Journey Mexico Blog

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 3^rd 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.

At Journey Mexico, we’re especially proud that one of our favorite vacation packages to Chiapas made the National Geographic Traveler Magazine’s “50 Tours of a Lifetime” list this year! Although it’s always an honor to achieve this level of recognition, this year is truly special. For 2012, National Geographic Traveler chose “transformation” as the overall theme in addition to evaluating each tour based on authenticity, sustainability, and degree of immersion. This means that the judges at National Geographic Traveler felt our Chiapas Tour: A Journey through Mexico Less Visited has the power to make a permanent change in the lives of both our travelers and the local residents who live in the various villages along the route. While we like to think that each of our packages is a “trip of a lifetime,” the Chiapas Tour lives up to that reputation more than any other! If you’d like to become fully immersed in the rich culture of Mexico, here’s a closer look at this Chiapas Tour:

The Journey Begins The Chiapas tour is designed to give you an intimate look at Southwest Mexico and the Mayan World. Your journey will begin in Tuxtla Gutierrez, the capital of Chiapas, where your tour leader will welcome you at the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport. Next, you will travel through the Sumidero Canyon before ascending into the highest reaches of the Sierra Madre Sur to reach the quaint colonial city that serves as the commercial center of the highland people of Txotzil and Tzetzal. Within this part of Mexico, the proud farmers still live their lives according to ancient cultural traditions. You’ll have ample opportunity to see this up close as your group explores the area surrounding San Cristobal on foot and interacts with the locals. During your stay, you’ll visit the workshops of local artisans, view the colonial architecture and explore the San Cristobal museums.

The Adventure Continues After you fully explore the highland areas, your group will descend to the exotic Chiapan rainforests where you will enjoy a day filled with swimming, hiking and waterfall exploration. Once you arrive at the jungle, you’ll discover a number of ancient Mayan ruins including Yaxchitlan, Palenque, Bomampak and Edzna.

Compared to other better-known sites, these are much less crowded but just as significant. The locations are stunning, and your leader will fill you in on the amazing accomplishments of the ancient Mayans in the fields of astronomy, engineering and agriculture. From the jungle, you’ll venture into Tabasco to visit the zoo and the museum to learn more about the Olmec culture.

The Final Transformation On the last night of your stay, you’ll attend a farewell fiesta and dance the night away with the Tabasco locals. The next day, you’ll depart from the Villa Hermosa’s International Airport. From here, you can get a flight into many other Mexican destinations to continue your adventure or fly back to the States. If you’re ready for your “Journey of a Lifetime,” book an adventure and discover an entirely new side of Mexico.

This article has been translated from Leon-Mexico.com

Volaris Airlines announced the launch of new routes within Mexico, one which will connect Cancun with the Colonial region of Mexico through the airport in León, Guanajuato. The new route will run two times a week and they will be using Airbus A319 and A320 planes with capacities for 144 and 177 passengers, respectively.

The first connection between León-Cancún started March 29 with two weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays. Jesus Almaguer Salazar, the Cancun Director of the Visitors and Conventions Office considered that both flights would allow the influx of tourism to the Bajío region just in time for spring vacations, which opens the door to  potential markets to and from the Mexican-Caribbean and until now was only catered by Magicharters.

In an interview, Salazar highlighted that the tourism from these cities and neighboring states had to travel through Mexico City or Guadalaraja to get to Cancun,  and the new flight routes will produce a reduction in traveling costs that will translate into a larger spending by these tourists  in the areas they are visiting.

Other new routes from Volaris include: Mexico City to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun to Aguascalientes, Guadalajara to Puebla and  Guadalajara to Los Mochis.

When planning your trip to Mexico, don’t forget to research Mexican airline carriers for their international flights. VivaAerobus, Volaris, Interjet, and AeroMexico are continuously expanding beyond their domestic routes.

