Articles with the theme Yucatan Peninsula

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – Something for Everyone

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what motivates people to travel. For some it’s discovery and an opportunity to interact with new cultures. For many others though, it’s the chance to escape the daily routine and venture into the truly exotic. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the few places that can offer both opportunities AND is an easy trip to make.

The Yucatan and the Riviera Maya are a traveler’s dream. If you love history and archeology like I do, this area offers a veritable treasure trove of opportunities to step back in time. One of my favorite side trips is a tour of Tulum, located in the heart of the Mexican Riviera.

One enters the Tulum compound through a small doorway and is immediately confronted with an expansive field, dotted with buildings and temples. A walk through these formidable relics is an amazing opportunity to gain a glimpse into what life was like for the original Mayan inhabitants. The heart of the community though is the coastal temple, facing the Caribbean and serving as a beacon, just as it did hundreds of years ago. Tulum is an easy trip from almost all of the Riviera Mayan hotels and is a not to miss site.

In addition to Tulum, modern culture is abundant throughout the Yucatan, especially in the restaurants of Playa del Carmen.

Typically known as a party town and a hotspot for young revelers, Playa has recently benefited from an influx of new residents who have brought some innovative and original culinary points of view with them.

One of my favorite trendy, new restaurants in Playa is Ula-Gula, located on 5th Ave between 10th & 12th Streets. The Ula-Gula menu is an eclectic fusion of Japanese and traditional Mexican food. The owners have a real commitment to freshness and locally sourced foods, as best exemplified in their fresh fruit martinis – the watermelon was my favorite.

For a real culinary adventure in the Yucatan though, a not to miss event is the Taste of Playa, this year taking place on November 21st.

Taste of Playa is a community based culinary festival set in the heart of the Riviera Maya. With inspiration drawn from the dreams of several local business owners, this event was conceived as a way to celebrate the extraordinary talents of chefs and restaurateurs who have chosen Playa del Carmen as their home and establish the Riviera Maya as a world class culinary destination. Although I won’t be able to fly down, it promises to be an amazing event.

Ultimately, this is why I love the Riviera Maya so much – for the unique ability of its ancient and modern history not only to coexist, but to thrive.

 

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About the Author

Matthew Long, Editor-in-Chief and creator of LandLopers.com , has a true passion for travel. As someone who has a bad case of the travel bug, Matt travels the world in order to share tips on where to go, what to see and how to do it all on a budget. Matt is a Lonely Planet Featured Blogger, as well as a contributor to many other travel sites. Matt’s new eBook Money Saving Travel Tips is an essential guide to traveling well and affordably. Contact Matt at Matt@LandLopers.com.

Mexico’s Celebration of Death: An Age-Old Tradition

 “The Mexican, in contrast, is familiar with death. (He) jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it. It is one of his favorite toys and his most steadfast love.” 
                                                                                                         Octavio Paz

If this quote demonstrates anything, it is that the Mexican culture has a unique and intimate relationship with death, a relationship not much of the rest of the world truly understands.

Dating back to pre-hispanic time, the native cultures that inhabited Mexico and Central America actively practiced a ritual that appeared to mock death. There relationship with fatality was not at all like the Europeans, a group of people that saw death as merely the end of life. For the natives, it was nothing more than a stage, a passage to something else.

Although the Spanish attempted to eradicate this ritual, among other practices, this particular practice survived and eventually became engrained into North and Central American Catholicism. It has been carried throughout many years and it is celebrated today.

November 1^st and 2^nd are the two days in which Mexico celebrates The Day of the Dead or Día de Muertos. Although it is celebrated about the same time as Halloween, Day of the Dead originates from a different notion. Halloween comes from an ancient Celtic celebration to ward off evil spirits that are trying to enter the natural world whereas Day of the Dead is merriment and honors and welcomes the spirits of loved ones that have passed. Those that celebrate Halloween wear masks and costumes to scare away the evil spits and those that celebrate Day of the Dead offer beautiful floral arrangements, sweets and food to the spirits in a much more hospitable manner.

