‘Activities’ Archives
Entertainment, Nightlife, Tours in Comitan
The Nightlife in Comitan
Centro Cultural – Rosario Castellanos
The Rosario Castellanos Cultural Center was dedicated to a Comitan feminist writer who was an advocate for the local people. It is located in the central plaza and the hours are Mon-Fri 9am – 8pm and Sat – Sun 10am – 5pm Admission is free. This is a very hectic place with year round items displayed and with performances by the local artisans. You will probably want to spend some time here and sign up for one of their classes.
Teatro de la Ciudad Junchavin
The Teatro de la Ciudad Junchavin is found inside the 19th century reconstructed mansion on the central plaza. You can find a variety of programs including music, drama, dance and films. Tickets vary depending on the type of performance so check it out in advance for availability, type of performance and ticket price.
Nightlife
There are only a few hot spots in Comitan so don’t be disappointed, but you will enjoy what there is. You definitely want to stop in Shangri La, which is host to live salsa and merengue bands. Also Pinas and Charlie’s is a happening local scene. Both clubs are somewhat upscale and offer great drinks and live bands on the weekends
Festivals and Events
Festival Internacional de las Culturas y las Artes Rosario Castellanos
This festival lasts for one entire week. It is a time to exhibit local music talent, art and various lectures by locals. Check on the dates in advance as it is usually held sometime during the middle of July.
Dia de San Caralmpio
This is one of the largest and most celebrated events in Comitan. There are numerous celebrations in honor of different saints however this is the largest celebration. This celebration is held on the steps of the San Caralampio church on February 10.
Tours
The Tranvia Turistico El Cositia
The Tranvia Turistico El Cositia is a tour of Comitan’s main sites. The tour usually takes about one hour and is a great opportunity to see some of the beautiful Comitan ruins without having to walk and climb the steep stairs. This is a guided tour with succinct information about each ruin.
Servicios Aereos San Cristobal
For an overhead view of the sights of Cristobal this is the perfect way to go. These flights are in single propeller Cessna planes accommodating four passengers at a time. You will see the local region including Lagunas de Montebello, Las Nubes and Laguna Miramar. You can take the short tour or the round trip tour which picks up at Laguna Miramar has a 5 and a half hour layover so you can take a walking tour of the areas between Yaxchilan and Bonampak (both ruins) and then hop back on the plane for your return back to San Cristobal.
Centro Cultural – Rosario Castellanos The Rosario Castellanos Cultural Center was dedicated to a Comitan feminist writer who was an advocate for the local people. It is located in the central plaza and the hours are Mon-Fri 9am – 8pm and Sat – Sun 10am – 5pm Admission is free. This [...]
Zipolite at Night
Zipolite at night
The nightlife in Zipolite is rather chill. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a cocktail and a bit of atmosphere you should just head to the beach because many of the beaches and restaurants here are where all the action is in the evenings. If you are looking for a little more flavorful nightlife you should head to Buonvento which is situated on the paved portion of Paisan to the east. It is here that many people enjoy delicious cocktails while enjoying the starlit sky above them. People also come here to watch sports on the big screen TV’s and listen to the music that the DJ mixes. The cost for a beer here is 22 pesos, and you will pay around 45 pesos for a mixed cocktail of your choosing. They are open every day and between the hours of 7pm-1am. They only accept cash as payment. If you are in the mood for some dirty dancing you could head over to La Puesta Disco Bar which is located in the same area on Paisan Road. The crowd that flocks here is very diverse and you will be surprised to see more women than men here on any given night. They have great drinks and music you can really groove to. Here the beers cost 22 pesos and the mixed cocktails cost 48 pesos. They have a raging salsa dance night on Wednesday’s and they are open Wed-Sat 10:30 pm-2:30 am. They only accept cash as payment.
The nightlife in Zipolite is rather chill. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a cocktail and a bit of atmosphere you should just head to the beach because many of the beaches and restaurants here are where all the action is in the evenings. If you are looking for a little more flavorful [...]
