| Mexico Current News and Mexico Current Events, all the Latest News on Mexico Today

Fri, August 17, 2012 Susie Albin-Najera

Susie Albin-Najera
Joined: 12.08.2011

Mexico-Hollywood’s Hot Spot for Celebrity Vacations

Mexico has long been a destination of choice for celebrities and those in the entertainment industry. It’s no wonder - with the abundance of picture perfect beaches, private, luxurious accommodations and relaxed yet festive atmosphere - that the ever-bustling entertainment industry is so… closely drawn to Mexico.

Iconic movies like Night of the Iguana, which starred Richard Burton, put Puerto Vallarta on the map in the 60’s and because of the making of Twentieth Century Fox’s epic film Titanic in Baja California, Fox Baja Studios was created along with some of the world’s largest stages and filming tanks.

In addition to Titanic, dozens of movies have been filmed at Fox Baja Studios including MGM’s Tomorrow Never Dies, Disney’s Peal Harbor, and Fox’s Master and Commander The Far Side of the World. Hundreds of filmmakers have chosen locations all throughout Mexico to intensify or beautify their films.

The destination of Mexico has been equally synonymous with celebrity getaways as well, whether for a much-needed hiatus or a special occasion celebration, engagement, wedding or anniversary. With the wealth of five star luxury hotels, resorts and villas, world-class gourmet cuisine, celebrity chefs, personalized concierge service, first class amenities and warm Mexican hospitality, Mexico has time and again proven to be the destination of choice for the A-list crowd.

In 2012 alone, Mexico boasted the most hotels ever on Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List with a staggering 33 properties on the list and more than one-third the total in the Americas.

Mexico also topped the lists of dozens of 2012 travel lists including Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, Moon Travel Guide, Reuters, CNN and Forbes to name a few.

Hollywood celebrities flock to Mexico in droves because of the close proximity as well. Depending on if the flight is a private charter or a commercial air carrier, from Los Angeles, celebs can jaunt to Cabo in a quick two hours; to Puerto Vallarta in three hours, and to Cancun/Riviera Maya in four and a half hours. Cancun and Riviera Maya are among the top beach destinations in the world. Recently, Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara celebrated her 40th birthday in Riviera Maya, which resulted in an even bigger celebration when boyfriend Nick Loeb presented her with a special ring. Vergara celebrated with a group of her closest friends and explored parts of Yucatan and Quintana Roo, including a visit to the great archeological ruins of Chichen Itza.

“Riviera Maya is the closest destination to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World for U.S. travelers, along with access to the largest coral reef in the Americas,” said Director of Public Relations at Fairmont Mayakoba, Paulina Feltrin. “Mexico has been and continues to be a preferred destination for celebrities. The warmth of the Mexican hospitality guarantees a level of service that will make their vacations even more special.”

“Our hotel attracts many high profile guests, who expect the best in service and discretion,” continued Feltrin. “They stay with us because we are absolutely scrupulous in protecting their privacy and providing complete confidentiality.”

Year after year, celebrities flock to Mexico. Jennifer Aniston is a regular to Cabo. The Hills alum star, Lauren Conrad recently returned from a luxurious vacation splurge in Los Cabos as well, as did Nicole Scherzinger, Leann Rimes and Avril Lavigne, while certain cast members of Glee spent much needed time off in Zihuatanejo. The Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain was amazed from his recent visit to Mexico while filming a special on Baja cuisine for his show, “No Reservations”. Hilary Duff described her recent visit to Mexico as 'paradise'. Justin Beiber recently wowed 200,000 fans in a special free concert in Mexico City’s main plaza Zocalo. Riviera Nayarit, named Mexico’s next great place by USA Today, is a magnet for attracting A-listers like Lady Gaga, Courteney Cox, Kim Kardashian, Charlie Sheen, Bradley Cooper and dozens more.

A huge fan of Mexico, Actor and Extra TV host Mario Lopez proposed to his girlfriend Courtney Mazza in Ixtapa, Mexico at the beginning of the year and just announced plans to wed at a private home in Puerto Vallarta in December 2012.

On break from rehearsals from her upcoming tour and judging duties with X Factor, Demi Lovato and friends recently returned from a restful vacation at Viceroy Zihuatanejo. During her stay, she indulged in relaxing spa treatments, lounged on the beach, shopped in the local market and took part in a surfing excursion, according to Director of Sales & Marketing, Jennifer Guevara.

“Viceroy Zihuatanejo is truly a respite from hectic Hollywood schedules and all our A-list guests remark how relaxed and undisturbed they feel while staying with us,” said Guevara. “With one thousand feet of private beach stretch along the azure waters of the resort's splendid Pacific coastline, strewn with teak lounge chairs and exclusive palapas, daybeds and cabanas, celebrities can enjoy three swimming pools, including a fantastic infinity pool poised at water's edge.”

The property also offers private dining- ideal for celebrities including Lunch on the Beach - their signature elegant beach lunch is delivered on a white linen-set table directly to a private palapa where guests enjoy gourmet cuisine while reclining in a beach chair. The resort also offers a Private Island Dinner that can accommodate one couple (twice a week) where they are transported to the island by canoe and dine at a pre-set table, intuitively attended by a personalized waiter, amidst lush foliage, candles and music.

