Exploring Mexico with Journey Mexico FAM 2018

Posted by & filed under Destinations, On the Road.

Our private fleet

Day 5 was a bit of a travel day as we boarded two small, private planes and flew from Oaxaca to Tuxtla Gutierrez in the southern most state of Chiapas. From Tuxtla, we transferred to Chiapa de Corso for a boat ride through the Sumidero Canyon.

Cruising through the Sumidero Canyon

The canyon itself was impressive with its walls climbing thousands of feet towards the sky, but I was more impressed with the history of the canyon. Our Journey Mexico Chiapas guide, Roberto, explained to us that when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Chiapas with ally Mexican Indians, they met resistance from a specific group of natives in the area. Out numbered but refusing to give in to the Spanish, this group ultimately retreated into the canyon using its steep walls and narrow entry as natural protection. Hernan Cortez and his troops eventually caught up with the rebellious natives and destroyed them.

San Cristobal de las Casas

After the canyon, we had lunch in Chiapa de Corso then continued on the highland city of San Cristobal de las Casas, where the climate is drastically cooler than that of the lowlands from where we came. Our group was immediately impressed by the beauty of San Cristobal. It has a very European feel with its narrow streets and abundance of cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops. The city has a very bohemian vibe going on and I was surprised to see the amount of European travelers who looked like they’d been camped out in San Cristobal for some time. Before settling into our hotel, we did site inspections of Villa Mercedes, Casa Felipe Flores, and Casa Mexicana (where we have been staying).

Day 6 began with breakfast in the hotel as usual, which was followed by a trip into the outskirts of town to a village called San Juan Chamula. Roberto gave us some nice insight into the history of the local people on our way out, explaining how the Chamula peoples’ ancestors were one of the few groups to never be fully conquered or captured by the Spanish. Their ancient traditions still carry on today, and we were lucky enough to be permitted into their church to witness their most unique customs.

Roberto teaching us about San Juan Chamulan Customs

The Chamula are still considered “pagan” by the catholic church, even though the religion they practice is sort of a mash-up of catholic and ancient native beliefs. Roberto told us several of the parables they hold to be true including one in which Jesus had a younger brother who was basically murdered by Jesus for being too greedy. Inside the church (whose floor was covered with pine needles, burning incense, and lit candles), we witnessed many local shamans performing healing rituals on the sick. Some of the rituals involved rubbing the back of the sick person with chicken eggs, steady chanting, and the drinking of a locally brewed rum (called Posh), which they would also pour out between the candles for the Saints to drink.

The church of San Juan Chamula

The most striking ritual actually involved a sacrifice. Roberto explained that the Chamula people believe that certain illnesses are caused because a piece of the sick person’s soul has been taken by dark spirits. To retrieve the piece or pieces of missing soul, a shaman will offer the spirits a chicken in exchange for the soul. To do this, the chicken must be killed right there in the church. In the fifteen or so minutes we were in the church, we probably witnessed four or five chickens being strangled in sacrifice. Roberto noted that Priest of the church (who had been thrown out by the people many years before) is occasionally called back to the church to baptize the children. After he performs the baptism, however, he is then asked to leave again as he does not approve of the sacrifices, rituals, and the drinking of posh within the church. (See reactions of our visit into the church from three members of our group below).

From San Juan Chamula, we drove to another local village called Zinacantán, where we again had the pleasure of being welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their customs. This particular family produced brightly colored rugs which are woven on what they call a back-strap loom. One of the women ties the one end of the loom to a post and attaches to the other end to a belt that is worn around her back. Leaning backwards to create tension in the loom, she weaves intricate patterns into the rug. Many of our group purchased rugs and table runners from the family as they were too beautiful to pass up.

Zinacantán woman weaving

Before leaving the home for an incredible open-air buffet lunch, we were treated to some homemade quesadillas with beans on blue tortillas as well as a few bottles of homemade posh. It was tough not to spoil our appetites with more than one quesadilla as they were so delicious. The posh was tasty as well – and potent! In fact, two of our group members enjoyed it so much they “got married” in traditional Zinacantán wardrobe. Although the wedding only lasted a few minutes, it was a beautiful ceremony.

Our newlyweds

After lunch, we visited the enchanting estate of the Parador San Juan for a site-inspection then returned to the hotel to relax before a lovely Italian dinner on a terrace overlooking one of the many lively streets of San Cristobal. Tomorrow, we travel to for Palenque, stopping at several ancient archeological sites on the way. Stay tuned for more to come!

Go to Days 7-9 >>

New Mindfulness Treatments Coming to Nizuc Spa by ESPA

Posted by & filed under Cancun, Destinations, Luxury.

Nizuc Resort & Spa is located on Nizuc Point at the southern end of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. It possesses all the beauty and comforts of the Mexican Caribbean, yet remains secluded from the noisy tourist scene. Inside the resort you will find Nizuc Spa by ESPA, an oasis within an oasis. This 30,000 sq. ft. spa features stunning facilities (with state-of-the-art technology and design) and gorgeous ocean views. This season, the spa is introducing a new set of treatments focused on mindfulness and inspired by the Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan heritage.

nizuc spa by espa

These new treatments are guided by ESPA’s holistic philosophy, “working from the inside out to create natural beauty and inner calm.” This time around, Nizuc Spa by ESPA takes its cue from the Maya people. Mayans were mindful observers of the skies above and the land around them, curious about the rhythms of the universe. The treatments develop this insight by cultivating mindfulness: a mental state of heightened awareness on the present moment.

Therapists, dermatologists, chemists, and aromatherapists have worked together to create the Mayan Mindfulness Program. Guests can experience the Mindful Massage, Facial, and the Couple’s Mindful Journey at Nizuc Spa by ESPA. The goal of this “mindfulness retreat” is for guests to leave with a new self-awareness and inner peace that will have a positive impact throughout their lives.

Mindful Massage

Relax as your therapist guides you through visualization and breathing techniques. You will learn to achieve mindfulness and go beyond the bustle of everyday, liberating your mind and emerging with a renewed focus. This treatment includes a full body massage that targets the metamorphic zones on the feet. Finish up with a re-energizing scalp massage using warm Rose Quartz Crystals.

