Tag Archives: Mexico

Iguana in Puerto Vallarta
Mexico, Plan, Puerto Vallarta, Trip Ideas

Mexico Snapshots: Iguanas of Puerto Vallarta

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Take a stroll through Puerto Vallarta and you’ll probably see an iguana perched on a tree branch, munching on a bougainvillea bush or sunning itself on a rock. And if not, you will certainly encounter numerous likenesses, as the town loves this big lizard.

In Puerto Vallarta, the iguana is used in company logos, molded into pottery, celebrated in fiestas, and incorporated into the names of restaurants, nightclubs, and cantinas. One of the city’s most prestigious neighborhoods is Isla Iguana, and on area beaches, sand sculptors recreate likenesses while entrepreneurial youngsters offer to loan their pet lizards for photo ops. It can even be said that the iguana brought Puerto Vallarta to the world stage when director John Huston came on location to stage the cinematic classic “The Night of the Iguana.”

Nature lovers may be fascinated to learn that iguanas actually sport a third eye hidden in the center of their forehead, which helps warn of threats from birds of prey, which are one of this animal’s few natural predators. History buffs may be less thrilled to learn that humans have long considered iguanas to be a tasty source of protein and leather. Fortunately, these personable lizards are now off the menu for most, and are prized primarily for their personality.

Playa del Carmen Birdmen Dance
Mexico, Play, Playa del Carmen, Trip Ideas

Playa del Carmen’s Dance of the Mayan Birdmen

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Several times a day, the sound of a Mayan flute drifts through Playa del Carmen’s waterfront square, el Zocalo. Crowds gather around a large pole and gaze upwards to a small platform where five colorfully dressed men are perched 100 feet above the ground. While one continues to play the flute, four others wrap spirals of thick rope around the pole. They tie the loose ends to their waists, then flight themselves into space. The platform pivots and spins, flinging the men in an expanding, downward spiral that eventually brings them to earth.

Birdmen Preparation Playa del Carmen

At the central square on the Playa Del Carmen waterfront, a group of performers stage the Mayan ritual known as the dance of the birdmen. Photo: Andrei Orlov/iStock

This is el Danza de los Voladores—the Dance of the Flyers. Though somewhat reminiscent of a circus act, this ritual actually dates back to pre- Columbian times, when it was practiced by numerous cultures across Mesoamerica. In the Mayan tradition, the flutist represents the mythical bird deity Itzamna, and the pole is the World Tree that supports the earth. When the four fliers leap, their path symbolizes the recreation of the world, and the return of the rains after a draught. On their spiraling descent, the fliers circle the pole 13 times to represent the phases of the Mayan calendar. Few onlookers are aware of the stories behind these performances, but that doesn’t detract from the colorful nature of this spectacle.

Birdmen Playa del Carmen

Preparations are underway for the Voladores to perform their acrobatic maneuvers in this traditional Mayan ceremony. Photo: iStock

Mexico Cancun Lighthouse
Cancun, Mexico, Plan

Mexico Snapshots: Punta Cancun Lighthouse

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Ask a taxi driver to carry you to the Cancun lighthouse and you will most likely end up at the base of the 150-foot high tower that overlooks the port. This edifice, which also houses a restaurant and gift shop, is a favorite tourist attraction. But there is a far more scenic alternative located some three miles to the east.

Here, where a small point of land known as Punta Cancun juts into the Caribbean, a red-and-white lighthouse tower was erected to warn ships away from this headland. The point provides a rare oasis of tranquility in the middle of Cancun’s glittering hotel zone, and the lighthouse is a favorite with photographers.

The structure was heavily damaged by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but has since been restored, and now remains one of the area’s most iconic landmarks. Punta Cancun lies just beyond the grounds of the Hyatt Ziva Hotel, and is easy to reach with a beach walk. For the best photos, plan on visiting in late afternoon, as this spot is known to provide some of the best sunset views around.

Yucatan Ik Kil Cenote
Cancun, Cozumel, Mexico, Plan, Playa del Carmen, Trip Ideas

Mexico Snapshots: Cenote Ik-kil

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The limestone substrate of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is riddled with underground rivers and flooded caverns. When the roofs of these chambers collapse and expose the subterranean waters to the sky, they are known as cenotes. One of the region’s most spectacular cenotes is known as Ik-kil. Located near the ruins of the ancient city of Chichen Itza, the clear waters of this natural pool are surrounded by 85-foot cliffs, and plunge to depths of more than 130 feet.

