Journey Mexico at Mexico Pyramid Chichen Itza

Posted by & filed under Chichen Itza, Culture, Journey Mexico TV, Media.

Journey Mexico at Uxmal

Pyramid at Uxmal

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

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

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International Community Foundation Releases Report on Health Care and Americans Retiring in Mexico

Posted by & filed under News.

Rising healthcare costs and economic pressure caused from the global recession is causing more and more Americans to retire in Mexico, where they are finding affordable access to sufficient health care and where the cost of living is much more affordable. The International Community Foundation has released an extensive report that offers some interesting facts about retirement in Mexico and Mexican health care.

The report indicates that Mexican health care costs approximately 70-75% less than equivalent care in the US. A trip to the doctor’s in Mexico costs approximately $35 and a house call, which is still a prevalent practice in many regions of Mexico, costs as little as $25. Many retirees take advantage of the health care offered by the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS). For $600 a year, the IMSS will cover medicine, x-rays, dental work, and even hospital care.

As Mexico continues to pump money into training bi-lingual doctors and nurses, Mexico should continue to attract more and more retirees looking to live more comfortably than they are able to in the US.

Video About Safety in Mexico and Living in Mexico

Posted by & filed under Health and Safety, Media.

I just came across a nice video about Safety in Mexico and living in Mexico made by Mitch Keenan, the founder of Yucatan’s oldest real estate agencies, on The Truth About Mexico blog.

The video does a great job of illustrating the feeling of safety we have in Mexico as well as the abundance of activities and experiences the country offers on a daily basis.

If the video has peaked your interested in Mexico, we suggest you take Mitch’s advice and come visit the Yucatan Peninsula to experience what he’s talking about first hand. Archeological trips to see Mayan ruins and adventure trips will illuminate the rich cultural, natural, adventure, and luxury experiences the region has to offer.

Mexico to Start Focusing on Cultural Tourism

Posted by & filed under News.

We are always happy to see more articles, like Laura Del Rosso’s at Travel Weekly, about promoting Mexico’s opportunities for cultural tourism in conjunction with, and with the same effort as, its beach tourism. We all know that for years, Mexico has been publicized for it’s white sands, turquoise water, and pristine resorts, but it’s exciting to see more emphasis being placed on the myriad of cultural experiences Mexico has to offer.

In a previous article, we mentioned that Mexico has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other Latin American country, but we didn’t actually look at the numbers in comparison with the world leaders. In terms of cultural sites, Mexico has 25 sites, Italy has 42, Spain has 36, the UK has 23, France has 30, and the US has 8. In terms of natural sites, Mexico has 4, Italy has 2, Spain has 3, the UK has 4, France has 2, and the US has 12. With Mexico stacking up so strongly to these leaders of tourism in terms of cultural and natural sites, it obvious that we need to start advertising these sites the travelers of the world.

The reason I came to Mexico (from the US) in the first place was because I felt like “everyone’s done Europe.” From the moment I got here, I knew I made the right choice. Since I’ve lived here, I’ve had a few dozen people visit me, and I can honestly say that I am confident every one of them will be back to Mexico at some point in their lives. The country is just that beautiful.

We need to join together with Gloria Guevara, Mexico’s new Minister of Tourism, to combat the biased and misleading news agencies that are depriving the world of the unforgettable experiences that Mexico has to offer. Through cultural trips, wildlife experiences, and adventure travel, we can put Mexico at the top of the global tourism map, where it should rightfully be.

Interesting Connections Between Jesus Christ and Aztec God

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

Quetzalcoatl

I just read a few articles that make some interesting suggestions about the conversion of the ancient Aztec and Maya to Catholic Christian beliefs during the Spanish invasions of Central Mexico. The theory is that the conquistadors and the Spanish priests had a much easier time than expected converting the Aztec and the Maya because of the many similarities between the figures of Jesus Christ and the Mesoamerican god, Quetzalcoatl. It is claimed that these similarities facilitated conversion because the Aztec and Maya saw belief in Jesus as an extension of things they already knew as opposed to a complete diversion from their traditional beliefs.

