Category Archives: Sea of Cortez

National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” 2013: Mexico

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Nat Geo Tour Lifetime 2013

Journey Mexico, the leader in Mexico Travel offering unique luxury, adventure, natural and cultural tours, is pleased to announce that its Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour has been selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” and will be featured in their May 2013 magazine issue.

The “50 Tours of a Lifetime” are National Geographic Traveler’s selection of the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours. This is the third year in row that one of Journey Mexico’s trips have made the list, with the first being Copper Canyon Semana Santa Trek and second, Chiapas: A Journey Through Mexico Less Visited. This year’s theme was tours that ‘capture the spirit of exploration.’ National Geographic Traveler’s executive editor Norie Quintos said “[the tours] push the boundaries of mainstream tourism, whether taking travelers to the far corners of the globe, or helping them dive deep into the culture of familiar destinations.”

With that said, it is no surprise that our  Magical Mexican Migrations—Pacific Whales and Highland Butterflies tour stood out to the editorial team. This tour immerses you in the circle of life, as  creatures ranging in size from 3-4 inch featherweights to school bus-sized 30-40 ton giants make their way to Mexico by air and sea. The trip visits both the World Heritage highland forests of Michoacán and the marine enclaves of Baja California, delighting and mystifying human observers.

monarch-butterfly-tour

whale-watching

Journey Mexico is pleased to offer this tour of a lifetime, so that explorers can experience both of these extraordinary congregations of wildlife.  We invite you to join Monarch butterflies and eastern Gray whales in their annual sojourn and learning about conservation issues that threaten the future of these precious ecosystems.  Explore historic Morelia, kayak the Sea of Cortez, and snorkel with wild sea lions.  Along the way, expert naturalist guides will reveal many charms of Mexico, proven here to draw repeat visitors from great distances.

 

 

Most Romantic Hotels in Mexico – Beach Resort Edition

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What do you search for when trying to plan the perfect couples getaway? What characteristics does a hotel need to have to create the perfect honeymoon, or anniversary? This month, over a hundred people chimed in on Twitter’s #MexChat conversation to discuss romantic destinations and hotels in Mexico.

With first hand knowledge of all the  over-the-top, luxurious, and romantic hotels in Mexico, we decided to curate a list to take the guess work out of researching ’that perfect hotel’ for you and your honey. Here is a list of the most romantic hotels in Mexico – beach resort edition.

Best All-Inclusive in Riviera Maya

Zoetry Paraiso Riviera Maya

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita
Located in Puerto Morelos, this all-inclusive boutique resort of only 90 luxury oceanfront suites is set on beautiful 14 acres that includes a private beach. The hotel is focused on wellness, serenity, and romance, catering to couples in a relaxed setting.

What makes it romantic: Intimate property, bottle of wine & fresh fruit delivered daily to room, many of the rooms feature a whirlpool and a private plunge pool,  private catamaran rides and private candlelit dinner on pier can be arranged,

Runner Up: Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Adults Only: Secrets Maroma & Excellence Riviera Cancun

 

Most Luxurious in Riviera Maya
Maroma Riviera Maya Romantic

Maroma Resort & Spa
An Orient-Express property, this resort is located on a private beach of powder white sand and turquoise waters. It was once an adult-only resort, and although it now accepts children, the intimate ambiance is still present.

What makes it romantic: Privacy of suites and villas, shared beach loungers, romantic details (upon request), private candlelit picnics can be arranged

Runner Up: Viceroy Riviera Maya
Mayakoba Exclusivity:  Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba

 

Best All-Inclusive in Los Cabos
Romantic Hotel Los Cabos

Zoetry Casa del Mar
This hacienda-style boutique resort welcomes you with a gorgeous cobblestone pathway and fountain. It is situated on the Sea of Cortes just minutes away from Cabo San Lucas. The resort provides Endless Privileges® all-inclusive getaway that provides gourmet dining options.

