The Hotel Esencia Experience

Posted by & filed under Riviera Maya & Tulum.

One of the best boutique hotels in Riviera Maya, Hotel Esencia is also one of the most luxurious and romantic. It is a favorite for brides-to-be and featured in many wedding magazines as the perfect Mexico Destination venue, but the reason we love it so much is the exclusivity.  Thirty simple and elegant rooms are spread out on a 50-acre private estate that is surrounded by lush tropical plants. The property was actually once an exclusive beach-side retreat for an Italian duchess, so it feels like a personal residence instead of a hotel.  With an impeccable beachfront, private lunge pools, day spa and gourmet restaurant, families and couples are invited with open arms to experience the laidback and lowkey Esencia lifestyle.

Hotel Esencia spoils its guests with personal touches such as greeting them by their name daily, coffee and pasteries delivered direct to the room, and private palapas. Most impressive are the suites, Deluxe Ocean View and Master Oceanview. The Deluxe has stunning 360-degree panoramic windows that look over the horizon while the Master is the Duchess’ former bedroom and a plunge pool.

esencia esencia-1

Journey Mexico Tips

For brides or hooneymooners looking to spend their time in the Riviera Maya, plan to stay around 6-8 days. It gives you enough time for not alone alone time, but to take romantic tours to Sian Ka’an, Tulum, Rio Secreto, and other nearby activities.  Be sure to book yourselves an Esencia de Amor Couples Massage includes exfoliation massage and private jacuzzi salts and scents aphrodisiac!

 

Journey Mexico Exclusive

From now until November 15, 2013, when you make your Riviera Maya luxury travel arrangements with Journey Mexico and stay at Hotel Esencia, you will receive at no additional cost: Tequila tasting – white, añejo and reposado, a 30 minute complimentary massage with the purchase of  a 50 minute treatment, upgrade at check-in*, early check-in and late check-out*, refreshing welcome drink on arrival, wine and fruit platter, daily breakfast. Valid for travel to December 15, 2013; promotion valid only when booking with Journey Mexico; * – subject to availability.

Photo by Del Sol Photography

 

Puente Baluarte (Baluarte Bridge)

Posted by & filed under News.

The drive between Durango to the Pacific coast resort of Mazatlán in Sinaloa currently takes about 6 hours but the time will be cut in half when the new 4-lane Puente Baluarte (Baluarte Bridge) is finished later this year. 

Inaugurated by President Calderon in January 2012, the 1.2 billion dollar, 403 meter tall and 520 meter long bridge has been officially certified by the Guinness World Records as the highest stay cable bring in the world.  It is the second highest bridge overall and the longest stay cable span of the American continents. Its official name, Balurate Bicentennial Bridge, refers to the 2010 bicentennial of Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain. It had been hoped that the bridge would be inaugurated that year as part of the 2010 celebrations, but delays pushed it back to 2012, and now completion is due  in late 2013.

The impressive Baluarte bridge spans a deep ravine in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains in the north and  is part of the new Durango-Mazatlán highway  crossing some of Mexico’s most rugged terrain, from. The plan is that eventually, it will form part of a highway linking the Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

August 2013 Newsletter

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

Aug-BlogHitting inboxes around the world is our August newsletter  packed with the latest in what’s going on in Mexico and where to go. This month we focus in on Mexico’s upcoming plans and strategies to strengthen the tourism sector and put the spotlight on some of the UNESCO World Heritage Cities.  Be sure to also check out the exclusive promotions we secured from Hotel Esencia and Villa Cortez. 
 To view the August newsletter in its entirety, click here.

 

 

Travel + Leisure The 2013 A-List: Journey Mexico’s Zachary Rabinor

Posted by & filed under Things We're Proud Of, Travel + Leisure.

“In the hands of an expert, a simple vacation can become a life-changing journey: an breathtaking adventure, an education unmatched in any classroom, a soul-restoring retreat. Wherever your travels take you—from cruising in Antarctica to a walking safari in Zambia—we have the agent for you.” – Travel + Leisure

travel-leisure-2013Last week at the Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas , Travel+Leisure (T+L), announced its annual A-List of its assessment of best travel advisors  in the industry. We are excited to announce that for the fourth consecutive year, Journey Mexico’s Founder and President Zachary Rabinor has been included in their 2013 A-List: Word’s Top Travel Agents.

Every year, thousands of travel specialists are evaluated but only a handful make the cut. The 2013 list is broken up into 12 destination or niche specialties features 161 travel advisors  which includes agents, receptive tour operators, and destination specialist operators. In this year’s edition, T+L asked these advisors to share their latest destination discoveries and insider tips. Here’s  what Zach had to say:

“The 22-room Hotel Bo on the site of an Art Deco building in Chiapas’s San Cristobal de las Casas. A playful mash-up of mid-century modern furniture and traditional design elements, the hotel incorporates narutal materials from the surrounding regions, giving it a strong sense of place.”