Mindful Facial

Keeping the attention on mindfulness, the Mindful Facial is also accompanied by breathing and visualization techniques. This holistic facial will nurture, revitalize, and soothe your skin and your spirit. The therapist sculpts and tones the facial contours using warm poultices that nourish and replenish your face. Finish with your choice of a hands-and-arms massage or a soothing scalp massage.

Couple’s Mindful Journey

This treatment combines the nourishing Mindful Facial and the relaxing Mindful Massage. Couples looking for a bonding experience will deepen their spiritual connection and enjoy an intimate moment together. They will conclude this Mindful Journey with a hearty, nutritious Spa Lunch.

Nizuc Spa by ESPA

In addition to the brand-new treatments above, guests can choose from these other favorites:

  • Mayan Purity Wrap & Massage: A body exfoliation, followed by an Algae or Marine Mud Wrap is applied and the scalp gently massaged.
  • Mayan Cacao: Bask in this muscle-melting massage using the purest cacao oil. The treatment ends with powerful oil pour to the forehead.
  • “Silk Effect” Salt & Oil Rub: This exceptional skin softening body exfoliation combines sea salts with essential oils to leave your skin nourished, smooth and supple.

A spa day (or days!) at Nizuc Spa by ESPA will be one of the highlights of your magical trip to the Yucatan Peninsula with Journey Mexico and Nizuc. Contact one of our expert travel planners and let us put together a custom trip for you.

Six Trendy Mexico City Galleries You’ll Love

Posted by & filed under Culture, Mexico City.

Mexico’s cosmopolitan capital has a charm that attracts and inspires creative types from around the world: painters, filmmakers, sculptors, photographers, architects and other creators. Mexico City’s reputation is such that the World Design Organization named it the 2018 World Design Capital, the first city in the Americas to receive this title. Sometimes it is not easy keeping track of the latest happenings in the city’s art scene, so we’ve prepared a handy guide to six Mexico City galleries your inner connoisseur will love.

Galería Casa Lamm

This gallery, a complement of Casa Lamm Cultural Center, is housed in a rehabilitated mansion in Mexico City’s Roma neighborhood. Galería Casa Lamm is “a place for art research and dissemination,” open to a variety of artistic expressions. The gallery supports the work of students at the cultural center and offers various art counseling services.

Galería Casa Lamm’s latest exhibition is Árbol, rama y tiempo. Eterna naturaleza (Tree, branch & time. Eternal nature). Through the perennial image of the tree, this exhibition explores the flux of time and its accompanying transformations. Trees embody the cycle of life and the seasons, from roots to branches.

Álvaro Obregón 99, Colonia Roma, Mexico City

Galería OMR

OMR is one of Mexico City’s leading contemporary art galleries. Established in 1983, Galería OMR showcases the work of both budding and established avant-garde artists. One of its recent exhibitions is Mecánica de lo inestable (Mechanics of instability) by José Dávila. Each piece in the exhibition explores the way that artists and people reorganize existing structures. Dávila’s work shows the complex, sometimes absurd, relationships in these systems.

Córdoba 100, Roma Norte, Mexico City

ALMANAQUE

ALMANAQUE is a cutting-edge contemporary photography gallery that debuted in February 2016. The gallery has made a name for itself with works that explore the various ways photos and images are used as an artistic medium. Iluikak, ALMANAQUE’s current show, is the work of Mexican photographer Mara Sánchez-Renero. Sánchez-Renero developed this project during her travels in the sierra of Veracruz, where she captured the ritualistic relationship between nature and the Nahua people.

Colima 101, Colonia Roma, Mexico City

PROYECTOSMONCLOVA

PROYECTOSMONCLOVA—a stylized version of “Monclova Projects” —  is a contemporary art gallery and one of Mexico City’s foremost venues for contemporary art. One of the gallery’s guiding points is fostering the dialogue “between Mexican and international artists from different generations.” The show De Métrico a Imperial (From metric to imperial) is running through the end of April. In it, Slovenian artist Ištvan Išt Huzjan experiments with various mediums in a style that is described as a tension between avant-garde and neo-avant-garde.

Colima 55, Roma Norte, Mexico City

MARSO

MARSO started with the goal of creating a platform where young artists from other countries could showcase their work, and where Mexico’s creative community could engage with international artistic practices. The project soon grew and began collaborating with other institutions and galleries. It also developed a residency program and other nonprofit projects. Among MARSO’s recent exhibitions is Un día que no estabas (A day you were not here), by Jean-Luc Moulène. Un día que no estabas is Moulène’s exploration of “little nothings” that go by unnoticed, yet make up our reality.

Berlín 37, Colonia Juárez​, Mexico City

kurimanzutto

The concept for kurimanzutto was born in New York, where Mónica Manzutto, Gabriel Orozco and José Kuri dreamt of a “nomad” gallery that could adapt to the spaces needed by innovative projects. Eventually they established kurimanzutto in Mexico City, where their innovative spirit lives on. The gallery prioritizes “creative innovation above all else.”

DAME ZERO, by British artist Sarah Lucas, will be exhibited until this May. The exhibition takes a hard look at the way people relate to essential human experiences, like sickness, sexuality, death and culture.

Rafael Rebollar 94, Colonia San Miguel Chapultepec, Mexico City

OPENING TOMORROW, 12 – 2 pm at kurimanzutto #SARAHLUCAS – ‘DAME ZERO’ Sarah Lucas casts a particularly critical view towards gender stereotypes that seek to trespass cultural barriers of the western world. The group of works shown intend to question the way in which we understand and relate to inherent aspects of human experience, such as sexuality, sickness, and death, but also to culture and the symbols that make it identifiable. INAUGURACIÓN MAÑANA 12-2 PM SARAH LUCAS – ‘DAME ZERO’ Sarah Lucas emite una mirada particularmente crítica hacia los estereotipos de género que traspasan las fronteras culturales de Gran Bretaña y funcionan en cualquier parte del mundo occidental. Este conjunto de obras busca cuestionar la manera en que entendemos y nos relacionamos con aspectos inherentes a la experiencia humana, como la sexualidad, la enfermedad y la muerte, pero también con la cultura y los símbolos que la hacen identificable. #damezero #kurimanzutto

Una publicación compartida por kurimanzutto (@kurimanzutto) el

Interested in exploring Mexico City’s art and architecture? Contact one of our expert travel planners and let us put together a custom trip for you. Now you can experience Mexico City from the comfort of a luxury vacation rental close to the city’s best museums and galleries.

