5th Festival De Cultura Del Caribe Maya, Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Watch this piece of footage of last year's Festival of Cultura del Caribe Maya on Isla Mujeres in Mexico.

Discovering the Village of Tepoztlán, Mexico

Tepoztlán, pictured here, has been fascinating strangers for a long time...first there were missionaries and conquistadores and now tourists, movie stars like Angelina Jolie and holistic healers. One of the things that's singular about Tepoztlán, Mexico is the deeply rooted Aztec culture and it's proximity to the larger cities of Mexico City and Cuernavaca.

"If it weren't for the influx of big-city sophisticates every weekend, you'd never guess that Mexico City is just beyond the mountains, 47 miles north, or that Cuernavaca, the language-school capital of Mexico, is 11 miles south." Read this article explaining the story behind Tepoztlán, Mexico and what it's like in modern days.

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.

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!

"Loving New Retired Life in Mexico"

An American expat retired in Mexico, tells her story of retirement abroad and how she found the perfect place that keeps her happy and healthy in her retirement years. Her name is Pat Cornwell, and at 74 she can proudly say that she has made an important leap to health and happiness in Mexico: "In 2005, Pat [...] bought an affordable three-story house in Coatepec, Mexico, a small coffee-growing town about an hour west of the Gulf of Mexico. There, she says, she’s able to enjoy a slower life with less distraction. “I have time for friends, reading, gardening and health, though not in that order.”

Viva La Lucha Event at ComicCon San Diego this July 22

This Friday, July 22, there will be a live event with lucha legends LA Park and Konnan teaming up with a spectacular 3rd generation star Hijo De Rey Misterio who will battle with three Americans, including Adam Pearce, former NWA Worlds Champion. "Seven years since Viva La Lucha ran a live event in San Diego, CA., Viva La Lucha returns" for just one night to remember all of the incredible lucha libre action in the past years.

Quality of Life in Mexico: How Does it Compare to the U.S.?

All of us can imagine a vacation in Mexico...but can you imagine what it's like to live in Mexico for an extended period of time? Do you know that the quality of life is quite comparable to that of the U.S. and the U.K.? Let's take a look at this article on this Mexico Today website that tells us how Mexicans rate their quality of life.

Interactive Map of the State of Nayarit

This interactive map of Riviera Nayarit will give you a greater perspective on what the Riviera Nayarit region is like. Especially if you want to get to know those cities less traveled, click on the cities and towns in blue and you'll be taken to an informative article with all the history, culture and practical information you'd ever want to know.

Wave Riding in Riviera Nayarit

I've spoken many times about how relaxing Riviera Nayarit's beaches are for adults, seniors and kids alike. Here is a video that the younger generations are sure to appreciate - showing the big waves they can catch as surfers in Riviera Nayarit.

Whale Watching On Way Towards the Marieta Islands

Here is a fun video that will show you some of the sites to see (like whales) from the boats that go to Marieta Islands in Banderas Bay, Mexico.

Rare Archaeological Collection Coming to Mexico City in 2012

Coming to Mexico City in 2012 is a new collection from the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico City which expects to be the host to approximately 300 pieces. "The pieces showcase Aztatlan culture from 200 to 1350 AD and feature ceramic objects, shell and greenstone beads, copper rattles and travertine zoomorphic urns." The artist, donating the pieces is located in Riviera Nayarit. According to archaeologist Mauricio Garduño Ambriz, from Nayarit INAH Center, “This information will allow completing the scheme about religious conceptions and ritual practices linked to the Aztatlan ceremonial complex of the Post Classic period."

Click here to view the full article.

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 :)

Rosa Mexicano: Gold Standard of Mexican Cuisine

In the states and missing Mexico?

Here's event information for a Mexican-style clambake this week, starting as soon as July 13, in different locations across the U.S. As the web site suggests,"Dig into a selection of our fresh Clambake flavors, classic favorites and famous cocktails. Mingle with our chefs and experts and put your chile knowledge to the test. Reservations are required so make sure to go to their website for details. As they say in Spanish, ¡Que aproveche!

"Americans Should Know Much of Mexico is Safe"

This photo of Punta de Mita is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Read this account of the real Mexico, courtesy of a resident who is now living in beautiful Punta de Mita, Mexico, in the Riviera Nayarit region,'saddened by all of the negative media stories about Mexico.' The stories, in general, are very misleading and don't explain the reality of this beautiful country- one of the best countries to retire in in the world.

Top Myths About Travel in Mexico

There is a long list of myths surrounding Mexico, that most people easily believe out of lack of knowing better. Those that have been to and traveled around Mexico, prove that the cliches that Mexico is dirty, unsafe and has poor infrastructure are untrue. Mexico has invested millions of dollars over the past few years to improve the general living conditions in many areas. Read this article on the myths about travel in Mexico.

How Mexico Attracted 5 Million U.S. Retirees Last Year

Via MexPro.com:

Last year, Mexican President Calderon, made statements that he was proposing the expansion of retirement benefits and medical tourism to U.S. citizens in Mexico, in an attempt to attract millions of American retirees.

In 2010, Mexico’s ambassador to the U.S., Arturo Sarukhan, told Miami Herald columnist, Andres Oppenheimer, “It’s one of the pillars of our plans to trigger economic and social well-being in both countries. We will be seeking to increasingly discuss this issue in coming months and years.” Over a million U.S. citizens already live in Mexico and it's expected that the number could grow to be five million in 2025, according to estimates based on U.S. Census figures.

Increasingly, hospitals are receiving certification by the U.S. Joint International Commission that certify that they meet U.S. Standards. Here's a list of hospitals that have already been certified. Click here for the full list.

Hospitals certified by the U.S. Joint International Commission:

American British Cowdray Medical Center IAP Observatorio Campus
Mexico City
Accredited December 6, 2008

American British Cowdray Medical Center IAP Sante Fe Campus
Mexico City
Accredited December 12, 2008

Christus Muguerza Alta Especialidad
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon
Accredited July 22, 2007

Clinica Cumbres Chihuahua
Chihuahua, Chihuahua
Accredited April 23, 2008

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.

Great Work-at-Home Jobs for Retirees

Some people find retirement to be best time of their lives; being able to do the things they've always wanted to do, learn things they've always wanted to learn, go places they've always wanted to go...but for others, retirement can be, well, just plain boring-not to mention put a strain on your personal economy. If you're in good health and think this would be a good personal choice (working in retirement has many mental and physical health benefits), read this article full of ideas on how you can start working from home in retirement. If you have any questions on how this could apply to working from overseas, feel free to leave me your inquiries below.

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.