Parasailing or Submarine Tours? How do you want to travel across Cancun?

Are you crazy for adventure tours? Are you still searching for the perfect destination for this summer? You do not have to look for it anymore. Cancun is a complete destination (and one of the most beautiful in Mexico) filled with breathtaking landscapes, excellent food and exciting outdoor activities. Some of these popular activities in Cancun are submarine tours or parasailing. What would you choose?

The Beautiful Cancun

It is widely known that Cancun is one of the most amazing destinations in Latin American and in the world. This city was developed back in the 1960s when the Mexican government realised that this area had lot of potential to become a popular vacation spot. Throughout the years, Cancun has been recognised as a major tourist destination which satisfies the need of all of its visitors with its attractions, activities and wide range of luxurious hotels. Thanks to this, more than 3 million tourists decide to visit it each year. People enjoy going to the archaeological sites such as the Kings Ruins and Coba; moreover, they also love partying at its lively nightclubs. But what people really like is practising water sport and Cancun has great spots to do it and a rich water ecosystem that is worth exploring.

Submarine Tours

As I wrote above, Cancun has great spots to practise different kinds of water activities. Two of the most popular water activities are snorkeling and scuba diving. A famous place to practise them is called La Ruta de los Cenotes (The Cenotes Trail). Here, you will be able to swim and snorkel through the three longest underwater cave systems named Ox Bel Ha, Nohoch Na Chich and Dos Ojos. These underwater caves have cool, crystal clear water and some of them may have a visibility of up to 200 feet. Another great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving is Isla Mujeres (Women Island), paradise-like island located 8.1 miles northeast of Cancun. The island has a clear, turquoise and warm water; in addition, it also has a rich marine life. Close to Isla Mujeres, there is a further snorkeling and diving spot: the Underwater Museum. British sculptor Jason DeCaires Taylor created more than 300 anthropomorphic figures with eco-friendly materials.

Parasailing

Parasailing is a relatively new and very enjoyable water activity if you do not fear of heights. In this activity, one or two passengers are attached to a parachute which at the same time it is fastened to a motorboat in the air. While the motorboat glides on the water, people are taken up and up. Fortunately, in Cancun there are many tourists companies that offer this service. In most of the tours two persons (smaller children are also welcomed) can ride along if they fit comfortably. The seats of the parasailing can take up to a maximum weight of 500 lbs. Before starting flying across the sky, an instructor will give you some pieces of advice for you to be as safe as possible and you will have the possibility to choose from parasailing through the Nichupte Lagoon or the Caribbean Sea. Then, the fun starts! You will rise slowly and soflty above the water up to 200 or 350 feet while you can observe the breathtaking views of Cancun. When the tour is about to finish, you will be slowly lowered to the back part of the motorboat with an exciting dunk but only if you want). 

As you can see, Cancun is a city that is ready to give the most incredible water adventures you will ever live. After staying for some time, you will want to come back again to keep exploring the wide variety of attractions it owns. So what are you going to choose? Parasailing or submarine tours? How do you want to travel across Cancun?

Romina Nieto

Image: Flickr//Author: Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Buy Your Souvenirs at the Noa Noa Handicrafts Market in Acapulco

If you are planning to have a stress-free vacation in Mexico, you should definitely stay in Acapulco. This city is famous for having the most beautiful beaches in the country. But, this place is not only about sand, water and sunbathing. It also offers history, culture and art of Mexico. So, when you get tired of staying at the beach all day, you can come and take a look at some of the beautiful artistic objects of Acapulco.

Acapulco

Acapulco is a gorgeous coastal city and one of the most important sea ports (since the early colonial period) in the state of Guerrero which is situated on the Pacific coast.  Acapulco has been the countrys 16th largest metropolitan area and one of the most popular destinations from the golden days in the 1950s. What everyone loves about Acapulco is its beautiful landscapes: bays that are surrounded by golden sandy beaches and exotic vegetation besides the view provided by the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains. Moreover, it is a destination perfect for all kinds of tourists. It is the first choice for springbreakers. Newlyweds fall in love with the luxurious hotels and warm Mexican environment. Families have fun at the several parks, beaches and the water parks for children. Everyone is welcomed! But apart from this, there is also room for art.

