Just off the white sands of the Caribbean, you’ll find the Riviera Maya and the city of Tulum. Here, you can explore unspoiled tropical rainforests and see the Yucatan in its native beauty. Tulum has many small hotels that use solar energy and rain water, and take many other steps to minimize their environmental impact on this beautiful area. In Tulum you can explore Mexico’s rainforests while helping preserve them – as well as the local wildlife and beaches – for future generations. Plan to start your trip by visiting the Sian Ka’an Biosphere to see the region’s diverse wildlife in their native habitats.

A less rustic experience can be found at Isla Hol Box, located near where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Here, you can find plenty of unexplored nature areas that are rich with wildlife. From May through October, you can see whale sharks at the Yum Balam nature reserve or spend time wandering the pristine rainforests. In addition, Isla Hol Box is still very much a typical fishing village, where wild dolphins and colorful birds are abundant. There are miles of white, sandy beaches as well as mangrove forests, making Isla Hol Box a wonderful destination for seeing rainforests and more in a relaxed setting.

Next up is the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve – one of the largest, most diverse and untouched natural areas that can be found in Mexico. The Reserve is large – about 300,000 acres – and located in the Sierra Madre mountains of Southern Chiapas. In this transitional zone, the mountains change from neoarctic to neotropical biospheres – you’ll be able to see plants and animals from both environments in this region.

In addition, in the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, you have the opportunity to visit both a rainforest and a cloud forest. In the cloud forest, you can see beautiful orchids, bromeliads, giant tree ferns and evergreen trees. The fauna is just as prolific and stunning as the flora, with more than 100 species of mammals, including spider monkeys, tapirs, jaguars and four other species of wild cats. There are more than 400 species of birds living here, including the Resplendent Quetzal, the Azure-Rumped Tanager and the Horned Guan. For this reason, the Reserve is one of the finest birding areas in the country. You can also see a dozen or more different species of amphibians and more than 60 different types of reptiles on your visit here.

While you’re in the area, you might also want to visit the La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve, where you can see mangrove estuaries, seasonally flooded coastal forests and a semi-deciduous tropical forest.

As our world continues to change, we may have fewer and fewer opportunities to see these truly untouched wilderness areas. Enjoy Mexico’s rainforests now with a sight-seeing vacation that allows you to marvel at these wonderful natural resources.

Rather than trying to list all of the places in Mexico that are safe to visit, it is perhaps more helpful to list places that aren’t safe. First, check with the U. S. State Department website. If there’s anything of particular concern – whether it’s recent kidnappings or reports of new drug-related violence – the State Department will have it noted on their website. In addition, be aware that most media reports are designed to sell newspapers – not provide an unbiased picture of Mexico’s safety. Reports of murders sell more newspapers than reports of everyday, business-as-usual life.

In general, towns along the U.S. border with Mexico tend to be more dangerous than towns farther south, at least in terms of number of homicides. However, most of the homicides in these towns are directly tried to drug cartel activities. If you remove those homicides, then these towns are about as safe – if not safe – as any other city you might visit in the United States. In fact, there are some areas in Mexico, such as southern Baja California, that have overall incredibly low crime rates.

Which brings us to a good point – any city, anywhere in the world, can be dangerous. All cities have rough areas and areas where those who prey on others – especially tourists – can be found. Use the same caution in Mexican cities that you’d use in any large city. Avoid dangerous areas, dangerous persons and illegal activities, and you considerably increase your personal safety. And, it should go without saying, but don’t bring drugs into Mexico, purchase and use illegal drugs while in Mexico, or carry any weapons – even pocket knives.

In addition, do your best to use common sense when traveling. Travel during daylight hours and stick to legitimate tourist and business areas. Avoid unregistered and unregulated taxis, and don’t agree to sit through a presentation regarding a time share or vacation home.

The beaches of Mexico also deserve special mention. While most Mexican beaches are safe, be sure to observe any flags indicating there are rip tides or hazardous water conditions present. After all, it does little good to worry about potential criminal activity and ignore natural hazards.

Finally, avoid drinking to the point where you may find yourself making poor decisions. In towns well known for their nightlife, like Cancun and Cozumel, crimes against people commonly involve persons who have been drinking that travel in areas known to be unsafe after dark. With these precautions in mind, you’re sure to enjoy your Mexican vacation – and make it home in one piece!

