Cancun Underwater Museum

Brace yourself for a new unique adventure trip at Mexico that even this early is creating murmurs along the place.

Sunken Museum

Have you ever experience submerging yourself underwater for a museum?  Probably not. Well, if you haven’t got that experience, let Cancun do it first for you. A new underwater sculpture garden will be established in Cancun, Mexico meant to be the largest underwater museums in the world. Named as “Silent Evolution”, the amazing exhibit covers more than 150 square meters of the clear waters of the Caribbean. Measuring 28 feet deep, the Silent Evolution is a perfect site for divers who want to witness great underwater scene.

Cancun Underwater Museum is composed of 400 clay statues installed on the sea floor. The person behind these sculptures is Jason de Caires Taylor, a renowned artist in his field. The series of figurative sculptures depicts the evolution of the Mayan people in a different perspective. 

Where is it located?

The Cancun Underwater Museum can be found in the State of Quintana Roo, in the waters between Isla Mujeres and Cancun. It is in the protected National Marine Park just a few minutes from the Manchones Reef. The closest airport is the Cancun International Airport. The best time to go is from November to April during the dry season.

The Secret Purpose

Aside from the perceived primary purpose of many about the establishment of this underwater museum which is to promote tourism at Cancun being an artistic developing area, the sculptures are constructed from a special material that aims to serve as a breeding ground for marine life. The statues serve as artificial coral reefs which helps boost the ecosystem in the area. Upon observation, this project is indeed a purposeful one, since it does not just want tourists to get amazed on the wonders of the sculptural models, but also to develop awareness among them that leads to conservation of the underwater ecosystem.

Witness also the eye-catchy transformation of the Mayan sculptures as coral reefs and marine plants start to grow in them.

Image credits: vistanature.com

Overview of Playa del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen, or simply Playa, is once a fishing village, now a hippy and trendy place in the Yucatan Peninsula at Mexico. It has gone about looking for support as the next Miami Beach by the locals. It is also considered to be the fastest growing place in the Caribbean, not to mention that it also has most of the fun you’ll ever get in the said area.

As Playa grows and grows even up to the present, more and more visitors from cruise ships arrive at the place. This calls for it being a popular tourism destination in Mexico. The beach scene greatly attracts most number of tourists everyday who are looking for excellent nightlife, beach fun, and tropical magnificence. This is located in the middle of Quintana Roo, only 45 minutes from Cancun, known for the Maya ruins. The location in the heart of Quintana makes it really accessible to all Mexico’s Caribbean coastline adventures.

Here are the most try activities that you should also jump in while in Playa Del Carmen:

Embrace yourself for a water adventure. Since Playa Del Carmen is known for it is beach location, you must try several beach trips. Water sports for the thrill-seekers are available; the list includes swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing and kayaking. For those who want to activate their adrenaline, try diving off the cenotes or the underwater caves. But if you’re looking for greater heights, it is highly recommended that you try sky diving. On the other hand, a great way to relax yourself is to indulge in fishing and boating at Puerto Adventuras. 

Experience fun-filled nightlife. Tourists do come at Playa not just for the waters, but also for a different taste of nightlife that it offers. Quinta Avenida served to attract most people because of its series of bars and restaurants to choose from. Taste the Mexico’s national distilled alcoholic drink, the tequila. Another option is to go into Blue Parrot, known for its rock acts with a beachside backdrop. 

Dwell into Mexico’s rich culture. As mentioned earlier, the central location of Playa makes it convenient to exploring the nearby place of Riviera Maya popular for its Maya ruins. Drive to the town of Tulum and Coba, two of the Mayan ancient cities. There you can find archeological structures and relics that was once a cradle of the rich Mayan culture.

Image credit: tripadvisor.com

Top Things to do in Riviera Maya

This. It seems that Mexico will never run out of places to offer for a spectacular vacation. Wherever you go, there are still a lot of new activities to try and places to stay. This is one good thing about Mexico—you’ll never get bored.

Riviera Maya is another tourist spot to consider. As you browse through the internet, you’ll see a lot about this place and how to make the most of your visit here. In any season and for all walks of life, Riviera Maya boasts a wide variety of fun stuffs and spots that will definitely make you want to book your flight here.

Here are some of the most popular places to visit and the accompanying activities that you must dare to try:

Travel back in time at Chichen Itza. This is one sightseeing tour that you’ll never regret. Chichen Itza is considered to be the ancient Mayan Empire capital holding majestic archeological buildings like the Temple of a Thousand Columns and Kukulcan Pyramid. Once declared to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, experience with your eyes the cultural heritage of the Mayans at the heart of Yucatan Peninsula. 