The Noa Noa Market

In Acapulco you will be able to find all types of arts and crafts that represent part of the traditional Mexican art culture. You might find fine pieces of art as well as cheap but lovely souvenirs, in case you are on a tight-budget trip. If you want to see and get some of these artistic designs, you must visit the Noa Noa Handicrafts Market, one of the famous crafts market in Acapulco. Noa Noa might not be like those enourmous markets in the Old Town of Acapulco but it is a more relaxed place which is praised by locals and foreigners alike for its good taste and originality. So buying your souvenirs at the Noa Noa Handicrafts Market in Acapulco is a great plan.The craft market is located on the Miguel Aleman Costera Street, across from Tamarindo Beach and it opens everyday approximately from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

What Can You Get?

As I wrote above, this emblematic market display an interesting collection of items that show the good taste and creativity of the artists. So even though the collection is smaller than bigger markets in the Old Acapulco, it is still an amazing place to get your souvenirs and pieces of art. Most of them are made from minerals and precious stones which are already icons of Acapulcos coastal region. The collection that you will find portray the typical handicrafts created by local craftsmen: silver jewelry, embroidered clothing, and crafts carved from wood, alabaster, and onyx. But besides art, you can also buy and taste the delicious cocadas, coconut sweets that are a must if you visit the Acapulco region.

As you see, besides enjoying the sun and ocean of Acapulco, you can enjoy some of Mexicos finest and most creative artistic designs. Besides, you can take this precious souvenirs and keep them as a memory of your great vacation time. But I am sure that you will want to come back for more.

Romina Nieto

Image: Flickr

Author: Alline & Justin

Magical Towns to Visit near Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a new adventure in Puerto Vallarta? There are plenty of them! Eco-adventurers can dive and snorkel in the deep Pacific Ocean, take a boating or a sport-fishing tour on Banderas Bay, or explore the coves and isolated beaches nearby. Those keen on adrenaline can drive their own ATV through the Sierra Madre Mountains, take a zip-line tour over the forests or enjoy a surfing safari; and lovers of cultural tourism and history can enjoy fabulous tours through the mountains and the marvelous landscapes of Jalisco and discover two Magical Towns to visit near Puerto Vallarta.

Vallarta’s Tourism Infrastructure:

Puerto Vallarta is the most popular vacation destination by the Pacific, so the tourism infrastructure is well-developed and offers an array of options to cater all types of visitors. The hotels in Puerto Vallarta range from hyper luxurious resorts located in exclusive areas to moderate boutique hotels in the downtown area. There are elegant and expensive restaurants as well as simple and moderate venues, and different types of activities and tours for every taste and budget.

Magical Towns:

According to SECTUR (Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism) there are 83 Magical Towns (Pueblos Mágicos) scattered throughout the country up to date. These towns share the characteristic of being unique in some way and holding some cultural or historical value that tourists may appreciate.
Two of these 83 Magical Towns are located in Jalisco, at relatively short distance from Puerto Vallarta:

• San Sebastian del Oeste:

Located only 37 miles away from Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastian- as it is known by everyone- is an enchanting little town of 600 residents. During the colonial period, it had a population of as many as 30,000 inhabitants who were devoted to the search of lead, silver and gold in the area. Over time, the minerals were exhausted and people left the city.

Nowadays, San Sebastian still retains its ancient colonial charm in its quaint main plaza, its picturesque white houses and its wide cobblestone streets. Here and there during your trip around the town, you’ll see the new plantations of coffee and Agave. Tourists visit the town to explore the Historic Hacienda Jalisco’s mining museum, enjoy the marvelous view of the Pacific from Sierra de la Bufa and buy organic coffee from its very growers.

• Tequila:

The Valley of Tequila is located in Jalisco, around 4 hours by car from Puerto Vallarta and 1 hour from Guadalajara. The rolling hills of the Sierra Madre Mountains are tinted here and there with deep blue agave plantations and adorned by the dormant Tequila Volcano. The Magical Town of Tequila is the country’s main producer of Mexico’s national beverage: tequila, of course. There are several distillery tours and tequila-themed museums to visit during your stay; and the town itself is a beautiful place to walk around.

The main plaza is charming and picturesque, and it is surrounded by the main church and several nice bars and cafes that are worth a visit, too.

Traditions, history and culture are part of these towns’ magic. Take the chance and pay them a visit during your stay in Puerto Vallarta. Taste exquisite organic coffee in San Sebastian and the best Mexican tequila in Tequila. Walk, meet the people, admire the colonial architecture and enjoy the highest peace ever imagined.

Cecilia Vittori
Images: Flickr /authors: San sebastian (appaloosa); Tequila (Alejandro Castro)

Extreme Sports in Huatulco: Action, Adventure and Adrenaline

If you want to enjoy the beach and the sun, plus adventure, nature, great nightlife and plenty of fun by the Pacific, you’re thinking about Huatulco. Located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico at the Southern coast of the Pacific Ocean, Huatulco offers the best option for those who love peace, nature, sightseeing and extreme sports. The hotels in Huatulco are excellent and inexpensive when compared with other Mexican popular destinations; dining in the area is really good and there are as many attractions as days you will spend there (or more).

Huatulco’s Enviable Geography:

The area’s fantastic terrain diversity makes it an unsurpassable spot for the practice of all types of eco-adventures. When you practice extreme sports in Huatulco, action, adventure and adrenaline will be your faithful companions.

Huatulco boasts 20 miles of beautiful coastline in which 9 bays and 36 beaches offer plenty of impressive sites for diving and snorkeling. The Sierra Madre Sur Mountain Range makes a great scenario for ATV tours, mountain biking, horse riding and hiking; while the Coyula and Copalita rivers are excellent for lovers of rafting, kayaking and canoeing.
 
Extreme Adventure in Huatulco: In Huatulco, there’s a lot to do in many different environments every single day of the year. With temperatures ranging the 28°C all year round and 330 days of sunshine, options are endless. You can even book your tours online to make sure you don’t miss the action!  Want to know some of the best?

• Rafting in Copalita River:

From June to January you can enjoy thrilling rafting tours to Copalita River. This river offers three quite distinctive sections where you can enjoy great rafting according to your experience. The Whitewater Rafting Tour offers a whole day of excitement descending the rapids from 13 miles up the mountains and 800 meters above the sea level. Make sure to check the stunning natural beauty around, as your raft picks up speed at the mouth of the river.

• Rappelling in Huatulco:

Huatulco offers 3 beautiful rappelling spots: Piedra de Moros, Punta Celeste in Parque Botazoo and the Copalitilla Waterfalls. The Adventure at Zimatan River is a 5-hour tour that will take you to explore amazing 40-feet-high canyons and then descend the rocks beside the river in a marvelous and unforgettable experience. You will also stop at Tangolunda Bay and at Bocana Beach to enjoy the sightseeing.

• Diving in Huatulco:

Huatulco offers around 15 diving spots where both expert and beginner divers can catch a glimpse of the most beautiful underwater flora and fauna. La Entrega Beach in Santa Cruz Bay is one of the most popular diving sites as the coral reef is close to the shore and is home to all types of marine life. This place is perfect for the most inexperienced. San Agustin Beach is another great spot located near Santa Cruz Huatulco. Diving tours usually include the diving equipment and a certified guide.

Recommendations:

Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent and to take your camera for all the tours. Huatulco is a natural wonder ready to be discovered by lovers of adrenaline and adventure. Don’t miss it!

