There are 27 United Nations World Heritage sites in Mexico and only three of them made the list primarily for their natural significance, as opposed to historical. The most beautiful and diverse is Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a 1.3 million acre ecological park filled with lagoons, forests, marine habitats, and wetlands. It is the largest marine protected area in Mexico and offers one of the few natural treasures of the Yucatan peninsula that is accessible to tourists.
Added to the UNESCO list in 1987, Sian Ka'an translates as "Origin of the Sky". It provides a habitat for a diverse population of flora and fauna, as well as over 300 species of birds. There is a small ecotourism and education center there that serves as a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems. The center is funded by the various tours, fishing, accommodation on-site, and various other activities offered there. Some of the ecologically responsible techniques the center uses are rainwater collection, using wind and solar power, and employing systems for wetland waste management. It also provides educational outreach and biological research opportunities.
Accommodations at Sian Ka'an consist of tents that are raised off the ground to allow ecological and hydrological processes to continue. They have gorgeous views from private patios, as well as plenty of shade and cooling breezes. Bathrooms are shared, but they are always clean and also have stunning views over the water. The dining areas and kitchens are designed to maximize comfort while minimizing impact on the surrounding environment. The menu for the restaurant is wide and varied, but the best choice would be the fresh seafood dishes that are offered.
Activities in the park include fishing excursions, kayaking, or taking one of several tours that will highlight the canals and the Mayan ruins, abundant flora and fauna, and the history of the reserve. There is also a sunset tour that centers on bird watching where you will float along in an open-air boat through beautiful lagoons while viewing birds, plants, and diverse ecosystems. The tour then culminates in watching the sunset over the mangrove forest and lagoon.
The kayaking tours are designed to give visitors a more intimate access to the natural splendor of the park. Single or double kayaks are available and expert guides, who speak both English and Spanish, can accompany you through the reserve to bird watch and explore the wetlands. Free basic training is provided if you have never kayaked before. If you would like to explore alone, the guides can give you directions and information on where to go to use ancient trading routes through the park used by the Mayans. This is an excellent option for experienced kayakers, but an additional fee can give someone basic training to undertake this more advanced tour.
Sian Ka'an is a beautiful ecosystem to visit and learn about history, ecology, and sustainable technology that will open your mind to possibilities you may never have otherwise known about. At the very least it will give you an appreciation of conservation and natural beauty that should stay with you forever.
Talk to you soon
Anton
Showing posts with label vacation in mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation in mexico. Show all posts
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Good Rental Tips For Your Mexico Vacation
If you are a frequent traveler and have rented a car in Chicago or Los Angeles or anywhere in the United States, you will easily understand that headaches and hassles is sometimes a commonplace with such a transaction.
when renting a car in another country, such as Mexico, might frighten somebody. Nonetheless, avoiding car rental problems while vacationing in Mexico can be quite easy as long as you take several things in account.
First of all rent from an international car rental agency instead of relying on a local agency. The internacional agency work better regarding customer service and availability aspects. Normally local agencies do not have the incentive to treat tourists well because they will probably never have the opportunity to use their service again in the future and sometimes do not have as much choice in car models. Also with large international agencies you can set up your rental online or over the phone beforehand. Make sure to print a copy of the document that shows the name of the company, the branch and model of the vehicle, and the price that you were quoted (in dollars and pesos). If there is any discrepancy in price or type of vehicle this should settle any arguments.
When renting a car in Mexico the rental agency will want you to have a credit card. They will need to run the credit card twice, once for the rental and once as a precautionary measure for any damages that may occur to the vehicle while it is in your possession. Once you return the car and an inspection shows it is in it's previous condition you should make sure to get the second blank charge slip returned or destroyed in your presence. If all you have is a debit card you will probably be charged a deposit, but ther is a chance that such a transaction will limit your withdrawal capability on that card.
Do not accept a vehicle from a rental office that is not in optimum condition. It won't pay to take chances with a vehicle that may break down on a desolate part of highway. In any case, rental services in Mexico offer the same services as they do in the U.S. such as roadside assistance and extra insurance for an additional fee. It is always advisable to take the extra insurance when renting in Mexico especially when you are not very familiar with the language.
