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Where to Vacation in Mexico in December

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As December approaches, the vibrant traditions of Mexico come to life in new ways. In a country with strong historical ties, cultural celebrations dating back to colonial times and beyond take the forefront in communities all over Mexico. Everywhere you go, the holiday season is marked by robust flavors, colors and aromas. Seasonal food and goods become available, offering fresh experiences even to veteran travelers. The spirit of Mexico in December is enchanting and an opportunity to enjoy unforgettable festivities.

Mexican Celebrations in December

For nine days stretching from December 16th to the 24th, the Mexican Posadas take place. Singing processions travel the streets with candles, reenacting St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary’s trek through Bethlehem in search of shelter. Residents in nearby homes play the roles of innkeepers who refused to help the travelers until Joseph and Mary are received at a designated area. In many places, the procession is beautifully detailed with angels, pilgrims, shepherds and children carrying poinsettias. The entire scene is performed in song and at the final location the participants share prayers of thanks before enjoying a marvelous feast.

Throughout the month, visitors are sure to see Nativity scenes decorating homes, churches and several public venues. Scenes of Jesus’ birth in a manger are carefully laid out with ceramic figures often representing the Biblical characters. Along the streets of Mexico, these scenes range from simple setups to elaborate designs with breathtaking detail. As December 24th arrives, families gather for a nourishing meal on Christmas Eve, honoring the Nativity scene with prayer and gratitude.

Holiday Markets in Mexico

Public areas quickly transform into scenes of holiday cheer with attractive Christmas decorations. As the holiday is widely celebrated in Mexico, special markets are arranged where locals can purchase Christmas decorations, supplies for the Nativity scene and other seasonal items. For the children, holiday candy is a common attraction, and of course, the bright and inviting plazas are great place for amusement and mingling.

Where to Vacation in Mexico in December

If you want to experience the holiday season in Mexico, visit the colonial cities for an up-close look at the rich cultural traditions.

Mexico City

The country’s dynamic capital is one of the most exciting places to visit worldwide. From bustling bazaars full of exquisite artisan jewelry, glassware, silver and weavings to the astonishing archaeological sites of ancient civilizations, Mexico City is pulsing with invigorating culture, living history and thriving arts. Visitors are charmed by the Zocalo plaza and quaint colonial layout of the city, which features stunning architectural landmarks that house museums, cathedrals, galleries and government offices. The homes of remarkable figures like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera still stand in remembrance of their work while just beyond the city the ruins of Teotihuacan tell the story of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic ancestors, the Aztecs. To find out more visit our Mexico City tour, one of several private journeys to the city.

Other Destinations

Guanajuato, located in central Mexico, is another destination for a memorable vacation. In this colonial heartland, the city is still home to incredible Baroque architecture and underground pathways such as Boca Mina, a famous mine once coveted for its silver. For the traveler who enjoys diverse entertainment, the city is bursting with thrilling nightlife, chic restaurants, live music and boutique hotels with luxury amenities.

Just a few towns away, Patzcuaro lies amidst charming artisan communities where visitors can truly dive into the local cultural, from tasting traditional cuisine to checking out the artisan and copper workshops. Or if you prefer to see a UN World Heritage site, travel to nearby Morelia for authentic souvenirs from Michoacan markets and a chance to see the city’s treasured historic center. Wherever you decide to visit, the holiday season is sure to bring impressive festivities that will be remembered for years to come.

5 Top Luxury Mexico Vacations for Spring 2012

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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
Hotel Las Ventanas Luxury Cabo HotelCabo 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
Riviera Maya Luxury Mexico VacationLocated 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
Gran Hotel Ciudad de Mexico Luxury HotelOne 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

Puebla Luxury Mexico VacationIf 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
Quinta Las Acacias Luxury HotelVisit 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!

Two New Boutique Hotels Opening in Mexico in 2012!