Celebrities have endless options when it comes to Mexico getaways, with private and luxurious accommodations and unbeatable value, scenery and service.

Discuss

0.000000

Ultra Martahon in Chihuahua's Tarahumara Country

Fri, August 17, 2012 Jay Dunn

Jay Dunn
Joined: 13.09.2011

“The Axe of God" – Chihuahua's Ultra-Marathon

A truly remarkable 100 kilometer "ultra-marathon" is held each year in Chihuahua's rugged Tarahumara country.

The small plane banked steeply for a second pass, morning sun briefly flashing through the cockpit as we leveled off, the view below impossibly green, then revealing black and granite throughgossamer cloud, as if we were the first to discover the twisting river and sheer cliffs far below. “See, it is as I told you,” exclaimed Ismael Torres, our Cessna pilot, “like God has taken a great axe and cleaved the Earth.”

Spread out before us as in an eagle’s eye were the legendary “Barrancas de Sinforosa,” a vast series of rugged canyons and ravines up to 6,000 ft. deep, whose slopes are clad in pine, live oak,cactus and sagebrush. These beautiful and sometimes forbidding environs, part of Chihuahua’s Copper Canyon area, are home to many of Mexico’s Raramuri people, known as Tarahumara, the “people with light feet.”

We have only 24 hours, and have come to the town of Guachochi to see one of the most remarkable races imaginable – a 100 km ultra-marathon. Driving straight out to the “mirador,” Sinforosa’smain lookout, our pickup truck bumps along a red-earth road past farm after farm, interspersed with stretches of fragrant pine hemmed in by stone walls, the air fresh and cool at over a mile high.

Withdrawing from the advance of the Spanish “conquistadores” to the mountains that now bear their name, the Tarahumara dispersed their communities but managed to preserve much of their ancient culture. They are mystics, healers, craftsmen, and expert farmers, blessed with legendary endurance, but it is hard-won, a survival skill developed and adapted over time. In these remote places, running between distant villages is an essential communication and transportation necessity. Many Tarahumara will join this marathon, and often win it.

An international group of competitors begin at 5:00 AM and will, for the next 8 to 10 straight hours, run the course: 11 kilometers from town to the edge of the canyon, descend 1800 meters along a rough trail, run along the river, ascend 1800 meters by the punishing “z” switchbacks, 11 kilometers into town again, then run back to the finish line at the lookout point. From this spectacular vantage point of the “mirador,” it takes the mind and eyes much longer than usual to make their essential calculations, to readjust, and coordinate perception - the ravines of Sinforosa are very deep indeed, and stretch in every direction as far as we can see.

Guachochi is not a big town, and there is a feeling everyone knows each other. Long, low houses of cinder block, a hard afternoon light through the scrub pines, people’s broad, smiling faces – these are reminiscent of other high-altitude communities one encounters, on a farm in Qinghai, or in an Alaskan village.

And here, on the one night we could enjoy Guachochi hospitality, there were fine steaks on the grill, a “quinceanera,” a wedding, and a graduation ceremony all at the same venue, Saturday night cruising up and down Main Street, and the odd knot of foreigners and Mexicans in shorts and day-glo sneakers, with their headlights and hydration gear not knowing what to do until morning.

A chill in the air, and an alarm that comes way too soon – by 4:45 AM, we’re ready. Credentials are checked, number placards signed for, pre-race photographs of excited friends flash by in the pitch-black. Only the Tarahumara are completely calm, in their distinctive red headbands and long, angular white shirts knotted with beautiful braided belts. This event’s “huaraches,” or tire-soled sandals, are the same as everyday footwear. There are many female competitors, who will run fully covered, in colorful print dresses. Within a few minutes, and not much fanfare, the pack is gone, raising a ghostly dust trail out of town, along a route that would not be light for some time.

At hour four of the race, we were aloft, our careful timing intended to balance light and shadow, and avoid the dangerous rising thermals that would buffet a small craft as the sun warmed the air. For a photographer in search of perspective for the big picture, and the detail that makes a written story, this was a precious piece of the puzzle, the sky clear as we skimmed the clouds by cliff's edge, an advancing fog both burning off and still throwing into relief the highest peaks.

We would see this early morning the hopefulness of the runner’s descent into these canyons, but by the time we made it down to a precipitous wire bridge to photograph along the trail, there was a different feel entirely - thirty or so grimly determined runners were already passing us on the way up, having climbed more than 4,000 ft. in an arduous combination of hiking and running.

Around the 70 km. mark, the bridge was built to safely cross what would be a substantial waterfall in the wet season. Support teams here checked runner’s numbers, gave out fruit and energy bars, and attended with some seriousness to an injured participant, for his own safety ruling him out of further competition with an eight-stitch head wound.

What is most remarkable about this race is not just that people finish it, but that they do so as a matter of course. Vicente Gonzales has a patrician’s grace, a red scarf wrapped vertically around his white hair Indonesia-style. At the bridge, he checked in with a smile, had a sip or two of a traditional barley drink, then without further word, disappeared up the 4 x 4 road behind us. He is eighty years old.

