Places and Museums in Comitan

Comitan Museum

Comitan – Museums Places to see

Comitan is east of San Cristobal and is about 2 hours away by bus.  The city is full of art and bright colors.  There are lots of steep hills and plenty of sights to see.  Within an hours drive from Comitan you can also visit Lagunas de Montebello, Cascada El Chiflon, Chinkultik and Tenam Puente archaeological sites.

Local Sights

The zocalo is full of benches, fountains, modern sculptures, and planters.  The locals and tourists are abounding in the zocala, either as a place to read, rest or even to conduct local business.  During the day the shade trees provide relief from the sun and at night you can sit, enjoy the beautiful sky above and listen to live marimba bands.

Templo Santo Domingo de Guzman

The most amazing site on the central plaza is the Templo Santo Domingo de Guzman built in 1556.  This mustard yellow with an octagon window on the façade is the last Dominican church built in Chiapas.  Recently a great discovery was found under the stucco surface, the Mudejar style bell tower.  Be sure to take a close look at this unique colonial architecture find.  In place of the demolished convent stands the Centro Cultural Rosario Castellanos.

Palacio Municipal

This neoclassic Palacio Municipal built in the 19^th century is home of the local government offices.  Once inside you can see amazing murals that run along side the stairway.  This mural was painted by Manuel Suasnavar and it is a colorful history of Comitan.

Museo Arqueologico de Comitan

This archaeological museum shows the history of the Maya in Chiapas.  There is a wonderful display of artifacts from local areas, some of which were discovered in tombs.  The Sala Genam Puente room is kept locked, however, if you ask the guard he will open it for you.  This room represents artifacts from the Sala Genam Puente.

Museo de Arte Hermila Cominguez de Castellanos

This museum, named after Dr. Belisario Doninguez daughter,  houses modern art, what a switch from all the history.  There are two floors displaying contemporary works of art.  The artists are locals from Oaxacan and Chiapanecan and displays both paintings and sculptures.  Near the entrance to the museum are three paintings by local artist Rufino Tamayo.

Casa-Museo Dr. Belisario Dominguez

Dr. Belisarioi Dominguez was a public servant who promoted improvement in public services to the Chiapa people.  He was an active senator in the 1900’s.  In 1913 during a speech demanding the resignation of President Victoriona Huerta, he was assassinated.

Comitan – Museums Places to see Comitan is east of San Cristobal and is about 2 hours away by bus.  The city is full of art and bright colors.  There are lots of steep hills and plenty of sights to see.  Within an hours drive from Comitan you can also visit Lagunas de Montebello, Cascada El [...]

Costa Grande Beaches and Attractions

La Costa Grande Beach

Beaches and Sights of the Costa Grande

If you would like to take a break from sun bathing in the beautiful beach and you are raving some adventure you may enjoy a very challenging hike on Cerro Guamilule. During your hike you will get to have some awesome views of the area as well as a rigorous workout. This mountain is not for any type of novice hiker. You will really need to be experienced and quite steady on your feet. You will need to be extra careful as there are no definitive trails or paths so you will need to pay close attention to go down the same way you went up. As difficult as the climb will be, you will find the hugest reward when you take in the view from the top. If you head to the part that is furthest south you will find the beach of Playa Potosi which follows right along the towns edge for a few miles past the lighthouse. If you are heading to the north you will come upon the beach of Playa Blanca and it is called Playa Blanca because the sand here is as white as snow. There is not much to do in Playa Blanca except for relax on the beach under a palapa. The next beach down is that of Playa Coacoyul which is about 4 miles long and has better access via Playa Riscallyo or Playa Manzanillo. From these two places you will have the light house in your sights and you can use that as a marker. The beaches are very deserted and quiet in the summer and just the opposite in the winter months especially during Christmas time. People from all over Mexico come here during Christmas time for their in country vacation. If you head to the South of Playa Potosi you will find Playa Larga which is a completely deserted beach with nothing but sand and ocean. This is not an easy beach to reach you will only be able to get there if you walk by the lagoon or venture out into a water taxi and then you will still have to trek through a lot of pine forests. Once you reach this beach you will see that the reward was worth the work. This is a great place to reflect or meditate peacefully.

Beaches and Sights of the Costa Grande If you would like to take a break from sun bathing in the beautiful beach and you are raving some adventure you may enjoy a very challenging hike on Cerro Guamilule. During your hike you will get to have some awesome views of the area as well as a rigorous [...]