Vines drop rope-like runners from the surface to tap into the water source, and small waterfalls often cascade over the edges. Revered as a sacred site in traditional Mayan culture, it was once the site of ceremonies and sacrifices. Today, it is a popular swimming hole, with a wooden stairway leading down to the water. A dip in the waters of Ik-kil is often bundled with tours of Chichen Itza, giving visitors a chance to cool off after exploring the ruins.

Manatees Caribbean
Belize, Cancun, Caribbean, Central America, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Play

Caribbean Manatee Encounters

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If the thought of coming across a 2,000-pound animal in the water sounds scary, then you haven’t met a manatee, aka a “sea cow.” These gentle giants pose no threat to humans, and encounters are more likely to evoke smiles than shrieks. Florida is famous for it’s manatee sightings, but you can also find them in the waters of several Caribbean destinations. Here are three of our favorite destinations for finding manatees in the wild.

Manatee Caribbean

Proper manatee encounters dictate that the animal may approach humans, but should not be chased or harassed if they choose to keep their distance. Photo: iStock

Belize

The coast of Belize is flanked by a string of small islands known as Cayes. Between these islands and the mainland lies a coastal lagoon of mangrove forests and hidden tidal creeks that provide shelter for the Caribbean’s largest manatee population. The popularity of manatee encounters hasn’t escaped the notice of local tour operators, and today you can find dozens of outfits that that offer manatee viewing and snorkeling adventures. The good news for the sea cows is that they have protection; there are currently three sanctuaries where human and manatee can meet.

Tours originating from Belize City or Caye Caulker most often visit the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. Less visited and more private are the Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, which is near the Mexican border, and Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary, which is to the south. To encourage responsible tourism practices, we suggest you book your manatee tours with a company that adheres to established interaction guidelines.

Mexico

Along the Yucatan coast known as the Riviera Maya there are several tourism parks that offer in-water encounters with manatees and dolphins. If you are ethically opposed to this type of activity, or simply want to see manatee in their natural state, keep driving south to the town of Tulum, and book a wilderness tour to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.

This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses 1.5 million acres of pristine coastal wetlands that can be explored by kayak or small boat. A favorite tour includes a swim and snorkel in the clear- water lake known as the Natural Pool, and a network of adjoining mangrove channels where there’s a good chance of spotting a manatee.

Dominican Republic

Though the DR is better known for it’s numerous beach resorts than its eco adventures, the country’s northern coast is actually one of the best places in the Caribbean to swim with manatees in the wild. Near the seaside village of Estero Hondo, a coastal estuary has become the country’s first Marine Mammal Sanctuary. The resident population of manatees is relatively small in number, but they are healthy and quite willing to share their aquatic habitat with humans.

Tours are run by the Ministry of the Environment, using small boats to access the mangrove-lined tidal channels where the manatee feed, rest and raise their young. The sanctuary is also home to a rich diversity of bird life, and the park’s visitor center overlooks a pristine beach. Together these attractions make a visit to this somewhat remote corner of the country well worth the drive.

Cancun Aerial
Cancun, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Mexico Snapshots: Cancun from above

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When seen from the air, it’s obvious why Cancun has become Mexico’s favorite waterfront playground. The 12-mile-long strip of sand that is home to the country’s largest tourism zone is flanked by water on all sides.

To the west, the mangrove estuary of Nichupte Lagoon provides fishermen, kayakers and birdwatchers with acres of calm water. The reef-fringed eastern crescent of the island boasts miles of white-sand beaches that are washed by trade winds and the water of the Caribbean. When swells are up, beaches such as Playa Ballenas are favorites with body surfers.

At its northernmost point, the island’s coastline takes an abrupt westward turn, creating a profile that resembles a giant numeral seven. The top part of this seven overlooks the waters of Bahia de Mujeres, with favorite beaches such as Playa Tortuga and Playa Caracol, where you can catch a water taxi to Isla Mujeres. These areas are protected from Caribbean swells, but can turn exciting when winter winds from the north attract windsurfers.

Early risers will want to head out for sunrise at Punta Nizuc and Playa Delfine where the steep bank of sand provides great views. No matter which beach you select you’ll find it’s easily accessible and essentially one continuous stretch of white sand set against the bright turquoise seas making the scenery both striking and surreal.

Playa Del Carmen Turtle
Mexico, Plan, Playa del Carmen

Mexico Snapshots: Akumal’s Turtle Bay

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The Mayans named it Akumal, the place of turtles. Today, this quiet beach town, which lies some 75 miles south of Cancun, is known as one of the best places in Mexico to swim or snorkel with these aquatic reptiles in clear, shallow waters.