Giving and Growing at K’iin Beh, Rosewood Mayakoba’s Educational Center

Posted by & filed under Adventure, Riviera Maya & Tulum, Things We're Proud Of.

Sustainable travel has always been an important part of us here at Journey Mexico. We think this goes beyond environmental responsibility and conservation efforts—as important as these are. Practices that favor local communities are important for a well-rounded idea of responsible travel. It is great when we hear about an initiative that, like us, sees local communities as an essential part of places we love to visit. Enter K’iin Beh, Rosewood Mayakoba’s Educational Center.

Rosewood Mayakoba celebrated the opening of Centro Educativo K’iin Beh at the start of the current school year. K’iin Beh—which means “towards the sun” in Mayan—is a newly built bilingual school established for local children and the children of the resort’s employees. Under the leadership of Principal Raquel Mitre, the school offers full time, bilingual education for over 200 students in elementary and middle school. Thanks to its scholarship-based enrollment, K’iin Beh is accepting students from all economic backgrounds.

“Mexico has been so kind to me over the past 8 years, so I feel that the opportunity to build this new school is the least I can do for the generous and beautiful people of Mexico,” said Daniel Scott, Rosewood Mayakoba’s Managing Director. “Constructing the school from the ground up has been incredibly rewarding for me personally and it has been privilege to work with so many people who truly want to make a positive difference. We are so proud and humbled to play a small role in the enrichment of the lives of our families at Rosewood Mayakoba and the community as a whole.”

The construction of K’iin Beh’s new facilities was funded by friends and family of Rosewood Mayakoba and the support from local businesses and friends. But help—in different shapes— is always welcome.

Travelers interested in voluntourism are welcome. Be it individuals or groups, they can practice sustainable travel and contribute to Rosewood Mayakoba’s Educational Center in a number of ways. These include providing school supplies, financial donations, or touring and volunteering at the school for hands-on projects with the children.

Volunteering at K’iin Beh is also a great idea when traveling with your family. Getting everyone involved will be a bonding experience that teaches the importance of giving back to the people and places that welcome us.

Staying at a lavish Villa Residence with Rosewood Mayakoba and Villas by Journey Mexico is a fantastic option for families. With two and three-bedroom options on offer, each villa is designed to create an earthly paradise for your Riviera Maya vacation.

 

Finding Bliss at Hotel Esencia’s Beach Suites

Posted by & filed under Luxury, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

There is a reason why the world’s leading luxury and travel press cannot stop raving about Hotel Esencia. Formerly the winter hideaway of the Italian Duchess of Ferrari, this 50-acre estate has changed but managed to retain its grandeur and refinement. Hotel Esencia is located in the bay of Xpu-Ha, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, where sea turtles arrive yearly to nest. Far from crowded beaches and Cancún’s rowdy party scene, guests enjoy privacy and an airy, minimalist sense of luxury.

As of last season, Esencia also boasts a new collection of six suites that have captured the sophisticated traveler’s attention: the Beach Suites. Condé Nast Traveler called them the “room to book.” These sumptuous suites are only 20 meters (65 ft) from the glistening Caribbean, giving guests an authentic “‘barefoot in the sand’ experience together with the finest comforts of home.” Take a look at our gallery and fantasize about the lavish time you can have at Hotel Esencia.

hotel esencia's beach suites

Each one of Hotel Esencia’s Beach Suites features a private beachfront terrace, 600 thread count linens, an in-room double bathtub, a large HD television, and a sound system with iPhone integration — as well as favorite Hotel Esencia amenities, like complimentary Havaianas sandals.

Lest you may think there’s no room for food enthusiasts at the stylish Hotel Esencia, the boutique hotel recently debuted Mistura. This restaurant is led by chef Dimitris Katrivesis, who masterfully blends Peruvian and Japanese flavors to deliver a unique culinary experience.

Learn more about Hotel Esencia here, or contact one of our expert travel planners and begin designing your own dream vacation at this gorgeous property.

Journey Mexico wishes to acknowledge the generosity of Hotel Esencia’s owner, Mr. Kevin Wendle, who donated room nights at the hotel for an auction designed to raise funds for relief efforts after the earthquakes that hit Mexico City and neighboring states in September 2017. In the name of the Journey Mexico family, ¡gracias!

Exploring Central Mexico with Journey Mexico 2018

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Culture, Mexico City, Monarch Butterflies, On the Road, Puebla.

Every year Journey Mexico invites a select group of our elite travel partners to join us on a research and familiarization trip to let us show them what traveling with Journey Mexico is like. This year we decided to also have a 7-day research trip, hitting some of the most iconic attractions in Central Mexico: Teotihuacan, Mexico City, Michoacán and Puebla. Our guests had the chance to fly over Teotihuacan’s pyramids, try Puebla’s renowned cuisine and sit in the forest as thousands of monarch butterflies flew around them.

Take a look at the following pictures and see some of the best moments of our trip.

Puebla and Cholula

A model of colonial Puebla at the International Museum of the Baroque.

Teotihuacan and Mexico City

hot airballon ride teotihuacan

Hot air balloon ride over the ancient city of Teotihuacan.

blog teotihuacan

Walking down the Avenue of the Dead in Teotihuacan with the Pyramid of the Sun on the background.

Guide Ernesto Rivera points to the Aztec calendar stone during a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology.

Michoacán

On the way to El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Reserve.

Are you interested in being part of these experiences on your next trip to Mexico? Take a look at our sample itinerary Mexico’s Great Colonial Cities for travel ideas to Mexico City and Puebla–or take a Culinary Tour Through Mexico City and Puebla if you’re into amazing cuisine. Monarch Butterfly season takes place from November to March, but February is the best month to see this magical migration.

KINAN SPA: A Haven of Mayan Wellness and Healing at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa

Posted by & filed under Culture, Ecotourism, Nature, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Your stay at Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is not complete without a pampering session at Kinan Spa, a true gem among wellness retreats, set among flower-filled gardens and 200 acres of lush rainforest, so close to the Caribbean you can feel the breeze. Treatments inspired by the wisdom and traditions of the Maya people perfectly complement the spa’s gorgeous setting, making for a unique mingling of nature and culture.