Cozumel Attractions
Attractions in Cozumel
Chankanaab Park
This park was brought into existence in 1980 and it was created to be a safe haven for wild marine animals in the region. In addition to the marine animals it was also created to protect the plant life and flowers that line the beautiful coast. You can find this lovely park right by the Fiesta Americana Hotel which is located off of the coast road. The water here is completely translucent giving the viewer a complete view of 100 feet or more. This clear water is what makes Cozumel such a popular snorkeling and scuba diving destination. This particular beach has good access to the water and the water here is fairly calm which allows a perfect opportunity to shore-dive or snorkel. There are also a couple statues that make beckon to have their photos taken and they are Christ and there is another of Mary. In addition to the lovely water features in this park there is also a botanical sanctuary with over 55 different species of plants and flowers. If you are lucky you may even catch a vision of a beautiful bird of paradise or a mysterious iguana. There is an archaeology area that has replicated many of the Toltec and Mayan ruin features like huts and temples so that visitors can better learn and understand how these ancient peoples lived and worshipped. If you venture on a bit further you will find yourself in a very loud but beautiful sanctuary for sea lions and dolphins. If you dare you can pay a nominal fee and even swim with these wonderful creatures. If you choose to go this route you will also want to pay and have a video made of this encounter. The park is open every day from 7am-6pm and the fee costs $17 for adults and $7 for children.
Cozumel Island Museum
This history museum is located just a handful of blocks from the main square in town. Thus museums main focus is on the Mayan culture that existed here in the 16th century. Here you will be able to see artifacts, re-creations and also drawings of discoverers like Juan de Grijalva and also Cortez. You can by trinkets and souvenirs in the gift shop and there is also a place where you can eat. The museum provides English and Spanish speaking guides to take you on your tour. The museum is open every day from 9am-5pm. The price to get in is only $4 and kids under 12 are free.
Punta Sur Lighthouse Park in Isla Cozumel
Punta Sur Lighthouse Park
If you venture to the most southern part of the island you will find a beach park and ecology reserve known as Punta Sur Lighthouse Park. In this park area the sand is as white as snow and it also encompasses many swampy lagoons like areas with a thick jungle feel overhead. The most famous feature within the park is the lighthouse known as Faro Punta Sur. This lighthouse is used for fish cook outs where all visitors to the island are invited and it is a party you will not want to miss. The cost to attend the party is $9 per person and all monies go back into the maintenance of this beautiful park. The fee includes a guided tour as well as your meal. If you get hungry before the meal they also have a snack shack where you can fuel up and also a souvenir shop so that you may purchase something to remember this wonderful experience. If you have a string stomach then you may also enjoy a ride on a catamaran boat which is $20. The park is open every day between the hours of 9am and 6pm.
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
On the east side of the island just a few streets away from the main square is where you will find these Mayan ruins. The ruins here in San Gervasio are the biggest and contain the most historical Mayan significance in the area. This particular ruin dates back to A.D 200. This area was civilized and lived in all the way through the Spanish conquest. Many famous pilgrimages took place here and there are a lot of sacred Mayan spiritual centers within this ruin. This is where shrines to the goddess Ix-Chel the goddess of fertility. Women from all over the world come here to pay homage to this particular goddess as it is said that just being in her shrines presence can help those having trouble to conceive a child. This ruin is about two square miles big and houses many tropical birds and reptiles. If you choose to explore here you can go it alone or with a well informed guide taking you through each artifact. The ruin park is open every day between the hours of 7am and 4pm. The cost to get in the park is $6 for adults and kids are free.
Attractions in Cozumel Chankanaab Park This park was brought into existence in 1980 and it was created to be a safe haven for wild marine animals in the region. In addition to the marine animals it was also created to protect the plant life and flowers that line the beautiful coast. You can [...]
Cholula Sights and Activities
Some of the many attractions you will see while traveling through Cholula are 37 of the most beautiful churches that were built by Cortes many years ago. Aside from the churches there are many pyramids and ruins that archaeologists have been studying for years. Your best option for seeing the sights in Cholula would be to hire a guide who can take you and also inform you of all the rich history that is here in Cholula.
