Articles with the theme Mexico vacation
Things NOT to do in Cancun
You can find things you should do in Cancun all over the internet; take tours, go all-inclusive, don’t go all-inclusive, visit Chichen Itza, but what about the things you shouldn’t do? If you want to save a little money and have a great Mexican vacation, here are some suggestions for things you should not do in Cancun.
1. Don’t take a private taxi from the airport.
Regular street taxis are not allowed to enter the airport to look for fares, so the private taxi you take from the hotel will set you back about 60 U.S. Dollars. Oh my! You can take a collectivo (shared taxi) for about 15 U.S. Dollars per person. It may stop at a few hotels before yours to drop off other visitors, but what’s the hurry? You’re on vacation. In addition, it’s kind of fun to see other hotels that you might want to give a try on your next visit.
2. Don’t spend all your time in the pool.
The pool is nice, but look towards the east. You will see a white sand beach and that aqua blue water is the Caribbean Sea! It has a year round temperature between 78 and 84 degrees fahrenheit. You might get some salt in your hair, you might get some sand on your skin, but there is nothing like a dip in the ocean. If the sea is too rough in front of your hotel , walk down the beach and look for a calmer area.
3. Don’t over research and over plan.
You can research and you can plan, but if you schedule every moment of your vacation, you will be disappointed when plans have to be changed (and inevitably they will have to be changed) and you will miss out on the spontaneity that is the fun and exciting part of being on vacation.
4. Don’t overdo it.
When you’re on vacation it’s tempting to overindulge in the sun, the food and the drinks. However, do you really want a terrible sunburn? Heartburn? A hangover? These are things that can ruin days of your treasured vacation, so by all means, partake, but in moderation.
5. Don’t lose your tourist form
During your flight to Mexico you will receive an FM-T, a tourist immigration form, which you will need to fill out and present to Mexican immigration. They will return the bottom portion of the form to you. Keep it in your passport and don’t lose it. You will need it to exit the country and there is a hefty fine if you can’t present it at the airport.
Can you think of any other things to NOT do in Cancun?
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
Take a Celebration Vacation
When is the last time you went on vacation? The 90’s? Hopefully not! Maybe you feel you are too busy at work or don’t have enough money, but you probably actually cannot afford to not go on vacation. Vacations reduce stress, promote creativity, stave off burnout and strengthen bonds between you and your family and friends. Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya are outstanding destinations where you can find adventure and history, or just sit back and relax. So find something to celebrate and go on vacation!
Birthday
Feliz cumpleaños! A vacation is the perfect way to celebrate a new year of your life! Hotels and restaurants love to help you celebrate, so whisper to your waiter or concierge that it’s your special day (or better yet have your partner or friend tell them) then sit back and wait for the candles, cake and singing.
Anniversary
Maybe you are about to celebrate dating for a year, or being married for twenty. Either way, a getaway is a great way to celebrate your anniversary. Escape your daily tasks and choose a romantic all inclusive beach resort in the Riviera Maya where you will have time to concentrate only on relaxing and having fun with your partner.
Friendship
Going on a vacation with friends is always fun. It’s a great way to celebrate a long time friendship or to get to know a new friend better. You will have a blast planning together and exchanging ideas. Or even better, travel with a large group of friends.
New Job
Congratulations! You are about to start a new job, or maybe even a new career. What better way to recharge than a vacation? Take a little time off between your previous and new job and jump start your work ethic and creativity.
New Family Member
Think you can’t travel with a baby? You might want to wait until they’re 6 months old, but after that, it’s very easy to travel with a little one, and what better way to strengthen family bonds than take a fun vacation together? Plus, the airline will gate check your stroller for you, you won’t have to pay for an extra ticket for your baby because he/she can sit on your lap, and most resorts provide portable cribs.
Photos by: mae.noelle, queenbeeofscrap, Bluebird_Becca, New Inspiration Home Design, mikepirnat
Can you think of any other reasons to take a celebration vacation?
About the Author
Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.
Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico?
Without rattling off a bunch of statistics, in a word, yes. I have been living in Cancun for eleven years and I finally feel the need to speak up.
I moved from Chicago to Cancun eleven years ago. Cancun was different then, smaller, less traffic, and not a pair of shoes in my size to be found, but was it any safer for tourists? I don’t think so. I think Cancun is just as safe now as it was then yet everyone is in an uproar about whether vacationing in Mexico is unsafe.