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Part of the allure of a vacation abroad is the promise of something a little more exotic than your area hotels. In fact, some travelers are a little disappointed by the cookie-cutter resorts that line the coastal areas of the more touristy parts of the world. Other than a slight accent and the local landscaping, the food and the accommodations feel so familiar that they might as well have stayed at home.

To satisfy this niche in the travel industry, two completely new boutique hotels are opening their doors in Mexico this coming year to offer their guests something a little different. Here’s a closer look at each one:

Habita’s Eco Hotel Endémico Resguardo SilvestreHabita's Eco Hotel Endémico Resguardo Silvestre

Although its urban hotels are nothing short of striking, the Habita Hotel Group has taken a different approach with their newest property. The Eco Hotel Endémico Resguardo Silvestre features 20 stark, modern units situated on a rocky hillside within a 40-acre winery in Baja California.

Each unit, or room, has its own terrace and clay chimenea to warm up a chilly evening. However, this rustic, eco-friendly retreat isn’t without its luxuries. Leave your sleek, minimalistic accommodations by the primitive pathway to tour the grounds. Along the way, you’ll encounter a luxurious pool dramatically cut into the hillside and a gourmet restaurant ran by the Culinary Arts School of Tijuana.

If you’re looking for something different on your annual getaway, you can definitely find it a little more than an hour south of the border! This trip might not be for everyone, but it’s definitely different from home.

Hotel Downtown in Mexico City

Another Grupo Habita property scheduled to open in March 2012, this new hotel will be located in front of the Casino Español in charming Isabel la Católica. In an exceptional repurposing effort, this boutique hotel is a renovated palace originally built in the 17th century. Hotel Downtown will offer 17 boutique rooms and 17 hostel rooms to meet a variety of needs and budgets. Expected to be a favorite for visitors to Mexico City, make your arrangements early to guarantee a room in this historic palace.

Whether you prefer to kick back in the standard luxury of a big-name resort or soak up the local culture in a secluded, private villa or a traditional Mexican hotel, Journey Mexico can make it happen! We can tailor your accommodations and itinerary to meet your individual needs and interests if one of our established tours doesn’t appeal to your sense of adventure. Give us a call today!

Let us help you plan an exotic Mexico vacation today!
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Archaeologists Find Aztec Ritual Platform In Mexico City

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#MexicoToday: Under the hustle and bustle of modern Mexico City lie the ruins of the pre-Hispanic Aztec capital, once known as Tenochtitlán.  The center of this ancient capital was the Templo Mayor, which archeologists discovered in the mid 1900s and excavated in the seventies under the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. Still a site for active digs, archeologists have recently discovered an Aztec ceremonial platform while doing remodeling work around the Templo Mayor in the centro historico, one of downtown Mexico City’s main attractions.

This newly discovered ceremonial platform is speculated to have been built around AD 1469 and is decorated with carvings of serpent heads, important in determining what the platform was used for.  A critical piece in a challenging puzzle for historians, this platform could represent a cremation site for Aztec rulers.  To date, archeologists have never found any royal Aztec tombs in their excavations of the ancient capital.  Researchers have been on a five-year quest to unearth remains of Aztec emperors around the Templo Mayor basing their digs on old historical accounts of cremation ceremonies written by Roman Catholic priests who accompanied the Spanish conquest in 1521. The records suggest that the Aztec rulers were cremated at the foot of the Templo Mayor and this platform may be part of the same structure.  Archeologists around the world agree that the discovery of a royal tomb would be a major break through in understanding Aztec kingship, burial and the structure of the empire.

The blend of pre-Hispanic and modern cultures in Mexico City and the continual discovery of ancient history in this metropolitan capital make the city a unique destination for the savvy traveler.  While this new platform will continue to be excavated until possibly May 2012,  the Templo Mayor and it’s adjacent museum in the Historic Center of Mexico City (included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list), remain open to the public. If you are interested in visiting Mexico City or other archaeological sites, contact Journey Mexico.

