Fiesta de Huamantla 2011

Via Go Mexico Guide:

Colorful papel picado decorated the streets of Huamantla during this year's Feria.

Garrafón: The Isla Mujeres Reef Park

At the amazing reef park in Isla Mujeres, there are many things that you can do to enjoy the weather and the beautiful scenery of Mexico even more. A picturesque island that is located just 30 minutes by boat from Cancún, Garrafón Natural Reef Park is 'the perfect vacation destination for relaxation and adventure.' Click here for more information, full map, list of facilities and wonderful photo album on the Isla Mujeres Reef Park web site.

New Tubohotel in Mexico: Chic and Comfortable Camping

This unique hotel, called Tubohotel or "Tube Hotel" in English is an innovative hotel located in the middle of an orchard, in the village of Tepoztlán, Mexico. It's perfect for taking the family on a camping trip in style. With full amenities and a beautifully landscaped setting, it can make even the most skeptic ready to go camping.

Basilica de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe: Top Travel Destination

Did you know that Mexico is "a top travel destination for members of the Catholic faith?" It just so happens that the Basilica de Nuestra Señora Guadalupe is the number one religious tourism destination of the world for Catholics and believers, the number of visitors exceeding that of the Vatican, Fatima in Portugal and Lourdes in France.

It turns out that Mexico has also been chosen as the latest host of the VII World Congress on the Pastoral Care of Tourism. The Mexican Ambassador to the Holy See, Hector Frederick Ling Altamirano, said, regarding the VII World Congress, “It is no doubt an important event, which recognizes the importance of Mexico in this field, particularly in the so-called religious tourism.”

Go to Mexicotoday.org for the full details on this exciting event for Mexico and the catholic faith.

World's 10 Best Beachfront Hotels

All expats that have relocated to Mexico to enjoy the sun, sand and friendly culture, agree that one of the first steps to take before moving is to go on vacation and explore the country, before coming to a final decision. For that same reason, many choose to a hotel close to their preselected area of Mexico in order to get a better idea of what living there will be like.

What are your thoughts? What were your first steps before deciding to move to Mexico and where did you stay in order to get a snapshot of Mexico living? I'd love to hear about it.

Cities in Mexico Retirement Guide

Most Americans flock to Mexico due to its close proximity to the U.S. and for the beautiful weather year-around. It's also well-known that with such a large community of American and other English-speaking expats, it's very easy to pass on just English.

The reality is that Mexico is a place of unmatched cuisine, culture and lovely people. Here is a guide to Mexican Cities that will show you a map with a brief description of the city so you can decide on which places would suit you best.

I hope it's useful and feel free to leave me your comments!

Flan: A Historically Mexican Dessert

Flan, by Daniel Wheeler, 2011

If you are living in Mexico, whether it be a few weeks out of the year, or have moved there permanently, and are expecting to receive guests, one thing you have to learn how to make (and it's amazingly easy) is Mexican flan. Originating from Spain, where it is also considered a traditional national dish, this smooth but rich gelatin-like textured dessert is a simple, healthy delight in Mexico. Read more about it here.

Americans Confirm That Travel to Mexico is Safe

We all know the sheer amount of news that is being emitted on the Mexican drug wars is hard to tune out. But while this kind of news dominates American media, normal life continues in the majority of Mexico. For instance, San Miguel de Allende is reported to be particularly safe, with many Americans traveling to San Miguel de Allende in search of tranquility, colonial architecture and rich culture. Read the testimonials of the new American expats and visitors in San Miguel de Allende and find out why they feel Mexico is a very safe place.

Cancun Film Festival Takes Off with Hollywood Stars

Katie Holmes, Adam Sandler, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Craig and Sofia Vergara who were among the Hollywood stars promoting their movies at the Cancun Film Festival this week...they showed up in style to the premier of their movies, proving that Mexico is a safe destination.

First Time Paying Taxes in Mexico

As this article states, if you're an expat in Mexico, the taxes you’ll pay will end up depending on your situation: "If you own property in Mexico you’ll have real estate taxes. If you rent out that property or own a business, have a job, or have interest-bearing bank accounts, you’ll owe income tax"..."Even if you have none of these, you’ll still pay sales tax at shops and value-added tax when you eat out at restaurants."

