Jhye asked:


It is routine to stopover at Mexico on a cruise ship as many sightseers prefer this route to the engaging and culturally enriched city of Mexico. The blend of a lavish cruise and day trip excursion can be just as enchanting if not more enjoyable than air travel. As cruise liner frequently makes embarkation to the coast of Mexico, you can discover the mystified and fascinating culture in the land of folklore.

The cruise can comprise swimming with the dolphin as well as excursion to the ancient Mayan ruins. An international passport is necessary to tour Mexico. Passport is required for embarkation as well as shore visits. When you decide to travel by means of cruise liner, packing light is necessary and do not bring all your valuables when on the vessel. Even though there are in-house safe to keep valuables, avoid bringing lots of cash and credit cards.

Peso is the currency of Mexico and you can do the exchange before setting foot on the shores. Besides, all whatever is incurred on the ship can be levied to the credit card. It is better to be safe than sorry and do not carry surplus cash in a handbag but keep it close to your body.

Check with the guides for any risky places that you need to avoid when you disembark from your cruise ship. The tour guides can be helpful on an excursion along the shores and they can recommend out of ordinary and thrilling places for your exploration.

Keep yourself healthy before the travel and practice good sanitary hygiene on board to avoid contracting any diseases and getting yourself sick. Any illness that might befall you will only ruin a good holiday plan. The choices are aplenty when it comes to choosing a cruise liner that caters to all your needs. They offer different themes at varying times of the year and accommodate every type of vacation seekers ranging from the romantic getaway to family-oriented tour.

The choices are many and the hardest part is to choose one given that most of the choices are attractive. Going on a cruise ship to Mexico combines the opulence of 5-star hotel with a tour to culturally enriching remote land. Cruising is a safe way to tour Mexico as well as eye-opening jaunt and expedition to meet the friendly people and rich history of the beautiful land. Retreat to Mexico on a cruise ship can be one of the most satisfying holidays one can envisage.

Michael Christodoulou asked:


Green is a word we constantly hear on a daily basis, and for a very valid reason. With all the environmental challenges that affect our planet, governments, companies and consumers are becoming more and more aware of the issues and the many ways to improve our current situation.

We all know that the Travel Industry is rapidly growing and at the same time changing. The impact it leaves on the tourist destinations and the planet in general is up to us and you, the travel consumer.

As a Destination Management Company, we at Olympus Tours are committed to promote and respect the most valuable assets Mexico has to offer: from the amazing diving in Cozumel, the spectacular turquoise waters and archeological sites of the Mayan Riviera and newly renovated Cancun, to Mexico City’s architecture and culture, and all the way to the perfect combination of Vallarta’s green mountains overlooking the Pacific, to the breathtaking sunsets of Los Cabos.

The following are some of the practices we implement as an Ecotourism and Sustainable tourism conscious company:

• Spread the financial benefits amongst local people and suppliers.

• Provide employment and leadership opportunities for local people.

• Respect and most importantly promote local customs and culture.

• Provide safe trips for our guests.

• Limit the physical impact of trips in all destination communities-particularly sensitive natural and cultural environments.

• Provide support to organizations and local communities.

• Promote opportunities for guests to interact with local people.

• Discourage the participation of our guests in activities which exploit animals – wild or domestic.

• Work to prevent the exploitation of children in tourism.

• Support and encourage fair employment practices.

• Promote activities and excursions with suppliers that share our philosophy on Social Responsibility – most of Riviera Maya tours, and some of Cancun tours offered are focused on Ecotourism.

• Recommend hotels and establishments with green practices – most of the hotels in Playa del Carmen and in general Riviera Maya hotels are eco-friendly.

• Recycle everything possible in all our offices through out Mexico

• Reduce energy consumption in all our offices.

We invite you to make a positive contribution to the sustainable future of travel, the environment, and local cultures and economies around the world.

make a difference:

be aware and respectful of the culture and traditions of the place you are visiting, as well as be conscious of how you can help protect any endangered species in the region you are vacationing. Here are some tips you might want to consider:

• Buy locally made souvenirs

• Help preserve local wildlife and habitats – do not damage flowers, plants or coral, and do not buy products made from endangered plants or animals.

• Do not have pictures taken of your self with animals of endangered species under captivity for commercial purposes such as monkeys, parrots and other exotic species.

• Use water wisely – showers instead of baths, and inform hotel staff if you are happy to re-use towels and linen rather than have them changed daily.

• Save energy – always turn off air conditioning, lights and TVs when not in use.

• Learn about the culture and customs of the areas you visit.

• Be sensitive about the cultural differences – in some cases very significant – of the locals

* What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a type of Sustainable tourism that emphasizes conserving nature and improving the lives of local people in rural and wilderness areas.

** What is Sustainable Tourism?

Sustainable tourism is not just limited to areas of ecological significance, but actively aims to reduce negative impacts in general for urban, rural, and wilderness areas. Sustainable tourism looks at the needs of the present, but also focuses on current actions that can reduce negative impacts in the long run. It promotes economic viability, socio-cultural sensibility, and environmental sustainability at destinations of natural and cultural significance in both mass tourism and various niche tourism segments.

stevemccrea asked:


About four hours northwest of Mexico City, a mile above sea level, is a quaint collection of 64 city blocks surrounded by a typical Mexican town:  roosters, noisy trucks, music and church bells peeling throughout the day.  The air is dry, the temperature hits 70 degrees F every day (it might start near freezing, but it warms up in the winter; in July you’ll always have a cool breeze in the evening) and 16,000 gringos from north of the border make up 16 percent of the town.  Named for a patriot who helped in the fight for liberation in 1810, the town is protected from development by strict rules that keep the exteriors of the homes looking the way it did a hundred years ago.

Have you heard enough to want to know how to spend a vacation here?

