Month: January 2017

Reasons to visit Mexico

5 More reasons to visit Mexico in 2017

by hotelsetc, posted in vacations

As if anyone needed any more reasons to visit Mexico or take a vacation in general. Renowned for the sun, sand, all-inclusive resorts and world famous attractions; Mexico is one of the most popular vacation destinations for North Americans for so many reasons.

That being said, maybe you still need a few more, and so here are five more reasons to visit Mexico in 2017.

5 More reasons to visit Mexico

Mexico People

Mexicans are very hospitable

The last thing you want when you are in a foreign country is to feel helpless at times of need. But if you are in Mexico, that will not happen. Intrinsically happy people, Mexicans welcome tourists and even willing to lend a hand. Their charming personality also adds the lure to their country. You will always see people smiling, and joking around. Definitely, feels like home.

Mexico vacations are wallet- friendly

More often than not, we tend to think that vacation is a luxury. But in Mexico, every penny will be worthy. Lodging is at the lowest rate, food is cheap (and still delicious), tourist spots are mostly public and free, and more cheap finds. In terms of lodging, most hostels’ packages are for two’s. Food does not need to be eaten in five- star dining, but can be found in the streets cooked by the locals. And if you will not choose the big beaches which are priced for foreign tourists and settle for lesser known one, then you are on a great deal.

Satisfying food is everywhere

Who does not love spices and herbs, and the salsa? Staples like guacamole, tacos, enchiladas, and more are not hard to find. These are all over the streets and can be purchased at a low price. Also, due to a very tasty meal, you will not think of dining in a fancy restaurant, a plus- point for your wallet.

It is easy to travel

Transportation in Mexico is excellent. The bus fare is affordable and yet can bring you to places. There are mobile bathrooms and seats are comfortable. There is also a unique mode of transportation used by locals called “collectivo”, if you wish to be more adventurous. Collectivo is a van or taxi shared by passengers who have common destinations.

stunning Mexico

They have a very fantastic culture

From food, to music, architecture, and history, Mexico has it all in its plate. Known for gastronomic finds that are incredibly appealing, as well as maracas and guitars accompanied by song and dance of the natives, Mexico is a very festive country. If structures awe you, then it is a must for you to visit colonial cities which are homes to ancestral buildings and other historic sites that do not only present facts but the visual artistic side of Mexico as well.

But why take our word for it when you can find out for yourself? Check out Hotels Etc for all the best vacation discounts for your next vacation to Mexico.

Lesser known attractions in Mexico

5 Lesser known tourist attractions in Mexico

by hotelsetc, posted in vacations

Chichen Iza and the white sands of Cancun are some of the most enticing reasons to visit Mexico. This is absolutely for good reason, they are remarkable experiences but then what about the equally as interesting and lesser known attractions in Mexico?

Here are 5 lesser known tourist attractions in Mexico

Copper Canyon/ Barrancas del Cobre

More than twice as large as the Grand Canyon, BArrancas del Cobre is composed of six notable canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental. These canyons are formed by six rivers that drain the western part of Sierra Tarahumara. The canyon is habitat to more than twenty species of pine trees and over a hundred of oak trees. Covered in lush of greens and rarely seen cougars, Copper Canyon is indeed an adventurer’s definition of relaxation. This marvelous canyon houses indigenous people for centuries, making their lifestyle and culture preserved. You can explore it by hiking, horseback riding, biking or driving.

Attractions in Mexico

Morelia

Another colonial city, Morelia is a migration haven for Monarch butterflies. Aside from the colorful winged- insects, the state capital proudly presents its Indian ancestry through the majestic pink quarry stone colonial buildings.  The city is surrounded by different kinds of arts, from pottery, textiles, to furniture, and musical instruments. The city also features numerous historic sites like the Plaza de Armas, La Alhondiga, and other private ancestral mansions. Walking in the streets of Morelia will make you feel going through time travel centuries ago. If you are not fan of architecture, then visit the Orquidario of Morelia, a museum that houses over three thousand species of flowers, and inhale the flowery breeze.