Teneapa Pyramid
This pyramid had been fought upon by the Toltecs and Cortes but at the time they just thought of it as a hill and had no idea that beneath it was a great pyramid. The hill and pyramid were not uncovered until the early 1930′s. First archeologists discovered the one pyramid and then shortly after that they found two more on top of each other. It was like peeling an onion to find one pyramid after another existed on this hill. It is believed that the first pyramid found here dates back to AD 210 and was probably constructed by the Olmecs. Following the Olmecs there was a Chimichec-Toltec bunch that had come to the area within Cholula late into the 12th century where they had a battle with people in Tula. Following all of this Cholula was known for being a great place to escape to. The last pyramid to be created was that of Tlachiaualtepetl which was more of a hill and it was though that a lot of human sacrifices took place here. This hill was so sophisticated that it had its own drainage system that is what preserved the area and kept it in good shape all these years. This is the biggest pyramid in all the world measuring over 410 meters along the bottom and 61 meters high. This place was last dug up by archaeologists in the early 1970′s. If you visit it today you can go through the caves and tunnels that lay on its west side. If you wish to tour theses tunnels and caves you can every day from 9am-6pm. The cost is 38 pesos for adults and children and students can enter for free.
Museo De Sitio
Prior to finding the tunnels of the above discussed pyramid you will find a museum just across the way. here you will find a diagram about the pyramid as well as many artifacts that display the significance as being a very sacred place to the Cholulans. While you are at the museum you will see the Codice of Cholula which is a 17th century remembrance of the bloody massacre that occurred here. One of the famous murals that was reproduced is called Los Bebedores and you can view this reproduction in this museum. The museum is connected to the tunnel where the real mural was said to have been painted. The museum is open every day 9am-6pm and you can have tours in Spanish and English. The price of admission is free.
Tunnels and Patios
If you wish to explore the caves and tunnels you must walk through the maze of tunnels on the base of the pyramid. The tunnels have been carved out by archaeologists over the last four decades and they are over 7 kilometers in length. The only parts that can be walked through and explored by visitors are around 280 meters of it as they are the only safe and lighted areas within. There is a section where visitors can view a bit of an old staircase that is within the pyramids walls. The pyramid is over nine stories high of which two stories can be explored safely with a guide. You will also be able to view the Patio de los Altars which is a whole area outside of many alters. and you can see the many stages of construction that took place here many years ago. You can purchase a brochure in English for 6 pesos at a bookstore at the end of the tunnel.
Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios
This sanctuary was built on the top of the pyramid in the late 1500′s and from its top you can see all of Cholula. You are able to hike to the top here but it is quite difficult. This sanctuary was built by the Spanish to keep away the evil spirits of The Aztecs who had been here at a much earlier time. This sanctuary was to honor the Virgin of Los Remedios. This sanctuary had collapsed in an earth quake in the late 1800′s but was rebuilt using a lot of the same pieces. There was yet another earthquake in the late 1990′s which led to the Cholulans doing more repair work again. The virgin is a again well preserved and they hold festivals and celebrations in June and September to honor her. There are blue lights that display her name there. If you stand here on a very clear day you can see all the way to the volcanoes of Popocatepetl and also Itzaccihuatl. You can tour this area everyday from 7am-8pm and the admission is free.
Some of the many attractions you will see while traveling through Cholula are 37 of the most beautiful churches that were built by Cortes many years ago. Aside from the churches there are many pyramids and ruins that archaeologists have been studying for years. Your best option for seeing the [...]
Playa Azul Nightlife
Cocktails and dinner in Playa Azul
In the evenings you will see more homeless dogs than people walking on the streets. There are only a couple of bars and clubs with any sort of nightlife and cheap booze. If you head down Carranza you will stumble upon La Hacienda just east of Cardenas. The theme here is Cowboys or Vaquero’s as you will see many cowboy hats and guns plastered on the walls of sand. This is a popular joint among the locals who come here to socialize and play card games. This is also a popular destination during soccer season because this is one of the only places you can watch the games on the big TV’s they have. The beers here cost 16 pesos and the mixed cocktails cost 41 pesos. This bar is open every day between the hours of 8pm-2am. If you would like a fresher atmosphere you should head down to Nuestro Bar where you can breathe in the ocean air and it has a more romantic feel. On the deck you will find many sofas and loveseats where you can speak to your lover or friends and enjoy the calm and natural atmosphere that surrounds you. The beers here cost 11 pesos, the Mojitos cost 22 pesos, and all other mixed cocktails go for 45 pesos. They are open Mon- Thurs 5-11pm and on the weekends they stay open until 2am. They accept all major credit cards as payment here.