Mayan mud treatment at kinan spa

Kinan Spa, named after a Mayan word for the “healing energy of the sun,” is introducing Slow Beauty, a collection of experiences, workshops, and treatments directed toward anti-aging, daily rituals and cultivating attention to the body, mind and soul.

The goal of the Slow Beauty workshops is to learn daily rituals, recipes and ideas that promote personal growth when practiced regularly. As such, the real value of this experience is that it stays with you long after you have left the spa. Guests will learn the health benefits of practices like meditation and the use of essential oils, as well as natural bathing and a ritual designed to help break unwanted habits.

melipona bee

The stars of Kinan Spa are its Melipona bees, an endemic, stingless species whose honey was used centuries ago by the Maya to help heal burns and wounds. Their honey is still used by Mayan communities today to treat ailments like sinusitis, bacterial infections, bronchitis, and laryngitis. Melipona honey is a key ingredient in the Kinan Facial, designed to reduce inflammation and premature aging. The honey is also part of the Kinan Ritual, which uses a full body mask made of honey and salt from the Yucatán town of Celestún to draw out toxins.

The Zempul-ché sweat bath ritual by the sea is another highlight of Kinan Spa. This sweat bath is more widely known as “Temazcal” after the Aztec name for it. Zempul-ché is seen as the womb of Ixchel —a Mayan goddess linked to the earth, fertility, and midwifery. The ritual takes place in an underground structure where guests are led into by a Mayan shaman. Within, they take part in a life-affirming ceremony of purification and rebirth.

zempul-ché mayan ritual at kinan spa

Cinthya Alva, Spa Director and resident beekeeper, wants guests to stop “for a moment to admire the surroundings and awaken the intuition lost in the daily routine.”

“At Kinan Spa we believe and embrace the idea that real beauty comes from inside and spreads throughout your body and soul,” she said.

Easter in Mexico – Semana Santa and Pascua

Posted by & filed under Culture, Holidays, Fairs & Festivals, News.

Easter in Mexico is a two-week holiday consisting of Semana Santa (The Holy Week, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending Easter Saturday) and Pascua (Starting with Easter Sunday and ending the following Saturday). Semana Santa is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Mexican culture. Schools and often businesses in Mexico close during these two weeks and many Mexican families go on holiday during Semana Santa and Pascua.

photo via mexperience.com

photo via mexperience.com

Across the country, Mexicans celebrate the last days of Christ during Holy Week with elaborate and much anticipated processions, ceremonies, and rituals. Most of the larger Semana Santa celebrations include a dramatic reenactment of the capture, the trial, and the crucifixion of Jesus. To be a part of these productions is a great honor and the actors are known for delivering inspiring and moving performances. Different regions of Mexico are known for practicing unique traditions during Semana Santa such as acts of physical torture, public displays of political/social ridicule, and displays of resolutions and commitment.

In some of the more devout regions of Mexico like Taxco, the reenactments include penitentes – men and women who show their penitence and prove their faith by inflicting physical pain on their bodies by whipping themselves or carrying large religious objects on their backs. This is an ancient tradition that dates back to the middle ages and was introduced to Mexico by the Spanish more than 500 years ago. During the reenactments, the actor playing Jesus usually wears a real crown of thorns and carries a massive cross weighing hundreds of pounds over great distances to the scene of crucifixion. Actors prepare both physically and mentally for months before hand with the support of their families and communities.

In towns like San Miguel de Allende, another Spanish-influenced tradition is celebrated during the Holy Week called “The Burning (or Firing) of the Judases.” In Spain, carpenters would make wooden dolls representing Judas, which would be hung and burned in town squares to punish Judas for betraying Christ. During the Holy Inquisition, when the Spanish were burning people at the stake for heresy, Mexicans protested by making dolls and dressing them like Spanish inquisitors and burning them instead of Judas. This evolved into the current tradition where giant Judases made from paper mache are dressed and painted to resemble political and public figures not currently in favor of the public. The dolls are then hung and blown up with fireworks, scattering limbs in the street for children to collect as souvenirs. Famous Mexican artists like Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo were strong proponents of the value of art in political commentary and quickly adopted the tradition of creating Judases.

Other traditions focus on different ways to show your dedication and appreciation of Jesus’s sacrifice. In Iztapalapa, people called Nazarenes parade the streets before the procession of Christ, marching in promise to fulfill a manda, or religious promise, as payment for a granted favor from God. In many regions of Mexico, people show their devotion by visiting twelve different churches in a single day – one church for each apostle. In more remote regions like the Copper Canyon, local cultures mix christian celebration with ancient native rituals, paying homage to both their Spanish and Indian heritage (see: Copper Canyon Semana Santa Trek).

Jesus during Semanta Santa

photo via mexperience.com

Once the sacrifice is made and Jesus rises from the dead, Pascua begins and the second week of the Easter celebration carries on with a brighter tone, reflecting the resurrection, the start of Spring, and the promise of new beginnings. Many Mexican families travel to beach destinations like Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta during these Easter celebrations to enjoy the coast as they pay tribute.

Traveling to Mexico for Semana Santa and Pascua is an unforgettable experience, but can be tricky to plan logistically – especially last minute as the traditional areas of celebration and most beach destinations are usually booked in advance. Contact Journey Mexico for assistance with planning travel to Mexico for Semana Santa.

exploding_judases

Start Planning to Experience Easter Traditions in Mexico


To witness or take part in Easter traditions is a unique experience in Mexico. However, logistically, it can be difficult to organize with luxury hotels and villas snapped up quickly. Make sure to speak to a Journey Mexico Travel Planner who can organize your whole trip for you taking in the very best celebrations throughout the country. Our custom-tailored journeys start from $1,000 USD per day for two travelers in interior Mexico, and $1,800 per day for two travelers in beach destinations. Contact Journey Mexico here.

Mexico City’s Art Scene Heats Up: ZONA MACO & World Design Capital

Posted by & filed under Culture, Mexico City, News, Things We're Proud Of.

