Mexico Guide

Mexico Remains a Top Spring Break Location

Thu, 31 May 2012 13:19:26 -0500

Mexico Remains a Top Spring Break Location

Christmas Posadas in Oaxaca

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:32:00 -0600

One of my favorite Mexican Christmas traditions is Las Posadas. In this tradition, the biblical passage in which Mary and Joseph search for shelter in Bethlehem is re-enacted each evening for the nine nights leading up to Christmas. In my neighborhood, a posada is held on a different street each night. One family will host the posada at their home, but everyone who lives on the street is invited to contribute food, hot drinks, candy, or piñatas.

The 16th of December is the night of the first posada. Because this is the first night, it begins with a mass that is held either in the local church or chapel (in this case a tiny neighborhood capillita). Following the mass, the group will form a procession to the home where the first posada is going to be held. Often they will carry candles or small lanterns, and sing hymns or Christmas carols (called villancicos in Spanish). In some cases there are children dressed up as Mary and Joseph leading the procession (sometimes they’ll even have a real donkey to ride), but most often there are figures of Mary and Joseph which are carried at the front of the procession.

Upon arrival at the home of the family who is hosting the posada, the group will gather around the front door of the house and sing a special song to ask for shelter. In this song the people outside sing the words of Joseph requesting a place to stay for his pregnant wife, and the people inside the home sing the words that would have been spoken by the innkeeper. At the conclusion of the song the innkeeper consents to let them stay, and the door of the home is opened, and all the participants enter joyfully. Read the lyrics and translation of the posada song.

In a traditional posada, once the crowd is inside the home, there is then usually a Bible reading and a religious reflection and some prayers, and then the fun begins. There are several piñatas to break, hot drinks are served, either hot fruit ponche or atole, and something to eat, like tamales, tortas or tostadas are distributed to the guests. Besides the candy in the piñata, all the children are also given loot bags full of candy (to the delight of the children, and this parent’s dismay). There is a festive atmosphere with the whole neighborhood coming together to take part in the celebration.

The images of Joseph and Mary will stay in the home where the first posada was held until the following day, when people will gather there again and form a procession to the home of the family hosting the 2nd posada, and the same will take place each night until December 24th, when the images are returned to the church for Christmas Eve mass.

Posadas are great fun for the whole family, and a wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit. The tradition of holding posadas is celebrated differently in different parts of Mexico, but this is the experience I’ve had of posadas in Oaxaca, and I’m glad to live in a place where the traditions and the bonds of family and community are so strong.

Read more about Mexican Christmas traditions.

Marca País – Imagen de México, is a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination. This program is designed to shine a light on the Mexico that its people experience every day. Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as a Contributor for the México Today program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Visit Mexico Today on Facebook and Twitter.

Oaxacan Handicrafts and Folk Art

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:29:00 -0600

A piece by Angélica Vásquez of Santa Maria Atzompa, Oaxaca

Oaxaca is known for the variety and beauty of its handicrafts. Oaxaca’s diversity is reflected in its popular art: pottery, woodcarving, weaving, basketry, candle making, embroidery, and many more crafts are practiced here. Collectors from all over the world come to Oaxaca to purchase the folk art created by skilled Oaxacan artisans.

Many of the small towns and villages surrounding Oaxaca City specialize in a particular type of craft. In some cases this specialization dates back as far as prehispanic times when different villages were required to pay tribute to the ruling group in specific goods.

Oaxacan families who create folk art pass their knowledge down through the generations. In most cases the finished product is the result of family cooperation, with different family members taking responsibility for different tasks. Though skills and knowledge are passed down, each individual brings their own creativity to their work and each piece bears the personal touch of its creator.

Barro negro from San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca

Several villages in the Oaxaca valley specialize in pottery. The black pottery (barro negro) produced in the town of San Bartolo Coyotepec is one type for which Oaxaca is famous. The color of this pottery is the result of a technique that was developed by Doña Rosa Real, a potter from the village. She found that if the pieces weren’t fired as long as usual they would come out black instead of the usual grey. This black ware is decorative but not practical, as it will not hold water. The pieces are burnished with a smooth stone before firing to give them a shiny metallic gleam. This innovation came about just in time - prior to that time pottery had been used for many practical purposes, but as the use of plastic became more common, the potters were losing business. The switch to creating highly valued decorative pieces allowed many families of potters to continue practicing their craft.

Painting a woodcarving, San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca

Woodcarving was practiced in Oaxaca throughout history, but the term “alebrije” which is given to the carved wooden animals is of fairly recent provenance. Pedro Linares, an artist from Mexico City, created the first alebrijes in the 1930s; these were fantastical animals made of paper mache. In the 1950s, Manuel Jimenez from the village of San Antonio Arrazola, Oaxaca, began to make the same type of designs in wood. The theme became popular, and soon many Oaxacan woodcarvers were creating alebrijes. There are now three villages in the Oaxaca valley which specialize in woodcarving: San Martín Tilcajete, San Antonio Arrazola and La Union Tejalapa. The themes and styles vary, but they all reflect the rich heritage and imagination of their creators.

