Puerto Vallarta was a small town based on agriculture and fishing until 1963, when Hollywood director John Huston chose his site for the filming of Tennessee Williams’ brilliant play “The Night of the Iguana” in the small fishing village of Mismaloya, ten miles south of Vallarta. The movie starred Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr and Sue Lyon. Liz Taylor came to be with Burton, whom she married here for the first time. The story is told that the talented, macho director Huston gave each of the stars their own pistol with a set of bullets engraved with the names of the other actors. Surprisingly, there was harmony among the tempestuous actors, but the spotlight was turned on and the international attention that started then has brought Puerto Vallarta an abundant wealth of tourism ever since. The population has grown rapidly from some 12,500 in 1964 to around 250,000 inhabitants in 2008. Approximately two and a half million Mexican and foreign tourists visit the city every year, hence it is today one of Mexico’s major resorts and tourist destinations. The local economy is largely based on tourism, but also on construction and a variety of agricultural products.

As with most port cities, Puerto Vallarta has a tradition of tolerance and is certainly one of the most gay friendly vacation spots in Mexico. The local newspaper La Tribuna de la Bahia conducted an unofficial survey in November 1999 and found that a majority of the people surveyed said they would have no problem with a gay mayor, as long as he was qualified for the job.

Puerto Vallarta has become one of the most popular gay travel destinations south of the border, if not the largest, surpassing the huge resort city of Acapulco in recent years as a romantic gay vacation hot spot. The town is safer than any American city of its size that I know of and combines beautifully the Old World charm of its cobblestone streets and white stucco houses with the modern amenities of a world class resort, having a multitude of five star hotels, fine sandy beaches and quality stores, restaurants and art galleries, as well as large and growing middle and professional classes. The Mexicans are known for their friendliness and the people of Puerto Vallarta (often just known as PV for short) are no exception.

The American Society of Travel Agents reported Vallarta as the sixth most favorite destination for American travelers abroad, and for good reason. Conde Nast Traveler ranked Puerto Vallarta in 2002 as one of the top 10 foreign cities of the world, up there along with Paris, Rome, Sydney, London and Hong Kong. For foreign friendliness the town outranked all the choices and was also the first choice for its ambiance. Conde Nast further noted that Vallarta “makes its debut on the list this year, in part because of the remarkable amiability of the local folk.” So there you have it, folks! More good reasons why Puerto Vallarta has become one of the leading overseas travel vacation spots for the gay and lesbian community in the last decade or so.

Mexico’s #1 Gay Beach Destination

Most of Puerto Vallarta’s gay tourism comes from the West Coast states and British Columbia, Texas and the Southwest, as well as large numbers from Montreal and Toronto. One meets more and more people from the Midwest, especially Chicago. Vallarta’s reputation draws tourists from the East Coast as European gay destinations and the gay vacation resorts in Florida and Hawaii become more expensive. Prices are still reasonable here and the American dollar is quite strong vis-a-vis the Mexican peso, at around 12.7-13.2 pesos to the dollar. Puerto Vallarta has been listed as the #1 beach destination in Latin America by Travel and Leisure Magazine and is a great romantic tropical getaway.

In a New York Times travel article from a few years back Susan Hauser writes that she ditches her Vallarta city tour and goes off “to walk for hours along the beach and through the picturesque town. The inviting shops and restaurants that fill every block give this town a European feel, I think, and I love the modern bronze sculptures placed along the waterfront.”

David Kirby in another NYT vacation article from May 2004 says that the crowds on gay holidays at the beach were quite friendly, “mostly over 30, and mostly from the Midwest or West Coast. For a gay beach scene, it was pretty low key. Many there said they go back to Puerto Vallarta every year, not only for the gay scene but also the relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous natural surroundings.” You can eat, cruise, party, sun, shop and chat at the same time – talk about a tropical gay holiday paradise! Kirby also rightly notes that Puerto Vallarta gay nightlife compares well with that of almost any equal-sized American or Canadian city and that there are a good number of day and night-time entertaining holiday activities to be enjoyed.

These vacation activities and excursions occur nearly every day or night of the week during the “high season” winter months of November to April: the gay cruises, bingo, stripper and drag shows, happy hours galore, pool parties, special performers at nightclub Manana, and of course the extremely popular gay beach on Los Muertos. All-in-all a near perfect gay holiday destination. The bars are doing a booming business and there are now some eighteen gay bars, nightclubs, cantinas, discotheques and lounges, all but three of them in the unique part of town known as the South Side, sometimes referred to as the Zona Romantica. Puerto Vallarta is also known for its lively and eclectic local art and music scene. Though the summer months are slower for tourism compared to the winter season, more tourists are coming year-round for the friendly accomodations, lovely beaches, relaxing atmosphere and the many fun things to do and see.