Some additional steps are required for minors under the age of 16 – particularly, the documentation requirement from parents. In general, it takes an average of four to six weeks to receive your passport after you’ve applied, although expedited service is available when a special need exists. However, be aware that an additional fee is charged for expedited service – plan ahead if you anticipate needing your passport. The expiration date of your passport should be well after the last day of your planned visit – preferably by at least six months. If your passport isn’t valid for a period of six months from your date of entry, you may have difficulty entering the country.

If you’re traveling to Mexico for pleasure and you’ll be staying for less than six months, you’ll need a document known as a Mexican Visitor’s Permit (FMT). If you’re flying to Mexico, you can usually obtain one at the airport or in-flight to Mexico. If your airline doesn’t provide them, you can pick one upon your arrival and complete it before going through customs. Many airlines include the fee for this permit in their airfare – others will require you to pay the $25 fee separately when you arrive at customs. If you’re staying within 24 kilometers of the Mexican-United States border, you’ll be inside the so-called “free zone,” and won’t need an FMT. Or, if you’re traveling on a cruise ship that will be docking at a port in Mexico, you won’t need an FMT as well.

If you’re traveling to Mexico on business and will be staying for a period of less than 30 days, your FMT will suffice. However, if you’re traveling to Mexico on business and will be staying for a period of more than 30 days and up to one year, you’ll need to request an FM3 business visit permit. As long as you meet certain criteria, this permit will allow you to work and live in Mexico for a period of up to one year.

For periods of time longer than those listed above, you’ll need a visa – either an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa depending on your status. For more details on applying for the visa, contact the Mexican consulate in your area.

When entering Mexico, you’ll be required to complete a customs form. Luggage is inspected randomly, either in cursory or extensive detail. In addition, there are limits on the materials you can bring into the country. For example, personal items such as clothing and toiletries are limited to what you’d be reasonably expected to use during your stay. You may bring with you two cell phones, one laptop computer, and a limited amount of fishing equipment, alcohol and cigarettes. You’re also limited as to what you can take with you out of Mexico and into the United States. However, because customs regulations change frequently, it’s a good idea to review these custom regulations again shortly before your trip.

In Western Mexico, home to Guadalajara, you can find a number of different types of caves to explore, whether you’re exploring for fun or serious study.

For example, if you’re interested in exploring a deep, vertical cave, visit Cerro Grande in Jalisco on the Jalisco-Colima border. More than 100 deep caves have been explored and mapped in this region. Three of these caves are quite deep, at more than 200 meters. The Sociedad Mexicana de Exploraciones Subterraneas has been down 241 feet in El Rusumidero del Pozo Blanco, although there’s still plenty of unexplored adventure for the speleologist in Cerro Grande.

Resumidero de Toxin – also located in Jalisco – is the longest horizontal cave in Western Mexico, measuring 3,005 meters in length. In Michoacanj, the Cueva Del Rio Durazno, which measures 3,000 meters, is the next longest. In addition, near the Pihuamo River and Ferreria River, you can find a number of limestone caves, while near La Concha – a city in Jalisco – you can find a number of marble caves to explore.

One very popular example of a typical limestone cave can be found near Colima City. This is Cueva de Tampumacchay, where you can see The Thousand-Layer Cake – an unusual natural formation – along with a number of giant stalagmites and stalactites. Many openings in this cave remain unexplored, despite the 336 meters of passages that have been surveyed – if you want to go where no man has gone before, it’s definitely worth a look.

Or, if you’ve ever wanted to watch a colony of bats take to the night sky, you can do that at Cueva de Tampumacchay. At dusk, you can see both vampire bats and insectivore bats emerging from the cave in search of their meal for the day – a fascinating sight that’s not for the faint of heart.

In addition, in Jalisco, you can visit a volcanic cave known as Chapuzon Cave. Another popular volcanic cave is Cueva Del Zurdo, which is located in Nayarit. Near Tequila, there’s a multi-level fissure cave called Chiquihuiton that’s been explored down to 413 meters. However, much of this cave still remains unmapped, making it a treat for amateur and professional speleologists alike.

However, as with all caves, there are some dangers to cave exploration in Mexico. Many caves harbor bats, whose guano often contains the fungus which causes histoplasmosis, a serious lung condition. A wide variety of wildlife can also be found in the caves, including spiders and snakes. Vampire bats have been known to bite humans and they can carry rabies. Another problem is poor air quality, due to a lack of air circulation or decomposing guano. In addition, some caves contain the hives of Africanized bees, which can be quite dangerous. However, as long as you take the proper precautions and stick with caves that match your experience level, you can have a safe and enjoyable time caving in Mexico.

Traditionally, the native peoples of Mexico lived on diets based around corn. Rice arrived with the conquistadores, and the two grains continue to form the foundation of many Mexican dishes today. Foods native to Mexico include chocolate, chili peppers, sweet potatoes, nopales, tomatoes, vanilla and avocados. In addition to rice, the conquistadores brought garlic, onions, wine, and additional protein sources in the form of pork, chicken, and beef.

Chili peppers play an important role in Mexican cuisine. Many peppers are used in more than one form – jalapenos, for example, can be used fresh, roasted or pickled. When Jalapeno peppers are smoked, they become known as chipotle peppers and their taste is very different. Poblano peppers, on the other hand, are mild and are often served stuffed with a mixture of meat and rice.

The seeds of most chili peppers are removed before the peppers are added to the dish, as they are bitter to taste. In addition, the heat the chilis bring to a dish can be varied, depending on whether the internal membranes holding the seeds in place are removed and how the chili is cooked. The best antidote to the sometimes potent heat provided by chili peppers is consuming dairy products, whether by drinking milk or eating sour cream or cheese.

The fat most commonly used in authentic Mexican cuisine is lard. The conquistadores brought olive oil with them to Mexico, but its use was never widely adopted. While most Mexicans keep their use of lard to a minimum, lard is necessary for authentic flavor in certain foods, such as tortillas.

Another difference between authentic Mexican cuisine and the Americanized version we see here in the United States is that fewer dishes in Mexico are fried. The basic ingredients vary as well. For example, in America, enchiladas are usually filled with ground meat and topped with yellow cheese, such as a Cheddar or Colby cheese. In Mexico, enchiladas are usually filled with shredded meat and a white cheese is used as a topping. Our Americanized version is also much more heavily sauced than is Mexican counterpart.

Authentic Mexican cuisine also relies much more on fresh vegetables than the Americanized versions we’re familiar with. In fact, until the conquistadores introduced animal meats, many of the native peoples ate strictly vegetarian diets.

Another important part of Mexican cuisine is seafood. Mexico has access to a wide variety of fresh seafood all along its coastlines, and these foods are often incorporated into their cuisine. For example, one popular Mexican dish is Camarones al Mojo de Ajo – shrimp cooked in a garlic sauce and served with rice.

Finally, Mexican beverages, such as aguas frescas, are becoming more popular in America. These “fresh waters” are made by blending sugar and water with a variety of ingredients – tamarind pods in the case of aqua de tamarindo, or rice, almonds and cinnamon in the case of aqua de horchata.

First, any time you’re planning a visit to a foreign country, visit the U.S. State Department website for up-to-date information about that country. If there’s unrest, widespread illness or any other large-scale circumstance that could affect your trip, the U.S. State Department website will have that information. Some of the larger cities in Mexico – Mexico City, for example – are known to have problems with crime.

In addition, don’t assume that you’re automatically safer when you’re in a tourist area. Many unsavory individuals frequent popular tourist destinations specifically looking for tourists to prey on. Still, you’re generally safer in popular tourist areas than you are striking out on your own to other less popular destinations.

Whenever you’re traveling, it’s important not to look like a tourist. Don’t wear flashy clothing or jewelry, and dress like the locals when you can. Leave as many valuables as you can at home. The things you must bring with you should be stored in a safe in your hotel when not in use. Also, make sure you have copies of your credit cards, passport and any other important documents so that you’ll have the information you need if any of them are lost or stolen.

You should also learn the Mexican currency and only carry with you the amount of cash that you’ll need for the day. A small travel wallet is a good idea – there are a number of wallets and purses that are made specifically to minimize the risk of pick-pocketing.

Women in Mexico should avoid wearing revealing or provocative clothing – revealing and provocative according to Mexican standards, not U.S. standards. Again, notice what the locals are wearing and dress accordingly. When in doubt, go a little more conservative. Women should travel with a companion – especially at night – and avoid public places that aren’t well populated or well lit. Trust your instincts – if a place or situation is making you feel uncomfortable, leave and go to a different, safer area.

In Mexico – as in many foreign countries – you need to be careful when taking a taxi. When you’re heading out on the town, ask your hotel or restaurant to call a reputable taxi for you, as unregulated taxis can charge you exorbitant fees and leave you stranded in unsafe areas.

Finally, avoid illegal drugs at all costs in Mexico. Unlike in America, in Mexico, you’re presumed guilty until proven innocent. This means that even one joint of marijuana can land you in jail for quite some time while things are sorted out – and jails in Mexico aren’t nearly as nice as jails in America. Be safe and avoid drugs and any other illegal activity while enjoying the Mexican nightlife.

Oaxaca has various natural spas where you can dip in and take the afternoon to relax your body mind and soul. The most popular of the springs is the Isthmus in the town of Santiago Laollaga. Balneario de Atonaltzin is a sulphurus water spring located in the little town of Tamazulapan Villa Del Progeso. Sulphurus waters are great for the skin and organic sulphur promotes the absorption of nutrients and vitamins crucial for healthy luscious skin. What better way to receive then laying in a natural spring while visiting Mexico?

Lagoons are another unique scenery of Oaxaca. They’re enchanting and filled with wildlife and fresh tropical vegetation. Mangrove forests also reside there. You can canoe, kayak through the lagoons and witness all of the wild life there. A lot of water sports are offered there like snorkeling, scuba diving and boating. The enchanting lagoon of Guelatao has mountainous scenery surrounding it. According to the locals the waters there change color depending on the season from green, red, to yellow and brown. It’s something you don’t want to miss when you visit Mexico.

Oaxaca is filled with caverns and caves. Sotano de San Agustin is the deepest in America and one of the deepest in the world. It was explored for the first time in 1965. Bones of prior human sacrifices were found in the caves. Speleologists continue to explore it’s depths along with many other caverns like Cheve Cave and Apaola. Apaola is known as the snake cave to its locals. It’s interior is filled with huge rocks and monticules and the water is believed to connect to other springs like the Tamazulapan Spring. This cave is for the more adventurous type but no matter how brave you are you should still go with the help of a guide.

Apoala also has a huge waterfall that you can visit while you are there. It’s about 165 feet tall and has many wells from it. The canyons and rock red in color and is a magnificent site. The waters are crystal blue with green vegetation surrounding the waterfall. These are the kind of sceneries that melt your worries away just by looking at them. Pick a tree and take a nap. Listen to the water crash on the rocks from the waterfall. This is your vacation and you can take a nap if you want to. Oaxaca is the perfect vacation with plenty of things to do, relaxing and adventurous.

If water sports are more your thing, you can ride the water slides at the Centro Internacional de Convivencia Infantil. You can watch dolphins swim or participate in the dolphin swim program, where you can get in the water and swim with them yourself. However, if you’re interested in this experience, make your reservations well in advance as spaces are limited.

And no discussion of the attractions in Acapulco would be complete without mentioning the experience that’s quintessential Acapulco – cliff diving. The place to go is La Quebrada, where divers plunge 130 feet into a patch of roaring surf that’s only 20 feet wide and about 12 feet deep. You’ll often see the divers stop to pray at a small shrine before they make their dive and afterwards, you can watch as they accept the congratulations of the crowd – along with financial contributions. During the final performance of the day, the divers even carry flaming torches with them. You can also watch the dives from the Hotel Plaza Las Glorias, El Mirador or La Perla, although reservations are recommended at these locations.

Another great attraction, the Acapulco Ballet Folklorico and Los Voladores, performs together in the Gran Noche Mexicana. Many of the major hotels in the area also hold fiestas with dinner and entertainment. If you prefer art that doesn’t move, you might consider the art gallery known as Galeria Espacio Pal Kepenyes. There, you’ll see the bronze sculptures of artist Pal Kepenyes on display.

And if, at the end of the day, you want to hit a nightclub, you’ve plenty of time. Most don’t open until 11:00 p.m. and the fun doesn’t start in earnest until after midnight. Cover charges vary from $10 to $20, but women often get in for free. There are also frequent promotions, so keep your eyes open and check with your concierge – you may be able to get in for less.

Finally, if you love to dance, but hate the stuffy atmosphere, why not try an open air dance club? There are a number that can be found along the Costera Aleman. This is also a good destination if you like alternative rock or techno. Look at the stretch of beach between Fiesta Americana and the Continental Plaza hotels and you’ll find many clubs to try. Friday nights are foam nights, and live entertainment is common at these locations – especially during occasions like spring break.

To find out of a particular cruise meets your needs, you need to do a little research. Different cruise lines offer different types of experiences. Some cruise lines provide classic ocean voyage sophistication, while others are designed to be parties on the sea. There are different types of cruises as well, from luxury cruises that will treat you like royalty to adventure cruises that are likely to be educational and provide hands-on activities for you and your family. Individual ships can vary as well in terms of the amenities they offer, including activities and dining options. Knowing what kinds of things matter to you will you to narrow down the many offerings. And, in general, the more flexible you are, the more options you’ll have.

It’s also important to be sure you’re comparing apples to apples when pricing a cruise. Be sure to read the fine print and find out what’s included in the fare. Usually the cruise price includes your cabin, travel between the different ports of call, shipboard facilities, dining, shipboard entertainment and activities. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks usually aren’t included, nor are most spa packages. There are also some specialty dining experiences which may not be included, and you should consider the cost of souvenirs, excursions on shore and gratuities as well. You’re also usually on your own for air fare as well to your port of call. Finally, consider just how important your cabin is. Most people only use their cabin to sleep and shower, and are perfectly content with a less-expensive cabin.

Once you know what you want and how much you have to spend, it’s time to start comparison shopping. The first way you can save money is to be flexible with your desired dates. Off-season prices can be considerably lower. And just like with flights, you can get good deals by booking in advance or by waiting until the very last minute to book your cruise. Again, it all depends on how flexible you can be. Do you have your heart set on a particular destination in Mexico or are you open to different experiences? Having some flexibility there may also lead you to a better deal.

You can find lots of cruise listings online, both at the websites of the various cruise lines and a number of bargain travel sites. There are even cruise auction sites where you can bid on upcoming voyages. You can also find travel sections in most major newspapers, especially those for known ports of call like Miami and New York. Larger bookstores and libraries carry these newspapers, or you can try signing up for the email newsletters of a few of the sites or cruise lines you are interested in – their mailings often include promotional discounts. Or, if you know someone who’s been on a cruise before, find out if they’ve received any promotional mailings recently that may be transferable.

Finally, keep monitoring prices. If a better price comes up before you leave, see if you can get a reduced purchase price on your cruise. However, some travel agents and cruise lines charge fees for making these changes, so be sure you know the policies involved ahead of time.

To find out more about the city’s history, visit the Colonel Manuel Gutierrez Zamora City Museum. A comprehensive renovation project took place there in 2000, although the building’s stunning neoclassical style has been maintained. At the museum, you can learn more about the city, from the arrival of the Spaniards through modern day. You can also learn more about the native Totonaca and Olmeca peoples who are indigenous to the area. Naval history is represented at the Naval Historical Museum as well, which features scale weapons of Mexican warships, along with ancient weapons and navigation tools. For more naval history, along with spectacular Totonaca ruins, visit the Island of Sacrifices.

Another great destination is the House of the Duchess, or Patio Vergara – a splendid three-story colonial house where you’ll find the Historic Archives and Library. It’s an excellent model of the architecture of dwellings from the 18th century. Here, you can not only peruse important historical documents, but also appreciate the wonderful elaborate woodwork of the house.

Yet another museum recognizes the poet and composer Agustin Lara. In the Agustin Lara Museum, you can see his work, including photographs and paintings, along with some personal objects that belonged to “Golden Skinny.”

Or, if religious history is something that interests you, you’ll want to visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Asuncion. The Cathedral had humble beginnings, being founded by the Order of the Merced in 1650. At that time, it was a small wooden temple – now it’s home to Baccarat chandeliers that were once owned by emperor Maximilian of Habsburg and a temple organ made in England. There are three naves, three domes, a 40 meter tall belfry and walls that are made from shallow reef rocks. The Church of the Saint Christ of the Good Voyage is also worth seeing for its statue of Pope John Paul II.

And, of course, Veracruz is located on a beach and the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide moderate currents that most visitors enjoy. If you have children, consider the Costa de Oro resort. Other notable resorts in the city include the Villa del Mar, Mocambo, Regatas, and Hornos. Mocambo is a favorite, located only five kilometers from downtown Veracruz. Here, you can appreciate the beautiful beach from your towel or from horseback. But wherever you stay, be sure to head out to Boca del Rio for some wonderfully fresh seafood.

One other experience unique to Veracruz is a ride on the Streetcar of Remembrance, which starts at Historic Centre Station. Unlike other streetcars, which are electric and made from wood, these streetcars are gasoline powered, and made from truck bodies. Riding in these enchanting streetcars, you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to see the beautiful landscapes of Veracruz firsthand.