Most activity centers around aptly named Turtle Bay, where snorkelers can find both green and loggerhead turtles. Most commonly seen are the youngsters, but there’s always a chance of seeing one of the big females, who can weigh in at more than 500 pounds.

These big mammas come ashore between April and October to lay their eggs in the sand. In addition to turtle watching, the area offers diving, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and a low-key vacation alternative to the big resorts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Humpback whale,
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Play, Puerto Vallarta, Trip Ideas

Mexico Whale Watching Adventures

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Humans aren’t the only mammals who travel to frolic and relax in warm tropical waters each winter. Starting in early fall, whales depart arctic feeding grounds and swim thousands of miles south to seek out sheltered and shallow coastal waters where suitors vie for mates, and mom’s birth and nurture young calves. These activities take place at a select number of sites along Mexico’s western coast, giving humans a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at some of the largest animals on the planet.

Grey Whale Baja Mexico

Gray whales are the most common sighting in the waters near Cabo San Lucas, but numerous other species pass through the area, including the largest animal on earth the blue whale. Photo: iStock

Cabo San Lucas

The Sea of Cortez is a favorite winter destination for a number of different species of whale, and to reach these waters, they first have to swim around the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, which puts Cabo San Lucas right in their path. Unlike some destinations, which are known for harboring one particular species of whale, Cabo welcomes a diverse mix of animals. Gray and humpback whales are commonly seen, but there’s also a chance for sightings of less-common relatives such as the minkey, sperm, fin and Bryde’s whale, and sometimes the biggest of them all, the blue whale. Whale watching excursions depart daily from the city’s marina, with a fleet that includes everything from fast inflatable speedboats to luxurious launches and leisurely sailing trips. Whale watching tours pick up in mid December, and run through early April. Operators must comply with international guidelines that assure human activity doesn’t cause undue stress to the whales.

Sea of Cortes Whale

A gray whale prepares for a dive that could last as long as a half hour. Their flukes can measure up to nine feet across, providing the power to swim at speeds of up to 10 miles an hour. Photo: iStock

Magdalena Bay

The Sea of Cortez isn’t the only winter destination for migrating whales. A significant number of gray whales stop short of the cape, and spend the season in the sheltered waters of Magdalena Bay. This area is designated as a special reserve for the protection of the Pacific gray whale, and remains one of the specie’s primary nurseries. The grays start showing up late November, and early it’s more about mating, as the males compete for the favors. After the New Year, the fruits of previous year’s liaisons are brought to life. Moms and new calves linger the longest, and visitors who come in February and March are often treated to up-close encounters with curious youngsters. Local guides and small boats are used for such interactions, and all tours follow well-established guidelines to ensure human activity doesn’t interfere with the daily lives of the whales. There are several small hotels and eco lodges in the area, and several tour companies offer day trips for La Paz and Cabo San Lucas.

Mexico Whale Watching

A curious gray whale calf interacts with human observers in Magdalena Bay. Each winter, the shallow, protected waters of the bay welcome shelter for pregnant females and nursing mothers. Photo: iStock

Bay of Banderas

Few things in nature can compare to the spectacle of a 50-ton animal erupting out of the water to perform the world’s largest belly flop. These are the humpbacks, the most acrobatic of all whales. Among their favorite warm water haunts is the 60-mile-long Bay of Banderas, which encompasses Puerto Vallarta and the resorts of Riviera Nayarit. They come for the usual reasons: mating, birthing and child rearing, but their above water antics add an extra dimension to whale watching trips. At times, you may see a lone whale poke it’s head out of the water, rising up to it’s pectoral fins while rotating, as if taking a peek at what’s around. Fin slaps and tail slaps are common, and every so often, watchers are treated to the signature move known as breaching. This involves the whale shooting suddenly from the water to perform a half twist, with fins extended as if trying to fly, only to come crashing down with a monstrous splash. By mid winter, as many as 600 humpbacks are splashing about the bay, and a number of charter operators provide hour- to day-long excursions to witness this spectacle.

Badera Bay Puerto Vallarta

A humpback whale shakes its tail just off the coast of Puerto Vallarta. Individual whales can be identified by the unique color patterns and markings of their tails. Photo: Alexey Stiop/iStock

Punta Mita Four Seasons
Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, Stay, Trip Ideas

Punta Mita’s Luxury Resorts

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At the northern cusp of the Bay of Banderas, a teardrop-shaped headland meets the blue Pacific. Ringed by surf-washed rock promontories and warm sand beaches, it is an oasis of scenic tranquility that is far removed from the everyday, yet just a short drive from the civilized comforts of Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. This is Punta Mita, one of the most desirable addresses in all of Mexico. Only a lucky few can call this place home, but visitors are always welcome, and can stay in style in a pair of luxurious resorts located on prime pieces of beachfront.

