Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza: an ancient Mayan city founded in 514 A.D., whose name means "mouth of the well of the Itza."

The area around the city has several wells called cenotes, the most renowned being the Cenote of Sacrifice.

During its peak years (between 800 and 1200 A.D.), Chichen Itza was the center of political, religious and military power in Yucatan and all of southeastern Mesoamerica.

Its architecture is varied, with Puuc style as well as Mayan Toltec style structures.

Originally inhabited by the Itzaes and later the Mayans, today, Chichen Itza is the most visited archaeological site in the Yucatan peninsula.

The world famous zone is located 75 miles from the colonial city of Merida.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Monday, May 28, 2007

Mexico City Hotels

Embassy Suites Hotels Offers Upscale Services with Opening of First Hotel in Mexico City

Embassy Suites Hotels has announced the opening of the brand’s first hotel in Mexico – and the first upscale, all-suite hotel in Mexico City, the Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City–Reforma.

The 18-story, 162-suite boutique hotel is located in the heart of Mexico City’s business and financial district. The Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City–Reforma is managed by California-based Landmark Hotels, and owned by Promotora Paseo de la Reforma S. de R.L. De D.C., of Mexico City.

“We are thrilled to bolster our upscale hotel presence in North America and introduce the Embassy Suites Hotels brand to Mexico City,” said Jim Holthouser, senior vice president, brand management, Embassy Suites Hotels.

“The hotel’s incredible location in the heart of the Reforma business and financial district, coupled with all of the amenities Embassy Suites has to offer, will be a refreshing addition to the Mexico City hotel portfolio for visitors traveling on business and/or leisure to the Mexican capital.”

The hotel features amenities to serve both the business and leisure traveler. Full-service food and beverage options include EVITA, an Argentinean restaurant serving choice U.S. and Argentinean beef, 24-hour room service, as well as a Starbucks coffee shop.

Additionally, the hotel’s Lobby Lounge serves a variety of tequilas from all over Mexico. Traditions of the Embassy Suites brand in the U.S. will continue in the Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City-Reforma, but with a Mexican flair.

The daily complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast features a Mexican breakfast selection, as well as the traditional American Embassy Suites breakfast offering, while the evening Manager’s Reception*, features light snacks and cocktails, complimentary to all hotel guests.

Guests will appreciate the hotel’s upscale amenities, including high-speed wireless Internet access in each suite, 32 inch flat screen televisions in the living and the bedroom, the Embassy Essentials bedding package with a European touch – Rivolta Carmignani bed linens from Italy.

Additional features also include an indoor swimming pool and an adjacent exercise gym with state-of-the-art equipment. The hotel’s Mini Conference Center features a full service business center and small meetings facilities, including three function rooms that can be opened up to host a reception for 150 persons.

Additional services at the Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City-Reforma include a concierge, currency exchange, transportation and Mexico City tour services. The Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City-Reforma is situated on the Paseo de la Reforma, in the heart of Mexico City’s business/financial district, at the monument to Christopher Columbus, and near the Centro Historico, the Zona Rosa and many embassies.

The hotel is located approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Benito Juarez Mexico City International Airport. It is the first Hilton Family Hotel to be located in downtown Mexico City. The debut of the Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City-Reforma also jump-starts the brand’s plans to expand within Mexico and Latin America.

“With the recent acquisition of Hilton International by Hilton Hotels Corporation, we are finalizing our plans to develop in Mexico and other parts of Latin America,” added Holthouser. “We have seen tremendous interest in the brand, as there is a great need for upscale, all-suite hotels in those markets.

The Embassy Suites Hotel Mexico City-Reforma showcases how the brand can work in international capital destinations, as well as other international settings.” In addition to the United States, Colombia, Venezuela and Mexico, Embassy Suites has hotels open in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada; Dorado del Mar, Puerto Rico; and Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.

The Embassy Suites Hotel El Parque-Miraflores, Lima, Peru, and the Embassy Suites Hotel, Valencia-Downtown, Venezuela are set to open in 2007. About Embassy Suites Hotels Embassy Suites Hotels is a member of the Hilton Family of Hotels and opened its first hotel in 1984.

It was the first all-suite upscale hotel brand to enter the industry and today has nearly 190 hotels. To make reservations or learn the locations of Embassy Suites Hotels in urban, suburban, airport and resort areas, travelers can visit the Embassy Suites Hotels web site, call 1-800-EMBASSY or contact their professional travel agent.