The FOUR DAY Schedule (make one of these days on TUESDAY for the market)

Day 1 — arrive, get picked up byMario, who talks for an hour about the culture.  Walk into town and get a copy of ATENCION.  Find an activity (such as talking with locals on Tues. and Thurs 5-6:30 pm)

Dinner: San Francisco Cafe, Jardin

Day 2 — MARKET DAY Tuesday

Look for “Mesa de Plata” (the silver table) and look for the silver haired guy.   LUNCH: El Buen Cafe

Afternoon: real estate tour with Gaby Cabello Rivas or one of Gaby’s colleagues.  Email her at 
JIlda” title=”mailto:jizame@hotmail.com

JIlda”>jizame@hotmail.com

JIlda ZAvala Tour guide

Snack: San Agustin, Mesones, owned by Margarita, a TV and ilm star who lives in Mexico City.

Dinner:  10-10-Pie, El Buen Cafe or Pegaso

Day 5 — Time to leave.  Call Mario.  Keep lots of video tape or digital space available to record Mario’s every sentence!

Summary

Many call this the “heart of Mexico” — with good reason.  The conspirators who plotted to overthrow the rulers of the country did their planning in this area.

Retirees from other countries (mostly the USA) make up one-sixth of the central city’s population (around 80,000).  The total metropolitan area is around 115,000.  You can live close to the suburban lifestyle in the USA (drive to a mall and place groceries in a car, drive home into a garage and walk 50 feet to a refrigerator).  You can also live like people do in Venice, without a car and shopping at a local market.

Restaurants: lunch for two under $10

Dinner for two under $28 at Pegaso in Centro (near the Jardin).

What to do

You can take art courses at the Instituto Allende or look at real estate for sale in the “Golden corridor” north of the city.  You could take a tour on the trolley bus or take a cooking class and learn some local recipes.  You could even give free English lessons at the local school – get to meet some of the locals while you are there.  It’s better than hanging out at an Internet Cafe.  Get to know the locals at the Public Library (biblioteca publica).

GETTING THERE

You can fly into Mexico City and then to a nearby city (Queretaro QTO or Leon BJX).

Or you can fly to Houston and then south to BJX or QTO.  Before you fly, reserve a driver to pick you up –   Call Angelica tours at 52 415 152 6305 and ask for Mario.

Where to Stay

We tried Hacienda de las Flores.  Delightful location, sweet dog (the gordita Coquette) and friendly staff.  Ask for the TV room and you’ll be able to catch the morning shows on satellite:  NBC, ABC and CBS, plus CNN.  Rooms have basic cable.   Delicious eggs for breakfast.

Helpful Links

PortalSanMiguel.com

InternetSanMiguel.com

SanMiguelOnline.com

SanMiguelGuide.com

SanMiguelArtists.com

MexOnline.com

AngelicaTours.com, ask for MarioTransportation from the airport

Francisco Marquez #33

Col. Independencia

C.P.37732

Office: (415) 1526305

Mobile: 4151535067

Toll free number: 1.877.446.0721

TIPS

Get a good map.

Take the tour of the city with Mario (AngelicaTours.com, but the web link is not reliable)

Steve McCrea, a travel DVD producer, wrote this article for Roadlovers.com, a travel portal.  His DVD about San Miguel de Allende is available through Filmbaby.com.

Alvin Starkman asked:


Alvin Starkman  M.A., LL.B.



Introduction



This 2,000 kilometer driving tour serves the needs of vacationers to Oaxaca who also want to take in the sights in central Chiapas, as well as those who want to at least consider visits to the Pacific coastal resorts in Oaxaca and the Gulf beaches and cultural sights in the state of Veracruz … all without foreclosing a side trip to Puebla. The south central circuit of Mexico provides travelers with a leisurely and culturally diverse driving segment within the context of a two or three week vacation, with virtually no backtracking. 

 

For this particular trip, our first day took us from Oaxaca to Tuxtla de Gutiérrez, then to Chiapa de Corzo.  After visiting the impressive lookouts at the Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero the following morning, we carried on to San Cristóbal de las Casas where we spent two days in the city and visiting nearby villages.  The following morning we drove to Agua Azul, and then on to Palenque, touring the ruin the following morning.  That afternoon we continued through Tabasco, then Veracruz, spending our final night at Orizaba.  Our sojourn concluded with a return home to Oaxaca, via Puebla.  As a result of personal time constraints the excursion lasted only six days.  It easily could have been extended by a week or more, taking in many additional sights and cities.  Accordingly, while we saw many of the highlights noted in the tour books, a close examination of all that is available is highly recommended, in particular for those with time to spare.

 

For most of the drive the highways were excellent.  We passed through 14 toll booths and nine military checkpoints, at the latter having been stopped, questioned and required to pop the trunk, only once.   We did experience, however, one disturbing incident involving state police, in Acayucan, Veracruz, noted as an Addendum.  It convinced us to deviate from our otherwise steadfast rule against night-time driving.  

 

Distinct from Oaxaca, in Chiapas there is signage encouraging drivers to use the paved, wide, right hand shoulder; warning that physical abuse of women is met with jail time; cautioning that the fine for littering is ninety times your (daily) wage; and along many stretches of two lane highway there are small home-made signs indicating where gasoline is for sale (from householders; sometimes in plastic 10 or 20 liter containers out front as your notification).  In addition, one encounters checkpoints aimed at regulating and policing the transport of animals.

 

Oaxaca to San Cristóbal de las Casas

  

The drive from Oaxaca to San Cristóbal takes about 8.5 hours, but is best done in two segments, with an overnight, assuming you want to visit more than one sight en route.

 

As you leave Oaxaca for the drive towards Mitla along Highway 190, fill up with gas, since there are lengthy stretches of highway without stations after you turn off and head towards the coast.  You’ll approach that first interchange after close to a half hour of proceeding along straight, essentially flat highway.  Take the 190 cut-off to Tehuantepec / Matatlán.  After about five kilometers of rolling hills, you’ll reach the “world capital of mezcal,” Matatlán, with production facilities and shops peppering the roadsides for about three kilometers.   The billowing smoke is from deep pits being readied for baking agave, and to a lesser extent the stills fueled with firewood. 