On nearly every highway there are green cars driving during the day for any technical assistance. It is always better to wait for that green cars to show up and never accept assistance from people or mecanics in their private car. This help can turn out to be very expensive and sometimes they do not solve your problem. But the green cars they are specially trained for tecnical assistance and they tow you to the next toll station in case they cannot repair your car.
Despite the common belief that renting a car in Mexico is very adventurous because of the traffic problems and the traffic density but when you are outside town it can be relaxing and liberating to explore Mexico at your own pace. It is relatively trouble-free and enjoyable as long as you know the best ways to avoid car rental nightmares. Rent from a known international company insteaed of local company because a known brand will provide the best service and least hassles. Protect yourself by being aware of what you are charged and how payments for services are remitted. And maek sure you take the time to inspect your vehicle that you won't have problems when returning it to the agency. Make also sure that the vehicle is reasonably clean and in excellent condition. When following these tips your car rental in your Mexico vacation will avoid nightmares and gives you the pleasure of exploring the country the way you like most.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authors Resource Box
Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.
when renting a car in another country, such as Mexico, might frighten somebody. Nonetheless, avoiding car rental problems while vacationing in Mexico can be quite easy as long as you take several things in account.
First of all rent from an international car rental agency instead of relying on a local agency. The internacional agency work better regarding customer service and availability aspects. Normally local agencies do not have the incentive to treat tourists well because they will probably never have the opportunity to use their service again in the future and sometimes do not have as much choice in car models. Also with large international agencies you can set up your rental online or over the phone beforehand. Make sure to print a copy of the document that shows the name of the company, the branch and model of the vehicle, and the price that you were quoted (in dollars and pesos). If there is any discrepancy in price or type of vehicle this should settle any arguments.
When renting a car in Mexico the rental agency will want you to have a credit card. They will need to run the credit card twice, once for the rental and once as a precautionary measure for any damages that may occur to the vehicle while it is in your possession. Once you return the car and an inspection shows it is in it's previous condition you should make sure to get the second blank charge slip returned or destroyed in your presence. If all you have is a debit card you will probably be charged a deposit, but ther is a chance that such a transaction will limit your withdrawal capability on that card.
Do not accept a vehicle from a rental office that is not in optimum condition. It won't pay to take chances with a vehicle that may break down on a desolate part of highway. In any case, rental services in Mexico offer the same services as they do in the U.S. such as roadside assistance and extra insurance for an additional fee. It is always advisable to take the extra insurance when renting in Mexico especially when you are not very familiar with the language.
On nearly every highway there are green cars driving during the day for any technical assistance. It is always better to wait for that green cars to show up and never accept assistance from people or mecanics in their private car. This help can turn out to be very expensive and sometimes they do not solve your problem. But the green cars they are specially trained for tecnical assistance and they tow you to the next toll station in case they cannot repair your car.
Despite the common belief that renting a car in Mexico is very adventurous because of the traffic problems and the traffic density but when you are outside town it can be relaxing and liberating to explore Mexico at your own pace. It is relatively trouble-free and enjoyable as long as you know the best ways to avoid car rental nightmares. Rent from a known international company insteaed of local company because a known brand will provide the best service and least hassles. Protect yourself by being aware of what you are charged and how payments for services are remitted. And maek sure you take the time to inspect your vehicle that you won't have problems when returning it to the agency. Make also sure that the vehicle is reasonably clean and in excellent condition. When following these tips your car rental in your Mexico vacation will avoid nightmares and gives you the pleasure of exploring the country the way you like most.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authors Resource Box
Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
What Are The Essential Carry Ons When Travel To Mexico
When you are decided taking a vacation to Mexico, you should make a list first on what necessary items you should take with you. The most important things that you just cannot travel without are the legal documents. The next would be the necessary medications, and of course, currency as well as items that will make life away from home much more pleasant, such as skin protection and proper clothing.
In the case of currency I have found out that you get in most cases a better exchange rate when you are in the country. Sometimes it is better to exchange only a small amount of money in your country just for the first few hours if you arrive at night and change the rest when you arrive at the airport or later on in a money exchange or in the bank. If you arrive during the day it is much better to change your money on the airport after arriving. But don't change too much money at once because it can attract some people. Change only the necessary amount for a few days.
