‘Cities’ Archives
Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos makes a great daytrip from Cancun. If you would like to visit Puerto Morelos you can get transportation there by taking a bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and then the bus will take you just a mile or so from Puerto Morelos. The bus ride lasts about 35 minutes and will cost around 20 pesos. Once you reach Puerto Morelos and would like to get to the zocalo area you can take a taxi that will take you there in about 25 minutes and will charge you 22 pesos.
The main reason you should visit Puerto Morelos is the untouched pristine beaches there. They also have some of the most incredible reefs. The population in Puerto Morelos is just under 5,000 people. The people who live here will do just about anything to make sure Puerto Morelos stays just the way it is. The feeling here is calm, serene and very inviting. The people here welcome visitors but this is not a place where you will be able to water ski or indulge in hedonism styled resorts like those in Cancun. Puerto Morelos is more of an escape from over populated resort towns and caters to people that just need time away to relax. The only other activities besides sun bathing and swimming are snorkeling and diving which you can do by taking a lancha to the dive sites. If you would like assistance in planning a diving or snorkeling excursion you should talk to the people at Dive Puerto Morelos. The dive shop is located on Rojo Gomez which is just a couple blocks away from the zocalo. As well as diving gear they can also certify a first time diver, and they have all the instruction a beginner will need for success. If you would like to plan a couple hour snorkeling trip you can look to pay about 260 pesos. This price includes transportation to the snorkeling site, rental of gear, and the park fee. If you are interested there is a minimum of four people required. If you would like to take a dive that will give you two tanks and last a couple hours you will spend around 690 pesos per person. The dive store is open every day from 8am-2pm and then re-opens from 5pm-8pm. They accept all major credit cards here a payment.
You will want to keep away from the reef in the northern area of the water as it is dirty and unsafe to swim in. If you are in the water at any time make sure you are visible because many boats come in and out of this area and could easily miss you if you are not visible to them.
If you are not into water sports you may find the Mayan Adventour to have some more appealing options. This agency is located in the zocalo and they have options like ATV rides, fresh water swimming holes. These fresh water swimming holes are actually called cenotes and they are actually underground and in many cases you will even be able to see some caves within them. You may even rappel these areas if you choose but you will need a tour guide. If you would like to arrange a four hour tour that includes your daily meal you can do so for around 300 pesos per person. they only accept cash and the tours begin at 9:30 am and end around 1:30pm in the afternoon.
The beach in Puerto Morelos
Puerto Morelos makes a great daytrip from Cancun. If you would like to visit Puerto Morelos you can get transportation there by taking a bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen and then the bus will take you just a mile or so from Puerto Morelos. The bus ride lasts about 35 minutes and will cost around [...]
Puerto San Carlos
Puerto San Carlos
You can easily get to Puerto San Carlos via bus or automobile by driving on the Mexican Highway 22. There is a very small bus station within San Carlos called Autotransportes Aguila. From this bus station you have your choice of two different bus trips that travel to Ciudad Constitucion. The first bus leaves by 7:3am and the other one leaves at 1:45pm. The cost for the trip is 55 pesos. Once you arrive at Ciudad Constitucion you can take buses to the south or north of there. The bus depot is only open an hour before each bus leaves. If you are taking one of the two available bus tours to Puerto San Carlos from Ciudad Constitucion you will travel on the Mexican Highway 22 which is a curvy road that will then shoot you out onto the main road of La Paz and this road is the only one that is paved in Puerto San Carlos. The other roads and streets here are unpaved and packed with sand which makes driving here a bit tricky. You should be extra careful and ask for help when trying to find a particular destination as many of the road signs are bleached out of existence.