Source: www.discoveryvallarta.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in mexico, gay beaches in Puerto Vallarta, gay friendly places in mexico, gay travel destinations, Gay vacations Puerto Vallarta, lesbian beaches in mexico, lesbian travel recommendation, Mexico Gay Friendly Destination

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Once the skies clear, just as they have for centuries, the Mexican people will rebuild and come back better and stronger than ever.

As the industry heads into an all-important winter season, an improving global economic outlook should help its efforts, as should airfare/accommodation deals too good for Canadian travellers to pass up.

If that’s not enough, here’s a list from A to Z of what the country has to offer.

Archeology

Get in touch with your inner Indiana Jones at any number of archeological sites, featuring pyramids, caves, lost cities and sacred sacrificial bogs. Catch one of the ancient wonders of the New World at Chichen Itza, especially during the spring or fall equinoxes when the sun’s light creates a slithering serpent descending the Temple of Kukulkan. Simply otherworldly.

Beaches

Of course, reading about ancient civilizations is almost as good as being there, and there’s no better place to soak up some scholarship and the sun than a Mexican beach. My personal favourites run along the Pacific Ocean, as surf big and small is never far away, and there’s nothing like falling asleep to the sound of rolling waves.

Cancun/Cabo

The bona fide Spring Break capitals of Mexico —if not the world —the double shot of Cancun and Cabo San Lucas is party central from January through May. Tens of thousands of college students descend on the beaches and bars of these built-to-party resorts to blow off semester stresses. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Ecotourism

Sure it’s a rather contrived buzzword, but ecotourism is a vibrant part of Mexico’s tourism business, and judging from the ever-increasing number of operators going green, it isn’t going away any time soon. One of the best tours is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, located on the Mayan Riviera in the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean.

Festivals/fiestas

If there’s one thing Mexicans love to do it is party, and the nation’s calendar is littered with fiestas. Festivals large and small take place throughout the year and throughout the country. You’ve still got time to book a flight to Mexico City to catch El D’a de los Muertos, the spooky Day of the Dead festival, on Nov. 2 in the city’s Mixquic suburb. Once a village in its own right, it retains its rural roots and its Day of the Dead celebration is said to be one of the most colourful.

Golf

The game of golf’s global explosion the past two decades has left an indelible imprint on Mexico, with some 150 courses scattered throughout the country. For a memorable golf holiday, check out El Tamarindo Beach & Golf Resort, located between Manzanillo and Puerto Vallarta in a 2,040-acre nature preserve. The thing about this luxury resort is even if you don’t golf, you’ll be blown away by the lush and undeveloped setting.

H1N1

Taking a page or two from Tourism Canada’s playbook following the SARS outbreak of 2003, Mexico has been on full damage control since spring, when the so-called swine flu devastated the all-important tourism business. The upshot? Great deals for Canadian travellers. And wash your hands.

Isla Mujeres

Located a dozen kilometres from the party capital of Mexico, this tranquil island couldn’t be more different from the nearby Spring Break Mecca of Cancun. Just seven kilometres long and 650 metres wide, Isla Mujeres is a great place to chill out for a day or totally unwind for a week.

Jalapeno

The little chili that launched a million heartburns is cultivated in a number of places in Mexico, but the Papaloapan River basin is where it was traditionally produced by the townspeople of Xalapa.

Mayan Riviera

Few stretches of waterfront anywhere in the world offer the diverse range of experiences that this 132-kilometre tourist corridor does. There are Mayan ruins in Tulum at one end, at the other a Hooters restaurant in Cancun; there are all-inclusive luxury resorts just minutes from the quaint seaside town of Playa del Carmen; and there are five-star restaurants where a dinner jacket is required and beachside stands that serve you barefoot.

Oaxaca

The Free and Sovereign State of Oaxaca has more than 250 kilometres of accessible beaches, but it’s the colonial architecture in the capital city of Oaxaca that brings camera-toting tourists to this Pacific Coast state by the planeload.

Pesos

With the loonie translating to roughly 12 pesos currently, coupled with the fact the country’s reeling tourist industry has slashed prices across the board, there’s plenty of value for the Canadian dollar.

Quesadillas

There’s not a Canadian tap house worth its salsa that doesn’t have this Mexican dish on the menu, but as the old saying goes, “Ain’t nothing like the real thing, amigo.” Best one I ever had was at an outdoor restaurant in the busy town centre of Manzanillo.

Riviera Nayarit

Located just north of Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast, this new luxury resort community has quickly, and somewhat quietly, become the place to play golf in Mexico. No fewer than six championship courses are within an hour’s drive of one another, and later this month the Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Mita Pacifico course hosts a Canadian Professional Golf Tour event, the Riviera Nayarit Classic.