The 2013 A-List will be published in the October issue of Travel + Leisure which hits stands September 20th; be sure to grab a copy and check out Zach’s feature! You can also view  Zachary Rabinor’s profile on Travel + Leisure’s website.

zach-travelleisure

Travel + Leisure 2013 A-List Travel Advisor Zachary Rabinor with VP/Publisher, Jay Meyer, and News Editor, Amy Farley, of Travel + Leisure

The Future Plans and Strategies for Mexico’s Tourism

Posted by & filed under News.

In a recent article for Travel Weekly, Editor in Chief Arnie Wiesemann had the opportunity to sit down with Mexico’s new Secretary of Tourism, Claudia Ruiz Massieu, to discuss  how she intends to grow Mexico’s tourism to become  the third-largest contributor to the country’s economy (which is currently in fifth place).  Journey Mexico is always a fan of Arnie’s interviews with Mexican officials because he asks straight forward questions to get the answers on what to expect– even with the president!

The article “Mexico tourism Q&A” focuses on getting the details of how the Secretary of Tourism, who is a lawyer by training and comes from a Mexican political family,  plans on growing  tourism revenues, including details on  a train linking Cancun to Chichen Itza and Merida, a “tourism cabinet” chaired by Peña Nieto himself, and a marketing initiative that includes a re-branding of the Pacific Coast.

To read the full interview, click this link. Below is copied transcript of our favorite asked and answered question on the topic on how Ruiz Massieu plans to differentiate her strategies to draw tourists to areas of Mexico outside the resort and beach destinations — which Arnie points out that other officials have not been successful in doing.

 

TW: In the past, others who have tried to draw tourists to areas of Mexico outside developed resort areas have not succeeded on a large scale, in part because of the chicken-and-egg dilemma of which comes first: tourist interest or infrastructure? Hoteliers are reluctant to build, and airlines are reluctant to provide service to an area unless its popularity is proven, yet many tourists won’t come to a destination unless there’s good transportation and tourist-quality accommodations. Is this being addressed in discussions about bringing tourists beyond sun-and-beach?

Ruiz Massieu: Part of the rationale behind the tourism cabinet is precisely these types of issues. We were talking about this with the finance minister, president and other ministers one day when looking at some of the challenges facing tourism. And another minister said, “Well, it’s like the chicken and the egg.” And the finance minister said, “Well, when there’s a chicken and the egg, then it’s time for the government to step in and tip it in some direction.”

So, yes. For example, one of the things the president has decided is to make all of the federal monies that ministries traditionally administer to different areas be made more transparent, so things are better coordinated and understood.

For example, the agency for the development of indigenous people in Mexico traditionally has received lots of money to generate an ecotourism infrastructure within the communities that have an indigenous original population. But those decisions about how much, where and what type of spending didn’t necessarily involve the ministry of tourism. So the result was that a lot of this infrastructure and a lot of this federal money that was allocated to different programs within different states didn’t have the impact on tourism that it should have had.

By making it visible and tying it to the national tourism policy, we are going to be able to direct all of those resources to the places and type of programs that we, with our expertise, know makes the most sense.

So, coming back to the infrastructure question. We need infrastructure, and we do have lots of resources from the federal government that are there precisely to generate the kind of infrastructure that sometimes the private sector can’t get going by themselves.

It’s key that the government is participating. We’re also, for example, working with the development banking system to develop specific credit vehicles. And the president created the National Entrepreneurship Institute, which we’re working with to channel and target the kinds of projects that are commercially viable and make sense from a touristic point of view.

And that’s where [Mexico Tourist Board CEO] Rodolfo [Lopez-Negrete] comes in, with all of the tourism board’s knowledge about markets, about the type of product that we need to be developing and about the specific markets where we need to promote these new and different products.

TW: We have been talking a lot about process. Do you have specific projects planned to increase tourism?

Rodolfo Lopez-Negrete: Secretary Ruiz Massieu asked [the tourist board] to identify priorities from a regional perspective. The southernmost five states — Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Chiapas and Tabasco — comprise the greatest archaeological wealth that we have. Without neglecting the rest of the country, this particular part of the country is one of the ones we believe has the greatest potential. Cancun is not only a wonderful destination, but can be a hub of distribution to spread tourists through the region — tourists who fly in from international markets. It’s an area that has cultural attributes comparable to China, Egypt and Greece.

But, of course, infrastructure has to go hand in hand with that.

