11 Magic Towns of Mexico to Visit on Your Next Beach Vacation

Posted November 8, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Culture, Destinations.

While Mexico’s beautiful beaches and resort destinations usually grab the spotlight and the majority of visitors, much of Mexico’s charms lie in the small pueblos and villages nestled in foothills, hidden in the mountains, or off-the-beaten path somewhere along the coasts. For travelers ready to explore beyond the popular beach areas and/or maybe add a few days of exploration to their sun and sand vacation, Mexico offers many options not too far from places like Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Punta Mita. Below is a list of special places, called “Magic Towns” that can be easily connected with your beach getaway!

What is a Magic Town? Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns or Magical Villages) are a selection of Mexican villages whose cultural, historical, gastronomical, or natural treasures have been deemed exceptionally special and meaningful to Mexico’s heritage. While each town stands outs for their unique characteristics, travelers will find themselves transported to simpler times, far from the hustle and bustle of developed tourist cities. The Magical Towns in Mexico Program totals 111 destinations in all 31 states of Mexico (2016) and holds the responsibility for preserving Mexican culture and legacy.

11 Magic Towns of Mexico to Visit on Your Next Beach Vacation | Infographic

Los Cabos, Baja Califoria Sur

Magical Village – Todos Santos
A Pueblo Magico since 2006, Todos Santos is just a one hour drive from Cabo San Lucas situated at the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains. An oasis in the middle of a desert peninsula, this small town offers a friendly atmosphere and laid-back approach to life. Heavily populated by artists, surfers, and expats who come to Todos Santos for inspiration, the town has everything from pristine beaches with ideal surfing waves, to old sugar baron estates that have converted to quaint nooks, cafes, and art galleries, making it the bohemian capital of Baja.

La Paz, Baja California Sur

Magic Town- Loreto
A Pueblo Magico since 2012, Loreto is four hours from La Paz. Both beach destinations, Loreto is one of the oldest settlements in Baja and offers authentic local culture paired with unspoiled paradises. Visitors can wander through its history of Spanish missionaries, visit caves that tell a story through prehistoric paintings, or simply enjoy the nature and islands of the Sea of Cortez. Loreto is also a great location to head out on whale-watching adventures in Magdalena Bay.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Magical Village – San Sebastian del Oeste
A Pueblo Magico since 2011, San Sebastian is one and a half hours from Puerto Vallarta located at the foot of the Western Sierra Madre mountains. Once the most important mining city with over 20,000 residents, today there are only around 600 who have stayed to preserve this special relic. The picturesque town makes visitors feel transported to an old wild west movie with its cobbled streets flanked by tree, white buildings, and old adobe houses. One of San Sebastian del Oeste´s greatest highlights is the Cerro de la Bufa, 2,400 meters above sea level, boasting stunning panoramic views of Banderas Bays and incredible sunsets.

Other Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco: Talpa de Allende, Lagos de Moreno, Mazamitla, Mascota, Tapalpa

Riviera Nayarit and Punta Mita, Nayarit

Magical Town – Sayulita
Named a Pueblo Magico in 2015, Sayulita is just a 30 minute drive from Punta Mita. This small, seaside surfer town and funking fishing village offers a laid-back, bohemian vibe with no shortage of friendly locals and colorful shops, cafes, and restaurants. Sayulita lends to new experiences, whether it is learning to surf for the first time, discovering local indigenous Huichol culture, or making friends with visitors from around the world. It is a great place to relax, or for the more adventurous, practice watersports among the Pacific waves.

Other Pueblos Magicos in Nayarit: Jala

Cancun, Quintana Roo

Magical Village – Isla Mujeres
Named a Pueblo Magico in 2015, Isla Mujeres is a 25 minute ferry ride from Cancun. This island is surrounded with varied shades of calm, turqoise waters surrounding reefs full of tropical fish. The unhurried lifestyle and unqiue Carribean culture of Isla Mujeres is a stark contrast from the mainland of Cancun and a refreshing memory of simpler days. Once a hiding place for pirates, today all who visit Isla Mujeres find it to be a true treasure and special mark on the map.

Credit: Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo | Sun, Sand & Culture: Visit Magical Villages on Your Next Beach Vacation in Mexico

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Magical Town – Tulum
Named a Pueblo Magico in 2015, Tulum is just one hour from Playa del Carmen located at the southernmost tip of the Riviera Maya. Once an off the beaten path coastal destination known for its picturesque archaeological site perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, today, Tulum has grown into a world-class tourism destination. While most people head to Tulum for the hippie-chic boutique hotels and organic, off-the-grid restaurants, the real magic lies in Mother Nature’s surrounding gifts. Within Tulum’s muncipality, visitors can discover the wonders of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, the Muyil Lagoon, a handful of cenotes, and the beaches and marine turtle sanctuaries of Akumal, Xcacel, and Bahia Principe.

Magical Village – Bacalar
A Pueblo Magico since 2006, Bacalar is a three hour drive from Playa del Carmen. Known as the ¨Lagoon of Seven Colors¨ Bacalar´s varied water depths create a unique gradient of blue tones across the lake. Within Bacalar´s lagoon is Cenote Azul, a way of communication for freshwater and a mystical-Mayan sinkhole surrounded by jungle vegetation,perfect for snorklers and scuba divers. Before settling into the idyllic coastal town we know today, Bacalar´s history includes Mayan influence, Spanish dominance, and pirate raids, all which can be relived through the relics left behind such as the grand Fort of San Felipe.

Flickr/ CC Some Rights Reserved - Descubriendo el Mundo /

Acapulco, Guerrero

Magical Town – Taxco
A Pueblo Magico since 2002, Taxco is a four hour drive inland from Acapulco and forms part of the “Triangle of the Sun” tourist route. Formally one of the most important silver mining-towns, this pictureqesque village is best discovered by wandering the narrow cobblestoned alleys in search for the perfect silver jewelry or art still crafted there today. Visitors can also enjoy taking a ride on the cable car for scenic views of elegant colonial facades, antique houses and palaces, and age-old churches and towers that have stood the test of time.

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Magical Village – Mazunte
A Pueblo Magico since 2015, Mazunte is a one hour drive from Puerto Escondido. The magic of Mazunte lies in its simplicity as this coastal town focuses on the natural environment and how to make it attractive to visitors without too much disruption. It all started with The Museum of Sea Tutles, an ecotourism project created in the 1970s when the hunting of turtles in the area was at its height; today Mazunte has now stood out for their continuation of developing sustainable strategies and care for the wider natural environment. Mazunte also offers low-cost, rustic hotel options as a way to prioritize respect for the environment over tourism.

Other Pueblos Magicos in Oaxaca: Capulalpam, Huautla de Jimenez, San Pablo Villa de Mitla, Tepozcolula

Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Magical Town – Cosalá
A Pueblo Magico since 2005, Cosalá is a two and a half hour drive from Mazatlan. Cosalá’s history dates back more than two thousand years ago when pre-Hispanic tribes settled as evidenced by their petroglyphs that remain today. Later, Spanish conquerors discovered mines and the area’s mineral richness fed colonial ambition with gold and silver for centuries. Today the town is surprising colorful for the gloomy mysteries left to be discovered: a church built ontop of a graveyard of its deveotees, secret tunnels and passageways, a mining history that speaks to rebellion, and the legends and presence of ghosts in many of the old buildings

Cosala is a colorful old mining town. Other Pueblos Magicos in Sinaloa: El Rosario, Mocorito, El Fuerte

Manzanillo, Colima

Magical Village – Comala
A Pueblo Magico since 2002, Comala is a one and a half-hour drive from Manzanillo, right outside the capital of Colima. Known as Pueblito Blanco (White Village) Comala’s buildings are painted white with contrasting red tile roofs, and from the center of the main plaza visitors can enjoy excellent views of the twin volcanoes, Volcán de Fuego and Volcan Nevado de Colima. Wandering the cobblestone streets, visitors can find local handicrafts, folk art, and some of the region’s finest harvested coffee. Just outside of town, heading toward the Volcano of Fire is the stunning hotel property Hacienda San San Antonio – an experience that exposes guests to diverse aspects of regional art, cuisine, traditional music, natural surrounding beauty and various recreational activities.

