mexico vacations

FISHING AT SAN CARLOS GUAYMAS, SONORA September 9 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Family Travel, Natural Waters, Scuba Diving, Shopping, Snorkeling, Tourist Attractions by kiwy49 1 comment Located on the Sea of Cortez, the lovely Mexican resort community of San Carlos Sonora Mexico, offers something for every one. For water sports enthusiasts, there are beautiful sand beaches, spectacular diving and snorkeling, kayaking, and offshore fishing. San Carlos is only a 250 mile, 4 hour drive from Nogales on Mexico highway 15, a four-lane divided highway. The community hosts an 18-hole championship golf course, tennis courts, a bowling alley and numerous gift shops and galleries for shopping and browsing. For the boater, two marinas are available with paved launch ramps, dry stores facilities, complete marine repair and maintenance services, fuel docks and reasonable rates for ship rental. In this place you also will find numerous restaurants featuring seafood, Sonora beef, Mexican dishes and American cuisine are located throughout the town. During the winter and spring, gray whales come up coast and can be viewed closely, the presence of these mammals arouses much interest throughout the world, since this is a natural event of great significance for the study of certain biological behavior, on which the preservation of various species depend. So if you’ve not experienced the ambiance and relaxing Life style of a Mexican seaside Resort, you owe it to yourself to visit San Carlos. You may never want to leave. View More Pictures… National Museum of Anthropology and History September 9 Category: Family Travel, Tourist Attractions by Kori Ellis 0 comments The National Museum of Anthropology and History (Museo Nacional de Antropología) is considered to be on of the top museums in the world. It is located within Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. When you are traveling to the area, this museum is a destination you certainly shouldn’t miss. The museum has a spectacular design and architecture with exhibition halls that are surrounded by a patio with a huge pond and square concrete umbrella supported by a slender pillar around which forms an artificial cascade. The National Museum of Anthropology houses some of the rarest artifacts and paraphernalia of the ancient cultures of Mesoamerica. The National Museum houses a vast number of carvings, stone designs, murals and other pieces of the cultures of the Aztecs and Mayans. Some artifacts include several Aztec Sun stone calendars, statues of Aztec and Mayan Gods and Goddesses, and miniature models of major cities and temples. The National Museum of Anthropology and History is a great place to examine and observe the culture of the great mesa American first hand. Visiting this museum will be a great way to expand your knowledge of these cultures and you will be awed by all the pieces of work. If you are traveling on a family vacation or on business to Mexico City, be sure to take a few hours or a full day to explore this fabulous museum. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons View More Pictures… GREAT SNORKELING AT LA ROQUETA ISLAND, ACAPULCO September 8 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Family Travel, Natural Waters, Snorkeling, Tourist Attractions by kiwy49 1 comment This small island is located directly in from of Acapulco Bay, is a 10 minute boat ride from Caleta beach. The area is known as one of the best places to hike and snorkeling in Acapulco. I recommend you to take a boat with glass bottom, so you can admire the under-water life. La Roqueta Island is considered a national reserve for its flora and fauna, and you’ll find such marine plants and wildlife as sea fans, small coral formations, barnacles, gorgonians, sea stars, trumpet fishes, jacks, sea horses, turtles, whale sharks and manta rays, but these depending on the season, in a pristine aquatic environment. The island’s only two beaches are favorite spots of Mexican snorkelers and swimmers. Because the locals like to bring their whole family along and spend the whole day here, these beaches tend to be quite crowded. The surf at La Roqueta is soft and peaceful, with fine sand. You could spend the day around the beach swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the seafood in the tree small restaurants here in the island, but it’s worth taking a hike up the hill to the lighthouse to see the amazing view from the top. In the Island you can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks and other water-sports equipment on the beach. Besides the excellent beach you will also find a unique Zoo with lions, alligators, leopards, giraffes, zebras, an aviary exhibit, and a serpentarium. View More Pictures… GREAT SNORKELING AT IXTAPA ISLAND, GUERRERO September 8 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Family Travel, Natural Waters, Snorkeling, Tourist Attractions by kiwy49 0 comments Ixtapa Island is one of the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area’s most popular attractions. The island’s beaches are well known for water sports such as snorkeling, para-sailing, jet skiing, wave runner and banana boat rides, as well as the excellent seafood Restaurants. Ixtapa Island is home to exotic fishes and tropical birds. Isla Ixtapa is accessible by small boats that currently carry ferry passengers between it and the pier at Playa Quieta in Ixtapa. Boats