Relax at Xcaret Eco-Archeological Park.  Being the “nature’s sacred paradise”, Xcaret is now considered a unique park in the world. If in other parks, you’ll see it simply as ecological or plainly archeological, well, consider Xcaret to be different. Here you’ll not just enjoy the Mayan atmosphere as this once served to be their place of purifying themselves, you’ll also get the chance to be in one with nature. Soak yourself in the goodness of the underground river and get entertained with a variety of stuffs like dolphin shows, bird and wildlife watching, and the majestic Mexican Show.

Get a Mayan Encounter at Coba. Immerse yourself in a fascinating adventure about Mayan culture in Coba, one of their oldest cities. Located inside a rainforest, fill your eyes to amazement with the highest pyramid in the peninsula. Visit also Pacchen, another Mayan community wherein you’ll get to try eco-tourism activities like rapelling and zip lining.

Entertain yourself at the Caribbean Carnival. All the way to Isla Mujeres, treat yourself for a night party made complete by variety of drinks like Margarita, Tequila, and Piña Colada. Have an absolute Caribbean evening with a full buffet dinner by the beach and be entertained with Caribbean Carnival shows. 

Image credits: mexicotoday.org

Fun Must Try Activities in Cancun

Cancun might be unfamiliar to your ear, but mind you, this can be the most delightful place you’ll ever visit in your life. Cancun is found in Mexico; often called the ‘Glistening City’. People from all parts of the globe choose to settle their vacation here because of a lot of stuffs that can be enjoyed by a typical tourist. Some choose to keep themselves wet under the sun courtesy of the beautiful and stunning beaches; some would choose to learn about the historical richness of Mexico through their national sites; and some would end up their tour by rewarding themselves through shopping and filling their hungry tummies. As a hint, what tourists love about this place aside from the beaches, are the weather and nightlife that comprises a perfect vacation.

Here we have listed some of the top-of-the-list places in Cancun and accompanying activities that you should dare try:

Learn about the Mayans at Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a large Mayan archeological site in Mexico. The asset of which is the El Castillo pyramid which at once served as a temple of worship for the Mayans. However, it is noted that Chichen Itza is often crowded with lots of people who are visiting the place, but to avoid such a scenario, it is suggested that you visit early in the morning. But despite the nuisances that you might encounter, the beauty and magic that the place will give you is definitely overwhelming as you get the chance to travel back in Mexican time. No doubt lots and lots of people are going to Chichen Itza—once a home to the Mayan civilization.

Dive under the sea without getting wet at their Interactive Aquarium. This attraction will definitely provide a worthwhile activity for the whole family, especially with children. Besides, Interactive Aquarium is perfect for travels during rainy days, for you don’t have to worry about getting wet outside. Get up close in personal with the dolphins, sharks and all the other forms of marine life. Plus, you can get the chance of feeding the sharks yourself. This Interactive Aquarium is found at the La Isla Shopping Village at Cancun; open from 9:00 in the morning up to 5 in the afternoon. 

Spend the night at Coco Bongo. Fact: Night life at Coco Bongo is not your usual dance-the-night-away nightclub. Here you will be entertained by several performers on stage. If you’re looking for all-night performances to watch and enjoy for the rest of the night, Coco Bongo is perfect for you. 

Image credits: tripadvisor.com

Adventures in Yucatan Peninsula

Yucatan Peninsula lies among the eastern coast of Mexico. From the location itself, it is no doubt that this place will provide you with a lot water-filled activities upon choosing it for a vacation. But contrary to what you might be thinking right now, there are still lots of recreations to enjoy at Yucatan. Contrary to the typical swimming stuffs and water sports, many fun-filled things to do and exciting places to visit are in store for you.

One good thing about Yucatan Peninsula is that it is among the top popular vacation sites to visit by the Americans when it comes to tropical climate and affordability. Besides, enjoyment is not just the only benefit you’ll get upon visiting, but also learning and acquaintanceship to people of different forms and sizes.

Upon planning your trip to Yucatan, here are suggested activities and places that you must see:

Go for deep sea fishing. Fishing lovers will definitely love the waters of Yucatan Peninsula. Fishing locations are divided into the northern and southern part and both boasts of a variety of fishes that might bite into your hook. What’s fun to know is that the fishes that you might encounter are really abundant when it comes to size.

Dive into a cliff!  One thrilling adventure for seekers in Yucatan is the cenote diving. Cenotes are natural pits created from collapsed bedrock or limestone exposing the underground water. To put it in simple words, cenote is a dive hole with cliffs to which one can dive off and even snorkel underwater. Yucatan is blessed with many of this natural wonders that attracts divers from all parts of Mexico and the world. Just remember that cliff diving on a cenote is not recommended for first time divers. Only the professional ones are advised to try this unique adventure.