In the evenings you will see more homeless dogs than people walking on the streets. There are only a couple of bars and clubs with any sort of nightlife and cheap booze. If you head down Carranza you will stumble upon La Hacienda just east of Cardenas. The theme here is Cowboys or Vaquero's as you [...]
Villahermosa Nightlife
Villahermosa
Much of the attractions here are geared towards academic scholars and artists because they offer many workshops and lectures here. If you would like a schedule of all the workshops and art classes here you can go to the Centro Cultural Villahermosa where they post a weekly agenda of events. The Cultural Center is located on Zaragoza and Madero on the other side of the street from the Juarez Park. Some of the offerings are plays, and musicals. The cultural center is open every day from 10am-8pm. If you would like to hear some great live music bands you should head over to the cafe that is located behind the Galeria el Jaguar Despertado which is located on Saenz right by the Zona Luz. Some of the styles of music you can hear there are classical, jazz, and local favorites. This establishment also posts a listing of the different music bands that will be playing each week. The shows usually begin around 8 pm. If you walk upstairs you can look at art displayed from local artists that is also available for sale. The Galeria is open Mon-Fri from 9am-9pm , Saturdays from 9am-8pm and on Sunday 10am-3pm.
If you head across the street from the galeria you will come across the Colegio de Arte Tabasco which is also located right of Saenz Street. This place has a lot of art in the contemporary styling. You can also purchase pieces if you find something you cannot live without. The Art College is open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.
If you are looking for some hot spots to party at in the evenings you may want to check out the discos around Tabasco 2000. This is the area to be in if you want to get dressed to the nines and be seen. The music in the clubs is more of a techno version and some salsa. If you would like to get to and from the bars safely it is recommended that you go via taxi.
One of these lounges is called Bfore and it is located on Paseo Tabasco right before you reach Obrero. This club is very hip and people of all legal drinking age flock here to hang out on the cozy and chic couches. The walls are decorated buy very modern looking black and white photos. There is a DJ spinning the beats. The beers here cost 65 pesos and the mixed cocktails are 45 pesos. If you like they even have karaoke offered here which is a fun activity once you have had a couple drinks. To get in the bar you must pay a cover charge of 35 pesos and they are open Thurs-Sun from 8pm-3am. They accept all major credit cards as payment.
If you are looking for a more peaceful and relaxing scene in the evening you would be much happier at La Bohemia de Manrique which is located on Calle Via 2. The food here is delicious and the atmosphere soothing and inviting. Here you will pay 20 pesos for beers, and 40 pesos for mixed cocktails. If you would like to have some delicious appetizers they will charge around 50 pesos per item. You can get delicious gourmet entrees for around 100 pesos. The entertainment here is provided by trova musicians. You will need to pay a cover charge to get in which will run 42 pesos per person. On the weekend the cover charge increases to 62 pesos. This establishment is open Tues-Fri 8pm-4am.
Much of the attractions here are geared towards academic scholars and artists because they offer many workshops and lectures here. If you would like a schedule of all the workshops and art classes here you can go to the Centro Cultural Villahermosa where they post a weekly agenda of events. The [...]
Isla Holbox Outdoor Activities
A fly fishing lodge in Isla Holbox
If you are looking to find a tour company that has been around a while and is much respected among travelers you should head to Turistica Miguel which you can find located on the corner of the zocalo. They have a fleet of seven available boats that take tourists to swim with whale sharks. In the months between June and August you will need to pay 900 pesos for a tour that lasts five hours. You also have the option of being able to snorkel with sea turtles. This event takes place at Cabo Canoche and in the summer months the cost for this activity is 850 pesos. If you would like to stay out of the water for the day you will quite enjoy the bird watching tour that takes place in a mangrove forest. The tour lasts 5-1/2 hours and will cost 710 pesos in the summer months. If you would like to see what all the fishing is about you should plan a sport fishing tour . If you book through the agency they will feed you, take you fishing, and provide all the transportation for a fee between 1600-3200 pesos per excursion. Your tour will include lunch and breakfast. You may also want to explore on your own and if this is the case you will want to rent a golf cart from Turistica Miguel as this is the preferred mode of transportation on the Isla Holbox. If you wish to rent a golf cart the fee is 110 pesos and hour or 560 pesos for the entire day. There are also some activities that take place in the sir like sky diving and bungee jumping. These types of activities should be arranged through Lino Adrelino which is located at the Hotel La Palapa. If you would like to try your hand at laser sailing you can do so for 610 pesos for a half day adventure and 1100 pesos for an entire day of adventure. You should check out the kite surfing they even have courses which can last up to three days and will cost 1900 pesos. The owner of the company teaches the classes. The owners name is Lino and he is an Expat from Italy that has a strong passion for the sport of kite sailing. If you would like and you make your request in advance the owner is also happy to show you how to windsurf. All these activities need to be paid in cash or with PayPal.