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Beach Cleanup in Puerto Vallarta – International Coastal Cleanup Day

Posted October 25, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Things We're Proud Of.

As a part of our commitment to the environment and sustainability, our Journey Mexico Puerto Vallarta office participated in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup Day!

Our staff members and their families gathered at Playa Boca de Tomates and together with the city hall’s Department of Ecology, Biologist Maria Valencia, our efforts covered over a mile (2km) of shore, filling seven large black trash bags with litter and debris!

Playa Boca de Tomates is a beach located at the northern end of Puerto Vallarta and is an important wildlife refuge area. Mostly known by locals, the beach is also home to many sea turtles from June through October. A wild, natural setting within Vallarta’s beautiful Bay of Banderas, we hope our efforts help keep this environment clean.

Vianey Gonzalez, our coordinator of the cleanup shares her experience, “It was really exciting to see the team and their families arrive with a really positive attitude. It was a Sunday morning, bright an early at sunrise, and everyone came ready and prepared to help clean the beach and learn about small efforts and changes we can make to in our daily lives to help support our community and avoid unnecessary contamination. We were all amazed with the amount of garbage we were able to collect, most of it was PET dragged from the river during rainy season, and we are excited to meet again to help give back to our local beaches!”

Ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies. On International Coastal Cleanup Day, near 20 million pounds of trash was collected by over a half million volunteers. You can make a difference. Take the pledge to help turn the tide on ocean trash and fight for a healthy ocean!

Ready to Help Make a difference? Check out these links…

Oceanic Society Encourages Conservation Travel Programs for Travelers Wanting to Make a Difference

Three Ways to Make an Environmental Difference in Mexico

San Miguel Allende, Listed Best City with Best Hotel in the World, Hotel Matilda

Posted October 19, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Condé Nast, Guanajuato & San Miguel Allende, News.

San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato continues to top traveler’s lists! Most recently, Condé Nast Traveler has recognized San Miguel Allende in the magazine’s iconic Readers’ Choice Awards.

San Miguel de Allende took 5th place on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 “The Best Cities in the World” List!

San Miguel Allende has made the list several times over the past few years, even grabbing the number one spot in 2013. CNT explains why San Miguel Allende deserved such an acknowledgement:

“Many consider colonial-era San Miguel de Allende one of Mexico’s prettiest cities, and it’s no wonder. Here, you’ll find leafy courtyards, narrow cobblestone streets, and a historic town center from which the Gothic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel’s pink towers rise high above the main plaza, El Jardín. Located 165 miles northeast of Mexico City in the country’s hilly central highlands, San Miguel has no international airport, but is worth the trek: In 2008 UNESCO recognized San Miguel de Allende and neighboring Sanctuary of Jesus de Atotonilco as World Heritage of Humanity sites.”

Photo by TARYN KENT while traveling with Journey Mexico

Photo by TARYN KENT while traveling with Journey Mexico

In addition to 5th place on the World’s Best Cities List, the boutique Hotel Matilda, located right in the center of San Miguel Allende, was also voted by readers as an outstanding place within the world.

Hotel Matilda took 1st place on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2016 “Top Hotels in Mexico” List and 3rd place overall on “The 50 Best Hotels in the World“!

CNT writes, “Spare and minimalist, this mod fortress is a perfect foil for the colonial grandeur of its neighbors. Check out the hotel’s custom black-and-white prints—an extension of its subdued color scheme—by local photographer Eduardo Zaylan, and the fresh, inventive dishes at Moxi Restaurant (hello, creamy wild mushroom risotto with guajillo and red onion).”

Bruce James, Director of Hotel Matilda, shared that since the opening of Hotel Matilda in 2010, it was always a goal to create a dynamic guest experience unlike any other in Mexico. He shares, “We turned up the volume, not just in San Miguel but in the Mexican hotel scene by evolving Hotel Matilda into a lively cultural and culinary hub celebrated for immersing guests in an exciting and innovative contemporary lifestyle.” Congratulations Hotel Matilda!

More than 300,000 travelers took part in the 29th annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey—nearly doubling last year’s participation—submitting millions of ratings to help create the list of winning favorites. For the full list of 2016 winners, and to see more Mexico winners, go to: www.CNTraveler.com/rca.

READY TO VISIT SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE and Hotel Matilda?

If you’re interested in traveling to Nayarit, browse our sample itineraries below or contact Journey Mexico today.

Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende – Journey into the heart of Mexico’s independence and revolutionary past by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Cities of Guanajuato and San Miguel Allende. Also have the chance to visit one of Mexico’s Magic Towns, Mineral de Pozos. Marvel at the colonial architecture and meet local chefs and taste the finest of the area’s cuisine.

Town & Sea: Exploring Magical San Miguel de Allende & Zihutanejo – Discover Mexico’s charms, both land and sea, by exploring the colonial town of San Miguel Allende a for a glimpse into rich Mexican culture, and the beach destination of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo on the Pacific Coast.

Hotel Matilda – , Hotel Matilda celebrates the lifestyle of today’s international traveler and the contemporary Latin art scene. Guests are immersed in a relaxed and sophisticated setting of refined and comfortable accommodations, international gourmet dining, personalized spa experiences and a dynamic art scene.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Digital Detox Trip

Posted October 18, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Destinations, Luxury, Virtuoso.

Original version featured on the Virtuoso Blog

If you can’t remember how long it’s been since you took a break from your smartphone, tablet and computer, you’re likely in need to escape technology and to book yourself a digital detox trip! “Digital detox trips” are a relatively new concept yet a hot trend among travelers craving to disconnect with the online digital world. Studies show being perpetually connected negatively impacts productivity and relationships and it also hurts our physical and mental health overall, having been linked to anxiety, depression, stress and exhaustion. Here are 10 reasons why you need a digital detox trip:

1. You’ll give yourself the gift of time

Did you know the average person checks their phone 46 times a day and 44 percent of employees check email while on vacation? Emails, texts and the like are time thieves. They distract you from your precious time in another place.

2.You’ll be more aware and conscious of your surroundings

On trips, we’re so preoccupied with snapping photos for Instagram that we forget to enjoy the moment. Without the need to capture everything for social media right then and there, we can look at our surroundings with fresh eyes and just be present. We can enjoy the experience more deeply, and bring home more vivid memories as a result. Use your five senses to observe your environment. Notice details about what you experience: the scent of a flower, the vivid coloring of a bird, the sound of a waterfall.

3. You’ll be more productive

You might think checking work emails will help you deal with the influx once you’re back in the office. But you’ll actually be able to engage better with work upon your return if you truly disconnect during your digital detox trip.

4. You’ll feel less overwhelmed

People feel better once they eliminate the stress of always being connected. Getting rid of constant interruptions and distractions will energize you.

5. You’ll have more perspective

Being constantly online fragments our attention. We’re so busy responding instantly that we don’t let our brains slow down. You’ll have more time to look at the big picture and contemplate.