 

For the next hour and a half you’ll be climbing, at times considerable inclines, then descending into fertile river valleys, along curvy, well-paved yet at times repaired highway. If you hadn’t filled up for gas earlier, do so just beyond the first military checkpoint, an hour into the drive, at San Pedro Totalapan.

 

The predominant vegetation is agave under cultivation — occasionally on the steepest of hillsides — and mixed brush, with pole cactus and palm interspersed.  Towns are encountered, with small stores, restaurants, pharmacies, mechanic shops, and even a guest house at about the two hour mark, in San José de Gracia.  In the area around El Camarón you’ll one again encounter a few fábricas de mezcal.

 

Your final descent towards the coast begins at about three hours into the drive, when you’ll finally find yourself speeding along straight-aways.  Once you reach Marilú, you’ll feel you’re in the tropics, with signs offering fresh fish (mojarra) and cold coconut milk. 

You’ll then have the option of heading up the coast to Huatulco, or down towards Salina Cruz, Juchitán and Tehuantepec.  

 

The new toll road to Chiapas, along Highway 200, has an interchange which can potentially create a bit of confusion.  At kilometer 240 of the trip, more or less, you’ll encounter a traffic circle with signs which do not assist in terms of reaching your destination.  Take the exit which includes the words María Romero, and then ask to ensure that you have the right highway.  Traffic and pedestrian activity, at least as of early 2009, are sparse.  You’ll be heading towards La Ventosa, so when you see a sign so directing you, you’ll know you’re on the right road.  At about four hours into your trip, near kilometer 270 of your day’s drive, you’ll pass through the La Ventosa toll booth, with clean washrooms and a gas station close by.  From this point, until your arrival at Tuxtla, you’re home free.

 

For the next 60 kilometers you’ll be driving across flat winding plains.  There’s a stretch of 15 kilometers with two sets of large white windmills, very unusual and impressive to the eye, the second set with power generating equipment apparent. There are thereafter a couple of provisional checkpoints along sections of new, and then old and badly pot-holed road in the process of being repaved.

 

Your arrival at San Pedro Tapanatepec follows along good highway traversing mango orchards, with a bit of ranching.  In town you’ll find a gas station, Banamex, etc.  After passing through the next military checkpoint, once again you’ll begin your climb into the mountains, arriving in Chiapas approximately six hours into the drive. 

 

The approach to Tuxtla is uneventful, marked by continuing periods of ascent and descent, stretches of plains, and traveling through a couple of small cities. Upon arriving you’ll encounter a traffic circle, easy enough to navigate.  You are not required to enter the city, but rather, will be traversing a number of  overpasses in the course of about 20 minutes.  You’ll be passing high above and to the left of the city, then descending towards the fork in the road leading you to Chiapa de Corzo.  Note that the cut – off is not well marked, so when you see the choice to veering to the right or left, turn off to the right. 

 

The two main attractions which you may find at Tuxtla and / or Chiapa de Corzo are the zoo and the Cañon del Sumidero.  Both are easily accessible via Chiapa de Corzo, but could require a bit of backtracking.  The advantage of staying in Chiapa de Corzo is that it’s quaint, you do not have to enter the metropolis of Tuxtla de Gutiérrez, and it makes for an easy morning beginning for a boat tour of the canyons.  However, if you wish to take the boat trip as opposed to driving through the national park, you may have to wait an hour or two in the morning until there are sufficient tourists to fill up one of the many waiting vessels. It all depends on the time of year in terms of level of tourism.  We arrived at the docks shortly after the 8 am opening, only to be told that we’d likely have to wait at least an hour.  We therefore hopped back in the car and drove to the lookouts in the Parque Nacional Cañon del Sumidero.  The site, via boat or drive, should not be missed. 

 

The highway from Tuxtla to San Cristóbal de las Casa is perhaps the best quality stretch of roadway and most pleasant to navigate on the whole trip. Unfortunately the drive takes only about 35 minutes.  It begins immediately after you pass through the toll booth as you leave Chiapa de Corzo.  Almost all of the drive is ascent with easy curves.  You’ll descend to San Cristóbal over the final five minutes of the brief ride.  “Must” visits while in the area of San Cristóbal, preferably with a guide notwithstanding that you’ll have your own vehicle, include Chamula and Zinacantán. 

 

San Cristóbal to Palenque

  

Although along the basically good, two-lane highways descending from San Cristóbal to Palenque there are several homes and businesses offering gasoline for sale, and at Ocosingo you’ll find gas stations, it’s best to fill up as you leave San Cristóbal.  Don’t worry about your departure time, since with stops en route you’ll probably be too late to take the tour of the ruin, and in any event it’s best to visit the site during the early morning hours before the afternoon sun and heat preclude enjoying your visit to the maximum.  Without stops, the trip takes about 4.5 hours, over the course of about 200 kilometers.

 

About 11 kilometers into the drive you’ll find a cut-off to the left, onto highway 186 to Ocosingo.  Take it, even though there is no sign for Palenque or Agua Azul.  Notwithstanding several ascents, you’ll gradually descend  into the hot jungle environment characterizing  Palenque, a stark contrast to the relatively cold climate of San Cristóbal you’ve just left

 

You’ll pass through pine forests and lumber mills, ranches, quaint roadside eateries, and stalls offering local produce for sale.  At about 65 kilometers into the day’s drive, a “don´t miss” stop is at one of the two or three amber outlets, in an area where the mineral is mined and then worked into predominantly silver accented jewelery.  If you’re in the market for amber, wait until your arrival here.  You will have likely visited the Amber Museum in San Cristóbal, so by the time you’ve reached these workshops you will have learned how to detect the real thing from the glass and plastic imitations.  These stalls boast true amber, and for the asking you’ll be shown pieces in the rough, how to identify the fakes, and how raw amber is fashioned into fine jewelery.