Wool tapestry with feathers by Francisco Martinez of Teotitlan del Valle

Weaving is the main economic activity of the village of Teotitlan del Valle. This Zapotec community is famous for the quality and beauty of its woolen rugs which are woven on pedal looms. The inhabitants of Teotitlan wove in ancient times, but prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, they wove cotton and used the backstrap loom. Wool and the pedal loom were introduced later, and revolutionized the weaving process. The weavers began to use synthetic dyes in the 1920s, but the use of natural dyes such as cochineal and indigo has been revived in the past few decades. Natural dyes are more time consuming to prepare, but the finished piece is of finer quality. In recent years, other innovations have taken place in Teotitlan’s textiles industry, including, for some weavers, the inclusion of other materials in their weavings, for example the use of feathers as in the tapestry pictured above.

Master weaver Francisco Martinez proudly displays his work

Visiting towns and villages in the Oaxaca valley where handicrafts are created allows travelers to meet the artisans, visit their homes and studios, see them at work, and learn about the whole process that goes into creating an exquisite work of art. This experience adds depth of meaning to any purchased piece - it is not only a beautiful possession, but a souvenir of a trip and a memento of an encounter with a Oaxacan family. Buying pieces from those who made them is the best way to support the artisans and their families, and helps them to keep their heritage alive.

Monte Alban: Capital of Zapotec Civilization

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:16:00 -0600

Monte Alban is one of my favorite places in the world. Located on a mountaintop some 4 miles to the southwest of Oaxaca City, this archaeological site, along with the historical center of Oaxaca City, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.

This ancient place is less well known than some of Mexico’s other archaeological zones, such as Chichen Itzá and Teotihuacan, but no less important. This was the first urban center of Mesoamerica and the capital of Zapotec civilization. Once known as Dani Baá to the Zapotecs, and Ocelotepec to the Aztecs, this site is now named Monte Alban (“white mountain”) for the white flowering trees called casahuates which flourish in the area and bloom in November and December.

Casahuate tree in bloom - Creative Commons photo by Ruddy Benezet

In order to build the city, the top of the mountain was flattened off, and the architectural plan was laid out; tons of rock and dirt were moved and used to construct a new sacred landscape. The architecture of the site is on a grand scale, characterized by massive pyramids and immense open spaces. When we contemplate the human resources, materials and logistics necessary for such an undertaking, it becomes clear that this was a highly organized civilization.

The archaeological record tells us that the construction of the site began in about 500 B.C., a few centuries before the founding of Teotihuacan. Although it never attained the size of Teotihuacan, the Zapotecs maintained control over the Oaxaca valley and the surrounding region for over 1000 years from the vantage point of their mountaintop capital.

The inhabitants of Monte Alban made several important intellectual achievements. They developed a calendar and writing system (as yet undeciphered). They used the number system inherited from the Olmec civilization. They had astronomical knowledge, which can be seen in the alignment of certain building features with celestial phenomena. Their architectural and engineering abilities are obvious. There are also clues pointing to the extent of their medical knowledge.

Monte Alban was deserted some seven hundred years before the arrival of the Spaniards. The Zapotec people abandoned the city and subsequently, other sites in the valley flourished (Yagul, Zaachila and Mitla). Many Zapotecs remain in the valley and continue to speak their language; today there are over 400,000 speakers of Zapotec.

Alfonso Caso, a Mexican archaeologist, began a major excavation of the site in 1931. During his first year of fieldwork, a tomb was found which contained a spectacular treasure which surpassed anything that has been found in Mesoamerica to this day. The treasure contained over 400 pieces of gold, silver, turquoise, and intricately carved bone. This is not a Zapotec treasure, but was deposited by the Mixtecs in a later re-use of a Zapotec tomb. The majority of this treasure is on display in the Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca, in the Santo Domingo Cultural Center.

Gold jewellery from the Treasure of Tomb 7 on display at the Santo Domingo Museum.- Creative Commons photo by hmerinomx

From Building E, the highest point you can climb on Monte Alban’s North platform, you can take in a spectacular view of nearly the whole archaeological site, the expanse of valley around it, and the surrounding mountains, and get a sense of how the design of the site reflects the natural landscape and blends harmoniously with its surroundings.

Although this site still holds many secrets, it is clear that its original inhabitants possessed substantial knowledge of architecture, engineering, astronomy and art. Beyond what the archaeologists have been able to discern, it’s a place that has a distinctive energy - whenever I’m there I have a feeling of peace and connectedness. Maybe it’s because of the site’s antiquity, or perhaps the ancient Zapotecs chose that spot because it was a special place to begin with, but it is certainly a location that seems to hold great power.