What makes it romantic: Adult-only, bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit daily, oceanfront suites with private terraces, infiniti-edge jacuzzis available

Runner Up:Secrets Marquis Los Cabos

 

Most Luxurious in Los Cabos
LosCabosRomanctic

One & Only Palmilla
One & Only Palmilla is an ultra-luxury resort that has won numerous of accolades. The hotel is an exclusive hideaway of refined tranquility, with an array of accommodations including suites, villas, and casitas.

What makes it romantic: Chilled bottle of champagne and fresh flowers upon arrival, newlyweds enjoy an assortment of chocolate truffles upon arrival along with a romantic turndown amenity, private cove experience available, all ocean-view suites, butler service

Runner Up: Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Capella Pedregal, Esperanza

 

Most Luxurious in HuatulcoHuatulcoRomantic

Quinta Real Huatulco
Perched on a hillside overlooking Huatulco’s Tangolunda Bay, this resort’s design was inspiried by The Arabian Nights. With only 28 suites, each with their own balcony or terrace, the service is very personalized and attentive. Guests say there is a certain ‘magical’ feel to the hotel that creates the sensation of escape and intimacy.

What makes it romantic: Smaller property with dramatic views, marble jacuzzi tubs in each room,  private beach club, suites available with private pools.

Runner Up:  Camino Real Zaashila 

 

Most Luxurious in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo
Roamantic Ixtapa

Viceroy Zihuatanejo
On the shore of Playa La Ropa is the luxurious retreat of Viceroy Zihuatanejo. The 35 guestrooms and 35 suites are housed in casitas providing a good level of privacy; and no two rooms are alike. The property spans a large amount of beach, and also has a private lagoon.

What makes it romantic: Canopy beds, private hammocks with large terraces, suites have an outdoor infinity-edy pool, dramatic setting throughout property and beautiful sunset views

Runner Up: Capella Ixtapa

 

Best All-Inclusive Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit
GrandVelasNayarit

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
This resort is continuously receiving accolades for its luxury and service. The property provides  an array of suites that cater to every need, each over 1,000 sqft and with their own private terraces perfect for a romantic dinner.

What makes it romantic: Amenities such as interior Jacuzzis or outdoor Jacuzzis with panoramic ocean views, sensual couples massages.

Runner Up: Secrets Vallarta Bay, Villa Premiere

Most Luxurious Puerto Vallarta/ Riviera Nayarit
Four Seaons Mita
Four Seasons Punta Mita
Located in Punta Mita, this Four Seasons property offers the absolute best in terms of hospitality, dining, spa, and everything you could ask for in an exclusive resort. There are several pools, a lazy river, private beaches and lounging cabanas that create romantic and secluded settings..

What makes it romantic: Suites have terraces with private plunge pools and hammocks, private 55-foot yacht available to charter, horseback riding and bonfires available for romantic dates

Runner Up: St. Regis Punta Mita

 

 

Top Adventure Travel Trips in Mexico

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Adventure travel trips and tours in Mexico are one of our specialties at Journey Mexico. For those of you planning adventure vacations this summer, we’ve put together a list of our favorite adventure tours.

From pristine beaches and remote jungles to spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers – these travel adventures get to the heart of this grand destination: Mexico.

 

1)      Baja Multisport: Sea Kayaking and Hiking Trip

On this adventure trip you’ll visit both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez coastlines of Baja California, Mexico. Perfect for active travelers, it combines remote hiking and paddling in intact wilderness settings, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities and visits to local villages.

This trip includes a full day Sea-Kayaking expedition in the Sea of Cortez. Experience the turquoise waters of the protected beaches of the Island of Espiritu Santo.  We will also visit the resident sea lion colony where you can opt to swim and snorkel with these marine mammals.

During our day hike, you will indulge in the seascapes of the rugged Pacific Coast of Southern Baja California. In this hike into the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere reserve you will also experience the beauty of cascading waterfalls in the stunning cactus forests.  A visit to the fishing village of Todos Santos and a day of surfing provides a taste of the old Baja.

