Articles with the theme Riviera Maya
What you (probably) don’t know about Halloween and Day of the Dead Celebrations.
Mexico’s Day of the Dead, Dia de los Muertos, at first glance sounds the same as Halloween or All Hollows’ Eve in the United States, but in fact, they’re quite different – just as the two cultures who celebrate these holidays have fundamentally different views about death.
Day of the Dead in Mexico celebrates the life and death of their deceased loved ones in a spirit of joy, fellowship, and humor (reciting “calaveritas,” or little skulls, which are short, satirical poems about them). Americans view Halloween as a more mischievous celebration about the darker side of death. Both do believe, however, that the boundary between the living and the dead is blurred on these holidays for intercommunication.
Differences and Similarities between Halloween and Dia de los Muertos
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Day of the Dead Celebrations in Mexico
Consider taking part in this delightful Mexico tradition, and celebrate the lives of your dearly departed on a vacation in the Yucatan Peninsula. Celebrations begin the last week in October through the early days of November. The official Day of the Dead holiday for children is recognized on November 1st; for adults, on November 2nd.
Interpretations of Dia de los Muertos vary in different Mexico states. In the state of Yucatan, it’s called Hanal Pix’an, a Mayan version of the Day of the Dead, which means “feast for the souls.” Still, the basic theme throughout Mexico is the same: the dead are welcomed back into their homes via an offering (“ofrenda”) of traditional foods such as bread of the dead (“pan de muerto”), celebratory flowers such as marigolds (“flor de cempasuchitl” also called “flor de muerto”), and ornaments; by visiting and decorating their grave sites; and by dancing, singing, and otherwise enjoying each other’s company.
Where to Celebrate
In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, the Day of the Dead celebrations are visible all over town at restaurants, bars, and hotels, but one very special celebration takes place at Xcaret. Their annual Life and Death Mexican Traditions Festival, features traditional variations in Mexico’s regional Dia de los Muertos celebrations.
On October 30th through November 2nd, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 pm., Xcaret shares the culture, history, food, music, dance, and religious ceremony given for the dearly departed.
Enjoy this traditional Mexican holiday at the end of October and early November with a visit to Cancun or the Riviera Maya. Join in the Day of the Dead festivities with colorful decorations, costumes, tasty treats, and music to wake the dead!
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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.
The Making of a Mandala
Last weekend, Hacienda Tres Rios, Resort, Spa & Nature Park hosted an unprecedented event, the First Mayan/Tibetan Cultural Encounter. The event consisted of many different cultural activities from both of these ancient civilizations, but one of the most amazing was the construction of the Mandala. The word Mandala means “the center and its surroundings”. A Mandala may be used as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. Tibetan monks create the Mandala by first drawing a precise geometric pattern with compasses and then pouring different colored sand in extremely intricate patterns. The Mandala the monks are constructing here is a Green Tara Mandala.
First, the monks conduct a ceremony to mark the beginning of the making of the Mandala.
Next, they begin to draw the geometric patterns.
Next, they will begin to pour the sand.
They will work on the Mandala for hours on end, and for three entire days.
The Mandala is about to be finished.
It is now complete, and breathtaking.
To teach a lesson in impermanence, the Tibetan monks then destroy the Mandala they worked 3 days to complete.
After the Mandala was destroyed during the closing ceremonies of the First Mayan/Tibetan Cultural Encounter, two rainbows appeared over the Caribbean Sea in front of the resort. Yes, really.
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.
5 Summer Adventures in the Mexican Caribbean
Summer is here in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, and with it comes the opportunity for visitors to challenge themselves with exciting local activities. The Mexican Caribbean is not only home to white sand beaches and aqua blue water, but it is also quickly becoming known for adventure travel.
1. Bungie Jumping
Bungie Jumping in Cancun is back, recently reopened at Playa Tortugas in the Hotel Zone. Step off the platform and drop into, but not exactly into, the Caribbean. We suggest taking advantage of this activity before you start drinking tequila.
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2. Parasailing
Take a stroll down the beach in front of your hotel, and you will quickly find an opportunity to parasail. Soar over the Caribbean Sea, admire the different shades of blue, and get a bird’s eye view of the Hotel Zone and Nichupte Lagoon. It feels like flying!
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3. Sky Diving
Can you handle it? Jump out of an airplane from 10,000 feet over Playa del Carmen. This is the ultimate adventure challenge. Jump with a guide or take a course and learn to jump solo. We ask again…can you handle it?
