Playa del Carmen is a vibrant part of the Mundo Maya located on the shores of beautiful Mexican Caribbean. Beach, as is commonly known, is the perfect starting point for those who want to explore the fascinating places exist along the Cancun-Tulum corridor, now called Mayan Riviera. Playa del Carmen is blessed with extensive white sand beaches bathed by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. Viva a vacation in Playa del Carmen and the countless adventures Mundo Maya has to offer. The capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from having been a villa pequea descendant of Maya, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with the highest urban growth in the country. Its Aspects natural beauty and great beaches, its enviable geographical location and its mix of sea and jungle make this destination in the Mexican Caribbean, a magnet for visitors from Mexico and elsewhere in the world.

Beach is a great place for a vacation, spend a day or live. The town has grown along the beach, as far as anywhere you go, feel the closeness with the sea. The main street is called Fifth Avenue, is a pedestrian passage and very common point of reference. Here you will find most hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Life in Playa del Carmen is characterized by its variety and diversity.

To the south of the pier is an area called Playacar, is a development which is all big hotels with all inclusive plans; here also find the golf course, some houses and condominiums particular, the aviary and some interesting Mayan ruins. The deep waters that separate Playa del Carmen, Cozumel are ideal for sport fishing, jungle invited to explore their magical exuberance is approaching while archaeological sites. The experience will be rewarding. In your vacation in Playa del Carmen you can find a huge variety of water sports ranging from swimming at the beach until more vigorous sports such as windsurfing, sailing or diving in the nearby reef, or go on a journey by boat or other vessel .

The extreme sports lovers will enjoy diving into the open sea in the crystalline waters of Playa del Carmen. You can dive and snorkel in the Great Mayan Reef located less than 100 meters from the beach. You can also dive in the caves, which you can be sure will be a great experience.

Playa del Carmen is also an ideal starting point for visiting one of the most beautiful ecological parks in Mexico: Xcaret, where they also get the ferry to the island of Cozumel. It is also near the area of natural springs in Puerto Aventuras and the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha.

The evenings offer a number of options, places to dance and combat insomnia caused by the Carib nights; festivals on the beaches and bars with an excellent atmosphere.

By: Jitesh Arora
If you want to know more about Romantic Beach Vacations then feel free to visit http://www.romanticbeachvacation.org

One of the many joys of taking Mexico vacations to Guadalajara is that this charming city is jam packed with so many fun and inspirational things to do and see!

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is located more towards the middle of Mexico on the Western side. You'll also be happy to know that it is just a couple of hours from Puerto Vallarta (which makes a nice little extra weekend trip)!

While you are visiting Guadalajara, which just might turn out to be one of your favorite of all Mexico vacations, you'll definitely want to take advantage of the many wonderful historical, cultural and sports attractions that this world famous city has to offer... in addition to its charm!

The city is very modern yet surprisingly still preserves its past which is clearly evident when you step into the downtown district known as el centro historico. While you're touring through downtown Guadalajara, you'll realize that the attractions are very close together and easily make up a fun walking tour (be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes).

The main attraction of downtown and a proud and shining emblem of the city is the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Cathedral construction began in the 1560's and took over 50 years to complete! Any time you step inside you are sure to find people attending mass or many tourists looking on with curiosity at this marvelous structure.

Just a few steps away from the Cathedral is the Rotunda of Illustrious Men and Women of the state of Jalisco. The rotunda is dedicated to a few select, departed citizens of Jalisco who were honored for their outstanding contributions to society. One in particular was a famous muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, who sprinkled the city with some powerful and extraordinary murals.

The murals of Orozco can be viewed about 15 minutes away in the Cabañas Cultural Institute which once served as an orphanage when it was first built. The old chapel at the institute is home to some of Orozco's masterpieces and the most famous may be his mural appropriately titled "Man of Fire."

If you are a brave soul and interested in history then you may want to consider a stop by the Bethlehem Cemetery, El Panteon de Belen. When you visit this peaceful and beautiful attraction, you will truly feel like you've been transported back in time.

It is historically rich as it served as a cemetery during a particularly hard time of famine and disease in Guadalajara back in 1785. This old cemetery stopped serving as a "working" cemetery in October 1896. It has since been converted as an eerie attraction and museum for visitors and residents of Guadalajara to enjoy... and enjoy it they do!

Many residents believe this old graveyard to be haunted and night tours are even available if you are feeling brave enough to walk around the old tombs at night!