Cecilia Vittori
Image: Flickr (author: whatadqr)

What to buy at the Mercado Coral Negro in Cancun

What could be better than spending a golden vacation on the pristine Caribbean beaches of Cancun? Absolutely nothing. So, congrats for your choice!  There’s a good reason why Cancun is one of the most popular vacation destinations around the world. This beautiful vacation resort offers wonderful, wide, white-sanded beaches watered by the warm, turquoise Caribbean Sea; plenty of natural attractions and adventurous tours; and a great tourism infrastructure that includes an array of lodging, dining and shopping options to cater to all tastes and budgets.

Another wise choice is booking your hotel room in the bustling Hotel Zone, which is the most complete area in Cancun. Here you can find everything from luxurious all-inclusive hotels, fine dining venues, bohemian bars and wild discos; to a great variety of shopping options that includes huge shopping malls boasting exclusive international stores and quaint open-air flea markets offering unique handmade pieces, the best tequila and even piercings. Now, if what you want to get is a great Mexican souvenir, make sure to check the picturesque Mercado Coral Negro.

• Location:

The popular Mercado Coral Negro Flea Market is located in Kukulcan Boulevard Km 9 in the well-known “Party Center” area, near the best bars and discos. It stands right in the heart of the Hotel Zone close to the best hotels in Cancun; opposite Plaza Forum by The Sea Shopping Mall and at short steps from the Cancun Conventions Center. It is easily accessible on foot from any of the hotels in the area, or by bus or taxi if you’re staying in downtown Cancun.

• What to buy at the Mercado Coral Negro in Cancun:

This lively flea market features 50 stores and stands offering a huge variety of arts and crafts from several different regions of Mexico. In it, you can purchase traditional charro sombreros and suits; hand-made Mexican toys; huipiles (traditional Mexican dresses with embroidered colorful Mayan designs); sarapes (colorful woven shawls); guayaberas (traditional Mexican white or pastel colored shirts); handmade hammocks and baskets; and huaraches (local sandals), among several other Mexican items.

If you’re interested in purchasing original Mexican silver, you’ll find a “jewelry quarter” in the market enclosed by glass sliding doors, where you can get original and exotic silver pieces and gems. Before paying for your piece, check that it displays the .925 hallmark to make sure it is genuine.
There are also typical tourist-stalls offering T-shirts and caps with stamps bearing the name of Cancun and beach designs. Many tourists visit the Mercado to get their temporary henna tattoo, a body piercing, or the famous hair braids that Bo Derek popularized. You can also take a seat at “Slices”- a popular bar; or at “Xtabentun”- a small and inexpensive restaurant where you can taste exquisite Mexican dishes.

• Some tips:

It is very common in Cancun’s markets to bargain the prices; it is kind of a game and vendors expect tourists to do it. So, make sure to respectfully ask for a discount before taking your wallet out of your pocket or purse. Mercado Coral Negro Flea Market is open every day from 9 am to 9 pm.
Take the chance! Find your perfect souvenir at a great price in Mercado Coral Negro during your vacation in Cancun.

Cecilia Vittori
Image: Flickr (author: jerowee)

Fishing, the Most Famous Sport in Puerto Vallarta

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta has turned into one of the most famous sports in the area due to the quantity and quality of fish you can find in its waters. The climate and blue waters in here make Bay of Flags one of the best places to practice this sport. The diversity one can find is huge, and some of its species include the dorado, marlin, tuna and ghaho peto.

• Fishing in Vallarta

Fishing in Puerto Vallarta is a well kept secret in the generous waters of the Bay. As in any other coastal destination alongside the Mexican Riviera, fishing in Vallarta is famous worldwide among professionals as well as amateurs. From November to May fishing in the area takes place because of the abundant sailfish found in the area. Minor fishing occurs during the whole year, and different species are caught by fishermen, some of whom choose to free the animals after catching them. This catch and release technique is turning into the tendency for the sake of conserving the fauna of the place.