* Subject to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Mexico Cruise

Look at the great beach and ocean views. What a great way to spend a vacation or honeymoon.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Sonoran Sun Resort in Rocky Point Mexico

Sonoran Sun Resort is the ultimate in luxury beachfront and ocean view Rocky Point condos! You will enjoy a full service spa, beachfront swimming pools, Jacuzzis and scrumptious restaurant on site. Take advantage of the resort's close access to the area's most popular ocean spot, Sandy Beach, and spend a day in the sand. Or you can lounge by the beautiful blue pool and swim up to the bar for a refreshing drink while you take in the tranquil ocean views.

Exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness center or play a game on the private tennis court. Resort guests can also schedule fishing trips or a sunset dinner cruise, rent kayaks and boogie boards, play video games in the activity center, and so much more. Make your reservation today, and experience a vacation to remember!

Kayaking El Salto Mexico

Whitewater kayaking El Salto in Mexico

Friday, December 1, 2006

Travel Tips

Entry Requirements

The government of Mexico requires that all U.S. and Canadian citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. Citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy) of a birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable.

However, it is recommended that travelers carry a valid passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. Driver's permits, voter registration cards, affidavits and similar documents are not sufficient to prove citizenship.

U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FM-T, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air.

Upon arrival in Mexico, business travelers must complete and submit a form (Form FM-N 30 days) authorizing the conduct of business, but not employment, for a 30-day period. Travelers entering Mexico for purposes other than tourism or business or for stays of longer than 180 days require a visa and must carry a valid passport.

Children traveling without both parents or guardians will need a notarized letter from the absent parent or guardian authorizing the trip to and from Mexico.

It is always recommended that visitors make two copies of their passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if a passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.


Customs

New customs declaration forms must be filled out by all incoming travelers, domestic and foreign. The belongings of all incoming travelers (except for diplomatic personnel) are subject to spot checks using a "traffic light" system.

The form is passed through a machine: a red light indicates possessions will be spot-checked and a green light means a search will not be conducted.

Tourists are allowed to bring in personal effects duty-free. According to customs regulations, in addition to clothing, personal effects may include a camera, video cassette player, personal computer, CD player, 5 DVDs, 20 music CDs or audio cassettes, 12 rolls of unused film and a cellular phone.

Any tourist carrying such items, even if duty-free, should enter the "Merchandise to Declare" lane at the first customs checkpoint.


Currency and Money Planning

Mexican coins come in denominations of 10, 20 and 50 centavos (cents) and 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pesos; bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 pesos. Once in Mexico, currency can be exchanged at banks or exchange houses (casas de cambio) at the airport or in town.

Acceptance of US dollars is not uncommon, although change may be given in pesos. It is always wise to travel with at least enough pesos to cover travel for the day, since gas stations only accept pesos, as do most market or craft vendors.

Visitors to Mexico should plan to purchase pesos ahead of weekends and Mexican holidays, when banks will be closed.

Major credit and charge cards (primarily American Express, MasterCard and Visa) are welcome at many establishments. Some ATMs belong to Cirrus, Plus and NYCE systems, enabling travelers to access their accounts and make withdrawals in pesos while in Mexico.

However, people depending on ATMs for all their travel money may experience difficulty traveling off the beaten path where ATMs are not available. Banks will not cash personal checks, but most American Express offices in Mexico will cash personal checks for cardholders.

Travelers’ checks can be cashed into pesos in many establishments, as long as the bearers of the checks show proper identification. But it may be difficult to use them in small towns or any place without banking facilities nearby.


Embassies and Consular Services

U.S. Embassy
Paseo de la Reforma 305
Col. Cuauhtemoc
Mexico City
Tel. +5255-5080-2000
Business hours: weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.; closed for U.S. and Mexican holidays (however, a duty officer is always on call)

Canadian Embassy
Schiller 529
Col. Polanco
Mexico City
Tel. +5255-5724-7900
Business hours: weekdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.; closed for Canadian and Mexican holidays

There are consular offices or agencies in most main tourist and business cities. A complete list of U.S. and international embassies and consulates can be found on the Internet at www.sre.gob.mx.


Health Hints

No vaccinations are needed to enter Mexico from the United States or Canada.

Travelers should take it easy on food and alcohol consumption the first three days after arriving in Mexico, particularly in cities at high elevations such as Mexico City.

Bottled water is readily available at pharmacies, groceries and hotels. Luxury hotels often have purified tap water. English-speaking doctors are usually on call at most hotels.

Mexico has an abundant number of pharmacies (farmacias) that dispense prescription drugs (often without prescriptions) at a fraction of their cost back home.

Before going abroad, it is recommended that visitors learn what medical services their health insurance will cover overseas. If health insurance policy provides coverage outside country of origin, it is recommended that visitors carry both their insurance policy identity card as proof of such insurance and a claim form.

Although many health insurance companies will pay "customary and reasonable" hospital costs abroad, very few will pay for medical evacuation back to a country of origin. Medical evacuation can easily cost US$10,000 and up, depending on one’s location and medical condition.

