Articles with the theme vacation packages
10 Mexican Traditions for the New Year
In Mexico, Christmas does not end on New Year’s Day. Continuing through Epiphany or El Dia de los Reyes (day of the kings or wise men) on January 6th, when Mexican children traditionally receive their Christmas gifts, Christmas in Mexico extends further to February 2nd, El Dia de la Candelaria, when the nativity scene and holiday decorations are ceremoniously packed away until next year.
After the Christmas posada parties have ended and the traditional wreath-shaped Rosca de Reyes (three kings bread) has been eaten, the ponche con piquete (spiked hot cider), tamales, and other traditional foods continue to flow for New Year’s fiestas (parties). The final holiday party culminates on February 2nd, when the person who found a tiny figurine of the baby Jesus in the Rosca bread must provide the tamales.
On New Year’s, Mexico has some delightful customs that focus on transitioning from the old to the new. Celebrations include not only traditional foods, such as Bacalao, a dried, salted codfish; and buñuelos, a light, fried dessert; and more ponche, but also some cultural traditions aimed at receiving blessings in the coming year.
Try these 10 Mexican customs and see what happens!
1.)Display a rimmed tray with a candle at the center, and ask family and friends to deposit change in the tray, afterwards filling it with water for good luck.
2.)Place a few candles on a white plate surrounded by lentils, beans, rice, corn, flour and a cinnamon stick to spice things up. Allow candles to burn all night until melted; then peel the waxy food mixture off of the plate and bury it for abundance.
3.)Eat a tablespoon of cooked lentils, or give a handful of raw lentils to family and friends for good fortune.
4.)As the New Year’s Eve midnight countdown begins, eat 12 grapes making a wish for each one, representing the 12 months of the next year. (Hint: eat seedless grapes.) A sweet grape means it will be a good month next year; a sour grape, a bad month.
5.)On New Year’s Eve, women who want love and passion in the next year wear red underwear; for happiness and prosperity, yellow underwear; for health and well-being, green underwear; for true love and friendship, pink underwear; for hope and peace, white underwear.
6.)Clean the house; take a bath; or wash the pets and cars on New Year’s Eve for renewal.
7.)At midnight on New Year’s Eve, open the door and symbolically sweep out ‘the old’; then toss some coins on the ground and sweep them into the house for prosperity.
8.)On New Year’s Eve at midnight, throw a bucket of water out the window for renewal.
9.)Watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve to frighten away evil spirits, allowing safe passage into the next year.
10.)On New Year’s Eve at midnight, take empty suitcases for a walk outside; encircle the house or walk around the block for the distance to be traveled next year. Another option is to gather the suitcases in the center of a room, and walk around them several times.
This last New Year’s tradition could lead you to Cancun, the Rivera Maya, Yucatan Peninsula, or another Mexico destination in 2011. Until then, have a safe New Year’s Eve and a festive New Year’s Day with family, friends, and colleagues − wherever you are. Next year, maybe you’ll ring in the New Year with us. Feliz Año Nuevo! (Happy New Year!)
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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. Follow her on Twitter
Swimming with Whale Sharks | The Adventures of Yucatan Holidays
“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” Eden Phillpotts
The great American author Mark Twain—seeker of adventures and new discoveries—once said “twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did do.”
Without knowing it, Twain was referring to an unforgettable vacation attraction in the best beaches in Mexico right off Cancun, where the largest fish species—the whale shark—makes the warm waters of the Mexico Caribbean Sea its home from May to September.
Immerse in that blue, turquoise water waiting to see the whale sharks will seem as an eternity. The adrenalin pulsates through your bloodstream with a nervous excitement that makes your fingertips and toes tingle as you scan the open blue abyss for something, anything.
Then suddenly, out of the ubiquitous silence, the blues of the sea are broken by the sway of the approaching whale shark. Its enormity and beauty sends a wave of awe-striking excitement felt very rarely in a lifetime. The white-checkered dots on its back that identify it from every other whale shark in the world glide underneath you as you observe these inspiring creatures in their natural habitat. With its overpowering 20-35 ft and gentle, calm presence, the whale shark swim transports you into a transcendental world of wonder, beauty and magic.
As you shakily step unto the boat, your companion’s face mirrors the fiery excitement that fills your core. The whale shark experience is over and it is only after seeing your diminutive dimension in comparison to these marvelous and mysterious creatures that you discover a world of wonder you thought only existed in the pristine corners of your mind.
