican, this occasion will be celebrated with gusto. This year’s Independence Day holiday and bicentenario offer travelers a unique opportunity to honor national values that not only Mexico, but much of the world, value − liberty and unity − which makes a vacation in Mexico this September extraordinary.

¡Viva la libertad! (Long live freedom!)

Original article: Jim In Cancun.

The smell of coconut suntan lotion surrounds your senses as the warm Caribbean sun makes your skin tingle. A beautiful white sand beach and blue turquoise ocean sprawls in front of you as you take a sip of that chilled light bodied pale lager.

Although this is the image we have come to associate with Mexican beer, there’s more than meets the eye … and more to fill your taste buds.

Mexican Beer: Yesterday and Today

Beer around the world and in Mexico has a long history. Even before the Spaniards arrived, Mesoamerican cultures were familiarized with fermented alcoholic beverages.

As for today, there are two major brewing companies in Mexico: Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma.

Grupo Modelo is the biggest brewing company in Mexico and is based in Mexico City. Their brands include Tecate, Sol, Dos Equis, Carta Blanca, Superior, Indio, Bohemia and Noche Buena.
Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma is the older of the two companies and is based in Monterrey, with breweries in several other cities throughout Mexico. Their brands include Corona, Corona Light, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, Victoria, Estrella, Leon, Montejo and Pacifico.

Beer: In Numbers

Mexico ranks third in global exports of beer. The Mexican beer industry is one of the country’s most prolific economies with 63 percent of the domestic population consuming one or more of the brands. The Mexican beer industry employs 90,000 people and 800,000 jobs indirectly.

Corona—flagship beer of Grupo Modelo—is one of the five most consumed beers in the world, available in more than 150 countries. Corona is the best known and most popular beer in the United States. It is also the best selling non-domestic beer in both the U.S. and U.K.

Both Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc combined have seventeen plants located throughout eleven states with a capacity of 46 million hectoliters annually. The breweries support 92 centers of barley production in Mexico.

Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc send more than 80 percent of its exports to the United States. Mexico displaced Holland in 2003 as the worldwide leader in beer sales by volume, selling 1.39 metric tons, with sales, primarily to the U.S. continuing to increase.

Drinking Habits in Mexico

Whether the beer is dark and strong or light and mild, Mexican beer is meant to be drunk cold.

Most beer in Mexico is sold in 325ml bottles called “medias,” with some popular brands selling their products in aluminum cans. In some cases, Mexico sells bottled beer in returnable bottles, the deposit can be almost the price of the beer itself.

Another important part of Mexican beer culture is the “caguama.” This slang term refers to beer bottled in large bottles of 925 or 940ml. This type of bottle was first introduced in Mexico in 1960 along with the six-pack and is only available on certain brands of beer. The six-pack in Mexico is referred to as a “six.” Very little beer in Mexico is served on tap.

Although the lime-wedge is not common in other parts of Mexico besides the sunny beach towns, beer in Mexico does often come in cocktail. This beer cocktail is called a michelada. It consists of a light beer with a generous quantity of lime juice, salt and can include chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or tomato juice. Another, less common version of the drink adds Clamato (clam/tomato juice). The name “michelada” comes from the phrase “mi chela helada” (my beer, ice cold).

Beer in the Yucatan

The Leon and Montejo brands were originally brewed in Merida, Yucatan. Leon is a Munich-style dark beer, which was initially brewed at the beginning of the 20th century in the southeast of the country. Montejo was first introduced in 1960 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Yucateca brewery. This local brewery was bought by Modelo in 1979 and its packaging changed in the 90s.

Pamela´s Top 5 Beer Picks

1. Pacifico
It was born in Mazatlan, in the northeastern coast of Mexico in 1900. This light and highly refreshing pilsner is one of the top Mexican exported beers today.
2. Victoria
One of the most traditional and old beers in Mexico. Under the tagline: “The beer   of Mexico,” it was first brewed in 1865. This pilsner-Vienna beer has an amber color and a unique taste that makes it favorite among locals and tourists.
3. Corona
Corona beer is the Mexican celebrity. It’s sold in 159 countries in the 5 continents and it’s one of the top selling beers in the world. With a mild flavor and a very light color, this pilsner is one of those you have to try.
4. Noche Buena
It took its name from the Mexican traditional Christmas flower, Nochebuena (known as the Poinsettia in US & Canada). Exquisite bock beer (strong body, malty taste with some caramel and chocolate in it) that you can only find it from mid-October to January.
5. Montejo
Pilsner type beer, light but with an exquisite taste. If you visit Yucatan, is definitely one of the beers you want to try.

Which one is YOUR favorite Mexican beer? We want to know! Please leave your Mexican beer picks in the comments below.

____________________

About the Author

Pamela Acosta is a travel photographer, beer drinker and writer for Yucatan Holidays. She is seeking to travel throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya & Cancun in an attempt to capture beauty and wonder in words & pixels. Follow Pamela on Twitter.

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!