Tag Archives: Nature

An adventure through Paradise to Punta Allen

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I would like to share an experience of friend who traveled through the Jungle to the small little fishing village of Punta Allen.  The way she described it to me was somewhat humorous as they did not travel the traditional way through the jungle to arrive there.  Punta Allen is a very cute and small fishing village past Tulum and Sian Ka’an.  In order to get there you must travel through a rocky dirt road through the jungle.

 

There are many beautiful things to see as you travel through before arriving to the quaint little town.  My friend’s journey began in Playa del Carmen where she and her husband rented a scooter to take a spontaneous weekend getaway.

 

In Tulum

Although very close to home they stayed one night in a tiny but sweet and clean hotel room in the center of Tulum.  When they awoke in the morning they decided to head off to Punta Allen as they had heard about this destination yet knew nothing about it.  Still they wanted to find out.  They asked a few locals in town how to get there and received some directions but were advised to rent a jeep or a 4×4 if at all possible.

 

Adventurous Mishaps …
Being adventurous and spontaneous as they are they decided to ignore the advice and swing it on the scooter! Well about a quarter of the way through the long dirt road of Sian Ka’an, they finally realized the importance of the 4×4 as the ride was very slow and very bumpy.  None the less, they took frequent stops to take a look and snap photos of all the beauty that surrounded them.

 

There are beautiful jungles, pristine bays of water, and sheer quiet and relaxation!  In some points of the route you will even see camping areas where people come to enjoy a place where the jungle truly meets the sea.  They realized half way that they hadn’t even arrived to their destination yet and they were already taking in quite a beautiful experience.  Alas, they arrived and there was the sign “Welcome to Punta Allen”!  It probably should have taken them half the time in a jeep but they didn’t mind because it was an experience.

 

Definitely Not a Resort!
Punta Allen is a tiny fishing village that attracts some attention for a quiet weekend or night away however fully maintains its charm.  There is only one restaurant there and they have some options for cabanas.This is not a place for resort goers!

 

The cabanas are small, simple, clean and nice!  You are surrounded by beauty and nature.  There is a light house if you stroll down the path and in the little town you will see what some may think of as typical Mexico as this is not a tourist destination in general. The main activity there is fishing and as a tour option you can head out on a boat with a guided tour out into the ocean.  Other than that it’s all about the relaxation.  My friend thought it to be quite cute and funny that the restaurant owned a turkey for a pet, which had been tied to a tree in the restaurant, you know, just in case it ran away!

 

The Journey Home

The duration of the stay was not too long; only one night but enough to have a beautiful experience.  Then they headed home back on the scooter back towards Tulum and back to Playa.  It is truly wonderful that when you live here you have the option to just pick up and go somewhere and explore in such a beautiful place!

 

We should remember that some people save up for a year to take a vacation out to the Riviera Maya to explore and experience as much as they can because for many it is only a once in a lifetime event or at least every once in a while.  Take advantage of what you have surrounding you and go!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 
Mexico Real Estate e-book

5 Great Tips for Traveling … and Living in Mexico

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Browsing Google today, I found these 5 Things You Should Know When Travelling in Mexico.  Even for people living in Mexico or planning to live in Mexico, they are excellent little bits of info since expats always enjoy traveling around the country.  Here are excerpts of each of the 5 points:

 

1. Not every pyramid is the same

The mind-baffling pyramids, scattered all over Mexico among jungle and ancient settlements, are among Mexico’s top attractions. However, do not assume that once you’ve seen one Mexican pyramid you’ve seen them all! Each pyramid site in Mexico is not only unique in its size, design and structure – but also in its history and origins.  …

 

2. There is more to Mexican music than mariachis

Mariachi music is synonymous with all things Mexican, and rightly so as it is considered the national music of Mexico. However, it is important to realise that there are lots of other forms of important traditional Mexican music that form part of the colourful history and culture of this musical country. One form of Mexican music you are likely to come across when you travel around Mexico is ranchera music. The word “ranchera” is derived from the Spanish word for farm (rancho) as it was among rural farmers where these folk songs originated. …

 


3. The Roman Catholic religion is important

Catholicism is the dominant religion in Mexico. This is more than just an interesting fact – it is a must-know for anyone planning to travel to Mexico. … According to the 2010 census, more than 80% of the population of Mexico are of Catholic denomination. For this reason, it is important to show respect for Catholic tradition both inside and outside of churches while travelling in Mexico.