First of all, the items you will have to take would be a United States passport if you are from the States. Remember as of January 23, 2007, passports are required for all United States citizens who are traveling outside of the country by air regardless of their destination. And after January 1, 2008 that requirement was extended to both land and sea travel. In case you don't have a passport then you will have to apply in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S.
It is also required to bring two photographs of you, proof of United State's citizenship, and a valid photo ID.
When traveling to Mexico it is also advisable for you to bring your driver's license with you, especially if you plan on driving or renting a car. In some cases a driver's license is required when chartering a boat or renting water sports equipment. A copy of your birth certificate should also be one of the important documents that travel with you. If any unfortunate circumstance comes up, these documents might be essential.
If you travel abroad it is practical to take mostly travelers checks and only some cash on vacation. Traveler checks are protected whereas cash isn't. You can easy replace traveler checks in most of the countries. Cash is much easier to exchange in many places and to use on a daily basis and in the event that both are stolen. But your traveler checks can be easily replaced. Another good way to access your funds while in Mexico is your ATM card. Another useful item to bring is a pre-paid phone card or a pay-as-you-go cell phone. But use it only in case of an emergency.
In case you have to take your daily medications take the correct amount for the time you are on vacation. It is better to take for more days than you are staying abroad in case of an emergency or canceled flights or whatever can occur when you are outside of the country. If you have prescribed medication, be sure that the prescription medication labels are legible and that they have your name on them. Sunscreen is an essential item to pack because the sunshine down south in Mexico is more intense than in most places in the United States and you may sunburn easier than you think.
Another helpful item that you can take on your vacation to Mexico would be a small first aid kit. If you are not familiarized with the Spanish Language a pocket sized Spanish-English dictionary or a small electronic dictionary is very useful and can help you out in some cases where the English language is not spoken. A good pair of walking shoes can be very helpful especially if you are enjoying walking in the afternoon or at night. Mostly comfortable and casual clothing should be packed although there usually is an occasion for dressing up for a posh dinner or a night on the town. And lastly, don't forget to bring your sunglasses and a hat will be very useful for any prolonged exposure out of doors (especially if you are without natural covering like me).
Always remember that it pays to be prepared. That's why you always should make a list on what to pack for your trip. This way you begin to pack for your vacation to Mexico you will remember to pack the essentials first and then you can include your collection of cabana wear, your rhinestone flip flops and those loud crying Hawaiian shirts.
Authors Resource Box
Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.
In the case of currency I have found out that you get in most cases a better exchange rate when you are in the country. Sometimes it is better to exchange only a small amount of money in your country just for the first few hours if you arrive at night and change the rest when you arrive at the airport or later on in a money exchange or in the bank. If you arrive during the day it is much better to change your money on the airport after arriving. But don't change too much money at once because it can attract some people. Change only the necessary amount for a few days.
First of all, the items you will have to take would be a United States passport if you are from the States. Remember as of January 23, 2007, passports are required for all United States citizens who are traveling outside of the country by air regardless of their destination. And after January 1, 2008 that requirement was extended to both land and sea travel. In case you don't have a passport then you will have to apply in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S.
It is also required to bring two photographs of you, proof of United State's citizenship, and a valid photo ID.
When traveling to Mexico it is also advisable for you to bring your driver's license with you, especially if you plan on driving or renting a car. In some cases a driver's license is required when chartering a boat or renting water sports equipment. A copy of your birth certificate should also be one of the important documents that travel with you. If any unfortunate circumstance comes up, these documents might be essential.
If you travel abroad it is practical to take mostly travelers checks and only some cash on vacation. Traveler checks are protected whereas cash isn't. You can easy replace traveler checks in most of the countries. Cash is much easier to exchange in many places and to use on a daily basis and in the event that both are stolen. But your traveler checks can be easily replaced. Another good way to access your funds while in Mexico is your ATM card. Another useful item to bring is a pre-paid phone card or a pay-as-you-go cell phone. But use it only in case of an emergency.
In case you have to take your daily medications take the correct amount for the time you are on vacation. It is better to take for more days than you are staying abroad in case of an emergency or canceled flights or whatever can occur when you are outside of the country. If you have prescribed medication, be sure that the prescription medication labels are legible and that they have your name on them. Sunscreen is an essential item to pack because the sunshine down south in Mexico is more intense than in most places in the United States and you may sunburn easier than you think.