2)      Chiapas Adventure Trip – Ziplines, Waterfalls, and Ruins

On this fabulous adventure trip to Chiapas, Mexico, you will zip line through the tree-tops of the jungles and mountains of the region. Take in the magnificent beauty of one of the area’s waterfalls, measuring over 100 feet in height, and swim in the refreshing water from the falls. This journey also includes a visit to the archaeological site of Palenque, an ancient Mayan city known as one of the greatest achievements of ancient man, and to San Cristobal de las Casas, a charming colonial city where you can converse with the indigenous people of San Juan Chamula and Zinacatan, and learn about their colorful ceramics and textiles.

 

3)      Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip

This adventure trip to the Riviera Maya in Mexico, is perfect for wildlife lovers. One of the highlights of this adventure includes swimming and snorkeling with docile whale sharks (ranging from 10 to 65 feet in length) on a secluded island. After a few days of nature immersion, explore the ancient Mayan ruins at the world renowned Chichen Itza. Your private guide will explain the significance of this archeological site and the achievements of the Maya civilization. You will also have the chance to cool off in a beautiful sinkhole before enjoying a picturesque lunch nearby. Accommodations at the Isla Holbox (a tranquil island 3 hours from Cancun) are in a quaint eco-friendly hotel.

 

 

4)      Copper Canyon Hiking Trip – Lower Rio Urique Wilderness

The Copper Canyon hiking trip is an expedition style adventure where hikers follow the Urique River as it winds through the Mexican canyon. This tour offers stunning views, trails through narrow slot canyons and a crossing of the magnificent suspension bridge at Vado de la Cueva. You will also visit the native communities and the historic settlements of El Fuerte, Cerocahui, Creel, Chihuahua, and Batopilas.

A train journey on the world famous Chihuahua al Pacifico Mexican railroad offers a panoramic view of the amazing transition between the Sea of Cortez and the canyons of the Sierra Tarahumara.

 

5)      Mainland Mexico Surf Trip

This surfing adventure trip is 10 days of non-stop surfing combined with luxury accommodations to relax and recharge in the evening. On this trip you will stay in 2 magnificent villas right on the water. You will also go on exciting road trips on private SUVs and take a private fight to some of the region’s best kept secret surfing spots.

An expert guide will be with you providing insider access and a professional photographer will shoot video and photos of the adventure.

 

6)      Oaxaca Cycling Excursion

This exciting tour lets you experience a bike tour like you never have before. During this cycling excursion you will not only see great bike routes but you will also discover Oaxaca’s amazing culture, food, and natural beauty.

You will visit Teotitlan del Valle, where the world-famous, traditional, woven, wool blankets and rugs come from, as well as other remote villages with XVI century churches, old plazas and vibrant markets and galleries.  On this tour, you will also see Monte Alban – an archeological site from around 500BC.

 

7)      The Volcano Mountain Climbing Expedition

This adventure tour is 10 days of amazing mountain climbing. Explore two Mexican volcanoes: The Malinche volcano, named after the Indian lover and interpreter for Cortez , and the Iztaccihuatl, the 3rd largest in Mexico famous for its shape of a sleeping woman.

In addition to exploring the mountaintops, caves, and glaciers of central Mexico, you will also visit the charming towns of Puebla and Cholula outside of Mexico City.

This trip also includes a visit to Teotihucan, a world-famous archeological site, and the Basilica de Guadalupe. This Basilica is the 3rd most important religious center worldwide.

8)      Yucatan  Adventure

This adventure trip on the Riviera Maya takes you through the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and brings you to incredible archeological sites designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Visit the Mayan ruins of Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Celestun, Ex-balam and Sian Ka’an.

This ecotourism tour includes a visit to a local Maya family where age old traditions are still maintained. It also takes you to Tixkokob where locals still practice the age old tradition of Hammock weaving.

The Riviera Maya, with its turquoise waters and soft powder sand beaches awaits you.

 

We hope you embark soon on your adventure travel tour and discover the wonders that Mexico has to offer.