Villahermosa Attractions

Museo Regional de Antropologia Carlos Pellicer

Villahermosa is not a city with too much focus on tourism, however there are many museums and attractions that keep people coming here. If you wander through the downtown area you will see many cafes, salons de belleza, candy and ice cream shops, and zapateria’s so many you can’t keep count.

The first notable museum that attracts a bit of attention among travelers to this area is the Parque-Museo La Venta. This museum is just below Tabasco. Inside this museum there are over 30 Olmec sculptures that have been taken from their original location in the La Venta .These were re planted in Villahermosa by way of a man names Carlos Pellicer Camara who was anthropologist and tireless poet. Once you pass the entrance you can visit the little area that was dedicated to Carlos Pellicer Camara and why he created this museum and park area and you can also get a bit of the history of the Olmec people. After you walk thought his museum you can walk through the jungle where you have the opportunity to view massive Olmec sculptures and altars and then the path will lead to the zoo within the park. Inside the zoo you will be able to see a lot of wildlife and also many different species of flora and fauna. After you pass the zoo you will stumble on the very large Parque Tomas Garrido Canabal which features a lagoon, with a beautiful alcoves, and many covered up benches and fountains. These benches and fountains are quite popular make-out areas among the teenage population that visits here. On your brochure the mirador claims to give you a 360 degree view of the city, however this is not exactly true because once you reach the summit all you will really be able to see is the lagoon and blossoming trees. This is a long and high hike so you should know that you may want to conserve your efforts. If you would like to get here by bus you should take the bus with the “Palacio”, or “Carrisal” signs on them as they will take you to the ruins in Tabasco and then you must walk 1/2 a mile through the parque where it will then take you to the entrance of the area. The bus will cost 6 pesos, or you can opt to take a taxi for 16 pesos. You can purchase tickets at the local ticket office. The park is open every day from 8am-5pm and the cost for admission is 42 pesos, or you can by a whole day pass which will gain you entrance to the sound and light show that takes place in the evenings and this will cost 110 pesos.

You may also want to check out a smaller museum called the Museo de Historia de Tabasco. When you are here you will be able to see a bunch of artifacts that are not organized or labeled very well but equally interesting.  You can also view some old photographs on the history and progress made in Tabasco. The most interesting part of your tour here will be viewing the building that houses the museum. The building is a rich blue color and was originally known as the Casa de los Azuelos which was owned by a wealthy vendor. The name Case de los Azuelos means house of blue tiles. This building was erected in the late 1800′s through the early 1900′s. This building is beautiful and as it has been decorated with tiles from places like Italy and Spain. All the rooms have a different theme and tile design. The roof even contains tiles from Egypt. On top of the beautiful tiles you will get to see a half dozen beautiful sculptures on top of the building which are said to have been the family of the wealthy man who bought the building in the late 1800′s. Inside this museum you will see a really nice bookstore where you can purchase books all about Tabasco.  This museum is located on Juarez and there are Spanish and English translations of all the materials here. The museum is open between the months of July and August from 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday. On Sundays the museum is open from 10am-6pm. The rest of the year the museum remains closed. The price of admission is 16 pesos.

The primary reason people come to visit Villahermosa is the CIMCOM which stands for Centro Para La Investigacion De Las Culturas Olmec Y Maya. The best exhibit within this center is the Museo Regional de Antropologia Carlos Pellicer Camara. This museum is a wonderful representation of the design styles that were portrayed here in the 1970′s. Inside the museum you can find many ancient artifacts of Olmec’s and also Mayan pieces that have been brought over from Comalcalco and also la Venta. Inside the library you will also find a very modern school, theater, and library. To get to this building from the Luz Zone you should walk about 20 minutes along the river and

then take the bus with the label that says “CICOM.” The bus ride will cost 6 pesos and they come very often. The building is open Tues-Sun between the hours of 9am-5pm and the cost of admission is 30 pesos.

If you are looking to have a vacation from the hustle and bustle of the busy town of Villahermosa you should try Yumka. Yumka is located 8 miles from the busy downtown area where you will be able to see wild animals naturally in their habitat with no cages or bars. Inside this area there are a few ecosystems like wetlands, savannah, and also a jungle. You can also purchase souvenirs from this place in their gift shop which is located on the premises. While you are here you make explore in a boat, on foot, or even on a tram. You can catch a bus here from right by the airport on Las Barrancas. The hours to catch the bus are 9am, 10:30am and also noon, and 1:30 pm. The park is open every day between the hours of 9am-4pm. The cost of admission is 55 pesos, and the fee for children under 12 is 26 pesos

Villahermosa is not a city with too much focus on tourism, however there are many museums and attractions that keep people coming here. If you wander through the downtown area you will see many cafes, salons de belleza, candy and ice cream shops, and zapateria's so many you can’t keep [...]