Ready to detox from technology? Here’s how..

Start by picking somewhere in a remote destination, somewhere without good Wi-Fi reception is ideal. Even if you’re in a more populated location, choose a hotel that offers an escape from your technology. Leave your devices at home, surrender them to your hotel’s front desk, or pledge to use them only in a limited way during your travels. Perhaps you spend one hour a day online, or alternate days with and without access. Whatever way you decide to do it, Mexico is a great destination to disconnect. Mexico offers both a remote, off-the-beaten path gems with no reception and luxury hotels focused on rest and relaxation.

Our favorite off-the-beaten path Mexico destinations perfect for disconnecting include:
Cuixmala and Las Alamandas in Costalegre
Hacienda San Antonio in Comala
Hacienda Temozon and Hacienda Xcanatun outside Merida
Solar de las Animas in Tequila
Villa Maria Cristina in Guanajuato
Villa Montana in Morelia

And our favorite beachside luxury Mexico hotels superb in pampering include:
Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Belmond Maroma in Riviera Maya
Esperanza and Las Ventanas in Los Cabos
Four Seasons, Imanta, and St. Regis in Punta Mita
Hotel Esencia in Playa del Carmen
One & Only Palmilla and The Resort at Pedregal in Los Cabos
Rosewood Mayakoba and Viceroy in Riviera Maya
and of course, Grand Velas Riviera Maya which already has a complete Digital Detox program ready!

If you want help planning your Mexico technology-free vacation, one tip is to find a Virtuoso travel advisor. They will ask you questions to determine what you truly want from your travels and design a trip that meets your digital detox goals – and exceeds your overall expectations.

For more on Why You’ll Love Escaping Technology on a Digital Detox Trip check out the original blog post featured on the Virtuoso Blog.

Now Accepting Reservations: Chablé Resort in Yucatan Peninsula

Posted October 13, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Luxury, Yucatan.

The Yucatan Peninsula’s much-anticipated Chablé Destination Resort & Spa is getting ready to open their doors to guests later this month, and we’ve got the scoop!

Oveview

Chablé immerses guests in the rich culture and history of the region, creating an authentic experience that harmoniously blends nature, luxury and an unmistakable sense of place. Each aspect in the development of Chablé has been carefully planned to honor the history of the property and the ancient Mayan culture. The hacienda was originally built in the 17th century for cattle and corn before being converted into a henequenera, using agave plants to create sisal twine.

Location

In a unique setting in the heart of the Mayan forest, Chablé Resort is spread across 750 acres on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Chablé is located just 25 minutes from the charming and historic city of Mérida, providing swiftaccess to nearby Mayan archaeological sites, cenotes, and biosphere reserves, as well as some of the region’s best museums, art galleries and thriving colorful markets. Just 15 minutes from the Merida International Airport.

Accommodations

Chablé features 38 stand-alone pool “casita” villas with outdoor showers, hammocks, and large outdoor living rooms spread across 1,700 sq. ft. All villas feature modern touches incorporated with Mayan architecture – warm woods and original 19th century walls of the working hacienda are what make Chablé a work of art. All accommodations include daily breakfast and activities. The resort also features a Presidential Suite, an expansive three-bedroom suite spread over 8,000 sq. ft; and a Royal Presidential Suite, spanning 10,000 square feet to include impressive indoor and outdoor areas.

Dining

Chablé’s acclaimed executive chef serves organic, seasonal cuisine sourced directly from the on-site gardens. The chef is committed to using only the freshest ingredients to create wholesome, flavorful cuisine paired with traditional Mayan dishes. Chablé features an extensive array of ceviche and aguachiles, all prepared upon request. The chef’s signature ceviche is a seabass infused with an aromatic and flavorful sauce of ginger, lime, celery coriander and cucumber. In addition, the extensive wine cellar will be home to exclusive vintages. The cellar provides an intimate setting ideal for romantic dinners, social gatherings or simply to enjoy a drink before dinner. In a nod to indulgence and relaxation, the resort also features an expansive cellar showcasing the largest private tequila collection in the world.

Spa

The retreat’s crowning jewel is its world-class spa beside a “cenote,” natural wonders unique to the Yucatan and considered sacred by the Mayans. The spa’s philosophy draws from this ancient culture, offering a wide range of Mayan-inspired spa treatments that harness the power of Mérida’s ancient techniques and ingredients, alongside modern amenities. The spa features nine treatment rooms, a steam room, a sauna, a salt cabin and a floatarium. In addition, the facility offers guests warm and cold whirlpools, a water circuit with varying types of shower pressures, a relaxation area and a pool. Guests will also enjoy access to the library, yoga/meditation room and a juice and snack bar. A garden kitchen is available for guests interested in learning about and preparing their own aromatherapy.

Amenities

The pool is in the heart of the hacienda surrounded by lush gardens and a casual dining area nearby a traditional Mayan garden recreates harvesting techniques that have not been used in over a century. The garden consists of raised garden beds made from local woods, and constructed using no man-made elements. Each bed is filled with organic soil and seeds traditionally harvested by Chable’s resident Mayan horticulturist. Guest will have the option to partake in the gardening process during each visit. Other activities include hiking, biking, jogging, cooking classes, yoga, and visits to Mayan ruins and local villages.

Want to Be one of the first to visit Chable?

Contact a Journey Mexico Travel Planner today for preferential rates!

Oceanic Society Encourages Conservation Travel Programs for Travelers Wanting to Make a Difference

Posted September 29, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Ecotourism, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Whale Watching.

Since its creation in 1969, the Oceanic Society has been inspiring people to take part in building a healthy future for the world’s oceans and to address the root cause of its decline in health—human behavior. As a non-profit, their mission to conserve marine wildlife and habitats by deepening the connections between people and nature have prompted the Oceanic Society to create several long-term research projects, ongoing conservationist efforts, and sustainable community development – much of it benefiting Mexico. In addition to being able to make a charitable donation, or adopting a species, the Oceanic Society also runs regularly scheduled, small group expedition trips for those looking to get involved and support Oceanic Society’s mission and values. Their idea behind these trips are to facilitate meaningful, life-changing experiences for travelers—ones that will inspire them to become more intimately involved in conservation long after the expedition is over.

Kathi Koontz,Oceanic Society’s Programs Manager, recently traveled on one of the small group trips and shares her experience of Close Encounters With Baja’s Gray Whales:

…The sun was shining brightly upon our group’s arrival in beautiful Loreto, the starting point for our Baja: San Ignacio Lagoon and Sea of Cortez expedition. We spent our first two days in the spectacular Sea of Cortez, surrounded by granitic mountains, blue skies, and rich, blue waters. After the sighting of a humpback whale, hundreds of common dolphins escorted us towards four blue whales. We spent consecutive days watching the largest animals on Earth feed on krill.

From our tented camp,we went out twice a day to the whale watching zone of San Ignacio Lagoon (most of the lagoon is protected for the whales and therefore off-limits to boats). In the mornings, we found ourselves, and our panga (skiff), visited by curious and friendly whales, mostly calves, and sometimes at the nudging of the cow (mom).

Eye contact with the whales, stroking (petting) their heads, and cleaning the spray from their blow off of our cameras and sunglasses were common occurrences.In the afternoon, the whales (around 300 total) spyhopped, breached, and traveled past the boats—sometimes rotating their heads to get a good look. The whale watching experience was phenomenal. And there was much more wildlife, including seabirds, shorebirds, dolphins, and sea turtles. Fascinating people visited us too. At camp one evening, Dr. Steve Swartz shared insight into his 40+ years of research with the gray whales in San Ignacio Lagoon and graciously signed copies of his book, Lagoon Time.