Playa del Carmen is situated on the south-east coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo in the Yucatan Peninsula. Warm white powdery sand beaches and turquoise crystal clear waters together with the famous Mexican hospitality make this a place like no other!

Playa del Carmen is named for Our Lady of Mount Carmel, who is the patron saint of Cancún.

Playa del Carmen dates back to 300-600 a.d. where it was a stop for travelers during the Mayan civilization. There are plenty of small ruins in and near Playa del Carmen. But just as there is great history in the area, there are great resorts that marry a cultural experience with a luxurious vacation. Here are our Top Picks for Luxury Resorts in Playa Del Carmen.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

If you’re looking for luxury in a Playa del Carmen resort, you’ve found it in the Grand Velas Riviera Maya. It is one of the newest resorts in the area (opened in 2008) and now considered a premier vacation destination located on the immaculate white sand shore of Playa del Carmen. The Grand Velas is has stylish and graceful accommodations. This resort has over 1,000 feet of exclusive beach and is set over 80 acres of protected jungle. This All Inclusive, Five Diamonds Luxury Resort provides its guests with the uniquely Mexican world-class hospitality.

Luxury accommodations include uniquely exotic garden suites, ocean view suites and ocean front suites, some with private plunge pools.

The Grand Velas is also dedicated to provide a balance between body and soul and offers hydrotherapy, and avant-garde menu of treatments for the health and wellness conscious visitor.

Find out more about the luxurious Grand Velas Riviera Maya.

Mosquito Blue

Mosquito Blue is Playa del Carmen’s most unique hotel and resort. It is the first boutique luxury hotel in the area. This hotel is a where urban hip meets beach resort. The Italian owner, inspired by contemporary European style and tropical colors, created this peaceful oasis with a tropical chic décor mixing modern elegance with casual beach living.

Playa del Carmen’s first boutique luxury hotel. Since 1995, Mosquito Blue has been a trendsetter, offering accommodations that are cosmopolitan, trendy, and stylish, yet comforting, relaxing, and rejuvenating.

The Mosquito Blue offers gourmet dining with a team of Italian chefs that transform traditional Mexican Caribbean ingredients into exquisite Mediterranean Italian cuisine.

Located on 5^th Avenue, Mosquito Blue’s guests are in the heart of the shopping, dining and nightlife of Playa del Carmen.

Mosquito Blue redefines luxury and pampering with special touches that are the hallmark of refined Playa Del Carmen hospitality for this unique Mexico resort.

Find out more about the Mosquito Blue Hotel.

The Viceroy Riviera Maya (Previously The Tides)

The Viceroy Riviera Maya is located on the white sands of Playa del Carmen in a small village called Playa Xcalacoco. The architecture of the resort accentuates its jungle setting.  The Viceroy is a 41-villa luxury resort with a stunning spa, offering guests intimate and serene features both indoors and outdoors.

Travel + Leisure magazine referred to the Viceroy Riviera Maya as “a sexy, eco-conscious hideaway in the jungle”

This luxurious resort is decorated following Mayan aesthetics and utilizes natural materials throughout.

Dinning is also first class at the Viceroy, serving refined Mexican cuisine with international influences.  With its policy of “Dine Anytime, Anywhere” Viceroy’s guests can enjoy it’s restaurants, bars and lounge areas 24 hours a day.

Culinary enthusiasts can also participate in cooking classes held in a traditional outdoor Mayan kitchen with native pit-ovens and a palapa roof.

Guests also may enjoy the many activities in the area including golf, horseback riding, polo lessons, fishing, parasailing, kite surfing, skydiving, bird watching, nature walks, tennis and jungle tours.

Find out more about the luxurious Viceroy Riviera Maya Hotel.

Hacienda Tres Rios

Also one of the newest resorts in Playa del Carmen, Hacienda Tres Rios is at the forefront of sustainable tourism. The beachfront resort is all-inclusive luxury. It is nestled in a 326-acre nature park and provides 273 luxury suites.