While browsing the travel boards recently, I noticed that the number one question asked in one form or another is “Is it safe to travel to Mexico? I keep hearing terrible things on the news.” Today I read this question (or one very similar to it) posted by someone in Detroit. I was mugged at gunpoint in Detroit 20 years ago. I would imagine the person who posted that question should feel pretty safe strolling down the white sand beaches of Cancun.
As I said, I used to live in Chicago, one of the most dangerous cities in the U.S. If one walks down Michigan Avenue, only a few miles from the South Side of Chicago, which can be a very dangerous area, does one feel safe? Of course. If one walks down the sidewalk in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, only a few kilometers from the possibly dangerous areas of downtown, should they feel safe? Of course. Would a tourist wander through the South Side of Chicago? I would hope not. What about the possibly dangerous areas of downtown Cancun? I would hope not. By the way, I would encourage tourists to visit certain areas of downtown Cancun, even at night, but I wouldn’t encourage a tourist to visit most of the South Side of Chicago, even during the day. Let me just clarify here that I love Chicago, South Side and all!
On my last visit to the U.S., I traveled to Phoenix, Arizona to visit my mother. I saw unbelievably horrendous things on the news. Interestingly enough, they don’t include them on the news here in Cancun and officials don’t discourage Mexicans from visiting the United States. However, when something happens in Mexico it seems to go viral and travelers are warned, and in some cases just assume, that all travel to Mexico is dangerous. Would you avoid visiting Tampa, Florida because there is danger and violence in South Central Los Angeles?
But don’t just take it from me. Here is the opinion of one of the most well-known and respected bloggers in Cancun, Kelly McLaughlin (Cancun Canuck) She is an expat from Canada.
“So, is Cancun safe for tourists? Yes. Crime happens here, sure, pick pockets, thefts from hotel rooms, etc., etc., but violent crime against tourists, no. The type of crime that happens here occurs in every city around the world, tourist attraction or not. Use your common sense and street smarts and you’ll be fine. I would venture to say that Cancun is safer than most big cities around the world. I don’t feel any different here than I did in Toronto or New York or Los Angeles. In fact, I probably feel safer. I am far from naive, I read the local and national Mexican papers daily so I know exactly what is going on, but it does not fill me with fear. I don’t associate with the bad guys, nor do I try to impede what they are doing, I don’t have any money nor do I involve myself with dangerous activities. I live my life the same way I did in Toronto, eyes open, head up and aware of my surroundings. If I felt that tourists were in any way in danger, I would shout it from the rooftops. I have no interest in lying about this, people’s safety is of far greater concern to me than the economy of the city of Cancun. If I felt that Cancun was THAT dangerous, I certainly wouldn’t continue to live here with my small child.”
We should all try to analyze what we read in the paper and see on the news, not just take it all in as absolute truth. Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and most of the other popular vacation destinations in Mexico are safe for tourists. You may even be safer here than you are in your hometown.
__________________________
About the Author
Kristin Busse is currently a travel writer but has worked in many different industries. She lives in Cancun, Mexico and plans to use her diverse experiences to write about the Yucatan Peninsula from her unique perspective.
Top 10 Reasons to Take a Mexico Vacation
There’s no better time to start planning your 2011 vacation than in the beginning of the year during the cool, winter months. With so many tropical, travel places available combined with the over publicity of drug-gang violence in northern Mexico, vacation planning has become more complicated.
Many travel destinations in Mexico are still safe, among them the Yucatan Peninsula in the southernmost part of the country. Mexico is full of cultural attractions and natural wonders that are too good to miss. Consider these top 10 reasons for taking a Mexico vacation:
1.) Cheap Vacation
There has never been a better time in history to vacation in Mexico − despite negative media coverage − without risking your safety. As a result of the worldwide economic crisis, vacation packages in Mexico are at an all-time low, but value is at an all-time high. Affordable rates are now available at luxury resorts and beach hotels throughout Mexico.
2.) Beautiful Beaches
Mexico beaches draw travelers both near and far for their incomparable beauty. From the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, Mexican oceans are among the most popular places for tanning, swimming, and practicing water sports because of the waves and warmth. Some of the most exquisite beaches in Mexico are the Caribbean beaches along the Riviera Maya and Cancun coast.
3.) Snorkeling & Diving
The oceans of Mexico contain many fascinating tropical fish and marine life, such as endangered sea turtles and coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Part of the world’s second largest reef − the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System − lies in the Caribbean Sea near Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Playa del Carmen. Nearby Punta Nizuc National Marine Park contains an underwater museum which acts as an artificial coral reef for natural reef conservation.
