Must-Sees - Mexico
The difficulty of going on a cruise to Mexico is choosing between the west or the east of the country. On one side, you have the islands of the Sea of Cortez and their rich ecosystems. On the other, the treasures of the ancient Mayan cities on the Yucatán peninsula. Whatever your final destination, here are some of the most emblematic places, not to be missed during your stopovers.
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The Essentials - Mexico
What do I need to know before my Mexican cruise? This useful little guide with quirky tidbits and practical information is sure to help make your trip to Central America a successful one.
Read more
Explore Mexico
Must-Sees - Mexico
The difficulty of going on a cruise to Mexico is choosing between the west or the east of the country. On one side, you have the islands of the Sea of Cortez and their rich ecosystems. On the other, the treasures of the ancient Mayan cities on the Yucatán peninsula. Whatever your final destination, here are some of the most emblematic places, not to be missed during your stopovers.
UNESCO natural heritage sites - The Sea of Cortez
During your Mexican cruise, you'll notice that a multitude of islands line the coast along the Gulf of California. These 244 islands and protected areas were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005. Among them, the volcanic and wild Coronado Island is home to extremely rich biodiversity. A few kilometres away, the Espíritu Santo and La Partida twin islands, only accessible by boat, offer contrasting landscapes between the steep cliffs and turquoise bays.
Meet the wildlife - The Sea of Cortez
The region's wildlife is also emblematic at Los Islotes, where a colony of California sea lions lives. Several hundred have taken up residence on these small islands with red basalt cliffs. They're not very shy and don't mind being approached, which swimmers and travellers aboard Zodiacs® will love.
In the Huatulco bays, dolphins and manta rays enliven this splendid setting. Cliffs and lush palm trees roll all the way to the white sandy beaches from the mountains of the Sierra Madre. This is one of the most fabulous landscapes to be seen in Mexico.
Bahia de Loreto Marine National Park - The Sea of Cortez
Created in 1996, the Bahia de Loreto National Park extends over 2,000 km2 in the heart of the Sea of Cortez. What's so special about it? Its astonishingly diverse of landscapes: cliffs, underwater canyons, raised beaches, mangroves, etc. On Montserrat Island, also classified as a UNESCO heritage site, the rocks make way for fine sandy beaches and translucent waters. On the coast, to the south of the park, is the aptly-named Puerto Agua Verde, where the water is tinged with shades of dazzling green and blue.
The cenotes - Yucatán
These amazing geological formations, chasms mixing bewitching shades of blue and green and light contrasts, are fascinating emblems of Yucatán. Their name comes from the Mayan word "dz'onot", meaning 'sacred well'. They were so important in pre-Columbian civilization that they inspired the name of the famous site of Chichén Itzá, 'Chi' being translated as 'mouth', 'Chén' as 'well' and 'Itzá' as 'water sorcerer'. Sorcery seems to be the only possibility when we try to solve their mysteries. During your Mexican cruise, visit the Chaak Tun cenote, where the pure water reflects the imposing shadows of the stalactites and hanging vines.
Palenque - Yucatán
Considered the most beautiful Mayan site in Mexico, the ancient city of Palenque appears as a mirage in the heart of the tropical jungle of Chiapas. Its remains plunge the visitor into the heart of Mayan civilization and the questions it left unanswered. Founded in 100 BC, the city flourished for a millennium to become one of the most important cities of the pre-Columbian era, with a complex agricultural and commercial network. Impressive temples, spectacular tombs, majestic palaces, and priceless works of art still reflect Palenque's importance in a world that remains enigmatic for researchers.
Tulum - Yucatán
Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Mayans up to the 15th century, even after the arrival of the conquistadors. Located on the edge of a six kilometre cliff facing the Caribbean Sea, this fortified city was located at the crossroads of maritime and land trade routes. Hence the economic, religious and cultural importance it has held in the region. The temples, altars, Castillo, residential buildings and frescoes all confirm Tulum's appeal. Abandoned during the 16th century, today it's one of the most emblematic sites, which you certainly shouldn't miss when travelling to Yucatán.
The Essentials - Mexico
What do I need to know before my Mexican cruise? This useful little guide with quirky tidbits and practical information is sure to help make your trip to Central America a successful one.
Good tips
Dos. Mexican people are very considerate. In conversation, make sure you incorporate expressions of politeness. It is customary to shake someone's hand when you meet them. It is normal for male friends to hug. Women air-kiss each other on the cheek.
Don'ts. Don't be surprised if appointments are not kept punctually. It's normal to arrive 15 to 30 minutes late.
Don't get annoyed if a Mexican person does not mean it when they say yes. It's simply a cultural trait that Mexicans find it difficult to say no.
Fun facts
Pelota was a ceremonial sport practised by pre-Columbian civilisations. This ball game is still played today. Two teams compete to get a rubber ball through a stone ring. The ball can't touch the floor. Players are not allowed to use their hands or lower legs to pass the ball. They can therefore use knees, elbows, hips...and bottoms!
Useful phrases
Good morning: buenos días
Good afternoon/evening: buenas tardes
Hello (informal): ¡hola!
Goodbye: hasta luego
Please: por favor.
Thank you: gracias.
You're welcome: de nada, con mucho gusto.
How are you? ¿ Qué pedo ? or ¿ Qué onda ?
Very well thank you and you? Muy bien, gracias, ¿ y usted ?
Excuse me: discúlpeme.
For foodie
Mole is a sauce that is widely enjoyed. Each region has its own variation. It is made from bitter cocoa with chillies, tomatillos, peanuts, plantain bananas, crumbled fried tortilla, almonds, dried prunes, sesame seeds, coriander, garlic, onion and cinnamon. It is served topped on turkey meat and rice.
Culture
Book. Like Water for Chocolate, Laura Esquival, Gallimard, 2009. Set in early 20th-century Mexico at a time when a revolutionary storm was sweeping through the country, Tita risks a series of obstacles to live out her forbidden passion for Pedro, with whom she has long been in love. Every chapter of the unfolding plot opens with a recipe (usually Mexican), which gives the writing a particular flavour. In fact, Tita has some strange culinary talents: when she's at the stove, her mood spills out into the dishes she prepares, and then into those eating the food.
In 'I'll sell you a dog', Juan Pablo Viollalobos paints a picture of the elderly residents of a building in Mexico City through Teo, the main character. The 78-year-old man relates his memories over and over again, and they change depending on how he's feeling at the time. It's a modern-day story, full of good humour and empathy towards the colourful characters.
Music. Pirekua is the traditional song of P’urhépecha communities, and is sung with one, two or three voices. It can be accompanied by wind or string instruments and by choirs. Its style varies by region, and is influenced by African, European and Amerindian music. It was placed on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.
Film. Frida (Julie Taymor, 2002) is a vibrant biopic of the Mexican painter Frida Khalo (played by Salma Hayek) depicting the despondency she felt as well as her great moments of inspiration, and her tumultuous relationship with the painter Diego Rivera.
In the spotlight
The Oceanus AC organisation works to preserve marine natural habitats, and notably the Meso-American coral reef, the second largest in the world. Through their website, the organisation encourages people to monitor the growth of corals that are to be planted and maintained at one of the sites it manages at Tulum, Veracruz and Puerto Morelos.
http://www.oceanus.org.mx/en/welcome/
Myths & legends
The quetzall is the emblem of Yucatan. According to legend, this little green, white, and red bird sang its song up until the Spanish conquest. It has been silent since that time. The bird will start singing again the day the Earth is free from violence.
Key figure
700700. This is the number of cactus species listed in Mexico. They are present in 50% of the territory. Cactus is a dish enjoyed by Mexicans, who are the only people in the world to eat it. It's also renowned for its medicinal properties. Nopal, the most popular plant, is used in particular against diabetes.