The colors alone during Day of the Dead celebrations are beautiful but when it all comes together, the festivities, the smells, the sights and sounds; it is something every traveler must see at least once. A lot of skulls and skeletons are used as decorative purposes and to those of who are not familiar with this particular celebration, it can appear to be morbid. But the skeletal figures represent the mysteries and complexities of both death and birth and are not meant to be at all morose. Often the colors of purple, yellow, white, orange, red and pink are mixed together in all of the festivities décor and all colors carry a unique representation.

· Purple = pain, suffering and grief

· Yellow = Often represented in the flower, Marigolds, represent death and the petals are used to make paths to guide the souls home.

· White = Like many other cultures, white represents purity and hope.

· Red = The blood of life, something that sustains the human body and soul.

· Pink = celebration

Although it is celebrated in some areas of the United States and Central America, Day of the Dead is something that is primarily celebrated throughout the entire country of Mexico. From the northern-pacific regions of Baja California to the Yucatan Peninsula, November 1^st and 2^nd is an extraordinary time to visit, a time in which an age-old tradition comes to life in celebration of death in a very unique and joyful way.

 

YH Quick Giveaway Questions

1. Who is the author of the quote mentioned at the beginning of the post? Mention one book written by this author.

2. What American celebration is related to or similar to the Day of the Dead?

3. When do Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead?

4. Name the difference between the way Halloween and Day of the Dead is celebrated.

5. Share a personal opinion on the way Mexicans celebrate the dead. Do you like it or dislike it?

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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 theYucatan Peninsula, she finds inspiration in every person she meets and in the natural beauty which surrounds her. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

Mexico Airport Customs: Passing with Ease

You’ve made it to Mexico. After packing and spending hours spent in planes, trains and automobiles, all you can think about is getting to your final destination. It almost seems cruel to make you pass through immigration and customs. Well, unfortunately, somebody has to do it and that somebody is you, me…and everyone else on the planet.

Red light, green light, stop, go, is what people talk about when talking about going through customs in Mexico’s airports. With all the talk about lights and pushing buttons, nobody has really made it clear as to what it is all about. No, the magical button and flashing lights do not have the power to detect anything prohibited or illegal in your luggage. Instead, it is Mexico’s innovative way to randomly select passengers to double ensure that no prohibited products are crossing the border. Every passenger has to press a button. If the light is green, you are free to go. If it is red, your bags will be lightly searched.

Putting magical non-discriminating lights and buttons aside, getting through immigration and customs can be a pain. Here are a few tips on how to make it less painful:

A) Most American airlines pass out a slip for you to fill out for your FMM or tourist visa on the plane. Carry a pen with you and fill it out before landing. It will save you time in the airport.

B) Keep your passport and your piece of paper together at all times and make sure they are easily accessible. If you are anything like me, getting out of the airport as fast as possible is the mission.

C) If you are traveling with a partner or a group of people, divide the luggage up evenly when going through customs. That way if your partner gets the green light and you don’t; only half of your luggage will be searched.

D) No food! Dogs roam through the small city of luggage to sniff out anything illegal. Although they may be trained to find something a little more potent than a ham sandwich, a ham sandwich they will smell and it will stop them in their tracks. You will have to take time to remove it from your luggage.

E) Before leaving your country, determine EXACTLY what items are prohibited and what are not prohibited to carry into Mexico. The most commonly encountered and confiscated items include:

•              ° More than 3 liters of alcohol.
•              ° Large quantities of cigarettes and cigars.
•              ° Medicine for personal use- make sure you have a prescription.
•              ° Firearms – only with a permit from the Mexican consulate.

By following theses basic rules and doing adequate research before leaving, getting through Mexican customs will be a breeze.