Travel back to history with the Maya ruins. The Mayan people are important people not just in Mexican history but also in the history of the world. Popularized by their calendar and by being great mathematicians, the Mayans are still being known by a lot of people through archeological ruins. The three most famous sites are the Chichen Itza, Tulum and the Coba ruins. Tulum has itself a picturesque view of the coast on the background. Meanwhile, the Chichen Itza is one of the largest and once a commercial and spiritual refuge for the Mayan people.

Image credits: kidsumers.ca

Mexico’s Community Forestry Helps in Rainforest Conservation

It is real important for us people to realize the great importance of natural rainforests to us. From the air we breathe, the home that shelters us, up to the foods that sustain us, a big portion of our lives is dependent on the existence and sustainability of this natural resource. This time is never the moment for closing our ears from hearing and our eyes from seeing, this is the time for unique awareness and most importantly, action. 

Mexico’s Response to the Worldwide Call

The issue of gradual deforestation is not just a problem of a few countries in the world, but rather a global concern. In Mexico, Forestry Communities are on the frontlines when it comes to rainforest conservation. These organizations help the communities in managing their rainforests well for protecting not just the environment as well as the livelihood of the people. 

This action is a significant response from Mexico especially that their country is a home to unique species of plants and animals that cannot be found on no other place in the Earth. In fact, Mexico is among the 12 most ‘mega diverse ’nations in the world and is known for its extreme richness of flora and fauna. A wide variety of tree species is found in Mexico’s rainforests reaching the number of 1,000 native species knowing that almost thirty percent of their total land area is covered by rainforests. 

However, no matter how we get amazed of Mexico’s natural richness, the nation is on for a serious threat. Despite it being one of the richest and most diverse, Mexico also has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. They are losing 330,000 hectares of their forests every year.

The last twenty-five years is a breakthrough for Mexico. Coming from the fact that 80% of their rainforests are under the jurisdiction of communities, the Forestry Communities saw it as a possible asset for recovering and preserving the remaining rainforests. Community Forest Enterprises (CFEs) have been established to practice sustainable forest practices in every community. 

However, many of Mexico’s communities are not in the move to practicing sustainable management for increasing the potential of rainforests not just for preservation but also for livelihood purposes. Only a minimal portion of communities involved can be said to have reached a significant level of business development. On a brighter note, there are other forest conservation programs that assist CFEs in becoming more competitive in local and even in international markets. 

Image credit: http://www.arborday.org/

Uncover the Beauty of Lacandon Jungle in Mexico

Among all other countries in the world, Mexico is considered to be one of the most beautiful. In here you can not consider yourself lonely and alone, for the natural wonders and biodiversity will always make you feel welcome. Not only that, the hospitality and friendliness of the Mexican people along with nature will always make you feel at home.

Without a doubt, the Lacandon Jungle in Mexico is one of its top valuable places. Lacandon is located in the state of Chiapas near the Lacanja Village. The place is inhabited by the remaining Mayan people, one of the important people in Mexico’s history. The Mayans are also called by the name of Lacandons- where the place got its name. Literally, “Lacandon” means ‘those who set up stone idols’ justified by the stone head statues at La Venta. The Mayans are known in history for their knowledge in Mathematics and time and their devised 365-day calendar. At present we’ve been hearing about the ‘end of the world’, but in reality, the dates presented were just the end of the Mayan calendar.

Natural Resources of Lacandon

The area is surrounded by great rivers, lakes, lagoons, and waterfalls making it a very suitable place for wildlife and their survival. Several crops grow in the area and a wide variety of animals are present. Before, the bodies of water in Lacandon are completely preserved, but as time goes by, due to human activities and industrialization, about 40 to 70% are destroyed. 

There are still 1500 tree species in Lacandon most common of which are mahogany, sapodilla, and breadfruit tree. About 3000 species of vascular plants still exist. 

Archeological Zones in Lacandon

Before approaching the Lacandon jungle, there are several historical sites that well introduce the beauty of the area. First is the archeological site of Yaxchilan famous for its wide vegetation area and amazing sculptures that dates back to Mayan Classical Period. Among the sculptures are the Grand Acropolis, Small Acropolis and the Grand Plaza. Another is the Bonampak site which contains the Mural Temple considered to be the most [reserved work of the Mayans. The temple is known for its murals on one of its buildings painted by the Mayan people.  Meanwhile, Las Nubes is known for its rich ecotourism. It is found along Santo Domingo River popularized by its turquoise waters. The people in the area are working hand in hand to preserve the natural wonders of Las Nubes.

Image credits: http://climate-connections.org/