The whale shark is the largest fish species, but despite its colossal size, the creature has been sighted in only 14 places in the world, one being the Mexico beaches right off Cancun. Adding this amazing experience to your dos will not be something you will regret. The information on this fascinating animal is still very limited and although the exact number of whale sharks is unknown, they are considered to be a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The world has provided us with the infinite opportunity to discover a world outside of ourselves. Nothing will be able to compare to this once in a lifetime experience. Would you like to try it? Join us and swim with whale sharks in Cancun!
About the Author:
Pamela Acosta is a travel photographer 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.
Finding Love in Mexico
by Stacey Marcus
72 hours later and there I was in Mexico, alone and not knowing which direction to go, where I would sleep that night, or how I would get to this unknown magical 
place. The trip had come about very spontaneously; to be exact it was a last minute cheap fare that was irresistible. Hopefully traveling in a foreign country, by myself, with the warmth of the sun, the beautiful beaches and a friendly welcoming by the locals would do the trick of forgetting my woes and gaining a new perspective on life. The woes of nursing a broken heart – a failed relationship of course, and the recent loss of a job would hopefully be a thing of the past.
I found a wonderful room to rent for the week and was amazed that my time and worries flew by as I was enveloped by a rich culture, a beautiful language, friendly locals, amazing beaches, spicy food and of course some margaritas. On my last day in my new found home I was cruising around the local craft market soaking everything in when I was invited by an unknown fellow American to join him and his friend for a drink. I through caution to the wind and accepted the invite. Over the course of the night, and a few bonus days (I missed my flight), I fell in love with this invitees’ friend. Over the past year and a half my new love and I have been brainstorming about merging our lives together, back to the place that brought us together, Mexico. We have our sights set on the West coast of the Yucatan. Tulum! Playa! Cancun! We want to spend more time in this area and find our new home! You can visit us when we do….
About the Author
Stacey Marcus is an avid tele-skier, mountain biker and hula-hooper living in Boulder Colorado. She is currently looking for work opportunities and a new home in Mexico with her novio y perra.
Hidden Treasure in the Riviera Maya: Paamul
by Susie Albin-Najera
Located on pristine Mexican coastline, the exotic Riviera Maya is a true paradise with its vibrant turquoise waters and white, sandy beaches lined by picture-perfect palm trees. Gentle warm breezes and soft melodic sounds from the natural environment channel positive energy to your senses. In the Riviera Maya, one can experience ancient Mayan cultures blended with modern amenities complemented by nature parks, award-winning gourmet cuisine, eco-friendly surroundings, water activities, abundant sea life and wildlife and beaches with views like no other in the world.
Forty-five minutes south of Cancun International Airport, just past the beautiful beach town of Playa Del Carmen sits a quaint, cove-shaped town known as Paamul. The area is nestled in between Xcaret and Puerto Aventuras and offers scuba diving, snorkeling through Scuba-Mex Dive Shop, a restaurant, accommodations and a pool available to residents, locals and visitors. Paamul is perched on a white sandy beach, amid tropical lush surroundings with an uninterrupted view of Caribbean turquoise waters. The location is secure, serene and quiet, and the only real sounds you’ll hear are the sounds of laughter coming from the scuba diving boats arriving back to shore from a day out under the sea. And as Paamul is so picturesque, many commercials have been filmed in this location.
Just south of Paamul, visitors can experience the Dolphin Excursion in the gated area of Puerto Aventuras or travel further south to the ancient Mayan archeological ruins of Tulum. This breathtaking monument is one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan sites and a must for any visitor to the Yucatan Peninsula, set on the cliffs of the magnificent blue waters.
There are dozens of excursions, tours, exhibits and activities for you, your friends, colleagues and your families to experience in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and Riviera Maya.
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About the Author:
Susie Albin-Najera is a freelance writer and editor for several travel, leisure and lifestyle magazines focusing on Mexico. She is also a public relations and marketing professional and editor of The MEXICO Report.
Take Me To Yucatan | by Sharon Drechsler
The Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico calls me. I long to swim in one of those subterranean, water-filled caves known as cenotes (“say-note-ays”); gaze up at the famous pyramid of Chichen Itzá; try my hand (or should I say foot?) at dancing the salsa all night, followed by hours and hours beneath a palapa on the sands of Cancun the next day.
Five years ago, my husband narrowly survived cancer, but lost the ability to eat. Despite surviving on a liquid diet, he persuaded me to sell or store most of our worldly goods and begin a life of cruising on a sailboat. Can you blame us if our bucket list is long? And this part of the world is right up at the top of it.
