A Magical Place

A historic time in Mexico was when Puebla got its independence from France. Today the victory is celebrated throughout Mexico (and the U.S.) as Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is a date of great importance for the Mexican and Chicano communities. Although the Mexican army was eventually defeated, the “Batalla de Puebla” came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism.

Puebla's famous mole

But let me tell you a little more about the wonderful state of Puebla.  The capital of Puebla is the city of Puebla. What makes this beautiful city most proud is its food, one of the most delicious in Mexico. Known as the world’s mole, chiles en nogada and chalupas capital, Puebla takes us close to paradise.

Talavera Art

Puebla was well known for its fine ceramics, especially for the style that would be called Talavera. This has been due to the abundance of quality clay in the region, drawing some of the best artisans. 

Church of los Remedios

Ruins of the Great Pyramid at Cholula

The Great Pyramid of Cholula can be explored either via a labyrinth of interior tunnels, or above ground by walking through excavations at the pyramid’s base. There’s a fine on-site museum with models showing the site’s full glory. Take time to climb atop the pyramid. 

Puebla is a must-see destination for those who love to learn about gastronomy, culture, history and many more wonders. 

Sol, Playa, y Arena (Sun, Beach, and Sand)

One of Mexico's biggest hot spot for tourists' is Cancun. It is located in the wonderful state of Quintana Roo.

You might think you know everything about Cancun even if you haven't been there, but the truth is Cancun is more than just margaritas near the beach.

Tulum near Cancun

Tulum Mayan Ruins

Chichen-itza Mayan Ruins

Cancun was a part of the ancient Mayan civilization and is still considered the gateway to El Mundo Maya (the Mayan World).

Cancun known for it's shape of a 7

Cancun delivers to travelers the best of many worlds: the Caribbean and Mexico; modern and ancient; action packed and laid back.

Not only does Quintana Roo offer you Cancun's beaches but it offer many other beautiful beaches as well. 

The Underwater Rainbow of Cozumel

Scuba Diving in Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the must-visit destinations of Quintana Roo. With its Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, Cozumel is an island that appeals to all sorts of travelers, from cruise ship passengers to extreme diving fanatics to history and nature buffs to those simply seeking relaxation.

Several ecological parks, such as Chankanaab and Faro Celerain (Punta Sur), offer the most popular snorkel and dive sites for all levels. More activities for those seeking adventure include jungle trails, lush botanical gardens, enchanting lagoons, delightful dolphin encounter programs and sea turtle sanctuaries.

Cozumel, along with Cancun, is always a good place to visit whether you are looking for extreme adventures or just a peaceful vacation at the beach. 

Natural Beauty

When it comes to scenery, one of the most beautiful places to visit is Chiapas, Mexico. It is one of the top destinations for adventure and eco-tourism.

El Chiflón and the Lagunas de Montebello National Park are must-visit spots in Chiapas.

El Chiflón

Series of waterfalls and pools are found at El Chiflón where you will definitely be drenched by the spray. Not all you find there will be beautiful waterfalls; you will also find small restaurants and a campground to enjoy your stay.

Lagunas de Montebello National Park

In Lagunas de Montebello, you will find more than 50 small mineral-laden lakes surrounded by pine and oak forests. The minerals in the lakes, plus the reflection of the sun give the lakes their remarkable hues that range from turquoise to emerald to violet to blue to deep green.  

Mayan Ruins in Comitan, Chiapas 

The colonial town of Comitan de Dominguez serves as the jumping off point for exploring more of southern Chiapas, including excursions to the Mayan ruins at Chinkultic and Tenam Puente. 

Lake of Tziscao

The lakeside village of Tziscao offers a variety of basic visitor services including cabanas (cabins), many with scenic lake views, a hostel and campground, small restaurants serving simple meals and guided Chiapas tours of the area. At the Tziscao eco-tourism center you can rent rafts, kayaks and paddleboats, hike an extensive network of trails that lead around the lake and go horseback riding.

Whether your visit is for adventure or business, the experience will be one and only. 

Tequila and Mariachi Music

Jalisco is known for being one of the most important states in the country of Mexico. The capital of this state is Guadalajara, which is also one of Mexico's biggest cities. Guadalajara is known for being the birthplace of tequila and mariachi music. The cities parks and plazas are full of green spaces and public art. At the heart of Guadalajara is the cathedral. With its twin pointed towers and central dome, it is the most recognizable landmark on the Guadalajara skyline.

Agave field in Tequila, Jalisco

Patron, Sauza, and Herradura tequila

You have not tried tequila until you have it in Tequila, Jalisco. With this town's full name, Santiago de Tequila, only the tequila part catches your attention, right?  With about 60 million gallons produced each year in this small town, tequila is distributed worldwide. Tons of agave fields run through the small town making it known worldwide that the real tequila is only made in Tequila, Jalisco.  

Above: A little taste of Mariachi music.

Mariachi Band

Mariachi music is mostly known for being played at weddings, quiceañeras (sweet 15), or basically any family celebration. Mariachi bands are also used for serenading; boys would stand outside the balcony to serenade their girlfriends, one of the most romantic things (in my opinion). This music isn't only romantic but you can also dance to it, sing your heart out, and even drink some tequila while listening with family and friends. 

Next time you're visiting Mexico make sure to stop by Jalisco to experience what real tequila is all about. There's nothing better than good tequila, good, mariachi, and good company.   

The Heart of Mexico: Michoacan

Coming from a Mexican background, I decided to start this blog of some of the places I've visited.

With 31 beautiful states to choose from, I'm starting with my mothers home state of Michoacan. 

Video: The state of Michoacan

This state is known as "the heart of Mexico." It's capital, Morelia, is the largest and most popular city 

of the state. Must go to places when visiting Michoacan are the Cathedral of Morelia, the Aqueduct 

and the town of Patzcuaro.

The Cathedral of Morelia

The Aqueduct of Morelia

The town of Patzcuaro

Now, let's talk about the food! With a variety of traditional dishes to choose from you must try pollo placero (chicken with vegetables), corundas (tamal-shaped parcels are wrapped in distinctive green corn leaves), churipo (a broth prepared with red chillies, beef, and vegetables), atapakuas (a thick salsa accompanied by meat, cheese, and other ingredients), uchepos (tender corn tamales) and gorditas consisting of stuffed tortilla dough (those two last ones are my favorite!!!).

Uchepos (corn tamales)

Gorditas (stuffed tortilla dough) 

Let me tell you about my mom's hometown. The town of Sahuayo is a place where I would spend entire summers creating memories. The town has a celebration each year on July 25 for "El Patron Santiago" (Saint James the Great). Today, it is basically a small carnival where people dedicate their time to create huge masks and show them off the day of the celebration. 

"Tlahualil" costume

"Tlahualil" mask

Michoacan is one of the places you must visit if you travel to Mexico.