 

On the approach to Ocosingo you’ll have an opportunity to also stop at craft and coffee outlets.  In the course of the decent you’ll encounter cultivated bromiliads used as impressive garden borders, and produce changing to tropical varietals such as bananas, coconut palms, sugar cane, and perhaps surprisingly, still some corn. 

 

Almost immediately you’ll then begin to encounter more switchbacks and peaks and valleys, with once again a net descent into a lush, green forest environment with streams, waterfalls and even a water park and an ecotourism site.  After the military checkpoint just over 100 kilometers into the drive, your descent will be characterized by predominantly straight-aways for close to 40 kilometers as you arrive at the cut – off to the left, for Agua Azul, another “must” on your trip.  Don’t be surprised to find that you have to pay two separate tolls or entrance fees.  In the parking area, you’ll be asked by a youngster if he / she can guard your car.  We declined.  Later we found that our car aerial had gone missing. Give the kid 10 or 20 pesos, both here and at Palenque. 

 

The ride from Agua Azul to Palenque takes about two hours.  A few kilometers into the drive you’ll pass through a stretch of stalls on both sides of the highway, selling hand embroidered skirts, blouses, dresses and shirts.  From here on, until Palenque, the highway descends, with easy curves and lengthy straight-aways, featuring corn, sugar cane and plantain.

 

Get an early start to your day at the ruin.  The gates to the park open at 7:30 am, with tickets to the site available for purchase at 8 am.  You can secure a guide while waiting to buy tickets.  Suggest that you wait for a group of about eight people to make the cost more reasonable. You’ll be given a per person rate on the basis of eight or ten in the group.   In our case, the guide decided to take us for his per person rate for eight, with only six of us, presumably anticipating that it would take a fair bit of time to get the other two, and preferring to finish the tour before the hottest time of the day … or perhaps anticipating being able to fit in another tour if he finished with us early enough.  

 

Palenque to Orizaba, or other stopovers in Veracruz

  

If you intend to spend the night in Córdoba or Orizaba, you might want to consider leaving Palenque early the following morning because of the driving time involved.  Of course if you intend to head to the city of Veracruz, another plan might be in order.  Between Palenque and Orizaba you’ll encounter at least three cut – offs leading to Veracruz, and at one point you’ll only be about 50 kilometers away from the city.

 

Choose carefully from your various lodging options, if for no other reason than to reduce the likelihood of encountering the problem which beset us … feeling compelled, at dusk, to change our plan regarding where to spend the night, and as a result having little choice but to drive at night, not the optimum way to enjoy any trip through Mexico.

 

Leaving Palenque along route 186 you’ll immediately encounter palm and sugar cane under cultivation as well as cattle, on both sides of a good, two lane highway with flat curves and straight-aways.  After about 25 kilometers, immediately after passing through your first checkpoint you’ll turn left.  During 2009, the highway was being converted from one lane in each direction, to a lane and a half, quite common throughout southern Mexico.  As noted earlier, this wide shoulder is perfectly legal to drive on, and in fact speeds up traffic flow as long as drivers are prepared to yield to the right. Aside from this construction, the highways for the rest of the trip back to Oaxaca, or to Puebla, are excellent. 

 

Within an hour or so the highway will be solid four lane, minimum.  It will be basically toll road for the rest of the journey.  About 125 kilometers into the day’s trip you’ll have the option of staying at an impressive Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, easily visible from the highway. Just before that complex you’ll see a large underpass where there’s a gas station. About 25 kilometers further, as you enter Villahermosa, take the Cárdenas cut off and proceed along highway 180.  You’ll be continuing along a highway with plantations of bananas, coconuts and sugar cane, and fields of familiar tropical flowers.  Consider a brief stop at La Venta, a small town known for its Olmec ruin.  But the site closes at 4 pm, so keep that in mind if interested in a visit to the site. 

 

After about a half hour, roadway curves will once again begin, and less crops will be apparent, now with more herds grazing.  You’ll pass through river plains and over a large suspension bridge.  Based upon the recommendation of at least one tour book, we had planned to spend the night in Acayucan, Veracruz, but as noted earlier felt compelled to continue on to Orizaba, after dark (see Addendum).  The saving grace, at least in our minds, was somewhat of a comfort in passing through four toll booths over the next 2.5 hours, between Acayucan and our ultimate stop for the night, Orizaba.  The cut – offs  are clearly marked and leave little room for error.  From Acayucan, just continue along the highways marked for one or more of Puebla, Mexico City, Oaxaca, since it’s well after Orizaba that you’ll actually be turning off for Oaxaca. 

 

For those interested in floriculture, plants, cactus and succulents, consider a stopover at Fortín de Las Flores, perhaps as a taking – off point for a diversion to Veracruz.  Córdoba is a reasonable option for spending the night, close to Fortín de Las Flores, and with many more hotel options as well as daytime sights.  But Orizaba also has a number of interesting options worthy of consideration for a stopover, and a visit to its tourist office makes for a good start for a short, pleasant visit to the city before continuing on to Oaxaca.  

 

 

Orizaba to Oaxaca

  

The drive from Orizaba to the Oaxaca / Puebla interchange is extremely scenic, climbing dramatically for all but the final few minutes. The snow-capped peak of Orizaba is particularly impressive.  You’ll pass by areas of large, ornamental agave, used as property boundary lines.   Simply follow the signs indicating Puebla / Mexico for about 30 – 40 minutes, until you finally see the Oaxaca cut – off, at which point you’ll either carry on to Puebla, or return to Oaxaca. 