Because exact rules and regulations regarding international travel can be vague, we want to know what questions you have regarding immigration and customs in Mexico’s international airports. Please post questions in comments. We will do our best to find you answer. Also, if you have a funny story regarding Mexico customs, we want to hear it.

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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.

Mexico Mayan Ruins of Coba: Traveling back in time

The enormity of a green, luscious jungle and the ruins of an ancient civilization are suddenly broken up by the imagination as you see a clear, open space and in the middle of it all a pyramid measuring 42 meters (138 feet) painted in bright red. Suddenly you are transported to a different time period centuries from now.

These temples in Coba in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula jungle were known to the ancient Mayans as “Houses of the Gods” where the deities would be called to Earth by the elite through rituals, hallucinogens, and self-inflicted pain.

The ancient Mayan community was attracted by the beauty of colors and decorated the buildings of the elite in a bright red that could be seen for miles away. The red represented blood. The jungles that are now toured by thousands of visitors were once clear spaces and open areas in the community.

Coba once spread over 80 square kilometers. Built between two lakes, the city is one of the most important archeological sites in the Yucatan Peninsula. The main pyramid—Nohoch Mul—stands 138 feet tall. On top it, a sea of green spreads over your vicinity as a certain peace spreads over you.

In the corners of its mysterious beauty, the jungle hides an estimated 6,000 structures that remain buried under centuries of thick jungle.

Right before climbing the amazing main pyramid in Coba, our tour guide from The Mayan Express summed up what archeologists have imagined Coba was when the ancient Mayans inhabited the land during the Classic Period (600-900 A.D.). This pre-education prepares us to enter the city with an open sense of understanding that enhances the experience of visiting Coba.

The ruins now stand as a testament of time, but the Mayan communities remain vibrant in the area. After descending the steep pyramid—a little exhausted and yet somehow rejuvenated—we head over to a Mayan ceramic shop to learn pottery making from Paco and Jorge. Paco and Jorge—two young children in this community—are learning techniques that have been lost for years and in that way preserve their culture. These works are then offered to visitors to help sustain these communities.

With this connection to the community, we are able to learn about the modern Mayan communities and their way of life, including the delicious traditional Mayan food.

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The Mayas are surrounded by legends of mysticism. These legends and beliefs have made this culture a fascinating aspect to explore. One of the legends tells of the twin brothers that fought the gods of the underworld in a game and won. As part of our visit, we descend into a dark pit of a cenote to the symbolic underworld to watch a Mayan show performed by the local community. The vibrant show is also part of the community’s efforts to showcase their heritage.

This ancient civilization has left us with an enormous treasure in history and tradition. The Mayan Ruins stand waiting for visitors to uncover its beauty. Although the Peninsula is sprinkled with archeological sites, Coba is an impressive must while visiting the region.

The Mayan Express Tour | Coba Sunset Mayan Show from Jorge Tejada on Vimeo.

View all the photos in our Coba Visit Gallery.

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About the Author

Pamela Acosta is a Mexican 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. Follow Pamela on Twitter.

Mexican Haciendas of Yucatan: History, Design and Photos.

Recognized for its rich cultural history, the Yucatan Peninsula is home to a number of cultural attractions for travelers, such as archaeological sites of ancient Mayan ruins, but another no-less spectacular attraction is the Mexican hacienda. These architectural treasures are exquisite constructions with important historical significance.

Hacienda History

In the 16th century, the haciendas were introduced to Mexico by Spanish royalty to reward the conquistadors and other nobility with confiscated land from the Indians. They operated similar to the southern plantations of the United States as a caste system: the masters were European "hacendados" (landowners), and the slaves were "indigenas" (Indians). Although not lucrative for the Indians, the haciendas were successful businesses.

Mexican haciendas became a major influence in Mexico’s economic and political culture for nearly four centuries. Governed as small towns each led by a "hacendado," a powerful man with widespread economic and political influence, these self-sustaining, rural communities were agricultural and livestock centers producing vegetables, fruit, and meat for trade.