Scuba/surfing

From the world-class diving sites off Cozumel to the Pacific Ocean swells off Puerto Escondido, Mexico is heaven for those who like to dive below the waves and those who like to ride them. Most resorts offer scuba certification courses for beginners, while surf schools can be found up and down the Pacific coastline.

UNESCO

Mexico ranks first in the Americas and eighth in the world for the number of sites recognized in recent years by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. No fewer than 26 sites have UNESCO endorsement for their historical, cultural and natural significance.

Veracruz

Home to the highest point in Mexico — the 5,363-metre volcano Citaltépetl — the State of Veracruz is also home to the oldest still-standing Catholic chapel built in the Americas (in the village of La Antigua).

Whale watching

The Pacific Ocean off Mexico is a major whale highway, and an increasing number of tour operators are providing opportunities for tourists get close to these creatures. Mid-December to March is prime whale watching season, and with some tour operators using spotter planes to locate the massive marine mammals, your chances are good.

Xcaret Eco Park

Imagine if Walt Disney built a Mayan ecological theme park and you’ll have some idea what this place is all about. Featuring the flora and fauna of the Mexican southeast, including sea turtles, manatees and spider monkeys, the main attraction is a massive water park that lets you swim with dolphins and other marine life. Great for families.

Yucatan peninsula

Rich in history and culture, the Yucatan peninsula was home to the ancient Maya and boasts two of the greatest archeological sites in all of Mexico — Chichen Itza and Tulum.

Zihuatanejo

This laid-back Pacific Coast community is part fishing village, part beach resort and is the ideal place to recharge for a week or so. For a great dining experience, check out Coconuts. And if the urge strikes for some Jell-O shooters and techno, the bright lights of Ixtapa are just a cab ride away.

Source: www.canada.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in mexico, gay beaches in Puerto Vallarta, gay friendly places in mexico, gay travel destinations, Gay vacations Puerto Vallarta, lesbian beaches in mexico, lesbian travel recommendation, Mexico Gay Friendly Destination

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

But it’s getting down that is an even more dizzying prospect. The pitch of the pyramid is so steep that you can only see a few steps in front of you when you peer downward from the top.

Some visitors are able to descend in an upright walking fashion, more or less. Others crawl down backward, chest pressed tight against the steps. And still others choose a sitting position, coming down step by step on their butts, some grasping at the rope that’s been installed to help unsuspecting tourists in their descent.

The climb isn’t for the faint-of-heart. So, why do so many visitors climb the pyramid?

Well, because it’s there. And because climbing to the top of El Castillo is like climbing to the top of an unknown world – the world of an ancient civilization that mysteriously disappeared about 1,000 or so years ago.

“The ruins are truly amazing – most visitors have never seen anything like them,” said Carlos Hampe of the Mexico Tourism Board.

Just look at El Castillo. The number of steps to the top reflects the number of days in the year. And twice a year, during the spring and autumn solstice, the shadow of the pyramid forms a perfect serpent on the ground.

Examples of this kind of mathematical knowledge and understanding of the solar system are seen in ancient Mayan cities throughout the Yucatan Peninsula on Mexico’s east coast.

“The ancient Maya were a proud and formidable people whose cities, built on a monumental scale, continue to dominate the landscape today,” said Timothy Laughton, a University of Essex lecturer who has studied the cities and written a book about them called The Maya: Life, Myth and Art (Duncan Baird Publishers).

Those ancient cities, along with flour-soft sand and bathtub-warm waters, are part of the reason this area of Mexico – known as the Riviera Maya – has become the most popular tourist destination in the country.

The state it’s located in (Quintana Roo) accounts for more than a third of Mexico’s annual tourism revenue, more than $3 billion U.S.

“There’s something for everyone in this area,”said Martha Chapman, manager of corporate communications for Signature Vacations, which offers all-inclusive packages to the region.

Stay in Cancun if you want a vacation packed with action, day and night. Head south to the many all-inclusive resorts that dot the Riviera Maya for rest and relaxation. And if you’re looking to immerse yourself in a bit of history and culture, don’t miss the ruins, Chapman said.

It is in these ruins that you find the hieroglyphic history the Mayas left behind, and where archeologists find clues they piece together to better understand this fascinating civilization.

Even a casual visitor can get a sense of what Mayan life was like. Just check out the ball courts – fields constructed for a game that involved shooting a ball through a very small hoop, without using your hands. Making the game even more challenging was the position of the hoops – either on sloped walls or very high overhead. And, as if the game needed even more tension, the team that lost could look forward to a beheading. (Some translations of Mayan history, however, believe it was the winners who had the honour of having their heads cut off and sacrificed to their almighty gods.)