You will also need to know that there are no types of banking services, or change houses within the town. Make sure you bring enough cash which you can obtain while you are in Ciudad Constitucion. If you would like to get more detailed information on the area you can do so at the tourist office which is located by the boat docks. The tourist office is only open during whale watching season. If you come out of season you can usually find friendly assistance at the Hotel Alcatraz which is located on the main road. They are not officially tourist guides but they do have a lot of information and will help you any way they can. If for any reason you need the police while you are visiting the area you can find them located on Callejon Baja California Road and La Paz right by the park. If you have a medical emergency there are IMSS services available on Mexico and La Paz Roads. They also have a pharmacy within the facility if you run out of medication or get sick on your trip. The pharmacy is open from 8am-8pm Mon-Fri. If you need to make a long distance phone call or send a facsimile you can do so at the Telecomm office on Puerto Acapulco. The Telecomm is open Mon-Fri from 8am-2pm. If you need to access the internet while you are here you can do so at the internet café called Ciber Gimasi which is located off of La Paz and is near the post office. The internet café is open every day between the hours of 10am-11pm. If you would like to mail a postcard or letter you can do so at the post office which is open Mon-Fri from 8am-4pm and the zip code in Puerto San Carlos is 23740.
The pier in Puerto San Carlos
Puerto San Carlos You can easily get to Puerto San Carlos via bus or automobile by driving on the Mexican Highway 22. There is a very small bus station within San Carlos called Autotransportes Aguila. From this bus station you have your choice of two different bus trips that travel to Ciudad [...]
Zinacantan
Zinacantan
This is a nearby village that moves at a much slower pace. Their man business is growing and exporting flowers. As you are touring the area you will find hot houses or greenhouses all over the hills. Flower growing and exporting has been their main trade since the 1600 and they still travel throughout the region selling fresh fruit, vegetables and of course flowers. The town prospers mainly due to the increase in tourism.
Traditional Dress of Zincantan
You will be amazed at the bright clothing worn by the men of the village which consists of white shorts, straw hats and pink highly decorated tunics with hand embroidered flowers. The women are quite the contrast in their black skirts and white blouses with a minimum of color and of course their blue rebozo (shawl) covering their shoulders.
Textiles
Zincantan
The local textiles of Zinacatecan are especially bright, colorful and decorated with handmade floral designs. They tend to use a lot of reds, pinks, purples and blues. The women use waist looms to create their beautiful textiles. If you are taking a tour you will probably be able to stop at a home and be able to observe the women weaving and you can also purchase some of their handmade delights.
Zinacantan This is a nearby village that moves at a much slower pace. Their man business is growing and exporting flowers. As you are touring the area you will find hot houses or greenhouses all over the hills. Flower growing and exporting has been their main trade since the 1600 and they [...]
Villages around San Cristobal
There are many indigenous areas surrounding San Cristobal. Some are small villages, and others are quite large areas. Each area or municipality is defied by ethnicity. For example Chamulans reside only in Chamula. They mare share ethnic relations distinct from Zinacatecan and Tenejapns, however they only reside in Chamula.
Villages of San Cristobal
Getting There
Because of the different terrain and locations travel to and from is different in each town. You can plan to make it easy and drive, take public transport or bicycle. Leave early so you have time to wander about and see the sights. You must leave by mid afternoon as overnight stays or even being in the area after dark is strictly prohibited. Tours are a great way to see the outlying areas and you can even visit with local families, which is not available if you tour the area by yourself. Be respectful of the rules and the dos and don’ts of each area.
Photographs
Photographs are strictly forbidden in churches, town officials and religious processions or ceremonies. Some towns forbid picture taking of any kind. Landscape shots are permissible only in certain towns. Always be prepared to ask permission before taking a photo of anything or anyone especially when in town. Some towns will remove your memory chip and fine you if caught taking unpermitted photos. Be ware…if you refuse to pay you could end up in jail until you pay the fine. This is no joke. The indigenous people of the areas take this very, very seriously.
San Juan Chamula
San Juan Chamula is Chiapas’s largest town and Chamula municipality with approximately 10,000 residents. San Juan is the political and religious center and the most visited by tourists. It is located 12 km from San Cristobal. This is a must see if you are visiting Chiapas.