Each hacienda focused primarily on one product common to the region. In the Yucatan, the primary agricultural crop was henequen, a type of agave plant. Sisal, a rope derived from henequen, grew so much in popularity in the 19th century that production became extremely fruitful. As a result of the high profitability from producing this rope, henequen was dubbed "oro verde" or "green gold."

Hacienda Design

Mexican haciendas were private estates consisting of a primary hacienda or main house, guest residence, servants’ quarters, stables, corrals, granaries, blacksmith forges, general stores, chapels, schools, and hospitals; they even wove cloth to make their own clothing. A single estate could be large enough to sustain nearly 1,000 people, including administrators, clerks, foremen, priests, teachers, and servants of Indian and mestizo (Spanish & Indian mix) descent.

As the haciendas flourished, they became symbols of wealth, evolving into refined architectural constructions designed with imported items from across the world. Based on Spanish colonial style, the Mexican haciendas exhibit simple, solid structures with fancy, Spanish Baroque decorations in a distinctive Mexican fashion which render them Mexican architectural treasures. Each hacienda has its own romantic yet rugged appeal, designed with pillars, arches, natural materials, and rich colors.

Unfortunately, the Mexican revolution resulted in the destruction of many haciendas between 1910 and 1920, although quite a few still exist in the Yucatan Peninsula today. Privately owned by the descendants of landowners, purchased by independent Mexican citizens, or abandoned in the jungles, several of these haciendas are open to the public for tours. Many are found near Merida, the capital city of Yucatan, Mexico, since this is a former Spanish colonial town and cultural center of the Yucatan. As a fascinating part of Mexican history, be sure to include a tour of the Mexican haciendas on your next trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

Yucatan Haciendas

                                            Hacienda Sotuta de Peon

                                                   Hacienda Yaxcopoil

                                                        Hacienda Ochil

                                                     Hacienda Uayalceh

                                                           Hacienda Teya

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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.

Baby Sea Turtles Go Wild in Cancun

It is that time of the year again in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, sea turtles hatch from their eggs and waddle rapidly out of their sandy nests and into the water. A small group of us writers, photographers and turtle lovers were lucky enough to witness it first hand.

Upon arrival, we all thought that we were simply going to release previously hatched turtles, pat them on their tiny shells and wish them luck. We were wrong. Within a blocked off area, designated solely to turtle nests in Cancun’s hotel zone, hundreds more of them were born right before our eyes. We were simply standing nearby observing the nest and throwing around some sea turtle fun facts when a bunch of these adorable little creatures made their rapid escape from the sandy earth. It was like a turtle fountain! They just kept coming and coming and coming until we had two larges boxes full of them almost ready to release.

Some of the sea turtles were not quite ready to be set free. Just newly hatched, warm and sandy, their tiny umbilical cords were still exposed which made them very vulnerable to predators. So those little squirts are waiting it out a night before they are sent to sea. If you are already in the Mexico Caribbean for the turtle hatching season or will be next year, here are some important things to remember while observing them.

· If you are lucky enough to witness a female sea turtle lay eggs, keep your distance and do not take photos with flash.

· When the baby sea turtles hatch, keep quite, don’t use light and simply observe.

· Only handle sea turtles with the proper authorization. Never try it on your own. They are simply too vulnerable of a species.

· Do not release them directly into the water. Let them find their way. If they waddle in the wrong direction, simply turn them around.

 

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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 onTwitter.

Congratulations to Mexico on its Bicentennial!

September may be the beginning of the winter holiday season, but it also marks a special Independence Day holiday in Mexico. This year, on September 16, Mexico celebrates 200 years of freedom from Spanish rule and 100 years since the end of the Mexican Revolution. It will be an exciting occasion with many commemorative festivals and events. In honor of this monumental occasion, let’s take a brief look back…

History of Mexican Independence

Before present-day Mexico existed, pre-Columbian Mesoamerica was inhabited by Aztecs and other Indian civilizations until Spanish conquerors claimed it as New Spain in 1521. Spain’s oppression and tyranny continued for centuries until, on September 16, 1810, the Catholic priest Father Miguel Hidalgo, from Dolores, spurred the natives to action with his Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores) in a revolt that lasted one year and ultimately evolved into the Mexican War of Independence.