There are several interpretations of how the Mayas lived, but almost all who study them agree on one thing – the Mayas were a proud people, much like the Mexicans who live in the area today.

Take the village of Pac-Chen, for example. For years, this village watched its numbers dwindle and families splinter as young men left home to work in the job-rich tourist areas many miles from the village.

So, in their quest to keep families together, villagers decided the tourists (and their money) must instead start coming to them. They turned their village into a mini-adventure mecca, where visitors can canoe, hike, rappel into an underground cave and pool, and then end the day by flying across a lagoon.

On the road to Pac-Chen, visitors often stop at Coba, another venue for viewing Mayan ruins.

Coba may well have been the largest of all Mayan cities, with about 6,500 structures spread over 50 square kilometres, housing up to 50,000 Mayas. Excavation of this lost city didn’t begin until 1973, and even today, much of it is still buried in the jungle, making for a fascinating visit.

Just 40 kilometres away from Coba is Tulum, a city that has some of the most visited ruins in the area. Tulum is 131 kilometres south of Cancun. Known as the “walled city,” Tulum sits on the coast, which meant it attracted many Mayas.

It was perhaps the success of these cities that led to their ultimate downfall and abandonment. Some theories suggest the cities were abandoned because of famine and disease. More recent studies say the cities were overpopulated. That population problem, combined with battles with neighbouring communities, may have led to their eventual downfall. It’s all part of the mystery of the Mayas.

Getting There

Excursions: Great day trips in the area include visits to Xcaret and/or Xel-Ha, two ecological parks that offer snorkelling, swimming and plenty of chances to interact with nature. You can even watch ancient Maya ball games or swim with dolphins.

Source: www.canada.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in Cancun, gay beaches in mexico, gay friendly places in mexico, gay travel destinations, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico, lesbian travel recommendation, Mexico Gay Friendly Destination

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

I knew the only way I could get my wife and my family back to Mexico was to find the perfect beach and the promise of good weather. I was a little familiar with Cancun but thought this would be somewhat akin to Waikiki — too busy — and I wanted something a little off the beaten track.

I longed for a place that the children would enjoy and that would offer great snorkeling for me and a relaxing vacation for my wife. How about an all-inclusive, I suggested. This would satisfy my son, the pickiest eater of the bunch, my wife who could relax without worrying what we would have for dinner, and for me, I liked the open bar concept. My low-maintenance daughter was always happy with any vacation.

With the aid of the Internet, I Googled “best beaches in Mexico.” Akumal Bay, just south of Cancun on the Caribbean, kept coming up. I did some more searching and found the little town of Akumal, with only one all-inclusive resort. Unfortunately I had left this a little late and this resort was full.

A couple of bays over, but with a similar name, was the Oasis Akumal. The property looked like a modest three-star, but I was more concerned with the beach. The beach pictures looked spectacular and it was these pictures that convinced me to book this resort.

Rather than heading to the desk when we arrived, I wanted to see the beach. I really don’t know what the point was, as we certainly could not head off to another resort if it was not to my liking.

After my first glimpse, I knew I had picked the perfect spot. The beach was stunning. The gentle blue waters of the Caribbean lapped at white sand. I returned to the front desk to be assigned to our room. Unfortunately we were headed to the dreaded “E” building at the back of the resort. Two days later after my wife spoke to Anna at the front desk we were able to move to the front of the resort to rooms that had spectacular views of the Caribbean.

My daughter and I took the snorkeling tour with one of the staff. It lasted about 30 minutes and took us to the outer reaches of the reef and back to shore. I now knew we had arrived at the perfect snorkeling location. The reef protected us from the waves and it was as though we were in an aquarium, as I had never seen such a concentration of marine life. The rest of my trip was going to be spent in the water!

I did want to see the little town of Akumal and met a letter carrier from Dallas who told me all about it. He had been to this resort about 12 times before and seemed to know his way around. We agreed we would meet the next morning at 9 a.m. He finally showed up at the beach bar at 9:30 sipping on his fortified coffee.

We agreed we would split the cab fare, he looking after the trip there and I paying for the return. I knew enough abut Mexico to know to agree on a cost before getting into the cab. The fare for the ride to Akumal was $10.

In 15 minutes we arrived at Yalku Lagoon for a morning’s snorkel. The snorkeling entailed long narrow channels and the neat part was that many channels had long ropes so that you could pull yourself along. After the snorkeling we embarked on a short walk back to the small town of Akumal. My companion was more interested in having a beer rather than the walking.

We stopped at a bar that had three skeletons parked at the end of the long counter. We opted for the beach bar and the faster service. I thought the $4 cost for a beer a little steep for Mexico, but where on else could you enjoy this view, with Akumal Bay at your feet. I negotiated a $4 fare back to the resort and added a $2 tip.