Marca País – Imagen de México, is a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination. This program is designed to shine a light on the Mexico that its people experience every day. Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as a Contributor for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Visit Mexico Today on Facebook and Twitter.

Making Memories in the Riviera Maya

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 23:39:00 -0600

A few months ago, as my mom was planning her yearly trip to Oaxaca to visit me and my family, she suggested that we travel to some other place in Mexico for a portion of her trip - she’s visited Oaxaca almost every year since I moved here and thought it might be fun to get to know more of Mexico. I realized that this “Mexico expert” has been remiss in her duties! It was high time I introduced my mom to more of Mexico, especially considering that she’s the one who first introduced me to Mexico. I took on the role of vacation planner and, since my 12 year-old daughter Jasmine is always game for an adventure, I spoke with her teachers about her missing school for a few days so we could have a multi-generational girls getaway.

I quickly decided on the Riviera Maya as our destination. Planning a trip for people of varied ages and interests can be quite a challenge, but the Riviera Maya offers an overwhelming array of choices of activities for everyone. It wasn’t difficult to find things to do that would appeal to all of us. In fact, I encountered the opposite problem. We only had five days, and that isn’t enough time to even scratch the surface of all there is to see and do in the Riviera Maya. We wanted some time to relax and enjoy the beach and natural areas, but we also wanted to explore archaeological sites, cenotes and parks.

We met up with my mom at the Cancun airport, then spent our first two days in the lap of luxury at the Fairmont Mayakoba. This AAA Five Diamond resort isn’t all-inclusive, but we took advantage of the special Appetite for Luxury package which includes meals and drinks at the hotel’s fabulous restaurants, so we were able to enjoy wonderful meals at no extra charge.

All three of us loved the Fairmont Mayakoba. The natural surroundings, luxurious rooms (with enormous bathrooms), and attentive, friendly staff, not to mention the delicious food, made our stay one to remember. My mother’s favorite part of our stay was the boat tour of the property which gave us the opportunity to appreciate the varied ecosystems and abundant wildlife of the Fairmont Mayakoba.

Mom enjoys a boat tour of the Fairmont Mayakoba

Jasmine’s favorite thing about this hotel is the bicycles which you can find throughout the grounds - you can grab one whenever you like and leave it at any of the bicycle stands on the property. This is a great way to explore the extensive grounds, and my daughter took full advantage of it, using the bikes whenever possible. I joined her for a bike ride from the beach back to our room in the late afternoon, and I found it both an exhilarating experience and a convenient way to get around.

Riding a bike at the Fairmont Mayakoba

We left the Fairmont Mayakoba well-fed and relaxed and ready to embark on some hard-core exploring. We traveled south along the Riviera to Tulum, where we checked in at Om Tulum, which was very bare bones in comparison with our previous digs, but located on the gorgeous Tulum beach. The following day we visited two archaeological sites: the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tulum, and Cobá, where we climbed the highest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although we were exhausted, at my daughter’s insistence, we stopped at the Gran Cenote for a swim before heading back to the hotel. We were very glad to have given in to her pressure, because a dip in the cenote’s crystal-clear water was the perfect refreshing finish to a long day.

On our last full day we visited Xcaret park. I had been wanting to visit this attraction for a very long time, but had not had the time on my previous visits to the Riviera Maya, so I was thrilled to finally be able to go, and the park does not disappoint. Xcaret offers the best features of a zoo, aquarium, water park and cultural center all rolled into one. We loved everything we saw and did there, from the scarlet macaw breeding area, to the butterfly pavilion, and the aquarium, and swimming in an underground river. However, the highlight for all of us, hands down, was the Mexico Espectacular show at night. I have been hearing about this show for years, but it was much better than I could have imagined. We left singing the show’s finale, “Mexico en la piel” all the way back to our hotel.

Swimming an underground river at Xcaret

I had hoped that this vacation would be an enjoyable getaway for the three of us, and that I would have the opportunity to research a few places that I’ve wanted to experience and write about more in-depth, but I didn’t count on creating so many wonderful memories. Our five days in the Riviera Maya were packed with fun, adventure, learning, and great moments that we will always remember.

Great memories from the Riviera Maya

_{Marca País – Imagen de México, is a joint public and private sector initiative designed to help promote Mexico as a global business partner and an unrivaled tourist destination. This program is designed to shine a light on the Mexico that its people experience every day. Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as a Contributor for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own. Visit Mexico Today on Facebook and Twitter.}

Americans migrate south of the border for better lifestyle -...

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 10:00:00 -0500

Americans migrate south of the border for better lifestyle - Nightline ABC News

Affordable Healthcare Options Abound in Mexico

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 22:08:00 -0500

In the past few years Mexico has made great strides toward its goal of universal health care coverage. As Mexico tackles making health care accessible to all its citizens, expats and visitors are attracted by the variety and affordable costs of medical services and prescription drugs in Mexico. Some retire to Mexico to enjoy a more laid-back lifestyle while taking advantage of the affordable health care, and others travel to the country specifically for medical treatments.