Mexico City has been the artistic capital of Mexico since colonial times, when Europeans and the budding mestizo population began filling the city with palaces, theaters, and sanctuaries for the arts. The city’s reputation has endured well into our current day. Moreover, in recent years the city has garnered global recognition for its art and design scenes, as shown by its designation as the 2018 World Design Capital. Also of note is Zona Maco México Arte Contemporáneo, a prestigious art fair that is being held from Wednesday, February 7th to Sunday the 11th.

ZONA MACO International Art Fair

Zona Maco is a contemporary art and design fair, now in ts 15th edition, that gathers leading and emerging galleries from around the world. Zélika Garcia, a native of Monterrey and one of Mexico’s 50 most powerful women, founded Zona Maco in 2002. This year’s exhibitors hail from São Paulo, Madrid, Stockholm, Tokyo, Florence, Zurich, and Montreal—to name but a few cities. The fair takes place in Mexico City’s Centro Citibanamex and has consistently been a success not only with art professionals and collectors, but also with the general public.

Mexico City zona maco

Zona Maco features four sections. The Main Section is the fair’s largest and highlights the finest international artwork in sculpture, painting, installation, photography, graphics, video, and new media. New Proposals showcases emerging artists and fosters opportunities for new creators. Zona Maco Sur, now on its tenth year, invites an international guest curator. This year’s guest is the London-based Brazilian curator and editor Kiki Mazzucchelli. The Modern Art section features artwork from the first half of the twentieth century by international artists.

This year also marks the eighth edition of Zona Maco Diseño, an exhibit meant to boost Mexico’s design sector. Selections “include furniture, jewelry and both utilitarian and decorative collection objects.” Take a look at Zona Maco’s website to learn all you need to know before visiting.

World Design Capital 2018: Mexico City

Mexico City is the first city in the Americas to receive this title. The World Design Organization recognized Mexico’s capital for “blending old and new in innovative health, communications and security programmes, a bike sharing programme, urban gardens, parks and playgrounds.” However, the people behind Mexico City’s World Design Capital programme see this not just as a recognition for things done well, but also as a spur to keep making the city a better place to live.

Several cultural and academic events are taking place throughout the year in commemoration of this award. All events relate to six themes connected to urban challenges of the 21st century: a city’s identity, environment, public spaces, inhabitants, mobility, and creative economy. The goal is to create networks of leaders that share best practices and to start a dialogue on the relevance of design for society and the life of a city.

According to Time Out’s City Life Index, Mexico City’s inhabitants “soak up more culture than anywhere else, enjoying theater, cinema, art and live music 76 times a year.” The success of Zona Maco and Mexico City’s WDC designation are two more examples of the city’s vibrant cultural life. With these exciting developments, and after last year’s terrible earthquake, Mexico City shows it is unstoppable.

 

Mexico City Zona Maco

All photos by Mauricio Aguilar.

Interested in exploring Mexico City’s art and architecture? Contact one of our expert travel planners and let us put together a custom trip for you.

From the Villas Insider Key Blog: Villa Mandarinas

Posted by & filed under Luxury, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

Over at Villas by Journey Mexico‘s Insider Key blog we’re featuring Villa Mandarinas, a gorgeous oceanfront property south of downtown Puerto Vallarta. We visited this month and have 11 photos that best represent the kind of amazing vacation you can spend at this colorful villa. Go take a look, let your mind wander and imagine your holiday at Villa Mandarinas:

Villa Mandarinas: Why this Villa is Perfect for Your Next Vacation in 11 Photos

Wendy Perrin’s WOW List is Out: Meet Your Trusted Mexico Travel Expert

Posted by & filed under News, Things We're Proud Of.

Zachary Rabinor, founder and CEO of Journey Mexico, has been named to Wendy Perrin’s WOW List of Trusted Travel Experts for the fifth consecutive year. Formerly the Director of Consumer News and Digital Community at Condé Nast Traveler, Wendy is an authoritative voice among travelers and travel professionals; she continues to build on her reputation and success as Travel Advocate on TripAdvisor and the Founder and Editor of  WendyPerrin.com.

As a member of Wendy’s WOW List, Zach is recognized as one of “the most well-connected travel fixers and custom itinerary designers in the world,” in Wendy’s words. Since the WOW List’s inception in 2014, Zach has been named as the only Trusted Travel Expert for all of Mexico. The list has been a unique resource for sophisticated travelers seeking the world’s best destination specialists. Many of our travelers found us because of Wendy’s annual WOW List. If you’re looking for somebody like us for a destination outside Mexico, you’ll find that somebody on the WOW List.

Zach has written Insider Guides on Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Riviera Maya for Wendy. She has highlighted Zach’s Mexico expertise by writing, “His deep relationships with local guides, communities, and hoteliers often translate into room upgrades, special-access visits, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that travelers wouldn’t know about otherwise.”

WOW Week 2018

This year, Zach and Journey Mexico are also joining in Wendy’s first-ever WOW Week social media travel festival. Every day from January 22 to 28, we will be sharing the best travel intelligence for 2018 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Here’s how you can be a part of the WOW Week conversation.

 

 

Your Luxury Holiday in Mexico, Without Luxury Prices

Posted by & filed under Luxury, Media, New York Times.

Journey Mexico CEO Zachary Rabinor recently gave The New York Times key tips on having a luxury travel experience in Mexico while on a budget. Zach’s advice focused on three things: when to go, where to stay, and what to eat.

The time of the year (even the day of the week) can make a big difference price-wise depending on where you’re going:

If you’re interested in Mexico City or Puebla, for example, plan a weekend visit when hotels offer lower rates for leisure travelers. The weekdays are dominated by business travelers, and nightly rates for a room can be twice as expensive compared to weekends […] When it comes to beach destinations, such as Cabo San Lucas, Punta Mita and Riviera Maya, go during low and shoulder season, from May to October, when luxury beach resorts have attractive deals and temperatures are still comfortable.

When it comes to accommodations, renting a villa is definitely an option to consider, especially “if you’re traveling with a group or have a family with multiple children”:

“The savings can be enormous because you’re buying most of your food and drinks from grocery stores and paying local costs with no markup,” Mr. Rabinor said. “Also, when you break down the price per room, per night, you’re likely paying 50 to 80 percent less than you would at a luxury hotel.”

Readers interested in booking a luxury villa for their next holiday in Mexico should contact the experts at Villas by Journey Mexico. For travelers looking at luxury hotels, Zach reccommended booking in advance and staying at recently opened hotels, two options that often offer lower rates.

Lastly, although there are plenty of high-end restaurants in Mexico, Zach advices the discerning traveler to seek out spots that may be less popular, yet are big with locals and just as delicious:

“You’ll enjoy world-class cuisine and drinks such as high-quality tequilas and mezcals for less than $50 a person,” he said.

You can read the whole article here.

Mexico and the U.S. are Closer Than Ever

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Media, Mexico City, News, Travel Weekly, Upcoming Travel.

Mexico and the United States are closer than ever with more and more flight opening each week from all across the States. Are you ready to visit Mexico?

Travel Weekly, a travel industry news resource, recently published an article titled “Ever-growing Air Options Thanks to Low-cost Carriers” by Meagan Drillinger, a Mexico specialist, where she covers the significant increase of flights between the U.S. and Mexico.   Drillinger writes:

“It is getting cheaper and cheaper to fly to Mexico from the United States.  As of August 2016, restrictions on flights between the U.S. and Mexico were lifted, which was expected to bring more options and lower fares for travelers.

In that wake, airlines like American, Delta and Southwest started announcing new flight roots. Then in December, Mexico and the U.S. opened their aviation markets to other carriers, as well, meaning that airlines on both sides of the border would be able to fly any routes they wanted at prices they would set. The result has been an explosion of Mexican low-cost carriers crossing the border, with dozens of new routes scheduled for the future, as well. “

According to Travel Weekly, the U.S. Department of Travel will allocate a total of 28 flight slots between Mexico City Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.  With the bulk of this allocation going to low-cost carriers, it makes travel to Mexico easy and affordable – especially perfect for shorter excursions like Journey Mexico’s Weekend Escape to Mexico City. Drillinger states:

“In the beginning of 2017, the U.S. DOT instituted a slot assignment to allocate a total of 28 slot pairs at Mexico City’s Benito Juarez Airport and at JFK. They were released in two phases for operations from this summer into summer 2018 and were provided exclusively to low-cost carriers. Six Mexican and U.S. airlines were seeking to access the 28 slot pairs. They were Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Interjet, VivaAerobus and Volaris.”

St. Regis Mexico City, Luxury Hotel | Journey Mexico

In addition, Travel Weekly says that since Aeromexico and Delta completed their alliance late last year, the two airlines have been able to essentially operate as one airline – providing even more flight options across both the US and Mexico, making Mexico even more accessible.

Interjet, Volaris and Vivearobus, the main low-cost airlines in Mexico, are seeking to take advantages of these lifted restrictions, lower fares and increased visitors by expanding their flight options not only in and out of Mexico City but also to and from the most popular tourist destination within Mexico, such Los Cabos, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, providing greater access to these incredible destinations.

Read complete article: Ever-growing air options thanks to low-cost carriers

It’s time to book your next vacation to Mexico, check our recommend trips in worldly Mexico City,  historical colonial cities or some of the best beach destinations on the planet – or combine all these locations in a custom itinerary for a complete Mexico experience.

Help Oaxaca Recover and Experience Day of the Dead

Posted by & filed under Culture, Newsletters and Promotions, Oaxaca, Upcoming Travel.

day of the dead escorted group tour
One of the areas hardest hit by the 1st earthquake and latest aftershock (this past weekend) was the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (state of Oaxaca), specifically the village of Juchitan; we feel especially connected to the area as one of our staff members, Alejandro Gómez is from this village and his family was seriously impacted from the quake; his grandmother is unable to return to her home.  We have raised money from our staff (JM matched every $$ raised 2×1) to deliver tarps and other supplies in dire need as these villagers are facing rains and cool nights with no homes.  So far we have raised $45,000 mxn and are looking to raise more.  This $$ was sent to one of our most trusted guides in the region who is organizing supplies and driving them from Huatulco to Juchitan.

Aid Through an Incredible Travel Experience

In addition, we are running a small group Journey Mexico Departure for Day of the Dead in Oaxaca (same state as the above mentioned affected region) and have 2 (out of 14) spaces open: Escorted Group Tours – Day of the Dead Tour in Oaxaca.   We will donate 50% of the trip fee ($4,377 / person) for the remaining two spaces to the relief efforts too.  We’d love to get these spaces filled and want to let you know about this opportunity to experience one of Mexico’s most remarkable celebrations while helping the relief efforts in the Isthmus.

 

If you’re interested in helping the Journey Mexico effort, we’re glad to accept donations; however, as we’re not a registered 501C3 Non-profit institution, we are unable to provide documentation that will allow them tax deductions for charitable giving or you can also give to http://comoayudar.mx/world.html.

Update: Mexico City/Puebla Earthquake

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety, Mexico City, News.

Journey Mexico – Updated Mexico City/Puebla Earthquake Information, September 26, 2017 5:00 PM

As Mexico City and Puebla return to normal following the earthquake on September 25th, we have seen and incredible outpouring of support from across Mexico and endless acts of heroism.  The philanthropic sprit across the county is incredible—with Mexicans, rich and poor, doing all they can for their fellow compatriots.  In addition, international support efforts have been tremendous and reflect the feelings of friendship Mexico has built around the globe.

We welcome and encourage travel to Mexico, as there is no better way to help the country and people recover and show your appreciation and support.

Below follows our most current information on the affected areas and how it may impact travel; we’ve also provided options for donations to help those impacted by the earthquake

 

MEXICO CITY:

Mexico City Airport:  All airport services are fully operational and fights are back to normal schedules.

Roads / Traffic Signals:  There are isolated road closures rerouting traffic around areas with active clean-up efforts.  Traffic signals have resumed normal operation.

Public Transport:  All services are working normally, (metro, metrobús, camiones etc.); some are free of charge at this time.  Some bus routes have been modified to avoid streets with active clean-up efforts.

Water / Electricity: Water and electricity have been restored to most of the city; however, there are still a few pockets in the city affected by limited water supply (Iztapalapa, Tlahuac and Iztacalco).  There are intentional power outages on street with active clean-up efforts for security reasons.

Telecommunications:  Landlines in some areas are still down yet are expected to be back at 100% by the end of the week.

Hotels:  All of Journey Mexico’s hotel partners are fully operational.

Sites of Interest:  Most sites have reopened and are operating on regular scheduled hours.  Those still closed are Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museo Nacional de la Revolución, Museo Tamayo and the Museo Estudio Diego Rivera y Frida Kahlo.  We will continue to update their status.

 

PUEBLA:

Puebla Airport:  All airport services are fully operational and fights are back to normal schedules.

Roads / Traffic Signals:  Roads in the area are back to normal.  Traffic signals have resumed normal operation.

Water / Electricity: Water and electricity has been restored to the city.

Hotels:  All Journey Mexico hotel partners in Puebla are fully operational.

Sites of Interest:  The historical city center is open.  Some if the city’s historical buildings and churches sustained damage and remain closed.  60% city’s museums have reopened.

 

CUERNAVACA:

Sites of Interest:  The Palacio de Cortés and Catedral de la Asunción de María (Cuernavaca Cathedral) were damaged.  The Secretary of Culture and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History) have closed the sites for inspection and are currently working to repair the damage to the cathedral; they will begin repair work on the Palacio soon.  The ex-convents of Tepoztlan & Tlayacapan also show some damage and have been closed, and, at this time, there is no set date for beginning repairs or reopening.

Donations:  Please check the following page for options: http://comoayudar.mx/world.html.  Mexico needs you now more than ever!

On Saturday, September 23 an aftershock stuck near Matias Romero in southern Mexico, further rattling this rural area. The area sustained damage to roads and more primitive structures—some of which had already sustained damage during the September 8th earthquake. This is a more remote region that is off the traditional tourism routes.

Baja California: A Fun-Filled Family Adventure

Posted by & filed under Destinations, Los Cabos & Baja Californias.

After countless trips to the amazing Riviera Maya and action-packed Veracruz, this past summer we finally decided to head to Baja California Sur on a fun-filled family adventure. Reading about the countless active-adventure experiences available in the region had certainly sparked our interest.

We started off with a direct flight from Mexico City to La Paz, which left us in awe as we had the most dramatic bird´s-eye view of the unique Baja topography; it is unlike anything that we had ever seen. The views are almost unworldly with the juxtaposition of the brown and barren mountain ranges jetting into such dramatically blue waters.

After breezing through the La Paz airport, which is small and very manageable, we headed to the Costa Baja Resort, where we were based for a few days while we explored the area. This property is on the outskirts of La Paz in a fairly new development adjacent to a marina, providing easy access to sailing and boat excursions. Another advantage of being in a nice marina is the easy access to top restaurants, where we enjoyed sunsets and chatted about the day’s adventures.

The Costa Baja Resort has spacious rooms, many with ocean views, and two outdoor pools; one of which is located at their beach club and has a shallow area for little ones. The beach club´s restaurant serves yummy, fresh, Baja-style cuisine with an emphasis on local seafood.

On our first morning, we started off early and hopped on a boat for a private tour of the absolutely stunning Espiritu Santo archipelago, which is protected and part of Mexico’s National Park system. As our captain guided us out through the Bay of La Paz, he gave us an educational overview of all the natural wonders that can be encountered in this area—coined by Jacques Cousteau as the “Aquarium of the World. En route to the islands we stopped to visit a sea lion colony were we got off our boat to snorkel with playful sea lion pups and juveniles in their natural habitat.  After this incredible encounter, we continued along the majestic coast of Isla Espiritu Santo, passing tranquil, aquamarine inlets set against rugged rock formations.  Turning into one of the inlets, we headed toward a deserted beach while fish darted beneath the boat.

Our guide and captain setup a temporary beach camp while we swam in crystalline waters on what felt like one of the most isolated and pristine locations that I have ever experienced. We enjoyed a delicious lunch and afterward kayaked from the beach over to a small island and back. This excursion offered the perfect combination of adventurous activity and relaxation. On our way back to the hotel, we boated past flocks of nesting birds and a former pearl farm. We learned more about the delicate habitats of the marine life, past overfishing and why the area is now protected.

After a day of rest and further exploring of La Paz, we headed out for the hour drive to the historical town of Todos Santos, a true oasis set in the desert landscape. Home to the famous “Hotel California,” this small town has attracted many artists, nature lovers and entrepreneurs over the years.  It is a quaint little town, small enough to explore on foot, with delicious restaurants and charming shops.


Just outside of town we tried our hand at surfing at Los Cerritos Beach. A sport like no other, we had a fantastic instructor who taught us the basics both in and out of the water. Memories of yoga returned to me as balance, focus and some core strength are necessary to maneuver, get to your feet, and catch that exhilarating “fist wave.”  This is absolutely a sport that I will to continue to practice, as it pushed me out of my comfort zone in an exciting way. Humorously, while I struggled to stay upright on the board, my son easily took to the sport and was able to catch wave after wave.

Our adventure continued to our final stop in Los Cabos with a stay at the wonderful One & Only Palmilla, located just outside of San Jose del Cabo. This hotel couldn´t be more perfect when it comes to pampering and family travel. We were greeted with refreshing fruit-infused water upon arrival and introduced to our butler who helped us arrange for a nanny in the evening so that my husband and I could enjoy a romantic dinner at incredible El Farallon restaurant located in The Resort at Pedregal.  Our room at the One & Only was grand, with ocean views and a large outdoor balcony with a lounge. The interior was impeccably appointed, from the embroidered pillows down to the handcrafted leather lamp shades. The property´s Pelican Beach Club was a favorite spot for us.  With one of the best “swimmable” beaches in Los Cabos, we enjoyed swimming and playing in the sand with our children—of course mixed which with taking breaks in our private sun lounge. The resort also has an impressive Kids Club that is complimentary to guests for children from 4-11 years of age; it offers all sorts of fun filled activities. Overall the service at this hotel is impeccable.

 

We certainly want to return to Baja California Sur soon, this time to discover Magdalena Bay during Grey Whale season and also to experience swimming with whale sharks in Balandra Bay off the cost of La Paz…hopefully this upcoming winter!

Updated Statement: Mexico Earthquake

Posted by & filed under Chiapas, Mexico City, News, Oaxaca.

Journey Mexico Southern Mexico Earthquake Update, September 8, 2017 7:00 PM

We at Journey Mexico are grateful for the outpouring of support and concern that we have received from our friends, clients, partners and suppliers from around the globe today.   As you know, a magnitude 8.1 earthquake occurred off the coast of southern Mexico (Chiapas) in the wee hours of Thursday night; we have spent much of the day gathering information from each of our regions of operation. Despite the magnitude of the earthquake, we can thankfully report that our current guests, staff and supplier partners are all safe.  Our hotel partners in the country have reported only minor damage and all remain open and fully operational.   The main roads and highways, airports, tourist areas, and public services, like water and electricity, are all fully functional.  Below are regional updates for the main tourism destinations within the impact zone in Southern Mexico.

 

STATE OF CHIAPAS UPDATE:

San Cristóbal de Las Casas– The city of San Cristobal reports light damage in the wake of the earthquake.  While hotels, schools, hospitals and most public buildings did not suffer damage, several older churches and colonial buildings have cracks and are under review by local authorities.  In particular, the well known church of Zinacantan is closed for inspection.  During the earthquake, the city and several surrounding areas lost power, but this has been restored.  All roads, airports and services are open and operating normally.

Sumidero Canyon– The region reports no damage and all roads are open and operating normally.

Tuxtla Gutierrez- The region reports minor damage and all roads, airports and services are open and operating normally.

Villahermosa- The region reports minor damage and all roads, airports and services are open and operating normally. During the earthquake there was a short power outage but power has been restored.  Several buildings are under inspection by local authorities for cracks and damage and are closed until cleared.

Palenque– The region reports no damage and all roads are open and operating normally.

Pijijiapan Coast- The coastal town of Pijijiapan is 123 km south west of the epicenter of the 8.1 magnitude earthquake.  This remote village was severely damaged and local authorities are working hard to rescue residents and stabilize local infrastructure.

 

STATE OF OAXACA UPDATE:

Oaxaca City- The mountain city of Oaxaca has reported minimal damage after the earthquake.  The hotels, schools and other public buildings have been inspected by local authorities and have so far been reported all safe and clear.  Schools were closed today due to building inspections but will open Monday as usual.  All highways are open.  There are no power outages.  The airport is open and operating normally. 

Valles Centrales- The small crafts villages around Oaxaca City are all operating normally and report minimal to no damage.

Sierra Norte- The mountainous region around Oaxaca City reports no damage and all roads are open.

Puerto Escondido/ Huatulco:  In the resort towns of Huatulco and Puerto Escondido, the community reports no damage or disruption.  The airport is open and travelers have been arriving all day.  Local authorities have sent teams to inspect hotels, schools and other public buildings for damage and all reports are clear.  All highways are open.  There was one closure due to a landslide on the road to Masunte where travelers often visit a sea turtle conservation project however this is being cleared and should resume normal operations.  There are no power outages in this part of the coast.

Southern Coastal Oaxaca:  There have been reports of damage from smaller coastal towns in the remote region of Istmo, Southern Oaxaca. In particular, the town of Juchitán de Zaragoza was severely damaged and local authorities are working hard to rescue residents and stabilize local infrastructure.

 

MEXICO CITY UPDATE:

México City- The capital city was largely unaffected by the earthquake and aftershocks that continued throughout the day.  While many restaurants, offices, schools and shops were closed today for precautionary measures, the touristic community reports no damage or disruption to tours for the rest of the weekend.  The airport is open and operating normally.  Local authorities have inspected hotels, schools and other public buildings for damage and all reports are clear.  All highways are open.   Museums, archeological sites and churches are now open and operating normally.

Cuernavaca-   This region around Mexico City reports no damage and all roads are open.

Puebla-  This region reports no damage and all roads are open.

2017 Updated Mexico Travel Warning From U.S. Department of State

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety, News.

In light of the updated US Department of State Travel Warning for Mexico (August 22, 2017) and in response to many inquiries about the situation on the ground, below follows our comments and insight into Mexico’s current travel environment.

As the travel warning states, there has been an increase in conflicts between rival criminal organizations in various areas within in the country in 2017.  Though these conflicts can be unpredictable, they are exclusively amongst and between organized crime groups.  There has been no evidence that the organizations have or are targeting holiday travelers or civilians that are not related to illicit activity.

Though there are extremely isolated cases of holiday travelers being impacted by the actions of the criminal activity, those who were impacted were not targeted.  It’s also important to mention that in general the locations of these episodes was generally far from tourism frequented zones with a couple of high profile, but anomalous cases.

The recent warning from the US government was brought about due to some recent criminal organization activity in the popular tourist destinations of Los Cabos and Riviera Maya.  Due to recent territorial conflicts in these areas, there has been an increase in violence between criminal organizations.   It is important to note that, again, these conflicts and any related violence have not and are not targeting holiday travelers.  There has been no violence against tourists within hotels or resorts or traveling to or from any of the main tourist attractions in the area.

Many areas of Mexico, such as the popular state of Yucatan and city of Merida, and throughout the Central Highlands in destinations such as San Miguel de Allende and Mexico City, have no travel warnings at all.  That said, general precautions, as one would take when traveling anywhere in world, should always be taken.

With proper preparation and information we encourage and feel confident that travel to and within Mexico continues to be safe.  We are confident that those who honor us with the opportunity to serve them will enjoy a secure and memorable travel experience.  There is never a guaranty of complete safety when traveling anywhere, even within the US and Europe, yet by working with a trusted and professional destination specialist, like Journey Mexico, travelers minimize risk by relying on experts to keep them in the right places.   Living in the destination and ensuring the safe and enjoyable experiences of guests on a daily basis daily, we understand the environment and monitor the situation constantly.  Our primary goal is client, staff, and partner safety and we refuse to operate in any area of the country where we do not feel confident that we can ensure the safety and security of all involved.  Furthermore, we are unwilling to operate in environments where we perceive elevated risk and are committed to vigilantly monitoring the local situations throughout the Mexican Republic; we have well developed contingency and risk management plans in place in the event that they should be needed.

For those looking to travel to Mexico, we advise only working with reputable, experienced travel professionals with close relationships in the specific destinations they will visit to ensure the best and safest travel experience possible.