The family trip the next day was a 20-minute cab ride to Playa del Carmen and the shops along 5th Ave., which predominately displayed copied designer goods. This was an enjoyable day that allowed the ladies to do a little shopping. On the way home I pleaded with cab driver to slow down in exchange for more money.

All and all it was a great adventure and probably the most stress-free, relaxing vacation ever.

Source: www.canada.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in Cancun, gay beaches in mexico, gay friendly places in mexico, gay party cancun, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

It’s a fanciful but not entirely unlikely thought that like today’s travellers, the ancients delighted in the region’s shimmering turquoise Caribbean waters, endless beaches and blazing sunshine. Yet its isolation kept Cancun, just north of Tulum, out of the tourist spotlight until the 1970s. Since then, Cancun has grown from a slumbering fishing village into Mexico’s showcase tourist paradise, a destination so varied in its appeal that it offers something for just about anyone’s tastes.

Today there are two Cancuns: the city of half a million built around the downtown El Centro, and the hotel zone, a strip of shining towers that resembles Miami Beach, hugging a spit of land featuring sandy beaches facing the ocean and a palm-laced lagoon to its back.

Second World War American servicemen discovered the area’s splendid opportunities for diving and snorkelling while they were stationed on Cozumel, just off the coast from Cancun. Jacques Cousteau paid a visit in 1959 and declared it a diver’s dream. That, in combination with planning for the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, set the Mexican government to thinking. The concept of a mega-resort zone was hatched, and the first upscale hotels built on the beach strip in the 1970s.

Today, the opportunities for adventure — for those who want more than rest and relaxation on the beaches — are endless: you can try parasailing, diving, golf, tennis and deep-sea fishing. Nearby are Mayan archeological sites, little villages where you can find a quiet guest house, B&B and cantina. You can swim with the dolphins and snorkel around offshore reefs or in the world’s largest natural aquarium. Most hotels offer excursions to area attractions and points of interest.

Indoors, entertainment ranges from discos to quiet piano bars, and there are world-class restaurants serving an array of international cuisine and authentic Mexican fare. There’s shopping for all tastes and budgets, with high-end shops stocking designer labels.

Cancun offers more than 150 hotels and more than 25,000 rooms. The most coveted are those from which you can walk out onto your Caribbean-facing balcony and take in the warm sea breezes. Accommodation along the beach-facing hotel zone is generally more expensive than the more modest hotels and guest houses in El Centro. The zone, or strip, offers everything from villas and self-catering condos to five-star hotels, resorts and spas.

While the strip provides a broad range of shopping, the best places to find locally produced handicrafts and art pieces can be found in El Centro.

El Centro is easily and inexpensively reached by public transit or taxi. It has its modern facade, but interspersed there are generous pockets of authentic Mexican culture, entertainment, shopping and accommodation.

The two Cancuns represent separate worlds. Take the food, for instance, served in the area’s 500 restaurants. The hotel strip has ample fine dining establishments as well as family-friendly buffets that let the kids fill up on hot dogs and fries while Mom and Dad indulge in more daring fare. But if you stick only to the hotel strip, you’ll miss the tasty, authentic and economically priced local dishes available in El Centro.

Yucatecan food features plenty of fresh fish, marinated meats and poultry. It liberally employs limes and oranges with unique herbs to bring out all the best in the ingredients. Exciting entrees can be had for well under $10 US. Just hop on a bus that links the hotel strip to El Centro and begin to explore for the treats — and after-dinner entertainment — that await you.

Despite its allure, Cancun has come through challenging times of late. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma wiped out much of the resort’s beaches and severely damaged hotels. The country’s drug-related violence gave some tourists cause to reconsider a visit and earlier this year, Cancun’s police chief was arrested in connection with the torture-murder of a government anti-drug fighter. More recently, several airlines suspended flights because of the swine flu and this summer a hotel was accused of stealing sand to bulk up its beaches, still suffering from the loss of sand in the 2005 hurricane.

But reconstruction of the Wilma-damaged hotels is complete, the government is replacing the beaches along the 30-kilometre hotel strip in an environmentally friendly fashion and, in a sign of its confidence in the future, a second airport at Tulum is planned. And while advisories are occasionally released in connection with Mexico’s drug-related violence, tourists are merely urged to take care in choosing their surroundings.

History buffs will want to take a tour to one of the nearby archeological zones such as the ocean-side Tulum, or the sprawling, jungle-bound Chichen Itza, a three-hour trip through the rainforest where you can climb the great pyramid and get a lesson in the highly developed Mayan culture. You’ll hear that after the rainforest cities were abandoned, the vegetation grew so thickly that those who rediscovered the huge stone structures literally ran into them before understanding what they had found.