 

The home stretch of your journey should take about 2 ½  hours, without stops other than to rest and gas up.  However, there are couple of worthwhile sights to consider.  Unless you want to spend time in Tehuacan, your first stop will be at the onyx / marble village of San Antonio Texcala.  Take the second Tehuacan exit (after the Tehuacan toll booth), onto highway 125 leading to Huajuapan.  After 6 km you’ll arrive at the village, with several factory outlets where you can by almost anything into which onyx and marbel can be shaped — tequila sets, plates, sinks, lamps, tables, bowls, boxes, unicorns, fish, hash pipes, and of course a number of diverse ornaments with religious imagery.  Prices are about half of what you’ll pay elsewhere.

 

Next is the Museo de Agua, or water museum, actually a misnomer because it is so much more.  Take the well-marked next exit after your return to the toll road, for Sangabriel and Chilac.  There will also be signage for the museum. You’ll be given a tour (in Spanish) in the main building, and of the outside surrounding landscapes.  You’ll learn how progress is being made to teach villagers in desolate regions where water is scarce and soil fertility is lacking, to conserve and recycle water; to use compost, worm culture and other techniques to enrich the land; and to grow and market nutritious produce such as amaranth. 

 

In terms of the land use and sights, near Tehuacan you’ll see long narrow white-topped buildings where poultry is produced and then trucked throughout the state of Puebla and other nearby states.  There will be a couple of lookouts demarcated as stops for tourists to pull over and appreciate and photograph the deep valleys and high mountaintops.  Long, well-marked expansion bridges showcase the valleys and mountains.  You’ll pass over a geological fault.  There will be several kilometers of impressive pole cactus.  Close to the approach to Oaxaca you’ll see vendors on each side of the highway selling brightly colored miniature wooden trucks. 

 

The last of several toll booths is Huitzo.  About 15 – 20 minutes later you’ll approach Oaxaca.  A few minutes after entering the city, you’ll be given two opportunities to turn to the left (one of the signs is difficult to interpret), but unless you’ve been provided with specific instructions to get to your hotel or B & B, and know it’s in a northern suburb, best is to just keep driving straight, eventually entering onto a one-way street which will lead you to the core of the downtown area and the zócalo. 

 

Addendum

  

We had planned to spend our last night in Acayucan, Veracruz, having noted three hotels, one of which piqued our interest because it appeared to be the only middle-of-the-road  and  acceptable option, at least for us.  Immediately upon entering the town, at about 6:30 pm, we were pulled over by two state troopers, and asked to produce some type of sticker about which we knew nothing.  I produced license and ownership without a request to do so.  The more belligerent of the officers, Taurino Santiago Ramas (Santiago) insisted he would phone for a tow truck, and did pull out his cellular and make a call. 

 

After ten minutes of heated banter, I told me wife to just ask him “how much?”  Santiago said he didn’t want money.  This was a shock, since my initial assumption was that it would just be a matter of how long, and how much. He became more testy, almost as much as we had become.

 

Out of the blue, Santiago’s mood suddenly changed. He asked us about our plans for the night.  We indicated that we intended to stay in town.   He immediately mentioned his hotel recommendation and how to get there.  It was the same hotel at which we had planned to stay.  We assured him we would indeed lodge there, whereupon he told us that we would have to pay a 1,000 peso fine the next day.  In the same breath, in a softer tone, he proposed “but since I’m a nice guy, and have a kind heart, if you like, instead you can pay something to me.”

 

I pulled three fifties and a twenty peso bill from my pocket, and offered him one hundred pesos.  Santiago demanded, “I’ll take them all.”  So 170 pesos lighter we got back in the car, hearing Santiago’s loud laughs, directed at his partner, us, and anyone else on the crowded street within earshot. 

 

But I think we got the last laugh.  Santiago certainly assumed that we were going to stay at his suggested hotel, and in fact we drove off in that direction with he and his sidekick watching.  He had probably called not for a tow truck, but the hotel, and advised that we’d be coming by, and confirmed the amount of his commission for the referral.  Otherwise, he probably would have demanded a bigger bribe. Of course we did not want to stay anywhere he suggested.  We were concerned that overnight our belongings might be snatched from the car.  We decided it would not be prudent to stay in Acayucan at all, so we high-tailed it out of Dodge, and drove a further 2 ½ hours, during the night, until bedding down in the city of Orizaba. 

 

Jamie Jefferson asked:


Mexico is a popular destination for weekend or week-long vacations. It offers a change of pace and is just a quick flight away. If you are planning a trip to Mexico, there are several ways that you can cut costs. In fact, if you follow several of these tips, you may even be able to extend your vacation because of the money you’ve saved.

The first tip has to do with when you choose to travel. A lot of people like to visit Mexico during the Christmas and Easter seasons. These are considered peak times for Mexican tourism, and the hotel owners and other travel vendors know this. There is so much demand that they can raise their prices and still have people clamoring to get bookings.

If you choose to travel at a different time, you can generally get much better rates. Even traveling right after these peak times can result in an instant and significant reduction in travel prices. You’ll find major discounts on accommodations in the late spring and early summer. During these times of the year, the tourist spots will be much less crowded and you may even enjoy your vacation more.

You can also save a lot of money by doing a bit of research yourself and planning your own trip. Depending on your travel style and preferences, paying for all-inclusive tours or staying at an all-inclusive resort may actually result in higher costs. Tour companies may add surcharges above and beyond what independent tourists pay for the same food or services. You may even have more fun by traveling independently and picking where you want to go. There are so many guidebooks out there and good resources on the Internet that you can easily be quite familiar with your destination before you arrive.

Another tip for lowering your travel costs is to find out if your destination is a cruise ship port. If it is, you’ll want to avoid doing any major shopping or tourist activities during cruise ship days. On the days that the cruise ship docks, prices for certain things in the port city can sometimes increase. If you’re going to be visiting during a cruise ship day, plan a low cost activity like a beach day or visiting a museum.