On the trail further down, a faraway flash of color quickly materializes. Maria Isidora Rodriguez, a stoic expression on her face, is fully wrappped in a bright yellow Tarahumara dress, and quicklymaking her way through the boulders that frame the path. She has company, a man and two young boys in baseball caps and jeans. They do not have race numbers. In less than a minute, Ms. Rodriguez and her supportive family are out of sight again, bounding for all the world like deer through the foliage.

For a beautiful fifty-image slideshow that accompanies this essay, go to http://bit.ly/LAPefZ

Discuss

26.819444

-107.070000

Guachochi

Guerrero Negro a stop on a Baja California Roadtrip

Fri, August 17, 2012 Elizabeth Helsley

Elizabeth Helsley
Joined: 12.08.2011

Baja California Roadtrip: Baja’s Hidden Jewels

If someone would have told me one of the best trips of my life would have involved over 20 hours of driving, I would have thought they were crazy. A few years ago, my dad joined me for a very special road trip from San Diego down to the southernmost tip of Baja – Los Cabos. While I… love Mexico for its amazing hospitality and beautiful resorts, the little towns that are off the beaten path are equally wonderful and definitely worth exploring.

GUERRERO NEGRO: Guerrero Negro was the halfway point of our journey down to Los Cabos, and proved to be quite the interesting stop. We stayed at the Malarrimo Motel, which is not only a hotel, but also has a restaurant and an RV park. The hotel has become a famous stop for travelers driving through Baja, as it is the first major stop once you cross the border from Northern Baja into Southern Baja. At first glance, the restaurant looks like the typical restaurant attached to a hotel born out of necessity. As we tasted our food, we were blown away by the freshness of the seafood and the flavorful dishes.

Guerrero Negro is an interesting mix as it is primarily an industrial town that is surrounded by a number of lagoons. The town is best known for its whale watching tours, which take place from December 15th to April 15th, as the whales make their way down from Alaska to their ideal breeding spot in the warm waters off of the Baja coast. An interesting little known fact is that Guerrero Negro is the world’s number one salt producer, thanks to the saltworks operations around the Laguna Ojo de Liebre (Eye of the Jackrabbit Lagoon).

MULEGE: After driving for hours in what seems like the middle of nowhere, we knew we were getting close to the coast when we saw a beautiful river flowing next to the road. In what seemed like a matter of a few minutes, the vegetation turned from dusty desert roads to a jungle-like paradise with chirping birds and lush, green vegetation. Mulegé is unlike any place I’ve ever been and to this day I consider it to be one of Mexico’s best kept secrets. As the highway took us around the corner, we saw a glimpse of the most beautiful blue-green waters surrounded by impressive cliffs.

While there is not a lot to do in Mulegé other than sailing around the Bahia de Concepcion or fishing, the scenery is enough to make you stop the car and stare off into the horizon for hours (or take tons of pictures!). It’s no wonder that author John Steinbeck said that the bay was one of the most beautiful in the world.

SANTA ROSALIA: Santa Rosalía is one of Baja Sur’s most interesting towns when it comes to history. Once we drove into the town, we immediately noticed a drastic change in architecture. Instead of the typical Baja or Spanish influenced buildings we were used to seeing, we saw European looking houses made of wood with tin pitched roofs. The town was established when the French came to found one of the world’s major copper producing mines, and to this day you can see how big an impact the miners made. The church in Santa Rosalía was designed by Frenchman Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel tower fame) for the 1889 World’s Fair, and the steel walls were brought over by ship and reconstructed so that the townspeople, mainly those who worked at the copper mine, would have a place to worship. Another famous spot in Santa Rosalía is the El Boleo bakery, which at one time had some of the best bread in Baja. The bakery got its name from the French mining company and continues to use some of the equipment brought over from France in the late 1800s today. One of the funniest parts of our three day journey happened in Santa Rosalía. We explored the town, had taken some pictures and were ready to head on our way, when we started hearing a drumline and people singing. Before we knew it, we were stuck in the middle of a parade! With only one main street in and one main street out, you can imagine what our options were, so we decided to make lemonade out of lemons and sit back and enjoy the parade. While it certainly wasn’t planned on, it turned out to be a great experience and a funny detour. We got back on the road with a clear mission – make it to Loreto.

LORETO: Imagine the desert landscape meeting the beach and you’ve got Loreto. Loreto was the first capital of the Californias and since it was established it has become well known for its sailing, deep sea fishing, diving, and kayaking. In addition to all of the water sports, Loreto is a great place for history buffs due to its missions and nearby cave paintings. We stopped briefly at the Inn at Loreto Bay for lunch by the water. The views are breathtaking, the weather was perfect, and in that moment I knew why so many expats look to Loreto as an ideal retirement spot. So, if you’ve ever been tempted to get in the car and go on a road trip that you won’t forget, I highly recommend driving down the Baja Peninsula. With so many great towns and areas to explore, you’ll be sure to create as many great memories as I did!