For a major medical emergency, jet evacuation services are available, including:
Red Cross Mexico: from Mexico City, dial 5395-1111 or 5557-5757. For Locatel offices in Mexico City, dial 5658-1111.


Safety Tips

When traveling in Mexico, exercise the same safety precautions used traveling anywhere in the world: carry money inside clothing, keep your eye on your possessions at all times, don't leave valuables in plain view in vehicles, don't be alone on empty beaches and don't purchase or use illegal drugs.

Travel on buses that run on toll highways during daylight hours. Consult the U.S. State Department site for safety and travel tips at http://travel.state.gov.

Take care to use radio-dispatched taxis. These can be found at all hotels and restaurants. Request the number of the taxi to be dispatched.

If there is any question about a taxi requested, compare the picture on the laminated 5"x7" picture permit (tarjeton) with the driver. If there's no picture permit, or the picture doesn't match the driver, do not get in the taxi.

Good Mexico City hotels have specially licensed tourist taxis, without taxi markings, assigned to them. Verify that the drivers are known. At the airport and bus stations in Mexico City, use only officially designated taxi service for which special tickets are sold.


Telephones

Public phones marked Ladatel are the best to use for long-distance calls within or outside Mexico. Most of these telephones require debit phone cards, which can be purchased at newsstands or convenience stores.

In addition, there are special streetside businesses marked Caseta de Larga Distancia which are set up for long-distance calling and are usually marked (long distance telephone booth). Casetas will have several private booths, a clerk who makes and times the call, directs you to a booth, and collects the money.

Caseta offices usually offer fax service, and some even offer Internet service. They are also located at most bus stations in major tourist or business locales.

Also accessible is toll-free calling assistance provided by major U.S. telephone companies such as AT&T, Sprint, MCI, and Bell Canada to their card holders. Dial 090 to make a long distance call from a public phone.

To dial the U.S. directly, dial 001 + Area Code + Phone Number. To dial directly within Mexico, dial: 01 + Area Code + Phone Number. To call Mexico from the U.S. or Canada, dial 011 + 52 + Area Code + Phone Number.

Phone numbers in Mexico City have eight digits. To call a Mexican cell phone number within the country, dial 044 + Area Code + Phone Number. The 044 prefix should be dropped when dialing the number from the US or Canada.


Mail Services & E-mail

Courier services such as Mexpost (which is a branch of the Mexican Post Office), Federal Express, DHL, UPS and others operate throughout Mexico.

Mail acceptance services such as Mail Boxes Etc. are also available. In addition, Internet centers or cyber cafes are increasingly found throughout the country.


More information

For general tourism information while in Mexico, dial 078 from anywhere in the country.

Individuals interested in filing a complaint against a tourism service provider in Mexico should call: 1-800-475-2393, 1-888-594-3372 or write to: quejas@secodam.gob.mx.
For more information on Mexico, visit www.visitmexico.com.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Luxury

Although Mexico offers unique experiences for travelers of every taste and budget, luxury is its specialty. Demanding travelers find in Mexico the perfect mix of quality, uniqueness and exclusivity.

The country is home not only to outposts of the most exclusive international chains and resorts, but it also offers some intimate—but no less luxurious—boutique hotels of its own, housed in landmark buildings or former haciendas.

Two activities for which Mexico is particularly well-positioned are golf and spas. Top designers such as Jack Nicklaus and Robert Von Hagge have transformed the Mexican terrain into a paradise for golfers of all tastes and skill levels.

And many of these courses are in the desert, along pristine beaches, surrounded by jungle or close to archaeological ruins, quaint villages or other attractions, enabling both golfers and their companions to enjoy an unforgettable stay.

Mexico’s unique courses have attracted the attention not only of leisure golfers, but of pros as well: the Senior PGA Tour, Tour of the Americas, Canadian Tour and EMC-World Cup are only some of the world-class golfing events Mexico has hosted recently.

In all, there are 142 golf courses distributed along 30 of Mexico’s 31 states. Of these, 60 are public or resort courses, attracting golfers from all over the globe.

Meanwhile, modern-day Mexican spas have fused indigenous practices and treatments with the world’s most innovative technologies to offer spa experiences few places in the world can match.

Since prehispanic times, Mexicans have enjoyed the benefits of spas and studied and utilized the healing properties of the country’s immense variety of native plants.

Visitors to Mexican spas can benefit from the same resources and techniques the natives have used for centuries.

Friday, November 24, 2006

Mexico Highlights

Welcome to Mexico Highlights.

This blog will help you to learn all about Mexico and its cities.

There will be lots of information updated here on a regular basis so if you want to know all about Mexco than this is the place to be.

Mexico Highlights.