Travel blog
Chichen Itza is one of the most visited places in Mexico. Its Mayan archaeological site in the State of Yucatán is one of the largest in excavated area. Its name comes from ‘Boca-del-pozo (Chichen) of the water priests (Itzá), therefore Boca de Pozo de los …
When we hear the word «mummies», our mind is transported to Egypt; however, in Mexico we are lucky to have the largest collection of mummies in the world. The Pantheon of Santa Paula is home to the dark museum that has captured the attention of …
The Great Blue Hole, located on the coasts of Belize, hides 100,000 years of underwater life. Currently, there are a lot of secrets related to this natural phenomenon of almost 1,000 feet in diameter and about 410 feet deep.
It is an exotic place relatively close to the coasts of Mexico, a country that also houses some of the most unique marine places in America such as its famous Mexican cenotes.
From the air, bordered by keys and atolls, it is drawn as an almost perfect circumference of an intense dark blue, which anticipates its depth, and which contrasts with the different turquoise tones of the sea of an almost impossible transparency. It is the big blue eye. A magical place. A whim of nature about 100 kilometers off the coast of Belize, in the Caribbean.
It is inhabited by sea sponges, barracudas, corals and a large number of sharks that seem to «patrol» the edge of the hole, by various types of sharks, such as groups of nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum), sharks of the Caribbean reef (Carcharhinus perezi) or flying sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus). Sometimes you can see hammerheads and bull sharks.
This 300-meter-wide marine chasm is located within the Lighthouse reef, one of the largest atolls in the world. It is The Great Blue Hole, a paradise for diving enthusiasts and the biggest tourist attraction in the world. Small Central American country, swallowed like a sandwich between the jungle and the ocean.
Often, Belize, ancient bastion of British pirates from where to attack the Spanish colonies and ships, is a destination of passage that is traveled as a small excursion from Mexico or Guatemala, its powerful tourist neighbors with whom it shares a border and a rich Mayan legacy
If you dedicate a little time, you will discover a surprising destination that beyond its famous coral reef, the second largest in the world, after the Australian, has enough attractions to spend at least a week. Jungles and nature reserves for lovers of adventure and nature, ancient Mayan cities of cultural and historical importance similar to its neighbors in the Yucatan or Petén jungle and, of course, islands where you can get lost and let yourself be lulled by the wind and the whisper of the sea, where the most usual plan is the dolce far niente.
Normally the most common way to get to Belize is by road, by rental car or on a hired excursion through one of the border crossings from the southwest of the famous Riviera Maya, in the state of Quintana Roo (Mexico), or from the City of Flores (Guatemala), obligatory stop to visit Tikal. The gateway is usually also the City of Belize (Belize City), the old capital and today somewhat hostile to the traveler, as much of the country outside the tourist circuits. Nothing common sense and fair precautions can save to enjoy your vacation.
Very close and north of Caulker is another essential, Ambergris Caye, the beautiful island to which he put music and lyrics Madonna, and there is the famous San Pedro. With more infrastructure and higher level than Caulker. His best kept treasure is Secret Beach, a secret beach that has little, but you will love. And more of the same -but you will not get tired-: snorkeling, diving, kayaking and if the wind blows you can practice windsurfing among amazingly crystalline turquoise waters. And at night, a lot of parties at tropical rhythm.
From any of the keys you can hire excursions to go to the Great Blue Hole for both swimming and diving in the big lagoon as well as to fly over it, and if you can do both, why settle for one? It will be good for the money invested in them – and we warn you, neither of them is cheap. Often, the planes that make the trip, between 25 minutes and an hour, charge depending on the number of passengers – if the seats are filled, the fares become cheaper, from $ 180 on a plane with five or six passengers. From a bird’s-eye view you will understand that none of the photos or documentaries that you have seen do you justice.
The Tolantongo Grottos are an of them beauties natural more imposing of Mexico, located in the municipality Cardonal, located to 200 kilometres of the DF, in the State of Hidalgo. This destination has as reference to Ixmiquilpan, town located just a few minutes. Its geologic …
Calakmul is one of the largest and oldest discovered Mayan cities. Calakmul is located in the region of Campeche, just 30 km from the border with Guatemala, this city was inhabited during the years 500 BC and 1000 AD, and was «rediscovered» in 1931 by …
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, is a secret underground river called Cenote Angelita, which can be located after 10 to 15 minutes drive by car to the south of Tulum. It is relatively difficult to access as there is to walk at least five minutes through the jungle to reach him. There is nothing in the place.
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It is probably the most unusual formation of its type. Salt water has a high amount of hydrogen sulfide and an apparent opacity, highlighting the fresh water above it, allowing divers swimming along this underwater creation, which has the same appearance as a river of the surface. There are even trees and fallen leaves on both sides of their «margins», which makes this even more surreal landscape.
The cenotes are deep-well natural characteristic of Mexico, resulting from the collapse of limestone layers, exposing the groundwater beneath them. They are full of water and are connected to a marine cave.
This cenote is vertical, flooded with crystal water of a beautiful turquoise blue, which brings us the impression of floating in the air when we are immersed in it.
It is not a good place for snorkeling or bathing. This place is recommended for specialized divers, since the cenote consists of a vertical tray up to 195 ft deep, with about 100 ft of perfect visibility; starting from there should be using artificial light.
Entering the Cenote Angelita, we find ourselves with a given unique phenomenon that, halfway through the tunnel, mixing fresh water with salt; 80 ft of water top are fresh water above and 105 ft of water below are saltwater, these solutions have been separated by a sour cloud of dense character with a thickness of 3 ft.