While I was in awe of the trust in these whales to approach people and boats (less than 100 years ago people were in the lagoons killing them) and amazed to be so close that we could see the hair on the rostrum (head region), I was equally impressed with the actions and respect of our panga captains. Twice we were having incredible interactions with multiple friendly whales when the captains noticed our approach to the border of the off limits whale watching zone. They turned our pangas around and headed back into the safe zone. As a marine conservationist, I’m thrilled that the captains are following and respecting the conservation plan. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.” And, we all can make a difference.

As you can see from Kathi’s personal story, by participating in an Oceanic Society expedition you are more than just another traveler – you are an active participant in their global effort to build a healthy future for the oceans. If you’re interested in making a difference and joining an Oceanic Society Voluntourism Trip, we recommend the following Mexico trips below.
Note: Journey Mexico’s, Zachary Rabinor, currently sits as the Board Chair of the Oceanic Society and we invite you to please join our efforts in supporting the organization

Mexico Voluntourism/Ecotourism Conservation Trips with Ocean Society Expeditions

Baja: San Ignacio Lagoon and Sea of Cortez – Experience magical, close encounters with the friendly gray whale mothers and calfs of San Ignacio Lagoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We also visit the beautiful Sea of Cortez for snorkeling and whale watching on this week-long Baja adventure.

Baja: Whale Shark Diving, Snorkeling, and Research – Bring your snorkel and fins to help study whale sharks while sailing the Sea of Cortez aboard an award-winning catamaran. Varied daily activities include snorkeling, diving, hiking, and kayaking.

Whales of Guerrero Research Project – Volunteer to study humpback whales and several dolphin species in a little studied area of Mexico.

SEE Turtles Baja Whale Watching & Turtle Research – Join a unique whale watching and turtle research excursion to Magdalena Bay on Baja California’s Pacific Coast. Get up close and personal with gray whales and participate in hands-on green sea turtle research with local conservationists while camping in a beautiful location and exploring the bay.

photos © Kathi Koontz

Several New Flights Between Mexico and United States Thanks to Lifted Restrictions

Posted September 26, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under News.

If you haven’t heard, air travel from the U.S to Mexico is about to be more accessible than ever! On August 21st after four years of negotiations, an agreement between the U.S. and Mexico took effect to drop restrictions on the number of airlines that can fly between the two countries. The U.S. State Department’s Secretary for Transportation commented that airlines on both sides of the border will now be able to fly whatever routes they want, as often as they want, and set their own prices. When airlines can set their own prices, it increases competition resulting in potentially lower airfare for travelers. The previous agreement limited routes to two or three airlines from each country which heavily drove up taxes and ticket prices.

Unfortunately, the agreement does not lax limits on takeoffs and landings at Mexico City’s busy international airport (MEX), so the first new flights will focus on resort towns in Mexico.

Airlines have already jumped on the opportunity to expand, announcing several new flights.

Los Angeles, CA to Los Cabos –
Starting in December, both Southwest and Delta will start daily nonstop service between LAX and SJD.

Los Angeles, CA to Cancun –
Starting December 4th, Southwest will fly nonstop daily LAX to CUN. They will also have flights with Funjet Vacations February 1st through December 31, 2017.
Starting December 15th, American Airlines will operate new daily direct flights between LAX and CUN (AA1369/AA1370)

Los Angeles, CA to Puerto Vallarta-Nayarit –
Starting December 4th, Southwest will fly nonstop daily LAX to PVR. They will also have flights with Funjet Vacations February 1st through December 31, 2017.
Beginning on December 15th, American Airlines will operate new daily direct flights between LAX and PVR (AA1135/AA1136).
Mexican air carrier, Interjet, is waiting on approval for a new flight between LAX an PVR and hopes to confirm soon.

Oakland, CA to Puerto Vallarta-Nayarit –
Southwest Airlines has announced a new daily direct flight from OAK to PVR, improving connectivity between San Francisco Bay and Vallarta-Nayarit. The flight will be seasonal from February 12th through April 24th.

Oakland, CA to Los Cabos –
Southwest Airlines has announced a new daily direct flight from OAK to SJD beginning February 12th.

Miami, FL to Merida –
Beginning on November 4th, American Airlines will offer flights between MIA and MID five times a week.

New York to Cancun –
Starting December 17th, Delta will start daily nonstop service between JFK and CUN, competing with American, AeroMexico, and JetBlue.

Kansas City, MO to Cancun –
Startind December 17th, Delta will begin service to CUN from KCI nonstop on Saturdays.

Note: Many routes are currently under government approval, but are still taking reservations. Fares have been found for as low as $258 USD.

Mexico’s Top Adventures – Travel Weekly

Posted September 14, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Adventure.

Journey Mexico recently chatted with Travel Weekly about popular adventure destinations in Mexico. Below are excerpts from the article “Top spots in Mexico for travelers seeking adventure” written by Meagan Drillinger and featured on Travel Weekly’s website:

Mexico has relaxation down. If you need a chaise lounge, a drink that’s bedazzled with its own umbrella and a bedroom that is steps from the beach, you’re going to be happy in Mexico. But for travelers who crave high adrenaline, wilderness, and stunning, rugged landscapes, Mexico also fits the bill.

“While we certainly have some of the most exquisite beaches and coast lines in the world, we also are blessed with world class culture, nature, landscapes, and active travel experiences,” says Zachary Rabinor, CEO of Journey Mexico. “While not often recognized for our adventure travel options, we also possess some of the most exciting active travel opportunities in the world.”

In the northern part of Mexico, in the state of Chihuahua, travelers will find the Copper Canyon, a stunning natural beauty that slants a total of 37,000 miles in length. These canyons are longer and deeper than the Grand Canyon and are perfect for hiking, trekking and mountain biking.

Many travelers will explore Copper Canyon via Chihuaha el Pacifico, also known as El Chepe, the train that runs the length of the canyon from Los Mochis to Chihuahua, but those looking for a more adrenaline-packed itinerary can sign up with Journey Mexico on a nine-day, multisport itinerary. Journey Mexico’s itinerary combines the classic train ride with intense hiking and camping through the biggest canyons, including Urique, San Rafael and Guitayvo. The tour also incorporates visits to local spots like San Alonso village or the Cerocahui Mission.

TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE ON TRAVEL WEEKLY, CLICK HERE.

Ready for some adventure in Mexico?

If you’re interested in adventure tours in Mexico, browse our Active Adventures sample itineraries below or contact Journey Mexico today.

Baja Multisport: Hiking and Sea Kayaking – A combination of soft and moderate adventure, this custom trip features an off-the-beaten-path discovery along the coastlines of the Baja California Peninsula. Perfect for active travelers with remote hiking, pristine wilderness settings, wildlife encounters, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Oaxaca Cycling Excursion – From 3,200m high mountains to beach coastal towns, Oaxaca’s varied landscapes create for an adventurous bike tour like never before experienced! With an array of biking tour options, your trip can be customized to match your individual skill level.

Copper Canyon Hiking Tour – The Copper Canyon is a rugged adventure ideal for active travelers wanting to combine outdoor experiences with a glimpse into the culture and local villages of Mexico via hiking and trekking. Let us plan an itinerary designed to fit the skill level, schedule and desires of your adventurousness!