Mexico’s health care system is made up of three tiers. Those who have the means to pay for private insurance may do so, or enjoy private medical care on a pay-as-you-go basis. Salaried workers are covered by IMSS (Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social), Mexico’s government-run social security institute; retired people and the self-employed may also enroll in IMSS for an annual fee, and many expats living in Mexico are enrolled. A decade ago, the rest of the population, nearly half of Mexico’s 110 million inhabitants, had no health care insurance. Those not covered by other health services may now sign up for and receive health care through a program known as Seguro Popular.

Private Care and Alternative Treatments

Mexico has an extensive system of private clinics and hospitals with modern facilities, well-trained physicians, and equipped with the latest in medical technology. Private medical care in Mexico is available at a fraction of the cost of the same procedures in the US, and does not require long waits. A consultation with a general practitioner runs about 500 pesos (less than $50 USD), specialists may charge a few hundred pesos more.

An excellent low-cost option available to all is offered by Farmacias Similares, a chain of drug stores selling generic drugs: most have a clinic with in-house doctor offering consultations for just 30 pesos. Here patients are attended to, often by recent med-school graduates, and the generic drugs prescribed are a fraction of the already low cost of brand name drugs.

IMSS

For under $300 USD a year, Mexican residents who are not enrolled in the Seguro Social system through their place of work can sign up for coverage independently. The cost varies according to the age of the insured person. Some pre-existing conditions are not covered in the first two years, but otherwise consultations, preventative checkups, procedures, hospital stays and prescription medications are covered.

Seguro Popular

Seguro Popular “popular insurance” was launched in 2003 with the goal of providing universal health care coverage. The poorest were enrolled first, with coverage gradually extending to all of those not covered by other types of health insurance. Seguro Popular offers access to over 250 medical interventions and the respective medications at Centros de Salud and public hospitals throughout the country. Seguro Popular also covers several specific costly interventions, such as treatment for cancer in children, HIV/AIDS, cervical and breast cancer. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Health, over 90% of Mexico’s population is now covered, and Mexico is on track for universal health coverage by 2012.

Traditional Medicine and Alternative Therapies

Traditional medicine and alternative therapies are widely available in Mexico. Traditional medicine practitioners, whether known as curanderos, hueseros, parteras, or chamanes, in many cases come from a long line of healers who have passed down their knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs. Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and it is extremely likely that there are many plants with healing properties which have not yet been recognized by modern medicine, but have been in use by native healers for generations. Alternative therapies have a wide appeal, whether used in conjunction with allopathic medicine or alone, and Mexico is an excellent location for trying out traditional treatments such as undergoing a “limpia” (ritual cleansing), a temazcal steam bath, or healing massage.

Medical Tourism

It’s no surprise that with the wide array of health care options in Mexico, and taking into account its low cost, that increasing numbers of people from the U.S. and Canada are traveling to Mexico where they know they can receive high quality medical care at affordable prices. Clinics catering to medical tourists have sprung up along the U.S. border in places like Tijuana and Algodones, and in popular destinations such as Guadalajara and Cancun. Many of these clinics also provide travel assistance and concierge service to aid patients in their travel plans. Whether for dental work, cosmetic surgery or other procedures, Mexico presents a viable option for those seeking affordable, quality health care.

For a humorous look at expats seeking out Mexico’s affordable health care options, watch this clip from the Daily Show:

The Daily Show

Mexico City Hosts the World at FITA

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 13:09:00 -0500

I recently returned from a whirlwind four-day trip to Mexico City where I attended the second annual International Tourism Fair of the Americas (FITA). The Mexico City government invited me, along with members of the press from throughout Mexico and the world, to attend this prestigious event as well as to enjoy a small sampling of what one of the most exciting cities in the world has to offer.

The International Tourism Fair of the Americas was held at the ExpoBancomer Santa Fe exhibition and convention center from September 22 to 25, 2011. With 52 Mexican destinations represented, as well as 60 other countries, this tourism fair is the largest of its kind in the Americas. Tourism industry professionals from all over the world gathered for business meetings, workshops, seminars, and fun. The first two days were for industry professionals only, and the following two days were open to the general public.

FITA provides an ideal ambiance to learn about different tourism products, services and destinations, and to connect with their representatives. Wandering through the exhibition center, visitors enjoyed a visual feast of imaginatively designed stands, where they were greeted warmly by exhibitors who plied them with information, brochures, and souvenirs. Conferences and seminars on a wide variety of topics took place throughout the day. In the gastronomy pavilion, participants sampled regional foods and beverages, and enjoyed culinary presentations. There were also cultural offerings; and Aztec dancers and people in traditional dress enlivened the atmosphere.