Along the way, visits to the colonial cities of Valladolid and Merida are well worth the effort. Colourfully dressed Mayan women sell their crafts in Valladolid’s Plaza. Buildings in Merida were constructed from stone taken from earlier Mayan cities. Tours can be arranged from your hotel but if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, staff will help you rent a car.

Cancun offers an abundance of nearby snorkelling venues. Xel-Ha is a salt-water lagoon and the world’s largest natural aquarium, teeming with thousands of multi-coloured tropical fish. There, you can also swim with the dolphins. Offshore are Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, where you can snorkel or scuba dive along coral reefs.

If you’re looking for Cancun’s quieter side, head down the coast to the Riviera Maya where there are still world-class resorts, but fewer of them, and the pace is dialed back a notch. If you want to experience a more Zen-like existence, there’s the modern town of Tulum, where resorts are often off the grid and the architecture might be described as upscale Gilligan’s Island.

Or perhaps you’d like to slip back in time, to catch a glimpse of what Cancun was like before it was transformed into a holiday retreat. If so, head 30 kilometres south to Puerto Morelos, which offers hotels, guest houses and B&Bs in a quiet community of about 5,000.

Before you go, it’s good to know about:

- Weather. Cancun boasts a subtropical climate, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 27 C to 35 C and the landscape bathed in sunshine more than 240 days of the year. It rains more from May to October and there are occasional visits by hurricanes in September and October. Regular offshore breezes make temperatures at the resort more moderate than in the nearby tropical forest, which can be extremely hot and humid, even during January to March.

- Food and water. The purified water available from hotel taps is perfectly safe. It’s advisable to drink only bottled water while exploring beyond your hotel. In the markets and while buying from street vendors, peel all fruits and vegetables and avoid lettuce. Go slow on the Mexican spices and style of cooking if you’re not familiar with it.

- Clothing. Bathing suits should only be worn at the beach and pool. Dress is casual resort wear — jackets and ties are rarely needed. But if you’re headed to the disco, it’s customary to dress up. Most nice restaurants and bars require men to wear slacks, although some allow Bermuda shorts.

- Medical care. Mexico has a nationalized health-care system. In Cancun, medical care is close at hand and most hotels have a doctor on call 24 hours a day. No vaccinations are needed to enter Mexico.

- Shopping. El Centro offers plenty of authentic Mexican shopping. Expensive perfume can be purchased for one-third of what it costs in Canada. The hotel strip offers a glitzier, more expensive brand of shopping with plenty of designer labels available.

- Gambling. The only legal gambling in Mexico is sports betting. There are no legal casinos although some resorts hold casino nights in which participants play for prizes.

- Winter break. Families and empty nester couples should be aware that students from Canada and the U.S. flood into Cancun during their winter break weeks, just as they do in Florida, turning the strip into party central.

- On arrival. From the airport, you can take a shared shuttle or private service van or car to hotels. For information call 1-800-317-1921 or e-mail transportation@cancun-airport.com. Website: www.cancun-airport.com/transportation.htm

Factbox: Did you know

- The Yucatan Peninsula was originally inhabited by the Mayans, who were expert mathematicians and astronomers and enjoyed a detailed understanding of the stars and the rotation of the sun. By the time the Spaniards arrived in 1519, their great cities, such as Chichen Itza, had already been abandoned.

- Cancun was identified in the late 1960s as a place well situated for development as a world-class resort. The first exclusive hotels were built in the 1970s, when Cancun was a small fishing village. Today the city has a population of about 580,000.

- Cancun was once called Ekab, or “black earth.” Cancun means “pot of snakes” in the Mayan language.

Source: www.canada.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in Cancun, gay beaches in mexico, gay friendly places in mexico, gay party cancun, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico, puerto madero

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

The Riviera Maya is just 30 minutes South of Cancun International Airport. Bursting with scenic and natural wonders, the Riviera Maya offers both: a relaxed pace and the perfect destination for the escapist looking for a bit of adventure.

There are picturesque Mayan ruins to explore. Tulum, the only Mayan ruin on a coast, is in the heart of the Riviera Maya and mustn’t be missed.

Chichen-Itza is a two-hour bus ride into the interior of the Yucatan Peninsula, and is a huge Mayan City. Be sure to hire a guide so you will fully understand the stone carvings and what the temples signify.

In Puerto Adventuras, visit the shipwreck museum which houses interesting colonial artifacts that have been found among the area reefs.

The second largest reef system in the world, the Great Mayan Reef, runs along the coastline between the Riviera Maya and Cozumel. There is world class snorkeling and diving for swimmers of every age and level of expertise.