Travel + Leisure A-List 2016: The Best Travel Specialists for Mexico

Posted September 7, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Things We're Proud Of, Travel + Leisure.

Travel + Leisure recently celebrated their 15th annual A-List at the Hyde Bellagio during Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. It is no secret that these days, some of the most extraordinary experiences can be had only with the help of a well-connected travel specialist. The 2016 A-List of top travel advisors showcases the 137 best in the business—destination authorities, honeymoon planners, group experts—to help take your trip to the next level. Listed as “The Best Travel Agent” for Mexico is Journey Mexico’s very own, Zachary Rabinor.

Travel + Leisure 2016 A-List Travel Advisor Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico with Nathan Lump, Editor, Travel + Leisure at the Travel + Leisure A-List reception during Virtuoso Travel Week at Hyde Bellagio in Las Vegas on August 9th.

Travel + Leisure also recognized Journey Mexico’s villa program: Villas by Journey Mexico, awarding it “Best Villa Rental Agency” in 2015 and 2016. They highlight the list saying, “many villa rental agencies double as personal concierges, organizing private tours of museums, hands-on cooking classes, and more. These experts have you covered.”

Zach, who has made the A-List for 7 consecutive years now, is the only advisor represented for Mexico. You can view his complete profile on the Travel + Leisure’s website.

Islas Marietas Hidden Beach, Playa del Amor, Reopening

Posted August 29, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under News, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

Good news coming from the Riviera Nayarit Tourism Board this morning: Playa del Amor aka Hidden Beach or Playa Escondida, will reopen August 31, 2016!

The National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) announced via press release the reopening of the Playa del Amor, part of the Islas Marietas National Park and an icon of the Riviera Nayarit, located across the coast of Banderas Bay. Tourists will be welcome once again starting August 31, 2016.

Playa del Amor was closed to tourism May 9th of this year, shortly after its recognition as one of the best beaches in the world, in order to begin a coral restoration program. The CONANP designed a more orderly, sustainable program for visits, including a special agreement with tour operators.

The established criteria for visits to Playa del Amor includes a maximum of 116 visitors per day; 15 people maximum per boat; no more than 15 people at a time are allowed on the beach and they can only remain for 30 minutes; access will be via a corridor marked by buoys and passengers must wear life jackets and no fins. Scuba and/or diving of any kind are prohibited.

The official press release stated, “the CONANP established the reopening of Playa del Amor thanks a successful recovery and the agreements reached with local tourism providers. The monitoring and restoration of the coral reefs shall be permanent. The new rules will help guarantee the health of the ecosystems and the satisfaction of visitors.”

The document went on to detail that both natural phenomena and bad tourism practices affected the coral colonies in the area, and that thanks to the restoration program over 50% of the coral planted had adhered successfully to the marine substratum.

Another relevant aspect is the opening of the Trail (Sendero) in the Islas Marietas, which will be an alternative for sustainable tourism, much like Playa la Nopalera and the Interpretative Trail on Isla Larga, among other places ripe for exploration.

“The work of the CONANP, the Government of the State of Nayarit and the solidarity of the tourism service providers during these three months have all been vital to the success of these actions,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We agree with and will help in the promotion of these new measures in pro of the preservation of this gorgeous icon of the Riviera Nayarit.” For more information, check out the Riviera Nayarit Blog.

READY TO VISIT ISLA MARIETAS in RIVIERA NAYARIT?

If you’re interested in traveling to Nayarit and discovering Isla Marietas, browse our Puerto Vallarta, Punta Mita, and Sayulita sample itineraries or contact Journey Mexico today.

What’s New in Nayarit
Vallarta-Nayarit Beaches, Isla Marietas and Sayulita, Named Among the Best in the World

Villas by Journey Mexico Celebrates its First Anniversary by Adding Benefits and Launching a New Website

Posted August 23, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Things We're Proud Of.

Puerto Vallarta, August 17, 2015 – Journey Mexico, the leader in customized, luxury travel in Mexico, is celebrating the one year anniversary of its villa product, Villas by Journey Mexico, with a new website and complete integration of the unparalleled on-site services for which Journey Mexico is known.

“We are very excited about the new website; initial feedback is that it’s much more user friendly. The last year has been incredible, re-inspecting villas and sourcing new ones around the country, introducing our unique approach to our clients, and ensuring that our service standards set our villa program apart. It is extremely satisfying to see what we have achieved in such a short time.” said Villa Program Director, Sean Emmerton.

“After analyzing customer feedback with a fine toothed comb, we have refined our unique villa inventory throughout Mexico’s top destinations and built a portfolio and website that facilitates finding the perfect villa. We have added beautiful in-resort villas, where guests enjoy the benefits of a villa experience and resort amenities. We are focused on discovering villas in new and “trending” hot spots like Careyes and Tulum – while also providing the best-of-the-best in the traditional, more popular locations like Cabo and Punta Mita.” adds Emmerton.

Villas by Journey Mexico is more than just villas; over the past year, they have focused on integrating more of the benefits and special accesses one can expect when traveling with Journey Mexico. Recently recognized as the Best Destination & Experience Partner in the world by the luxury travel consortia Virtuoso, Journey Mexico is now integrating unique and authentic Mexico experiences into the villa planning process, many of which other villa providers simply cannot offer – like having a world-famous chef give private cooking lessons in your villa, arranging for a day of SCUBA diving with a member of the Cousteau family, or coordinating a private, after-hours tour of renowned Mayan archaeological sites lead by prominent archaeologists. In addition, Villas by Journey Mexico can arrange all your transportation needs during your stay with luxurious vehicles friendly chauffeurs.

Beyond the typical brokering of villas, as a Mexico-based operation, Villas by Journey Mexico has its own offices throughout the country providing physical presence that ensures flawless service and unforgettable villa holiday experiences. This is truly unique to Villas by Journey Mexico.

To book your villa vacation in Mexico, or to find out more, visit villas.journeymexico.com

Casa Aramara – Punta Mita

About Villas by Journey Mexico
Villas by Journey Mexico is the leading authority when it comes to creating a perfect, end-to-end villa holidays in Mexico. Only the finest villas are hand-selected for the exclusive Villas by Journey Mexico portfolio. Villas by Journey Mexico offers villa experiences in Los Cabos, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Costa Careyes San Miguel de Allende, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Sian Kaan, Puerto Vallarta, and Punta Mita. www.villas.journeymexico.com

About Journey Mexico
Journey Mexico is a multi-award winning luxury travel company that curates and seamlessly operates tailor-made trips throughout Mexico for sophisticated and discerning travelers. Renowned for distinctive and authentic private experiences, including insider access to Mexico’s rich culture, vast nature, and world class active adventures not widely available to the general public, Journey Mexico is Mexico’s luxury travel expert. www.journeymexico.com

For more information:

Media Contact: Rich Biswell
Director of Marketing Journey Mexico
Mexico Tel: +52 (322) 225 9821 [email protected]

Villa Inquires: Sean Emmerton
Director of Villa Program
US Tel: +1 800 474 1629
[email protected]

Casa Majani – Punta Mita

The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco

Posted August 22, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Mexico City, Nature.

Xochimilco, meaning the ‘Place of the Flowers’ in Náhuatl, is famous for its waterways surrounding the ancient city of Tenochtitlan – which is now modern day Mexico City.