So, give me the Riviera Maya! Send me to a working hacienda where I can pick up a strand of sisal to twist into rope. Take me to the ruins at Tulum. (Just the name gives me a chill!) Show me how the Spanish conquistadors carried on their opulent lifestyles in 16th century Uxmal. Even now, I picture their rich finery – the men’s capes billowing behind them like liquid; the ladies’ gowns made rich by the tedious lace-and-beadwork of hundreds of needles.
Once I’m sated with culture and I’ve absorbed my fill of sunshine-rich beaches, I want one more thing… the biopreserve of Celestún. Put me in a panga and glide me down the river past its famous pelicans. One thing is for sure: throughout my sojourn, I’ll be richly pampered by the hospitality for which Mexicans are so famous.
The sailing vessel Last Resort is currently transiting the Sea of California as the author, PR maven, freelance writer and lover of all things Mexican, Sharon Drechsler ,works onboard.
About the Author:
Sharon performs PR and writes about travel, boating and the timeshare resort industry. She is Yachting Examiner for Examiner.com, Contributing Editor for Resort Trades and CEO of Drechsler Communications.
The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun | Part One
Although the white sand beaches and blue turquoise oceans of Cancun draw thousands of visitors each year, this corner of the world has a few more hidden treasures in the depth of the luscious, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula.
The mysticism of the Mayan culture is combined with the architectural beauty and cultural history left behind by the Spanish conquistadores, making these colonial cities in the Yucatan Peninsula a jewel worth discovering.
We must visit the enchanting city of Merida, Yucatan. This architectural and cultural gem only 4 hours away from Cancun was built on the remains of a Mayan town called T’ho—“city of the five hills,” which refers to five pyramids. It is now the capitol of the state of Yucatan, Mexico. The stunning richness of its architecture makes it the second largest historic center of any city in the Americas, surpassed only by Mexico City. For a brief period of time, the city of Merida was said to house more millionaires than any city in the world. This wealth left its mark in the city where large, gorgeous colonial homes line the city streets. The elaborate, detailed homes form the Paseos de Montejo, a long avenue that has been transformed in a major tourist attraction with restaurants and bars along its corridors. Merida is also a cultural magnet where art and culture play an important role in the day to day life of citizens and tourists alike. The White City, as it is often referred, combines a rich historical background with a vivid cultural life, which is only made better by the praiseworthy hospitality and warmth of the Yucatecos.
Before we reach Merida, first we need to stop in Valladolid, Yucatan. This small, beautiful colonial town was built with the same stones of a Mayan town called Zaci after it was dismantled to build this 16th Century city. This historical quality bares significant symbolism because approximately 300 years after its foundation, the city was the battle ground for the Caste War of Yucatan. The war was ignited with the revolt of native Mayans of Yucatan against the population of European descent who had political and economical control at the time. Valladolid also houses two large cenotes Zaci and Dzitnup. Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is also located 28 miles from Valladolid. About 20 minutes north of the city, is another impressive Mayan archeological site called Ek Balam. Another must-see is the 16th century San Bernadino Convent. The historical ties that bind ancient Mayan civilizations, to modern Mayans, to the Spanish and Mexican history become truly alive in Valladolid with the brightly colored colonial buildings, the Mayan women who sell their crafts in front of the cathedral downtown, and the Mayan ruins sitting in the abundant, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula.
A brief stop must be made in the small city of Izamal, Yucatan, which was declared a “Pueblo Magico”—or “Magic Town” in 2002. Located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 3 hours from Cancun, the city is also called “The Yellow City” for most of its buildings are painted in yellow. It is also known as “The City of Hills” for its landscape. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of the city once formed part of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization where more than 163 important Mayan ruins have been found. One of the most important attractions in the city of Izamal is the large Franciscan Monastery that sits on top of a mayor Mayan pyramid. Completed in 1561, the atrium of the Monastery was second in size only to that at the Vatican. Despite its strong ties to the Mayan civilization, Izamal is now a major pilgrimage within Yucatan for the veneration of Roman Catholic saints. However, the Mayan culture continues to have a strong influence in the town as the majority of people consider Maya their first language and most signs are both in Spanish and Mayan. A third name is given to Izamal—“City of Three Cultures”—as a combination of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern architecture, religion, art, and customs make Izamal truly unique and picturesque.