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4. Swimming with the Whale Sharks
This experience is an unbelievably rare opportunity to become one with nature. Jump into the crystal clear blue water and swim with the world’s largest fish. These gentle giants of the sea are no danger to humans as they feed on plankton that they strain from the water._
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5. Ziplining
Flying above the jungle canopy your ears will fill with the sounds of rushing wind and the steady hum of the zipline. This exciting activity is for the whole family (normally kids must be at least six years old) and the memories will last a lifetime.
Adventure awaits you in the Mexican Caribbean!
Which of these activities have you done? Will you do any of them on your next visit to Mexico?
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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.
Off the Beaten Path through Yucatan (Part 2)
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El Corchito
What it is: Near Progreso City, El Corchito is an ecological preserve that has been around for the last 10 years. The reserve is operated by local fishermen who work to nurture the mangrove swamp. A 5-minute boat ride will take you into the cool shadows of the mangroves. The fishermen who tend to El Corchito have build palapas and picnic tables. There are designated fresh-water pools where you can swim or explore the well-kept paths, or simply sling your hammock in the shade and relax. Pack your own lunch and camera.
How to get there: Located just 2 KM east of the entrance to Progreso, turn east toward Chicxulub at the entrance to Progreso (where the Pemex station is). Travel 2 KM to the second roundabout (known as glorieta in Mexico). You will see a sign to El Corchito. Veer right, continue on for a few meters until you see a dirt road on your right until you find the boat landing area. Boat rides begin at 8:30 a.m. daily.
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Celestun
What is it: This quaint fishing village with lovely beaches and no crowds is located 60 miles southwest of Merida. Celestun is famous for its seafood restaurants served on the beach. But mostly for the beautiful flamingo colonies, fresh water springs, and 36 foot tall lighthouse and salt fields. The main reason to visit Celestun is to travel the ria (river) and see the flamingos. The flamingos form part of a fragile ecosystem and we highly encourage you to respect their surroundings. Celestun is the main wintering area for the greater pink flamingo. You can also visit fresh water springs and “petrified forests”.
How to get there: By car, take the Periferico out of Merida to Uman and continue on to Kinchil and then Celestun. There are signs along the way. To reach Celestun by bus, go to the terminal on Calle 67 between 50 and 52 in Merida. The trip takes approximately two hours.
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Loltun Cave
What it is: Loltun Cave is located in the Yucatan. The cave contains paintings attributed to the Mayan civilization from the Late Pre-Classic period. Lol-Tun is Mayan and means “Flower Stone.” According to prolonged examinations of over two kilometers, the cave is one of the most extensive in all Mexico. Recovered bones from mammoth, bison, cats, and horses confirm human occupation. Pottery, marine shells, stone artifacts, bas-relief carvings, petroglyphs and mural paintings have also been found inside the cave. The occupation in Loltun Cave goes back more than 10,000 years. Mammoth bones and extinct vegetation have also been found inside the cave. The Lol-Tun cave network, at its lowest levels, holds secrets that literally rewrite history.
How to get there:
This cave is located 110 km from Merida via federal highway 31 in the state of Yucatan. The two-hour tour is guided and venturing on your own without a guide is not allowed or recommended.
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Balankanche Cave
What is it: The Maya believe caves and caverns to be links with the underworld, or “inframundo. The Balankanche caves should be visited for their natural beauty and stone formations. Because of the humidity, stunning stalagmites and stalactites continue to form in this cave system. The most impressive one is located 200 meters from the entrance of Balankanche, next to the Balam Throne, a religious altar. The ceiba-looking formation is referred to as the sacred tree inside the earth. The cave also has archaeological importance as they once served as a ceremonial site for the Mayans. Caves are ceremonially important to the Mayans as they believed that sacredness of life is especially concentrated at unique geographic points such as mountains and caves. Ceremonial objects can be seen throughout the walk as well as reproductions of the original artifacts discovered in the cave.
How to get there:
Balankanche is located only 6 kilometers from Chichen Itza, via federal highway 180 in the state of Yucatan.