The Aztecs built fertile riverbeds called chinampas, on which they were able to grow many of their staple crops to feed their people. To make a chinampa, the Aztecs weaved sticks together to form a giant raft and anchored it to the bottom of the lake; they then piled mud and soil on top of the raft to create a small terrain to grow their nursery, thus creating “Floating Gardens” and canals.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and to be of outstanding universal value, Xochimilco constitutes the only reminder of traditional ground occupation in the lagoons of the Mexico City basin before the Spanish conquest. Today, visitors can explore the canals while floating on a colorful boat called a trajinera to learn about the Aztec’s ingenious technique for growing food upon the fertile riverbeds of the pre-Hispanic waterways – the chinampas are still in use today but for growing flowers rather than food crops.

Ready to visit Xochimilco?

If you’re interested in visiting Xochimilco, browse our Mexico City sample itineraries below or contact Journey Mexico today.

Mexico City Private Tour – The Mexico City Private Tour, A Cultural Escape is a sample itinerary ready for customization highlighting Mexico City’s most popular sites.

Mexico City Weekend Getaway – Perfect for a jet-setter’s weekend, this Mexico City itinerary is a combination of culture and luxury where you can immerse yourself in Mexico’s capital and also get the relaxing time you deserve.

© Journey Mexico. Photos taken by Paulina Roman, Marketing Assistant

Puerto Vallarta Update

Posted August 16, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Health and Safety.

The media has run wild with reporting unverified details of an incident that occurred in Puerto Vallarta on Monday, August 1st at La Leche Restaurant. We kindly urge our readers and travelers to adhere only to the information provided by authorized authorities and government in order to avoid rumors and hear-say. With Journey Mexico’s main office and staff located in Puerto Vallarta, we can confirm this unusual, isolated incident does not represent the daily situation of Puerto Vallarta.

Following are statements issued by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board:

August 15, 2016 – New York – The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board deeply regrets the events that occurred this morning in one of the city’s restaurants and confirms that no tourist was involved or affected in this incident. As an immediate safety measure, security has been reinforced in Puerto Vallarta to ensure that residents as well as tourists can continue with their normal activities.

The Governor of the State of Jalisco, Aristoteles Sandoval, announced earlier that an investigation involving different security forces on the Federal, State and Municipal, levels was launched, as well as the authorities of the neighboring state of Nayarit, to find those responsible. Early findings from the investigation led by the State Attorney of Jalisco, Eduardo Almaguer, stated that in a first examination, the victims and perpetrators belong to criminal groups from another region of the country, confirming the likelihood of this being an isolated case.

“As representatives of the tourism community of Puerto Vallarta, a city recognized by the warmth of its people and the ease with which visitors enjoy the destination’s diverse offerings, we do not tolerate violence of any kind,” said Agustin Alvarez general director of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board. “We are following the instructions by the different government authorities and encourage the community to do the same; as well as pay attention to information and facts solely communicated by the authorities in charge, in order to dispel false rumors and avoid confusion that do not represent the actual situation in Puerto Vallarta and ensure we do not compromise the security of our residents and tourists.”

It is important to note that the authorities are taking the necessary measures and Puerto Vallarta is fully operational with all tourism services and attractions open and following their regular schedules without any interruptions.

We hope that this isolated and unprecedented event has minimal impact in our city. We are committed to proactively providing accurate information from official sources in a timely manner in order to keep our industry, residents and travelers informed, safe and well taken care of at all times.

Additional information on Puerto Vallarta is available at www.visitpuertovallarta.com

August 17, 2016 – The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board regrets the unfortunate incident that took place on Monday, August 15, in one of our popular local restaurants We understand that the media coverage this incident has received may have raised many questions from you and your clients but rest assured that national, state and local law enforcement are in town to ensure the safety of all locals, expats and visitors and wish to communicate that the destination and its tourism offerings continue to be completely operational..

As you know, Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s friendliest places. This world-class destination has received multiple accolades from Travel +Leisure, Conde Nast readers, editors from International Living AARP and the travel industry (AAA, Travvy’s, gaytravel.com). The tourism industry has noticed this, with investment coming in on new hotels every year for the past six years as well as an increase in tour operators and business infrastructure.

However, the most important reward we have is the continued increase in visitor arrivals which has been taking place year after year since 2008. Currently Puerto Vallarta has an 80% occupancy rate and the seven months of the year reported a hotel occupancy rate of 72.6%, its highest level in a decade, almost 10% more than in the same period of 201. Similarly, the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) saw 17% increase in passenger arrivals in addition, 164,933 passengers visited the destination while on cruise calls to the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port.

2015 was a record year for Puerto Vallarta with an occupancy rate of a 66.9% hotel occupancy rate reported by the Hotel Association, and the destination is set to surpass that percentage in 2016.

In the upcoming months Puerto Vallarta will be host to a number of international events and conventions including the International Gourmet Festival and the Most Beautiful Bays of the World annual conference.

This continued increase is due to a consistent and proactive promotions campaign which targets not only its primary markets such as Mexico, the US and Canada but emerging destinations such as South America and Europe. In addition, the board has maintained a proactive public relations campaign focused on promoting the destination in different niche markets.

It is our commitment to continue a proactive promotion of our destination and provide you, your clients, your readers and passengers with a destination unique in Mexico that provides culture, adventure and history in an environment that feels safe and welcoming to all.

Additional information on Puerto Vallarta is available at www.visitpuertovallarta.com

All About Renting a Villa in Mexico

Posted August 15, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Luxury, News.

For families and groups planning a luxury vacation in Mexico, villa rentals are often the best way to travel. Renting a private home or villa in Mexico can easily surpass hotels in terms of the amount of space, privacy, and personal attention provided. Most commonly villas offer parallel services to that of an all-inclusive resort or a boutique hotel because they come fully staffed with maids, concierge, private chefs, and security.

Advantages of Renting a Villa in Mexico

Let’s start with the most obvious – privacy. You don’t have to share the pool with other guests, you don’t have to worry if strangers can see into your room, and you will not have a problem with any inconvenience disrupting your hard-earned vacation. The property is designed as an intimate place, exclusively all yours to enjoy without limitations; which brings us to the second most important factor of renting a villa: flexibility. Unlike resorts, if you have a strange craving at 2am or want to go for a swim at 5am, your villa won’t have limited operational hours. Every inch of the house is yours to enjoy 24 hours a day, with concierge services working around the clock at your beckon call. Another advantage to renting a private home in Mexico is you are able to live like a local and at ease. Resorts can often be very cookie-cutter and automated; you’re confined to the property, sometimes having to walk far distances back to your room from other facilities, and there are lines for everything (drinks, food, check-in!). Having your own villa means that everything is in close proximity to where you are sleeping, and there is no having to wait to be served! Many of the finer villas in Mexico have special charms about them, incorporating local materials and decorating with native touches to give it an authentic feel.

Tips for Renting a Villa

The most important thing about renting a villa is setting expectations and knowing what you’re getting into. Today, there are thousands of rental websites showcasing “home away from home” vacations that perhaps may look nice on paper but don’t live up to the embellished text descriptions and photos. The most valuable tip for renting a villa is to work with a specialist who knows both the destination and the villas, personally. To take the guess-work out of who is in the know, try to find one of Condé Nast Traveler’s hand-picked World’s Top Villas Specialists. These villa specialists are authorities not only in villas, but the destination itself, with carefully chosen portfolios of only the best luxury properties the country has to offer. The added benefit of working closely with an advisor is that they often can arrange every aspect of your trip — not just accommodations. Insider details such as a French-speaking private tour of ancient ruins, a seat at the chef’s table in an exclusive restaurant, or an off-hours entrance at a museum, can be made by a destination guru and most importantly of all, they are your one-call-away lifeline should anything go astray while traveling –something an online website cannot provide.