If you are a sports fan you will want to see at least one of Guadalajara's most popular sport, soccer. There are 3 division one soccer teams and 2 stadiums. Even if you are not a sports fan you'll be able to appreciate the camaraderie and excitement of the soccer games.

After a long day of seeing museums, a graveyard, beautiful colonial buildings and discovering you newfound love for soccer, the end to a perfect day is biting into a yummy torta ahogada, the all time favorite and famous "drowned sandwich" of Guadalajara!

This wonderful city is definitely a jewel of Mexico and a "must do," so make Guadalajara, Mexico vacations next on your list of places to see.

By: E. Llamas
View more attractions in Guadalajara or for more information please visit Guadalajara, Mexico vacations.

Many people normally would not describe a building as being particularly "special," (unless you built it!) however; there is one very special building in the cosmopolitan city of Guadalajara, Mexico that is certainly worthy of the title.

Upon entering the Cabañas Cultural Institute you'll find this to be true because of the rich history of the building and also because the Institute is home to some of the most fascinating Mexican murals by the late and brilliant muralist Jose Clemente Orozco.

The building was named after its founder and financial backer Bishop Juan Ruiz de Cabañas. Something so very endearing about this wonderful treasure in Guadalajara is that it was originally built to provide a home for orphans, the poor, handicapped and the elderly.

To no surprise, it became a World Heritage site in 1997 and can be described by many as being "simply breathtaking!"

The Cabañas Cultural Institute is affectionately known by many of the elders in Guadalajara by its previous name of Hospicio Cabañas (Cabañas Orphanage). If you ask many of them, one or two may fondly recall passing by to see little children playing happily.

The construction of this special building began in the early 1800's under the supervision of architect Manuel Tulsa and its doors were opened in 1810 to the first orphans while still under construction. Unfortunately, the construction had to stop temporarily due to the War for Mexican Independence (1810-1821) and wasn't finished until around 1845.

In 1937 Jose Clemente Orozco (Jalisco native) was invited by the government to paint the chapel of the Institute which he later completed in 1939.

The Cabañas Cultural Institute is now used as a cultural promotion center and offers classes as well as tours of the awe inspiring large scale murals by Orozco including his world famous mural Man of Fire (Hombre de Fuego).

By: E. Llamas
To view more of his pieces and for more information about the Cabañas Cultural Institute please see http://www.explore-guadalajara.com/HospicioCabanas.html

Buzz... People... Buzz and People

Greater Mexico City sometimes considered the world's largest and most populated city is the most ancient metropolis of America. Founded by the Nahua Aztec or Mexican tribe as Tenochtitlán in 1325, it rapidly became the capital of a sophisticated growing empire. Mexico City is the highest (2,240 meters / 347 ft) metropolis on the North American continent and is located in the large Valley of Mexico, also called the Valley of Anáhuac. Sheltered by the volcanoes Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl Mexico City has the best climate of the world, with an average annual temperature of 22°C.

The Mexico City population is around 28.5 million inhabitants!!! Yes, I know there are a lot of people over there... but Mexico City is the capital city of Mexico, the nerve center of the all political, financial and cultural activities and has an important relevance as the "bridge" among the United States and the Latin America.

Mexico City is also the Federal District (Distrito Federal in Spanish, and hence the abbreviation D.F. that officially follows the name of the city). The Federal District is coextensive with Mexico City: both are governed by a single institution and are constitutionally considered to be the same entity.

Mexico City incorporates 58 adjacent municipalities of Mexico State and 1 municipality of the state of Hidalgo, according to the most recent definition agreed upon by the federal and state governments.

Mexico City offers everything a modern, savvy traveler or family vacationer could ever want.

Mexico City D.F. is huge and that's why the number of hotels and accommodations are also high!

In Mexico D.F you can find luxurious rooms with services of every kind, boutique, suites, comforting low price rooms, budget accommodations and amazing colonial hotels in the historical zone...so, in Mexico City you will have so many options to choose the hotel that is just right for you.

This colossal city offers a great variety of cultural, commercial and tourist attractions where you and your family will be able to realize all kinds of activities as visiting museums and admiring its marvelous collections that reflect the historical and artistic evolution of the people of Mexico, from the pre-Hispanic epoch to the present day. Mexico City is a city with world class events, festivals, shopping, food and wine, and a fabulous arts scene.

Mexico City is one of the most important cultural centers in the world boasting more museums than any other city. It is also the fourth city in number of theaters after New York City, London and Toronto.

Mexico City Mexico has, recently, received significant attention for its incredible architecture. A mix of 16th, 17th and 18th century European buildings are found with contemporary day businesses near by.