Maroma/Paradise Beach offers snorkeling adventures, speed boats, ATV’s, horseback riding, beautiful white sand beaches and delicious food. I’ve had several wonderful days on this beautiful beach. It’s one price for all activities, food and drinks.

Xel-ha is a large area of protected inlets and lagoons that is home to a beautiful natural aquarium and many varieties of colorful, tropical fish. Visitors can snorkel and observe the fish, or sit in the sand and soak up the sun. There’s a very economical “all inclusive package” you should consider.

One of the most enjoyable ways to spend a day is at XCaret park. This eco-park offers a wide variety of attractions. There’s an underground river which passes through caverns and channels. You put on a snorkel mask and life jacket and jump right in. There is a beautiful lagoon for swimming and snorkeling, a sea turtle hatchery, many aquariums, a Mexican Rodeo Show, and a “Swim with the Dolphins” experience.

The Riviera Maya has 34 fantastic resorts that are waiting for you. There is a huge range in price and amenities, so there’s a resort for every budet. Nightlife is also hopping on the Riviera Maya. I’ll be there in April. When are you going?

Source: www.mcalesternews.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in Cancun, gay beaches in mexico, gay friendly places in mexico, gay travel destinations, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico, lesbian travel recommendation, Mexico Gay Friendly Destination

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Led by a soft-spoken social worker, Lydia, we pop in and out of the tiny rooms where young patients sit quietly with their moms, waiting to feel better. There is no “children’s ward,” playroom or TV for distraction. As the two gringas come in to announce that “we have toys,” faces light up. Nancy Myers chooses from containers of stuffed animals, colouring books and crayons and places the gifts in eager little hands.

We ask if we can take a picture, and 13-year-old Rudy, who’s recovering from salmonella, sits up and smiles from his cot in the hallway, displaying his new magnetic dinosaur board and Christmas bear.

I’ve got the best of both worlds –the satisfaction of making a child’s Christmas wishes come true combined with the well-deserved indulgence of a tropical vacation.

The “Give a Toy, Get a Smile” program asks tourists visiting the Cancun area to bring a new toy or personal item, unwrapped and culturally appropriate, for underprivileged children up to 18 years old.

“These kids truly have nothing so they are so happy for whatever they get,” says Myers, who’s been running the charity with her New York-based husband for three years.

Toys should not be electric or require batteries. The gift should be something that a Spanish speaking child can use–which rules out English storybooks, or English-only instructions.

Leave gifts unwrapped to go through customs which also helps Myers give the gifts to the appropriate child.

Charitable groups benefiting from the Give a Toy, Get a Smile program include children in La Casita Orphanage, Bonfil’s La Casa del Esperanza Orphanage, three schools for children with severe mental, physical and emotional problems, including one in Isla Mujeres, children from families with AIDS-HIV, and the children living in the jungle outside of Cancun.

Even if you’re not visiting the area by the end of the year, you can contribute through PayPal online or send a cheque to Nancy’s New York address, (details at giveatoygetasmile.org),where toys will be purchased and brought down for the holidays. The program runs all year long, and includes a drive in the fall for backpacks, school supplies and blankets.

How You Can Help

A number of businesses in the Cancun hotel Zone and the Mayan riviera have set up drop off points for donations to the children. to see what’s been given in the past and for a full list of drop-off points, go to giveatoygetasmile.org

Source: www.canada.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in Cancun, gay beaches in mexico, gay friendly places in mexico, gay travel destinations, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico, lesbian travel recommendation, Mexico Gay Friendly Destination

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

First and foremost the ocean breeze was brisk and cool and made every day a total delight. It wasn’t as hot in Cancun as it was here in Oklahoma, and that refreshing breeze took a big bite out of the humidity.

Second, the resorts are immaculate and there is hand sanitizer everywhere you look. My host resort, the Gran Caribe Real, even offers a flu free guarantee. If you come down with the flu within 14 days of your return from one of the Real properties, you receive three years of vacations free of charge. So far there has not been a single claimant.

Third, at 60 percent occupancy the prices in Cancun are unbelievable right now. Service is great, no crowds, there’ll never be a better time to go.

I arrived in Cancun just before noon. Immediately after walking outside the airport I was greeted by my smiling transfer driver. He took my bags, loaded me into the waiting air conditioned motorcoach and off we went.

Upon arrival at the Gran Caribe Real the first thing I did was hit the pool. The entire afternoon was spent around the swim up bar visiting with friends.

Day two was the Isla Mujeres adventure. We boarded the catamaran and made our way through the gorgeous turquoise waters north of Cancun to Isla Mujeres.

The water was cool and clear, full of colorful fish and an amazing variety of starfish. There was even a gentle current, so very little effort was required.