Either way, it's a very good idea to find an international tax specialist that will guide you through your first tax experience abroad.

Click here to read more about this very real necessity before making a big move overseas.

Riviera Nayarit Blog Español: Trivia en Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit Blog Español: Trivia en Riviera Nayarit

Could you name the place that this picture was taken in the Riviera Nayarit region?

Please leave your answer below, whether you have just an inkling of an idea or go there every summer :)

Isla Mujeres by Golf Cart

Did you know that it's extremely popular to drive in and around Isla Mujeres by golf cart? If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Golf carts are affordable to rent, easy to drive and do not require a license recognized by the state of Mexico. The best part? A golf cart allows its driver and passengers to enjoy the warm temperatures of the isla as well as increased mobility, as it's easier to drive, park and move from. Take a look at this list of Youtube videos where travelers give us an idea on what the driving -- and the beautiful isla -- is like.

Interesting Article: "Why, Where and How North Americans Relocate"

I came across this article and thought it would be perfect to share with my followers. It's one of the best articles I've seen on the subject, going into full detail about towns in Mexico that are popular with North American tourists and why. During the cold winter months, up to 700,000 retirees will travel to Mexico to soak in the sun and the smiles (Mexico is a very friendly country). Although many travelers are snowbirds, a large population of retirees are permanent residents that enjoy the tropical climate and increased affordability all year around. See what is valuable information for anyone looking into creating a new retirement haven abroad.

U.S. Expats Unite to Promote Baja

U.S. expatriates living in Baja are giving their beautiful region a makeover. The Baja Image Committee has been created by local residents and plans to dispel the misconceptions of Mexican drug cartel violence in Baja and "set the record straight". Since the media has started to focus on violence and unrest on the U.S.-Mexico border, most of which doesn't affect the Baja area at all, businesses have closed and houses have gone on the market.

Read the rest of the article to see how the Baja Image Committee is changing perceptions.

Turtle Nesting Begins in Banderas Bay

Have you ever heard of the Olive Ridley turtle? This turtle, also known as the “Golfina” (Lepidochelys olivacea) turtle is popular in the Puerto Vallarta area and especially on Banderas Bay where in July it comes out (or comes in) in order to nest its eggs.

Regardless of the fact that tourist season has ended, there is still a great risk that many of these turtles not make it- the life expectancy for these turtles is very low. Increased development added to more and more poaching activities, lead to great threats for this beautiful, tranquil, leather-backed reptile.

Read about how The Sociedad Ecologica de Occidente works to conserve the turtle nesting grounds.

New AARP Internet Radio Player

If you have a hard time finding music from our time, good oldies, soothing jazz, or classic rock...welcome the new, free service from AARP: the AARP Internet Radio Player. The best part is you can listen right from your computer, while reading the paper, looking at your favorite webpages online, and from anywhere in the world, including Riviera Nayarit.

As AARP puts it: The new radio player has been programmed with 18 music stations specifically for AARP.org visitors. Whatever your taste — rock, R&B, country, jazz, classical, Latin, gospel — there’s a station for you, full of classics, favorites and handpicked fresh sounds. It’s easy to use and it’s free.

Go here to click on link that will launch the Internet Radio Player

Top 10 Colonial Cities to Visit in Mexico

Mexico is probably the country in Latin America with the most beautiful colonial cities. I bet you'd like to know the 10 ten best colonial cities to visit in Mexico. According to International Living, San Miguel de Allende, or San Miguel for short, stands out as the number one city for its fun, dynamic ambiance, full of history and culture. See what other beautiful colonial cities made it on the list.

XVII Festival Gourmet International - Riviera Nayarit

Photo of Chef Thierry Blouet, Chef Heinz Reize, Chef Roland Menetrey of the Gourment Festival Committee

This November 10-20, 2011 you'll be able to get inspired by attending high-class culinary events in the settings of luxurious partner hotels at the XVII Festival Gourmet International. At the event, to be hosted and attended by passionate guests, you'll be able to enjoy a wide variety of restaurants and event locations in Riviera Nayarit. Over thirty guest chefs from around the world, all reknowned in the international gourmet scene, will be there to delight guests with innovative, imaginative and truly exclusive cuisine.

Click here to get the inside scoop on the event.