• The Boats

Embarkations in Puerto Vallarta are fully equipped with everything a fisherman can need regardless of their status – beginners, intermediate or experimented ones.  The crew has access to GPS locators, DVDs, TVs, microwave ovens, fridges and kitchenettes – the boats have everything you can imagine in order to make you live a once in a lifetime experience. If you are staying in any of the so many hotels in Vallarta and are eager to be part of this adventure, don’t even doubt at it and rent a ship. Different enterprises offer tourists their ships, and this is the case of Mike’s Fishing Charter, founded in 1997. From there on, the company is known for its fishing and sailing tours in the bay.

• Catch and Release 

The catch and release technique is proving quite efficient among the waters of the whole world; putting into practice good techniques to do so will provide you with a first class fishing experience as well as help you grow awareness of the valuable fishing resources for future generations. When handled properly, fishing in salad waters turns into an excellent activity which does not involve harming the environment.

Every November a fishing tournament takes place in Vallarta in the open sea; this is a perfect opportunity for fishermen from all over the world to come and live this amazing experience in the best waters of the whole world. In any case, the event is an interesting activity to be done or to be attended by visitors of Vallarta who want to live a truly Mexican adventure, where the main aim is not to destroy nature but to protect the fauna of the ecosystem. Come to Vallarta and do not miss the chance of being part of this activity!

Agostina Giacomino

Picture: Flickr (brettanicus)

Visit the Underwater Christ (Las Gatas Beach) for the Easter Holidays in Ixtapa

The Easter Holidays is one of the best times of the year to take a minivacation with your family. But where can you go during this time? Well, let me recommend one of the most amazing destinations I have ever been. Last year, when I went to Mexico City to visit a relative, she told she would take me to a beautiful city that she had discovered a few months ago: Ixtapa (state of Guerrero, Mexico). I liked it so much that I decided to spend the rest of my vacations there.

Ixtapa

In the early 70s, the Mexican government decided to create new beach resorts around the country in order to attract foreign and local tourists. It was during this time that Ixtapa was born when it had been only a coconut plantation. The government saw its potential and believed that it was going to be an ideal vacation spot. And they were right! When I first arrived I knew that I was going to find adventure anywhere I went. First of all, the hotels in Ixtapa were some of the most luxurious I have ever been and they were just a few steps away from the shoreline so I had the ocean at hand. Secondly, there were masseuses offering two-hour massages in an open air hut. Lastly, I found great places to fish, surf, snorkel and scuba dive. One of this places is called Playa Las Gatas (Las Gatas Beach).

Las Gatas Beach

Las Gatas Beach has become into the most favorite beach for everyone who stays in Ixtapa. It is one of the safest beaches since the bay protects it from the rough water of the ocean. My cousin had already been there and, since I am a fan of water sports, she told me that it was a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Even if I do not like crowded beaches very much, I decided to go anyway. Little did I know that I was going to enjoy this experience. When we got to the beach the first thing that called my attention is that there was seafood shack sharing a space together with a stand that rented scuba diving and snorkeling equipment. I wanted to explore the water first, so we were going to eat later.

Underwater Jesus Christ

The water in Ixtapa is incredibly beautiful and clear. Besides, it owns a rich marine life. As I was scuba diving, I made out some really fascinating coral reefs (something that is not very common in the Pacific Ocean) and the famous catfish which is the reason for the name of this beach (cat = gato/a). We kept scuba diving and we saw a magnificent work of art: the Underwater Christ. The Underwater Christ is bronze statue of 13 feet tall and weighs 1.5 tons. The most interest thing of the statue of Jesus is that his heart has a key. Before being underwater, the Underwater Christ was taken to the main cities of Mexico as a way to promote Ixtapa as a great vacation destination.

As you can see, Ixtapa is a beautiful place to explore for these Easter Holidays. Once you leave that beautiful city of Mexico, you will want to come back to keep exploring it for the next vacations you have. So come and visit the Underwater Christ (Las Gatas Beach) for the Easter Holidays in Ixtapa.

Romina Nieto

Image: Flickr
Author: Russ Bowling