Discuss

27.965410

-114.057701

GUERRERO NEGRO

Pueblas Magicos: the desert town of Cuatro Cinegas

Thu, August 16, 2012 Page

Page
Joined: 16.08.2012

Pueblos Magicos: The desert town of Cuatro Ciénegas sits near the beautiful oases of Coahuila

The colonial town of Cuatro Ciénegas, a recent addition to Mexico’s Magical Towns, is located in the Northern Mexican state of Coahuila and sits next to a unique environmental landscape, known by biologists as “a showplace for biodiversity.” Early settlers named the town Cuatro… Ciénegas, meaning “four marshes,” for its natural springs, which create an extensive area of wetlands located in the middle of the Mexican desert.

The small desert town sits quietly by Coahuila’s beautiful oasis. The narrow streets are lined with traditional Mexican buildings. The dust and sand from the desert settle in the street. A visitor walking around the town may not even realize the unique nature of the town’s location. Many wonder why such a remarkable town has only so recently been recognized as one of Mexico’s Magical Towns.

This unique environmental landscape is highly protected by the Mexican government. The combination of geothermal pools, marshes, ponds and rivers, varying greatly in terms of temperature and water chemistry, create an environment home to the greatest number of endemic species in North America, and many of the plants and animals found in Cuatro Ciénegas are listed as threatened or endangered. The water found in the wetlands is high in dissolved solids protecting the area from industrialization and agricultural development. The lack of development has allowed for many unique species to habituate in the desert area.

The Pueblos Magicos program identifies towns that reflect “the culture of Mexico” through attributes like architecture, traditions, customs, music, gastronomy, festivities and handcrafts. There are currently 52 destinations throughout Mexico that have earned the Pueblos Magicos classification.

Discuss

26.986559

-102.063686

Cuatro Cinegas

Wed, August 15, 2012 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mexico Wins “Tourism Board of the Year” Award by World Luxury Travel Network Virtuoso

The Mexico Tourism Board was named “Tourism Board of the Year” by Virtuoso, the world’s most important luxury tourism network. The Mexico Tourism Board was recognized for the work performed and results achieved in promotion strategies, market diversification, advertising campaigns and… partnerships with major travel agents worldwide. The recognition was given at Virtuoso Travel Week, one of the most recognized trade shows in the international luxury travel market which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mexico's Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo accepted the award.

"Mexico has been an integral part of the Virtuoso destination family throughout the years and continues to show its commitment to this network from the highest levels," said Virtuoso president and CEO Matthew D. Upchurch. "Mexico is a unique destination, close to my heart, and I am thrilled to see that our members and their clients share my passion for the diverse beauty, proud heritage, stunning cuisine and a rich experience Mexico offers upscale travelers," he added.

Virtuoso Travel week was attended by more than four thousand industry specialists and leaders from 85 countries and 350 thousand businesses, Mexico was the main highlight of the event in getting this highly praised award.

Photo: From left, Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete, chief operating officer of the Mexico Tourism Board and Undersecretary of Tourism; Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso; Mexico Secretary of Tourism Gloria Guevara Manzo; and president of Virtuoso Kristi Jones pose with the Virtuoso Tourism Board of the Year award during the Destination Showcase dinner on Monday, August 13, 2012 in Las Vegas. (David Becker/AP Images for Mexico Tourism)

Discuss

36.255123

-115.238349

Las Vegas

Tue, August 14, 2012 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Travel Leaders Respond to Media Stories About Safety of Tourists in Mexico

Terry Denton is the President of Travel Leaders of Fort Worth, Rowlett and Tyler, Texas and the Publisher of the blog Travel By Terry. In a recent blog post, Denton responded to some of the sensationalized news stories that paint an inaccurate portrait of tourism in Mexico. …

“Imagine how I feel,” wrote Denton, “laboring away in the vineyards of travel and being subjected to a flood of negative news reports about Mexico, a country of incredible beauty, rich history and some of the finest people God ever planted on this planet.”

In order to correct such negative portrayals in the media, Denton measures Mexican tourism by three metrics:

Geography: Noting that Mexico has over 2500 municipalities and security problems have been concentrated in just 18 of them.

Statistics: Such as the fact that 23.4 million international travelers visited Mexico in 2011, an all-time record.

Experience: Denton shares his own personal experience of travelling in Mexico: “I have been traveling there for over 25 years, multiple times many years, without ever once being threatened or harassed. My story is but one of millions as the statistics above corroborate.”

Denton has started the hashtag #mexicomaligned to raise awareness in social media of misconceptions about travel in Mexico and to provide positive, factual testimonials about travel and tourism.

Discuss

0.000000

Pueblos Magicos: Taxco, the Jewel of Guerrero

Tue, August 14, 2012 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Pueblos Magicos: The Mountainside City of Taxco is the Jewel of Guerrero

Taxco is an old world city build on the side of a mountain with narrow, winding streets that, from a distance, look more like a dysfunctional spider web than an actual city grid. As you walk through its maze of cobblestone streets, in between white building with Spanish-style, red-tile roofs it… would be easy to believe that you have been magically transported to a mountainside town in Spain or Italy.

To first time visitors, it might come as a surprise that that this small colonial city is actually Mexico’s silver capital. But even in pre-Hispanic times, the area was well known as a source for precious stones used for decorative and ritual purposes.