Four Seasons Punta Mita

Four Seasons Punta Mita Pool

In addition to the signature infinity-edge pool, the Four Seasons Punta Mita offers the quiet respite of the adults-only Tamai pool. Photo: Murphy O’Brien/Four Seasons

Punta Mita’s original luxury retreat delivers a perfect blend of nature and nurture. The resort sits on a bluff above the area’s finest sandy beach, and both rooms and common areas are designed to complement and usher in the big views of sea and sky. Buildings nestle comfortable into lush landscaping, giving the entire property a relaxed, causal feel that reflects the warmth and charm of the local culture.

The property is family friendly, with youth-oriented amenities such as a lazy river, kids’ club and special menus. Adult offerings include a full-service spa, fine dining options; a 55-foot charter yacht, bedside yoga, a well-equipped fitness club and direct access to Punta Mita’s signature Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses.

Especially memorable is the infinity pool, which sits cliffside above the waves. An additional signature experience at the Four Seasons encourages guests to join the resort’s chef beachside when local fishermen land to offload their morning catch. Participants can pick out the seafood offering of their choice, discuss how it should be prepared, and later enjoy a personally crafted lunch or dinner. It is personal touches such as this that keep guests coming back year after year.

St. Regis Punta Mita

St Regis Punta Mita

The lobby atrium at the St. Regis Punta Mita is the setting for a nightly celebration where guests gather for a sunset champagne toast uncorked with the use of a saber. Photo: St. Regis

Immaculate is the first word that comes to mind when you survey the landscaped grounds of the St. Regis from the open-air lobby. Twin rows of manicured palms flank an infinity fountain pool that leads the eye towards the blue waters of the Pacific. Quiet pathways lead through 22-acres of lush lawns and perfectly groomed landscaping to small clusters of casitas and suites, each situated to take advantages of sea breezes and ocean views.

Rooms blend modern amenities with traditional Mediterranean and Mexican accents such as polished clay floors, handcrafted tiles and natural wood furniture, along with relaxing outdoor showers. All the amenities one would expect from the region’s premier luxury destination are in evidence, from world-class golf and spa services to the area’s premier dining experience.

A trio of spectacular pools overlooks a private white-sand beach and a collection of small islands. During winter months, whales can often be seen breaching just offshore. The St. Regis is noted for its high levels of service, which includes dedicated butler service for each group of casitas. Between the butlers, wait staff and concierge desk; the staff can fulfill almost any guest request with elegant efficiency.

 

Cabo Resort
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Stay, Trip Ideas

Cabo San Lucas’ Best Luxury Hotels

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Of the many fine resorts in the Cabo San Lucas area, a handful stand alone. These are the places that draw the rave reviews and extra stars in the guidebooks, and justify premium rates. They sit on the best beaches, command the most amazing views, feature the best restaurants and offer the highest level of personal service. Some welcome families and groups, others are best enjoyed as a couple, or even alone. No matter whether you are planning a quiet getaway or a celebratory splurge, one of these four top- ranked properties will fit the bill.

One & Only Palmilla

Baja’s original upscale escape has been hosting the elite and discrete since the 1950s. Now affiliated with the One & Only hotel family, this venerable landmark property is better than ever, thanks to a recent nine-figure renovation that left the familiar red-tile roofs intact, but touched most every other aspect of the resort. The feel is hacienda traditional, with whitewashed stuccoes, fountained courtyards and tropical landscaping. Interior upgrades are more obvious, and combine rich hand-carved furnishings and exposed- beam ceilings with warm-tone terracottas, granites and marbles. All accommodations feature ocean views, lavish bathrooms, separate sitting areas and private terraces with day beds and telescopes for spotting the whales that migrate just offshore.

Cabo One And Only Resort

The One & Only Palmilla is Cabo’s original upscale getaway resort, and thanks to more than $100 million in recent upgrades, it remains one of the region’s premier properties. Photo: Barbara Kraft/One & Only

One quality of Palmilla that that hasn’t changed over the years is the resort’s ability to accommodate a wide range of guests. Those who want to relax in privacy can tap into private butler services and cloistered cabanas, or arrange for a private beachside dinner under the stars. But Palmilla also hosts its share of wedding parties and special celebrations, and is far more family friendly than other high-end properties in the area. There’s plenty to do on site, as the resort overlooks one of the area’s best beaches, and encompasses an acclaimed 27-hole golf course, four restaurants, spa, fitness center, two infinity-edge pools, tennis courts and a children’s club.