San Miguel de Allende

Mexico is truly a home to numerous colonial cities. Another instragram worthy, San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hidden beauty of the Baroque/Neo- Classical colonial structures were discovered by foreign artists. Because of this, art and cultural institutes emerge. Many artists from various fields dwelled in the city and have left a part of them. An example will be the unfinished mural of Siqueiros. Painting or drawing is always seen around and street artists sell their works. If you are an avid fan of arts, this is a place to visit.

Mexico vacation

Ixtapan de la Sal

Very popular because of its thermal springs, Ixtapan de la Sal is destination for the Mexico locals. Ixtapan de la Sal was the greatest producer of salt during the pre- Historic times, hence the name. Its two rivers and the carbonated water of La Laguna de Verde, a spring that comes from the volcanic landscape is the main attraction and serves as public bath to the indigenous people. A number of hotels are present and most surround the thermal springs. It is also believed that these springs can heal various ailments.

Paras dela Fuente

It is known as the America’s oldest vineyards. The vineyards are the only attraction here but if you feel to be a daredevil, then visit the town’s bat caves located at Hotel Antigua Hacienda de Perote. Meet them before the sunset and hear the deafening flapping wings of thousands of bats. If you are not into the darkness, then visit the sacred volcano and the chapel of El Santo Madero which sits on top of the volcano, while viewing the city from above.

Check out Hotels Etc where you find vacation discounts for resorts near all of the above lesser known attractions in Mexico.

Vacation in Mexico

5 Lesser known but amazing resorts in Mexico

by hotelsetc, posted in vacations

Have you ever taken a vacation and been pleasantly surprised or even amazed?

Everyone knows Mexico is a stunning destination and hugely popular but there are still some hidden gems which are lesser known that could be the perfect fit for your next vacation. Yes, it’s not all about the Hilton, Dreams or Iberostar.

Here are 5 lesser known resorts for your next vacation in Mexico

Lesser known resorts in Mexico

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit)

Riviera Nayarit is still under the radar— as of now. Before everyone learns about this 200- mile stretch of coastline tucked in between the historic port of San Blas in Nayarit and Banderas Bay in Nuevo Vallarta, you must visit it as soon as possible. It is surrounded by various golf clubs, including the first golf course in Banderas Bay, Flamingos Golf Club, which is only 20 minutes away from Grand Velas. Other activities to enjoy are surfing in Suyalita, visiting the down town of Puerto Vallarta for its art galleries and markets, and merely exploring the sea through canopy tour, deep- sea fishing and pirate ship tours. Whatever your interest is will surely be served. Grand Velas, on the other hand received recognitions as Best Romantic Hotel/ Resort Mexico, Best Spa and Wellness Hotel, and Best Luxury Hotels categories from Travvy Awards Dream Vacation for 2016, which guarantees an excellent vacation.

Rancho Encantado Eco- resort and Spa (Bacalar, Quintana Roo)

If you are seeking for a peaceful escapade, you must visit the Laguna Bacalar. It is famous for Lake Bacalar, also known as Lake of Seven Colors, because of water’s gemlike beauty. Laguna Bacalar offers serenity for its Yucatan small village feel and absence of jam packed tourists. The Fortress de San Felipe Bacalar, located in the center of town, represents one of Maya’s bastions before the Spaniards came and features a small modern museum. You can do kayaking in the lake, dancing in the city square at night, and walking in the jungle. If these still do not please you, check out the Mayan ruins surrounding the town. Stay at Rancho Encantado and it will do you a favor by touring you in the Lake of Seven Colors.

Fiesta Americana Hotels and Resorts (Progreso, Yucatan)

Just four miles away from the Gulf of Mexico, Progreso is a popular cruise ship destination. Cruise passengers have a chance to visit the nearby city of Merida, which features historic feel, and variety of shops to purchase local products. Also, take a sip of the local licorice flavored drink, Xtabentun.  Stay at Fiesta Americana Hotel, located at Merida, 30 minutes away from Progreso. The hotel is surrounded by various destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling activities, hot springs, gastronomic experiences, historical sites, and more.