Before you go, you will also need to get familiar with the exchange rate so you can put your spending into perspective. Generally, you can count on one dollar equaling 10 pesos, but make sure to double check that fact when you arrive. Take a small calculator and convert the money on it a few times for practice in your hotel before you venture out to the marketplaces. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you are paying for the things that you buy in your terms.

You should become familiar with the local tipping customs, too, so you make sure to properly pay the people you should and not pay the people you shouldn’t. For example, cab drivers normally don’t expect tips, but it is customary to tip grocery store baggers. Familiarizing yourself with these types of customs can really help you budget and save.

You will also want to check the major travel sites for coupon codes or promotions. When you book flights and hotels together, you can often save. And some online travel sites will occasionally discount Mexico trips still further during specific times of the year. Do an online search for a coupon code before you book to make sure you get the best deal available.

Bill Bailey asked:


Mexico is located in the northern region of the American continent between the Gulf of Mexico to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Mexico is bordered by the USA to the north and by Guatemala and Belize on the south.  Mexico’s land area extends 1,964,375 sq km, which is broadly divided into six tourist regions.

Northern Mexico is known for its extreme weather conditions and is characterised by its deserts, nature reserves and rugged mountain ranges. Some cities in the region are key industrial and business centres.

In Central Mexico or the Mexican heartland, you’ll find plenty of natural surroundings, picturesque towns full of life and color, and beautiful colonial cities, some of which have been declared World Heritage sites.

Southern Mexico is lined with the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.  The region offers an abundance of marshes, mangrove swamps and forests, all of which are ideal for ecotourism outings and exciting outdoor adventures.

The Yucatan Peninsula is the gateway to the Mayan world, where you can enjoy the white-sand beach resorts and the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.  Here you can scuba dive along the world’s second largest coral reef. You can also swim in fresh water pools in submerged caverns, known as cenotes.

In the Pacific Coast region, you’ll find cities and towns with rich cultural and culinary traditions, as well as some of the best beaches for water sports like surfing and fishing.

The Baja California Peninsula territory has been inhabited from time immemorial, in this region you can play golf on world-class courses, discover the underwater treasures of the Sea of Cortez, and witness the amazing migration of the Gray Whale.

Mexico’s 32 states are truly diverse, as each one has countless tourist destinations offering a wide array of activities.

Probably one of Mexico’s most important and famous beach resorts is Acapulco, which is located on the Pacific coast, 395 kilometers (245 miles) from Mexico City and 133 kilometers (83 miles) from Chilpancingo, the state capital of Guerrero. It has a warm, humid climate with temperatures ranging from 22º C (72º F) to 33º C (91º F) with sunny days throughout the year.

Among the port city’s many enticing qualities are: its beautiful bay, one of the best in the world; the calm waters of its beaches; the amenities offered by its well established hotel industry, which in recent years has undergone a major revamping, especially in the Punta Diamante neighborhood; and finally, the city’s unbeatable nightlife, which offers one of the hottest playgrounds among Mexican vacation destinations.

For those who have never visited Acapulco, we recommend that you visit la Isla de la Roqueta (Roqueta Island), an ideal island setting where you can either relax or enjoy some scuba diving. You’ll also want to check out the infamous   La Quebrada, where fearless cliff divers plunge into the ocean below. If you’re looking for a little excitement of your own, Acapulco offers bungee jumping and parasailing, where from high above you can admire the stunning panoramic views of the bay, the hotel zone and the surrounding mountains, in their utmost splendor.

Nearby Acapulco, you can visit the beach of Pie de la Cuesta, known for its spectacular sunsets, or Puerto Marques, with it beautiful bay and calm waters. Finally, don’t miss out on Barra Vieja, where you are sure to enjoy delicious seafood dishes prepared in traditional Mexican restaurants.

The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, the oldest metropolis on the American continent.   The city is perched atop a highland valley at about 2,240 meters (7,392 feet) above sea level.  Towering high above the city’s southeast side are two volcanoes: Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl.  The nation’s capital has some of the best weather in the world with an average temperature of 22º C (72º F).

Once known as the City of Palaces, Mexico City has two areas that were declared World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. The first, the Centro Historico (Historic Center), has beautiful historic and religious buildings, such as the Catedral Metropolitano (Metropolitan Cathedral), one of the most important architectural structures in the Western Hemisphere.

The Palacio Nacional (National Palace) has spectacular Diego Rivera murals that chronicle Mexico’s history. And Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts), which hosts the city’s most important cultural events, is a beautiful construction that blends art nouveau and art deco styles. The other World Heritage Site, Xochimilco Ecological Park, is often called the Venice of Mexico due to its beautiful canals. Flower-painted boats offer tours of the canals and floating gardens.

If you’re interested in cultural events, Mexico City offers a wide variety of museums, such as the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (a world-class anthropology museum), the Museo Nacional de Arte (The National Art Museum) and the Museo Nacional de Historia (a history museum in Chapultepec Castle where you can see an amazing exhibit that chronicles the nation’s history and art, from the pre-Hispanic era to present day).

In north Mexico City, you can visit the Basilica de Guadalupe, one of the most visited basilicas in the world; in fact, it is second only to Saint Peter’s Basilica, in Vatican City, in the number of visitors it receives each year. This is a must-see for those who want to learn more about the city’s customs and traditions.

What’s more, Mexico City is a cosmopolitan metropolis, where new and old traditions coexist side by side. Here you can go shopping at bazaars and crafts markets in the Coyoacan and San Angel neighborhoods. Or you can go to exclusive boutiques and shopping centers in the posh communities of Santa Fe and Polanco, where you’ll be surrounded by the comfort of top-notch hotels and restaurants.

Mexico is well recognized in the world for its rich gastronomic tradition which offers a great variety of dishes and beverages prepared with innumerable ingredients. The taste, aroma and texture of these ingredients can charm even the most demanding palate and thus turn Mexico into one of the most important destinations in the sphere of international cuisines.