History shows up everywhere in the city, for example, there are at least a dozen major working archaeological sites within the city limits!

Speaking of the past, you won't want to miss the Xochimilco floating gardens, which have been in existence for seven centuries, since the time of the Aztecs!

Such an experience awaits you in the Zocalo, the historic heart of Mexico City. The Zocalo is just one of many amazing spots in this vibrant and ever-changing city, though, dominated by its monumental Metropolitan Cathedral.

Chapultepec Park, the largest park within a city in the world, is a fantastic example. The park is in places exactly as it was centuries ago, but elsewhere in the park you will find a host of entertainments for adults, kids and the entire family. From mime troupes to magic shows, there's something for everyone.

And then, Mexico City offer a beautiful zone, Coyoacan. Coyoacan is an enchanting colonial neighborhood in which you can actually feel the tranquility and colonial charm of Old Mexico.

If you want to know more about the history of this marvelous nation, and not only, I suggest you to visit "The National Anthropological Museum"

México City is also a very special place for shoppers. Anything that is made in México is available here along with countless imported designer items.

Shopping in Mexico City ranges from extraordinarily varied (and frenetic) markets to swanky boutiques, department stores, and shops specializing in Mexican arts and crafts. For its numerous bazaars, squares and malls up to exclusive boutiques Mexico City offer crafts, clothes and silver jewels of every kind at exclusive prices.

Plan a visit to Polanco, especially the areas of Presidente Masaryk, Centro Santa Fe and Zona Rosa if you would like to bring home good stuff. Centro Coyoacán and Perisur, which are both located in the southern part of the city, are other very popular shopping places.

TRAVEL TIPS - Try to negotiate on the price, sometimes it gives good results :-)

What about the Mexican cuisine you will taste in this huge city?

The arrays of restaurants, of every kind, dotting the roads of Mexico City propose delicious recipes and spicy tastes! Most of the Mexicans eat meals on the street in the marketplaces, but the Mexico City restaurants range from traditional Mexican restaurants, seafood specialists, Spanish, French, Chinese, Argentinean and Italian cuisines. You will find some of the world's greatest steak houses and also some of the best tacos.

After a good tacos dinner, maybe accompanied by the typical Mariachi music, the party starts...

The Mexico City nightlife is some of the best in the entire world. You will have an almost endless choice of options. Nightlife doesn't usually get going in Mexico City until 10 pm at the earliest, and while the more sober places close at 2am, others stay open until 4 am or later. Mexico City is always alive, but at night, the vibrations pound and the parties kick into full swing.

The music scene boasts jazz clubs, loud all-night discos, Mariachi music, Flamenco, Cuban and salsa clubs, classical concerts, opera, philharmonic orchestras, romantic trios, chamber music and much much more!

TRAVEL TIPS -Check with yours and other local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your Mexico City Vacation. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out!

TRAVEL TIPS - Mexico City has a reputation for danger. The average tourist is not likely to be a victim of these crimes. The first rule of Mexico City is NEVER hail a taxi on the street. Take only sitio (stationed) cabs that operate out of stands or cabs called for by hotel or restaurant staff. Major tourist areas are generally very safe, but be on your guard against petty theft, as that threat is pervasive. Mexico City has an inexpensive, easy-to-use metro, and an equally cheap and practical bus system plying all the main routes.

The amount of fun you can have in a Mexico City Vacation is impressive!

By: Elena Piccini
Travel and information about Mexico and its destinations - Mexico vacations, Mexico hotels and all inclusive resorts with many travel ideas and deals! Check our Travel News page and discover the inside secrets of Mexico.
Elena Piccini
http://www.letsgomexico.com

Chances are, your little ones won't appreciate the Toltec influence on the Mayan pyramids at Chichen Itza, nor will they delight in the architectural beauty of Merida's colonial buildings - but that does not mean the city has nothing to offer them.

First of all, though they might complain about the heat and their lack of interest in a pile of rocks, do not miss the chance to watch their faces light up when they see the Castillo at Chichen Itza in real life. Climbing the main attraction, checking out a real Mayan hut, and seeing the cenote where human sacrifices may have been made once are sure to interest most children. Some kids may find the huge machine on display by the bathrooms interesting when they learn it was used to dredge the cenote and take out the treasures found at the bottom.

And while the majority of kids may not appreciate the excellent museum and the peaceful ruins as much as you will, most kids cannot resist the cenote at another Mayan site called Dzabilchaltun. Bring some snorkel gear and let them see the little freshwater fish that live there. But please watch them and don't take children who can't swim. The cenote is shallow on one end, but very deep on the other. Be sure to bring your own towels, sunscreen and water to drink as well. There are no changing facilities or lifeguards.