Las Gaviotas Resort (La Paz, Baja California Sur)

Indeed, as the name implies, La Paz brings peace to the visitors. Go deep into the Aquarium of the World, Sea of Cortez and see the grey whales migrating from Alaska, and other lovely creatures of this biologically rich body of water. Devour on the freshly caught seafood that can be enjoyed by the seaside promenade. If you want to learn more about the history of La Paz, visit the Regional Anthropology and History Museum of South Baja California. The museum nestles a collection of fossils dated 60 million years ago, as well as cave painting and engraved rocks that depicted natives’ everyday lives. Stay at Las Gaviotas Resort to view the ocean front in each room’s wide terrace.

Hotels Etc

Hotel Puerta Calakmul (Campeche State, Mexico)

Home to the Historic Fortified City of Campeche by UNESCO in 1999, Campeche is filled with architectural and historical treasures. Historic buildings are restored making it to be instagram worthy. On the other hand, stay at Hotel Puerta Calakmul for a biodiversity feel. If you want to appreciate Mother Nature, take a walk in the jungles where the hotel is enveloped, meet the jaguars, or just watch how the birds fly freely. Take a dive into the hotel’s pool in a sweaty afternoon after a wilderness encounter.

You should check out Hotels Etc for huge discounts on all of the above resorts in Mexico to help you save on your next vacation.

Mexican Kitchen

5 Foods to try on a Caribbean vacation to Cancun

by hotelsetc, posted in vacations

Cancun is famous for beach time and all-inclusive resorts, but are you familiar with the food you need to try on your Caribbean vacation to Cancun? Many types of Mexican cuisine might be considered fast-food in North America but make no mistake, these local foods are traditional in Cancun and you should absolutely try them on your next Caribbean vacation.

5 local foods to try on a Caribbean vacation to Cancun:

Empenadas

You may have tried them in a fast food restaurant at some point but honestly, nothing compares to an empanada in Cancun. Succulent and crafted to perfection, these hunky wraps are much bigger than what you will find in North America while offering a large variety of fillings including chorizo and chicharon. If you are unsure of which one to choose, try the Quesadilla Tierra Del Sol.

Vacation in Cancun

Tacos

North Americans seem to love the taco just as much as their southern neighbors but again, the quality, variety and scale of this popular cuisine in Mexico is staggering.  There are many taco stands you will find on street corners around Cancun offering a beautiful mix of flavors topped off with cheese, avocado salsa and grilled onions. However, one of the lesser known yet most popular places to eat in Cancun is called Porki’s and the carnitas here are particularly good.

Fish Ceviche

Take a trip down town into the markets some day and you will be rewarded with this local delicacy. Fish Cerviche is very much the traditional food of choice here when it comes to seafood and you can buy some freshly grilled fish here for as little as $1 while it is then accompanied by the most delightful sauce, Tapatio hot sauce!

Nacho Chips with Dips

This was always going to go without saying but just in case, make sure you try them out on a Caribbean vacation. Although the chips will be pretty much the same as what you will find almost anywhere in the world, dips are always freshly made in Mexico which make all the difference.  And then there are the toppings; what do you want? Salsa, cheese, guacamole, minced meats or kidney beans…the options are endless.

Pozole soup

Pozole

If would like to try something a bit more traditional, Pozole is a local dish found all over the country. Made from a combination of lettuce, onion, oregano, chili and corn, Pozole is a soup-like vegetarian dish for the most part but you can also try a version with shredded pork. It may not be as enticing as some of the more fast-food like options on this list; Pozole is absolutely worth a try.

You can try all of these foods on a Caribbean vacation to Cancun but before you do anything, check out Hotels Etc. for vacation discounts to make it all happen in 2017.