Mexico is becoming a more popular tourist destination, especially for wedding parties and honeymooners, touring, its world heritage sites and its gastronomy.

More information about Mexico, how to get there and where to stay can be found at http://interplasmexico.com/things-to-prepare-for-travel-in-mexico/

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Bercle George asked:


Travel and vacation is one of the most unforgettable moments of our life especially if we do it together with our loved ones. However sometimes, we often find ourselves in mazes on where we can go for travel and vacation that can give us unforgettable and at the same time will not hurt our budget.

I am giving you one place where you can enjoy together with your loved ones– why not try travel Mexico? Mexico is a country in Latin America that offers lots of spots for tour and travel, romantic beach vacation, family beach vacations, vacation beach rentals.

Here are some tips in travelling to Mexico:

Preparation is the key to your safety when travelling Mexico. You should start your vacation with a careful and well thought-out plan. Your travel plan should include your budget, where you will be staying, as well as essential information and contact numbers in case emergency arises.

You should have undergone your immunizations before leaving the country and follow all safety precautions while in Mexico. You should also register with the United States Embassy and make sure that you provide a copy of your itinerary with a family member, close friend, co-worker, or neighbor.

You may also need to consider registering with the United States Travel Registration, for more convenience. This can easily be done online. This is a significant precaution to take. It helps to notify the United States Government that you are departing the country. By taking necessary precautions and planning your trip efficiently, you can ensure that your travel and vacation will be what you expected, it will also help to eliminate the chances of a problem occurring.

Staying up to date on present events in Mexico is very essential to timing your trip. You should start watching the news and plan your trip based on what you see. If there are internal conflicts within the Mexican government, you may want to delay your trip for a specific period time.

The value of your passport cannot be overlooked. There are lots of places where your passport, along with other forms of identification will be required. You should make copies of your passport and your tickets and leave them with a close friend or relative. In addition to your passport, you will also need to have other proper forms of identification. This identification usually is picture identification.

The above mention tips and precautions are just a few of the many things to consider in traveling that can help you have the perfect vacation in Mexico. Properly preparing for your travel is the best way to prevent unnecessary problems from arising.

Jim Scherrer asked:


We all know that Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a world famous resort destination and retirement haven. We also know that just about all of the Mexican Riviera cruise ships make Vallarta a normal port of entry providing the visitors with numerous fun and exciting things to do, sights to be seen, side tours to be taken, beautiful beaches to enjoy, etc., but few tourists ever really get to know the area, customs, and local history.

Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco; the third largest state in Mexico with the Capital of Guadalajara which is the second largest city in Mexico. The greater metropolitan area of Guadalajara (including Zapopan, Tonala, and Tlaquepaque), has a population of approximately 4,000,000 residents, thus making it about the same size as Los Angeles, the second largest city in the US. Puerto Vallarta is the second largest city in Jalisco with a population of 350,000 people, nestled in the Sierra Madre foot hills along the shoreline of Banderas Bay on the Pacific Ocean.

At 3,000 feet deep, Banderas Bay is one of the deepest natural bays in the world with the Sierra Madre Occidentals to the north, the Sierra Madre Del Sur to the south, and the Trans National Volcanic Axis Range to the east. All three of these substantial mountain ranges converge at Banderas Bay, where more than 60 million years ago when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, these mountain ranges were formed as the planet‘s crust changed forever. Much more recently, only about a million years ago during the Pleistocene age , volcanoes erupted in the region exposing a land rich in mineral wealth containing vast deposits of gold, silver, lead, zinc, copper, tin, and

The word opal was derived from the Roman word opalus (to see a change of color) as they popularized the opal around 100 BC and prized this gemstone above all other precious stones believing the holder to be charmed with good fortune. The Mexican fire opal, sometimes referred to as cherry opal, precious fire opal, sun opal, girasol (Spanish for sunflower), and Quetzalitzlipyollitli (gemstone of the bird of paradise) by the Aztecs, was used by the Mayas and Aztecs during the past millennium for ritualistic purposes and in various mosaics. Today, connoisseurs say that fire opals bestow courage, stamina, will-power and energy on the wearer; the warm, fiery orange-red colors are said to have a positive effect on the psyche and convey a profound sensation of warmth, peace and harmony.hundreds of other minerals. As a result, Mexico became the world’s leading producer of silver for centuries and has only recently fallen to second position in the world. A great portion of the Mexican silver has been mined in this region within a 100 miles of Vallarta.

Due to the rich volcanic soil, all tequila in the world comes from this area in Jalisco. With plenty of tequila, there was also a mood for music and dancing! Consequently, in this area within 100 miles of Vallarta, Mariachi music evolved (a symbol of the Mexican Revolution) as did the Mexican Hat dance (the Mexican national dance).

Much of the rich soil in the Vallarta region is also ideal for farming and with the location being on the same latitude as Maui, Hawaii, the climate is perfect for growing many fruits and vegetables. One example being mangos, where Mexico is the third largest exporter of mangos in the world.

Now that we know the area around Vallarta is rich with mineral and agricultural wealth, let’s take it a step further. It just so happens that approximately a dozen distinct classifications of minerals with hundreds of varieties exist in Mexico. As an example, the silicates class alone, contains more than 60 different minerals such as jadeite, zircon, topaz, and quartz, a subgroup of which includes amethyst. The carbonates class consists of bismutite, calcite, magnetite, dolomite, etc. while the sulfates class has gypsum, barite, cuprotungstite, etc.; many of these minerals being used for industrial applications. Finally, the mineraloids class which contains amber, obsidian, and opal; minerals that are frequently carved, ground, cut, and polished for objects of art, jewelry, etc.