Taxco is also famous for its silversmiths, a fact that becomes evident as you encounter jewelry store after jewelry store selling locally handcrafted silver rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, and any manner or decorative ornaments. These stores become more and more common the closer you get to the main plaza. Tourists from near and far come to Taxco in search of good deals on quality silver jewelry and unique handmade jewelry.

Conquistador Hernán Cortés founded the city in 1529 to support mining haciendas like Hacienda El Chorillo and Hacienda San Juan Bautista that were also established by Cortés or his soldiers.

In the mid 18th century, Don José de la Borda, an entrepreneur who made his fortune through silver mines, financed the building of the Parish of Santa Prisca and San Sebastian. The church is a beautiful example of Mexican baroque architecture that features a pink stone façade, two ornate towers, and a cupola covered in colorful tiles. Due to the area’s rugged terrain and lack of flat land, the church is narrower than most. Fortunately, the narrow construct did not limit the interior’s décor, which features elaborate floor-to-ceiling altarpieces covered in gold leaf.

A short drive from Taxco you can also find the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, a 2,700-acre forest that contains one of the largest cave systems in the world. The park offers two-hour tours through the caverns that allow visitors to admire stalagmite and stalactite formations as well as Olmec and Chontal remains.

Discuss

18.556389

-99.605000

Taxco

Wed, July 25, 2012 Susie Albin-Najera

Susie Albin-Najera
Joined: 12.08.2011

Tips to Plan a Road Trip to Mexico

For many tourists, the thought of driving to Mexico is a big question mark. Will it be safe? What will I do if my car breaks down? What happens if I get a flat tire? Is Mexican fuel comparable to what I put in my car back home? There may be dozens of questions that potential visitors to Mexico will… have.

More than forty million people cross the border each year between San Diego and Tijuana, making the region the busiest land-border crossing in the world.

Not long ago, I published an article on ‘10 Tips for Ensuring a Safe Road Trip Across the Border’ including precautions you can take to ensure a safe trip in Mexico. Certainly all 10 tips are important, but one of the most important pieces of information to be aware of is the contact for the Green Angels.

The Mexican government has a free service called The Green Angels. Mechanics patrol the main highways everyday in white and green pick-up trucks and provide free 24/7 road side assistance to visitors with mechanical problems. They have a communication network via radio with various government agencies and provide tourist information and additional visitor assistance. For Tijuana, Ensenada and El Hongo toll roads, call 01-800-990-3900 or for Tijuana to Tecate toll roads, call 1-800-888-0911. Most Mexican Insurance also offers a road side assistance plan.

Thanks to the power of social media, I recently met Mexico travel experts, Bill and Dorothy Bell, a dynamic Canadian couple who now live in the town of La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit, Mexico where they operate an English online newspaper called the “Jaltemba Sol.” They have been instrumental in numerous charitable activities that raise hundreds of thousands of pesos annually for good causes.

Fifteen years ago, they created a website focused on their road travels to Mexico called On the Road In. The site is a comprehensive travel guide to RV’ing, camping and safe travel in Mexico and is considered one of the best sources out there today. The site is a platform for trip planning, safety issues and entice readers with a plethora of stories and photographs of the benefits of Mexico travel. “We wanted to share with others the joy of traveling in Mexico,” said Bell. “While many people have traveled to a resort destination, we found a vacuum in terms of awareness in other locations.”

Additionally both of the Bells operate their corresponding On Road in Mexico Facebook page with the purpose of helping would-be road travelers and by providing up-to-date information in a fun and enthusiastic manner. Their Facebook page was started a year ago and was built in response to hundreds of email questions they were receiving on road travel safety in Mexico.

Their page offers a “Travel Buddy” service; a matchmaking system that marries travelers who wish to travel together for safety and confidence. It also gives traveler recommendations on routes, sites to see, pet friendly hotels, highway construction and much needed “real traveler” assurances driving in Mexico.

“Many people are intimidated and in some cases scared to drive in Mexico,” he said. “We try to give them the tools, the advice and knowledge to be able to explore this wonderful country by road.”

When I asked Bill for his top recommendations for road travel in Mexico he suggested:

1. When you can, stick to the toll roads in Mexico. They are usually in good condition and are well marked and patrolled on a regular basis.

2. Avoid driving at night. As road conditions are different in Mexico, you will need light to see topes (speed bumps) animals and rocks on the road.

3. Plan out your trip so as to leave early and arrive at your destination early. If you have a breakdown you have an opportunity to get help before darkness.

4. In Mexico a left turn signal on the highway is usually an invitation to pass the vehicle; but be careful, it could mean they are turning left.

5. Drive defensively. Mexicans are generally very laid back people who have a flexible attitude towards arriving on time. Put behind the wheel of a car, the situation changes drastically. Expect impatient drivers, passing on solid lines other dangerous stunt car driver tactics.

Bill also addressed some frequently asked questions relating to driving in Mexico:

What type of permits does a vehicle need?

If you drive in Mexico (other than the Baja, Northern Sonora and border towns) you will need a six month importation permit (Recreational vehicles can get 10 year permits) which you can obtain on line and at most border crossings.