To many of the Mesoamericans, Quetzalcoatl was a feathered serpent god who played a critical role in the creation of mankind as well as in daily life. A juxtaposition of Quetzalcoatl and Jesus Christ has revealed the following similarities: a deity playing a large role in the creation of mankind, a deity being a transgressor between earth and sky, a deity associated with the bread of life, a deity assisting the dead, a deity shedding his own blood to save the fate of mankind, a deity dying on a tree, a deity resurrecting and playing a role in the rebirth of the deceased, a deity who is associated with light and the sun, and more.

As with most comparisons of this nature, there has been much written to both support and negate these comparisons (what I’ve written comes from Sigi Frias, Wikipedia, and Brigham Young Univ.) but if you are interested in learning more about Mesoamerican deities, first hand, trips to archeological sites like Teotihuacan near Mexico City and Chichén Itzá in Yucatan are a must.

Journey Mexico Partner Location Featured in Vogue Magazine

Posted by & filed under Luxury, News.

Cuixmala, a Journey Mexico Partner Location, was recently featured in Vogue Mexico and Latin America Magazine. The article raves about the unparalleled beauty of the estate as well as about its romantic allure.

Cuixmala was built by the legendary Sir James Goldsmith as his private home in which he retired. Today, the 25,000 acre estate offers guests a very unique experience described to be “like staying at a friends grand private estate.” Set on the Pacific Coast of mainland Mexico, this estate preserves and protects its local environment through a variety of eco-reserve programs. Much of the food served at Cuixmala is grown on the estate’s private organic farms.

Whether it be a family vacation, an adventure trip amongst friends, or a romantic getaway, Cuixmala is sure to deliver an experience you’ll never forget.

You can download the pfd of the Vogue article here.

Continental Airlines Merges with United Airlines

Posted by & filed under News.

Continental and United signed a definite merger this morning. We received an email stating:

“We are proud to share some exciting news with you.

This morning, Continental announced that we have signed a definitive merger agreement with United Airlines. We plan to create a world-class airline with tremendous and enduring strengths.

Combined, Continental and United will offer the industry’s leading loyalty program, providing vast opportunities for members to earn and redeem miles with us and on our Star Alliance partners. Should you achieve Elite status, you will enjoy even more benefits such as upgrades and priority airport services. We will continue to provide you with the excellent and consistent service you value and have come to expect from us, across a much broader network with an unparalleled global reach.

Since our transition to Star Alliance last year, we’ve worked closely with United and are confident this combination will build upon the partnership we already have in place.”

The merger details claim that the companies combined will serve over 144 million passengers per year, and that the new company will be the world’s leading airline. You can read more at the details page.

Journey Mexico Partner at the Top of Green Resorts

Posted by & filed under Nature, News.

Luxury travel enthusiasts looking to travel to the Riviera Maya can keep it green while on vacation with Karisma’s hotels and resorts.

The adult friendly El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, by Karisma, have a “Passion for the Environment” program that is dedicated to keeping their luxury properties eco-friendly. In addition to a serious recycling program and an impressive solar power system, Karisma has a 70,000 square foot greenhouse facility that provides produce to its hotels and resorts throughout the Riviera Maya.

The greenhouses in the facility grow over 30 different types of produce including: cilantro, thyme, onions, tomatoes, honeydew melons, lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, chilies, basil, mint, and squash. By being able to produce in house, the Karina properties are able to enhance customers’ culinary experience with fresh, organic meals as well as to reduce negative emissions from the trucks that would normally have to bring in the produce.

The resorts also feature a fish market where guests can select fish from local fishermen’s daily catch to be prepared for lunch, dinner, or snacks by the pool.

Food and Beverage Events in Mexico – Summer 2010

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

If you are a luxury travel enthusiast who loves all things food and drink, be sure to check out these events this summer in Mexico.

Alimentaria Mexico 2010

This is Mexico’s most important international food, beverage, and equipment exhibition, which will be held June 1st through the 3rd at Centro Banamex in Mexico City. This Summer’s event will be the eighth Alimentaria Mexico, and more than 12,000 participants are expected from around the world.

In addition to the 475 exhibits, this year’s Alimentaria will include a Mexican gastronomy conference, nutrition seminars, wine & spirits tasting, and more. For more about this event, visit the Alimentaria’s website.