 

Mexico Leading the Way in Eco Preservation

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sea life park in mexico

#MexicoToday: Over the past ten years, something remarkable has happened just off the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula in Mexico. In 1999, the marine area off the coast of Cabo Pulmo (located on the south-eastern tip of the Baja Peninsula) had been severely depleted of wildlife due to overfishing. But thanks to the efforts of the local communities of Cabo Pulmo, the amount of fish in the region has boomed by more than 460 percent in the past ten years.

Scientists are astonished by how the marine life of Cabo Pulmo has not only recovered from disastrous levels, but has actually reached levels comparable to remote, pristine sites that have never been fished by humans. In fact, no other marine reserve in the world has shown such a turn around in fish population, and this thriving underwater wildlife park is now the most robust marine reserve in the world.

The Cabo Pulmo National Park accredits much of the success to a few local families who have banned together to enforce the parks regulations and policies in regards to fishing and pollution, making Cabo Pulmo a model for other areas depleted by fishing in the Gulf of California and elsewhere. Their efforts have not only brought back the fish but have also increased eco-tourism to the area.

SCUBA diving enthusiasts from around the world have been flocking to the region to witness the coral reefs that are now home to lobsters, octopuses, rays, and small fish. Also swarming the reefs are large parrotfish, groupers, snappers, and even sharks like tiger sharks, bull sharks and black tip reef sharks, who have been found to actually keep coral reefs healthy.

For more information about how you can support the Cabo Pulmo National Park through eco-tourism, contact Journey Mexico.
 

Luxury at Sea in Mexico

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Jacques Cousteau once called Mexico’s Sea of Cortés “The aquarium of the world,” and for good reason as 39% of the Earth’s marine mammals either live in or visit the Sea of Cortes during their lifetime. Nearly all of the World’s Gray Whales are born just off the coast of Baja, Mexico and each winter, thousands of Gray Whales migrate back down to Mexican waters to breed – offering travelers unforgettable up-close-and-personal encounters.

Traditionally, exploring the Sea of Cortés and its wildlife has meant camping in the rugged terrain of Baja California, which is great for adventure lovers but can be discouraging for Grandmom and the kids. Now, however, Journey Mexico is excited to offer a fabulous alternative: an eight-day, seven-night cruise aboard a 120-foot, 22-guest yacht.

On The Sea Quest Explorer, you’ll tour the Sea of Cortés, a World Heritage biosphere reserve that harbors more than 900 islands (many uncharted), flora, fauna, and animals found nowhere else in the world. In addition to whale watching and site-seeing, travelers will enjoy a burro ride through the arroyos, swimming with baby sea lions, and a visit to Isla Coyote, a tiny island populated by only two families! Included in the experience are two-person sea kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling and water-skiing equipment, a sailboat, and motorized shore boat for close-up wildlife viewing.

As a kick off promotion, we are pleased to offer travel credits of $200 dollars per person (and $400 dollars for teenagers) for select travel dates booked by September 30th, 2011. For more information, please inquire at info@journeymexico.com!

Mexico Awarded Best Destination Day Spa in the World by Travel + Leisure Readers

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Mexico in Travel + Leisure's Reader's Choise Awards

The 2011 Word’s Best Awards mark the 16th consecutive year where Travel + Leisure has polled it’s massive database of readers, allowing them to determine the best hotels, cities, spas, and more. For the second year in a row, Rancho La Puerta in Baja Californa was named the Best Destination Day Spa in the World in this year’s Travel + Leisure: World’s Best Awards readers’ survey.

Originally opened in 1940 in a sheltered valley only an hour’s drive from San Diego, California, Rancho La Puerta quickly became the paradigm of all multi-day “destination spa” vacations that encompass health and wellness for mind, body and spirit. The property encompasses over 3,000 acres of land and includes world-class landscaped gardens, an organic farm, an internationally known cooking school, and mountainsides and meadows of great hiking and walking experiences. For more information about Rancho La Puerta, visit www.rancholapuerta.com.