Traditional Dress
The women of Chamula wear a white blouse huipiles with hand-embroidered flowers on the neckline, thick black wool skirts and red belts. Occasionally you see a woman with a blue shawl with a baby tucked in the folds. The clothing is hand woven from the wool harvested from the animals raised on their farms.
The men wear hats, leather boots, long white wool tunics and western style pants. You will notice that men wearing black tunic are village leaders. Leaders wear special dress during their reign of authority.
Women and girls are often barefoot, which is due to lack of money and also the local belief that the earth makes a woman more fertile. If you would like to donate shoes you are better off donating money to a local agencies that is familiar with local customs. Some may take this gesture very offensively. Be wise of local customs.
Iglesia de San Juan Bautista
San Juan is an important place for the locals and an absolute must see for tourists. This is a typical looking church on the outside…but just wait till you go through the entrance. You will be overwhelmed with the aroma of flowers, candles, incense and pine. As a matter of fact the floor is covered with fresh cut pine needles. They are cut and brought to the church daily and spread on the floor. The only catholic ceremony allowed in the church is baptisms. The town will not allow any permanent clergy on site. The statues are all dressed in brilliantly colored floral clothing. The statues, which are very religious to the locals, have to be protected behind glass. Occasionally a villager will try to take revenge on the statue if their prayer was not answered. Occasionally a villager would turn the statue to face the wall out of anger or even break off a finger. Candles line the floor and the color of the candles signify different events, such as black is for death, red burns for the ill and the white are for private ceremonies conducted by local shamans. Carbonated drinks such as Coca Cola or Pepsi are used to make you burp, which is a way of clearing the body of bad spirits. Entrance requires a ticket, which can be purchased at the city hall. Usually visitors are part of a tour group.
There are many indigenous areas surrounding San Cristobal. Some are small villages, and others are quite large areas. Each area or municipality is defied by ethnicity. For example Chamulans reside only in Chamula. They mare share ethnic relations distinct from Zinacatecan and Tenejapns, [...]
Tenejapa
Tenejapa
Tenejapa is a small Tzeltal Maya town hosting a Thursday market with displays of beautiful textiles. In the central plaza is a beautiful church. This is a town where the practice of Catholics and Protestants worship openly. Tenejapa is a peaceful village with broad-minded people toward religious views and visitors. Be sure to NOT take photos as again it is forbidden.
Textiles
Founded in Tenejapa is the award winning co-op Sna Jolobil. The shop is part of the San Crisobal’s Santo Domingo church. Maria Meza the founder of the co-op lives in a quaint house along the road leading to town. She welcomes visitors to view her beautiful work.
Central Plaza and Thursday Market
The central plaza is a well-manicured area. On each side of the plaza are brightly painted buildings, one of which is the Casa de Cultura. This is where local artisans handcrafted items and textiles are displayed and for sale. Across from the plaza is Iglesia San Lldefonso, which is the main church. The inside of the church is rich in velvet tapestries. The walls are covered with statues and the alter is covered with candles, saints and a large image of Christ. On Thursday when the market begins you will notice that it starts down the road and continues into the plaza. This is a very pleasant stroll and there is always fresh fruit to enjoy.
Plaza San Sebastian
Located on the far side of the church to the left is the Plaza San Sebastian. This area is a local basketball and soccer field. Teplo San Sebastian has been under construction since the 18th century. It has been abandoned several times but currently remains abandoned. Local legend has it that the statue of San Sebastian was not happy at that location. The statue mysteriously kept relocating itself to the main church. Hence the local leaders thought this meant the statue was unhappy at its previous location so the church was never completed.
Tenejapa Natives
Tenejapa Tenejapa is a small Tzeltal Maya town hosting a Thursday market with displays of beautiful textiles. In the central plaza is a beautiful church. This is a town where the practice of Catholics and Protestants worship openly. Tenejapa is a peaceful village with broad-minded people [...]
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 [...]