MEXIPAN 2010

This is the number one expo for the Bakery, Confectionery, Chocolate, and Ice Cream industries of Mexico. This event brings customers and suppliers together to showcase new products and discuss trends within the industry. More can be found at MEXIPAN’s webiste (in Spanish only).

Red Bull X Fighters in Mexico City

Posted by & filed under Adventure, News.

Fans of adventure travel were treated by Red Bull this year as the first stop of this year’s Red Bull X Fighters tour was at Plaza de Toros in Mexico City. The competition was held on April 16th but had to end early due to heavy rain.

More than 40,000 people showed up for the event and after watching the highlight video below, it’s easy to see why. Though the event ended early into the second round of competition, the fans made it clear that Mexico City will welcome these sorts of events in the future.

The remainder of this year’s X Fighter tour will take place in Egypt, Moscow, Madrid, London and Rome. Full details of the tour can be found at Red Bull.


More Motocross Videos >>

Zoot Suit Playing in Mexico City

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

Luxury travel enthusiasts traveling to Mexico City should enjoy this year’s production of Zoot Suit, which premiered this week and will run through July 4th. This production of Luis Valdez’s classic musical marks the first time Zoot Suit has ever been put on, in full scale, in Spanish.

Zoot Suit originally premiered in Los Angeles in 1978 and, due to its smashing success, went on to play on Broadway in 1981. This year, the The National Theater Company and the Theater at The National University of Mexico are putting the musical on in the university’s cultural center, the Teatro Juan Ruiz de Alarcon.

This important piece of Chicano theater should be very well received as Luis Valdez moved to Mexico months ago to cast and direct the play himself.

The Truth About Cinco de Mayo

Posted by & filed under Culture, News, Puebla.

Cinco de Mayo used to be one of my favorite holidays when I lived in the US (one I still miss dearly), but I have to admit that I never really knew what I was celebrating until I moved to Mexico.

If you take a minute Wednesday night, in between the Tequila shots and the Dos Equis, to poll your sombrero headed, maraca shaking bar mates as to the reason of the fiesta, you will most likely get one of two responses: “I have no idea, let’s get another Tequila,” or, “I think it’s like the 4th of July for Mexico.” While you can never go wrong with another Tequila, answer number two is definitely incorrect.

The truth is that Cinco de Mayo, the holiday, does refer to a significant event in Mexican history; however, that event isn’t really significant enough to be celebrated in Mexico (outside of Puebla where the event actually took place). On the 5th of May, 1862, a battle weary, outnumbered Mexican army defeated a better-trained invading French army in the town of Puebla. Sadly, however, this upset victory was short lived. In a matter days, the French re-grouped, defeated the Mexican army, and established rule of the area. Hence the reason the holiday isn’t celebrated here in Mexico.

But that doesn’t mean that Americans shouldn’t party in the name of Puebla. We love an underdog victory, which is, in reality, what you’ll be celebrating on the 5th. So come Wednesday, in the name of the underdog, strap on that fake mustache and that poncho, charge head first into the battle of defeating that Tequila bottle, and don’t stop until you’ve achieved victory. And in the true spirit of Cinco de Mayo, proudly suffer inevitable defeat – in the form of an imperial hangover Thursday morning.

Friends of ours at recently published a related post called “13 Surprising facts about Cinco de Mayo,” which you may also enjoy.

New Promotion Four Seasons Punta Mita

Posted by & filed under Newsletters and Promotions, Puerto Vallarta & Punta Mita.

We just got an update with some great summertime promotions from the Four Seasons in Punta Mita, Mexico:

Bed and Breakfast

  • Daily buffet breakfast included for two people at Ketsi restaurant (If third adult is sharing the room, 80 dls extra will be charged but no breakfast would be included)

Golf and Spa

  • Daily buffet breakfast for two people
  • Unlimited golf or an 80 minute massage per person per day
  • Unlimited non-motorized water sports
  • Tequila amenity

(One activity per person per day)

(Minimum length of stay of 3 nights)