Another helpful item that you can take on your vacation to Mexico would be a small first aid kit. If you are not familiarized with the Spanish Language a pocket sized Spanish-English dictionary or a small electronic dictionary is very useful and can help you out in some cases where the English language is not spoken. A good pair of walking shoes can be very helpful especially if you are enjoying walking in the afternoon or at night. Mostly comfortable and casual clothing should be packed although there usually is an occasion for dressing up for a posh dinner or a night on the town. And lastly, don't forget to bring your sunglasses and a hat will be very useful for any prolonged exposure out of doors (especially if you are without natural covering like me).
Always remember that it pays to be prepared. That's why you always should make a list on what to pack for your trip. This way you begin to pack for your vacation to Mexico you will remember to pack the essentials first and then you can include your collection of cabana wear, your rhinestone flip flops and those loud crying Hawaiian shirts.
Authors Resource Box
Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Ultimate Vacation in Mexico
Mexico is today in many ways like the U.S. were many years ago - a relaxed, simple, and affordable placing to live. According to International Living Mexico is the world's top retirement haven. There are almost one million people from the States enjoying their retirement at a very affordable living. They call now Mexico as their new home and enjoy its rich culture, perfect climate and not to forget the mountains, beaches, deserts, and just everything you can think of.
But not only retirees enjoy this country with moon-light fiestas, playing mariachis, beautiful beaches, ancient colonial towns located in the Sierras of Mexico and visit more ancient Mayan pyramids rising out of the misty jungle on the Yucatan island.
Regardless of your age and it doesn't matter if you like to spend some unforgettable vacations or simply relax under the beautiful sun of the pacific coast or Caribbean coast you can have it and it won't cost you a fortune either. If you are a culture-lover, or you like to eat what you never will get in your own country you can travel through Mexico and enjoy the most exotic food without having to take care of your weight you'll find it in every town and village of this exotic country. You can try hot food, sweat food and what ever your stomach can keep up with.
For kayak-lovers you will find exciting and wild rivers near the golf coast, for surf-lovers you will find high waves in the southern part of the country. If you like to climb to the top of the mountains there are a variety and snow covered mountains. In case you love the exotic tour you can have river boat tours in the jungle of the Yucatan Island. And you also can spend your vacations in the best biosphere resorts of the world.
You just search on the Internet with the right keywords and you'll find almost everything. But if you feel more comfortably with your travel agency you just name what you are looking for and they will advice with professional help and search for you the best place regarding your dreams and you’re spending and eating habits. But you can be sure that you will find what you are looking for. Bon Voyage for your next dream-vacations or your gourmet-tour through the exotic and most beautiful country called Mexico.
Authors Resource Box
Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.
But not only retirees enjoy this country with moon-light fiestas, playing mariachis, beautiful beaches, ancient colonial towns located in the Sierras of Mexico and visit more ancient Mayan pyramids rising out of the misty jungle on the Yucatan island.
Regardless of your age and it doesn't matter if you like to spend some unforgettable vacations or simply relax under the beautiful sun of the pacific coast or Caribbean coast you can have it and it won't cost you a fortune either. If you are a culture-lover, or you like to eat what you never will get in your own country you can travel through Mexico and enjoy the most exotic food without having to take care of your weight you'll find it in every town and village of this exotic country. You can try hot food, sweat food and what ever your stomach can keep up with.
For kayak-lovers you will find exciting and wild rivers near the golf coast, for surf-lovers you will find high waves in the southern part of the country. If you like to climb to the top of the mountains there are a variety and snow covered mountains. In case you love the exotic tour you can have river boat tours in the jungle of the Yucatan Island. And you also can spend your vacations in the best biosphere resorts of the world.
You just search on the Internet with the right keywords and you'll find almost everything. But if you feel more comfortably with your travel agency you just name what you are looking for and they will advice with professional help and search for you the best place regarding your dreams and you’re spending and eating habits. But you can be sure that you will find what you are looking for. Bon Voyage for your next dream-vacations or your gourmet-tour through the exotic and most beautiful country called Mexico.
Authors Resource Box
Anton R. Winkler writes on different subjects helping people to live a
better lifestyle with exclusive vacation tips for a better travel experience.
Go to http://antonsexclusivevacationtips.com
Enjoy your vacation the way you always have dreamed of and you'll never forget.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