 

4. Festivals are a year-round occurrence

I don’t think it’s a sweeping statement to say that Mexican’s love a good celebration! At least this is what their impressive calendar of ancient traditional, spiritual and religious festivals would suggest. There are numerous festival celebrations all year round in Mexico both at a local and national level. These include celebrations which worship the patron saint of one’s neighbourhood; regional food, craft, music and folklore festivals; as well as country-wide events such as the Day of the Dead. …

 

5. The natural environment is highly respected

As the fourth country in the world for biodiversity, Mexico is an attractive place for natural scientists, geographers, marine biologists, nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With a variety of diverse ecosystems differing from one end of the country to the next, there are all manner of landscapes to explore in Mexico. These highly protected geographical regions range from landscapes comprising volcanoes; rainforests and mountains; to deserts, reefs and sacred limestone wells. [“cenotes”] …

 

Read the rest of this very informative article over there.

 

-Bea Lozano
Kit_Ownership

Mexican Desert with Volcanoes and Dunes Recognized as World Heritage Site

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In late June, About.com’s page for Mexico shared the news that El Pinacate y Gran Desierto del Altar Biosphere Reserve in the northern Mexican state of Sonora has been recognized as a World Heritage Site.  Here’s part of the description of the site:

 

 

To the east, a volcanic system which includes the large, dormant volcano El Pinacate, has 400 cinder cones and black and red lava flows and desert pavements, as well as ten enormous craters. To the west, the Gran Desierto del Altar (Great Altar Desert) is North America’s largest area of active sand dunes, some of them reaching over 650 feet in height. The area is home to over 1000 plant and animal species, and is considered the desert region with the most biodiversity in the world.

 

 

Just for your pleasure, I’ve dug up some pictures of  El Pinacate y Gran Desierto del Altar Biosphere Reserve:

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

 

Mexico Insurance Kit

Staying Aware of Our Friendly Sea Turtles

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Akumal Bay is one of the nicest destinations in the Riviera Maya. It has amazing stretch of beach, nice scenery and calm water for happy swimmers but it is also a unique place where you can enjoy making some new underwater friends. Akumal is mostly known for swimming and sharing the sea with the sea turtles. It is truly a very nice experience and many flock from all over to meet these cute creatures.

 

But in order to provide this experience for everyone we must be very conscious about preserving the life and the population of the turtles. There are many efforts taken daily to ensure that while we enjoy swimming and time on the beach that we do it respectfully and without disrupting then natural habitat of the sea turtles. Many are asked to vacate the beaches after a certain time in the evening so that the sea turtles have freedom in their environment.

 

 

Especially at this time of the year when it’s time to lay and protect the eggs. There are many volunteers heading out in the evening to carefully identify the nests and help our sea friends by marking off where the nests are so that beachgoers can be sure respect those protect those areas. After all Akumal is everyone’s beach including the turtles.

 

 

Now, according to this article a special group that is heading up sea turtle recovery in the pacific is making large efforts to try and include all states to raise awareness and protection. It is for sure that those in Akumal will be happy to participate in these efforts and preserve a wonderful community for these amazing creatures.

 

 

Remember that here in the Riviera Maya we have entered the territory of many wondrous creatures and for the most part they have been happy to share with us. So with that in mind we must always consider them as our neighbors and friends and treat them as such.

 

 

 

 

 

—

by Bea Lozano
Mexico Real Estate e-book

This is the Place to Enjoy Nature Near Tulum!

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While many people have heard of the bigger theme parks near Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Xcaret, Xplor and Xel-Ha, fewer people know about some of the smaller gems nearby. Kantun-Chi is one of these places.