are also available from Zihuatanejo Municipal pier. The Island which lies very close offshore, affords 4 separate beaches from which to choose:Playa Cuachalalate, Varadero, Coral, and Playa Carey also called sacrificio. Snorkeling is one of the main attractions of this gem, and the clear waters are home of numerous colorful tropical species. Playa Coral is the most popular for snorkeling, being protected from motor craft by those same reefs. The waters are crystalline and inviting. Playa Carey is the most undeveloped of all of the beaches and the smallest. There is a small lighthouse here where you will enjoy a nice view of the main land. Carey in Spanish means “Species of Turtle”, which is interesting because there is a fenced area on this beach for hatching sea turtles. View More Pictures… RELAXING AT RINCON DE GUAYABITOS, NAYARIT September 7 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Family Travel, Natural Waters, Shopping, Snorkeling, Tourist Attractions, Uncategorized by kiwy49 0 comments This small town is situated approximately one hour and a half from the airport of Puerto Vallarta, Rincon de Guayabitos forms a part of what is known as the “Tourist Corridor” which was developed at the beginning of the sixties with the main purpose to offer a tourist space for families. This destination is located in a small bay forming a space where the sea rests and seems like a huge pool. Thanks to its geographic characteristics and thanks to the protection of the coral island found in front of its beaches. As a matter of fact Guayabitos has gained the title of “The biggest natural pool of the world”. the calmest of its surf along the major part of its beach invites to relax completely while sunbathing. This very attractive little fishing community offers North American and Mexican tourists miles of golden sandy beach, meals and accommodation at great prices. Early in the morning you will find fisherman selling fresh fish on the beach and on most days there are vendors on the beach serving refreshing pineapple and coconut drinks. Vendors here are pleasant and mild mannered and there is no sign of the high pressure time share sales people associated with many of the larger tourist destinations. If you are looking for a pleasant winter climate in a small laid back community offering whale watching, jet skiing, wind surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, live entertainment, great food, and very affordable accommodation, you will enjoy Guayabitos. View More Pictures… Playa Azul Golf and Beach Hotel September 6 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Resort Cities, Resorts, Snorkeling, Spa Travel by Kori Ellis 0 comments The Playa Azul Golf and Beach Hotel is located in Cozumel, Mexico. Playa Azul is approximately eight minutes from Cozumel’s airport and ten minutes from the downtown area. The accommodations at Playa Azul are very affordable. The rooms with a view of the ocean are $180 per night. They include a balcony, free wireless internet and satellite television. The ocean room suites cost $225 per night. They include a living room with two sofas. For a little more luxury, the master suites cost $305 per night. Each is equipped with a Jacuzzi, a small living room and a private bathroom (with bath robes/slippers). Playa Azul also offers a garden house for $305 per night. Each garden house has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a dining room, a small kitchen, a porch, room service, and outdoor chairs. Guests at Playa Azul can choose from multiple places to eat and drink. The Palma Azul restaurant offers breakfast and lunch, while Chan Ka’an serves an elegant dinner. The adults can enjoy cocktails at La Palapa Bar and Palma Azul Bar. La Palapa sits out at the beach and offers refreshing drinks. The Palma Azul Bar is inside and has numerous flat-screen TVs for guests interested in catching up on sports and news. When staying at Playa Azul, your stay allows you to enjoy unlimited green fees at the Cozumel Country Club golf course designed by Nicklaus Group. This beautiful golf course is just five minutes from the hotel. Additionally, the hotel offers an amazing spa where you can enjoy days of relaxation and pampering. If you are looking for more adventure, diving, snorkeling and scuba diving are just moments away. Visit play-azul.com for more information about this resort hotel. View More Pictures… NEVADO DE COLIMA NATIONAL PARK September 6 Category: Family Travel, Forests, Lakes, Natural Waters by kiwy49 1 comment On the border between the state of Colima and the state of Jalisco is the Colima volcano complex, which has two main volcanic peaks: One is the Nevado de Colima, 4220 meters high, which is inactive and covered with snow most of the year. It is the 7Th highest peak in Mexico. The other is the Volcan de Fuego (fire volcano), 3960 meters high which is very active and constantly smoking. Recently, there have been a large number of both lava and ash eruptions, some of which needed evacuation of nearby villages. The live volcano can be climbed as long as its not showing any signs of volcano activity. While the lower levels of this park have been deforested, toward the top the lush coniferous forests are home to endemic birds such as the Aztec thrush, long-tailed wood partridge, highland guan, thick-billed parrot, and Stygian owl. The volcanoes provide a cool oasis of subtropical mountain and temperate forest rising up