4.) Archaeological Sites & Ruins
Mexico has a long and diverse cultural heritage dating back to Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica with the Olmec, Toltec, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations. Over time, many of their ancient cities were discovered and preserved as archaeological sites now accessible by tour. The Yucatan Peninsula features many incredible Mayan ruins, temples, and pyramids in Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza.
5.) Nature Parks
Natural wonders ranging from mountains and woods to cenotes and rainforests exist in Mexico, but many are diminishing from human development and pollution, making nature conservation and species conservation essential. Mexico’s nature preserves and conservation programs are not only inspirational but also practical, such as Tres Rios Nature Park, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, mangrove reforestation, and sea turtle rescue.
6.) Cuisine & Cocktails
For delicious cuisine, Mexico is the place to go. Authentic Mexican food combines a creative blend of flavors, from sweet-spicy to sour-savory, such as Mole Poblano which contains chocolate and chile. The Yucatan Peninsula’s Yucatecan cuisine is a unique mix of European, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Cuban, and Mayan styles. Mexico’s various types of tequilas are also a tasty treat.
7.) Family Vacation Fun
In a country that officially honors its youth on Children’s Day (El Día Del Niño), April 30th, it has many fun things to do. Most Mexican resorts offer supervised kids’ programs with daily activities for children and families, including beach and water sports. Mexico’s many geological and cultural attractions, such as Xcaret eco park, Xel-Ha, and Xplor adventure park, provide tons of family fun.
8.) Shops & Markets
Variety is the spice of life, and Mexico has both variety and spice. Brimming with diversity from Indian origins, Spanish colonization, and foreign migration, its rich cultural heritage is reflected in traditional Mexican art and Mexican pottery, such as the renowned Talavera. Many cities also contain trendy shopping malls, upscale international boutiques, and authentic jewelry stores.
9.) Mexican Architecture
Mexico’s cultural legacy is reflected in its historic architecture, from ancient Aztec and Mayan temples and pyramids to Spanish colonial cities. Spanish rule influenced a uniquely Mexican style of haciendas, cathedrals, and monuments, found primarily in Merida (Yucatan), Chiapas, Queretaro, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca, with cultural museums and cultural performances throughout Mexico.
10.) The People
The Mexican people are nearly always identified as one of the top reasons why travelers enjoy a Mexico vacation − and for good reason. After centuries of oppression, these resilient people are among the friendliest, most appreciative, helpful, and hospitable in the world. If Disneyland is considered "the happiest place on earth," then Mexico is definitely "the friendliest place on earth."
_________________________
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. Follow her on Twitter
Cancun Hosts the United Nations Climate Change Convention – COP16
Mexico is the ideal location for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun, since it is a country most likely to be negatively impacted by man-made climate change − global warming − according to a 2009 report by the World Bank Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Not only this, but the country also implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions voluntarily.
Mexico Environmental Programs
As a developing country, Mexico stands out for its implementation of domestic environmental controls at an early stage. Mexican authorities had begun establishing programs to generate a greener economy and reduce carbon emissions in the environment from the time experts first discovered the negative impacts of man-made climate change.
Mexico is a proud example that any country can be environmentally responsible to the extent of its abilities. The government’s successful program for businesses to voluntarily measure and report GHG emissions reflects the country’s serious approach to environmental improvement. In fact, the number of businesses supplementing their international protocols with this program has doubled between 2006 and 2009.
Mexico’s environmental commitment has extended beyond the domestic to the international community by its participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1993, signing the Kyoto Protocol* in 1998 and endorsing it in 2000.
Climate Change Conference
Hosting the 2010 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Cancun from November 29th through December 10th, Mexico demonstrates its active participation on environmental issues. This significant event includes the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) and the 6th Conference of the Parties with a meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP6).*
Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, stresses the importance of “identifying what elements they will be able to agree on in Cancun.” According to Figueres, two primary elements require an agreement:
(1) Providing financial and emergency support to developing countries undergoing environmental disasters resulting from climate change.
(2) Encouraging industrialized nations to share clean energy technology with developing countries while protecting the tropical rainforests that absorb carbon emissions.
Convention Benefits
A few environmental benefits accompany the sponsorship of the climate change conference. Cancun will receive 10,000 trees and bushes to be planted along Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard, the main roadway from Cancun to the Riviera Maya, which will assist in carbon absorption, sequestration, and beautification.
A residual waste management program will also be established in Cancun to assist with the processing and elimination of every different kind of waste. Special trash bins will be placed throughout Cancun and in official convention areas for discarding and recycling.
