Articles with the theme Mexico
Tequila: What You Didn’t Learn in College
The jimador –harvester- cuts the blue agave plant to begin with the process.
Tequila, everyone knows about it and almost everyone has tasted it. What most are not aware of are the various types of tequila and the importance of reading its label. Laugh all you want but Mexico’s tequila is equal to France’s champagne in refinement class and designated regions. With the thought of tequila, you are probably reminiscing of past university days of cheap tequila shots while your stomach is churning. Well, before I began my research, this is exactly what I did. But, to my surprise and with each shot of tequila I took, my eyes were opened more and more to the world of Tequila. I discovered things I never knew and these new-found facts ignited my desire to dive deeper into the bottle, metaphorically, of course.
Every year millions of tourist flock to Mexico and the majority of them return to their hometowns with souvenirs. Tequila is one of the most purchased items. But, do tourists really know exactly what type of tequila they are buying? Despite my in-depth investigation, this may be the only question I can not answer. So, to all prospective tourists on the way to Mexico, have no fear. I have done the research. Consider me your tequila guide.
Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Añejo and Extra-Añejo are not brands of tequila. Instead they are types. Each type is distinct and differs in flavors that are granted by variations in the aging process. Without going into detail of the procedure, let’s just break down the 5 different types of tequila by flavor.
1. Blanco is considered the most popular among tequila connoisseurs. Upon tasting, the flavor of the agave and its sugars stand out.
2. Joven, almost identical to blanco, contains burnt sugar to give it a smoother taste and mask the flavor of the agave for those who do not enjoy it.
3. Reposado, woody in color and smoother than blanco or joven, is aged roughly for 2 months. Due to its enjoyable flavor and economical price, reposado is the most popular tequila type.
4. Añejo, aged for a year or sometimes longer, is considered to be of good quality and comes highly recommended for first time drinkers. With one sip of Añejo tequila, you realize where you went all wrong in your college days.
5. Extra-Añejo, is aged anywhere between 3 to 5 years and, depending on the brand, its flavor consists of dry wood, vanilla, cinnamon and sometimes rose petals. Because of the lengthy amount of time and the tender loving care needed to produce Extra-Añejo tequila, this is the most expensive and refined tequila types.
Now that you know a Blanco tequila from and Añejo and a Añejo from a Joven, it is time to learn how to read a label. If you think tequila is tequila regardless of the label, au contraire my friend. Tequila is not tequila unless it is marked with two acronyms, one numbers and one very important description. Sound complicated? Well, its not. The four things you must find on a label are:
1. The label must be marked with NOM, Norma Oficial Mexicana, or in English, Official Mexican Standard. NOM is an agency employed by the Mexican government and it purpose is to ensure that the proper variety and origin of agave is used in the process.
2. CRT is the Tequila Regulatory Council and if the letters CRT are not on the label it is tequila that has not been manufactured under the proper administration. Think of it as quality control.
3. The NOM number. The Official Mexican Standard assigns every tequila producer with a number. Legally, this number must be presented on every bottle produced.
4. 100% Agave. If it is not 100% agave, it is just a mix made to mimic the real deal.
Other than the types of tequilas and how to read a tequila bottle label, tequila is a multifaceted and multi-fascinating topic. Rich in history, unique to the one and only Mexico, tequila related topics can range from origin to process to tequila food and drink recipes. Nevertheless, with basic knowledge of varying tequila types, flavors and labels, I have faith that you can now go forth and purchase good tequila to take home. Let’s raise our glasses to that! Cheers.
Kristin’s Favorite Tequilas:
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1. Herradura Reposado is aged for 11 months and the agave heart used to make this premium tequila is cooked with dry wood, vanilla and cinnamon. Hence, its highly pleasant flavor.
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2. Don Julio Reposado is a resposado tequila that has been stored in charred oak barrels.This particular tequila contains nodes of vanilla and chocolate and blends well with any and all citrus juices.
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3. Clase Azul Plata is a blanco tequila from the Clase Azul tequila family, a family well known for preserving its quality and tradition. This particular blanco tequila is full original agave flavor and all of its sugars, a must try for any experienced tequila taster.
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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.
Summer Photo Contest | The Winners
It’s been a long road since the beginning of the contest (well not too long, but at least a couple of weeks). We gladly received numerous photographs from people around the world. Some sunsets, families, friends, animals, archaeological sites, beaches, cenotes and more!
