City In Mexico » City In Mexico

Tulum Ruins

admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 17:19:44 +0000

Tulum is an archaeological site on Riviera Maya. It is located on 12-meter (39 ft) cliffs overlooking the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. The buildings that you will be able to see here, date from the Post-Classic period, around 1200 to 1500 A.D., which is also the time of city the arrival of the Spaniards to Tulum. According to some, ruins of Tulum are not so impressive such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal. However, I would not agree with those people because the complete impression; the ruins, the location, the cliffs, the sea; really leaves you speechless. Like many Mexican places and archeological sites, Tulum also has a very specific and unusual name. It actually means wall and refers to the fact that Tulum was a walled city, protected on one side by a wall of about 12 feet in height steep and on the other by cliffs facing the sea. At the time it was built and many years later, it served as a trading port.

You must be asking yourself why would I even consider going to this place but do not get confused by those who thinks that there is nothing to see. In Temple of the Frescoes there are original Mayan frescoes that are in blue-green and outlined in black. These brilliant frescoes are really breathtaking, you won’t believe how amazing they are until you see it yourself. They are depicting Mayan gods and religious motifs. Except from the frescoes, there is so called El Castillo, or the Castle, which is the tallest building of the Tulum. Its function has never been fully discovered, but many believe that it has functioned as a navigational aid directing Mayan craft through the break in the reef to the beach. After the exploration of the ruins you should definitely take a swim on the beach, first of all because it is one of the most beautiful beaches along the Mayan Riviera, and second of all it will be something that you’d really need. It is important to mention that Tulum is not only the archeological site, but it is the town as well. It is located 4 km south of the ruins and here you have many options for accommodation here, from luxury boutique hotels to rustic cabanas. Despite this fact, most tourists visit Tulum ad a day trip from Cancun and there is also the tour that includes visit to Tulum and Xel-Ha. My advice is that if you can choose when and how to get to the ruins, to go in the morning before the tour buses arrive, since it is a relatively small site and can get really crowded. And do not forget to bring along the bathing suit, you will need a refreshing swim after visiting the Tukum. On the site there are local tour guides available to give you a tour of the ruins, and they are licensed and really help you to understand the Mayan culture.

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Visiting Teotihuacan, Mexico, part 3

admin — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 05:27:12 +0000

Continuing your tour of Teotihuacan, you will have the opportunity once more to enjoy in the view of the Avenue of the Dead and eventually you will come to the Pyramid of the Moon. It is located at the far north end of the Avenue of the Dead. At this point I have to give you some information about the history of Teotihuacan. It was abandoned around the year 800, and this year is considered to be the end of the Mesoamerica’s Classic period. Till nowadays, the reason for the fall is not known, but there are some presumptions that there was a prolonged drought or an epidemic. Other claim that there was a conflict with another group or an internal conflict: some of the buildings show evidence of destruction by fire, as opposed to merely being abandoned, like many of the Mayan archaeological sites.
Now, after you have learned something you can enjoy in the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Moon, at the northern end of the Street of the Dead, was probably completed around 250 A.D. Recent excavations near the base of the pyramid staircase have uncovered the tomb of a male skeleton with numerous grave goods of obsidian and greenstone, as well as sacrificial animals. One of the most significant tombs yet discovered at Teotihuacan, it might indicate that even more important tombs lie buried at the heart of the pyramid. It is the second largest structure in the city, the Pyramid of the Moon rises to 140 feet (43 metres) and measures 426 by 511 feet (130 by 156 metres) at its base. This pyramid is very similar to that of the Sun, but with an additional platform-temple jutting out on the south. This exhibits the talud-tablero architectural motif that is typical of Teotihuacán culture: on each body or tier of a stepped pyramid is a rectangular frontal panel (tablero) supported by a sloping batter (talud). The tablero is surrounded by a kind of projecting frame, and the recessed portion of the panel usually bears a polychrome mural applied to the stuccoed surface. The best way to finish your tour is to enjoy in the view from the top of the Pyramid of the Moon. I hope that I have helped you and intrigued you, and that you will visit Teotihuacan to see all this yourself.

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Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula, Part 2

admin — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:06:58 +0000

Mayan Ruins continued – 35 miles south of Cancun there is a leading commercial port known as Xcaret, or “Little inlet”. This is an eco-park that encloses a small Mayan archaeological zone. On the northern part of Cozumel island there is the largest of 30 Maya sites found on this island, known as San Gervasio. In the past it was economical and political center of the island, and what is more interesting it was the sanctuary of the Mayan moon goddess Ixchel. It is assumed that the entire Mayan world may have come to worship her.
Coba, or Ruffled water, which is what its name means, was built around four lakes. More than 6000 structures have been covered there and it is assumed that only few have been left uncovered. To the tourists the most interesting thing in Coba and mostly the reason of their visit is the Nohuch Mul Pyramid. This is the tallest pyramid in the area with 120 steps, and if you are not afraid of heights, climb up and enjoy the breathtaking view.