What should you do if you get pulled over?

If you get pulled over by the police, be prepared and have all your documentation; drivers’ license, vehicle permit, your FMM tourist visa or FM3 and registration. In Mexico it is common for the driver to get out of the car to greet the police officer. The police will be most concerned with seeing your driver’s license. They will tell you if you have committed an offense and what the offense is. Unlike in United States and Canada, if you do it nicely, you can often dispute the ticket with the police officer. If they end up giving you a ticket, they will confiscate your driver’s license. It will be returned to you once you pay the ticket. We recommend being friendly and paying the ticket.

What type of auto insurance do you need?

American and Canadian vehicle insurance is not accepted in Mexico. We recommend that road travelers get quotes online so they understand the language in the policy. We advise people to get a legal component and liability in case they get into an accident.

How long can travelers by car stay on the road in Mexico?

The vehicle permit is issued for no longer than six months. If you apply and receive an extended visitor’s permit (an FM3) then the vehicle permit extends to the life of your tourist visa.

Can you tell me about the maps (on your website)?

We made friends with the operators of a Mexican RV Park who wanted to get more customers. We started a free caravan service that led thirty rigs down the Pacific Coast to La Penita de Jaltemba Nayarit. The problem was that we lost three different RV’s. Knowing that we were going to do another free caravan, we decided that we would write visual instructions that would ensure that they couldn’t get lost. The Road Log is a visual diagram of the highway giving details such as whether the road is two or four lanes, has shoulders. It tells where to turn, which side of the highway has a Pemex. Every Pemex is numbered and says whether they sell diesel. The road logs also give other landmarks to give confidence to the driver that they are indeed on the right road. We have also added small commentary in our road logs. For example we explain why Benjamin Hill is named Benjamin Hill. Who is this Juarez person? Tidbits about currency, customs etc.

Top recommended road itineraries?

Beach Lovers? Solitude in Nature

You cannot beat the diversity and mystery of the Baja. The beaches are magnificent and the deserts are intense. Bahia Conception is a dream. You can pet the whales in Guerrero Negro, Camp on the isolated beaches on the Sea of Cortes and be dancing with the stars in Cabo a few days later. Diversity, beach, desert, scenery.

Culture, Colonial and Charm

A circular route of Guadalajara, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Querétaro, Morelia and Patsquaro will give you an appetite for more colonial city exploration. This circle route will charm you with history, cuisine, music and more. This is the colonial heart of the country.

Yucatan Peninsula

Take the complete circle route and explore the ancient Maya. From Cancun, (or Isla Muljeres if you don’t want the party) drive slowly down the coast to Chetumal around to Palenque and onward to Campeche and Merida. Enjoy the powder white beaches but also discover the mystical cenotes and ancient sites along the way. The flamingoes on the Gulf coast are magnificent. Campeche and Merida are beautiful and diverse cities to discover. You would be rushed to do this in 10 days. You would also be rushed to do this in a year. There is simply too much to see, climb, discover, taste and touch.

Indigenous Cultures

Oaxaca to San Christobal to Palenque

The drive through small towns and larger cities gives you a glimpse of the lives of indigenous peoples in Mexico. You will experience the ancient cities and sites, the handicrafts and customs of rural peoples and well as the gorgeous natural elements in the countryside such as waterfalls, rivers, mountain passes and cloud forests.

Why Mexico?

Mexico always excited us; its natural beauty, its rich history and the friendliness of its people. The light and colors make photographs very special. Mexico is exotic – different than the day to day life in Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago or LA.

When you drive in Mexico, around every corner you can expect to be delightfully surprised; a beautiful church, an ancient pyramid, villagers in native costumes, a farmer plowing his fields with oxen…it never ceases to amaze.

Bill is a reporter and photographer by trade and Dorothy has received awards for her work in hazardous waste management and recycling. Together the Bells have a his’, her’s and ours’ family of four children. The eldest daughter is married to Mexican Artist. The two youngest are attending University in Canada. They are bilingual and in their own words proud to be “bicultural.”

Having fully embraced the Mexican culture, both Bill and Dorothy Bell are working towards becoming Mexican citizens.

Discuss

0.000000

Thu, July 19, 2012 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

State of Veracruz, Mexico to Launch First Adventure Travel Trade Show in September 2012

As a result of the 2011 Adventure Travel World Summit, the costal city of Veracruz, Mexico will be hosting the first ATMEX Adventure Travel Trade Show from September 5 – 9, 2012. The event is the result of collaboration between the Government of the State of Veracruz, the state’s Ministry of Tourism,… Culture and Cinematography, the Ministry of Tourism of Mexico, and the Mexican Tourism Board.

The theme for the Trade Show will be “Breaking New Trails”. Before the event, a select group of media will be taken on all expense tours to a variety of places throughout Mexico. The goal of the event will be to connect qualified buyers from America and Europe with more than 150 of Mexico’s best tour operators.