 

Kantun-Chi is a lower-key nature park, with focus on tours and diving in the underground caves, a small zoo, and a few cenotes to snorkel and dive in. I can tell you, the last time I spent a full day there, it was one of the most relaxing I can ever remember having – and here in Playa there are plenty of relaxing days.

 

A highlight of the park is that they have an a full underground tour where the caves are lit up with colored lights giving a very surreal effect:

 

Here are some more pictures of the park:

 

If one day you just want an active but quiet and relaxing day, where you don’t feel you have to hurry to finish all the activities, this park is the place to go.

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Kit_Ownership

Mexico’s Two Caribbean Islands are Among the Best in the World

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There are experiences which are created and planned – like Disney World.  Some of these have their charm, but what you experience is exactly what a team of marketing experts in an office building somewhere (these days perhaps in Hong Kong, or maybe Beijing?) decided you will experience – nothing more, nothing less.

 

Other experiences are not planned or created – they simply happen.  The place you are, the people your with and what you see and feel while you’re there is well beyond the control of any corporation or travel agency.  Yes, planning is an important part of getting there and making the most of your visit, but the experience itself is defined by your own personal reaction and many random factors shaped by geography, nature and cultures that have developed over centuries.

 

Isla Mujeres and Cozumel – Top Islands in Mexico and the World

This is the case with two of the world’s favorite islands, Mexico’s two Caribbean islands, Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.  Recently, both have been ranked among the top islands in the world, for example, Isla Mujeres in TripAdvisor and Cozumel by Scuba Diving magazine. (Here is also a nice blog post of a traveler sharing their experience on Cozumel.)

 

They share the wide, soft white beaches and turquoise water of the Caribbean Sea – some of the most beautiful in the world.  They share the heritage of the ancient Mayan people and the warm, welcoming culture of their descendants.  They share warm, sunny weather all year round, and excellent diving access to the world’s second largest barrier coral reef.

 

Retire in Mexico - Islands

And, by geographical luck, they are located about an hour away from each other.  Either can be accessed quickly from the Cancun International Airport

 

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a tiny island just of the coast at Cancun.  Coming directly from the bustling city of Cancun (where the ferry leaves) – which is quickly becoming the largest on the Yucatan Peninsula, and a cosmopolitan hub for travel and international events – the difference is like day and night.

 

You feel like you’re arriving to a different world.  Yes, the climate and the beaches are the same, but suddenly you’re in a quiet place, a sleepy island where time hasn’t seemed to go anywhere in the past few decades.

 

Retire in Mexico - IslandsCozumel

Cozumel is has ferry access from Playa del Carmen.  In addition to diving in the reef, there is deep-sea fishing, boating, sight-seeing, Mayan pyramids, golf and much more.  One of the ideal ways to spend a day on Cozumel is to rent a scooter or a motorcycle (there are Harley rentals!) and just tour the island enjoying the warmth of the open air.  The freedom to simply explore and discover the jungle, the ancient ruins and relaxing beaches at your own leisure is truly a unique experience.

 

Cozumel also has a small city (about 80,000 – a bit smaller than Playa del Carmen.)  In this city you can enjoy the shops of knickknacks, artwork and handicrafts.  There are also excellent restaurants, including many that sell the local catch of the day – fried fish is a local specialty.

 

Experience Life

Yes, on both Isla Mujeres and Cozumel you can buy tours, you can plan your day and decide what you want to see.  But here, these are only tools to make it easier to find a unique experience that is shaped by the place and its culture that you will not find anywhere else.

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Let Earth Day Inspire You – Eco-Lifestyles in Mexico

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Earth Day (today, April 22) is an inspiring day for many of us.  It reminds us that we need to take action to prevent pollution, live sustainably and protect wildlife and natural vegetation.  It also reminds us of the possibility of living in harmony with nature.

 

It’s one of those things many of us support and think about, but when it comes to taking action and making it happen, there’s always something in the way or a reason why we (apparently) can’t make the leap right now.  Sure, we all recycle, ride our bikes when we can and hope the government will cut back on pollution – and those things are great, but it would be nice to have the right chance to just go out and do it.

