International tourism in Mexico reached record highs in 2017, as the country welcomed over 39.3 million travelers from around the world. According to Tourism Minister Enrique de la Madrid, these historical numbers of foreign visitors reflect Mexico’s wide range of modern, environmentally responsible tourism offerings. The tourism sector is now a significant contributor to Mexico’s income, and has helped boost the country’s gross domestic product by 2.5 percent each year.

International tourism skyrockets

At present, some 10 million Mexicans benefit directly or indirectly from revenues generated by the tourism industry. Last year, the country netted over 21 billion U.S. dollars from international tourist dollars – an 8.3 percent increase over the previous year.

Mexico is now ranked the 8th most popular vacation destination in the world. Given its proximity to the U.S., it’s no surprise that Americans make up a large portion of international tourists. In 2016, nearly 8 million Americans visited Mexico’s world-renowned beaches, resort towns and Mayan ruins.

National tourism figures indicate that Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit were the best performing markets last year. With no shortage of adventure activities, archeological attractions and natural beauty, these vacation hotspots offer something for everyone.

Mexico promises an enticing mix of contemporary arts and Meso-american cultures, a place where you can explore ancient Mayan pyramids and play a round of championship golf in one day. Whether you’re visiting the Baja California coastline or snorkeling the crystal clear waters off the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll find this country to be a fabulously friendly and easy place to travel.

Travel hotspots in Mexico

Renowned for their sublime beaches and vibrant nightlife, Cancun and Playa del Carmen have remained perennial favorites for tourists. But increasing numbers of families and solo travelers are choosing a more laid-back vibe on the west coast’s Riviera Nayarit. Towns like Puerto Vallarta have just the right blend of restaurants, kid-friendly attractions, and tourist amenities to complement its provincial village vibe.

On the other side of the peninsula lies La Paz, which is quickly earning a reputation as a top-notch destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. Popular tours in La Paz include boat trips to Espiritu Santo Island, where guests can swim with the sea lions and dive among sunken ships, as well as whale watching excursions.

Over on the sun-drenched Yucatan Peninsula, the ancient Maya cities of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza are a short drive from Playa del Carmen, which offers a stunning assortment of luxury resorts and villas. Visitors can also take a boat ride to the beautiful Isla Mujeres for a full day of snorkeling in turquoise waters.

Wherever you decide to travel in coastal Mexico, Sea Side Reservations can help you find the perfect accommodations for a truly spectacular vacation that is well within your budget. With luxury beachfront rental properties in Los Cabos, La Paz, Puerto Aventuras and everywhere in between, we are Mexico’s #1 provider of vacation rentals.

Additional Resources on Mexico Tourism & Travel:

1. Xinhuanet, Mexico tourism numbers hit record high in 2017 http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/23/c_136993890.htm
2. Journey Mexico, MEXICO TOURISM: FACTS & STATISTICS 2016 https://www.journeymexico.com/blog/mexico-tourism-facts-statistics-2016
3. Deutsche Welle, Mexico marks record number of foreign tourist visits, revenue in early 2017 http://www.dw.com/en/mexico-marks-record-number-of-foreign-tourist-visits-revenue-in-early-2017/a-38807362

Few plants are as versatile as the prickly pear cactus, known as nopal in Spanish. Its delicious fruits are roasted, grilled, broiled, eaten raw, pureed, and juiced, and it’s the starring ingredient in a range of consumer products—from shampoo to medications. The humble cactus was revered by the ancient Aztecs—there’s even a cacti legend associated with the ruins of Tenochtitlan (a must-see sight for any visitor to Mexico City). But recently, it was discovered that the prickly pear cactus might have yet another use—a renewable energy source of the future.

Turning green cacti into green energy

On the south side of Mexico City, a neighborhood called Milpa Alta features an impressive expanse of 7,000 acres of prickly pear cactus, not far from a dormant volcano called Teuhtli. The land has been farmed for more than 20 years. Each year, it produces about 200,000 tons of cacti, and about 10 tons of that is waste. Every morning, workers who arrive at the busy cactus market spend some time cleaning up the waste left there the previous day.

Energy and Environmental Sustainability, known locally as Suema, is a green energy startup that got the bright idea to invent a biogas generator capable of turning cactus waste into renewable energy. The generator processes the waste with the addition of a bacterial blend. The mix is heated to 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and biogas is the result.

