History Of Cancun: From Mayan Refuge To Tourist Paradise

BY  Mashum Sep 3, 2019

“Mexico is a mosaic of different realities and beauties” - Enrique Pena Nieto Mexico is a beautiful country filled with a rich bounty of natural, historical and cultural treasures. While Mexico is mostly famous for its breathtaking beaches dotted across the extensive shoreline, Mexico is so much more than just its beaches. It is one of the lesser-explored hidden gems of the world, which makes it even more affordable. There are so many things to do in Mexico that one trip would surely not feel enough! 12 Things That Everyone Should Try In Mexico: 1. Visit the Mexican Pyramids: If you thought that Egypt was the only place you could find pyramids, think again! Mexico has a huge array of stunning pyramids, which date back to the Mayan Civilization, as old as 300 BC. Some of the most striking among them is located in Cholula, Chichen Itza, Coba, etc. There are a number of pyramids from the Aztec civilization spread across sites, such as Teotihuacán, Tenayuca, and Tenochtitlan as well as those erected by several other civilizations. There are also a number of unexplored pyramids and it is yet to be determined which civilization constructed them. Some of these have been more recently discovered and it is only expected that there are more to be yet discovered. 2. Mayan Ruins in Tulum: Located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the town of Tulum is a beautiful blend of the ancient and the modern. Its proximity to Cancun, beautiful beach and Cenoteshas gained it the moniker of being a popular resort town. It ‘s also known for hosting some of the best Yoga Retreats in Mexico, which are an exciting archaeological site with incredible Mayan ruins, such as Temple of the Frescoes, Temple of the Descending God, El Castillo and the famous Tulum's wall. 3. Puebla and Cholula: Take a day trip to Puebla and Cholula and witness the creations of one of the most advanced ancient civilizations. Cholula is where you can feast your eyes in the glory of the largest pyramid in the world. A part of it hidden by the mountain, this majestic pyramid is way bigger, although not taller, than the pyramid of Giza. Visit other archeological sites like Convent of Santa Monica, Chapel of the Rosary, and Church of Our Lady of the Remedies. In Puebla, you can witness magnificent colonial architecture, which will leave you spellbound. 4. Explore Aztec history in Mexico City: Right outside the capital of Mexico City lies the archaeological sites of Teotihucán with its majestic pyramids, the Pyramid of the Sun being the largest. Other sites worth exploring are Tenochtitlán, Templo Mayor, Cuicuilco, Calixtlahuaca, Santa Cecilia Acatitlán, Plaza de las tres Culturas, etc. Take a trip to the museums in the city for an informative and comprehensive educational tour. 5. Appreciate art and architecture: Mexico is a throbbing canter of art, culture, and architecture. When in Mexico make sure you check out the mesmerizing and moving works of Frida Kahlo at the Frida Kahlo Museum, also known as the Blue House. Take a trip to the Museo Mural Diego Rivera to witness the famous mural along with Museo Casa Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo where the works of both artists are exhibited. The culture of art in Mexico is so widespread that you will find gorgeous street art pieces made by contemporary local artists, which are worth stopping by and photographing. 6. Iztaccihuatl: A hike up to the extinct volcano of Iztaccihuatl, popularly known as the sleeping lady, is a must-do for all nature lovers. Leave behind the noise and people of the city and witness the beauty of the sylvan flora and fauna, which exhibit a vast range of habitats from the forests of evergreen trees like oak, pine, alnusetc to the alpine. There are thousands of species of plants that you can see. These mountains are inhabited by a variety of animals such as puma, lynx, white-tailed deer, teporingo rabbit, coati and various species of birds. 7. Cenote of Hubiku: The cenotes of Mexico are beautiful sinkholes, which are filled with the bluest of the clear waters making them irresistible. Given the sheer number of cenotes the region has, swimming in one is an absolute must to on the list of things to do in Mexico. While the cenote at Hubiku is the most popular there are more at Cancun, Tulum, etc. You can also go snorkeling at these cenotes for a marvelous view. 8. Swim with sharks in Cancun: If the thrill is your love, swimming with the sharks is something that you would not want to miss out. The popular beach destination of Cancun offers its visitors a rare and thrilling opportunity of swimming with giant whale sharks of the Caribbean Sea. The largest sharks in the world, these only feed on plankton and hence, pose no threat to humans. 9. Relax with some yoga: There are a number of excellent Yoga Retreats in Mexico, which will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated before you head home or head off to the next leg of your vacation. Whether you want to lose some weight to look ripped in your vacay photos or you simply want to let go of stress, Xinalani Retreat, Spirit of Cacao Retreat, Jungle Taoist Retreat, Playa Viva Yoga Retreat, Amansalaetc are some of the Best Yoga Retreats in Mexico 10. Join in the festival fun: Festivals in Mexico are full of colors, sounds, music and so much life that you will not feel like an outsider in the celebrations. If there is one festival you must attend in Mexico, it is Día de Muertos or the day of the dead. Celebrating the life and journey of dead loved, thousands of people take to the streets decked up in vibrant attires and makeup, which represent the dead, such as skulls, something that is so uniquely stunning. Other festivals, such as Cinco de Mayo, Festival de México, Carnaval, Guelaguetza Festival etc are worth visiting too. 11. Pure food coma: Mexican food offers a vibrant burst of flavors, textures, and spices, which will leave your appetite asking for more. To have a real taste of Mexico, do try their tacos, chilaquiles, tostadas, pozole, enchiladas, mole, and tamales. There areseveral delectable vegetarian and non-vegetarian options that make this country a paradise for foodies. Do try out their freshest beans, authentic salsa and guacamole. Make sure you end your meal with popular Mexican desserts, such as jericalla, nieve de garrafa, pan de elote, etc. 12. Party till you drop: Head over to the Guadalajara for the most epic parties one can ever witness! The hub of exciting nightlife, the city teems with clubs, pubs, discos as well as tons of other party options where you can literally party till wee hours in the morning. Cancun boasts of some of the most epic beach parties as well as a vibrant nightlife with some of the best DJs belting out popular tracks and foot-tapping music. Final words… Mexico is one of the most amazing and lively countries that you can visit. Explore the beauties of nature, rich history of ancient civilizations, heritage and culture, music, food, beach, parties and much more. There are so many things to do in Mexico that you will want to come back for more! Read Also: Top 10 Places To Visit In Singapore 10 Best Things To Do In Dublin (Ireland) 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim Top 5 Unique Things To Do In Udaipur The Ultimate Guide To Travelling When You Have No Money 5 EUROPEAN DESTINATIONS NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BY ‘OVER-TOURISM