Another Catholic priest, Father Jose Maria Morelos, continued the cause after Hidalgo’s execution, and paved the way to independence by establishing the first proclamation of separation from Spanish rule, granting equal rights to all Mexicans in November 1813, with the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America. Morelos shared the same fate as Hidalgo, who became known as the father of Mexico, and Morelos, as a national hero.

After winning the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, the Treaty of Cordoba, formalizing Mexican independence from Spain, was signed in August. In September 1821, the final document, the Declaration of Independence of the Mexican Empire, pronouncing Mexico as an independent nation, was signed in Mexica (once part of the Aztec empire), which is where the country’s name originated; "Mēxihco" in the Aztec Nahuatl language later evolved into "México" in Spanish.

Officially named the United Mexican States (Estados Unidos Mexicanos), this beautiful country honors its independence and bicentennial on September 15-16, 2010.

Bicentenario Celebrations in Mexico

Traditional Independence Day festivities are held throughout Mexico each year on September 15-16, but in 2010, there will be extra fanfare for its bicentennial, celebrating 200 years of hard-won independence from Spain. Starting in early September, cities and towns are bedecked with Mexican flags in green (symbolizing independence), white (religion), and red (union) and other decorations in the same color scheme.

Celebrations begin on the eve of Independence Day, September 15, when citizens enthusiastically gather together in zocalos (town squares) across Mexico, drinking cervezas (beer) while awaiting the official commencement of the holiday. Around 11:00 p.m., local politicians ring a symbolic liberty bell and re-enact Hidalgo’s "grito," a patriotic speech calling for Mexicans to unite, and the crowd responds: "Viva Mexico" and "Viva la independencia!" Afterwards, fireworks and patriotic music fill the air as Mexicans sing their national anthem.

The merriment continues on Independence Day with parades, carnivals, rodeos, bullfights, folkloric dancing, mariachi music, and indulgence in Mexican food and cervezas. Festivals consist of the customary singing, dancing, and comedy skits, including some special events for the bicentenario, such as outdoor entertainment, cultural demonstrations, art exhibitions, film screenings, museum re-openings, and admission to newly restored archaeological sites.

As with most things Mexican, this occasion will be celebrated with gusto. This year’s Independence Day holiday and bicentenario offer travelers a unique opportunity to honor national values that not only Mexico, but much of the world, value − liberty and unity − which makes a vacation in Mexico this September extraordinary.

¡Viva la libertad! (Long live freedom!)

Original article: Jim In Cancun.

Mexican Beer 101| Beyond Corona

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy-
Benjamin Franklin

The smell of coconut suntan lotion surrounds your senses as the warm Caribbean sun makes your skin tingle. A beautiful white sand beach and blue turquoise ocean sprawls in front of you as you take a sip of that chilled light bodied pale lager.

Although this is the image we have come to associate with Mexican beer, there’s more than meets the eye … and more to fill your taste buds.

Mexican Beer: Yesterday and Today

Beer around the world and in Mexico has a long history. Even before the Spaniards arrived, Mesoamerican cultures were familiarized with fermented alcoholic beverages.

As for today, there are two major brewing companies in Mexico: Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma.

Grupo Modelo is the biggest brewing company in Mexico and is based in Mexico City. Their brands include Tecate, Sol, Dos Equis, Carta Blanca, Superior, Indio, Bohemia and Noche Buena.
Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma is the older of the two companies and is based in Monterrey, with breweries in several other cities throughout Mexico. Their brands include Corona, Corona Light, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, Victoria, Estrella, Leon, Montejo and Pacifico.