Also making one of this year’s Travel + Leisure: World’s Best lists was the One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, also in Baja California. The One & Only Palmilla was voted number 48 in the World’s 50 Best Hotels list, and for good reason. The One & Only Palmilla was designed with one thing in mind: Luxury. To quote Travel + Leisure, “At the tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula, One & Only Palmilla takes moonlight serenades seriously. The 172-room resort can arrange a Latin guitar trio to strum ballads on sandy coves facing the Sea of Cortés, atop a historic bell tower, or in a Casa Gardenia suite. For families, there’s a meandering river that connects the kids’ pool to an infinity pool overlooking the sea. Ride horses on the beach—on of the safest in Los Cabos for swimming—then kick back in red-tiled suites with shaded daybeds, ideal for siesta.”

Several other Mexican resorts and hotels were chosen for regional awards, featured in the cover story of the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine, which hit newsstands July 22nd.

Mexico Takes Four of Trip Advisors Top 25 Beaches in the World

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Trip Advisor Travelers ChoiceToday’s Trip Advisor Members’ Update included their Travelers’ Choice results for “Top 25 Beaches in the World” for 2011. With more than 5700 miles of coastline in three distinct coastal regions, it’s no surprise that Mexico took four of the top 25 spots – more than any other state/country on the list save for Florida, which also has four.

Mexico’s winners are:

Tulum, MexicoTulum on the Riviera Maya – Tulum is one of the most visited ruins of the Mayan world, welcoming over $2 million visitors each year. The stunning contrast between the ancient stones of the Mayan ruins and the crystal waters of the Caribbean coast make the site a photographers favorite. The rich history of the site as one of the only cities never conquered by the Spaniards make it even more significant and although you have to brave the crowds, it is well worth the visit.

Isla Mujeres just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula – This tiny island off the coast of Cancun was an ancient Mayan religious site dedicated to the goddess, Ixchel (the guardian of fertility and childbirth). Today, the island is a small fishing community and a string of small hotels with one town center, El Pueblo. The tourist infrastructure of the island has grown rapidly in recent years but it remains a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of its neighbor, Cancun.

Playa del CarmenPlaya del Carmen also located on the Mayan Riviera – Once a fishing village and pristine deserted beach, Playa del Carmen has turned into one of the hottest holiday destinations in Mexico. Smaller than Cancun, “Playa” offers the nightlife and dining of a city with the charm of a seaside beach town – all with the same crystalline waters of Cancun.

Cancun located in Cancun, obvio – The sun shines over 240 days a year along the strip of fine, white sand called the hotel zone. With an average daily temperature of 80 degrees, this resort town is one of the most temperate and pleasant Caribbean destinations. The city boasts lively nightlife, high-end shops, and world class restaurants in addition to its pristine beaches and proximity to Mayan ruins.

Punta MitaWhile we agree that Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun deserve their spots on the Top 25 Beaches of the World list, we would also argue that several other beaches in Mexico also deserve international recognition. Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is one of the most unique beach towns of the world as the city has maintained its deep cultural heritage as it’s grown into its role as the most sought after retirement destination in the world. The beaches of Punta Mita, just a half hour north of Puerto Vallarta, are also some of the most breathtaking beaches you’ll ever see.

Further south on the Mexico’s Pacific coast lies Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. This exceptional area consists of numerous beaches and small towns that have been a popular spot for surfers for some time. Lined with great hotels and restaurants, you will also find numerous palapas (thatched roofs for hammocks) and personalized seafood stands.

Los Cabos hotelAcross the Sea of Cortez are the legendary beaches of Los Cabos on the southern tip of Baja California. The beaches of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo have made the area a mecca for sport fishing or just a weekend getaway. Luxury resorts pepper the area and offer great locations to embark on activities ranging from hiking, golf, mountain biking, and whale watching to sea kayaking, surfing, dining out, and relaxing on numerous secluded beaches.

In addition to these internationally coveted hot spots, Mexico is home to hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller, more secluded beaches that would blow your mind. What is your favorite beach in Mexico?