Mexico’s Mayan Temple of Ixchel

When Spanish explorers first sailed ashore Isla Mujeres in 1517, they discovered an island where the Mayans had already lived out part of their existence.  Built hundreds of years earlier, at its southern end stood the temple to the goddess Ix-Chel as well as several stone structures in the shape of women.  To honor Isla Mujeres’ female slant, it was given its current name - Spanish for “the island of women.”    

Positioned... [Read more]

Mexico’s Sculpture by the Caribbean Sea

An outdoor modern art exhibit stands at the southern tip of Isla Mujeres, Mexico, a colorful tribute to the area’s indigenous Mayan civilization. Situated about five miles away from the island’s little downtown area, Punta Sur Sculpture Garden was created in 2001  - the work of almost two dozen Mexican artists as well as sculptors from around the world.  Travelers wanting to mix a little culture into their... [Read more]

Chichen Itza, A Must-See in Mexico

Chichen Itza, the greatest of the Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan ruins, was a mandatory stop for me when I was in the area - and not because it’s made one of the Seven Wonders of the World lists.  Rather, I had explored Tulum just a year earlier, Chichen Itza’s little sister several hours away on the Riviera Maya.  Although Tulum is spectacular in itself, I had felt I was missing the big time.

Now,... [Read more]

Still Plenty of Good in Mexico

After months of cold and rain (even in L.A.), the time has come to forget about winter and take off to a warm beach destination. For many, this usually means journeying south of the border where temperatures soar, and prices are reasonable. Of course, this year Mexican resorts will be seeing a decline in U.S. tourists due to the media and governments push to discourage travelers from heading south, in fear of drug wars,... [Read more]

The Colors of Isla Mujeres, Mexico

I didn’t want to know what to expect when I disembarked from the ferry onto Isla Mujeres. The only information I really needed upon my arrival to this little island in Mexico was the name of the family-owned hotel where I would be staying.  The rest, I had decided, I would discover bit by bit. 

Isla Town, a village at the island’s northern end, holds most of the restaurants, shops and hotels as well... [Read more]

The Real Cancun, Mexico

Cancun as it is popularly known - a haven for fans of soft sand beaches and see-through sapphire water, a home to all-inclusive resorts catering to people who want a forget-the-world beach vacation - this is, in reality, but a part of this Mexican city.  Drive away from the Zona Hotelera, or the hotel zone, and you will find the rest. 

Away from the strand of sand where tanning tourists lounge is the real Cancun. ... [Read more]

Mexico, Where Have All the Tourists Gone?

One month to the day after Mexico reported its first case of swine flu, I traveled in to the country, unconcerned about contracting the illness and curious about whether the media-fueled drastic decline in tourism would be obvious. 

The Immigration line at the Cancun airport, which I had heard is often clogged with hundreds of people, took mere moments to pass through on this weekday afternoon.  Then, after a speedy... [Read more]

The Real Cinco de Mayo

It’s gotten to the embarrassing point now. My friends, family and coworkers all repeated the same answer to the question, “What does Cinco de Mayo celebrate?”

‘Mexico’s Independence Day’ being the answer. No.

In fact, most of Mexico does not celebrate this day - if they do it is only an excuse to drink (from what I have been told that is). Sounds similar to the custom in... [Read more]

Mexico Tourism Reports No Tourists Hit by Swine Flu

Mexico City, Mexico; April 29, 2009- In spite of the health crisis resulting from the Swine Flu (H1N1 influenza) detected in Mexico as well as the travel alerts issued by the U.S. and other countries, the World Health Organization (WHO) does not contemplate the closing of borders or restrictions of trips.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that people “avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico,”... [Read more]

Beauty, Banos & Big Name Golfers

My fingers are crossed. When visiting Huatulco, Oaxaca last week, I was told by various visitor industry contacts that Mexicana Airlines plans to launch much-needed nonstop service from LAX to HUX this summer. The destination certainly warrants the convenient West Coast access with its emerging eco-tourism options, remarkable cuisine, sparkling bays, rich cultural diversions, roster of fine accommodations and commitment... [Read more]

Baby Turtles: New Life on My Last Day

On my final day in Puerto Escondido, I was able to get just a taste of what life is like in this laid back beach town. It is unique from other Mexican beach destinations because its lack of big corporations polluting this surfers paradise. As the woman in the tourist information hut told me, “I’m sorry, but if you want McDonald’s you can go to Cancun.” That is exactly the kind of place I like. In... [Read more]

To Eat, Or Not Eat, a Grasshopper.

It is the general belief that when traveling people should eat everything that’s different than what they are normally eat. This is more true if someone offers it to you. When a person offers you food, you eat it — unless you want to insult them. So when I took a trip to the town of Oaxaca in the summer of 2003, and I came back without trying the chapulines (grasshoppers fried in oil and seasoned with salt)... [Read more]

Feeling the sun in Huatulco

I arrived at the Crown Pacific Hotel in Huatulco, Mexico at approximately 4p.m. My first impression of Huatulco? I almost forgot what warm weather feels like. After five minutes in this beach town, I now understood why people need a spring break — or I should say a winter break. Even in Los Angeles where temperatures never dip very low, I feel like I’ve been sleepwalking through an abnormally long and gray winter.... [Read more]

My Mexico, part two

My welcoming hours in Mexico were a complete success. After those nocturnal events, the first true day of the Mexico City adventure was on stage. Luckily it fell on a national holiday. Talia, my new local friend, had the time to show off parts of her city. However, the ensuing 12 hours of memories aren’t so focused on the historic center of El Zócalo or the Museum of Frida Kahlo or any other sight that one reads about... [Read more]

Travel Stimulus Voucher: Download Now, Travel Later

WESTON, FL – February 17, 2009 – For a limited time only, those considering travel in 2009 can log on to paradisebymarriott.com and download a “Travel Stimulus voucher” to receive an additional $100 off any direct booking or package deal offered by Marriott and Renaissance Caribbean and Mexico Resorts. With the savings already available at these nine properties, from discounted... [Read more]

Welcoming Spring at Cumbre Tajín

I believe each time I leave my home for a trip I will return a changed person. Sometimes I am more changed than others. Recently, I returned from my trip from Veracruz, Mexico and Cumbre Tajín,( pronounced Coombray Taheen) the Festival of Identity, more changed than I expected. Cumbre Tajin which began in 2000 now takes place every year during the week of the spring equinox at Takilhsukut Tematico Park adjacent to the... [Read more]

My Mexico

For some people, Mexico signifies a land of poor people, of desperation, of dirtiness, and of corruption. For others it conjures visions of spring break fiestas or bachelor(ette) party sessions on pristine beaches in a resort town. And for yet others, Mexico is a combination of these memories. I live an hour away from the disheveled border town of Tijuana. In the four years preceding age 21, I sporadically crossed the country... [Read more]

The Accent of South America’s Switzerland

I grew up about an hour and a half from Mexico’s border…and the border town of Tijuana.  Yes, I made desultory visits to this town when underage to, um, check out the local artisan crafts.  But the point being that I arrived speaking a Mexican Spanish with a Gringo (or Yankee as they say down here) twist.  I pronounced the double “L’s” like a “Y” sound in English (example:... [Read more]

Why Mazatlan? (video podcast)

After a week in Mazatlan, I had a chance to meet with Carlos Berdegue, the Vice President of the Mazatlan Hotel Association and President of El Cid Resorts. I took his word on it and checked out several of the Colonial town near Mazatlan. They are all quite impressive and I recommend the silver mines beneath Daniels in Copala.

Please note the dreadful choice to have my glasses propped up on my head like that. However,... [Read more]

Around Mazatlan

Most of my day was spent in a van cruising along the roads leading out of Mazatlan. I whizzed passed lots of green rolling hills with construction, cows, stray dogs and a curious pair of copulating donkeys on the side of the road. The goal for the day was to visit some of the outlining towns nearby Mazatlan — definitely worth the trip.

Malpica was my first stop for beautiful handmade tiles (I bought a matched... [Read more]

A Change in Mazatlan

I was exhausted as the van pulled up to my hotel in Mazatlan, Mexico. While the plane ride was shorter than many international flights from Los Angeles, I am discovering that all the airport sitting and preparing makes for a tired day of travel — especially when the day started a 6AM. Still I managed to keep an eye on the road and the surrounding buildings. Home Depot, Starbucks, and Taco Bell compete with Tacos Arnoldo... [Read more]

Nesting Sea Turtles in Los Cabos

Populations of female endangered sea turtles return to Cabo San Lucas beaches for the first time this year — marking the official kickoff of the 2008 sea turtle season

SAN JOSE DELCABO, MEXICO, July 16, 2008 – Each year in July marks the beginning of sea turtle season along the beaches of Cabo San Lucas when female endangered sea turtles start returning to shore to nest and lay their eggs. The first group... [Read more]

The Gray Area of Travel: Pushing the Envelope

I was recently invited on a trip to Mexico to snorkel in the local reef, sail to Isla Mujeres, and to swim with whale sharks (they are totally harmless to humans as they are into plankton for food). Of course there would also be some basking in the sun and some exploring in Mexico. I would be staying in and around Cancun including one night in a fun, small town about an hour outside Cancun, Puerto... [Read more]

Puebla’s Food for Angels

Galleons with bellies bulging gold sailed from Mexico bound for Spain, but a staggering amount of gold stayed in Puebla de Los Angeles, one of the jewels in Colonial Spain’s crown. When the city was designed by Bishop Julian Garces in the 1530’s, he intended it to be a city where angels could reside.

Whether angels have laid their heads to rest here, or as legends claim, helped to build the cathedral’s bell... [Read more]

Unlimited Golf for Father’s Day

Ultimate Golf Getaway for Father’s Day- and Beyond- in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Unlimited Golf Package Offered at Grand Velas Resort until December 18, 2008

Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico (May 14, 2008) - Golf enthusiasts are trekking to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to celebrate Father’s Day and enjoy limitless golfing on world-class greens at Vista Vallarta Champion Golf Club. The Unlimited Golf Getaway... [Read more]

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