 

Retiring in Mexico

Here’s something that’s surprising for many people who haven’t lived in Mexico; it’s easier to live an environmental lifestyle here!

 

But you may ask yourself – why is living in Mexico better for an ecological lifestyle?  Consider these points:

 

Mexico has a huge variety of natural settings, wildlife and biodiversity.  In many parts of the country, there have simply never been the resources to develop these areas.  Fortunately, as resources have increased with recent economic growth, many large protected areas, such as Sian Kaan, have been created.

Retiring in Mexico

Ecological residential developments are becoming increasingly common. Because of the point mentioned above, more residential developments are being designed with sustainable principles. Many are even being designed in a fully sustainable design, integrating nature and offering an ecological lifestyle in very close contact with that nature.  (See, for example, Pueblo Sac-Be near Playa del Carmen.)

Eco-lifestyle is supported by a deep-rooted spirituality. Many people who want to live in harmony with nature also seek out the spiritual element of that lifestyle.  The strong roots of Mayan mysticism, combined with the recent influence of Tibetian monks and yoga, in the Yucatan Peninsula have created a place where spiritual health, environmental health and bodily health are one and the same.  (See, for example, Holistika, a new eco-village in Tulum.)

Retiring in Mexico

The cost of living is lower.  While an eco-lifestyle is more natural and closer to the basics, up north it tends to cost considerably more.  This is often one of the factors that prevents people from taking the dive.  In Mexico, the cost of living is considerably lower – even for natural products and lifestyle – leaving people more freedom to choose the lifestyle that is best.

 

So, don’t be content to put a poster up on your fridge for Earth Day.  Let this day inspire you to start something extraordinary!  You may not change the world today, but you can start the steps to change your own lifestyle drastically for the better, and inspire others to follow you.

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Awa Condos Playa del Carmen

Tulum is One of the Best Places for Camping! – Pictures

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When people think of traveling or vacations in Mexico, they think of resorts, hotels, luxury homes, comfortable condos, etc.  All of this is readily found at great prices, so it makes sense.  But what many people don’t realize is that Mexico has extraordinary camping locations.  Tulum is one of these.

 

Camping in Tulum is excellent for many reasons.  You’re right on the world’s most beautiful beaches.  The weather is always warm.  You’re surrounded by nature, but at the same time, there’s always a little shop or stand with food and snacks nearby.  The starts and moon are simply amazing, as are the sunrises (as I pointed out on Monday.)

 

Take a look at some of my pictures from our recent camping trip on Tulum’s beaches:

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum - Retirement in Mexico

 

Camping in Tulum just feels so good, so relaxing, so refreshing! Of course, being able to go take a dip in the warm Caribbean Sea in the morning is a wonderful way to start a day.

 

I recommend for anyone to try camping in Tulum or other parts of Mexico if they get the chance.

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

Camping in Tulum, I Saw the Most Spectacular Sunrises

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A couple of weeks ago, we went camping in Tulum.  I got up before daybreak to get some pictures of the sun rising over the Caribbean – some of the most spectacular sunrises you’ll see, especially in the setting of the Mayan jungle, wide, sandy beaches and clear water of the Caribbean.

To start, take a look at the moon over the sea earlier in the night (you might have to adjust your screen a little see it well):

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

Check out your dream condo in Tulum

Now, here’s a sequence of pictures, showing the sunrise from the first light over the horizon, until the sun is fully up in the sky.  Notice the fishermen’s boats lined up just off the beach:

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico
(Notice the dogs who came to enjoy the sunrise!)

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

And, just for fun, notice this nifty tool I found, which adds the time, date and weather to the pictures:

 

Retirement in Tulum, Mexico

 

As anyone will know who’s gone camping, it’s easier to wake up earlier – and, here in Tulum, in the middle of nature, with the sound of birds and the waves, it’s just that much easier yet.

 

Next week, I’ll share some pictures of the rest of the camping experience.

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials