Articles with the theme Vacation
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.
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!
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.
Cancun celebrates its 40th Anniversary
Under a bright, sunny day, Cancun is celebrating its 40th birthday today, April 20th, 2010.
Before becoming Mexico’s most important tourist destination, Cancun was a sleepy, fishing village with only three residents in Isla Cancun and 117 people in nearby Puerto Juarez.
This paradise on Earth was found after an extensive land search by the Banco de Mexico to begin Mexico’s tourism development. With a $27 million dollar investment, the Mexican government set its faith in this gorgeous location and funded the first nine hotels. The first Cancun hotel—now Temptation Resort—was built on Playa Blanca.
Today, Cancun operates more than 27,522 hotel rooms and offers hundreds of bars, restaurants, golf courses, marinas, eco parks, nightlife and perfect vacations.
Also known as “nest of snakes” in Mayan, Cancun celebrates 40 years of rich culture and traditions, Mexico’s impressive Mayan Ruins, luscious Yucatan Peninsula jungles and breathtaking Cancun beaches.
Join Yucatán Holidays in wishing Cancun a VERY happy birthday!
Yucatan Holidays Facebook Contest | The quest is about to begin
We have been looking for the perfect moment to show our gratefulness to our loyal followers in the different social media connections. We found that now was the right time and we decided to start with a Facebook contest. Although the details are a well-kept secret for now, I can say in advance that we are looking for 5 things:
A) Shout our Facebook Fans a noisy: THANK YOU!
B) Reach 2000 fans in our Facebook Fan Page (We are less than a hundred at this point)
C) Find the best TRAVEL WRITERS out there.
D) Give away 10 FREE* 5 days / 4 nights stay in Cancun.
E) Make sure more and more people around the World discover the natural beauties and rich history of the Riviera Maya, the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond.
So if you are not a fan already, join our FACEBOOK FAN PAGE and stay tuned for the details that are coming very soon.
*Accommodation only. Taxes may apply
Two of the best Mexican Football players visit Cancun
Ramon Morales (AKA Ramoncito Morales) and Javier Hernandez (AKA El Chicharito) two of the best players in the Mexican Football League spent the weekend in Cancun and stayed at the Royal Sunset Hotel in the Hotel Zone, where they enjoyed the newly recovered beaches.
Ramoncito Morales is currently a free agent but played a long time in the Mexican Guadalajara F.C. as the captain. El Chicharito, only 21 years old, is considered today one of the best players in Mexico; playing with the Guadalajara F.C. and the Mexico National Football Team, he recently became the first Mexican player to sign a contract with the Manchester United F.C, one of the best football clubs in the world.
If you want to visit Cancun, the Riviera Maya or any other destination in the Yucatan Peninsula like they did, just visit our website.
Yucatan Holidays and the Earth Hour 2010
Yucatan Holidays, looking to support local and international green initiatives, joined on Saturday, March 27th the Earth Hour pledge. We attended to the one of the better known all inclusive resorts on the Rivera Maya, the Hacienda Tres Rios, to take part in Earth Hour. With the collaboration of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the people of Sydney Australia, Earth Hour began in 2007. Since its conception, the last Saturday of every March has united cities and citizens around the globe in earth awareness. At exactly 8:30 pm, business, households and landmarks sink into darkness, shutting off all non-essential lights and appliances. Regardless of race, religion or political views, Earth Hour has become a way to unite the planet in this very important cause.
During this year’s annual Earth Hour, Yucatan Holidays and Hacienda Tres Rios invited all guests outside for a torch and fire lit Mayan show. The walkways were beautifully illuminated with candles as all lights of the resort were turned off and a host explained the ever increasing importance of this hour’s observation. Guests and other spectators sat in a semi-circle to watch a well performed Mayan drum and dance show depicting life of the ancient natives. The guests not only appeared to enjoy the show but expressed a deep appreciation of Hacienda Tres Rios’ participation in such an important cause. One may think that turning off the lights for an entire hour at such a grand resort would be an impossible task but, with poise, Hacienda Tres Rios and Yucatan Holidays accomplished their earth conscious mission.
Take a look at what happened!
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.
A quick guide to Playa del Carmen | Yucatan Holidays
The always busy Playa del Carmen is the perfect vacation spot for visitors looking for a relaxing and trendy atmosphere.
LOCATION: Playa del Carmen is about an hour south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula on the Caribbean coast of Mexico.
ABOUT: The name “Playa del Carmen” was given by the Spaniards in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patron saint of Cancun. The Mayan name of Playa is Xaman Ha, which means “waters of the north.” Most locals just call it “Playa.” It has a population of about 100,383 and it has become one of the fastest growing cities in Mexico.
TOURISM & TRADITION: It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Playa Del Carmen began to place itself among the ranks of Cancun and Cozumel as an important tourist destination. There are more than 70 hotels, small cabins, and luxury resorts throughout Playa. The city has an ordinance stating no building can exceed the 3-floors-limit, ensuring Playa conserves the sleepy fishing village and small town atmosphere that differs from Cancun’s busy lifestyle.
ARRIVING: There are two ways to arrive to Playa del Carmen: Cozumel International Airport and Cancun International Airport. In Cozumel, the ferry to Playa leaves every hour and will arrive to Playa in about 30 minutes. From Cancun, visitors have several different options to travel to Playa—taxis, colectivos—or communal vans, or charter buses. It takes about 30 minutes from the airport to get to Playa.
HOTEL ZONE: The tourist zone is considered 5th Avenue—La Quinta Avenida or La Quinta. The white sand beaches and blue, turquoise oceans of the Caribbean are just 500 meters from 5th Avenue. This cobbled stone pedestrian walkway is lined with shops, art, crafts, cafes, restaurants, and bars that fulfill a call for a diverse and international atmosphere.
TRANSPORTATION: Playa del Carmen is ideally built to walk just about anywhere with interesting, beautiful, or unique sight-seeing opportunities from your point of departure to your destination. Playa also offers all the comforts of a mayor city with taxis, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles to move around the city. For excursions to the archeological sites, Cozumel, Cancun, and other attractions, visitors and locals travel in colectivos, car rentals, ferries, and buses.
ATTRACTIONS: Shops, restaurants, and beaches are Playa’s most attractive attributes. This once-small fishing village offers the delights of a small town and pristine beaches with modern, cosmopolitan shops and restaurants. Located in the middle of the Riviera Maya, Playa is also close to the Mayan ruins of the region such as Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza. It is also a ferry away from Cozumel and 45 minutes away from Cancun.
LANGUAGE: The official language in Mexico is Spanish. Most of the people who work in tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula speak English. Playa del Carmen is visited mostly by Europeans while Cancun draws more visitors from the United States.
MONEY: The Mexican Peso is the official currency in Playa del Carmen. Exchange rates can vary, but has been steady at 13 USD. Some stores and restaurants accept US dollars, but offer a lower exchange rate. Exchange houses, banks, and even some hotels will offer the best exchange rates.
CLIMATE: With a sub-tropical climate, Playa del Carmen is almost always warm. The average temperature year round is about 27 C or 80F. This tropical climate offers great beach days and warm oceans. There is more rain during September and October and temperatures drops slightly during the winter months.
Passport needed to travel to Mexico | Yucatan Holidays
Visitors from Canada and the U.S. will now be required to present a valid passport when entering Mexico as part of the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
Mexican immigration authorities say the new measure, which began March 1st, is intended to unify documentation rules and travel procedures for all of North America. Travelers within 20 kilometers of the border, those who remain in the country for less than 72 hours, and those aboard cruise ships will be exempt from the new rule.
Around 95 percent of Canadians and 100 percent of U.S. citizens already travel with their passport as both countries require their citizens to present proof of citizenship upon their return. Non-citizens will need the same documents their country requires as proof of residency such as a permanent resident card or a refugee card.
Visitors to southern parts of Mexico like the Riviera Maya and those remaining in the country for more than 72 hours will require a tourist card and will be granted one when they arrive to Mexico.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was initiated by the U.S. government in response to 9/11 and has included several measures that have been instituted since 2007.
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