If you are looking to find a tour company that has been around a while and is much respected among travelers you should head to Turistica Miguel which you can find located on the corner of the zocalo. They have a fleet of seven available boats that take tourists to swim with whale sharks. In the [...]
San Juan Chamula Festivals
San Juan Chamula Festivals
Easter Market San Juan Chamula
The town leaders, shamans and the locals all wear special outfits depending on their position in the community. Nonetheless…everyone dresses in colorful, bright colored hand woven clothing.
Carnaval is San Juan’s largest and most celebrated event. The Carnaval lasts for one entire week so be prepared for large crowds, elaborate clothing and plenty of drunken people. No photography is allowed during Carnaval, so leave your camera in your room.
San Juan Chamula Festivals The town leaders, shamans and the locals all wear special outfits depending on their position in the community. Nonetheless…everyone dresses in colorful, bright colored hand woven clothing. Carnaval is San Juan’s largest and most celebrated event. The [...]
The Sights Within Cholula
Some of the many attractions you will see while traveling through Cholula are 37 of the most beautiful churches that were built by Cortes many years ago. Aside from the churches there are many pyramids and ruins that archaeologists have been studying for years. Your best option for seeing the sights in Cholula would be to hire a guide who can take you and also inform you of all the rich history that is here in Cholula.
Teneapa Pyramid
This pyramid had been fought upon by the Toltecs and Cortes but at the time they just thought of it as a hill and had no idea that beneath it was a great pyramid. The hill and pyramid were not uncovered until the early 1930′s. First archeologists discovered the one pyramid and then shortly after that they found two more on top of each other. It was like peeling an onion to find one pyramid after another existed on this hill. It is believed that the first pyramid found here dates back to AD 210 and was probably constructed by the Olmecs. Following the Olmecs there was a Chimichec-Toltec bunch that had come to the area within Cholula late into the 12th century where they had a battle with people in Tula. Following all of this Cholula was known for being a great place to escape to. The last pyramid to be created was that of Tlachiaualtepetl which was more of a hill and it was though that a lot of human sacrifices took place here. This hill was so sophisticated that it had its own drainage system that is what preserved the area and kept it in good shape all these years. This is the biggest pyramid in all the world measuring over 410 meters along the bottom and 61 meters high. This place was last dug up by archaeologists in the early 1970′s. If you visit it today you can go through the caves and tunnels that lay on its west side. If you wish to tour theses tunnels and caves you can every day from 9am-6pm. The cost is 38 pesos for adults and children and students can enter for free.
Mused de Sitio in Cholula
Prior to finding the tunnels of the above discussed pyramid you will find a museum just across the way. here you will find a diagram about the pyramid as well as many artifacts that display the significance as being a very sacred place to the Cholulans. While you are at the museum you will see the Codice of Cholula which is a 17th century remembrance of the bloody massacre that occurred here. One of the famous murals that was reproduced is called Los Bebedores and you can view this reproduction in this museum. The museum is connected to the tunnel where the real mural was said to have been painted. The museum is open every day 9am-6pm and you can have tours in Spanish and English. The price of admission is free.