Things to do in Tijuana

Most of the entertainment within Tijuana belongs in the La Revo but there are also many museums and parks in Tijuana that give more of a cultural experience. These parks and museums are often overlooked by travelers who get caught up in the dance and party atmosphere. If you do make it over to these areas the only thing you will home with less of is sombreros and you will gain more heritage and culture from your visit here.

There is a beige colored building called CECUT which stands from the Centro Cultural Tijuana. This is one of the most attractive buildings within Tijuana. The main excitement here takes place at the Museo de las California’s. Inside this museum you will be able to see and read about artifacts that are all about and from The beginning times of the Baja Peninsula history. The museum provides the history and explanations in Spanish and in English. You will be able to see exhibits here that date all the way back to The American-Mexican War, the conquest of the Spanish and other artifacts from the beginning of the 20th century. In this CECUT compound you can also view many traveling and temporary exhibitions that have to do with science and technology. If this is all a little too nerdy you can wander over to the Sala de Espectaculos where you are able to attend dance shows and music concerts of artists from throughout the region. You can also see many local and Hollywood films shown here at the Cine Omnimax. The movies are shown every couple hours and if you would like to view some dance that tells a story kind of like a play then you should head over to Jardin Caracoal. Jardin Caracoal is in the shape of a snail’s body and exists as a garden with many beautiful sculptures from Pre-Hispanic times. The price to go through this sphere of history is 22 pesos for adults and 14 pesos for children twelve and under. The museum is open Tues-Sat from 10am-7pm. If you would like to see a film at the Omnimax theater you must pay 45 pesos per person and the price for kids tickets are 26 pesos.

If you are a fan of pilsner beers you would find a visit to the Brewery’s in Tijuana to be very exciting. The Cerveceria Tijuana has been pumping out frothy brews since 2000. These beers have more of a European taste and watching the process is quite fascinating. At the Cerveceria Tijuana you will be able to go on a guided tour and in the end if you are of drinking age you will also get to taste samples of the beers. The tours here are free and can be arranged over the phone by calling 639-8662. The brewery is open for tours Mon-Fri between the hours of 10am-12noon. If wine is more your style you would really enjoy a tour of a family run winery called L.A Cetto Winery which has been around since the 1920′s and was started by Italians that immigrated here at the turn of the 20th century. Here you will be able to walk through the vineyards called Valle de Guadelupe which is just to the north from Ensenada. The tours are not too long but they will show you how they gain their rich flavors here from redwood from California. Most people just go on the tour so that they can sample the wines at the end and then purchase the ones they like. The prices here are much less than if you were to buy the wines in the stores. The tours here take place Mon-Fri between the hours of 11am-2pm and then again between the hours of 4pm-6pm. The tour is free and if you would like to join the tasting at the end of the tour you must pay 85 pesos and this includes a tasting of four different wines.

Wine harvest in Valle de Guadelupe

Another fun place to visit while you are doing your sight-seeing is the Parque Estatal Morelos which is a ark that is state owned and operated and is in close proximity to the main highway of the city. Here at the park you can enjoy peaceful walks, romantic boat adventures, and music in the outdoor theater. They also have a wildlife zoo where you can view tigers, lions and the massive ostriches. The price of admission is free you will just need to pay 11 pesos to park in the parking lot.

You should also see a very cheesy and a bit tacky wax museum called Museo de Cerca. In this museum you can view over 80 different wax figures of people that were important among world history. Some of the figures you will get to view and take your picture with include Presidente Fox, Gandi and also Fidel Castro. The museum is open every day between the hours of 10am-6pm. The price of admission is free. There are no notable architectural delights in Tijuana with the exception of Jai Alai Palace which you can view on Calle 7 and Revolucion. This building was erected in the late 1940′s and took over 20 years to complete. In this structure you will get to see old ball courts that were where they played the game of Jai Alai. The sport is no longer played but there is still a shop that people still place bets at. This building is used for boxing matches, dances and musical concerts today. You will be quite impressed with the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe which you can find located on Calle 2 and Ninos. The last building you will not want to miss seeing is that of the Monumental Arch which was erected in 2001 and you can view this on Calle 1 and Revolucion.