The place is composed of rock formations and trees that make reality this natural wonder, an incredible show of unique features for those who enjoy scuba diving and are travel in Mexico.
There is no life in this cenote, or if you want the cat fish that abound in others. That ever has been a small caiman on the surface, but some time ago is not.
This cenote is far from the tourist areas. According to some travelers, it should accord with the owner surveillance cars, or let someone in them. On the other hand, the journey through the jungle can be hellish because of mosquitoes. Even so, don’t know of anyone that has given up diving once there.
The Angel of Independence is by far concerning historical, urban and symbolic in the collective consciousness of Mexico. Several characters were involved in the work; Antonio Rivas Mercado main promoter of the project, Enrique Alciati responsible for the sculptures are made and Roberto Gayol was …
The territory of the Baja California Peninsula, between the Gulf of California and the Sierra de San Pedro Martir, is inhabited by majestic cactus over 17 meters high. Meet them is to contemplate facing one of the most expensive living desert. One of the best …
El Tajin was the ancient capital of the Totonac culture. According to experts, was a contemporary of other great Mesoamerican cities such as Teotihuacan (in central Mexico), Monte Albán (Oaxaca) and Palenque and Yaxchilan, in the Mundo Maya.
Today we know that its period of greatest splendor caught between the sixth and seventh centuries, when its inhabitants, true masters of the art of architecture, erected their main buildings, among which are: The Pyramid of the Niches, Building 5, and the numerous and beautiful ball games scattered throughout the length and breadth of the ceremonial center.
El Tajin is the most important pre-Columbian Mesoamerican city of the north coast of Veracruz. His influence includes the basins of the Rivers and Dogfish Tecolutla from the Sierra Norte de Puebla, where its influence is apparent in the archaeological zone of Yohualichan, until the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico.
From the planning point of view Tajin large open spaces enclosed by temples and slopes were privileged. Besides niches decorations, reliefs and wall paintings. One of the most interesting buildings is called the Pyramid of the Niches, named because the boards that make up their facades were decorated with niches for a total of 365, why has received attention from scholars in Calendar and Mesoamerican worldview.
El Tajin is the city with the highest number of ball games: 17, which has been interpreted as a necessity to cultural diversity, according to the time, was living in the city. Chronology: A.D. 300-1200 Location chronological principal: Epi, 600-900 AD.
The construction pattern of El Tajin buildings consists of square or rectangular base with one or more superposed. In addition, the basic design of temples and shrines no different from Mesoamerican pattern. These are generally truncated pyramidal structures with a ladder and alfaradas forward. El Tajin was built in the bottom of the alluvial fans of the Sierra Papanteca. Two ravines determined expansion north – south central wall of prehistoric settlement. The ceremonial center buildings are located in a staggered succession of artificial platforms and concourses surrounded by hills. The various altimetry and subsequent leveling of land served by retaining walls while architectural barriers to structure the urban universe.
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The natural decline was exploited in the urban structure, the core could be divided into five parts: Plaza del Arroyo Group, the Central Zone, the Gran Xicalcoliuhqui, Tajín Chico and the Column Set. The monumental core or center of the old city of El Tajin is spread over an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers and consists of 168 buildings constructed with perishable materials, mostly, were intended to temples, altars, ball games and palaces.
Most of the ruins are aligned on an axis that runs north to south. The most representative structure is the Pyramid of the Niches, 25 meters high, with 365 niches each painted with red background and blue frame color. Represent the days of the solar calendar. The structure is rare and originally had a temple on top.
Two stunning tennis ball game, north and south, whose walls are decorated with inscriptions showing the rituals of the game. The study of these drawings has allowed to know that at least one player was sacrificed at the end of the game. The winners were killing one member of the losing team with an obsidian knife, who considered an honorable way to die. In Mesoamerica the ball game had a ritual character.
Other buildings of interest are the four pyramids around dela Plaza del Arroyo, the statue of the god of Tajin, representing the god of thunder and area «Tajin», believed to be a residential area for the rulers and the Great Xicalcoliuhqui, construction is believed related to Quetzalcoatl.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit this wonder if going to the Gulf of Mexico!
Upon entering the site you can enjoy the spectacle of the Papantla Flyers.
70 km north of the port of Veracruz is located, or, 12 km southeast of Poza Rica.
The nearest airports are in Poza Rica and Veracruz.
By car Highway 180 north of Veracruz, Papantla address.
From Mexico City, take Highway 132 to Tuxpan; reaching Poza Rica, turn south to Papantla.
On the bus trip to Veracruz Papantla.
There is a spectacular religious ceremony performed by the Totonac asking soil fertility; this tradition has endured for over 700 years.
Involves four Flyers and Caporal, who plays music and dances throughout the ceremony. The first to climb to the top of the post is the Caporal, who is placed in a small wooden platform where he dances and plays music with a flute and a drum to summon spirits. El Caporal is not subject to any string and there is not a network as a safety measure in case of a fall. This is an awesome moment!
Then climb the four dancers who launch themselves at the same time, each tied a rope to his feet and turning as they go down. It is important to note that the wooden structure where the dancers descend not tied to the post. To maintain balance, flying should have a similar weight.
His suits are bright colors representing the four elements of nature: fire, water, air and earth. Blue for sky, yellow sun, red fire and green trees. White represents purity.
The Marietas Islands and its «Beach Hidden» a natural paradise, protected by UNESCO. It is an archipelago of two small islands and two islets uninhabited a few kilometers to the West of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. It is one of the destinations more requested by …