“The State of Veracruz offers vast resources and experiences for adventure tourism and we want to share it with the more than 400 delegates and international journalists visiting ATMEX’s first event,” said Leticia Perlasca Núñez, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Cinematography of VeracruzThe keynote speakers for ATMEX will be:

• J. Wallace Nichols: Renowned marine biologist and turtle expert and founder of Ocean Revolution, an international network of young ocean advocates

• Gavin Greenwood: Founder of Rio Secreto, a natural tourist reserve that has received over 200,000 visitors in the past four years in Quintana Roo

• Carlos Carsolio: Mountaineer and first Latin American to reach Everest’s summit without oxygen

• Gustavo Timo: Founder of the Brazilian Adventure Travel and Ecotourism Trade Association and board member of ABETA as well as Director of Sextante, Ltda, a consulting company specializing in competitiveness and innovation in adventure travel

• Pati Ruiz Corzo: Founder of Grupo Ecologico Sierra Gorda (GESG) and passionate advocate for establishing a new paradigm in the management of protected natural areas using community participation

• Scott Adams: President of Birchbark Media, a content marketing agency that helps to market and develop adventure travel businesses using social media, SEO, video and more

Discuss

19.140006

-96.115593

Boca del Rio

Wed, July 18, 2012 Megan

Megan
Joined: 09.08.2011

Mexico Set to Become Among Top Five International Tourism Destinations by 2018

Mexico, Latin America’s second largest economy, is looking to become among the top five international tourism destinations by 2018. Today, Mexico is ranked #10 according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization. …

Most importantly, Mexico is expected to increase by more than 5 percent the number of international arrivals in 2012, to a total of at least 24.6 million foreign tourist visits.

With increased visitors from abroad, the country is also expecting an increase in its rate of hotel occupancy. This year, Mexico will register its highest revenue from tourism on record.

According to a recent MexicoToday article, one of the main themes of the recent Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico was the importance of tourism and international travel to the job market. In the Leaders Declaration at the G20 meeting the significance of tourism on the vital recovery of the world’s economy was highlighted, “we recognise the role of travel and tourism as a vehicle for job creation, economic growth and development, and, while recognising the sovereign right of States to control the entry of foreign nationals, we will work towards developing travel facilitation initiatives in support of job creation, quality work, poverty reduction and global growth.”

At the same Summit, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) advocated this link between economic recovery and tourism. The tourism sector of the economy can create countless employment prospects for individuals and can spur a significant amount of growth in the GDP of the G20 countries in question.

Discuss

19.432608

-99.133208

Mexico City

Wed, July 18, 2012 MexicoToday

MexicoToday
Joined: 22.06.2011

Mike Tyson Promotes Mexico Tourism

Ex heavy weight champion Mike Tyson got attention from the press last week by participating in a promotional tourism campaign for Mexican resort cities Acapulco, Ixtapa, Cancún, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

“Throughout my career they have always treated me with dignity and respect”, said the ex heavy weight champion, as he wore a gray suite, white shirt and championship belt during the campaign launch in Mexico City. Tyson, who was named “head ambassador of the “Mexico ¡Se Siente!” campaign” took the time to thank his Mexican fans for their support throughout his career.

“José Sulaimán (president of the World Boxing Council) has always been on my side, in addition to the support I’ve receive for each fight, he is an extraordinary friend”, said Tyson, who recently became a boxing legend by being inducted to the Hall of Fame.

The ex boxer showed his enthusiasm towards the campaign when he selected Mazatlán as his favorite vacation spot and reference his days as an 18 year old flyweight as he saluted Mexican boxers for their bravery and courage.

“I didn’t just watch them fight on TV, I also had videos of their fights, which inspired me to keep going. I knew that in order to be a great champion I would have to defeat them”, he said during the introductory presentation.

And he added: “Because they were shorter than me, I wasn’t able to fight against them, but I always said to myself that in order to be a champion I’d have to have a strong spirit, like they do”.

“He was my idol. When he won the title at the age of 20 I use to run into him in the hotel hallways wearing the championship belt”, said Sulaimán, referencing the knock out fighter that throughout his career won 300 million dollars.

Tyson remains the youngest heavy weight champion of all times, a feat he achieved in 1986 at the age of 20. Throughout his career he won 50 of 58 fights, 44 of them by knock out.

Discuss

19.432608

-99.133208

Mexico City

Wed, July 18, 2012 Megan

Megan
Joined: 09.08.2011

Mérida, Mexico in the State of Yucatán: A City of Cosmopolitan Modernity and Colonial History

Everything you see in Mérida, Mexico tells a story. It tells a story of a place that used to be and a place that still is today. The people, the streets, and the overall feeling of Mérida evoke a certain historical and cultural vibrancy that continues to live on and on through the art,… language, and traditions of its inhabitants. In this, there exists a certain duality between cosmopolitan and colonial life in the lively city.

Mérida, Mexico is becoming the apex of all that Mexico has to offer artistically and culturally. As the capital of Yucatán and the largest city of the state of Yucatán, Mérida is full of wonder and mystery. The region has a distinct cuisine from the rest of Mexico that blends European, Middle Eastern, and Caribbean influences because of its location. One can find racks of lamb, seared fish plates, gelatos, sorbets, and lime soup.