Coba in Mexico

Another interesting site is Xel-Ha. This name actually means “where the water is born” when you know that fact it won’t be surprising to hear that it is a water park with ruins on-site. Unfortunately, archaeological zone is only partially excavated. In the past, people use to come here to honor a variety of gods. Xel-ha was one of several key ports of the Maya city of Coba and it was likely used as a point of intercultural exchange between the Maya and other sea-navigating peoples.
I have decided to leave the best for the end. Something that really took my breath away and something I couldn’t wait to see is the Tulum. It is located on 12-meter (39 ft) cliffs overlooking the brilliant turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The Tulum means wall and refers to the fact that Tulum was a walled city, protected on one side by a wall of about 12 feet in height steep and on the other by cliffs facing the sea. In Temple of the Frescoes there are original Mayan frescoes that are in blue-green and outlined in black. These brilliant frescoes are really breathtaking, you won’t believe how amazing they are until you see it yourself. They are depicting Mayan gods and religious motifs. Except from the frescoes, there is so called El Castillo, or the Castle, which is the tallest building of the Tulum. Its function has never been fully discovered, but many believe that it has functioned as a navigational aid.
I hope that I have managed to satisfy your appetite for knowledge about some of the most important Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula and that my experiences have induced you to come to Mexico and see all these miracles by yourself.

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Travel to Oaxaca, city in Mexico

admin — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:02:36 +0000

Oaxaca is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of the same name. It is situated in the Central Valleys region of the state, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre at the base of the Cerro del Fortín extending to the banks of the Atoyac River. It is at 1500 m above sea level and has a mild climate year-round. Its popularity, Oaxaca owns to splendid architecture, brilliant handicrafts and amazing archeological sites. It is the type of the city that mostly relies on the tourism because of the large number of colonial-era structures and archeological sites such as Monte Alban and Mitla. Due to all that, this city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has been inhabited in prehistoric times and the first Europeans to arrive in the area were Dominican friars who came to convert the native people to Catholicism.
All around the city, there are different building all decorated with the colonial architecture, and every one beautiful in its own way. The most outstanding architectural masterpiece is Santo Domingo church. It is a jewel in the crown of Dominican architecture, built between 1550 and 1619. The opulent baroque interior of Santo Domingo church contrasts with its sedate exterior, making it really special. A short distance from Oaxaca city there are several archaeological sites located. The most distinguished is Monte Alban. It is the capital of the Zapotec people from 500 B.C. to 800 A.D. Located on the mountain-top; it offers impressive views of the valley below. The monumental center of Monte Albán is the Main Plaza. It is delimited by large platforms accessible from the plaza via monumental staircases. One characteristic of Monte Albán is the large number of carved stone monuments one encounters throughout the plaza. Another important site is the site of Mitla. It is located in the Eastern arm of the Oaxaca valley and five main groups of buildings remain including the Grupo de las Columnas and the Grupo de Iglesia. The walls are decorated with distinctive geometric mosaics that characterize Mitla’s buildings and traces of paintwork and some artifacts are still retained.
Oaxacan handicrafts are known all over the world and some of the most sought-after items are Zapotec wool rugs, Black pottery and Wood carvings called “alebrijes”. What is more, it is also known for its distinctive cuisine, you have to try mole, quesillo and tlayudas. Hotels range from small, informal places to luxurious hotels, it all depends how much you want to spend on it. During the year there are several fiestas in Oaxaca, and some of them are Day of the Dead celebrations, Radish Night and The Guelaguetza, dance festival. This folk dance festival is the most popular festival in the state and it is held every July and takes place in an auditorium overlooking the city.

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Visiting a city in Mexico – Puebla City