Beer: In Numbers

Mexico ranks third in global exports of beer. The Mexican beer industry is one of the country’s most prolific economies with 63 percent of the domestic population consuming one or more of the brands. The Mexican beer industry employs 90,000 people and 800,000 jobs indirectly.

Corona—flagship beer of Grupo Modelo—is one of the five most consumed beers in the world, available in more than 150 countries. Corona is the best known and most popular beer in the United States. It is also the best selling non-domestic beer in both the U.S. and U.K.

Both Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc combined have seventeen plants located throughout eleven states with a capacity of 46 million hectoliters annually. The breweries support 92 centers of barley production in Mexico.

Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc send more than 80 percent of its exports to the United States. Mexico displaced Holland in 2003 as the worldwide leader in beer sales by volume, selling 1.39 metric tons, with sales, primarily to the U.S. continuing to increase.

Drinking Habits in Mexico

Whether the beer is dark and strong or light and mild, Mexican beer is meant to be drunk cold.

Most beer in Mexico is sold in 325ml bottles called “medias,” with some popular brands selling their products in aluminum cans. In some cases, Mexico sells bottled beer in returnable bottles, the deposit can be almost the price of the beer itself.

Another important part of Mexican beer culture is the “caguama.” This slang term refers to beer bottled in large bottles of 925 or 940ml. This type of bottle was first introduced in Mexico in 1960 along with the six-pack and is only available on certain brands of beer. The six-pack in Mexico is referred to as a “six.” Very little beer in Mexico is served on tap.

Although the lime-wedge is not common in other parts of Mexico besides the sunny beach towns, beer in Mexico does often come in cocktail. This beer cocktail is called a michelada. It consists of a light beer with a generous quantity of lime juice, salt and can include chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or tomato juice. Another, less common version of the drink adds Clamato (clam/tomato juice). The name “michelada” comes from the phrase “mi chela helada” (my beer, ice cold).

Beer in the Yucatan

The Leon and Montejo brands were originally brewed in Merida, Yucatan. Leon is a Munich-style dark beer, which was initially brewed at the beginning of the 20th century in the southeast of the country. Montejo was first introduced in 1960 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Yucateca brewery. This local brewery was bought by Modelo in 1979 and its packaging changed in the 90s.

Pamela´s Top 5 Beer Picks

1. Pacifico
It was born in Mazatlan, in the northeastern coast of Mexico in 1900. This light and highly refreshing pilsner is one of the top Mexican exported beers today.
2. Victoria
One of the most traditional and old beers in Mexico. Under the tagline: “The beer   of Mexico,” it was first brewed in 1865. This pilsner-Vienna beer has an amber color and a unique taste that makes it favorite among locals and tourists.
3. Corona
Corona beer is the Mexican celebrity. It’s sold in 159 countries in the 5 continents and it’s one of the top selling beers in the world. With a mild flavor and a very light color, this pilsner is one of those you have to try.
4. Noche Buena
It took its name from the Mexican traditional Christmas flower, Nochebuena (known as the Poinsettia in US & Canada). Exquisite bock beer (strong body, malty taste with some caramel and chocolate in it) that you can only find it from mid-October to January.
5. Montejo
Pilsner type beer, light but with an exquisite taste. If you visit Yucatan, is definitely one of the beers you want to try.

Which one is YOUR favorite Mexican beer? We want to know! Please leave your Mexican beer picks in the comments below.

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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.

The Whale Shark Adventure | Cancun – Isla Mujeres

If you visit Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Holbox or Isla Mujeres take one day off the beach and wake up early to enjoy one of the most exciting adventures. Join our expert tour guides for the unique experience of swimming with WHALE SHARKS; season is coming to an end next month!
Do you have an underwater camera? Don’t forget to bring it or get one for less than $20 USD! If you want to see all the photos, click in our Whale Shark Adventure Photo Album.

Have you ever image to swim with the biggest fish on earth? Will you do it? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We want to know!

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:

• 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.

 

 

• 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.