Sea Side Reservations Blog

For a lot of travelers, Mexico is synonymous with hot, sunny beaches. However, the early fall is also a great time to catch some authentic spirit by partaking in some exciting local events.

October ushers in both local and country-wide celebrations.  Here are a few worth checking out.

Annual Tulum Seat Turtle Festival

If you are taking in the mystical sites of the Tulum Ruins, about an hour away from Playa Carmen, head over to Quintana Roo from October 26 through October 28 for the annual Tulum Sea Turtle Festival. The festival is a free event featuring art and cultural activities while showcasing sea turtle conservation activities.

Fiestas de Octubre

Farther inland, visitors can take in Fiestas de Octubre – also known as Octoberfest – in Guadelajara. The festival is an international display of cultural exhibits and performers, food, music and dance. The festival is a bit of a drive – about four or five hours – from Puerto Vallarta, but it runs all month long, from September 30 to November 2 so it is a great excursion if you have a spare day or two to fill.

Cabo Food Festival

Closer to the beach, The Art of Taste Wine and Food Festival in Cabo San Lucas brings fine cuisine to the beach. The four-day festival runs from October 26 through October 29 and features five-course dinners prepared by chefs and beach parties outfitted with fine food, wine, and cheese.

Day of the Dead

No list of fall activities in Mexico can possibly be complete without mentioning Dia de los Muertos – Day of the Dead. Locals and visitors alike head out from October 31 through November 2 to take part in this uniquely Mexican celebration of deceased relatives that has its roots in an ancient Aztec celebration. Festivities can be found throughout the country including Xcarat, the ecological theme park in Cancun.

Posted in Events | No Comments »

There are few Mexican dishes as tempting and delicious as a lovingly-prepared taco on a handmade corn tortilla, topped with fresh guacamole, salsa and your choice of perfectly-spiced meats. If you happen to be traveling to Puerto Vallarta, you can eat your fill of authentic tacos asada, chorizo and pastor along with freshly caught shrimp, lobster and fish at the town’s much anticipated Taco Fair.

On September 16, Puerto Vallarta proudly hosted its 2nd annual Taco Festival, which showcased the delectable offerings of local taquerias. This family-friendly event not only provided ample opportunities to sample true Mexican cuisine at its finest and cheapest (tacos for 50 cents!), festival-goers were treated to presentations about the history of the taco and the musical stylings of Puerto Vallarta’s Huichol group. Plus, admission was free!

Taco Fair supports local producers

On why he chose September 16, Taco Fair organizer Edgar Cisneros told the Puerto Vallarta Daily News that the long holiday weekend would attract not only tourists in the area, but local denizens as well. “It’s a way to celebrate Independence Day, the festival is dedicated to the taco, which is a very Mexican product,” he explained.

If you happened to miss this year’s Taco Festival, don’t despair! Plans are already in the works for the Puerto Vallarta Taco Fair 2017. Here are just some of the activities and attractions offered at this year’s bash:

• Taco tastings with escamoles (a kind of ant larvae) and even grilled crickets!
• Tamer restaurant offerings of tacos with marinated and grilled pork, beef, shrimp and fish
• Tacos featuring elements of molecular cuisine
• Presentations from local chefs
• Other traditional culinary treats from local restaurants
• More than 20 vendors in attendance
• A variety of microbrews
• Live music & family fun

Whether you prefer your tacos with a spicy kick of jalapeño or a savory yet mild pico de gallo, Puerto Vallarta invites you to discover the exquisite flavors of this humble street food that nourishes the body and soul.

If you’re planning a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico soon and want to experience the world’s most heavenly tacos al pastor– head to El Carboncito, a small but popular taco stand – especially among the late night crowd. Just follow the scent of slow-grilled meats in El Centro’s Calle Honduras; you won’t be disappointed.

Posted in Events, Local Activities, Puerto Vallarta | No Comments »

U.S. News and World Report recently released its list of the eight best beaches in Mexico. The list features sites with beautiful scenery and plenty of nearby restaurants.

As wonderful as a lounging on the beach for days is, most travelers like to venture out and try some other activities as well. To help make the choice in beach vacation destination easier, we have narrowed down the U.S. News and World Report list further to the top five Mexico beaches with unique not-to-be-missed attractions nearby.

Playa del carmen

Take a break from the beach, shopping, and nightlife to check out Rio Secreto – the secret river – located in the heart of Playa del Carmen. The underground tour through a network of caves features thousands of stalactites and stalagmites amid the many other geological wonders. Many of its visitors count the experience as spiritual or life-changing.

Tulum

Located about an hour away from Playa del Carmen, Tulum is practically a Mayan time capsule. After relaxing on its beach at the foot of 39-foot cliffs, explore the ruins of an ancient Mayan city.

Puerto Vallarta

Meander through a 20-acre collection of native tropical plants at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. The garden is home to rare species of plants that are on display in only a handful of botanical gardens in the world. If you are visiting Puerto Vallarta at the right time of year, you may even be able to take part in the March beer festival or any one of the local celebrations.

Cabo San Lucas

Visit the nearby Baja Outback for a hands-on look at the local ecosystem. A favorite attraction is the turtle release conservation adventure – guests can adopt a turtle and personally participate in its release. Other activity options include a tour of Cabo highlights that includes a ride on a glass-bottomed boat and time to explore.

Cancun

About an hour away  from the heart of Cancun, you can taste Mayan culture and environment at the Xcaret ecological theme park. The attraction mixes natural wonders like cenotes leading down to marvelous underground caves with cultural attractions like a Mayan Ball Game. The more than 50 attractions are sure to please the entire family.

If you plan to step off the beach for some local adventure, plan your trip around one or more of these unique destinations.

Posted in Cancun, Local Activities, Playa Del Carmen | No Comments »

Mexico’s world-famous resorts offer nightlife, fine dining, and many other modern amenities, but if you are looking to take a step back in time to an earlier civilization, plan a trip to the Tulum ruins. The ancient remnants offer visitors a maze of discoveries as they wander through what was once a thriving seaport.

Mayan ruins at Tulum

Tulum was a Mayan city located about 40 miles south of Playa del Carmen and 80 miles south of what is now Cancun. The modern luxuries of Cancun stand in contrast to the nearly 1,000-year-old city, which houses the relics of the Pyramid el Castillo, or castle, and a series of temples each decorated with dedications to Mayan gods. It is believed that it may have been an important worship site for the Mayan “diving god” which had its own temple near the Castillo.

The remnants of Tulum lie at the top of 39-foot cliffs overlooking the Yucatan Peninsula at the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The town’s position as a seaport – and possibly a trading area for jade and obsidian – opened it up to invasion, so it is surrounded by a limestone wall, nearly two feet thick, on three sides. It housed 600 people inside 39 square miles of rolling hills and buildings.

This ancient seaport is exceptionally preserved, sparking visitors to imagine what life in the pre-Columbian town was like – even archaeologists are not entirely certain what civilization was like in ancient Tulum, or even who lived inside the city walls.

Tulum offers both adventure and relaxation

Visitors need not choose between tapping into their inner Indiana Jones and relaxing on the beach. Tulum features its own beach on the Caribbean, perfect for sunbathing along turquoise waters beneath the rising cliffs. Add this spot into your travel agenda and step into a well-preserved piece of history.

Posted in Blog | 2 Comments »

A lush paradise framed by the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos is the go-to destination for enjoying incredible waves, world-class golf, sportfishing and adventure. The 20-mile stretch of sun-dappled beaches linking San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas boasts a wide variety of lodging options– including luxurious beach front rentals, family-friendly resorts and quaint casitas – that accommodate all tastes and budgets. And for those Cabo vacationers who really appreciate cuisine, there’s good news: the area is brimming with a colorful selection of contemporary restaurants that feature everything from wood-fired pizzas to Wagyu certified Kobe beef. Some of the world’s most renowned chefs have opened chic eateries and bistros where freshly caught seafood and authentic Mexican dishes take center stage.

Foodie travelers will have no shortage of places to wine and dine, or simply relax with a giant margarita. Here’s a small sampling of some of the best restaurants in Cabo.