Concerned that the additional energy output from holding this conference might contribute to further environmental damage due to increased GHG emissions, the Mexican government has suggested conference participants:
· Use renewable energy sources
· Neutralize greenhouse gas emissions through soil conservation programs
· Participate in reforestation programs across the world and in Mexico
· Support sustainable forest management throughout the world and in Mexico
Sustainable Tourism
The All Inclusive Riviera Maya resort featured in our tours and vacation packages, is founded on the principles of sustainable tourism, which preserves the environment and provides luxury, all inclusive accommodations. One of Mexico’s few truly sustainable resorts, its performance extends beyond environmental protocols due to its eco friendly design and construction supported by its operations.
* On December 11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted, establishing customized, legally binding requirements for 37 industrialized countries and the European community to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2012.
____________________
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.
Top 10 Cultural Norms to Observe in Mexico
When in Mexico, do as the Mexicans do!
Take it easy ("tomalo con calma") and go with the flow ("dejate llevar"); be friendly ("se amistoso") and show respect ("muestra respeto") − some basic rules to live by when traveling in Mexico. Of course, some cultural norms and social customs worth observing require explanation, so you don’t accidentally say or do something that raises eyebrows while on your Mexico vacation.
Within its own borders, Mexico is very diverse. When Spain invaded the country in 1521, it governed the land’s native Indians (Olmecs, Toltecs, Aztecs, Mayans, and others), Spanish settlers, and mestizos (Indian & Spanish mix) for 300 years. After Mexico’s independence in 1821, other foreigners settled in Mexico too, adding to the country’s multicultural diversity.
As you can imagine, Mexico’s cultural norms vary from state to state and sometimes even within the same region. Keeping these 10 standard cultural norms in mind while traveling to Mexico may just prevent you from putting your foot in your mouth.
1. Slow down! Take the fast pace down a few notches. Mexico moves at a more leisurely stride.
2. Proper greetings are essential in Mexico, which involve an initial exchange of pleasantries with everyone and a general inquiry about each other. Anything less is considered rude and impolite.
3. When first meeting, two Mexican men typically shake hands. When two women or a man and woman meet, they kiss each other once on the cheek. As men and women become more familiar with each other, they greet with a gentle hug, a pat on the back, and then shake hands.
4. Interpersonal conflict and confrontation are discouraged. Conversations begin politely although informally and gradually ease into the topic. Mexicans tend to be agreeable and pleasant, and expect similar responses.
5. Indirect speech is the style of communication in Mexico. Mexicans rarely make straightforward statements about a topic, speaking instead rhetorically and elaborately in generalities. Speaking itself is an art, so enjoy the conversation! After all, it is one of the Romance languages and is music to the ears.
6. Positive social and professional relationships are what matter in Mexico. Mexicans are social people who value interpersonal fellowship more than goal-oriented exchanges. The better your relationships are with Mexicans, the more you’ll receive.
7. Traditionally, Mexican men and women are raised with distinct social rules that prepare them for gender roles as adults. Men are expected to exemplify masculinity and dominance, while women are expected to embody femininity and submission. Observing these gender role expectations while traveling may enhance your interactions.
8. Mexico is a patriarchal society where the family – commonly an extended family – takes center stage. The traditional male role is the boss and the traditional female role is the caregiver and model of morality and religion. Each member has a duty to help each other. Interdependence, rather than independence, is expected; respecting this difference will encourage cooperation.
9. Religion, primarily Catholicism, is the nucleus of Mexican families and society. Catholic beliefs, traditions, and ceremonies permeate daily Mexican life, since the Catholic Church has been a powerful influence since Spanish rule. Acknowledging these values will earn you their respect.
10. Mexico operates as a hierarchical system where government, business, and society are highly stratified. As an authoritarian society, a person’s rank and position determine roles of leadership and service. Inquire who’s in charge of a specific issue before addressing it, otherwise breaking the chain of command could create problems for both you and them.
Recognizing these basic cultural norms may improve your experiences while traveling in Mexico. The most important thing to remember is all people are different, and when traveling to a foreign country, adapting to their culture will serve you well. Mexicans are spirited, friendly, hard-working people who, when given respect, will bend over backwards to please you.
_________________
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.
Taste Paradise at ‘Taste of Playa’
Three is a wonderful number – especially when it combines (1) white sand beaches, (2) the blue Caribbean Sea, and (3) international gourmet food all in one place! Add clear skies, sunshine, and warm temperatures, and you have Playa del Carmen: a beautiful beach town in the Riviera Maya near Cancun, Mexico. With its strong international flavor, Playa del Carmen is the ideal location for the Taste of Playa culinary festival.