Many of these minerals, including most opals, were formed during the Cretaceous period and brought to the Earth’s surface during the Pleistocene age. Of the 25 or so varieties of opals, the fire opal is the only naturally faceted opal and the most significant fire opal deposits are found in Mexico. One of the two largest sites for mining the Mexican fire opal, which just so happens to be the “national gemstone of Mexico”, is located near Magdalena, Jalisco; a small city located approximately 100 miles east of Vallarta that can be visited from PV during one of the ten hour day tours. Magdalena is in a region laden with igneous rocks, obsidian, volcanic lava, and more than 300 opal mines.

Mexican fire opals consist of silicon dioxide or silica spheres arranged in an orderly pattern with iron oxide dispersed throughout. It’s the iron oxide that gives the Mexican fire opal its distinctive brilliant flame-like colors of yellow, orange, and red. The three most important attributes of the fire opal are body colors, transparency, and play of color (differing colors when viewed from various angles). The greater the play of color, the more precious the gemstone. Because most opals are not faceted, they are generally displayed in the cabochon form. However, since fire opals are often found naturally faceted, they can be cut, polished, and mounted as cabochons or faceted stones.

Opal is the lucky stone of those born under the Aries sign and it is the birthstone of Libras. For those of us fortunate retirees in Vallarta that happen to be Libras, we’re able to obtain these spectacular birthstones virtually in our “back yard”. For those of you visiting Vallarta and just want to possess one of these prized gemstones, there are numerous fine jewelry stores in town; a number of which specialize in Mexican fire opals.

Now that you have a better appreciation for fire opals and where they come from, you’ll have one more reason for visiting and or retiring in Puerto Vallarta; the most magnificent resort destination on the Mexican Riviera, where brilliant fiery sunsets and opals abound.

Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 25 years and resided there for the past eleven years. The mission of his series of 45 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Buyers‘ Agents and click on ARTICLES.

Jhye asked:


For senior citizens, you more at your disposal to explore and can pick and choose on top of staying over a longer periods as you are not bound by work. For an elderly traveler to Mexico, you are in a better position than most other travelers as you have lesser responsibilities on your mind to travel as your free spirit will take you. Whatever the seasons are, you can have time and opportunity to travel and that can save you considerable sum of money as well as avoiding large crowds that travel during peak periods.

When vacationing in Mexico, summer time is the best period as tourists arrival is at the lowest. Group tour during this period is the perfect opportunity as you can spend your time shopping too. You don’t have to fret too much even if the weather is hot as you will spend most of your time in soothing comfort of air-conditioned. It is pleasant and easier to travel with people in the same age bracket and you will avoid having to shove and push around with big crowds as well. Night time is usually more tranquil too.

Even though Mexico is not as developed as United States, it is a charming country but is not as disabled friendly there as you will most probably not find any ramps or handrails for staircases. Verify with your travel agent if you aren’t as mobile and it is best to travel with group when in public places as well as avoid going out at night. The concern is that elderly is main target for thief and assault.

When you are vacationing to a foreign country, be respectful but at the same time, protect yourself and your property and more so for senior citizens. Use your common sense and stay in group as well as secure your valuables but the smart choice is to avoid travelling to areas where crimes are widespread. Senior citizens may be seen as easy targets but provided that you adhere to all safety precautions, it is pretty safe to travel for senior citizens.

Check with your tour operators as there is a lot that offer group tours as well as offer all the requisite arrangements. For those that chose to travel alone, there are plethoras of senior citizen discounts that you can get but always be open on discounts when reserving hotel rooms as well as meal as a senior citizens is entitled to many more.

Vacation in Mexico is for people irrespective of their age and senior citizens can enjoy a whole novel experience irrespective of whether they are there for shopping, dining or any other activities. The rich culture of Mexico ensures that that is never a dull moment there so enjoy your stay there.

Jhye asked:


They are many beautiful places to tour around the globe but Mexico is one of the great countries for a trip. In the sophisticated city of Mexico City, lies an enthralling city unrivalled in few other cities and they offer the stunning ruins of the Atzecs. Spread over Mexico City is numerous museums that display modern and anthropological art. In Mexico the best vacation can be aplenty.

The feverish pitch of soccer in South and Central America is unparalleled anywhere and is the most widespread sports in Mexico. Baseball is also one of the most supported sport activities very much like the United States. Whether you are on the lookout the pure joy of soccer/ baseball or the quiet musing of the art, the best vacation in Mexico provides plenty of sparkle.

Mexico is the second largest destination for golf for United States golf adventurers. Spread over Mexico is the varied and stunning golf courses to please even the most discerning. The town of Cancun, Cozumel and Cabo San Lucas has numerous championship style courses. Golf vacation is a great way to travel to Mexico as they can be done with dedicated travel that provides plenty of golf and partake in the city as well.

Trip to Mexico can be done through a cruise ship that prides themselves in complete luxury and the exhilaration of excursion to the shores. Cruising to Mexico provides the best in luxurious travel as well as getting intimate with the cultural aspects of Mexico. Cruising is one of the best ways to vacation in Mexico.

Sports fishing are one way that drives tourism in Mexico. The country coastlines are so broad that it provides a diverse number of hot spots for sports fishing. Besides big fishes for instant marlin and tuna, you can immerse your time doing bass fishing. El Salto is one great bass fishing lake and plenty of tour operators provide countless bass fishing packages. Fishing can be relaxing in addition to competitive and the simple joy of looking at the scenery plus plenty of catches will enthrall you.

The abundant beaches in Mexico offer sun lovers a fun-filled holiday on the pristine sea off Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is a dream beach vacation as it is located in Bandaras Bay that is the largest bay in Mexico. All kind of activities can be found there including sun bathing, kayaking, jet skiing or para-sailing to water-skiing, horseback riding and wind surfing. Besides that, there are plenty of famous beaches in Mexico.

The best vacation can be found in Mexico and only by putting yourself in the cities and enjoying the activities can you beyond a shadow of doubts knows the significant of a great vacation. The exploration and sun drenched days and mysterious night spend there will arouse your desire to travel.