Cactus farmers and vendors have eagerly embraced the concept. The generator will soon be capable of producing 45,000 gallons of biogas each day. The Mexico City government hopes to expand the project to house a generator at each of the area’s 300-plus cactus markets.

Legends of Tenochtitlan

The prickly pear cactus has been vital to the way of life for Mexico’s communities, from the ancient Aztecs to today. Legend has it that the first prickly pear cactus sprang from the heart of Copil, who was the son of the moon, Malinalxochitl. Copil attempted to kill his uncle, the sun, called Huitzilopochtli. The sun triumphed over Copil, and took out his nephew’s heart and buried it. The next day, the heart grew the first cactus. The thorns are symbolic of Copil’s warrior spirit, and the beautiful red flowers are reflective of Copil’s love for his mother, whom he had been defending when he attacked his uncle.

Today, visitors to Mexico flock to the ancient ruins at Tenochtitlan. Archaeologists have dated this thriving Aztec city to between 1325 and 1521 A.D. Hundreds of thousands of people lived there, surviving thanks to the advanced system of canals and causeways. The city was destroyed by Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes in 1521, and it now rests beneath modern-day Mexico City.

Visitors to Mexico City should stop by the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses the famed Aztec sun stone, before heading over to the Templo Mayor, which is a massive Aztec site. Most recently, in the summer of 2017, archaeologists have discovered a major Aztec temple in downtown Mexico City. You can see the excavation project just behind the Roman Catholic cathedral.

Book your next trip to Mexico City with Sea Side Reservations. We connect travelers to reputable and luxurious accommodations throughout the country.

More info on the prickly pear cactus:

1. Mexico’s prickly pear cactus: energy source of the future? https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/sci-tech/2017-08-17-mexicos-prickly-pear-cactus-energy-source-of-the-future/
2. Prickly Pear Cactus, https://www.desertusa.com/cactus/prickly-pear-cactus.html

Going Beyond The Ordinary In Coastal Mexico Vacations

A growing number of people from across the country and international travelers from around the world are turning to coastal Mexico for a unique, inviting and affordable vacation experience. While there are many options to choose from with regard to vacation destinations in Mexico one area in particular has consistently impressed travelers. Rocky Point is a beautiful and inviting area of coastal Mexico that is simply beyond compare when it comes to affordable tropical vacation experiences.

Friendly Locals That Ensure An Inviting Atmosphere

Considered an exclusive seaside resort community, Rocky Point takes the tropical vacation concept to an entirely new level. Just a few hours drive to the south of Arizona in the United States, Rocky Point is convenient, easy to access and features friendly locals that ensure an inviting atmosphere. Located conveniently on the northern shores of the beautiful Sea of Cortez, this coastal Mexico destination is an excellent alternative to the expensive coastal vacations found in Southern California.

Hundreds Of Shops Scattered Across The Region

The area has an amazing array of nightlife as well as a wide variety of daily beach activities or the opportunity to simply relax on a quiet and relaxing beach. In addition, those that are serious about their shopping will find that shopping in Rocky Point is beyond compare. With hundreds of shops scattered across the region, travelers from around the world can find a wide variety of cultural wares from pottery to blankets and even unique locally made tequila. With so much to offer it is hard to imagine choosing any other coastal Mexico vacation destination.

A Wide Array Of Restaurants

Exploring all of the amazing attributes of the Sea of Cortez can be as easy as spending some time in inviting Rocky Point. Activities abound in this great part of Mexico where visitors can enjoy sailing, four wheeling, jet skiing and deep-sea fishing as well as hiking and many other types of outdoor activities. Those that enjoy the best Mexican cuisine and outstanding seafood will find a wide array of restaurants that are simply beyond compare. One of the best ways to take full advantage of all the Rocky Point has to offer is to consider the luxury of a furnished vacation rental property. Contact Sea Side Reservations today to learn more about beautiful and inviting Rocky Point furnished vacation homes, villas and condos.

 

For the 14th Rocky Point Rally, Colin’s Cantina has something that bikers will not want to miss. Friday afternoon, everyone is welcome to enjoy local live band the BooBoys from 2:30pm to 5:30pm. Stop by and have a drink and pick up card number two for the Condo Poker Run!

Enjoy the start to a great weekend with us. Seaside Reservations is a Gold Sponsor of the 14th annual Rocky Point Rally. Here are the details . . .

Friday November 7th 1 p.m. $10 US / Proceeds for local charities

Roll up to some of Rocky Point’s most spectacular beachside spots! Meet up at 1st stop at 1 p.m., stops at condo projects with drinks and snacks, final Condo Run stop at Friday night Beach Party @ Playa Bonita. Winner announced @ Beach Party

1st card – Emiliano’s (Sonoran Sun Resort)

2nd card -Sonoran Grill (Sonoran Spa Resort)

3rd card -Colin’s Cantina (Princesa de Peñasco condominiums)

4th card – Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort (The Links Golf Course)

5th card – Playa Bonita Resort (Beach Fiesta)

* $10 US fee paid at final stop

* Mystery Poker – Any hand can win! Cards given points to be tallied up on Friday night!

Nov. 7th – Turn in Poker Run Cards 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (and only during these times) Beach Fiesta @ Playa Bonita Resort

Winners announced @ Beach Fiesta approx. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7th

CEDO is the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans. Located on the Sea of Cortez in Las Conchas, scientists and interns work to find ways to preserve the nature around them, while being a source for education as well. Working with

CEDO is the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans. Located on the Sea of Cortez in Las Conchas, scientists and interns work to find ways to preserve the nature around them, while being a source for education as well. Working with local fishermen, CEDO helps to maintain a healthy balance of resource use in this part of the ocean.

An event on Saturday, November 8th will showcase some of those who are working with local resources. Weather through crafts, seafood, or ecotourism, all of the vendors use what they find locally in a sustainable way. This makes sure that what Mexico’s oceans have to offer is here for future genrations.

The CEDO facility is in a rambling old building on a hill of sand that rolls down to the sea. The building hosts camps for children to learn about the worlds oceans, exhibits about the local sealife, as well as serving as a base for projects involving local fisherman. A distinctive part of the CEDO building is the complete Humpback Whale skeleton that sits at the very top of the hill.

CEDO is easy to reach on the main road into Las Conchas. The CEDO Naturarte Market Place Sustaonable Local Prodcts Event will be in the parking lot on Saturday, November 8th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The event is designed to “encourage responsoble people doing doing efforts towards sustainability and a space to sell their products.”

fishermen, CEDO helps to maintain a healthy balance of resource use in this part of the ocean.

An event on Saturday, November 8th will showcase some of those who are working with local resources. Weather through crafts, seafood, or ecotourism, all of the vendors use what they find locally in a sustainable way. This makes sure that what Mexico’s oceans have to offer is here for future genrations.

The CEDO facility is in a rambling old building on a hill of sand that rolls down to the sea. The building hosts camps for children to learn about the worlds oceans, exhibits about the local sealife, as well as serving as a base for projects involving local fisherman. A distinctive part of the CEDO building is the complete Humpback Whale skeleton that sits at the very top of the hill.

CEDO is easy to reach on the main road into Las Conchas. The CEDO Naturarte Market Place Sustaonable Local Prodcts Event will be in the parking lot on Saturday, November 8th, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The event is designed to “encourage responsoble people doing doing efforts towards sustainability and a space to sell their products.”

The sun fades as young people walk the path under the trees. Candles are being lit here and there. Each new light brightens the space around it, which shines with a different color. Orange chrysanthemums, turquois and purple skulls. A cross of white sea salt rests on the ground, next to a jet black dog. As the sky darkens, more candles are lit, reflecting colors onto the under-side of the branches.

November begins in Mexico with the Dia de Los Muertos. The ceremonies of ‘the Day of the Dead’ are meant to coax the spirits of loved ones to return, and spend time with those who remember them. Altares (Alters) offer a chance for the spirits to be guided back to us, and give those in this world a way to express their love through the many details involved in making the Altares.

Students from Puerto Penascos’ Cobach (similar to a junior college in the states), take part in the annual Altares building workshop and contest. Dozens of students and their families learn in great detail this very special part of Mexican culture, then present their labors of love to the publlic.

As judges take notes, family members demonstrate the depth of their knowledge of the traditions of Dia de Los Muertos, some dressed as Calaveras or Catrinas. Common elements include the smoke of insense, a black dog who will be there to guide the spirit from the other world, and water for spirits thirsty from their long journey.

Mixed with the ceremonial neccesities are many personal touches. The guitar Grandmother played. A baseball jersey. Tequila pored and waiting. Every real thing is attached to a story. The hat pulled from it’s resting place in the back of the closet begins to emit memories. From the memory, comes stories. Sharing them is how the ones we remember come back.

Hobie Cat lovers got together this past weekend for the 14th Pinata Regatta. Rocky Point cooperated with it’s usual awesome warm and sunny weather.

Two times a year, fleets from Tucson and Phoenix get together to do what they love, based out of the Playa Bonita RV Resort. As always, the event delivers a beautiful splash of colors to the waters of Rocky Point.

Congratulations to champions and Puerto Peñasco regulars Heather and Brian Heffernan.

Taking A Mexico Vacation To A New And Exciting Level

One of the best ways to enjoy all that coastal Mexico has to offer is to simply choose the right destination. While there are many choices for vacationers when it comes to coastal Mexico vacation options, one area in particular has consistently exceeded the expectations of visitors. Playa Del Carmen offers a wide variety of coastal Mexico vacation experiences. From shopping to fishing and snorkeling as well as a host of other unique experiences, the area has something for everyone.

Natural Habitat

Most would agree that snorkeling is a major activity in beautiful Playa Del Carmen. Those wishing to experience the area to the fullest will likely choose to participate in some type of snorkeling activity. Even families with children can enjoy a snorkeling experience in beautiful Playa Del Carmen. Seeing turtles as well as flora and fauna in their natural habitat is best achieved by snorkeling. In addition, visitors can also explore a wide variety of archaeological sites and monuments that date back to the Mayan civilization.

The Area Is Simply Beyond Compare

Once considered a small fishing village, Playa Del Carmen is now a big and thriving city. From outstanding golfing to some of the finest restaurants in Mexico, Playa Del Carmen has a diverse number of activities for those that wish to enjoy their vacation in the most delightful way possible. From beautiful and pristine beaches to warm and inviting water, the area is simply beyond compare. Perhaps most notable of all is the fact that many furnished vacation rental properties are available to discerning travelers.

Provides For A More Complete Experience

This is simply a unique and smart way to enjoy a vacation to an even greater degree. Nothing can quite compare to a furnished vacation rental property when visiting coastal Mexico. All the luxuries of home can be enjoyed while on vacation. Unlike a hotel, motel or resort, a furnished vacation rental property provides for a more complete experience than would otherwise be possible. As more and more people discover the value of choosing a furnished vacation rental they are increasingly turning to experienced property management teams to find the best property possible. One company in particular that has been serving the region for many years is Sea Side Reservations. Contact the company today for the best in Playa Del Carmen furnished vacation rental properties.

 

Stand up paddle boarding is cool. It is not hard to get the hang of, and then it kind of feels like your’re out taking a walk. On the water! With some experience, you can play in the surf. But hey, this is a vacation, so take it easy.

Sitting out on the water as the sun sets is one of the greatest experiences you can have while in Rocky Point. Morning and just before sunset are the two best times to catch a glimpse of dolphins as they pass by in a pod. Curious and intelliegent, many times they will come close to check YOU out.

First timers or even experienced boarders can have everything they need delivered to your resort, if you are renting your condo through Seaside Reservations. If you have never done it, it is a painless way to check out a new sport.

Or how about kayaking. Sit-on-top kayaks are available as well. Whatever your preference, Seaside Reservations new rental program gives you, your family, and friends, a couple more ways to make memories on your Rocky

Stand up paddle boarding is cool. It is not hard to get the hang of, and then it kind of feels like your’re out taking a walk. On the water! With some experience, you can play in the surf. But hey, this is a vacation, so take it easy.

Sitting out on the water as the sun sets is one of the greatest experiences you can have while in Rocky Point. Morning and just before sunset are the two best times to catch a glimpse of dolphins as they pass by in a pod. Curious and intelliegent, many times they will come close to check YOU out.

First timers or even experienced boarders can have everything they need delivered to your resort, if you are renting your condo through Seaside Reservations. If you have never done it, it is a painless way to check out a new sport.

Or how about kayaking. Sit-on-top kayaks are available as well. Whatever your preference, Seaside Reservations new rental program gives you, your family, and friends, a couple more ways to make memories on your Rocky Point vacation.

by Richard Scott

September in Rocky Point sees temperatures cooling down from the Summer highs. A few more clouds too.  In other words, the weather is getting close to perfect. With lots of events coming in the next couple of months (including the Rocky Point Rally), it’s a great time to get away. Let Seaside Reservations help you book that special place by the sea. Do you know which Seaside Resort is in this picture?