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:22:26 +0000

The City of Puebla is the 4th largest city in Mexico and also one of the oldest cities in the country. Likely for all the tourist, it has preserved its colonial architecture. It is situated in a valley flanked by volcanoes, only 80 miles from Mexico City. Mostly it is visited as a day trip from Mexico City, but trust me, it is worth staying a few days. In the 16th century, the city represented a bastion for Spaniards mid-way. It has changed its name for several times and today it is also known as Puebla de Zaragoza in honor of General Ignacio Zaragoza, who commanded during the battle against French.
Puebla City has a warm, relaxed atmosphere, colorful surroundings and distinct colonial history and that make it a worthwhile destination. Among all the things you can do and see I would sincerely recommend you to go on a walking tour of Puebla’s historical center where you will discover the unique colonial buildings. You can take the Turibus or tranvia for a guided tour or visit the Amparo Museum where you can see a large collection of Prehispanic, Colonial, Modern and Contemporary Mexican art.
To some tourist the visit to Puebla is a one day tour, but if you come to Peubla to spend there several days, you can go on different day trips. One of the most popular day tour form Pueblo is a tour to Cholula. On this tour you can see The Great Pyramid of Cholula, which is the world’s largest pyramid, topped by the Virgen de los Remedios church. Another very visited day tour is called the Africam Safari. Here, on the 500 acres of park wander a wide variety of wild animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, buffalo, and rhinoceros.
Where ever you go you have to eat, but here it will not only be to satisfy your hunger it would be a real pleasure. Puebla is well-known for its cuisine, and this is known by both Mexicans and foreigners. According to the local story, here originated both mole poblano and chiles en nogad. But you will not only enjoy in the food you eat in the restaurants, because the street food is delicious too, so do not hesitate to try it, especially chalupas which are very popular. Since I have mentioned restaurants here are some that you have to visit. Those are Mi Ciudad, Fonda Santa Clara and La Zanahoria. When it comes to the hotels, those in Puebla’s historical center are more interested and visited. Hotel Colonial is in a former Jesuit monastery, Hotel Royalty is on the Zocalo, great place isn’t it? And a pricey but luxurious Meson Sacristia de Capuchinas. Now, since I have informed you on where to eat and stay, a little part mostly for the ladies, shopping in Puebla. This is a great destination for shopping. Go to a charming handicrafts market, known as Mercado el Parian; than Plazuela de los Sapos that has antiques and flea market, furthermore Mercado La Victoria, which is a let 19th century market that is transformed into a modern shopping mall. Not to forget to tell you that there are also festivities in Puebla and those really worth mentioning are Puebla’s fair, The Chile en Nogada festival and Independence Day.

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Visiting other cities in Mexico? Visit Guadalajara

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:12:22 +0000

The second largest city in Mexico is Guadalajara. Among the local people and some well-informed tourists it is also known as “the Pearl of the West”. It owns its popularity to the Mariachi music since this is the place where it has been born. It is located in the center of Mexico, in the state of Jalisco. Guadalajara has a humid subtropical climate, featuring dry and mild winters and warm and wet summers. The highest temperatures are usually reached in May averaging 32°C, before the onset of the wet season. The name of the place comes from the Arab word “Wadi-al-Hajara”, meaning “Valley of stones” and it is named like that in honour of conquistador Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, who founded the Mexican city in 1531.
In the tourist sector the cultural wealth of Guadalajara has taken on an important role. Many of the main cultural events in the country is held right here. The culture is a key factor in the development of Guadalajara that is why it has been approved the construction of the Guggenheim Guadalajara, the sixth Guggenheim museum in the world. Guadalajara also hosts music festivals and open-air art and photography shows. It is a city with a great number of contemporary artists in dance, theater, music, photography, cinema, design, architecture, etc.
Like in every town or village in Mexico, here you can also see and do interesting things. You should visit the Government Palace and attractions such as the Institute of Jalisco Handicrafts, the Museum of Archaeology of Western Mexico, the Jose Clemente Orozco Museum, the Museum of Huichol Indian Handicrafts and the Museum of Journalism and Graphic Arts. There are also day trips. I would definitely recommend to all to take a ride on the Tequila Express and visit the town of Tequila and learn everything about this famous drink. Not to forget to mention, there is plenty of tequila for you to taste and also mariachi music to make the real impression on the journey.
Shopping is also one of the attractions of Guadalajara. It is renowned for its glass-blowing workshops, its ceramics and leather-work. Nearby there is also a village that ha san abundance of crafts studios and shops. And you mustn’t miss the Mercado Libertad, which is Latin America’s largest enclosed market.
When it comes to the nightlife, you should start your evening with the Nocturno walking tour if you are in the town on Saturday. There is also La Maestranza Cantina, a bar with the bullfighting museum that includes also restaurant service and live music. If you are not a fan of the bullfights and you want to spend your nights dancing, than you should definitely go to El Mito, a disco for the over 25 crowd where you can enjoy in the music of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend your nights in Mexico listening to the pop music and if you want to hear some latin rhythms, such as salsa, merengue and cumbia you should go to Tropigala and let the rhythm overtakes you.