Las Ventanas al Paradiso

At the upper end of the resort spectrum, the experience is as much about the service as the amenities. Las Ventanas al Paradiso excels in both categories. Sitting on a private section of coastline half way between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose Del Cabo, and convenient to both, Las Ventanas offers a collection of suites and beachfront villas that blend privacy with views, and include intimate touches such as wood-burning fireplaces. Living quarters begin at 1,000 square-foot suites and range up to three bedrooms villas larger than the average home. Whitewashed stuccoes, native woods and cascading water elements set a tone that complements rather than competes with the magnificent sea views found at every turn.

Cabo Las Ventanas

In a setting that highlights ocean views, Las Ventanas al Paradiso combines the comforts of spacious suites and beachside villas with an unrivaled focus on personal service. Photo: Blake Marvin/Las Ventanas al Paradiso

All the expected amenities of a five-star Rosewood property are in evidence, including fine dining, spa services and luxurious beach cabanas with private plunge pools and Jacuzzi tubs. What truly sets Las Ventanas above most other luxury properties in the region is an unrivaled level of personal and personable service. From the moment guest are greeted upon arrival, requests are not just met, they are anticipated, and the staff has perfected the art of providing warm, attentive interaction without overstepping the bounds of the service relationship. It is this human factor that creates the lasting memories, which continue to win this premier property top accolades from its guests.

Esperanza

Sink into the spa tub on your private terrace, watch the surf crash just below, and you might never want to leave your room. But should you get the ambition to go deep sea fishing, or heed the siren call of Cabo’s legendary night life, you won’t have far to go. Esperanza sits three miles up the coast from downtown Cabo San Lucas, which is just far enough to keep drive times short while providing ample insulation from the Medano Beach party scene. The resort commands its own stretch of waterfront, with rock bluffs bookending the compact beach, and also delivers spectacular cliffside views from the adjacent two-tiered infinity pool.

Cabo Esperanza

The Esperanza resort perches on a low rock bluff, with commanding views of the Sea of Cortez. A private beach is just steps away. Cabo San Lucas is a short cab ride to the south. Photo: Erhard Pfeiffer/Esperanza

Earth tone stuccoes, rough-hewn woods and thatch roofs set the tone for the 17-acre compound. Interiors continue the theme, creating an inviting atmosphere that delights, but also complements rather than distracts from the ocean views that await on the private outdoor terraces. All guest quarters are spacious, ranging upward from 900-square foot Casitas to four-bedroom villas, and the beachfront suites are literally a stone’s throw above the surf. Esperanza draws its share of A-list celebrities, who come for the same attentive yet professionally discrete service all guests will enjoy. The resort’s signature Cocina del Mar restaurant serves inspired seafood creations, and includes outdoor dining spaces that extend out onto the rock headland, placing diners right above the surf line. The on-site spa has also earned a reputation as one of the region’s best.

The Resort at Pedregal

On a side street near downtown Cabo San Lucas, a tunnel disappears into the hillside. At the other end of this chandelier-lit passage is a resort like no other. The Resort at Pedregal sits in isolated splendor on the west side of the peninsula, facing endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Every element of the architecture celebrates the location, from the outdoor tables of the cliffside El Farallón restaurant and the new cliffside Champagne Terrace to the private infinity-edge plunge pools that turn each private balcony into an extension of the seascape. Modern adobe, native rock and natural woods set earth tones that blend with and mirror the hues of beach and cliff, while interiors are warmed by browns and bronze tones, with in-room fireplaces and hand- crafted furnishings and fixtures. Especially luxurious are the spacious bathrooms, which include both open showers and stand-alone soak tubs.

Pedegral Cabo

A fire pit greets guests arriving at The Resort at Pedregal. To reach this property from Cabo San Lucas, guest travel through a tunnel that leads to an isolated section of beach. Photo: Robert Reck/The Resort at Pedregal

The surf-washed beach is best enjoyed by strolling rather than swimming, but just yards away from the high tide line are two infinity-edge pools, which create the appearance of melding right into the waves. The larger of the two pools includes an enticing swim-up bar where one can order up a Margarita and a nosh of fresh guacamole seasoned by salt air. Other water elements on the grounds include a series of rooftop cascades, which feed a separate indoor/outdoor saltwater pool that extends into the treatment chambers of the Luna y Mar Spa. At the spa, one can indulge in a decadent range of soaks, scrubs and rubs, or tap into traditional Mexican folk healing arts, with treatments that include a spiritual cleansing by a native shaman.