Family Package

  • 1 st room reserved at Rack rate
  • 2nd room at 50% off exclusively for children  under 18 years old  in the same room type
  • Complimentary one-time nanny service per stay  for up to (4) hours
  • Complimentary meals for children under 12  from children’s menu only
  • 10% Discount on Vallarta Adventure Tours
  • Complimentary Kids for All Seasons Program for Children 5 and over,
  • Complimentary age appropriate kid’s welcome amenity

(Minimum length of stay of 3 nights)

Fifth Night Free

  • Get a complimentary fifth night with every four consecutive paid nights

Please Note:

-All packages are subject to availability – including room categories and black out dates.
– Packages are not combinable – it is either one package or another
– Packages will be confirmed at net rate
– Rates are subject to 19% tax and 10 %service charge
–  Cancellation policy will apply as per contract
– Maximum occupancy per room is up to two adults and 2 children OR 3 adults (with and extra charge of 80 dls per night)

Other Summertime Promotions can be found in our Spring Newsletter

To take advantage of these promotions, please click here

Baja’s Wine and Food Festival Season is Here

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

Great wine and savory food are two staples of proper luxury travel. Baja California has both (in abundance) and from April to October, the region showcases the best it has to offer in over 60 events. Last year, more than 50,000 people attended the festival, and this year’s events are already booking quickly.

Fiestas de la Vendimia (Pro Vino) and the CANIRAC restaurant association are presenting most of this year’s activities, most taking place around the wine country of Valle de Guadalupe and the neighboring seaport of Ensenada. “This diverse collection of festivities holds something for everyone, including wine seminars, award presentations, golf tournaments, vineyard concerts, bullfights, tango dancing, food and wine pairings, country picnics, fiestas, a winery inauguration, wine and lobster festival, paella competition, and more,” as reported by Mexidata, who has a great write up of this year’s festival on their site.

The official list of events can be found at Fiestas de la Vendimia. Note, the site is only in Spanish. Be sure to check out their photo gallery, though, for an idea of how much fun was had at the 2009 festival.

Mexico’s New Minister of Tourism Ready to Go

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

Just weeks after being appointed Mexico’s new Minister of Tourism, Gloria Guevara spoke at Tianguis about how Mexico has not been taking advantage of what the country has to offer in the way of historical and cultural tourism.

We all know that Mexico is geographically diverse and incredibly beautiful, but Guevara reiterated a great fact when she pointed out that Mexico has more Unesco World Heritage Sites than any other country in Latin America. In an effort to increase tourism to these sites, Guevara and the Ministry of Tourism have created and will host its first Cultural Tourism Conference to be held in Morelia later this year.

The conference will be geared towards tour operators and should be a great opportunity to collaborate on ways to increase tourism. Now if we can just get the American media to play fair…

Cabo San Lucas International Film Festival

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

Traveling to Cabo San Lucas for their International Film Festival is a must for anyone who loves luxury travel. The event, which will be held from November 5th to the 10th, is sure to be nothing short of glamorous as many of Hollywood’s celebrities with homes in the area are expected to be in attendance.

Cabo is considered the first “fly-in, sail-in vacation destination for the stars,” and for good reason as Cabo’s natural beauty is only an hour away from Hollywood’s brightest. The many resorts, restaurants, and nightclubs, set against the breathtaking Sea of Cortez, make the city of Cabo San Lucas the perfect venue for an international film festival.

More information about the festival can be found at their website.

Ancient Ruins Continue to be discovered in Mexico

Posted by & filed under Culture, News.

Tzintzuntzan of which the newly discovered Purepechan site is believed to be a suburb

If you enjoy archaeology travel, Mexico is a must visit as archeologists are constantly uncovering cities, towns, and places of importance from the Mesoamerican world.

The archeology department of Colorado State University has recently discovered and mapped an ancient city of the Purepecha people near Lake Patzcuaro. The Purepecha people, who held off the Aztecs and long resisted the Spanish, are thought of as unique in terms of Mesoamerican peoples, as their language is believed to most closely resemble that of the Quechua in far-off Peru. Archaeologists hope the discovery of this new site will add to the almost non-existent knowledge of Purpechan culture.

The site at Patzcuaro is said to include houses, plazas, temples, and a pyramid. Patzcuaro is located just outside of Morelia and makes an excellent location for a day trip during a tour of Colonial Mexico. More about this recent discover can be found at The Los Angeles Times.