San Andres Larrainzar
San Andres Larrainzar
This is another Tzotzil Maya village however, it is somewhat run down. This is also the location for peace talks between Zapatista forces and San Andres Peach Accords. The area is rather hilly and makes for a great hiking experience, though it can be quite a workout.
Traditional Dress and Textiles
The women of the village are well skilled in traditional beautiful weaving of textiles. They are known for their clever ways of using the loom to create unique designs using both the warp and weft of their looms. An ancient design of the Maya of Yaxchilan is a brocade fabric, which combines traditional symbols such as the snake, diamond, monkey, flower and toad. The use of brilliant colors is traditional in their weaving. Their dress is traditional. The women dress in white blouses with geometric hand embroidered designs usually on a red background, long dark skirts with blue lines woven into the fabric.
Sunday Market
San Andres Larrainzer textile Shop
San Andres Larrainzar hosts a Sunday market and displays fruits, vegetables, hand woven textiles, live chickens and other handmade unique items made by local artisans.
San Andres Larrainzar This is another Tzotzil Maya village however, it is somewhat run down. This is also the location for peace talks between Zapatista forces and San Andres Peach Accords. The area is rather hilly and makes for a great hiking experience, though it can be quite a [...]
Oventik
Oventik
Oventik
In 2003 the EZLN formed Oventik after the Mexican Congress accepted a lesser version of the 1996 San Andres Peace Accords. Each area has a Good Government Council, which is comprised of non-military individuals. They work to maintain the schools and clinics while continuing to gather information and issue reports on the army’s movements in their locations. They also collect taxes and act to resolve local conflicts. Visiting Oventik requires a photo ID at the gate which is presented to a masked guard. They will probably ask for a passport as well, but often times a driver’s license with due. NEVER hand over your passport anywhere. You will be escorted to different areas and you will be asked for your name and reason for visit as well as your profession. All of this information is recorded in the large journals that are maintained on site. The approval process for your visit could take hours. When you are finally approved you will be allowed to wander through the area and you are welcome to take photos of the murals, which are beautiful. DO NOT take pictures of any of the people…it is strictly forbidden. There are small eating areas and artisan shops. If you want to spend more than one day you are welcome to spend the night in the local school with other local families who are visiting. Staying the night must be arranged in advance and be approved by the Junta. Don’t assume you can just show up and spend the night.
Oventik In 2003 the EZLN formed Oventik after the Mexican Congress accepted a lesser version of the 1996 San Andres Peace Accords. Each area has a Good Government Council, which is comprised of non-military individuals. They work to maintain the schools and clinics while continuing to [...]
El Romerillo
El Romerillo
El Romerillo
The wood bases signify doors. Every November 1 (All Saints Day) the locals gather at the cemetery to talk to their deceased loved ones. They dig around the dirt to signify a freshly dug grave, clean the area and decorate with flowers. They then cover their heads with a shawl, lift a corner of the wood “door” to talk to their deceased loved one. Tourists are welcome to view this event, however, no photos are allowed. When they have finished speaking with their loved one they replace the wood “door”, leave the ground freshly dug up and the flowers till next year.
El Romerillo The wood bases signify doors. Every November 1 (All Saints Day) the locals gather at the cemetery to talk to their deceased loved ones. They dig around the dirt to signify a freshly dug grave, clean the area and decorate with flowers. They then cover their heads with a [...]
Chenalho
Chenalho
Chenalho
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Iglesia San Pedro and Chenalho Cemetery
Standing in front the Iglesia San Pedro, Chenalho’s beautiful church is original Maya crosses. The local cemetery is behind the plaza and up a steep hill. The cemetery is full of color and you are permitted take photos of the graves but definitely not of any people or ceremonies that may be taking place. Photos of the exterior of the church are permitted but not the inside.
Chenalho . Iglesia San Pedro and Chenalho Cemetery Standing in front the Iglesia San Pedro, Chenalho’s beautiful church is original Maya crosses. The local cemetery is behind the plaza and up a steep hill. The cemetery is full of color and you are permitted take photos of the [...]