Our next stop—but certainly not the last—is the state of Campeche, lying just south-east of the Mexican Republic next to the state of Yucatan. Besides the city of Campeche—which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO—the state is also the home to several other small, important cities and many Mayan ruins. Campeche as a whole is distinctly painted with the rich and vivid colors of a constant celebration of tradition, history, and the love of the arts. Several cultural festivals—including the annual Carnival of Campeche—enrich the streets of this important state where art and tradition collide. In a celebration of life, Campechanos and their guests participate in parades, activities, and attractions that breathe happiness and ease into city life. Like many colonial historic centers in Mexico, Campeche’s streets are surrounded by the strong historical influence of the Spanish while at the same time preserving the strong ties to the Mayan civilization. The brightly-colored homes rich in architectural detail make it seem as if the walls of museums and art galleries have spilled unto the streets.
Mexico is a country that is alive with a strong sense of tradition and history drawing from both the indigenous civilizations that first arrived to the territory and the Spanish influence that governs much of the culture today. These colonial cities in the Yucatan Peninsula are a true testament to the strong bonds that make Mexico so colorful, unique, and a pleasure to explore. Discover what is waiting for you in the Mexico Caribbean with Yucatan Holidays.
Stay tuned for the second part of our series as we explore the Yucatan Peninsula.
Kanche AC |Sustainable travel with Yucatan Holidays
Taking a vacation is not just about getting away, but about doing something special when you get there. With more than 190 countries to visit and a plethora of activities, choosing the perfect place for you comes down to a combination of options: the perfect hotel, location, and the unique experiences that a vacation can offer.
With all the great travel places found in Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect destination for a special getaway that’s right for you. Located about an hour away from Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Yucatan Holidays, in association with Kanché AC, offers the curious traveler an opportunity to experience the mystical Mayan culture in the present while at the same time helping to conserve the natural environment.
Founded in 2006, Kanché AC works toward the advancement of rural communities through sustainable development, alternative tourism, and education. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that uses profits generated by alternative tourism to invest in socially oriented projects that help the local community. Two major goals of the organization are to improve the conservation of the environment and to create an intercultural center to preserve the traditions and cultural attributes of the region.
The tours offered provide different options for all tastes—including swimming with whale sharks, getting to know the descendents of the Mayan culture, exploring the ecosystems and jungles, among others. The small size of the group tours is designed specifically to preserve the habitat and offer a personalized visit.
Kanché AC provides local communities with the tools to be self-sustained while, in the meantime, working to conserve the natural habitat and provide the sensible, responsible, and curious traveler with a unique vacation experience.
Make your next holiday a different experience planning your vacation with Yucatan Holidays and Kanché AC. For more information, send us an email to info@yucatanholidays.com or call: 1.800.658.3141 (from US) & 0.800.520.0436 (from UK) and start exploring.
Hacienda Tres Rios wins TripAdvisor Award|Yucatan Holidays
“Inspired by the millions of trusted traveler reviews and opinions on TripAdvisor.com, the Travelers’ Choice awards have once again highlighted the finest hotels in the world,” said Christine Petersen, Chief Marketing Officer for TripAdvisor.
Hacienda Tres Rios, the eco friendly and luxurious resort in the Riviera Maya was awarded a Traveler’s Choice Award 2010 by the well-known travelers website. Hacienda Tres Rios Resort is considered one of the Best Relaxation/Spa Hotels in the Caribbean and Mexico by many customers’ reviews on TripAdvisor website. Today, TripAdvisor Media has the largest travel community with over 36 million monthly visitors and about 15 million registered members.
Yucatan Holidays and Hacienda Tres Rios are committed to all of our guests, and we are very proud to receive such an important award, because our guests and visitors are the ones giving us such positive reviews and voting on our resort, staff, and services.
Elton John at Chichen Itza | Yucatan Holidays Packages
We will soon have the most important event of the year at Chichen Itza (sounds like “chicken pizza”). Sir Elton John, the English singer-songwriter, composer, and pianist, will perform on stage in front of the spectacular Kukulkan Pyramid, Saturday, April 3rd, 2010. The show promises to be an amazing experience at one of the most visited and renowned attractions in Mexico.
Last year, Sarah Brightman performed at Chichen Itza for only a few thousand lucky attendees. Since Chichen Itza is not a large venue, tickets are in demand for the Elton John concert. Regardless of ticket prices ($1,000 – $10,000 MXN Pesos), many of Elton John’s fans already have their tickets in hand.
Yucatan Holidays now offers you a chance to attend this fabulous concert. We’ve created three special vacation packages, so you too can enjoy the magic of Chichen Itza and the inspiration of Elton John’s songs. Follow the link below to book any of the packages designed for every budget (starting at only $135 USD per person)! Travel to this Mayan paradise, and experience an unforgettable vacation, while enjoying the notes of one of the most important musicians of our time.
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