Speaking with the press, Mexico City Minister of Tourism Alejandro Rojas Diaz Duran emphasized the importance of FITA, saying that it is a key platform for promoting Mexico as a world leader in tourism. The fair is the result of a strategic alliance between the public and private sectors which have joined forces to promote tourism as a vital economic activity. The organizers’ objective is to consolidate the fair, increasing the number of participants each year, with the expectation that exhibitors, buyers and visitors will not only attend the fair, but also help to bolster Mexico’s position as one of the foremost tourist destinations in the world. Diaz Duran stressed that quality of service, good prices, and Mexico’s unique offerings are strengths which can counter negative perceptions of Mexico.

Besides attending the tourism fair, the invited press also visited places of interest in and around Mexico City, enjoyed great food, and the warm hospitality for which Mexico is renowned. Mexico City is a fascinating destination, with remnants of the Aztec capital it once was and architecture dating from the colonial period, but above all it is a modern city, always bustling and vibrant, with an enormous array of options for visitors in terms of amenities and attractions.

I was delighted to have the opportunity to re-visit some of my favorite Mexico City sights on this trip, as well as add a few sights that I had not had the opportunity to experience previously, such as the Bazar del Sábado in San Angel, and the view from Bellini, a revolving restaurant on the 45th floor of Mexico City’s World Trade Center.

For me the best takeaways of the trip were the stack of business cards I accumulated from all the wonderful contacts that I made, and the memories of good times with new friends. As they say in Mexico: “Los mejores recuerdos se llevan en el alma,” the best memories are carried in the soul.

The third edition of FITA is scheduled to take place from September 20 to 23, 2012.

See more photos from my trip to FITA and Mexico City on the Mexico Travel Facebook page.

Visit the International Tourism Fair of the Americas website: fitamx.com

Visit Mexico - a beautiful video produced by the Mexican Tourism...

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:49:29 -0500

Visit Mexico - a beautiful video produced by the Mexican Tourism Board.

Mexico Today Social Magazine

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:09:00 -0500

The newly launched Mexico Today Social Magazine on Facebook profiles stories and submissions from leading Mexico bloggers and influencers, including the 24 Mexico Today Ambassadors.

This innovative tactic pushes the envelope of what is possible on Facebook, leveraging community participation from fans to produce a dynamic and evolving, socially-curated online publication. The intent is to create a grassroots movement by allowing submissions from those who are interested in Mexico’s culture, the Mexican economy, Mexico’s environment and more.

Help shape the conversation about today’s Mexico. The Magazine accepts not only short links, but also longer blog posts. Submit your content today to enter a chance to win a $500 gift card.

Share your story now: go to the Mexico Today Facebook Page and click “Like” if you haven’t already, then choose “Social Magazine” from the left-hand menu.

Santo Domingo Church and Cultural Center in Oaxaca

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Oaxaca is well known for its gastronomy, archaeological sites, fiestas, and handicrafts, but many visitors are surprised by Oaxaca’s impressive colonial architecture. Oaxaca’s cathedral, La Soledad church, and the Santo Domingo church and former convent are all excellent examples of Oaxacan religious architecture from the colonial period, but Santo Domingo is the most outstanding. Considered by many one of the finest examples of Dominican architecture in Mexico, Santo Domingo is built on a grand scale. The interior decoration of the church is hyper-ornate, while in the former convent, open spaces and elegant arcades predominate.

Designed by Dominican friars and built by native workers, the religious buildings which have survived from the colonial period are impressive. The two vastly different cultures and traditions which collided during the colonial period combined to create some magnificent works of art and architecture. Another determining factor in Oaxaca’s architecture is the fact that it is a seismic zone, and subject to frequent earthquakes. The architects learned through trial and error to build structures which could withstand earthquakes.

History of Santo Domingo Church and Former Convent

Construction began on the Santo Domingo de Guzmán complex in 1575, and was not complete when the Dominican friars occupied the building in 1608 following the destruction of their former convent, San Pablo, in an earthquake. Construction of the main church and convent was completed around 1619, the Rosary chapel was built later, and completed in 1731. The convent was the principal monastery of the province, it served as home to as many as 150 Dominican friars and novices, and was also a Dominican educational center.

From the War of Independence through to the Mexican Revolution, the church and convent were successively occupied by military troops of various factions, which resulted in the destruction of much of the original interior decoration. The church and a small section of the convent was returned to the Dominicans in the 1930s, and in 1972 a museum was opened in one section of the convent, but it wasn’t until 1994 that the military finally vacated the building completely. A major restoration project took place for the next four years, using local materials and traditional construction techniques, returning Santo Domingo to its earlier splendor. The Santo Domingo Cultural center was inaugurated in 1998, and consists of the Oaxacan Museum of Cultures (Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca), the Francisco Burgoa library, the Nestor Sanchez periodicals library, and an ethnobotanical garden.