With the town’s growing reputation as a food mecca in the Riviera Maya, the Taste of Playa concept naturally evolved from the 700 town restaurants and 1,000 regional restaurants. A group of local business owners decided Playa del Carmen’s gift for creating delicious international cuisine would be an additional draw to the region’s tropical rainforests, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions, such as the Mayan ruins.
Introduced in 2009, the festival was such a success that it’s being offered again with 40 participating restaurants, sponsored this year by Yucatan Holidays. Presenting the diverse culinary talents of extraordinary Riviera Maya chefs who will introduce the public to a wide variety of delicious international foods, the 2010 Taste of Playa festival is sure to be just as successful.
American celebrity host and Travel Food Expert, Mark DeCarlo, joins local chefs at the festival to conduct food demonstrations of regional recipes and preparation techniques. DeCarlo, best known for his role as host of the hit food-comedy show on the Travel Channel “Taste of America with Mark DeCarlo,” will be staying at Playa del Carmen’s all-inclusive Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park. Introducing his new book “A Fork on the Road: 400 Cities One Stomach” to Mexico, he will also be autographing copies.
A community-focused program, Taste of Playa will donate proceeds from the festival to a food education program, developed by Playa del Carmen’s Rotary Club, which benefits the Riviera Maya children and families. On Sunday, November 21st, this culinary event will be held at Parque Fundadores on Playa del Carmen’s beautiful beaches. Join tourists, expatriates, and locals for a diverse, culturally enriching experience.
Are you planning to join us?
________________________
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.
Mexico Airport Customs: Passing with Ease
You’ve made it to Mexico. After packing and spending hours spent in planes, trains and automobiles, all you can think about is getting to your final destination. It almost seems cruel to make you pass through immigration and customs. Well, unfortunately, somebody has to do it and that somebody is you, me…and everyone else on the planet.
Red light, green light, stop, go, is what people talk about when talking about going through customs in Mexico’s airports. With all the talk about lights and pushing buttons, nobody has really made it clear as to what it is all about. No, the magical button and flashing lights do not have the power to detect anything prohibited or illegal in your luggage. Instead, it is Mexico’s innovative way to randomly select passengers to double ensure that no prohibited products are crossing the border. Every passenger has to press a button. If the light is green, you are free to go. If it is red, your bags will be lightly searched.
Putting magical non-discriminating lights and buttons aside, getting through immigration and customs can be a pain. Here are a few tips on how to make it less painful:
A) Most American airlines pass out a slip for you to fill out for your FMM or tourist visa on the plane. Carry a pen with you and fill it out before landing. It will save you time in the airport.
B) Keep your passport and your piece of paper together at all times and make sure they are easily accessible. If you are anything like me, getting out of the airport as fast as possible is the mission.
C) If you are traveling with a partner or a group of people, divide the luggage up evenly when going through customs. That way if your partner gets the green light and you don’t; only half of your luggage will be searched.
D) No food! Dogs roam through the small city of luggage to sniff out anything illegal. Although they may be trained to find something a little more potent than a ham sandwich, a ham sandwich they will smell and it will stop them in their tracks. You will have to take time to remove it from your luggage.
E) Before leaving your country, determine EXACTLY what items are prohibited and what are not prohibited to carry into Mexico. The most commonly encountered and confiscated items include:
- ° More than 3 liters of alcohol.
- ° Large quantities of cigarettes and cigars.
- ° Medicine for personal use- make sure you have a prescription.
- ° Firearms – only with a permit from the Mexican consulate.
By following theses basic rules and doing adequate research before leaving, getting through Mexican customs will be a breeze.
Because exact rules and regulations regarding international travel can be vague, we want to know what questions you have regarding immigration and customs in Mexico’s international airports. Please post questions in comments. We will do our best to find you answer. Also, if you have a funny story regarding Mexico customs, we want to hear it.
_____________________
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.
Mexican Haciendas of Yucatan: History, Design and Photos.
Recognized for its rich cultural history, the Yucatan Peninsula is home to a number of cultural attractions for travelers, such as archaeological sites of ancient Mayan ruins, but another no-less spectacular attraction is the Mexican hacienda. These architectural treasures are exquisite constructions with important historical significance.
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.
Tipping Like a Local in Mexico
You travel south of the border to enjoy the warm white sands of Mexico beaches but when it comes to tipping, you’re not in Kansas anymore Toto. Despite the fact that the Mexican hospitality is very warm, there are some slight tipping cultural differences to keep in mind that will prevent misconceptions among tourist and locals.
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.
Search
Social Media Connections