Hacienda Tres Rios is an eco-tourism destination and offers the authentic adventure of the Riviera Maya.

Outside the plush suites of the hotel, the natural environment unfolds amidst acres of rivers, an estuary, ten cenotes (fresh water springs) and a tranquil sandy beach.

The resort also offers two pools, nearby equestrian center and a private yacht club. It’s SPA offers the unique temazcal bath experience. Guests can also participate in guided eco-park tours, snorkeling, and three rivers for swimming, kayaking, and birdwatching. The never-ending activities at Hacienda Tres Ríos create the ultimate vacation experience, no matter age or interests.

More information can be found here about the luxurious Hacienda Tres Rios Hotel.

Considering a spring vacation in Mexico? Here’s five of our top luxury destinations and accompanying hotels in Mexico for the discerning traveler.

Spring is a great time to travel, and Mexico is closer than you think. Although temperatures are excellent throughout the year, spring is exceptional in most destinations. Here are 5 top luxury Mexico vacations for this spring:

Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, located in Baja California, is famous for whale watching, sea kayaking and coastal hiking. For the most luxurious accommodations, we recommend Hotel Las Ventanas, a 5-star venue in Cabo San Lucas. This upscale resort is all about pampering! Relax in front of your suite’s terra cotta fireplace, renew your soul in our world-class spa or savor the gourmet cuisine in one of the on-site eateries. The Hotel Las Ventanas is a Mexican paradise nestled between the ocean and the desert.

Riviera Maya
Located on the historic Yucatan Peninsula, you can experience the best of the old and new when you stay at the Hotel Rosewood Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya. Surrounded by the lush jungle with white Caribbean beaches at your doorstep, this luxury resort is the perfect mixture of natural beauty and sophisticated refinement. Here are a few things you can do during your stay:

• View the ancient Mayan ruins including Edzna, Chichen Itza and Coba.
• Float the peaceful waters at Celestun, an innovative eco-reserve.
• Explore Valladolid, a beautiful colonial town.
• Bask in the glory of the Mexican sun and cool off in the bright-turquoise Caribbean waters!

Mexico City
One of the largest and most industrious cities in the world, Mexico City offers the perfect mix of modern sophistication and old-world tradition. During your stay, you’ll discover some of the finest dining and shopping in the world as well a variety of cultural sites like the Catedral Metropolitana, Palacio Nacional and Teotihuacan. If you’re looking for a great place to stay, we recommend the Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico. In addition to a luxurious room and world-class service, this hotel has a spectacular view of Mexico City’s Historic Centre!

Puebla

If your mouth waters at the thought of authentic Mexican cuisine, Puebla is the perfect destination for your next trip south of the border!  In addition to sampling the local fare, you can learn to make some of these dishes by taking the Mexican Cooking Course at Meson Sacristia.  If you’re planning a visit to this 2012 internationally recognized destination, we recommend the Hotel La Purificadora. This boutique hotel, once a water-purification plant, was renovated by legendary Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta.

Guanajuato
Visit the heart of Mexico to learn more about this country’s past. Discover the colonial architecture, learn more about famous Mexican artists and view one of the world’s biggest silver mines. While you’re visiting Guanajuato, stay at the Quinta Las Acacias, an exclusive, four-diamond hotel with just 17 opulent rooms. The décor is a mixture of classic European styles mixed with traditional Mexican craftsmanship.

These top luxury Mexico vacations are considered safe for travel by the US Department of State, so come and enjoy!

Casa Lecanda Boutique Hotel

Casa Lecanda is a small luxury boutique hotel built in a completely restored traditional Yucatecan home, the hotel has been designed to retain the original Meridian style with points of European luxury so prevalent in the golden age of Merida’s Sisal barons. Painstaking attention to detail, architecture, and landscaping provides guests with a uniquely local experience and a sanctuary within the city; a refuge of serenity, privacy and relaxation. A place our guests can call home as they reach out and discover all the beauty and magnificence that the Yucatán Peninsula has to offer.