Visiting Santo Domingo Cultural Center

Santo Domingo is a not-to-be-missed sight on a visit to Oaxaca. The church, the museum and the ethnobotanical garden are all well worth a visit. Even visitors who don’t like churches and museums should at least go in and take a look around and get a sense of the grandeur of the construction.

Santo Domingo Church: The church’s interior features 17th Century baroque decoration with intricate gilded wood and plasterwork. Open from 7 am to 1 pm, and 5 to 8 pm daily. No flash photos.

Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca: The museum’s 23 permanent exhibition rooms offer a walk through the history of Oaxaca from pre-Hispanic times through the colonial period and independence. The most impressive display is the room showing the Treasure of Tomb 7 from Monte Alban. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed Mondays. Admission is 51 pesos.

Francisco de Burgoa Library: This library contains over 30 000 volumes published between 1484 and 1940. Reading room hours are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm; the showroom is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Website: Biblioteca Francisco de Burgoa

Ethnobotanical Garden: The ethnobotanical garden is a project which was instigated by Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo, and the focus is not just on the plants, but their cultural significance. It is located behind the church and former convent in the space once occupied by the former convent’s orchard and garden. At present the garden may only be visited as part of a guided tour. The guided tour is very interesting, and highly recommended for anyone interested in plants, natural history and culture. There are daily tours in Spanish, and tours in English on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11 am, cost 100 pesos. Entrance at the corner of Constitución and Reforma. Website: Jardin Etnobotanico

_{Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as a Contributor for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own.}

Enjoying Mexico's Natural Areas

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:37:00 -0500

Mexico is among the world’s top five most biodiverse countries. This phenomenal biodiversity is due to Mexico’s highly varied topography and its geographic situation — it’s located where the Nearctic and Neotropical ecozones meet, so it has species which are endemic to both zones. Accordingly, there is also a huge array of ecosystems in Mexico. You’ll find wetlands, deserts, mountains, forests, jungles, islands, and coral reefs. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers who can explore the wide variety of options for adventure and ecotourism, and also enjoy quiet moments surrounded by natural beauty.

Mexico has more than 170 natural protected areas which make up over 12% of the country’s territory. Mexico’s natural protected areas come under a variety of classifications; they are biosphere reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, natural monuments, natural resource protected areas, and flora and fauna protected areas. The National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, or CONANP (Comisión Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas) is the government agency encharged with protecting Mexico’s natural treasures. Keeping in mind that many of the communities living in and around Mexico’s natural areas have survived by exploiting natural resources, an important part of CONANP’s plan for management of these areas involves the local communities, changing attitudes about natural resources, and presenting other options for making a living. In many cases, the answer is ecotourism, which, in the best cases is a win-win-win situation, helping to conserve the natural environment with its flora and fauna, benefiting the local people, as well as offering wonderful opportunities to travelers.

Of course visiting these natural areas brings with it great responsibility. As tourists we must not cause harm to the places we visit, the people, and other living things. To do this it is important that we respect the local culture and any restrictions which may be placed on visits, respect the local people and their privacy, stay on designated paths and avoid disturbing the wildlife. We can contribute to the local economy by purchasing crafts or other goods from the person who made them. Hopefully by visiting respectfully, we can help to ensure that these places will be open to visitors for many years to come.

Mexico is a place where you can stand in a forest surrounded by fluttering butterflies, swim with the largest fish in the ocean, cheer on baby sea turtles as they make their way to the sea, take a boat ride through a spectacular canyon with 2600 feet-high walls, explore an underground river, hike up a snow-capped volcano, or simply marvel at gorgeous panoramas that defy description. This is but a small sampling of the variety of activities Mexico has to offer. It’s one of the richest countries in the world in terms of natural resources, diversity of landscapes, and natural beauty, and a not-to-be-missed destination for anyone who loves nature.

Guelaguetza: Celebrating Oaxacan Culture

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Living in Oaxaca I have had the opportunity to witness many of Oaxaca’s cultural expressions and the Guelaguetza is one of the liveliest and most joyful of them. The Guelaguetza is a festival which is celebrated in Oaxaca in the month of July, but the meaning of “Guelaguetza” goes far beyond the actual festival. The true meaning of Guelaguetza has to do with the members of a community coming together and sharing their cultural heritage and all the things that make them unique.

The word Guelaguetza means “offering” in Zapotec, and implies a reciprocal exchange between parties. In the Guelaguetza festival, also known as “Los Lunes del Cerro” (Mondays on the Hill), representatives of the different regions of Oaxaca come together wearing their traditional clothing, and they perform the dances which are particular to their region. After they dance, they distribute gifts to the crowd: fruit, baskets, candy, mezcal, tamales and other local goods. This festival is a grand celebration of the cooperative sharing that takes place in every day life in Oaxaca.

The word “guelaguetza” is used in other contexts besides the festival. For family occasions such as baptisms and weddings, or community celebrations like the feast day of the patron saint of a town, members of the community contribute the items which are needed for the celebration. These contributions are the guelaguetza which each member brings that allow the celebration to take place, this could range from a simple carton of beer to paying for a musical group to perform, whatever is within each person’s or family’s means. Since these contributions are understood to be reciprocal, guelaguetza creates and reinforces the social ties within the community.

The state-sponsored Guelaguetza performances take place in an auditorium on a hill overlooking the city. Tickets are sold for the first two sections of the auditorium, and the remaining two sections have free admittance. For the 2011 Guelaguetza, the auditorium has a new roof made up of a metal structure with a tent-like covering to protect the participants and audience from the elements. Previously there was no roof and those who attended the Guelaguetza were exposed to the strong sun in the morning and rain in the afternoon (since the dates of the festival fall in the middle of rainy season, rain is nearly a certainty). Now the view of the city is obscured, but those who attend the Guelaguetza may comfortably enjoy the presentation. Several other events take place throughout Oaxaca City during the Guelaguetza. This year there was a mole festival and a mezcal fair, as well as nightly presentations of a laser light show projected on the facade of the cathedral.

Besides the events taking place in Oaxaca City, there are other Guelaguetzas held in various villages throughout the valley. These more informal celebrations of the Guelaguetza probably bear more resemblance to the way the festival was originally celebrated. This is not so much a show, but a time for people to come together and enjoy one another’s presence, their culture and food. The Guelaguetza lasts for several hours and here people come and go throughout the presentation.

This year I attended the Guelaguetza festival in Zaachila, a town located about 6 km outside of Oaxaca city. The Guelaguetza in Zaachila is held by a hill in the town’s archaeological zone.

In the video you’ll see just one of the many groups who performed at the Guelaguetza. This is the delegation from Santa Catarina Juquila, a village situated in the Sierra Madre mountains which is home to the Virgin of Juquila, a venerated image of the Virgin Mary. They perform a dance, and then later a “torito” (little bull) comes on stage (a guy holding a frame built to look like a bull, with firecrackers attached) and chases the dancers around the stage, after which the dancers throw fruit and candy to the crowd. Their guelaguetza, the offering they bring, consists of their presence at the festival, the dances they present, as well as the items they give to the crowd.

The Guelaguetza is a festival of music, costumes, dances, and food, but it’s also a celebration of the mutual interdependence of people within a community. It’s a moment when Oaxacan culture can be appreciated at its best. The Guelaguetza participants and all who attend demonstrate great pride in their cultural heritage and show a sincere joy in sharing it with others.

If your visit to Oaxaca does not coincide with the Guelaguetza celebration in July, you can still see the traditional dances and costumes of the Guelaguetza in the presentation of the Guelaguetza on Friday nights at the Camino Real hotel or nightly at the Casa de Cantera.

Learn more about the Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca.

Disclosure: I am being compensated for my work in creating content as a Contributor for the México Today Program. All stories, opinions and passion for all things México shared here are completely my own.

Mexico for Families: Reasons to Travel to Mexico with your Kids

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Mexico is an excellent destination for a vacation or extended stay for families with children of all ages. A visit to Mexico can expand children’s horizons: they’ll be introduced to a different culture, language, and beautiful landscapes, and they’ll have a great time as well. Mexican culture is extremely child-friendly, and people are very welcoming of families with children, and will go out of their way to be helpful to them. It’s a very large country and there are sites and activities to interest all ages. There’s plenty for children and their parents to see, do and learn in Mexico.

Mexico is a family-friendly destination. People are very welcoming and accepting of children. You may even find that having your children along helps people to relate with you more easily, and provides a common ground when meeting Mexican families. While in the United States and Canada it often seems that children are segregated into their own special sphere, in Mexico, children are accepted virtually everywhere. Even fancy restaurants usually have a highchair on hand, though you may be more comfortable taking your children to more casual establishments.

There are plenty of activities that are fun and interesting for children. Some obvious ones come to mind immediately, like beach and water activities, or kids’ clubs at all-inclusive resorts, but there are many more activities that your children can enjoy. Museums, nature reserves, archaeological sites, town plazas and markets can all make for fun visits for children. Timing your vacation to coincide with a holiday or local celebration can allow you to witness and participate in the festivities.

Educational opportunities abound in Mexico. Kids can learn about wildlife, history, and archaeology, as well as local culture. They can also practice their Spanish language skills. Learning to communicate in another language can be fun. Older kids and teens may enjoy ordering their own meals in restaurants or bargaining with vendors in the market for souvenirs. Younger kids may enjoy reading signs or learning to count in Spanish, and even the smallest ones can practice greetings and saying gracias.

Besides being fun and offering a change of pace from everyday life, the best vacations also provide opportunities to learn and grow. Traveling with your family to Mexico can give your children some learning experiences and wonderful memories that will stay with them forever. Traveling allows us to see the world from a different perspective, to see how alike and different people really are, and that’s a great gift to give our children.