Tunnels and Patios
If you wish to explore the caves and tunnels you must walk through the maze of tunnels on the base of the pyramid. The tunnels have been carved out by archaeologists over the last four decades and they are over 7 kilometers in length. The only parts that can be walked through and explored by visitors are around 280 meters of it as they are the only safe and lighted areas within. There is a section where visitors can view a bit of an old staircase that is within the pyramids walls. The pyramid is over nine stories high of which two stories can be explored safely with a guide. You will also be able to view the Patio de los Altars which is a whole area outside of many alters. and you can see the many stages of construction that took place here many years ago. You can purchase a brochure in English for 6 pesos at a bookstore at the end of the tunnel.
Santuario de Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios
This sanctuary was built on the top of the pyramid in the late 1500′s and from its top you can see all of Cholula. You are able to hike to the top here but it is quite difficult. This sanctuary was built by the Spanish to keep away the evil spirits of The Aztecs who had been here at a much earlier time. This sanctuary was to honor the Virgin of Los Remedios. This sanctuary had collapsed in an earth quake in the late 1800′s but was rebuilt using a lot of the same pieces. There was yet another earthquake in the late 1990′s which led to the Cholulans doing more repair work again. The virgin is a again well preserved and they hold festivals and celebrations in June and September to honor her. There are blue lights that display her name there. If you stand here on a very clear day you can see all the way to the volcanoes of Popocatepetl and also Itzaccihuatl. You can tour this area everyday from 7am-8pm and the admission is free.
Some of the many attractions you will see while traveling through Cholula are 37 of the most beautiful churches that were built by Cortes many years ago. Aside from the churches there are many pyramids and ruins that archaeologists have been studying for years. Your best option for seeing the [...]
The Sights in Xilitla
The main attraction in Xilitla are the pozas and also known as the Enchanted Garden that was created by Edward James. Here at the garden you can swim in these beautiful pools surrounded by lush landscape and feel like you have entered a real life fairytale. In the garden you will see statures of concrete that look like they grow right into the landscape. Edward James was a man from England who was considered to be quite eccentric and have wildly artistic ideas. James was also a poet and had an elite membership among the surrealists. It was not until 1942 that Edward James discovered Xilitla and right then and there decided he would build his masterpiece garden and also make it his home. His creation became many different textures and colors that were engulfed in real flowers, vines, and butterflies. The entrance lead to nothing but there are stairs that lead nowhere and no books in the barren libraries. If you would like to see the pozas you should take a stroll down on Ocampo which is a street that is parallel to the church of Jardin Hidalgo, keep on the path and then you should turn left to Morelos. When you get to this point you will come upon a fork in the road where you should take the left side that leads you up the hill and then take an immediate right and your path will turn to a road of stone. You will need to follow this path until you get to a gravel section and then the pozas will be shortly on your left. The walk will take about 45 minutes or you can take a taxi for 65 pesos that takes you right to the entrance of the garden.
After you see the masterpiece enchanted garden you should also have a look at the museum dedicated to the artist Edward James which is just off Ocampo street. This museum gives a history on how the garden came to fruition. The museum is also adorned with many steel and concrete arches which give it a very abstract and surreal feel. The museum is only around five years old. At the museum you will be able to see the blueprints for the gardens design and also the molds he used to bring the garden to life. You can also see a room that is dedicated to the life of the artist and displays many of the letters that he wrote to Gastelum whom was another surrealistic artist that he was friends with. He was also close with Salvador Dali and he has correspondence in this room that show their friendship through writings. The museum is open every day from 10am-6pm and the cost for adults is 35 pesos and the cost for children is 16 pesos.
After you have gotten your fill on the artist of Edward James you should stop at the San Augustine Temple. This temple is located just east of the plaza. The temple was built in the mid 1500′s making it the oldest temple in this state. At one time the building served as a convent for the local nuns. The building has taken quite a beating over the years as you will see by the crumbling exterior that shows the stone beneath the stucco. The interior however has been very well maintained and gives you a chance to see statues of many of the saints in life size proportion. In the last days of August there is a fantastic celebration here called Feria se San Augustin where they have dances and fireworks.
The Poza Garden in Xilitla
The main attraction in Xilitla are the pozas and also known as the Enchanted Garden that was created by Edward James. Here at the garden you can swim in these beautiful pools surrounded by lush landscape and feel like you have entered a real life fairytale. In the garden you will see statures of [...]