Thank you very much for joining us! It’s been a lot of fun and some hard times picking the 10 finalists. As you must already know, we only received 1 photo of a creative friend (Thank you Matthew Wolff!); but many others from great amateur and expert photographers that have had the chance of visiting Mexico before.
The 3 winners did an amazing job! A lot of friends and family members LIKEd their photos and that’s why they will now have the hard time deciding who is coming to paradise with them (did you think is was going to be easy?).
A photo is worth a thousand words so, here are the winners of our contest and the lucky guys that will receive a 5-day stay in Cancun!
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I LOVE MEXICO
Cynthia Modesto (188 LIKES)
Sylvia Campa (153 LIKES)
Nikki Snyder (128 LIKES)
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I WANT TO LOVE MEXICO
Matthew Wolff 
Congratulations again and keep an eye on our Facebook page and our Twitter account because we’ll have more contests soon!
Cenotes: The Yucatan’s Natural Attraction
Just saying the word cenote conjures immediate excitement, right? Well, maybe for some but for the majority, it is literally and figuratively a foreign word. Cenote, pronounced, /sɛˈnoʊteɪ/, is a collapsed caved filled with stalagmites, stalactites and an array of natural life. Well, that doesn’t sound special, does it? Wrong! Cenotes are distinctive and here is why:
Divers and Snorkelers, Welcome to paradise.
Cenotes, found primarily in the Yucatan Peninsula and surrounding Caribbean islands, are filled with crystal clear ground water with a tinge of blue and stunning marine life. One could spend hours swimming with the fish or simply staring at the uniquely formed underwater rock formations.
They are as rich in history as they are in color.
Cenote, is a word derived from the Mayan word 
D’zonot and it is widely believe that the ancient Maya used cenotoes for ritualistic purposes. Nobody seems to agree on exactly how the cenotes were utilized by the Maya. Regardless, when the sacred cenote at the archeological site Chichen Itza was dredged, over 100 human skulls were found. But, don’t let this deter you from swimming in one. The discovery was over 100 years ago and the skulls were found in only one cenote out of many. The connection between the Mayas and the cenotes is not the only link to ancient history. Cenotes are thought to be formed during a meteorite impact on earth, the same meteorite that led to the distinction of dinosaurs.
They are simply captivating.
With their uniqueness alone, they are enchanting. Used by locals and tourists alike to cool off, think of them as the old fashion swim hole but 100 times better. No muddy water, they are clear, crisp and unbelievably refreshing. After a long day touring the Yucatan Peninsula, cenotes are the perfect place to cool off while enjoying natural beauty.
The Yucatan Peninsula’s Most Popular Cenotes:
· Dos Ojos Cenote, located in the Riviera Maya is well known amongst divers.
· The Sacred Cenote of Chichen Itza, made famous by the archeological findings in 1904.
· Dzitnup Cenote, located near Valladolid, Yucatan is known mostly for its unique blue color and cylindrical shape, is one of my most photographed cenotes in the world.
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.
SUMMER PHOTO CONTEST | Yucatan Holidays
Hello! If you are reading this is because a) you love photography, b) you love Mexico or c) you want to win 5 days in Cancun (or maybe all of them!)
ABOUT THE CONTEST
As we want all to join the contest we will have 2 categories. Category 1 also known as “I love Mexico” and is for those avid and lucky travelers that have already been in Mexico and that have that FAVORITE photo that they want to share.
Category 2, also know as “I want to love Mexico” is for those that haven’t had the chance to visit this amazing country! So then, your mission will be a bit more complicated. You’ll have to download, borrow, cut n’ scan, buy a photo of Mexico and then put yourself in there! Use your imagination! Use Photoshop, paint, scissors and glue or whatever you want!
Each category will have 2 winners! So we are giving away 4 Cancun vacations!
HOW IT WORKS
A) Send your photos to: yhcontests@gmail.com as an attachment. Photo must be at least 600 x 400 pixels. In the subject specify your category: “I love Mexico” or “I want to love Mexico” and in the body write your details (Name and Address) and the details of the photo (When and where it was taken. Feel free to share a short story about it too!) Send your pictures starting TODAY, Friday, July 9th until Monday, July 19th, 2010.
B) The Yucatan Holidays Jury will pick the best 5 pictures for each category.
C) The chosen photos will be published on Yucatan Holidays Facebook page in two photo albums (one for each category) on Thursday, July 22nd.
D) Starting on that date, you’ll have to get as many friends as you can to LIKE your photo! Post it in your wall, send Tweets, write in your blog, do a YouTube video, Digg it, StumbleUpon it, or anything that comes to your mind! Remember your friends will have to LIKE the photos directly in the album in our page, so they MUST become fans first. The 2 photos of each category with more LIKES will be the winners. The last day for your friends to LIKE your photo will be Monday July,26th! The winners will be announced and published on Tuesday July 27th on the Facebook wall!
PRIZES
Each of the 4 winners (2 per category) will receive an E-Certificate valid for 5 days and 4 nights of hotel accommodation in one of the Yucatan Holidays hotels in Cancun. *Taxes may apply.
Sea Turtle Preservation in the Yucatan Peninsula
In a region like Mexico where vast areas of pristine nature still exist, the effects of pollution, poaching, and human encroachment are hard to ignore. A recent example of environmental contamination is the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, resulting in the devastation of local sea turtles and marine life near the Gulf Coast states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, USA.
Fortunately, this threat has not extended to the Caribbean Sea or to sea turtles and other marine life in the Yucatan Peninsula, and is not expected to do so. (Concerns about oil reaching the Yucatan Peninsula, where Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya are located, are being investigated by local authorities, and proactive measures are being considered for future implementation if necessary.)
Sea Turtle Preservation
Recent environmental crises have heightened public awareness of nature conservation, but endangered sea turtles have been protected by federal law in Mexico since 1990. Sea turtle preservation in this part of the world is supported by various government and private organizations, individuals, and volunteers with a passion for preserving nature’s ecosystems.
Three endangered species of sea turtles commonly found in the Yucatan Peninsula are the loggerhead, hawksbill, and green sea turtles (less commonly, the Kemp’s Ridley and leatherback sea turtles). Hard to imagine, but these timid, massive creatures float effortlessly in water, yet are slow and awkward on land, where they must spawn their young and are most vulnerable to poachers who hunt for their meat, shells, and eggs.
Importance of Nature Reserves
Nature conservation is essential for maintaining the ecosystems that provide mankind with food, clean water, and fuel. Look at one example of the negative chain reaction that environmental climate change can have on nature:
Sea turtles need beaches and dunes to nest and lay their eggs. Since sand does not absorb nutrients well, the unhatched eggs and hatched egg shells provide nutrients to dune vegetation for improved plant growth. Stronger plants have larger roots, which hold the sand in place and prevent erosion (especially important for Cancun’s newly restored beaches — an $80 million government investment).
Sea Turtle Sanctuaries
There are several sea turtle preserves and protected nesting sites throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, three of which are near Cancun and accessible to tourists. Sea turtle sanctuaries allow travelers to learn about sea turtles while simultaneously protecting them.
May through September is sea turtle nesting season, where they can be observed safely at:
Isla Mujeres
The Tortugranja (turtle farm) on the island of Isla Mujeres is just a 30-minute ferry ride offshore from Cancun’s port. The turtle farm not only shelters nesting turtles but also captures them at sea, temporarily protecting them while mating. It has rescued up to six species of sea turtles, turtle eggs, and hatchlings, and has invited travelers to watch their release into the sea at maturation. Want more information? Send an email.
Open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm offers a one-hour tour about sea turtle behavior. Located at the southernmost end of the island at Carretera Sac Bajo #5, it is best reached by taxi.
Akumal Bay
Akumal Bay is a small but delightful, oceanfront town with a Sea Turtle Sanctuary and is only about 30 minutes south of Cancun and Playa del Carmen. The sanctuary offers a 50-minute sea turtle snorkeling tour along the coral reefs of the Caribbean Sea where tourists can swim with the loggerhead turtles in their natural habitat. The Centro Ecológico Akumal offers the opportunity to adopt a sea turtle.
After the snorkeling tour, a buffet lunch and open bar are provided on Akumal’s long, white sand beaches for a two-hour break. The tour begins with either a ferry ride from Cozumel at 9:30 a.m. or a meetup at Señor Frog’s in Playa del Carmen at 10:30 a.m.
Xcaret
Xcaret eco park sets up sea turtle shelters during nesting season while representatives search large stretches of coastline for turtle eggs and hatchlings, bringing them to the shelter. When the eggs hatch, they become part of the park’s Aquarium Conservation Program where they can mature safely.
After a year, the young turtles became part of Xcaret’s Environmental Education Program where tourists can observe them and learn about sea turtle behavior and preservation. Travelers are then invited to witness their release into the sea. Seasonal eco tours are offered at Xcaret’s turtle shelters.
Sea turtles are an important part of the ecosystem that mankind relies on for survival. When nature suffers, all aspects of life do. Sea turtles have existed for about 150 million years and can teach us what is needed for a healthy environment by learning about their extended survival. When traveling to the Yucatan Peninsula, consider discovering how these incredible creatures are being saved from extinction.
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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.
Comment your way to Cancun | Yucatan Holidays
Mexico just won the football match against France in the World Cup and to celebrate we’ll give away 2 Cancun vacations! So, what do you have to do? Easy!
A) LIKE this post and (if you are a Twitter user) RETWEET this post!
B) Get inspired and write in a small paragraph (less than 60 words, please!) a story where you MUST include the phrase “YUCATAN HOLIDAYS” and at least 2 of the following words:
- World Cup
- Goal
- France
- Mexico
- Winner
C) Go to the bottom of this post and paste your story as a comment. Name and email are obligatory. You have until TUESDAY, JUNE 22nd to post your comments!
D) Congratulations! You are now in the raffle to win 5 days and 4 nights in CANCUN*. The raffle for the 2 prizes will take place AFTER the match of MEXICO – URUGUAY on Tuesday, June 22nd.
So, let loose your imagination and come to visit us in paradise this summer!
*Taxes may apply.
Pros & Cons of the New Riviera Maya Airport
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are two of the most popular travel destinations in Mexico and the world, so it makes sense traveler access is sufficient, especially with the Riviera Maya becoming a favorite vacation spot in the Yucatan Peninsula. After years of deliberation by government officials, local businesses, and environmental groups, the development of a new international airport west of Tulum, south of the Riviera Maya, has been approved. On May 11, 2010, proposals for the construction and operation of the new airport started coming in from private companies and will continue through November 2010. The estimated completion date of the new Riviera Maya airport is 2012.
So what’s all the fuss about?
The Riviera Maya region is filled with natural wonders, such as protected tropical rainforests, jungles, mangroves, rivers, cenotes (cavernous sinkholes with natural springs), wildlife, white sand beaches and the blue Caribbean Sea, containing coral reefs along the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that harbor thousands of fish and rare marine life. Environmental protection efforts are booming in this region, so environmentalists are concerned that the development of the airport will contribute to the rapid extinction of various plant and animal species and their natural habitats. Maintaining these ecosystems is essential for providing the world with food, clean water, and fuel (per the United Nations Environment Programme).
The benefits of a new airport?
It’s no secret that tourism in Mexico took a dive in 2009, losing one million tourists after the swine flu (H1N1) scare, then again in 2010 after fears of drug gang violence in the northern Mexican states spread. Despite these setbacks and a growing public awareness of safe travel in Mexico, tourism officials in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, where Cancun and the Riviera Maya are located, say that local tourism is returning to normal levels. The growth of the Riviera Maya as one of Mexico’s favorite travel places has contributed to the demand for additional flights and hotels. For these reasons and the resulting increase in tourism and construction jobs, building the new Riviera Maya airport is important for both traveler accommodation and economic survival in the region.
Man & Nature in Harmony
Our hope is that the government, along with private investors and contractors, will consider developing and operating the airport using responsible tourism practices. By following models of sustainable tourism, such as Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, and by employing environmentally sound construction and operations wherever possible, the new Riviera Maya airport could provide many advantages. With tourism as Mexico’s third largest source of income, the new airport would also assist in reducing poverty in the region by creating more jobs.
Some might consider sacrificing the welfare of humanity for the good of nature, but we could learn to coexist in harmony by instituting safe environmental practices that allow for the mutual benefit of both man and nature.
What do you think? Do you agree with the construction of a new airport? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
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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.
BP Oil Spill: Contribute by Doing Everyday Things
Eight times bigger than the Valdez spill in 1989, the BP Oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has yet to be controlled and is spreading day by day. Predictions of the future flow of the oil are not one hundred percent agreed upon but for the most part, it appears that the spill will be swept up by the Gulf Stream and carried up the Atlantic coast of the United States. Regardless of which path the oil spill takes, it is important for everyone to take action in some form or another.
Here are three everyday things you can do to help:
A) CUT YOUR HAIR.
No, you did not misread. Go, get your hair cut and take your pet to the groomer. When you are finished, save all hair and fur. Yes, it sounds bizarre but Matter of Trust has started a nation-wide collection of hair and fur to put into booms. Shampooed hair absorbs oil and it works very well at soaking up oil from oil spills. So, if your salon or your pet’s groomer haven’t already joined in the effort, encourage them to do so and get a new hairdo for you and your four-legged friend.
B) SEND A TEXT MESSAGE.
The National Wildlife Federation, an organization dedicated to the protection and restoration of all wildlife, has set up a simple way to receive donations. By texting ¨Wildlife¨to 20222, you can donate 10 dollars just by hitting send. This money will go to the restoration and cleaning of wildlife affected by the oil spill. Anyone living outside of the United States can donate online. Just visit the website.
C) TWEET ON TWITTER.
Twitter is a good way to quickly and simply pass information. Follow reputable organizations that supply general information regarding the spill, and retweet messages to your followers. Knowledge is power. Imagine how powerful that knowledge is once it reaches a million people. In addition to the National Wildlife Federation, a good organization to follow in twitter is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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.
All In on All Inclusive Vacations | Cancun – Riviera Maya
Over the last few years, there has been an increasing trend towards travelers choosing all inclusive vacations. All inclusive packages are becoming more and more popular, but what’s all the hype about and what does "all inclusive" mean anyway?
Before deciding which resort or hotel option is right for you, while you’re planning a vacation in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, or elsewhere in Mexico, ask yourself three simple questions (answers at end of article):
1.) Why choose an all inclusive vacation package instead of a European plan?
2.) What is the difference between an all inclusive package and a European plan?
3.) Is the cost of an all inclusive package worth it, or is it a better value to choose a European plan?
Vacation Activities
The first thing to consider before choosing a hotel package is which travel attractions and activities you plan to do on your vacation. If you want to be where the action is — near tours, shopping, restaurants, bars, and nightlife — the Cancun hotel zone is the place to be. A hotel in the center of town such as the spacious Ocean Spa Hotel or the intimate Laguna Suites Golf + Spa hotel will place you near Cancun’s hottest nightclubs like Dady’Os, Dady Rock, The City, Coco Bongo and the newest clubs, Sweet and Roo.
If you prefer a more relaxing environment closer to the region’s natural wonders, such as incredible cenotes (cavernous sinkholes with natural springs), tropical rainforests, and cultural treasures like the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza, then a Riviera Maya resort like the eco friendly Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park is a great choice.
All Inclusive Resorts
Once you’ve decided on the location for your trip, consider the number of off-site travel activities and vacation attractions you plan to do. If you’ll be taking all-day adventure tours away from the hotel and will just need a place to sleep at night, then a European plan (fee-for-room only) may be the best option for you.
If your vacation planning involves a family vacation, group travel, or romantic getaway, you might prefer a relaxing vacation without the hassle of having to pay every time for each meal, drink, and activity plus taxes and tips.
An all inclusive package provides exclusive services and VIP attention, such as privileged check-in and check-out, free room service, free airport pickup, special rates and discounts on tours and attractions, free non-motorized water activities (e.g., snorkeling and kayaking), on-site activities and entertainment. Some hotels even allow kids to stay free and offer transportation and access to sister resorts for using their services and amenities at no extra charge. If you prefer a resort where everything you need is at your fingertips, without ever having to leave the premises (although you certainly can), then an all inclusive vacation is the perfect choice.
Question Answers
1.) All inclusive packages provide convenience, privilege, and access to special services and amenities — ideal for group and family travel or a couples vacation.
2.) An all inclusive package includes all meals and beverages, taxes and tips, activities and entertainment, plus exclusive services for one initial price.
A European plan provides just the room for a fee; all other services cost extra.
3.) The price of an all inclusive package is only about 25% more per person than a European plan, and travelers typically save up to 65% on food, beverages, and additional hotel services.
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.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival 2010 | Summer Edition
On May 29th at the Mamita’s Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, R&B singer-songwriter Phil Perry, platinum-recording artist Brian McKnight and the renowned Mexican jazz singer Caro Montes performed live on a stage located just by the sea shore. Hundreds of attendees, locals and tourists, gathered for an unforgettable evening of jazz and R&B music in the Riviera Maya Jazz Summer Festival. The 4-day festival is scheduled for November 25-28 this year.
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