Some tips for traveling to Mexico with children:

Make sure your children have all the required travel documents: a passport is necessary if traveling by air, as well as a letter of parental authorization to travel if not traveling with both parents.
Plan activities that are less interesting for little ones for early in the day, with fun activities scheduled for later: there’s always energy for the fun stuff.
Carry snacks that you know your children like.
Make time for bathroom breaks – it’s far easier to be proactive about this than rushing to find the nearest baño when the need strikes. (Although there may still be some mad dashes – that’s part of the adventure)

Huatulco: Green Destination

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Huatulco has been one of my favorite beach destinations since my first visit in 1997. Since then, several of the large resorts have changed name and ownership, there are new paved roads, hotels, shops, and tourist amenities, but the area maintains a laid-back feel, the beaches are as clean and beautiful as before, and the natural areas surrounding the resort development are just as lush and verdant as ever. Since my first visit to Huatulco I have returned many times, staying in budget hotels or enjoying the modern amenities of an all-inclusive resort, and most recently enjoying the convenience of a vacation rental. I’ve always enjoyed the lovely beaches and striking landscape, but in recent years my appreciation for Huatulco has grown even deeper, particularly because of the efforts that are being made to protect the beautiful natural areas that surround it.

Located on the Pacific coast of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, Las Bahías de Huatulco (the Bays of Huatulco) is made up of nine protected bays that stretch over 22 miles of rugged coastline with 36 unspoiled beaches, as well as a national park. Established in the mid-1980s, Huatulco was the fifth resort development to be initiated by FONATUR (Mexico’s National Trust for Tourism Development) after Cancun, Ixtapa, Loreto and Los Cabos. Huatulco was designed from the outset to be ecologically sustainable, and the community has maintained its commitment to protecting the environment. As one of FONATUR’s “Integrally Planned Centers” there is a plan for the long-term development of the area that ensures proper management of natural resources, so that development and economic growth do not adversely impact the marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

The Huatulco resort development is surrounded by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, where you can find coffee plantations set amid semitropical forests. In 1998, the Huatulco National Park was founded, protecting 5516 hectares of marine territory and 6375 hectares of land which are officially set aside to be left undeveloped. In 2006 this area was listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Over 700 species of animals make their home in the park, as well as a wide variety of fish and shellfish. The park is open for scuba diving, bird-watching and hiking.

Huatulco is the only destination in the Americas to have received EarthCheck Gold certification, evidence of the commitment of the Mexican government, business owners, and residents to protecting the natural environment. EarthCheck (previously Green Globe) is an independent organization which offers environmental benchmarking for the hotel and tourism industry. In order to achieve certification, a property or community must show evidence of superior levels of practice in several different areas, including water and waste management, renewable energy, biodiversity, and conservation of natural species. Some of the measures which have been taken to reduce the environmental impact of the tourist development in Huatulco include a water management infrastructure including 17 km of storm protection channels, 23 re-lift stations for sewage treatment and management, and harvesting structures which collect storm water runoff. A recycling center has been built, and a training program for hotel staff, area residents, and local schoolchildren has been instituted.

My most recent visit to Huatulco was this past January. I went with my family and the family of a longtime friend who was visiting from Canada. Since we both have small children, we decided the most comfortable accommodation option would be a vacation rental. My internet research led me to Villa Valencia, a villa with two separate guest houses and a private pool, located by the Tangolunda golf course, and a short drive to the beach. We enjoyed shopping in the local market and preparing food (and cocktails!) in the well-equipped kitchen. The best part about staying in a vacation rental was being free to have our meals and activities at whatever time was convenient for us, with no worries that we or our children might bother other guests.

Since my husband is an avid birder he would rise at dawn and venture out to roam the area around the golf course with his binoculars, while the rest of us slept in or got up for an early morning dip in the pool before breakfast and then heading out to the beach. We enjoyed visiting different beaches each day, particularly La Entrega and El Arrocito, beaches which have gentle waves and were perfect for our little ones to play in the sand by the water with no fear that a large wave might come and knock them over. We would have lunch at a beachside palapa, and in the late afternoon head back to our villa to rest and enjoy quiet evenings. On the final day of our stay, the men took the children to the beach and my friend and I enjoyed a ladies’ day of pedicures and shopping in La Crucecita. A most satisfying vacation!

Huatulco is a wonderful beach destination, offering a variety of conditions within its various bays. Parents of small children will be pleased with the beaches that have gentle waves and safe swimming and snorkeling conditions, others looking for more excitement may prefer beaches with stronger waves. Nature lovers will be thrilled with the diversity of birds, animals and plants in the area. But one thing that should please all visitors to Huatulco is knowing that they’ve chosen a destination that’s committed to being environmentally sustainable.

Learn more about Huatulco: Huatulco Travel Guide