from the hot and dusty lowlands. The Nevado de Colima is and ideal place for mountaineering and camping. Inside the park carrizalillo lake attracts visitors for kayaking and picnics, particularly on weekends. There is a fine camping area with a spring at the 11550 level. The spring is in the bottom of the canyon just north of the camping area, and is surrounded by mortared local stone, making a pool. The Nevado de Colima national park is a really fascinating place to enjoy nature and spend a very relaxing time with family or friends. If you are a nature lover, you will really like visiting this amzing park. View More Pictures… SANTIAGO, COLIMA September 5 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Family Travel, Lagoons, Natural Waters, Shopping, Snorkeling, Surfing, Tourist Attractions by kiwy49 1 comment Bahia de Santiago, is located to the west zone on Manzanillo, is the newer and more upscale area. Santiago Colima has the flavor and feel of a small Mexican town complete with a Market and a Bull ring. About eight blocks into the town is the Mercado and adjoining craft and Flower markets. Santiago is great for walking either back into the town by the Plaza de Toros or walking in the bridge that crosses the river. On the beach you will find fisherman, surfers, families and lots of walkers. And also a number of Restaurants throughout town, along the highway and on the beach to the north and south. The beaches of Santiago Bay stretch for 5 miles. At the northernmost point, where the lagoon empties into the sea is a popular locals beach, which is busy on weekends. Mild surf is its main attraction. Various activities are available for the young and young of heart from horseback riding, boogie boarding, banana boat rides, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s great for shopping too. Bargain with the vendors for hammocks, toys, jewelry, t-shirts and more. View More Pictures… PUNTA DE MITA GETAWAY September 4 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Family Travel, Natural Waters, Resort Cities, Scuba Diving, Shopping, Snorkeling, Tourist Attractions by kiwy49 0 comments Punta de Mita is one of Mexico’s ultra-exclusive Resort areas. Punta de Mita is a relatively new area just north of Puerto Vallarta. So, visitors here enjoy easy access to the vibrant and colorful colonial Port town of Puerto Vallarta whenever they want to. In addition to being an exclusive vacation area, Punta de Mita is also evolving to become of Mexico’s most sought-after beach locations for real state investment. It’s no wonder that this area was chosen for development. luxury homes are being built in the area and alongside them so are golf courses, shopping malls, medical centers, and other local amenities. So for that reason, Punta de Mita is an ideal location to consider if you are looking for a very especial getaway, or if you are looking for an attractive location for ocean front property in Mexico. Punta de Mita is also a water lover’s paradise. Sailing and scuba diving are big pastimes here, whatever your level of experience good diving is available. Water skiing off the bays, para-sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking are all the water sports you Will want to try and are right here waiting for you at this location. And you know what the best part is? that from November through March each year, you can take an organized eco-boat tour to watch the humpback whales as they arrive to reproduce and bear their calves. So why not considering coming to this place on your next vacations. View More Pictures… VISITING BARRA DE NAVIDAD, JALISCO September 4 Category: Beaches In Mexico, Family Travel, Lagoons, Natural Waters, Scuba Diving, Shopping, Snorkeling, Surfing, Tourist Attractions by kiwy49 0 comments The town of Barra de Navidad is a small farming and fishing community located on the east end of the Bahia de Navidad, 60 Km. north of manzanillo, in the state of Jalisco. In recent years the state government of Jalisco has promoted this town as a tourist attraction of the Costa Alegre. There is a large lagoon behind Barra de Navidad which is criss-crossed by small fishing boats gathering scallops and transporting visitors and locals from Barra to Isla Navidad and the grand Bay Hotel, recently voted the number one hotel-resort in Mexico by the travel channel. These boats also carry passengers to and from the small Colima community of Colimilla where restaurants line the shore. Since this place is still a pretty relaxing and quiet getaway, many visitors from the northern states come here to spend their weekend. They really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that the place offers without the large hotels and hectic activity of the larger Mexican beach resorts. Among the activities that visitors can enjoy when coming to this place are: birdwatching, whale watching, surfing and boogie boarding, snorkeling and diving, and of course, fishing. Tours for all of these activities can be arranged in the local tour shops. As in any other Mexican beach town, here you will also find plenty of accommodation, shopping outlets and restaurants. In addition to Mexican and American style dining, there is also french and Italian cuisine. Many restaurants specialize in locally caught seafood which is what I really recommend. Since fishermen go out to fish every morning , you are guaranteed to eat really fresh and delicious seafood, the catch of the day.