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Los Cabos – Baja California

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:49:42 +0000

Los Cabos is situated on the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. It has been gaining popularity as a tourist destination over the past 30 years. This area includes the towns of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, and the area between them which is commonly referred to as the “Tourist Corridor” or simply “the Corridor.”
Cabo San Lucas is the most popular tourist destination in Baja California and a great place for sport-fishing, golf and different types of water sports. Only thirty years ago, before Las Cabos was discovered by tourists, Cabo San Lucas was a small fishing village in Mexico. Nowadays, it is urban tourist resort area with luxury hotels, modern restaurants, beautiful resorts and an amazingly active nightlife in Mexico.
On the other hand, if you are the type of tourist that is attracted by a quiet, laid-back vacation in a traditional Mexican town, you should go Twenty miles to the northeast of Cabo San Lucas where San Jose del Cabo is situated. It is a quiet colonial town that was founded as a Jesuit mission in the 18th century. Its purpose was to convert the local Pericu people and over time it has also served as a military outpost and mining center. Today it is a perfect place for those who like quiet vacations.
In Los Cabos the main activities are based on the beaches and oceans. If you ever come to Los Cabos you should not miss the opportunity to go on a glass-bottom boat tour, parasailing, scuba diving and snorkeling. During those glass-bottom boat tour you will see the sea lion colony and the pelican rocks. All these activities will end like the unexpected experiences since this is the richest sea in the world. Los Cabos is considered to be the marlin sport fishing capital of the world. If you come to Los Cabos in the period between December and March our advice is to take whale watching tour. If you appetite for exploring is not satisfied by visiting only Los Cabos, the artist community of Todos Santos is an hour’s drive. It is protected as a Mexican national historic district and in this small picturesque town, during a day trip you can visit art galleries and shop for handmade textiles, handicrafts and folk art.
If you are the one of those tourists who likes to explore the culture through food, do not hesitate. Even though it is hard to believe, but Los Cabos has a very high level of cuisine, you can find international or the traditional Mexican dishes. In 2008, there were only 60 restaurants with the 5 diamonds award in the world, and believe it or not, Cabo has one of them.

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Basilica de Guadalupe

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:33:01 +0000

Basilica de Guadalupe is the most visited religious site in Mexico City. It is at the hill where the virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego. She is the patroness of Mexico and a very important national symbol. The Basilica of Guadalupe is one of the most visited churches in the world and it is considered to be an important Catholic pilgrimage site. The so called ¨New¨Basilica de Guadalupe was build in the second half of the last century on the site of a 16th Century church, also known as «Old Basilica». The huge plaza in front of the basilica has room for 50 000 worshippers and that is the amount of people that gathered there on December 12th when the celebration of the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is held. When it comes to the architectural features it is worth to say that its construction was inspired from 17th century churches in Mexico. When it was finished, most of the folks did not like the design, however, due to the soft subsoil this was the only type of the construction that could be made. In the basilica the original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe is held and the circular floorplan allows views of the virgin from every spot inside the building. Raising head beneath the central column would have a head-spinning effect since it is 42 meters high and beautifully decorated. Except from the «new» basilica, you can see «old» basilica and visit a museum of religious art.

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Frida Kahlo Museum

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:28:57 +0000

At the corner of Allende in the Colonia Del Carmen Coyoacan area of Mexico City is a Museum Frida Kahlo. It is actually the Casa Azul or Blue House in Coyoacan. It was the family home of the famous artist and wife of painter Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo. This world wide known artist grew up in this house and in her final years she returns here with her husband. Four years after Frida Kahlo’s death, the house was converted into a museum. Here all the fans can take a glimpse into the private life of these artists. Among all, the museum contains Frida’s and Deego’s personal belongings it is decorated with Mexican arts and crafts. Unfortunately, here you can see a really small amount of both artists works, since they are not exhibited here. In order to see some Frida Kahlo’s paintings you should go to the Dolores Olmedo Patiño Museum in Xochimilco or the Modern Art Museum in Chapultepec Park. The thing that no one can ignore is the fact that there is a special atmosphere in this house. Behind tall blue walls is a completely different world made by Frida Kahlo. The creative spirit of the famous Latin-American artist vibrates in the house and that is why this is a place where many artists come in order to find themselves. So, do not miss the opportunity to discover your own creative spirit in the Museo Frida Kahlo.

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Xochimilco

admin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:27:21 +0000

If you ever come to Mexico City, the visit to the Xochimilco would definitely be a highlight of your trip. Half a century ago this was an agricultural hub, a metropolis of 235,000 inhabitants and today it consists of canals and gardens, which is all that is left of the lake on which Mexico City was built. The name Xochimilco means ‘garden of flowers’ and here you can ride colourful boats along the canals while a mariachi band serenades you and there are always plenty of vendors with food and drink, souvenirs and music. This activity is widely enjoyed by Mexicans, so it’s one of the more authentic tourist experiences available. As you travel you will see city life, restaurants, and greenhouses where flowers and plants are grown. Further beyond the city canals there is a wildlife preserve in which the original character of the chinampas may be seen. Xochimilco is divided into two main parts, traditional area and an echological park. This is a great place for bird watching since the canals and lagoons attract different birds. According to many guidebooks Xochimilco is known as the Venice of Mexico because they are so romantic. The best time for visiting Xochimilco is two weeks before the Easter when the annual Xochimilco Festival is held.

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