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 26, 2020

When you first visit the beautiful region of Puerto Vallarta in Mexico, you will ask yourself a simple question- Why didn’t I come here before? The tropical paradise boasts of some of the world’s most exotic and undiscovered beaches. Its clear white shorelines and the tranquil blue waters make it straight out some Hollywood A-List movie. However, places like Puerto Vallarta have never marketed themselves as other overrated places in the Mediterranean have. In this article, we are going to extensively review that paradise situated in the Bahia de Banderas- Puerto Vallarta. We are going to shed some light on its major attractions. In addition, we will layout some reasons as to why you should consider traveling to Puerto Vallarta on your next vacation. Puerto Vallarta: What you need to know The region of Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Ocean and has at its boundary the Sierra Madre Mountain. Puerto Vallarta has been consistently rated as one of Mexico’s top family vacation destinations. You can say that this is a Resort City and has numerous tourist attractions. Puerto Vallarta lies bang on the Banderas Bay and is closely situated from Nueva Vallarta, another promising and fun resort city. The world-famous Aquaventuras Park is also situated in Puerto Vallarta. The Park is also located in close proximity to Nueva Vallarta. Many people think that Puerto Vallarta is all about the beach. Yes, there is no doubt that the beach is one of the major attractions. However, there is more to the city than the beach. For example, you can choose to spend time in the amazing water park, Aquaventuras. You can also go hiking and explore the rich mountains and forest areas. Puerto Vallarta is a highly colorful Bohemian town having a strong colonial heritage. You will find colorful walls, friendly people, and great local cuisine wherever you go. List of Main Attractions at Puerto Vallarta Activities in Puerto Vallarta are endless. In this section, we are going to discuss some of the major ones, which you should definitely try if you visit. 1. Swimming with the Dolphins- One of the major reasons, thousands of tourists visit this gem of a place is because if offers swimming with the dolphins. You can interact with them, pet them, catch their tricks, and even swim with them in the open waters. This is a truly magical experience, especially for kids who fall in love with these magical beings every single time. 2. Hiking in the Sierra Madre Mountains- If you really want to explore nature and work out, you should definitely try hiking on the Sierra Madre Mountains. You can even do mountain biking if you are so interested or enjoy a leisurely horse ride to the top of the mountains. There are also many eco-tours conducted by locals, which showcase the rich flora and fauna of the region on a hiking tour. 3. Shopping Paradise- We are all guilty of indulging in some shopping whenever we travel. If you are like one of us, Puerto Vallarta has you covered. The bohemian paradise boasts of a number of shops selling everything from clothes to artifacts. However, you need to be careful and be willing to bargain if you want to strike a good deal with locals. 4. Marine Shows- Being located on the Banderas Bay and the Pacific Ocean means that Puerto Vallarta sees a lot of marine action and wildlife. From whales migrating to wild dolphins swimming along the coastlines, you can catch them all from the safety of your boat. You can also go scuba diving and explore the underwater reefs and aquatic life. 5. Golfing Activity- If you are someone who wants to go golfing on your next vacation. Puerto Vallarta has you covered. The region boasts some of the most exotic golf parks nestled between mountains and the coastline. You can surely take some time out and go golfing with your buddies if you are traveling with friends or colleagues. What precautions you should take when traveling to Puerto Vallarta? Whenever we travel to any new destination, it is important that we take certain precautions. Travel experts suggest that tourists should take the following ones when traveling to Puerto Vallarta- Always consumer bottled or mineral water in packaged form even if you are eating at local restaurants. Do not carry a lot of cash on you at any point in It is always better to carry a separate debit or a credit card with limited finances. Try to book your stay from authentic and credible travel platforms. You can also directly contact the hotels and book from them. Never try to book a local tour guide for your own safety. Ask the hotel or the resort to appoint one for you who is listed and registered. Do not go off your itinerary even if you are suggested of the same by a local. Visiting off-beat places should be something, you should look to avoid. You do not need to exchange your currency from USD into Pesos as most major hotels and restaurants accept dollars. You should always carry a copy of your official documents at all times. This can also include a photocopy of your Passport. As long as you are taking these precautions, you will be able to enjoy your vacation in Puerto Vallarta without any troubles. This list of precautions is something, which should be followed at all places, no matter where you visit. The Final Word Swim with dolphins in Puerto Vallarta can be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. However, Puerto Vallarta offers something for everyone. From great golf estates to a shopper’s paradise, you can soak up the different sights and sounds of Puerto Vallarta. In terms of the expenses, Puerto Vallarta is definitely much more affordable than any European city. Even if you compare the same to Hawaii, you will find that almost all the expenses are way cheaper. This is why in the last few years, many families are abandoning vacations in the Caribbean islands and heading out to this scenic paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Read Also: What Can You Expect From The New Year’s In Mexico