Most of the entertainment within Tijuana belongs in the La Revo but there are also many museums and parks in Tijuana that give more of a cultural experience. These parks and museums are often overlooked by travelers who get caught up in the dance and party atmosphere. If you do make it over to [...]

Acapulco Daytrips

The two most popular things you will see while traveling in Acapulco are beaches and alcohol. You should not be alarmed though as a great time is had by all. You will have a couple opportunities to escape the hangovers, and sunburns if you head indoors to the Museo Historico de Acalpulco which is located within Fuerte de San Diego. This was built in the early 1600′s to keep away the dangerous pirates. Here you will be able to view a dozen or so exhibits that tell all about the old city and how maritime within the city has become so important. You can also see some other influences from the Chinese, Spanish, and Philipinos. There are some really cool Chinese artifacts to view. The best reason to check out this museum is not for the history it contains but rather for the delicious view you can have of the bay. Her you can see this awesome view for free. If you would like to go to the museum you should know that it is open from 9:30am-6:30pm Tues-Sun and the price of admission is 38 pesos per person. Right before you get to the museum if you look to your right you will be able to see Casa de la Mascara where you can enter to look at the many walls of old and ancient masks from around the area. The house of masks is open Tue-Sun 10am-4pm and the price of admission is free however they do recommend that you make a donation.

Peninsula De Las Playas

If you head as far west as you can in Acalpulco you will find the peninsula where it contains Playa Caleta and also Caletilla. Here you can swim and also see many boats bobbing around in the beautifully calm waters. The beach here is very busy and many families come here from all over Mexico. It will take a bit of time to find somewhere to set up your towels and umbrellas. if you take a walk on a narrow road you will find the Magico Mundo Marino which is a water park with many slides , a lazy river, and also a wildlife zoo. You can take a boat from here with the bottom made out of glass and you can see what is swimming in the waters without even having to get wet. The boat will take you to a forest area called La roqueta that also has a zoo. The cost for the glass bottomed boat is 52 pesos per person and the boats run from 9am-6pm. If you want to go to the waterpark while you are here it will cost 22 pesos and is open every day from 9am-6pm. The zoo is only open Mondays and Wed-Sun between the hours of 10am-5pm. The zoo will charge 6 pesos for admission.

Hotel Las Hamacas to Parque Papagayo

This is a long area of sandy beach that stretches along the coast heading away from the Old Acalpulco area. This area has only a couple tall buildings and the crowds are smaller here also. You can go by what some call the afternoon beaches and they have the names of Hornos, Playas Tamarindo, and  Hornitos, These beaches are all along the walk from Las Hamacas Hotel and the Radisson Hotel.  The reason people call them the afternoon beaches is because this is the time when the fisherman come back to town with their catches of the day. The smell in Tamarindo is nothing but fish guts. If you like to swim you should do so while you are here because the water is quite calm, and the beach sand is very soft to walk on. From the beach you can see all the way to the Pacific. If you are burnt out on baking in the sun you should head over to the Papago Park which is located between Costera and Cuauhtemoc.  You can ride bikes, roller blade, and even take Segway tours in this area all around an island of monkeys. There is a pool for kids, birds from all over the world, and many places to play tag or hide and seek. You can take a dip in the adult pool if you get to warm. The park is open every day from 7am-8pm and the charge is 16 pesos to use the skating rink and 30 pesos if you need to rent roller skates. The pool is open 7am-8pm and will cost 16 pesos.

Parque Papagayo

The two most popular things you will see while traveling in Acapulco are beaches and alcohol. You should not be alarmed though as a great time is had by all. You will have a couple opportunities to escape the hangovers, and sunburns if you head indoors to the Museo Historico de Acalpulco which is [...]

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 16^th 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 [...]

Tula

Pyramid of the Warriors in the Tula Ruins

Tula is a town located within the state of Hidalgo and has a population of 30,000 people. Tula is home to one of the most famous archeology sites in North America. This is a great day trip from Mexico city or Pachuca which are both only 40 miles away.