Part of the educational value of travel is being able to see how people live differently around the world. If you can, drive from Chichen Itza to Merida on the "free" or "libre" road, you will have a chance to drive through and stop in some small Mayan towns or pueblitos (pweh-BLEE-toes). Children will learn a lot from seeing how children their own age live and play in the Yucatan. Stop in one of the towns for an ice cream or helado (ay-LA-doh) or a Coca Cola (Yucatan drinks more Coke per capita than any other place in the world!) and take that chance to interact with the local people at the store. You will all learn something!

Once you are back in Merida, the Centennario Zoo, located near the southern edge of downtown, is a wonderland of fun activities for parents and children alike. This huge park is home to hundreds of exotic animals including giraffes, lions, bears, chimpanzees, crocodiles, hippos, tigers, turtles and snakes. Each animal pen has its own placard in Spanish and Maya with facts about the creature's environment, diet and lifestyle. Patrons are also welcome to meander through the zoo's huge aviary, a tropical garden filled with parrots, peacocks and other beautiful birds. You can stroll through the park on foot or catch a ride on the train that circles the perimeter.

In addition to animals, the zoo has several playgrounds, an area for rollerblading and toy vendors galore. Entrance to the park is free, but some of the activities like pony rides, bumper boats and go-carts charge a few pesos per person. You can treat yourself to traditional carnival fare like corndogs, popcorn and cotton candy, or enjoy Mexican treats like chicharrones, tacos and panuchos. And on a hot day, all those beautiful trees provide shade for the animals and for you and the kids.

Close to the Hyatt and Fiesta Americana Hotels, Salvador Alvarado Stadium and Park features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, a softball diamond and two soccer fields, in addition to facilities for weight lifting, boxing, aerobics, gymnastics and dance. As part of the Yucatan State Sports Institute, this 65-year-old establishments serves as both a training grounds for local athletes and a recreational center for the public.

The entrance is located on Calle 62 in the Buena Vista neighborhood and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with peak hours between 3 and 8 p.m. when local sports teams come to practice. While there is no official charge to use the facilities, they do ask that patrons make an occasional donation - in whatever amount possible - to put toward maintenance costs, and use of the pool is $12 pesos per visit. Month-long courses in various sports, even including salsa dancing, are offered to the public, meeting once a week for around $150 pesos.

Never underestimate the pleasure of a swimming pool to children. If your hotel has a pool, and most do, why not take a day to enjoy yourselves poolside and really concentrate on what vacations are all about: being together with family. And if your hotel does not have a pool, then spend a day at the beach in Progreso or one of the surrounding towns. Your kids can have fun picking up shells, swimming in the shallow water or maybe even renting a boogie board or waverunner. The beach at Progreso is shallow and the waves are seldom more than a foot at most. You can have fresh guacamole with chips and a cold beer right on the beach while you watch your kids play. What could be better?

After you have enjoyed these activities, there are still several tried and true methods of entertaining kids. Merida's professional baseball team, the Leones, have home games at Kukulkán Stadium and Sports Complex with ticket prices as low as $5 pesos. The Merida English Library, located on Calle 53 (in between Calles 66 and 68) hosts a story hour every Saturday at 10 a.m. Finally, when your travels have exhausted you, enjoy a low-key evening movie. The Fantasio Cinema in Hidalgo Park downtown and the Cinerex Theaters on Calle 58 near 59 have at least one movie showing in English at all times. Take a bus or taxi to the Gran Plaza and you will have up to 12 movies available to you, including a VIP room that features barca-lounger chairs and waiters providing everything from piña coladas to sushi, as well as the usual movie fare of popcorn, hotdogs and cokes. Keep in mind, however, that PG-rated movies in Merida will be dubbed in Spanish.

Remember to always bring water when you are going outside and make sure your children drink even when they are not thirsty. Dehydration can creep up on them when they are not accustomed to the heat.

Merida and the Yucatan provide you and your children a place to go that is exotic and probably vastly different than your home town, but it still has the comforts of home. If you need to help your child feel comfortable, there is a McDonalds or Burger King nearby. But when your child is feeling adventurous, there is much to explore and learn about. It is a place none of you will ever forget.

By: Ellen Fields and Jim Fields
Ellen and Jim Fields are expatriates who write Yucatan Living http://www.yucatanliving.com, a lifestyle website about living, working and traveling in Merida and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.