Ruiz Massieu: It’s where Mayan culture was settled in Mexico, and it’s possible to integrate different experiences to complement the sun-and-beach experience that you get in Cancun or Riviera Maya. In fact, the president announced in January that the government is going to build a railway that’s going to link Cancun to Merida so you can go to Cancun, go to the beach, and then hop on a train and see archaeological and colonial sites on the way to Merida.

It’s going to be great. And we are going to also reinforce regional connectivity by air and highway. We’re investing heavily in infrastructure. The president just announced that the federal government is going to invest $25.8 billion this year in communications infrastructure, highways, rural highways, ports and airports, both enhancing capacity and evaluating projects for new airports and trains. So it’s going to be a really comprehensive policy that’s going to be linked to the infrastructure. We’re developing and upgrading what we need to make these destinations more accessible. The Yucatan Peninsula is an example of what we want to do with what we already have.

Looks like we have a lot to look forward to in the next 6 years of Ruiz Massieu’s term! We are happy to read that tourism is moving in the right direction and that goals are being set so that both tourists and tourism providers can continue to enjoy and explore the beautiful country of Mexico. Be sure to read the full interview on Travel Weekly “Mexico tourism Q & A” for more answers about what to expect in Mexico’s tourism, including the topic of safety and and security.

 

Day 3: Traveling the Yucatan

Posted by & filed under On the Road, Yucatan.

Journey Mexico’s CEO and Groups Director recently accompanied Trafalgar and 30 travel partners on a journey through the Yucatan Peninsula. The three day journey started off in Cancun and led them through Merida, Izamal, and Celestun; it was a FAM trip to experience Trafalgar’s unique Treasures of the Yucatan tour and a chance for Journey Mexico to meet and receive feedback from those who sell the product.

Below is an overview/testimonial of day two from Trafalgar

At the end of my last update we were preparing for our Be My Guest experience in Mexico…..and what a great night it was!

We were met at the hotel by our host, Glendy, who’s family have restored their traditional family home and now offer an interactive and authentic Mayan food experience. After introducing herself, Glendy’s next words were “I am looking forward to welcoming you into our home”. I never tire of hearing brand delivery that is spot on! During our short journey, we  wound our way through the streets of Merida until we arrived at Chaya Maya for our next adventure. It is a beautiful hacienda that has been painstakingly restored to become a very local dining experience. We were greeted with a margarita and a demonstration of the traditional way to make tortillas. It wasn’t long before we were sampling them fresh off the hot plate and few of the agents tried their hand – a very good effort all round.

mexican-food trafalgar-mexico-day3 trafalgar-mexico-day3-1 trafalgar-mexico-day3-2 trafalgar-mexico-day3-9

We then moved into a private room where Glendy talked us through the role spice blending plays in Mayan cooking. Ahmed did a great job crushing and mixing and we tried several local delicacies from mild to “picante”…it was hot! We then moved into a private dining room and all enjoyed a stunning feast of traditional and contemporary Mayan fare. The group loved the whole experience and raved about it all evening. After dinner most of us elected to walk back to the hotel and spent time mixing with the locals in a bustling square. The city is incredibly vibrant at night and make no mistake, this is the kind of dynamic you would completely miss if you were on a cruise. These cities take on a dramatic change as the sun sets and you will see from the pics attached that it’s an experience not to be missed.

trafalgar-mexico-day3-7 trafalgar-mexico-day3-6 trafalgar-mexico-day3-5

Sadly I had to bid the group a warm adios as had an early flight the next day. I am certain that as they are all experiencing Trafalgar for the first time, they are fast beginning to understand the difference travelling with Trafalgar as the true insider makes!

I have been genuinely blown away by the beauty and warmth of Mexico. It’s very clean, safe and steeped in tradition and history. The architecture is amazing and the people of Mexico are extremely hospitable and keen to share their country with us. And the food…..oh the food. Time for a run! Hasta la vista Mexico.

 

Go back to Day 1 <<

Day 2: Traveling the Yucatan

Posted by & filed under On the Road, Yucatan.

Journey Mexico’s CEO and Groups Director recently accompanied Trafalgar and 30 travel partners on a journey through the Yucatan Peninsula. The three day journey started off in Cancun and led them through Merida, Izamal, and Celestun; it was a FAM trip to experience Trafalgar’s unique Treasures of the Yucatan tour and a chance for Journey Mexico to meet and receive feedback from those who sell the product.

Below is an overview/testimonial of day two from Trafalgar

After a relaxing night and a few Mexican treats for breakfast, we set off towards Celestun. Along the way Fernando stopped at a very  local hidden treasure. It was the private cemetery for a traditional Mayan village. Fernando talked us through the burial ritual and spirituality of the Mayans. They believe dying is not a bad thing – just a process and continue to honour those past with ceremonies and feasts throughout the year. The site was colourfully decorated and each headstone was surrounded by items that had significant value to that person. This ranged from their favourite drink to jewellery and clothing of the family member.

Mexican cemetary trafalgar-mexico-6

Our next stop was fishing village of Celestun. Our group boarded small motor boats and headed out into the mangroves hoping to spot the famous pink flamingos. They get their bright pink colour from eating the shrimp lava although unfortunately it had rained heavily this morning so the water level was above the ideal wading level for the flamingos. We had a great time racing around in the boats (not that I’m competitive!) and spotted many other unique bird life including pink pelicans that sit in trees! We also cruised through an amazing mangrove forest and heard stories of pumas and crocodiles that also live in the mangrove islands. Our guides for this experience were local fisherman and taking our guests to visit Celestun is very important for the local economy. It was time to eat (again) so we settled into a great beachfront seafood restaurant for a very tasty local lunch.

trafalgar-mexico-1 trafalgar-mexico-4

Now….about Tequila. Tequila is actually a town in Jalisco and is blanketed agave plants. I’m sure you know that tequila is made from the agave plant but what you may not have realised is that there is tequila….and there is tequila. The finest tequila is made from the blue agave plant and good tequila is aged in oak barrels much the same is wine. It is meant as a sipping drink – not shots. Some take tequila in a chilled glass and some in a brandy balloon – either way, the Mexicans take great pride in good tequila. Fernando even had tequila filled chocolate for the group to sample on the coach.

Yucatan is also famous as the place where scientists believe the meteor landed that wiped out the last of the dinosaurs many centuries ago. They found a crater 60klms wide and 30klms deep just off the coast and the asteroid was recently discovered at the base of the crater.

That’s it for now. Heading back to the hotel so our travel partners can freshen up before tonight’s Be My Guest experience.

Go back to Day 1 <<

Go to Day 3 >>

 

All photos have been provided by Trafalgar.

Day 1: Traveling the Yucatan

Posted by & filed under On the Road, Yucatan.

Journey Mexico’s CEO and Groups Director recently accompanied Trafalgar and 30 travel partners on a journey through the Yucatan Peninsula. The three day journey started off in Cancun and led them through Merida, Izamal, and Celestun; it was a FAM trip to experience Trafalgar’s unique Treasures of the Yucatan tour and a chance for Journey Mexico to meet and receive feedback from those who sell the product.

Below is an overview/testimonial of day one from Trafalgar

I’ve started another  adventure having just attended the Flight Centre Global gathering in Cancun. We had the opportunity to run a post Global fam for 30 of our agent partners and we left Cancun yesterday bound for the beautiful white city of Merida in the capable hands of our Travel Director, Fernando. Fernando is part Mayan (the indigenous people of the Yucatan) and is also fully certified for all the archaeological sites and treks in the region – a true insider!

trafalgar

The group was in excellent form and really excited about the insider experiences that lay ahead. Our first stop was lunch in Valladolid – a very traditional Mexican village and we enjoyed an authentic lunch of local Mayan inspired delicacies followed by a walk in the square. The markets were in full swing and we mixed with the locals as they strolled the square enjoying the sunshine. After the group swept through the shops like locusts, we headed for Izamal.

I have never been to Mexico before and have to say that already this country, the friendliness of the locals and their genuine hospitality has made a significant impression. The food is amazing (will talk about tequila later) and there is no doubt that the insider experiences we offer our guests coupled with the relaxed pace is the best way to explore this beautiful part of the world.

Fernando (now affectionately called “can you hear the drums” by the group), walked us through the beautiful monastery of Saint Antonio Padua. This incredible site was built in 1554 and is the second largest catholic courtyard in the world….and the largest enclosed catholic courtyard in the world! Fernando talked us through the history of the Mayan people and subsequent Spanish occupation of the area. The Spanish wanted to convert the Mayan’s to Catholicism due to the Mayan practice of sacrificing people to their various gods – they had one for everything! The Mayans challenged the Spanish based on seeing the Catholic deity also sacrificed on a cross and it was these negotiations at this very convent that changed how Jesus was depicted throughout Mexico as the statues were removed and replaced with images of his face. This is the kind of history you would miss if travelling on your own.

fernando-izamal
izmal
izamal

[The night] was free  to explore the beautiful city of Merida. It’s immaculately clean tree lined streets and the amazing local restaurants recommended by Fernando were quickly heaving with our travel  friends!

merida

 

Go to Day 2 >>

All photos have been provided by Trafalgar.

July 2013 Newsletter

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

July Blog NL
We’re more than halfway through the year and we know there are many people out there that need to book their 2013 holiday travel; and that’s where we step in! After last month’s spotlight on wildlife adventures in Mexico, this month takes a rest and relax approach. We highlight Merida, a tranquil city that flawlessly combines luxury and culture and feature  the wellness retreat: Tranquility in the Yucatan. We also present an exclusive promotion we secured from Casa Lecanda in Merida. Other highlights include  La Catrina de Alcala, Capella Pedregal, and Journey Mexico’s Conde Nast feature.

 

To view the July newsletter in its entirety, click here.

Authentic Travel Is Journey Mexico’s Aim – Travel Weekly

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

Journey Mexico recently chatted with Travel Weekly about our aim to provide authentic travel in Mexico. Below are excerpts from the article “Authenticity is tour op’s aim” written by Gay Nagle Myers and featured on Travel Weekly’s website:

Oaxaca Native Crafts Woman Alebrije

Agents seeking answers to questions on travel to Mexico have a bounty of websites and resources at their disposal. For programs that offer vacations at incredible beaches and luxurious resorts, scores of operators more than fill that bill.

If the unexpected in culture, nature, wildlife, cuisine and customized luxury experiences are on a client’s bucket list, inbound operator Journey Mexico is one of the go-to experts.

 

 

Tulum ruins view“We handle approximately 2,500 guests a year, primarily on customized tours, although we do offer about six fixed departures for groups,” Rabinor said. “We have a couple of small-group tours with a maximum of 13 participants and a couple of programs that carry up to 50 guests.”

He emphasized, however, that customized programs for couples and families with an average of three to six participants each account for the majority of Journey Mexico’s business.

“Our market is upscale, high-end, luxury travelers and active travelers, people looking for the real Mexico,” Rabinor said.

 

To read the complete article on Travel Weekly, click here.

 

Conde Nast 2013 Travel Specialist – Annual List of the Pros to Turn to When a Trip Has to Be Perfect

Posted by & filed under Condé Nast.

CN Travel Specialist 2013

 

For the fourth year in a row, Journey Mexico’s President and Founder, Zachary Rabinor, has been named Conde Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialist for Mexico! Top Travel Specialists in Condé Nast Traveler is a  distinction that only a handful of travel professionals from around the world have been awarded.

 

Is a Travel Specialist Really that Big of a Deal?

Actually, it is. Every year, about 10,000 travel agents and tour operators try to break onto this list since its inception 14 years ago, only a tiny fraction have made the grade—this year, 146 specialists. Instead of picking someone who has never stepped foot on foreign soil, this title guarantees that you’re working with a superb expert who knows your destination inside and out. A specialist is someone with the ability to score  rooms with the best views, provide the savviest English-speaking guides,  free upgrades,  special access and ultimately, who will produce the maximum experience.

How was Zach Chosen?

First of all, Zach doesn’t just sit in his office and page through travel guides; he lives and breathes Mexico!  In the first six months of 2013 alone, he has personally led a surf trip in Huatulco, a scouting adventure in the Copper Canyon with his family, site inspections along the Riviera Maya, visited Valle de Bravo, and led a super VIP tour through the Yucatan Peninsula, Chiapas through to Colima and Punta Mita. While traveling, not only is he making connections that mean all the difference to his clients, but he also checks out the best hotels and resorts to continuously perfect our Journey Mexico portfolio of private villas and unique accommodations.

zachandfam

 

His knowledge and expertise of Mexico has warranted him recognition as not only a Top Travel Specialist in Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious 14th Annual Travel Specialists List but also as a Conde Nast Traveler Villa Specialist (2013 announcement here).  Zach is the only Travel Specialist in Mexico who has also been chosen as one of the World’s Top Villa Specialists (also by Condé Nast Traveler). You can view Zach’s CNT profile here.

 

 

awards-CNTTestimonial

Have you already traveled with Journey Mexico before thanks to Zach’s assistance? If so, he requests you to kindly leave a comment on his profile found on this link. Thank you!

Updated Mexico Travel Warning from U.S Department of State – Most Tourist Cities Safe

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety.

In an effort to make sure U.S. citizens are aware of any international security concerns in Mexico, the U.S. Department of State has been updating their travel warning about every eight months or so. The report was edited last week, with little changes from its prior on November 20, 2012.

General Conditions

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. More than 20 million U.S. citizens visited Mexico in 2012. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) have targeted U.S. visitors and residents based on their nationality. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that is reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes. More >>

 

Cities Clear For Travel

The follow tourist cities and places continue to have no warning or advisories in effect:

Baja California Sur: No advisory is in effect.
Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, La Paz, Todos Santos, Isla Espiritu Santo, Loreto, Laguna San Ignacio, Magdelena Bay

Campeche: No advisory is in effect.
Campeche City, Calakmul, Edzna

Chiapas: No advisory is in effect.
San Cristobal de las Casas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Comitán, Tapachula, Palenque, Yaxchilán, Bonampak, Toniná, Sumidero Canyon, San Juan Chamula, Zinacantan

Guanajuato: No advisory is in effect.
Guanajuato City, Leon, San Miguel de Allende

Guerrero*:
Acapulco, Taxco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa

Jalisco#:
Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta, Tequila

Distrito Federal: No advisory is in effect.
Mexico City (Polanco, Santa Fe, San Angel, Coyoacan, La Condesa, Chapultepec Park, Bascilica de Guadalupe, Historic Center, Zócalo, Xochimilco, Teotihuacan, Templo Mayor, Bellas Artes)

Michoacan*:
Morelia

Nayarit#:
Riviera Nayarit, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita, Sayulita, Bucerias

Oaxaca: No advisory is in effect.
Oaxaca City, Sierra Norte, Monte Alban, Mitla,  Teotitlán del Valle, San Bartolo de Coyotepec, San Martin Tilcajete,  Cuilápam de Guerrero, Tlacolula,  Huatulco, Puerto Escondido

Puebla: No advisory is in effect.
Puebla City, San Andres Cholula, San Pedro Cholula

Queretaro: No advisory is in effect.
Queretaro City, Bernal

Quintana Roo: No advisory is in effect.
Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum,  Playa del Carmen, Mayakoba, Akumal, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Aventuras, Cozumel, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve,  Xpu-Ha

Sinaloa*:
Mazatlan

Tabasco: No advisory is in effect.
Villahermosa

Yucatan: No advisory is in effect.
Merida, Chichen Itza, Isla Holbox,  Ek Balam, Valladolid,  Izmal, Uxmal

*There are advisories in effect for the state. The listed cities are okay for travel but you should exercise caution and stay within tourist areas. Read the warning for specific details and outlines.
#There are advisories in effect for the state but the listed cities are okay for travel.

Journey Mexico Recommends

As with any travel, you should always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. We encourage everyone to review the detailed information on staying safe in Mexico via the State Department’s Country Specific Information for Mexico.

In a recent Travel Weekly article, our very own Zach Rabinor commented on  safety concerns and said, “Mexico is back on the map for many international travelers. Business definitely is rebounding. The recovery we see is reflected in increased arrivals, package sizes, forward bookings — a great indicator of traveler confidence in a destination — and more off-the-beaten-path trips to cultural, natural and adventure destinations, which are another indicator of travelers’ comfort with their own safety and personal security.”

For more resources on the Safety of Mexico, check out our regularly updated resources with over 60 articles, posts, tweets, infographs & more! Safety of Mexico Resource
—————————————————————————-

Note: The U.S Department of State travel warning was updated January 9, 2014. Read the new post here: 2014 UPDATED MEXICO TRAVEL WARNING FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

 

Condé Nast Traveler Gets Hungry For Tamales

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

Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s contributing editor, Mark Schatzker was recently reporting from Mexico City when he found himself hungry for some traditional Mexican food.  In his article, “”An Envelope of Joy” featured in the July 3012 issue of Condé Nast Traveler,  Mark tantalizingly describes what a tamale is and the joy of sinking his teeth into the warm corn masa.  Hungry for more and knowing that there are endless variations of tamales in Mexico;  he called upon  Journey Mexico asking for some advice about the best tamale destination.

As a result, Journey Mexico’s expert recommendation landed us a spot in Condé Nast Traveler!

 

cnt-tamale-2

Journey Mexico’s Tamale Recommendation:

“I love the tamales in Oaxaca, where they are known for using thing corn dough and lots of filling. I like getting the pork leg tamale from the Tamales Geno stand in La Merced market, helmed by a vivacious mestizo woman who’s constantly steaming and folding the tasty treats right there at the stand. For less traditional tamales, I travel to Itanoni, a restaurant on the outskirts of the city known for its corn based dishes. There I order flor de calabaza or squash-flower tamale, stuffed with the freshest squash[Av. Belsario Dominguez 513, Colonia Reforma; 52-951-513-9223]. On the way back to the city center, I fnd it hard not to stop at the Monta Alban ruins,w here you can walk through a maze of tunnels that connect many of the structures, which date to 500 B.C.” – Zachary Rabinor, Journey Mexico

To read the complete article, pick up the July 2013 issue of Condé Nast Traveler; or you can read it here: The Best Tamale I Ever Ate Was Also the Stupidest.

 

 

Can’t get enough tamales!?