 

The Magical Neighborhoods of Mexico City

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#MexicoToday: In the beginning of the year, we reported the Government investment of 330 million pesos in the the Barrios Magicos (Magical Neighborhoods) program in Mexico City. An initiative led by the Secretary of Tourism of the Federal District, the Barriós Magico Turisticos de la Ciudad de Mexico program proposed to showcase the most culturally rich spaces of Mexico City area to increase tourism.

After months of revision of many neighborhoods, a total of 21 have met the standards and requirements to be certified as a Magical Neighborhood.  The requirements were modeled after the national ‘Magic Towns’ program, having to meet the criteria of either holding some wealth of historic, architectural, cultural, gastronomic, or folkloric image to spark interest in visitors.  It also mandated that access roads to these neighborhoods must adhere to standards of security and cleanliness, while also controlling any unappealing activity so the area remains attractive. The designated budget for these 21 neighborhoods would help provide in maintaining the standards

The 21 Magical Neighborhoods that made the list are: Coyoacán, Roma-Condesa, Xochimilco, San Ángel, San Agustín de las Cuevas, Santa María La Ribera, Zona Rosa, Garibaldi, Villa de Guadalupe, Mixcoac, Tacubaya, Santa María Magdalena Atlitic, Azcapotzalco, La Merced, Mixquic, Cuajimalpa, San Pedro Atocpan, Culhuacán, Tacuba, Santa Julia and Pueblo de Ixtacalco.

Though the 21 neighborhoods blend to make up the entire urban area, they each conserve a distinguishable identity and environment, creating small pockets of culture and tradition sprinkled throughout Mexico City.  Particular points of history, quaint restaurants, hidden museums, flourishing plazas, and beautiful chapels add particular charm to these neighborhoods, connecting normal daily lifestyle with remembrances of the past. Some of the attractions in these neighborhoods have already been internationally recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, such as the Luis Barragán House and Studio in Tacubaya and also the zone of Xochimilco that have canals that are a reminder of the pre-Hispanic Aztecs. Other sites of interest that are already well-known include the house of renowned artists, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, in Coyoacán and also one of the most visited churches in the world, La Basílica de Guadalupe in the neighborhood of Villa de Guadalupe. But as the program points out, the neighborhoods don’t necessarily have to have a specific point of interest to qualify as a Barrio Magico; it could simply be the ambiance and character of an area that earns it Magic Neighborhood status, as is the case  in Roma-Condesa, one of the trendiest and most artsy neighborhoods in Mexico.

As interest in travel to Mexico continues to rise, Mexico hopes to designate more Magical Neighborhoods over the next three years. Government and residents plan to continue to work together to conserve these areas and offer better options of culture, recreation, hospitality, and gastronomy to their visitors.

Mexico Puts a Lock on Gossip

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On a recent trip through Central & Southern Mexico, I had the opportunity to visit the gorgeous cathedral on the zócalo (the main square) in Mexico City, where I came across an interesting tradition of which I’d never heard.

I was actually on my way out of the cathedral when I passed a little table that seemed to be overflowing with red ribbons. As I was passing, a woman approached the table with another red ribbon in one hand but with a small metal lock in the other. Intrigued, I stopped and watched as she parted some of the ribbons revealing a metallic grid around which she clenched the lock she was carrying. She then took the ribbon, tied it to the lock, said a little prayer, and then left.

Now I was really intrigued. Stepping forward, I realized the the ribbon she had tied to the lock had someone’s name written on it. Confused, I turned to our Journey Mexico guide, Juan Carlos, who was already laughing at my bewilderment. “The ribbons tied to the locks,” he explained to me, “are placed here to stop people from gossiping against us. If you feel that someone is gossiping or speaking ill about you, you write their name on a red ribbon then tie it to a lock you’ve secured to this table.”

Apparently, once you’ve tied a ribbon to your lock, Saint Ramon Nonato, the patron saint of pregnant women and gossip and whose statue sits behind the table, sees to it that your slanderer is quieted. Needless to say, many in our group approved of this tradition and went looking for ribbon.