After everyone was waterlogged, we sailed our way to the Isla Mujeres Palace Resort. You can purchase a day pass to this resort for $50 per person and have access to all of the amenities. There’s great food, a great pool, and really great looking water aerobics instructors.

That evening Dreams Cancun hosted an incredible beach party for our group. Fire dancers and drummers amazed us with a death defying show as dinner was consumed and that ocean breeze kept us comfortable.

After the beach party we walked to the party zone and went into a few of the party bars. Yes, party is the key word here. Coco Bongo has a great show.

I spent day three at the spa and at Kukulcan Plaza. Kukulcan Plaza is a modern air conditioned mall with designer brands and great food. I lunched at the Tequila Factory Grill where the chicken enchiladas and chili rellenos are delicious.

The spa at the Gran Caribe Real was so good I went twice. Two massages in three days. Ask for Gina. Yes, I returned home limp as linguine and totally at peace with my world.

The Cancun airport is a large thoroughly modern airport. Arrive early and allow Bubba Gump (near gate 15) to delight you with a delicious pre-flight meal. There’s an astounding variety of duty free shopping, souvenirs, food, cosmetics; if you forgot to buy it earlier you can pick it up at the Cancun airport.

Cancun reinvented itself as a sophisticated destination three years ago. It is no longer a “college kid” only destination. Vayan con dios mi amigos.

Source: www.mcalesternews.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in Cancun, gay beaches in mexico, gay friendly places in mexico, gay travel destinations, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico, lesbian travel recommendation, Mexico Gay Friendly Destination

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

Often, these names are arbitrarily assigned, and travelers should try not to judge a hotel’s price or quality based on what it is called. They all vary widely in price, comfort, location, and style.  You may choose to stay in a tropical cabana style room, a traditional hotel, or even a tent pitched among the tropical splendor. Cancun is home to a wide variety of lodging options, including the infamous all-inclusive resort, a one-stop vacation spot that travelers either love or hate. Let me tell you that All-inclusive resorts are extremely popular among Americans and are appropriately equipped to satisfy American appetites and expectations for variety and entertainment.

These resorts undoubtedly offer the most options among the bevy of resorts with meal, lodging, and activity packages. People like all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for several reasons, but the most common is the billing procedure. Guests receive one simple bill that covers nearly everything they could want to consume, see, or do during their stay. In addition, you may have to sign a check once or twice, such as after a massage or dinner at an on-site upscale restaurant. You can otherwise spend your vacation without worrying about how much things cost.

Another perk is being able to leave important documents such as your bank and credit cards and IDs hidden in the safety deposit box or safe in your room. To be honest as per my personal experience, staying in at an all-inclusive gives travelers more time to experience and enjoy the fun activity options available at such resorts.

These resorts offer a carefree vacation that puts everything within easy reach. The majority of all inclusive resorts are usually located on beach front property. Many of the Mexican Caribbean’s all-inclusive resorts line the shores of Playa Del Carmen, while others are closer to Cancun.

Source: chapis-gaytravel.blogspot.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay friendly places in mexico, gay party cancun, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh

If you arrived to Cancun you will be created by a sea of touts who put on the hard sell, you will see visitors in Bermuda shorts and flip-flops, and the restaurants where noise was the norm.

Bacalar, mexico is a rock solid tourst infrastructure. You will get to see ecoresort that focused on Maya architecture, cuisine, and historic spots. Bacalar is located on the southeastern part of the Yucatan peninsula in teh state of Quintana Roo. It is off the tourist radar because it is four hours from Cancun and half an hour from the Belize border.

If you will travel to Bacalar, Mexico you can stroll through the old Spanish San Felipe Fort. You will learn the history of Maya and the European pirates who raided the area in the 18th century. You can enjoy looking over the Laguna Bacalar, the limpid lagoon of seven colors.

Unveiled this past year, Ritz Carlton’s Beach Club is 17,000 square feet of oasis, complimentary to all guest (though the decked-out “villas” are approximately $95 per use and include hammocks and plenty of liquids to keep you hydrated (and perhaps feeling boozy good)). Personal butlers attend to your every need, whether it’s booking spa treatments, ordering off the service menu or getting you the right tanning oil. Book a room for three nights by December 15 and get the fourth night free. Considering all the values a trip to Cancun brings these days, it’s definitely worth the tanline.

These are just some of the interesting things that you will learn about Bacalar when you travel to Mexico.

Source: www.mexicovacationtravels.com

© admin for latinhotparty.com, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: gay beaches in Cancun, gay beaches in mexico, gay friendly places in mexico, gay travel destinations, Gay vacations Cancun, lesbian beaches in mexico, lesbian travel recommendation, Mexico Gay Friendly Destination

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh