Tag Archives: chichen-itza

Visit The Top 10 Archaeological Sites in Mexico

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Travelers who are interested in learning about ancient cultures and civilizations will be delighted to learn that Mexico boasts some 182 archaeological sites. Many of these sites are designated UNESCO World Patrimony sites, meaning that they are recognized as sites that bear clues to mankind’s origins and evolution. There are a wealth of archaeological sites to pick from when traveling to Mexico. Consider our top 10, which offer plenty of intrigue and excitement.

 

Teotihuacán

Located in Southern Mexico in the State of Mexico, Teotihuacán is popularly known as the place where men become gods. In pre-Columbian times, this metropolitan city boasted more than 100,000 inhabitants. It was one of the most influential cities in terms of religion, culture and politics in the pre-Columbian era.

Additional Journey Mexico blogs on Teotihuacán.

Templo Mayor

Known in pre-Columbian times as teocalli, Templo Mayor is located in Mexico City. This temple was integral to the political, religious and social life of the Aztec people. The temple was in use from 1325 B.C. until 1521 A.D. Today visitor’s can explore the temple’s original grounds and visit a museum containing artifacts related to Aztec society and religious practice.

Additional Journey Mexico blog on Templo Mayor.

Tlatelolco

Located in present-day Mexico City, Tlatelolco is a temple complex used by the people of México Tenochtitlán. It is believed that the Tenochca and Tlatelolca peoples built the temple together and shared it to honor their gods. The temple was in service from 1337 B.C. until 1521 A.D.

Monte Albán

An ancient city complex, Monte Albán served as the capital for the Zapotec peoples. Located in the State of Oaxaca, this ancient city is an exemplar of Zapotec city life, containing social areas and a temple area.

Additional Journey Mexico blogs on Oaxaca.

 

Chichén Itzá

Located on Southern Mexico’s beautiful Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is a focal point of Maya civilization. The city contains traditional Mayan temples and buildings. Visitors can also see the results of migration and the marks of individuals from other Latin cultures in the city of Chichén Itzá.

Additional Journey Mexico blogs on Chichén Itzá.

Uxmal

Located in the Yucatán, Uxmal is an ancient Mayan city known for its large, ornate buildings and temple. Built in the Puuc style, the city includes the Pyramid of the Magician and a Governor’s Palace. Uxmal was one of the most powerful cities in the Mayan empire during pre-Columbian times.

Tulum

Formerly known as Zama, or The City of The Dawn, Tulum is located on the Caribbean Coast in the State of Quintana Roo. It is widely considered the last city built and inhabited by the Mayans prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Visitors can roam the ancient site while taking in breathtaking ocean views.

Additional Journey Mexico blogs on Tulum.

Xcaret

Also located in Quintana Roo, Xcaret was an important Mayan trading center. Visitors can explore many building from the Late Post-Classical period. Travelers can also visit nature preserves and learn more about the day-to-day life of the Mayan people while visiting Xcaret.

Cobá

Located near Chichén Itzá and Tulum, Cobá is an extensive complex of Maya ruins settled between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D. The city is rivaled in size only by Chichén Itzá, which was an enemy city for many centuries. Today’s visitors enjoy stunning pyramids and temples.

Palenque

A Mayan city-state located in the present-day state of Chiapas, Palenque was one of the most powerful cities in the Classical period. Palenque is regarded to contain some of the best bas-relief carvings and sculptures produced by the Maya.

Additional Journey Mexico blog posts on Palenque.

Mexico provides a wealth of opportunity and learning about ancient cultures and early civilizations. While the country is home to more than 182 archaeological sites, each of which are unique and fascinating in their own right, these 10 are by no means more significant than the others, but provide an exciting start if you’re considering an archaeological trip to Mexico.

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.

 

Top Travel Destinations Worldwide for 2012 Include Mexico’s Tulum, Chichen Itza and Chiapas

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CNN Travel recently asked the top travel experts from Orbitz, Lonely Planet, Smarter Travel and Altour for their picks for 2012. With all the recent publicity about the impending end of the Mayan calendar, it should come as no surprise that this part of Mexico, including Tulum, Chichen Itza, and Chiapas, tops the Top Travel Destinations in the World for 2012!

If you’d like to soak up the sun on an unforgettable trip to the Maya World, here are a few examples of what you might experience during your stay:

Chichen Itza – One of the New Seven Wonders of the World!
No trip to the Maya would be complete without touring the most famous ruins in Mexico. Let Journey Mexico show you the way to a private entrance where our expert guide can lead you directly to the most interesting features of this ancient city. After a leisurely lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the ancient temples of Coba, a relatively new discovery with more than 6,500 unexplored structures.

Edzna and Uxmal – Plus a Tequila Tasting!
On a different day, experience the magic of the ceremonial sites and religious temples of Edzna. Nestled within the jungle, this set of ruins houses the Platform of the Knives, the Big House and the Gran Acropolis. Once you’re done, enjoy a traditional Mexican meal before reaching Uxmal, one of the best examples of Puuc architecture in the world. As you roam through the temples, your guide will explain the intricacies of the ancient society that once called this city home. Finish off your day with some of the best Tequila in the world as you learn more about one of Mexico’s most important products.

The Biosphere Reserve of Celestun
Leave the ruins behind and discover a part of Mexico that’s full of life! This protected area contains one of the nation’s largest wetland areas. Among other wildlife, you’ll get a chance to see one of the largest colonies of charming Pink Flamingos. Afterwards, enjoy your midday meal in the shade at one of the local beachfront restaurants.

Enjoy the Riviera Maya!
Spend a day or two in luxury before or after your tour of the ruins! Relax by the pool, snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, shop for souvenirs and sample the local cuisine. No matter how you decide to spend your time in the Riviera Maya, this will give you a complete picture of the pleasures this part of Mexico has to offer!

Of course, these are just a few examples of how Mexico earned a top spot on CNN Travel’s list of top destinations for 2012. If you’d like to learn more about what you can see and do in Mexico in the coming year, contact Journey Mexico for more information.

Traveling to Mexico in 2012: The Mayan Calendar Challenge!

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Chichen Itza Mayan Calendar 2012Don’t be taken in by hyped-up claims that the world is ending in 2012 or that this is what the Mayans predicted thousands of years ago. The media and movie industry have purposely misinterpreted this historical information to attract attention, boost ratings, and scare school children. Once you understand more about this misconception, you’ll be ready to visit charming Mexico to celebrate the beginning of a whole new cycle and take the Mayan Calendar challenge!

The Real Deal on the Mayan Calendar
The Mayans, an ancient civilization that existed in southern Mexico and much of Central America from 250 to 900 A.D., used two different calendars. The first, the Calendar Round, covered a 52-year period, or 18,980 days. At that time, this period represented a single generation or the average lifespan of a typical person of that age. This was the measurement tool that this culture used on an everyday basis.

If the Mayans needed to refer to a date that was more than 52 years in the past or future, they moved to the “Long Count,” the long-term calendar. This measurement tool is based on a numerically predictable algorithm that used a beginning date of 3114 B.C. according to our modern calendar. From there, they calculated forward for 5,126 years for an ending date that just happens to be in 2012 A.D. This gave the Mayans a historical measure that reached over 3,000 years into their past and more than 1,000 years into their future.

If you think about it for a few minutes, common sense will tell you that it’s only a coincidence that the calendar is running out in 2012 A.D. The Mayans didn’t predict the end of the world; they just got tired of crunching the numbers. After all, the world existed long before the calendar started, so why shouldn’t we expect it to last long after the calendar ends? This doomsday theory has no more credibility than any of the countless end-of-the-world claims that have been proven false in the past.

Don’t Let the Doomsday Gang Ruin Your Plans
What could be better than leaving the naysayers and pessimists behind to celebrate the beginning of a whole new cycle in the very place that started all this controversy? The Mayan Long Count Calendar is scheduled to end on December 21 of next year, and Mexico is warm and sunny at that time of the year! To make this trip even more attractive, you can bet that the locals are planning quite a few festivals and fiestas to celebrate their continued existence as well as the upcoming holidays!

How can you resist the chance to snap a souvenir photo to prove you survived the “End of the World” in a beautiful Mexican paradise? Whether you’re partying on the beach or living it up in Mexico City, you’ll be able to tell everyone how you won the Mayan Calendar challenge!

Still doubtful? Well, you’re not alone. On Thursday, Mexico’s archaeology institute  acknowledged that a second reference to the date exists on a carved fragment found at a southern Mexico ruin site.  Here’s a link to the full article!

Southern Mexico: Day 12

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Today began with a very special morning as we awoke at 5:30am for private visit and guided tour of the archeological site Chichen Itza. With it’s massive ball court and one of the most impressive pyramids in all of Mexico, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archeological sites in the country. Having the opportunity to visit the site with no one but a small group of your friends as we have become on this excursion through southern Mexico was a privilege indeed.

Chichen Itza in the morning

The name Chichen Itza means “the mouth of the well of Itza,” referring to the cenote of Itza. The Yucatan peninsula is a very porous land mass covered in natural sink holes called cenotes, which were essential to the ancient Maya for both their physical and spiritual needs. After our visit to the archeological site, we were able to cool off in a local cenote before heading off to the Riviera Maya.

Cooling off in a cenote

After several site inspections in the Riviera Maya, we met for dinner at one of the restaurants at the luxurious Rosewood resort, where we stayed for the night. At dinner, we celebrated the birthday of one of our group members, Steve from Singapore. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a special birthday cake ceremony as Steve was sung “Happy Birthday” in seven different languages by our international group!

Happy Birthday Steve!

Tomorrow is a day of nothing but site-inspections, but stay tuned for the final day of our trip when we’ll visit the picturesque archeological site of Tulum!

Go to The Final Day >>

Journey Mexico at Mexico Pyramid Chichen Itza

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Journey Mexico at Uxmal

Pyramid at Uxmal

Journey Mexico President, Zach Rabinor; Director of Operations, Matteo Luthi; and Manager of Travel Planning, Gerardo Tovar recently returned from a FAM trip in Yucatan and brought back with them lots of great video. Here is a little clip from one of the most important archeological sites of Mayan culture, Chichen-Itzal, which is one of the highlights of our Archeological Mayan Journey trip.

In the beginning of the clip, Zach is speaking with Teresa Perez of TeresaPerezTours, (Brasil), Maita Barrenechea of Mai10 (Argentina), and Adamarie King of Connoiseur’s Travel (Mexico) about the incredible sites of archeological and cultural importance that Mexico has to offer. Throughout the clip, you’ll see expert guide Alejandro “Alex” Ricalde illuminating the tour with his expansive knowledge of the site.

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