Southern Mexico: Day 1

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Day one was a whirlwind! Our first day in Mexico City began at 8am with an amazing fruit breakfast in our hotel (Las Alcobas), which is pictured above. Shortly after, we set out to do a series of hotel site-inspections, which took us to some of the most chic and beautiful hotels in the city including Hotel Habita, the Four Seasons, and the St. Regis (where Bono of U2 is currently staying although we weren’t lucky enough to run into him today).

After a few hours of work, we got to enjoy an expertly guided tour of the historic center of Mexico City including the Zocalo (which is the second biggest public square in the world!), the National Palace, the Templo Mayor, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Obviously they were all amazing, but I have to say that the National Palace is probably the most impressive thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Imagining the royal court that actually lived, met, and partied in the palace as you walked its endless halls was absolutely surreal.

Diego Rivera Murals in the Palacio Nacional

The gigantic murals of the palace, painted by the famed Diego Rivera, were impressive but I didn’t grasp the true significance of the paintings until until our Journey Mexico super-guide, Juan Carlos, gave us an in-depth description of what the murals actually meant and signified. How someone could conceptualize paintings so large and so complex with so many levels of meaning just baffled me.

Next came lunch at a local torta/juice cafe, which was both delicious and fun. They had a larger variety of tortas (Mexican sandwiches) than I’ve ever seen in one place. I went with “The Mexicana,” which consisted of chorizo, bistec, jalepeños, and queso (Mexican sausage, steak, peppers, and cheese). Sooo good. The variety of juices was also impressive and they even let a few of us hop behind the counter to squeeze some fresh concoctions of our own.

Working the Juicer

After lunch, it was back to work with a site-inspection of the Mexico’s Gran Hotel, which, to me, was breathtaking. The entire ceiling of the lobby, which is probably the size of a football field about four floors up, is one enormous work of stain-glass and cast iron. At each end of the lobby is an old, elegant elevator also made of cast iron – so old in fact, they are the first two elevators ever to arrive in all of Latin America, and they still work!).  We actually ran into another VIP Journey Mexico group at the hotel and I got to watch them ride up the elevators, which is a privilege not offered to most guests.

Continuing on by foot, we walked several scenic blocks to the home of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera for a private tour on which our JM guide let us in on a secret that many of the thousands of visitors to the museum each year are not told! I won’t give it away, but here’s a hint: In one of the rooms you visit, you are closer to Frida than you could ever imagine.

Frida's house from the courtyard

After learning about the fascinating lives of two of Mexico’s most cherished artists, we stopped for a quick visit to the impressive Church of Coyoacan before heading out to two more site-inspections at Brick, one of Mexico’s newest boutique hotels, and at Condesa DF, another hotel by Grupo Habita – the kings of cool in Mexico.

Like I said, long day, but it was certainly worth the tired legs. Now we’re off to relax at enjoy a sure-to-be amazing dinner at Los Alcobas’s Dulce Patria restaurant, one of the hottest restaurants in Mexico City, with the Michael Chiche, the General Manager of Las Alcobas, and Marta Ortiz, the famous chef of Dulce Patria. In the morning, we leave Mexico City for Puebla and Oaxaca – stay tuned!

Zachary Rabinor, Marta Ortiz, and Michael Chiche

Zach with Marta Ortiz and Michael Chiche at dinner

*Morning Update* Dinner was fabulous! Several of us had duck in a rich mole while most of the group had a filet of sea bass that looked delicious as well. Two perfectly paired wines from Baja California were served throughout the evening, which elevated the culinary experience even further. After dinner, Michael surprised with a special champagne toast in the penthouse suite of Las Alcobas! Muchas gracias Marta y Michael! Now on to Puebla!

Go to Day 2 >>

Semana Santa in Mexico City

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Jessica Seba is a marketing assistant at Journey Mexico

Jessica Seba in Mexico CityTypically during the Semana Santa, or Easter week, Mexican families flock to the beach from cities like Guadalajara, Querétaro, Aguascalientes, and Mexico City. Semana Santa is undoubtedly the busiest time for beach towns along Mexico’s coast and for someone living in Puerto Vallarta (like me), the best time to escape! So I took the long weekend to travel to Mexico City, a city I have visited many times before, but never quite fully discovered.

When traveling to Mexico City, I always stay near the Santa Fe area, which is usually a major, bustling business district, but this weekend it was suddenly transformed! I was ecstatic to be visiting at a time when the city was less crowded and the traffic significantly lighter, resulting in a more relaxing environment and even (some say) crisper air.

As mentioned in our Easter in Mexico blog post, Mexicans celebrate during Holy Week with elaborate processions, ceremonies, and rituals. So the plan was to go the the Basilicia of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most visited churches in the world, and see the Via Crucis procession in the Plaza Mariana. The Plaza encompasses the Basilica, surrounded with a smaller church, an ex-convent, a temple, and a museum nearby surrounding gardens. After the procession, I made my way though the beautiful gardens, where the Tepeyacac Chapel sits upon a hill, said to be where an apparition of the Virgin appeared. I was in awe with the beautifully landscaped grounds, the ivory filled arches that branched over the pathway, and the statues representing the apparition sitting against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls. It was really interesting to learn the history behind the apparition and the building of the Basilica and a privilege to be there during one of the most sacred times of the year.

After doing some research for our original Semana Santa blog post, I was excited to investigate another tradition practiced during Holy Week called “The Burning of Judas,” which was established during the Mexican protest of the Spanish Inquisition. During the tradition, townspeople make paper mache dolls representing unfavorable biblical and public figures then hang them in public areas to be blown up with fireworks. Having never heard of anything quite like this, I was on a mission to see this spectacle and found the opportunity in Cuernavaca, a nearby city that annually hosts a two-week Semana Santa fair. Since most people in Mexico City were gone for the weekend, it was a quick one-hour drive from the city.

Cuernavaca is known as a charming colonial city with ideal year round temperatures. It is home to a UNESCO World Hertiage site, holding some of the Earliest 16th-Century Monasteries. I only had a 24 hour period to spend in Cuernavaca, but I had an excellent guide and in a just a few short hours, I was able to view historic buildings, museums, and a take a guided tour in the Amancalo Ravines. At dusk, we made out way to Jardin Borda, a giant garden with courtyards and fountains, filled with handicraft vendors for the Semana Santa fair. The night started with musical shows from a stage perched behind a huge fountain while crowds of people gathered around in anticipation of the The Burning of Judases.

Chinelos in Mexico CityWhen night fell, the Chinelos appeared, which are colorfully dressed dancers with masked faces. Traditional to Carnival and Lenten celebrations, The Chinelos tradition originated from people dressing up, shouting, and jumping in the streets of the town, making fun of the Spaniards. Their excitement energized the crowd to cheers as the show began.

This particular Burning of the Judases had three unfortunate figures: Judas, someone I didn’t recognize (probably a political figure), and a giant, ten foot tall Devil. One by one, each figure was blown up with fireworks, and the crowd celebrated wilding by singing and dancing alongside the band. Unfortunately, it was dark by the time of the explosions so I couldn’t get any clear images of “carnage,” but experience was beyond words – everyone so filled with excitement to celebrate a tradition that dates back to the beginning of modern Mexico.

Having the opportunity to learn about Easter traditions and actually experiencing them for myself was definitely a great alternative to the beach. There is so much to discover in Mexico and I wholeheartedly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to seize it. If you are interested in visiting Mexico City and the outlying Central Mexico cities, I suggest touring with a private driver/guide who can give insight to these traditions so you can make the most of your trip.

Ask Journey Mexico – Traveling to Mexico City with an Infant

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Traveling with children can be difficult. In this episode of Ask Journey Mexico, we field a question from Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree forum about family friendly things to do during an eight day trip to Mexico City with a nine-month old.

If you have questions about travel in Mexico, send them to info@journeymexico.com