We  asked our friends on Facebook to tell us their favorite place for tamales and here’s what they said:

“[Tamalli, in Mexico City] is a little frou-frou as it’s not buying from an old lady you know or from a long-standing family business or puesto, but I love the tamales from this place, especially the chocolate ones. I always ask my mother-in-law to get me some from here at Christmas when I visit.” -Maura Hernandez, The Other Side Of The Tortilla

“My favorite tamales are the Yucatan-style tamales, specifically tamales torteados that we eat in downtown Cancun” – Laura Winfree de Mendez , Gringation Cancun

“According to popular consensus among my tamale loving friends in Oaxaca, the favorite tamales can be found at the Sanchez Pascua Market on Porfirio Diaz in the center of town. So head there to find Catalina Minerva Paz who runs Tamales Cande and eat the best Tamale Oaxaqueños in town! Wash it down with a fresh juice from the Super Jugo stand next door!” – Susannah Rigg, Mexico Retold

“Oaxaca! They ruined me on Mexico City tamales forever. The best ones I tried were on a tour with Susana Trilling, at the market in San Agustín Etla. I still dream about the squash flower-chepil ones.” – Lesley Tellez, Eat Mexico

 

Planning a Luxury Trip to Merida

Posted by & filed under Colonial Cities, Destinations, Luxury.

Capital of the state of Yucatan, the colonial city of Merida was founded on the ancient Maya city known as Thó and offers a stark contrast to the seemingly untamed heartland of several ancient civilizations.  The narrow streets and shady plazas create a feeling of the old-world, as horses and cars traverse the cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old mansions. Perfect for travelers seeking luxury and culture, Merida offers first class facilities– many of the mansions and haciendas have turned into luxury boutique hotels, gourmet restaurants and cafes, galleries and museums. A stroll down Paseo de Montejo with traditional Yucatecan music leading your way is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Best of all, Merida  is one of the safest cities in Mexico.

Culture Dancers in Merida

When to Visit Merida

Throughout most of the year, Merida has a tropical climate and cool winds that blow in from the nearby coast with temperatures that range between 28ºC(82ºF) and 35º C(95ºF). The rainy season runs from June through October. In reality, any time  is a good time to visit Merida.  On any of the given 365 days of the year there is a cultural celebration with shows and serenades waiting to entertain  you. On Sundays in particular there are a series of activities in the historic center that really bring out Merida’s true  colors. For an even deeper immersion, you can try to coordinate your visit with one of the major cultural and festive events throughout the year: January 5 (Merida’s Anniversary and city festival), February 28 to  March 4 (carnival celebrations), October (Cultural Autumn), November 1 and 2 (Hanal Pixan).

 

What to Visit in Merida

Museums: Anthropology and History Museum which exhibits a great sample of Mayan history and anthropology; Museum of the Yucatecan song which is an exhibition of items and words that gave the yucataen style fame; and the Museum of Popular Art which displays different ethic groups of Mexico and strengthens the regional identity.

Barrio de Santiago – One of the oldest neighborhoods in Merida which is anchored by the Santiago Chuch is a must. The church’s construction in the 17th century helped the urbanization of what had previously been a Maya village. Also worth checking out is the Santiago Market and Park

Palacio de Gobierno –  A grand government building from the outside, on the inside are beautiful murals that tell the symbolic history of the Mayans and the Spanish takeover.

Paseo de Montejo – Emulating the Champs Elysees in Paris, the famous Paseo de Montejo is is lined with historic colonial mansions that have been converted into restaurants, bar, boutique hotels, galleries, shops and museums.

.
Paseo Montejo Merida

 

Where to Eat in Merida

Casa Piedra – Located in the beautiful Hacienda Xcanatun, this restaurants serves up superb service and and Mexican Contemporary gourmet dishes. The chef fuses European techniques with Caribbean and Yucatecan ingredients. Hacienda Xcanatun is also a great hotel option while in Merida!

Casa Piedra

El Principe Tutul Xiu – This restaurant is legendary for its Yucatecan  dishes that combines the history and culture of the area. The food is exquisite and the chef believes the most important ingredient is tradition.

Rosas & Xocolate – The culinary specialties created by master chefs  are sure to satisfy. Rosas & Xocolote offers a unique ambiance and beautiful atmosphere, with a menu full of  culinary innovation.

 

Where to Stay in Merida

Casa Azul — This beautiful boutique hotel is located a few steps away from Paseo de Montejo. It was built in the XIX century and declared a Historical Monument. With only 8 rooms, the facilities are a grand mix of luxury and comfort. The backyard has an inviting pool and the terrace is uniquely located in front of the hotel where you can enjoy  an exquisite gourmet dinner or just share drinks under the murmur of traditional music performed by great singers.

Boutique hotel in Merida

Casa Lecanda — An elegant Yucatecan home is the backdrop for this 7 room boutique hotel, restored to perfection and infused with exquisite European architecture. Surrounded by swaying palms, magnificent arches, luxurious Spanish tile and the vivid beauty of local Merida, Casa Lecanda is a stunning sanctuary. Guests enjoy a tranquil refuge with historical appeal.

Luxury boutique hotel in Merida

 

Merida Tips

Keep in mind that Merida is a great starting point for discovering the rest of the Yucatan and its archaeological treasurers. When planning your luxury vacation to Merida you can opt for a tranquil experience (Tranquility in the Yucatan), an exploratory journey (Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula), a cultural immersion (Culture of Mexico), an archaeological expedition (The Archaeological Mayan Journey), or an adventurous exploration (Adventures in the Yucatan)!

 

 

 

 

New UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico: El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve

Posted by & filed under Adventure, News.

The UNESCO World Heritage Committe added 34 sites to the UNESCO World Heritage List last week after meeting in Cambodia. One of Mexico’s natural attraction, El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, was included on that list, considered of having outstanding universal value.

El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is located in the Mexican state of Sonora and is made up of two distinct parts. To the east, a dormant volcanic shield, El Pinacate, of black and red lava flows and giant craters; and in the west, the Gran Altar Desert with active sand dunes towering up to 200 meters high.  El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar’s variety of landscapes  have promoted a large diversity in species, many of which are found only in the Sonoran Desert.  The subtropical desert ecosystem is reported to host more than 540 species of vascular plants, 44 mammals, more than 200 birds, over 40 reptiles, as well as several amphibians. The Sonoran Desert is considered to be the desert region with the most biodiversity in the world.  The area also has a rich archaeological history and is considered sacred by an indigenous group.

The UNESCO World Heritage list now has 981  properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage. Of the 981, Mexico has a total of 32, the largest in the Americas and the sixth most in the world.

 

 

Photo by IUCN Tilman Jaeger

Photo by IUCN Tilman Jaeger

Chactun, The Lost Maya City in Mexican Jungle

Posted by & filed under News, Yucatan.

Archaeologist Ivan Sprajc leads the team of foreign and national experts. (Mauricio Marat / INAH)

Archaeologist Ivan Sprajc leads the team of foreign and national experts. (Mauricio Marat / INAH)

News recently broke that archaeologists and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH)   have found an ancient Maya city that until now has remained hidden for centuries in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula– 75 miles west of Chetumal covering roughly 54 acres in the southeast of Campeche

They named the city Chactún, meaning “Red Rock” or “Large Rock” and hope that this discovery will provide further clues and evidence about how the civilization collapsed.

Chactún, which covers about 54 acres has ball courts, plazas, sculpted stone shafts (stelae) and most impressively, 15 pyramids including one that stands 75 feet tall.

Read Full Article Here

 

 

 

 

June 2013 Newsletter

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions.

June Blog NLHot off the digital presses! June’s newsletter is packed with the latest in what’s going on in Mexico and where to go. This month the spotlight is on wildlife adventures in Mexico– butterflies, turtles, and whales, oh my! Be sure to also check out the exclusive promotions we secured from Casa Azul in Merida and Hotel Bo in Chiapas.

 To view the June newsletter in its entirety, click here.

 

Protect Loggerhead Sea Turtles in Mexico

Posted by & filed under Los Cabos & Baja Californias.

The non profit organizations dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife, SEETurtles and SEEtheWILD, have created a petition to protect the endangered loggerhead sea turtles and they plan to send it to various Mexican government authorities this week.

The loggerhead sea turtle migrates thousands of miles across the entire Pacific Ocean through deadly longlines and plastic pollution from their nesting grounds in Japan to feed on the abundance of red crabs along the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Too often they are met at the end of this arduous journey by an invisible wall of death – hundreds of gillnets stretched across Baja’s coast. Last summer a horrific 600% increase in dead sea turtles was observed in Gulf of Ulloa along Baja’s Pacific coast, an area famous for its friendly gray whales and an important eco-tourism destination. A stunning 483 loggerheads washed up dead on 40 km of shoreline in just the month of July, and scientists estimate over 2,000 loggerheads were killed last year in gillnets alone off of Baja’s coast.

As a travel partner of SEEtheWILD, we at Journey Mexico lend our support and believe that the President of Mexico must respond immediately to protect these sea turtles.

SEETurtles’ first action in bringing attention to this devastation is to send a letter to the Mexican Secretary of Tourism and to the officials of the Baja California Sur state government. With the support of 27  tourism organizations and tour operations, including Journey Mexico, there is hope it will make the economic case to the government for strong action to protect the turtles.

We invite you to get involved as well. Below is a link to a petition to the Mexican government.. Please feel free to share that in any way– we must encourage solutions to this pressing problem!

Sign the petition to protect endangered loggerhead sea turtles here

turtles