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Labna
What it is: Labna means “Old or abandoned house”. The Mesoamerican archeological site is located in the Puuc Hills region of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Mayan ruins dates back to pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The site was incorporated with Uxmal as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. Although small, one of its notable structures is a large two-story palace. It is one of the longest contiguous structures in the Puuc route at approximately 120 m (393.7 ft) in length. A ceremonial road (sacbe) extends from the palace to an elaborately decorated gateway arch known as “El Arco.” The archway is believed to have been a passageway between public areas rather than an entrance to the city. Next to the gateway is “El Mirador” – a pyramid-like structure surmounted y a temple. The site was built in AD 862 as inscribed in the palace.
How to get there: Labna is located 42 kilometers southeast of Uxmal along freeway 261, detour to the left at km 30 by interstate 31. It is approximately 122 km.of Merida.
In case you missed it, take a look at the Off the Beaten Path through Yucatan – Part One.
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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.
5th Sacred Mayan Journey | Xcaret Park [Photo Essay]
Yesterday’s afternoon, Xcaret Park was filled with tradition and mysticism for the grand opening of the 5th Sacred Mayan Journey, a recreation of the ancient Mayan tradition of worshiping moon goddess Ix Chel. The event began with the representation of the ancient market of Ppolé (original Mayan name of the place where the eco park is located today) where visitors were able to buy original handcrafts & food, using ancient Mayan currency – cacao seeds.. The night ended with the official inaugural ceremony, with a show that transported guests back in time. Starting today, more than 300 canoeists will begin the journey to Cozumel Island, where the temple of the goddess is located.
Hurricane Season in Cancun: What You Should Know
It’s that time again folks. Hurricane season in the Caribbean will begin in less than a month on June 1, 2011, and will continue through November 30, 2011. It is possible for Tropical cyclones to form before or after the official season, depending on ocean temperatures. The water must be at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit for a hurricane to form, so if this happens before June or after November a hurricane could occur outside of the season.
For the people living in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, tropical cyclones are a fact of life, just like tornados or earthquakes are for people living in other places. However, they may seem frightening and daunting if you are planning a vacation, but if you are well informed about hurricane season you will be able to make good decisions about your trip.
August, September and October are considered to be the peak months for hurricanes, which coincides with low tourism season, when airfare and hotel prices are lower, so it’s actually a great time to visit the area. Generally if you visit during tropical cyclone season everything will go smoothly. The weather will be fine, albeit maybe a bit hotter than in let’s say, January. It may rain a little more often, but this generally means that there is a quick downpour once or twice a day and the rest of the time the sun is shining.
The Yucatan Peninsula, which is home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, has experienced many tropical storms/depressions and hurricane watches/warnings, but Cancun was “born” in 1970, and only 4 hurricanes have made landfall in 41 years. That is pretty encouraging news. If you visit from June through November, chances are you probably won’t run into any hurricanes.
These are the 4 hurricanes which have actually made landfall in Cancun:
Inez (October, 1968) – Category 4
Gilbert (September, 1988) - Category 5
Roxanne (October, 1995) – Category 3
Wilma (October, 2005) – Category 5
If you would like to monitor the weather in the weeks leading up to you vacation, here are 3 helpful websites: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Weather.Com & Weather Underground.
Of course, there is always the possibility that a tropical cyclone could occur before or during your vacation so it is a good idea to buy trip insurance. If a hurricane should threaten the area during your vacation, rest assured that your hotel or resort has an emergency plan for its guests and employees. The good thing about hurricanes is they don’t just pop up, they need time to organize so there is always plenty of warning. So by all means, go ahead and plan your vacation!
Have you ever experienced a hurricane while on vacation?
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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.
The Islands of Quintana Roo, Mexico
When you think of vacationing in Mexico, you probably think of Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen. You may not be aware of the fact that the state of Quintana Roo is home to four islands as well. The sun shines brightly on these island paradises and reflects off of their white sand beaches, so island life tends to move slowly, as do its habitants. These islands range in size and population but are all rich with natural beauty, Mayan history and/or Mexican culture. Next time you are in the area, take a day (at least) to explore one or more of these laid back, relaxing island retreats.
Cozumel
The largest and most populated of the four islands, Cozumel is located approximately 11 miles off the coastal town of Playa del Carmen. It is about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. It is Mexico’s third largest island. Cozumel is home to the second largest coral barrier reef in the world, and is a snorkel and dive mecca. The largest concentration of restaurants, bars and shopping is located in the downtown area of the city of San Miguel. Mayan people have inhabited Cozumel since 300 AD. The island has a rich history that includes Mayan worship of the goddess of fertility, a smallpox epidemic and pirates.
Major airlines fly to Cozumel, cruises dock there, or you can take a ferry or air taxi.
Isla Mujeres
“The Island of the Women” is named for the many cult images of goddesses that the Spanish found when they discovered the island, a sanctuary dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel, in the 16th century. Isla, as it is lovingly called by locals, is located 8 miles off the coast of Cancun and is only about 4 miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point. There are many charming hotels and restaurants that welcome visitors from all over the globe. You won’t find a lot of cars on Isla, but you will find scooters, bicycles and golf cars galore. Rent one and be your own tour guide. Then park at North Beach and have a cold one while you take a dip in the crystal blue water.
You can take an air taxi or a ferry from the Cancun Hotel Zone or Puerto Juarez to get to Isla Mujeres.
Holbox
As we go down the list, these islands become less inhabited. Holbox is a true island refuge, where you won’t find ATMs or even cars! Most of the locals are fishermen, so imagine the fresh seafood that is available. There are many charming boutique hotels on the island. Tourism still hasn’t taken over Holbox, which means “Black Hole” in Maya, but it is quickly becoming a popular destination due to the hundreds of whale sharks that gather in the area each May-September. Visitors come from all over the globe to swim with these gentle giants. Visitors also love to kite boarding off the beaches of Holbox.
You can get to Holbox by traveling by bus to the port of Chiquila and then taking a private boat or ferry, or by taking an air taxi.
Isla Contoy
Nobody lives on Isla Contoy! Well, except for many birds and sea turtles. This island is located approximately 18 miles north of Isla Mujeres, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. It is only about 5 miles long and only about a tenth of a mile wide. It is considered the most important nesting place of sea birds in the entire Mexican Caribbean. Isla Contoy is a Mexican national park and is protected. There are only a few tour providers who are allowed to bring visitors to the island and only 200 people may visit per day. There are no hotels on the island. There is only a visitor center.
You can visit Isla Contoy by taking a tour or if you would like to visit in your own boat you must apply for permission at the park offices in Cancun or on Isla Mujeres.
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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.
10 tips for a Romantic Valentine’s Day in the Riviera Maya
Couples have been trying to create romance in their relationships since the beginning of time, yet every Valentine’s Day many frantically search for a way to make the day memorable for their special someone. There are many ways to celebrate this special day, but for the truly romantic, spend this February 14th doing something unique and special with the one you love.
Here are 10 great ways to spend Valentine’s Day in the Riviera Maya:
- Relax and Recharge: Leave behind the stress of daily life and surprise your special someone with a soothing moonlight couples massage on the beach.
- For Music Lovers: There are many restaurants and bars in Cancun and Playa del Carmen that feature live music. Cozy up with a cocktail (and your honey of course) and groove to their smooth sounds.
- A Day in the Sun: Pack a picnic basket and your swimsuit for a romantic day on the white sand beaches of the Mexican Caribbean. Swim in the crystal clear, turquoise blue Caribbean Sea, and then watch the sun set and that lovely afternoon light wash over your loved one’s face.
- For Night Owls: If you prefer moonlight over sunlight, plan a nighttime beach champagne picnic under the stars, and begin an endless night on the Riviera Maya’s magical beaches.
- 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. Fly over the jungle canopy on a zip line or discover nature’s wonders in underground caves and cenotes.
- Cooking for the Heart: If the expression “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” is true, then reach his (or her) heart by learning to create some special recipes in the Riviera Maya. If you prefer someone else doing the cooking, enjoy a delicious meal at one of our restaurants that range from Mexican to international cuisine.
- The Language of Love: Since Spanish is such a romantic language, romance your partner and tell him or her how much you love them, in Spanish. “Te amo” = “I love you”.
- Give a Little: While reconnecting with your special someone on a romantic getaway, consider including a tour from Kanché, a non-profit civil association that uses the proceeds from its tours to generate socially oriented projects that help the environment and the community.
- Reconnect 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. Visit a preserved nature park and enjoy a day of hiking through the jungle or snorkeling or scuba diving in the clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.
- Do Not Disturb: Spend the entire day with the “do not disturb” sign on your door at one of our all inclusive, luxury resorts. Enjoy the company of your partner in private while relaxing in a soothing bath or bubbling hot tub.
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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.
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.
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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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