Manta

Centrally located in the The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, Manta offers sublime ocean views and the tantalizing creations of Chef Enrique Olvera. If you can only visit once, order the sashimi with avocado and wasabi or the day’s fresh catch. The seafood-heavy menu is complemented by a stellar list of inventive cocktails, craft beers and wines.

Seared

This sleek steakhouse is Jean-George Vongerichten’s newest restaurant at the One & Only Palmilla resort. A glass-walled meat cellar allows diners a sneak preview of the best cuts in town, from tenderloins and succulent ribeyes to Wagyu certified Kobe beef. In the mood for something lighter? You can’t go wrong with their hamachi sashimi and spiny lobsters – grilled to perfection.

Las Guacamayas

A San Jose del Cabo favorite, this open-air eatery satisfies even the heartiest of appetites with a tempting menu of tacos al pastor, fajitas and other traditional Mexican fare. Their signature dish is aguachiles – a giant bowl heaping with grilled seafood or meat, veggies and chile peppers. Wash it all down with an expertly crafted margarita for a casual dinner on the town.

Flora’s Field Kitchen at Flora Farms

For the ultimate in farm to table cuisine, head to Flora Farms, located in the hilltops above San Jose del Cabo. Here, you can brunch al fresco while looking over the restaurant’s well-tended gardens. The menu is eclectic, but brunchers can look forward to tasty huevos rancheros , wood-fired pizzas and seasonal cocktails. The dinner menu aims to please with dishes like roasted chicken, beet carpaccio and pork trotter ravioli.

Maria Jimenez

Cabo San Lucas has dozens of tourist hotspots, but this isn’t one of them. If you’re itching to get off the beaten path and mingle with locals over some Mexican comfort food, Maria Jimenez is the place to go. The portions are huge and prices affordable, so take your cash (no credit cards accepted) and your appetite to this family-run restaurant for some of the tastiest guacamole and shrimp fajitas in town.

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Mexico’s coasts are among the most beautiful waters for diving. The amazing coral reefs and undersea caverns are not just for the pros; even beginners can receive training and certification meeting internationally recognized standards at most diving centers in Mexico.

There are plenty of not-to-be-missed diving sites in Mexico. Read on to learn more about some of our favorites.

Playa del Carmen dive sites

Sistema Dos Ojos is one of the largest underwater cave complexes in the world – there is so much to see that for at least your first visit, you should cons/rivieranayarit/ider diving with a guide.

The cave system is enormous – over 300 miles long – and visitors can enter through 28 sinkhole entrances known in the area as cenotes (derived from a Mayan word meaning “sacred well”). The cenotes are found near Playa del Carmen, all along the Riviera Maya. “Dos Ojos” is Spanish for “two eyes” and the beautiful complex branches off into two separate caverns that in turn split off into elaborate passages. One passage leads to a breathtaking illuminated air-filled chamber while others lead to sights like stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Scuba diving near Cancun

Deep Blue Cozumel, near Cancun, is your window into colorful coral reefs and fish. The sparkling water off the coast of Cancun display the rainbow of marine life, allowing divers to see for 200 feet.

Beginning divers can enjoy the tropical reef life. More experienced divers can venture deeper into a series of caverns, connected in an intricate maze.

Dive Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit offers several exciting diving locations with an array of marine life experiences. The underwater mountain range of Las Marietas Islands Marine Reserve is exciting for beginners and was also a site explored by Jacque Cousteau. Six miles away, at the El Morro site, divers can take in sights of dolphins, manta rays, lobsters, turtles, and more. The challenging site offers an experience suited for more experienced divers. Also in the area is Los Anegados, another site suitable for more experienced divers. Get up close with nurse sharks in these warm waters.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro diver, there is much to take in under the waters of Mexico.

Posted in Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Nayarit | No Comments »

If you would like a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Puerto Vallarta, consider heading a half hour north to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, or “La Cruz” as it is known in the area, for a memorable getaway. This fishing village on the Pacific Ocean’s Bahia de Banderas retains a mix of low-key local charm while offering enough attractions to keep visitors feeling welcome and entertained.

La Cruz offers quaint charm with modern amenities

Mixing quaint cobblestone streets with brightly colored buildings, La Cruz has a charming old world feel. At the same time, small off-beat shops, an outdoor theater, and plenty of restaurants (featuring locally caught fish) offer a modern excitement. Guests are entertained several times a week when live music fills the streets.

A Malecon leads the way to La Cruz’s famous Sunday farmers’ market (also known as Mercado Huanacaxtle). The market has grown to over 170 vendors, from culinary to crafty artisans. Live music from local and visiting musicians add to the festivities.

Of course, the water life is not to be overlooked. Visitors can relax on the three miles of breathtaking beaches or hop in the water for snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, or a number of other water activities. Surfing is best in the winter when the waves pick up.

A modern marina in an old world

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a family friendly destination that is growing in popularity as part of the area’s tourist development. A modern marina constructed in 2008 is home to local fisherman and luxury yachts alike. The marina features 340 slips and can house vessels up to 400 feet. It draws boaters from around the world who are attracted to the area’s mild weather, variety of businesses, and international eateries.

Make La Cruz a part of your Mexico vacation; its beauty and tradition will leave a lasting impression.

Posted in Blog, Puerto Vallarta | No Comments »

Need a break from Los Cabos? Take an excursion to the Hexagon Caves, just an hour from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico near the historic village of Todos Santos. This quaint section of Baja is considered a “hidden gem” that has not exploded in popularity yet, but features dozens of art galleries, miles of papaya and avocado groves, sugar cane fields and abandoned mills, untainted surf beaches, and fun cultural festivals.

Discover the Hamlet of Coroscos

Some people consider Coroscos a “semi-ghost town” because there are just 350 people living here – mostly ranchers, winemakers, and farmers whose families have been living here for five or six generations. The earliest settlers were attracted to the region by the natural underground springs that fed the fertile land. They built small irrigation canals called “acequias” and raised beef cattle, as well as goats to produce milk and cheese products. Some residents excel in furniture crafting, sandal-makng, and ceramics that are taken to the Todos Santos markets.

Tour operators in Todos Santos offer visitors unique opportunities to meet with local families and dine on authentic homemade cuisines in their adobe homes. Learn how to make cheese and tortillas from scratch with the locals and get a glimpse into what everyday life is like for rural Mexicans before spending the night in this private oasis.

A hiker’s delight

Jesuit missionaries built a mountain chapel in the 1700s, surrounded by fruits, vegetables, wine and sugar cane. It was considered an important mission settlement until the 1840s, when sugar production overtook the area. Today, you can see the remnants of these structures on a hike through Baja’s most solitary mountain range, the Sierra de la Laguna.

The Mexican government has protected the area since 1994, when they designated it a biosphere reserve and described it as an “ecological treasure-house.” Animals may be spotted along the way, including doves, herons, snakes, scorpions, mountain lion, coyote, fox, kangaroo rats, desert mule deer, gophers, badgers, butterflies and skinks. The lower elevations are home to a dry forest canyon of cacti, palms, oaks, wild figs, ironwood, and thorny trees.

The hexagonal caves is the most spectacular feature in the area. These rocks were formed 60 million years ago by extremely rare geographic conditions. Similar to the famous “Giant’s Causeway” of Ireland, the columnar joint near Coroscos and Todos Santos was formed when volcanic activity forced tectonic plates to shift and break, forcing 700-1,200 degree lava to the surface of the earth. At such high temperatures, the minerals coalesce into their natural crystal structure, which is then cooled rapidly into the hexagonally shaped Basalt pillars you see today.

Posted in Blog, Local Activities | No Comments »

Situated 900 miles south of San Diego, Los Cabos is comprised of two popular travel destinations:  Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.  In the 1950’s, the area’s pristine waters, unparalleled deep sea fishing and breathtaking scenery lured Hollywood celebrities like Bing Crosby and Desi Arnez, who flew down on chartered jets for epic fishing vacations. As word spread and infrastructure developed, Los Cabos slowly evolved into the Baja Peninsula’s biggest tourism hotspot, now attracting more than 2 million visitors each year.

Everyone hears about the sublime beaches, Technicolor sunsets and luxury resorts of Los Cabos, but few may know about the region’s colonial history and how it influenced the naming of Cabo and surrounding towns. Before the Spanish conquistadors and Jesuit missionaries arrived in Baja, Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo were inhabited by the Añiñi and Yenecami – indigenous tribes whose population slowly dwindled after exposure to European diseases.

Spanish colonization of the Baja Peninsula

Owing to the region’s unforgiving conditions, Spanish colonization of the Baja Peninsula did not begin in earnest until 1730, when Father Nicolas Tamaral and Father Jose Echeverria founded a Jesuit mission in what is now called San Jose del Cabo. The Jesuits, who were backed by Spanish soldiers, were tasked with converting the indigenous communities, as they worked to establish churches, schools and hospitals in the region. Father Nicolas Tamaral founded the San Jose del Cabo mission on April 8 of 1730 in Pericu territory. It was named in honor of Joseph de la Puente y Peña, Marquess of Villapuente, who was the main sponsor of Jesuit missions in the Baja Peninsula. Later, “del Cabo” was added to differentiate the mission from San Jose de Comondu, which was erected several years earlier.

During the early to mid 18^th century, the Spanish Jesuits formed a number of missions along the Baja Peninsula, including: Mision de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Concho, Nuestra Señora del Pilar de la Paz (1733) and Mision Estero de las Palmas de San José del Cabo Añuiti (1730). The mission Santa Rosa de las Palmas, founded by Jesuit Jaime Bravo in 1723, was renamed “Nuestra Señora del Pilar de La Paz” one year later, and is now called Todos Santos. The iconic statue of the Virgin of Pilar, which is the focus of Todos Santos’ annual November festival, can be found near the town’s central plaza.

Cabo’s rich history today

Fortunately, visitors to Los Cabos can still enjoy the region’s charming Spanish colonial architecture and character, evidenced by romantic courtyards and picturesque streets framing traditional plazas. Today’s Cabo vacationers are also welcomed with a slew of inviting leisure and adventure activities, including sunset sails in the Sea of Cortez, golfing, snorkeling and scuba diving, zip-line canopy tours and dolphin swims.

Posted in Blog, Mexico Travel | No Comments »

In honor of summer’s most sumptuous fruit, Todos Santos celebrates in true Baja style with a chivalrous horse parade, live music, dancing, artisan products and, of course, heaps of mouthwatering mango dishes. The Todos Santos Mango Festival attracts locals and tourists alike who flock to this iconic cultural event, now in its ninth year.

Todos Santos is a picturesque coastal village, about an hour’s drive north of Los Cabos. Like its quiet neighbor Santiago, the town has escaped tourist crowds except for three days each summer when resident vendors and artists pay homage to the sweet and succulent mango. Festival dates vary each year, but usually fall around the end of July, when the mango harvest is ready.

Mango Festival events & activities in Baja

The annual Mango Festival promises lots of family fun, delicious eats and opportunities to see local chefs churn out a smorgasbord of tempting confections that feature this marvelous fruit. Festival goers can even watch a demonstration on preparing “mangate,” a delectable mango dessert that is popular around the Baja Peninsula.

Celebrations are centered around Barrio San Ignacio, an area famous for its juicy, oversized mangoes. The three-day festivities include dancing in the town square, foot races, games, folkloric ballet performances and other displays of traditional life in Todos Santos. The cabalgata (horse parade) is one of the festival’s most anticipated events, showcasing the region’s beautiful steeds and riders adorned in their finest attire.  If that weren’t spectacle enough, a new Mango Fest Queen is crowned each year!

Visitors to the festival can enjoy dozens of ways to sample the “King of Tropical Fruit” with an amazing selection of mango-themed snacks, desserts and gourmet dishes. This juicy gastronomic event makes for a wonderful day trip from Los Cabos, while providing a glimpse into the culture and traditions of its people.

 

Bring your kids and your appetite to this three-day fiesta of blissful mango worship in Todos Santos!

Posted in Blog, Local Activities | No Comments »