Click here to view more photographs

International Luxury Travel Market Americas

As a provider of luxury travel to Mexico, we’re excited to share some news with our clients. The International Luxury Travel Market is holding a completely new conference this year to focus on the travel and hospitality needs of visitors to North and Latin America. Branded as International Luxury Travel Market Americas, or ILTM Americas, this event will bring together the movers and shakers in this segment of the industry to discuss the latest developments and innovations in this marketplace.

Can’t decide between the seductive privacy of a luxury villa and the opulence of a full-service resort? If you stay at the secluded Viceroy Riviera Maya (formerly The Tides Riviera Maya) just outside the tiny town of Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo, Mexico, you can have the best of both worlds. This resort refuge awaits with a luxurious spa, seven miles of white-sand beaches and award-winning cuisine.

Your Own Spacious Villa
This luxurious retreat is made up of 41 individual villas. Each space features over 1,000 square feet of privacy in addition to your own plunge pool and private patio. With a contemporary-classic décor that is the epitome of simple elegance, you’ll never want to leave the comfort of the Viceroy. Each villa is positioned to take full advantage of the beautiful surroundings with views of the ocean or the tropical gardens.

The Luxurious Maya Spa
For a little well-deserved pampering, visit the Maya Spa at the Viceroy Riviera Maya. This full-service wellness center offers a complete menu of holistic treatments based on natural marine ingredients and aromatic herbs from the local countryside. Whether you indulge in a traditional spa treatment like a massage or facial, partake in an exercise session at the waterfront yoga studio or spend time in the Maya Temazcal steam cave, you’ll emerge looking and feeling better than you ever imagined.

Award-Winning Cuisine
If you’re dining on-site, you won’t be disappointed by the award-winning fare served at La Marea. The chef specializes in Mexican, Mayan and Mediterranean dishes, but the kitchen is prepared to create special dishes upon request. Enjoy the “Mayaterrean Cuisine” in the island-inspired ambiance of the La Marea dining room or have your meals delivered to your villa, the beach or poolside. For more casual fare or a little variety, try the Library Lounge or the Coral Grill and Bar.

Never a Dull Moment
A week of pure indulgence is the definition of a perfect vacation for many, but others prefer a more active experience. The Viceroy Riviera Maya satisfies these needs, as well. Whether you’ve always dreamed of exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, diving a local cenote or spending a day on the water angling for a trophy sailfish, the concierge can make all the arrangements. On-site activities include SCUBA diving, horseback riding, swimming and more.

Considering a trip to the Riviera Maya? At Journey Mexico, we can make the arrangements for stays in the Riviera Maya at the Viceroy or at any other luxury location in this exciting region. Give us a call today to get started!

At Journey Mexico, we recommend the Maroma Resort and Spa on the Riviera Maya to our clients when they express a desire to get away from it all in order to unwind and recharge. Although this modern paradise is nestled within one of most beautiful areas of the world, it’s actually one of the Yucatan’s hidden treasures where you can leave your cares behind without compromising any of life’s little pleasures. Sound like paradise? Well, we think it comes pretty close! Here’s some more information to help you decide if a stay at the Maroma is right for you:

Looking to discover the local treasures of Mexico with exceptional experiences? Nestled between azure waters and archaeological treasures, the historic Haciendas in The Luxury Collection of Starwood Hotels & Resorts combine a rich heritage with extraordinary amenities.  Journey Mexico, together with The Haciendas in the Yucatan region of Mexico, bring you an exclusive offer valid at any five of their properties.

Offer:

3 night minimum stay (mix-and-match)

Upgrade to next category subject to availability upon arrival

American Breakfast

One 3 course dinner (alcoholic beverages not included, indicate the hacienda  at time of booking)

Booking Window: January 02 – March 31, 2012
Travel Window: January 02 – March 31, 2012

Rates starting at $490 usd per room per night  + 19 % taxes + 5% service charge