Mérida’s streets are filled with colorful storefronts containing handmade crafts, authentic foods, and art galleries. There are churches, operas, theatres, and museums that have become a magnet for locals and visitors alike and give the city a sense of community. Some of the most notable attractions include El Museo de las Ferrocarilles en Yucatan, Teatro Peón Contreras, El Paseo Montejo, El Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida. Blessed with nearly yearlong perfect weather, the city also hosts outdoor concerts in the animated streets. As a result, Mérida has become a hub for artists from all over the world. The city attracts architects, designers, painters, decorators, and craftsmen because of its diverse and rich culture that is still alive and booming in the spirits of the people found there.

Discuss

20.970000

-89.620000

Merida

Wed, July 18, 2012 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Pueblos Magicos: Izamal “The Yellow City” in Yucatan is one of Mexico’s Magical Villages

The town of Izamal is located in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Yucatan Mexico. Its location means that even during the winter the temperature doesn’t really drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of these wonderful conditions, visitors year-round are able to enjoy… old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage rides through out the town’s cobblestone streets adorned by egg-yolk colored buildings and period streetlights. It is said that visiting Izamal, where you can see pyramids, colonial buildings, parks, plazas and horses, is like awakening in the early 20th century.

Izamal is one of the oldest cities in Yucatan and was actually built within the ancient Mayan city of Kinich Kakmo. In Mayan times the town was know for its powers of healing. People from all over the Yucatan peninsula would go on pilgrimages to Izamal, a tradition that continues to this day.

At the center of the town is the San Antonia de Padua Convent that was built on top of a Mayan pyramid in 1561, using the stones from the pyramid itself. The convent is famous for its seven thousand square meter cloister, the largest in America, which is surrounded by 75 arches that form along corridor at the perimeter. Within the convent is the Purísima Concepcíon Church, which contains the statue of the Virgin of Izamal and the largest atrium in Latin America. Three days a week, this space hosts a sound and light show called Maya Light.

Just outside of the town is a grand archeological zone that contains a large ceremonial plaza that is flanked by the remains of five pyramids. This area was the site for many rituals that the Mayans performed to their gods.

When dinning in Izamal, you will find several Yucateco favorites like chaya with egg, salbutes, panuchos, pipián, papadzules, mucbil, pime, joroche, and one of Mexico’s most famous dishes, cochinita pibil.

Discuss

20.934548

-89.018234

Izamal

Mon, July 16, 2012 Luis

Luis
Joined: 15.03.2012

Pueblos Magicos: Tula, Tamaulipas is One of Mexico’s Magical Villages

Tula, founded in 1617 by a Franciscan friar named Juan Bautista Mollinedo, is the oldest community in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Tula experienced the peak of its economic development at the beginnings of the 19th century, thanks to its location on the commercial route between Tampico and San… Luis Potosi and for its production of ixtle, a fiber derived from the agave plant. It was the state’s largest city for a long time, but its economic development was stalled once it was not included in Mexico’s railroad system.

Nowadays Tula is well known for its picturesque 19th century architecture, historical monuments, artisanal culture, and most of all for its production of hand made leather clothing “cuera tamauilpeca”. Part of its charm lies in its many ex-haciendas, like Los Charcos which is famous for its exterior arches and eclectic interior design that demonstrates its path through various periods.

Other points of interest within its municipality include: the Cuizillo, a pre-Hispanic pyramid considered to be the only one of its kind and the largest in Tamaulipas; Los Ahogados, a deposit flooded with marine fossil remains; the Nahola caves where researchers have found traces of what they believe were the first settlements in Tamaulipas; and the Laguna, which acts as an entertainment area for people from the region.

Discuss

23.000061

-99.714516

Tula

Mon, July 16, 2012 Megan

Megan
Joined: 09.08.2011

Mayan Hotel Xixim: Wellness Center Provides Serenity in Nature

Hotel Xixim provides physical and spiritual proof of the power of nature upon the human spirit. The idea beyond the beautifully serene Mexican wellness center located an hour west of Merida, Yucatan in the Celestun Biosphere Reserve of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, is “to provide a legacy place of peace within nature”. The Mayan… hotel/wellness center are secluded in nature and offers healing massage services, aromatherapy, Jacuzzis, and poolside beds. The hotel also suggests different types of yoga and meditation activities to its guests. Hotel Xixim is a genuine safe haven away from the blinding city lights, giving individuals the ideal outlet for relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-reflection. The Mayan hotel is located right on the beach and contains luxury seaside bungalows.

The oasis in the Yucatan Peninsula has recently built 17 new Mayan bungalows, allowing the hotel to accommodate 64 people at a time. The Managing Director of Hotel Xixim, Verena Gerber, stated, “Hotel Xixim is an inspiration based on a Mayan village in the midst of a nature reserve. We have great respect for the pristine nature surrounding us: the plants, the animals, the sea life, and the birds, many of which are endemic to the Yucatan. Xixim is the perfect place to reconnect with others and with yourself through presence in nature.” Mexico is a model setting for the existence of a wellness center of this nature because of its beautiful reserves of nature, wildlife, and deep-seeded, sacred Mayan traditions.

Discuss

20.858333

-90.400000

Celestun

Languages