Villa Rentals in Mexico

Coast to coast, Mexico exuberates a wide range of luxurious homes and beachfront villa rentals. Tucked in the quiet colonial countryside, perched on rocky cliffs over the deep Pacific Ocean, or nestled on the azure blue Carribbean Sea, Mexico’s villas are distinctive examples of its diverse history, geography, and culture. Villas and private residences in Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta range from lavish beachfront properties right in town to tucked away mansions near celebrity homes; the villas in Riviera Maya and Cancun stand out for amazing views, tranquil oases, and designs by renowned architects; and in the interior of Mexico, colonial highlights shine in many San Miguel de Allende villa rentals.

Other Useful Advice

– If you are planning to travel during the holidays, book early. Waiting until last minute can be risky because most renters often secure their villas for the holidays by late summer and will decide to use the villas themselves if they don’t get a booking.

– Clearly define your villa criteria including approximate budget, number of rooms, and a list of a few uncompromisable must-haves (such a beach front or panoramic views).

– Don’t let the price daunt you — take the time to do the math. For a small family, renting a villa is usually comparable to hotel or resort costs.

Still not convinced?

That’s okay, we understand there is piece of mind in staying with familiar brands. Thankfully, many resorts in Mexico are starting to offer private villas that are on the property but pushed away from the crowds. Rosewood San Miguel Allende offers several private residences, One&Only Palmilla features Villa One & Villa Cortez, Hotel Esencia in the Riviera Maya now has three villas to choose from, Las Ventanas also debuted private villas not too long ago, the Rosewood Mayakoba has a Presidental Suite that is pretty much on its own island and Four Seasons Punta Mita has private villas frequently visited by the stars.

Ready to Book your Villa Vacation in Mexico?

If you’re interested in traveling to Mexico and staying in a villa, we invite you to browse our collection of homes at Villas by Journey Mexico or contact Journey Mexico today. Villas by Journey Mexico is truly the leading authority when it comes to creating a perfect, end-to-end villa holidays in Mexico. We know that your vacation is special, and we want to make every minute of your visit memorable by crafting a complete villa holiday experience.

Virtuoso Luxury Travel Network Awards Journey Mexico “Best Destinations & Experiences – In-Country Partner”

Posted August 9, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Things We're Proud Of, Virtuoso.

VIRTUOSO^® CELEBRATES JOURNEY MEXICO FOR OVERALL EXCELLENCE WITH 2016 DESTINATION SHOWCASE AWARD
Journey Mexico Recognized for Achievements in the Category of Best Destinations & Experiences – In-Country Partner

LAS VEGAS (August 09, 2016) – International luxury travel network Virtuoso® has announced the winners of this year’s Destination Showcase awards at the 28th annual Virtuoso Travel Week conference, honoring Journey Mexico as the Best Destinations & Experiences – In-Country Partner. The network’s most outstanding tour operators and On-Site in-country specialists, as recognized by their peers, received their awards before an audience of close to 1,400 during the Destination Showcase Dinner & Awards August 8 at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Each of the Destination Showcase Awards corresponds to an elected committee of Virtuoso advisors. Those committees designate a list of finalists for each award, then all network advisors vote to determine the winners. This year’s Destination Showcase Award nominees received more than 5,300 votes altogether.

Journey Mexico is part of the network’s lauded land experiences program, Virtuoso Destinations & Experiences. It consists of more than 60 tour operators, 160 On-Sites and 11 specialty partners in over 140 countries. The fast-growing portfolio features close to 15,000 tours from more than 200 land operators.

“Journey Mexico is a stellar example of a partner which brings to life Virtuoso’s values of innovation and passion for exceeding client expectations,” said Albert Herrera, senior vice president, Global Product Partnerships for Virtuoso. “Our network only extends invitations to join to partners with superior destination knowledge, offerings, service and relationships. Given these strict requirements, Journey Mexico and this year’s other winners are truly the crème de la crème of a very impressive Virtuoso portfolio.”

About Journey Mexico
Journey Mexico is a deluxe travel company that creates tailor-made itineraries throughout the Mexican republic for sophisticated and discerning travelers. With offices in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Mexico City, Journey Mexico´s strong presence throughout country´s vast and diverse regions enables the firm to offer distinctive and authentic travel experiences that include multi-region itineraries in states such as Yucatan, Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guanajuato with in-depth guided tours; luxurious seaside escapes; private jet and yacht excursions; culinary packages, villa rentals and much more. www.journeymexico.com

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso® is the leading international travel agency network specializing in luxury and experiential travel. This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 390 agency members with more than 11,400 elite travel advisors in 40 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. Drawing upon its preferred relationships with 1,700 of the world’s best hotels and resorts, cruise lines, airlines, tour companies and premier destinations, the network provides its upscale clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. www.virtuoso.com.

Media Contacts:
Rich Biswell
Journey Mexico – Director of Marekting
[email protected]

Virtuoso Media Contacts:
Misty Ewing Belles
Virtuoso – Managing Director, Global Public Relations
[email protected] / 202.553.8817

The 3 Most Beautiful Islands in Mexico – Under the Radar

Posted August 8, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Destinations, Los Cabos & Baja Californias, Nature.

Did you know: Mexico has more than 5,500 mi (8,850 km) of coastline with dozens of idyllic islands just off the shores?

The most famous island is undoubtedly Cozumel. Nestled in the Mexican-Caribbean Sea, it’s known for its calm turquoise waters, crystal-clear snorkeling, and its multitude of daily, cruise-ship tourists. However, there are alluring islands not on the radar of most travelers and definitely worthy of attention. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous experience, romantic getaway, or intimate encounters with Mother Nature, Mexico has an island for you.

Consider these three lesser-known islands when daydreaming about your next escape.

The 3 most beautiful under-the-radar islands in Mexico

Isla Mujeres

Credit: Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo

How to Get to Isla Mujeres: Fly into Cancun and catch a ferry from Puerto Juarez or take our luxury catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres.
Overnight: Adult-Only Zoetry Villa Rolandi
Island Bonus: Visit nearby Isla Contoy, a protected area with pristine beaches, dense vegetation, and a rich biodiversity.

Isla Mujeres lies just off Cancun’s coast and is quite small, stretching just five miles long and a quarter-mile-wide. It was once an ancient Maya religious site dedicated to the goddess, Ixchel (the guardian of fertility and childbirth), but today is a fishing community with a small collection of hotels.

While the tourist infrastructure of the island has grown rapidly in recent years, it still remains a quiet retreat from its glitzier neighbor, Cancun. With the mainland in the distance, the island is a refreshing memory of simpler days. Isla Mujeres is great for snorkelers and boasts stunning beaches with relaxed seaside restaurants. If visiting during summer, be sure not to miss the whale sharks that come to aggregate in the warm waters!

Isla Holbox

How to Get to Isla Holbox: Fly into Cancun, take private or public transportation to Chiquilá Pier and cross in a ferry over to the island.
Overnight: Casa Sandra or Las Nubes

Isla Holbox is a slice of heaven located in the Mexican-Caribbean Sea. It’s much larger than nearby Isla Mujeres, spanning 26 miles long and one mile wide – most of which is undeveloped land within the Yum Balam Natural Reserve.

Island life is very laid-back; think hammocks, sand roads, and friendly locals. The jade waters of Holbox are shallow, creating an endless sanctuary for its visitors including an array of captivating wildlife. It is very much still considered a virgin beach destination unspoiled by mass tourism, but the town (which only spans a couple of blocks) does have a handful of boutique hotels, and small restaurants and bars. One of Mexico’s best kept secrets, we spill the beans in our All About Isla Holbox Guide.