If you are traveling from Mexico City to Tula you should take the AVM bus from the Central bus station in Mexico city the ride will cost 60 pesos and take about 2 hours to reach Tula. When you arrive in Tula you can get to the Zocalo by taking a right when you leave the bus station and them you will want to take a left on Rojo del Rio and stay on that road until you reach Hidalgo where you will stay on until you come upon the church located on your left. The AVM bus takes you back to Mexico City in a couple hours and charges 60 pesos, they also go to Pachuca in a couple hours for 50 pesos. The Flecha Amarilla has routes that go to Guanajuato in 5 hours and charge 200 pesos, Queretaro in 3 hours and charge 90 pesos and also San Juan del Rio in a couple hours for 70 pesos.

If you need to find the tourist office to gather some information area you should head to the Presidencia Municipal. This Municipal is quite a ways down from the archaeological zone. You have another option for tourist information can be obtained at Sala Historica Quetzalcoatl which is located near the Cathedral Hotel. If you need to change currency or cash in travelers checks while you are in Tula you can do so at the Santander Serfin. The Santander also offers a 24 hour ATM. If you would like to store your luggage while strolling around town you can do so at the bus station for 16 pesos. If you need to do your laundry while visiting you can do so at the Lavanderia Diana where she charges 19 pesos per kilo of dirty clothing. All emergency services like Police, Red Cross, and the General Hospital are located on Rojo del Rio. If you need to use the post office while you are here you will find it located on Ferrocarril and the postal code in Tula is 42800.

Tula is a town located within the state of Hidalgo and has a population of 30,000 people. Tula is home to one of the most famous archeology sites in North America. This is a great day trip from Mexico city or Pachuca which are both only 40 miles away. If you are traveling from Mexico City to [...]

Victoria

You will find that Ciudad Victoria provides a simple route to the Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo. This is considered the most awesome nature preserve within the state. Many people just call it “La Reserva.” La Reserva  has more than 300,000 acres of lush greenery, mountains, and a lot of wild life. You will see that the many mountains and valleys within the reserve comprise many separate ecosystems. Some of these ecosystems include tropical rainforests, pine forest, and over 400 different species of birds here.. In La Reserva there are over 60 different types of reptiles and over 90 mammals that include armadillos, bears, jaguars, and pumas. You will see very rare flowers that bloom here like a orchids that are along most of the trails here. You will feel like you are in a cloud forest as you journey up these tall trails. You can enjoy wonderful hikes, incredible bird watching rappelling, and horseback rides in La Reserve.

If you would like to travel to the reserve you must  take a bus  to Gomez Farias. You can buy your ticket at the Transpais booth in the bus station. You will see that this bus goes through Ciudad Mante and makes many other stops along the way. You will need to tell the driver that you wish to exit at Gomez Farias which is located two hours from Victoria. from Gomez Farias you will need to get on another bus  which is a small and blue bus and it comes that way every hour on the hour and will charge you only five pesos. This little bus will take you to downtown but plan on being a couple hours late. You can also opt to take a taxi for about 30 pesos it just depends how many people you have in your party. Once you get there you can hike the reserve or you can hire a a camioneta which is a truck with four wheel drive that will drive you all the way up to San Jose. While you are in Gomez Farias you should pick up brochures and inquire about the information needed to do the things you want while you are here.  The tourist office is open from 9am-5pm daily. You may also want to speak with your travel agent about more detailed information and accommodations. You can find a lot of information at the tourist office like kayaking, rappelling and mountain biking. You will find that many camionetas provide guides as well as transportation. You should know that there are no banks or ATM’s here so bring all the cash you think you will need for all your adventures. They also do not take credit cards.

While hiking up from Gomez Farias you should know that you will need good hiking shoes, plenty of water and extra food and snacks as there are stores but they often run out of food and drinks due to their locations.

You will be able to find suitable accommodations in Gomez Farias but they are quite pricey. If you head a little beyond the tourist office you will be able to find less expensive bungalow styled rooms for 300 pesos. within the reserve you will be able to find more reasonable and better accommodations. You will find that Alta Cima has Hotel El Pino where you can rent a charming cabin with all wood decor and breath taking views of the surrounding mountains. You will find they also offer guided tours of the area. You will find your meals to be offered at Restaurante La Fe and it is just down the hill. You will spend 250 pesos for a single, and triples and 4 person cabins are 300pesos. You will also have camping with fire pits for 25 pesos per person. You can find several comfy cabins in Cabanas Dona Marina in San Jose. They also provide guide services. You can have your meals for 30 pesos per person. Single bed rates are 150 pesos per night and 300 for doubles and four person rooms and they provide camping for 20 pesos per person, You will find Comedor Buganbilla right next to the tourist office proovisdes freshly made food and it is in a hut shaped garden. They operate during the hours of 9am-6pm.

Some of the place you will enjoy while in La Reserva are Alta Cima, San Jose, La Gloria and Oya de manantiales which all serve as base camps to the mountain where  you can eat and sleep . You will find that many of the local village people earn livings cutting palm and cacti here. Some of the sights you will not want to miss are La Cueva Del Agua which is a cave with three levels and has glowing fish, Valle de los Viveros is a wonderful picnic area where you can eat next to beautiful waterfalls and you will be able to see natural rock formations called La Piedra del Elefante and El cerro de la Compana. All the accommodations in this area offer outstanding scenery and breathtaking views of nature at its finest. You will find the reserve to be most busy during the weekends. If you travel here during the week you will more than likely have the reserve all to yourself.  you should pack warm clothes as it get s chilly in the evening and rains on most afternoons.

Ciudad Victoria

You will find that Ciudad Victoria provides a simple route to the Reserva de la Biosfera El Cielo. This is considered the most awesome nature preserve within the state. Many people just call it "La Reserva." La Reserva  has more than 300,000 acres of lush greenery, mountains, and a lot of wild [...]

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 [...]

The Michoacan Coast

The Michoacan Coast

The coast of Michoacán is very eclectic to say the least. On the coast there are many dangerous cliffs that are extremely tall that surround beaches that are not accessible. In between some of the stretches of beach there is also some desolate land. The vegetation here is green and tropical and gives this uninhabited area a bit of green color. The road that makes up the Michoacán Coast is Mex 200. This road rides right along the ocean, similar to the PCH highway of California. The road is not straight as it contains many winding areas that can make even the strongest of stomachs queasy. The water along the coast of Michoacán is only good to surf in as the waves are very rough. Swimming is not recommended in this area as it is very dangerous. You should use a lot of caution when surfing here on the Michoacán Coast as there are no life guards and you should be even more careful after dark because there are no lights either.

Playa Azul

The population of people in Playa Azul is only 5,500. Playa Azul is a rather small town on the Pacific side. Playa Azul is located about 13 miles from Lazaro Cardenas. Many people come to Playa Azul because it has such beautiful sandy beaches and some of the most incredible sunsets you will ever see in your life. The roads here are paved and wide however the feel of the town is like that of a pueblito. The people that live here are very kind and hospitable and make a special point to greet visitors any time they see them. The waves here are ideal for surfers and even boogie boards. Swimming is not recommended because there is a deadly undercurrent here that can drag you out to see and swallow you up. The hot time of year here is in the month of December when Semana Santa is going on. Most of the visitors that hang here in December are tourists that live in other parts of Mexico. In the other months this remains a very sleepy town without much excitement. This town has a very small town feel as there are many roads that have no names, homes with palapa thatched tops, and mercados without roof tops are all around the town. There are not many cars among the locals and most people walk everywhere.

If you would like to find the malecon you will see it runs parallel to the beach. If you are on the west side of the plaza the road is called Serdan. The road on the east side of the plaza is called Zapata. There are some other streets that create a border around the plaza and they are called Montes de Oca and Filomena Mata. If you take Mex 200 it turns into Lazaro Cardenas and this road intersects many of the roads in town like Independencia, Madero, and Carranza. If you want you can take a combi ride to the beach from Corregidora which is located in Lazaro Cardenas. The ride takes about 35 minutes and will cost 13 pesos. If you are trying to get to Caleta de Campos you can take a combi from Playa Azul next to the gas station and that will only cost 6 pesos and takes about 10 minutes. You will need to tell the driver where you wish to exit.

If you need a bank while you are visiting Playa Azul you will be out of luck as there are no banking institutions here. If you are interested in renting a boogie board or surf board you will have many options. If for any reason you need the police you can find them across the street from the gas station on Independencia. The police station is only open from 8am-8pm. If you need to fill a prescription or buy some over the counter medications you can do so at the pharmacy called Farmacia Cristo Rey and it is located on Magnon Street. The pharmacy is open every day from 9am-9pm. If you would like to mail a letter or postcard you can do so at the post office which is located near the center and is open Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. The zip code in Playa Azul is 60982. If you need to make a phone call or send a fax you can do so at LADATEL phones which you will find on the malecon.

The coast of Michoacán is very eclectic to say the least. On the coast there are many dangerous cliffs that are extremely tall that surround beaches that are not accessible. In between some of the stretches of beach there is also some desolate land. The vegetation here is green and tropical and [...]