BY  Priya Mar 30, 2022

Mexico City is a vast metropolis with endless neighborhoods to explore. It can be hard to know where to start with so much to see and do. So, we've put together this guide on the best neighborhoods in Mexico City! Whether you're looking for history, culture, nightlife, or shopping, read on and discover the best of Mexico City's neighborhoods! 1. Santa Fe Looking for a trendy, upscale neighborhood in Mexico City, look no further than Santa Fe. This newer neighborhood is home to some of the city's best shopping, dining, and entertainment. Santa Fe is also one of the most convenient neighborhoods in the city, with easy access to public transportation. Hotels in Sante Fe, Mexico City are also some of the best in the city if you are looking for the perfect place to stay. 2. La Condesa La Condesa is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Mexico City, and it's easy to see why. This hip and trendy neighborhood is home to some of the city's best bars, stylish sidewalk cafés, trendy restaurants, and clubs. It is home to a lot of art deco apartment buildings, tree-lined avenues, and art nouveau mansions. 3. Roma Roma is another popular neighborhood in Mexico City, and it's known for its bohemian atmosphere. However, this is a great place to come for art, music, and good food. Roma is also one of the most walkable neighborhoods in the city, so it's perfect for those who want to explore on foot. 4. Coyoacan Coyoacan is one of the unique neighborhoods in Mexico City. This colorful neighborhood is known for its art, food, and markets. Coyoacan is also home to Frida Kahlo's former home, which is now a museum. 5. San Miguel Chapultepec San Miguel Chapultepec is one of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City for history and culture. In addition, this neighborhood is home to some of the city's most important museums, including the Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Art. Also, it is home to the city’s largest park, the Bosque de Chapultepec Park. 6. Tlalpan If you're looking for a neighborhood with a more relaxed atmosphere, Tlalpan is the perfect place. This residential neighborhood is full of parks and green space, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 7. Centro Historico Centro Historico is the historic center of Mexico City, and it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. In addition, this neighborhood is home to some of the city's most important landmarks, including the Zocalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor, the former main temple of the ancient Mexica people. 8. Zona Rosa Also known as the "pink zone," Zona Rosa is one of the best neighborhoods in Mexico City for nightlife. This vibrant neighborhood is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants, and it's always buzzing with energy. As the city center of Mexico City's gay community, Zona Rosa is also a great place to experience the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife. 9. Polanco If you're looking for an upscale neighborhood in Mexico City, Polanco is the perfect place. This chic neighborhood is home to some of the city's best shopping, dining, and entertainment as well as upscale accommodation options. Read Also: What Can You Expect From The New Year’s In Mexico 6 Best Delicious Destinations That You Can’t Miss How To Turn Your Tulum Trip Into An Unforgettable Adventure