Isla Espiritu Santo

How to Get to Isla Espiritu Santo: Fly into La Paz International Airport. Then rent a boat and captain to take you out. There are also day tours from Los Cabos.
Overnight: Privately charter a ship (such as Monarch Cruise via Journey Mexico) or camping/glamping.
Island Bonus: Isla Espiritu Santo is part of the 240 Gulf Islands of California.

Off the coast of Baja Peninsula Sur is Espiritu Santo Island, a 23,800-acre UNESCO protected reserve. It stretches 11 miles long and three miles wide. Find bays and inlets cut into it revealing calm, turquoise waters and unspoiled beaches.

Mother Nature blessed this oasis with sheer red cliffs, desert sand dunes, blue keys, and an abundance of wildlife. Uninhabited by humans, it is the sea lions, manta rays, dolphins, and turtles that call this place home. If you’re planning to stay the night with them, camping is the only option. Isla Espiritu Santo neighbors with Isla Partida and the popular Los Islotes Sea Lion Colony.

Want more islands?

Check out the Archipielago Revillagigedo Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or Isla Marietas off the Vallarta-Nayarit Pacific Coast, known to have one of the best beaches in the world. If you’re looking for an in-land island full of culture, consider Isla Janitzio, located in the middle of Lake Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan – a popular destination for Dia de los Muertos.

La Guelaguetza – Unique Vacation Experiences in Oaxaca, Mexico

Posted July 26, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Holidays, Fairs & Festivals, Oaxaca.

La Guelaguetza: A Unique Vacation Experience in Oaxaca, Mexico

Visitors to Oaxaca, Mexico, can enjoy a wide variety of cultural events in this beautiful state located on Mexico’s southwestern coast. Oaxaca’s population remains nearly 50 percent indigenous. This is a strong contrast to the rest of Mexico, where indigenous peoples make up only 20 percent of the overall population. The state’s many indigenous peoples and cultures, which have been numbered at 16 different groups, are a draw for tourists who want to learn about the cultural customs of the area.Every July, visitors have the opportunity to experience La Guelaguetza, an important cultural festival celebrating the value of giving. Also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, or Mondays on The Hill, this event has become an important tourist attraction but also retains deep cultural significance for the many indigenous peoples who participate in it. The festival is held on the two Mondays following July 16. The current La Guelaguetza celebration dates back to 1932 but has roots in pre-Columbian cultural rituals.

The Sites and Sounds of La Guelaguetza

One of the primary attractions of La Guelaguetza is the presentation of traditional indigenous dances, bands and parades. Indigenous peoples are often separated into gender-specific groups who perform important customs and rituals from their cultures. Many of the individuals participating in La Guelaguetza use trajes, or costumes. The Zapotec and Mixtec groups are the largest at the festival but many smaller indigenous groups also participate.

In the weeks leading up to La Guelaguetza, an individual is elected to represent Centeotl, the Aztec deity of maize. The festival is generally opened by a parade of delegations. Art displays, children’s bands and storytellers who relate indigenous folk tales are a key component of the celebration. Walking bands and native foods are also highlights of the festival.

Many La Guelaguetza events are held at an amphitheater built into Cerro del Fortín, the hill overlooking Oaxaca city. The festival has become increasingly popular since Oaxaca City was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in the 1970s and a highway was constructed to offer access to this historic city.

Embracing Local Cultural Values as A Tourist

In Zapotec, a native tongue of the area, the word guelaguetza means gift or present. As understood by indigenous peoples of the area, the word refers specifically to a generous gift or present that is always reciprocated by the receiver. The offering of dance, music and other rituals forms an important part of the giving process at the center of La Guelaguetza.

Tourists who wish to visit Oaxaca, Mexico, during La Guelaguetza are welcomed with open arms. The many indigenous groups of the area are proud to share their cultures and customs with individuals from around the world. During La Guelaguetza, indigenous peoples from Oaxaca and travelers can participate in a cultural exchange that is at the heart of the festival’s spirit of giving.

Ready to Visit Oaxaca During La Guelaguetza?

Travelers who want to get the most out of their La Guelaguetza experience should be sure to visit the city’s Historic Center and attend recitings of classic indigenous folk tales. Our Magic of Oaxaca itinerary or Oaxaca Family Adventure can perfectly blend the Guelagezta celebration and other important experiences and sites in Oaxaca, including the idyllic beaches of Huatulco or Puerto Escondido.

To start planning you trip to Oaxaca, browse our sample Oaxaca itineraries or through our portfolio of Oaxaca Hotels for an unforgettable experience tailored to your travel needs.

Dates for Guelaguetza

2016: Monday, July 30 and Monday, August 1.
2015: Monday, July 20 and Monday, July 27.
2014: Monday, July 21 and Monday, July 29.
2013: Monday, July 22 and Monday, July 29, 81st edition

An Amazing Whale Shark Season in Mexico is Upon Us

Posted July 22, 2016 by Jessica S. & filed under Nature, Riviera Maya & Tulum.

Whale Shark Season in Mexico off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is in full swing! Each year from late May to early September whale sharks migrate from around the world to the warm, tropical waters of the Mexican-Caribbean Sea. The waters near Cancun, surrounding Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy, are known to have some of the densest populations during this period. Check out the following footage recently taken near Isla Mujeres – it’s incredible!

Mexico Underwater from Rick Lyons on VimeoTraveled with Journey Mexico July 2016.

READY TO SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS?

For the opportunity to swim with the whale sharks of Mexico, check out our following tours:
Private Whale Shark Tour and Yacht Expedition to Swim with Whale Sharks

Or create a entirely customized vacation around the experience, like in our sample itinerary: Swim with Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins.

Remember, the use of a private, expert guide will enhance your experience greatly. In line with our commitment to sustainable tourism and pledge to provide the best possible services to our discerning travelers, we assure to asses each tour carefully only operating during good conditions and with certified, bilingual guides.

Los Cabos, Baja Califoria Sur

La Paz, Baja California Sur

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Riviera Nayarit and Punta Mita, Nayarit

Cancun, Quintana Roo

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Acapulco, Guerrero

Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

Mazatlan, Sinaloa

Manzanillo, Colima

Ready to Help Make a difference? Check out these links…

READY TO VISIT SAN MIGUEL ALLENDE and Hotel Matilda?

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Ready to detox from technology? Here’s how..

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Spa

Amenities

Want to Be one of the first to visit Chable?

Mexico Voluntourism/Ecotourism Conservation Trips with Ocean Society Expeditions

TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE ON TRAVEL WEEKLY, CLICK HERE.

Ready for some adventure in Mexico?

READY TO VISIT ISLA MARIETAS in RIVIERA NAYARIT?

Ready to visit Xochimilco?

Advantages of Renting a Villa in Mexico

Tips for Renting a Villa

Villa Rentals in Mexico

Other Useful Advice

Still not convinced?

Ready to Book your Villa Vacation in Mexico?

The 3 most beautiful under-the-radar islands in Mexico

Isla Mujeres

Isla Holbox

Isla Espiritu Santo

Want more islands?

La Guelaguetza: A Unique Vacation Experience in Oaxaca, Mexico

The Sites and Sounds of La Guelaguetza

Embracing Local Cultural Values as A Tourist

Ready to Visit Oaxaca During La Guelaguetza?

Dates for Guelaguetza

READY TO SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS?

Book Your Trip!

Book Your Trip!

Book Your Trip!