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You would like to escape the cold, the snow and the sustained rhythm of your urban lifestyle? Escape to Mexico to experience our new itineraries: Relaxation, history and culture!
Ecotourism is an attraction offered by few cities in the world. Enjoying wildlife while relaxing in sunny beaches, discovering different cultures and experiencing unique activities with whales, dolphins and turtles is now possible with our new eco-touristic routes.
This month, discover Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlán, two Mexican cities highly recommended for their incredible resources and activities. For each city, we've tried to show up diverse cultural, historical and natural spots which will of course take you directly to paradise... |
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Located on the Pacific coast in the State of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta is a surprising city. A survey completed by Travel Leaders in 2008 placed it as America's 6th touristic destination because of its wide range of activities. Puerto Vallarta is in direct competition with some of Europe´s most beautiful cities.
Puerto Vallarta is well-known for its impressive number of attractions and natural resources. Its beaches, hotels, restaurants and museums offer an incredible insight on Mexico's culture and history.
Let's not forget that Puerto Vallarta is home to several beaches and is considered as 'The place' for fine sand, crystal clear waters and colourful fishes. Culture is also ever-present through this city's sophisticated cuisine. The best Mexican and international wines are available in over 20 gastronomic restaurants and bars established in the downtown area. Finally, Puerto Vallarta is a recognized historical center with several pre-colonial, colonial and contemporary art centers that will take your breath away.
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Beach
The Marietas Islands and their whales
The Tres Marietas Islands archipelago is a national wildlife preserve. Upon arrival to this sanctuary, you will understand why! These small islands have an incredible charm and they are home to thousands of seabirds which benefit from protected luxuriant jungle and rocky environment for food and shelter. The Marietas Islands are only accessible by boat. During your day trip, you might see humpback whales jumping out of the water to seduce their partners. An unforgettable sight!
For more information:
http://www.concentricrings.org/
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History
Cosmopolitan art galleries in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a colonial city that will certainly surprise you! Discovered by Spanish explorers looking for food and fresh water, it quickly became an important harbour due to the nearby fertile soil prairies.
Being a cosmopolitan city, its various art and exposition galleries thrive. Over 18 art galleries are to be found in Puerto Vallarta.
More specifically, we encourage you to visit the Galería Omar Alonso, famous for its impressive collection of contemporary art works and photographs. You will discover incomparable artists like Rodrigo Moya and Luis González Palma.
You can then head toward the Artist Gallery. You are sure to find something in this eclectic gallery whether you are an expert or an amateur.
For more information:
http://mx.vallartaonline.com/ |
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Culture and Well-Being
Harmony, Environment and Well-Being in Spa Mayahuel
Why not combine culture and relaxation?
On January 22 2009, the ecological Spa Mayahuel opened its doors on the border of the Mismaloya River. Be one of the first to enjoy their relaxing care in one of seven specially built huts. Several health and beauty services are offered: mesotherapy, hydrotherapy, aromatherapy and body treatments. Discover the prehispanic Temazcal ritual and restore your inner peace.
For more information:
Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Transport included, from different places in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta.
Reservation at (322) 135-6449 or visit www.mayahuelspa.com
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Sport
Swim with dolphins thanks to Vallarta Adventure
Did you ever dream of swimming with dolphins? Your wish will be fulfilled in Puerto Vallarta. This city is one of the rare places in Mexico where you have the chance to swim and play with dolphins. Everybody, children and adults alike, can take part in this activity. You will have the possibility to select your tour from a wide variety of offers, from a simple encounter to dolphin therapy sessions!
For more information:
http://www.vallarta-adventures.com/ |
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Hotel
Hotelito Desconocido, where dream becomes reality
Hotelito Desconido is an exclusive ecotourism site located in Puerto Vallarta. Modeled on an indigenous fishing village, its designer wanted the architecture to transform an ordinary experience into something extraordinary. Revitalize your body, mind and spirit with healthy activities and spa treatments. You will leave this place completely transformed.
For more information:
http://www.hotelesboutique.com
* Do not hesitate to have a look at the different messages left by tourists
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Restaurants
Below, you will find a non-exhaustive list of restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, well known for their delicious and exclusive cuisine:
AZAFRÁN
For more information:
Leona Vicario 233, Centre-Ville
Tuesday to Sunday, from 12 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m
Tel. (322) 222-8264
http://www.puerto-vallarta.com/
LA VALENTINA
For more information:
Morelos 849, Center
Monday to Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tel. (322) 223-9400
http://www.puerto-vallarta.com/
EL REPOLLO ROJO
For more information:
Rivera del Río 204-A
Col. El Remance
Monday to Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Tel. (322) 223-0411
http://www.puerto-vallarta.com/ |
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The Pacific Pearl
Situated in the state of Nayarit, Mazatlán is often referred to as "The Pacific Pearl". This city's exceptional history and rich culture combined with its magnificent landscape attract many Mexican and international visitors each year. Mazatlán's immeasurable range of activities will fulfill the most demanding tourists.
You will be invited to take care of baby turtles or visit the Creston's Mount lighthouse, while making the most of an impressive number of beaches, restaurants and bars.
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Beach
Isla de Piedra
Located just a short boat ride away from the coast or 25 kilometres away by car from Mazatlán, this is a unique island in Nayarit. In fact, this place boasts an incomparable bird diversity where tropical birds come looking for a quiet and secure place for food and shelter. They find their way through the coconut groves and mango trees cultivated on the island.
Enjoy a fresh coconut or mango juice while walking on the fine sand beach.
For more information:
http://www.advantagemexico.com/
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History
Angela Peralta Theatre
This is Mazatlán's most famous theatre. Its incredible history will most probably convince you to attend one of its performances.
In 1869, the industrial Blond de Martel asked the municipality for permission to build a theatre in Mazatlán in order to transform the town into an important arts centre. The theatre opened its doors on February 15 1881.
A cornerstone event in the theatre's history, an event that gave it its current name, was the diva Angela Petra's death in a nearby hotel.
Abandoned for several years, the municipality finally decided to restore the theatre. Angela Peralta Theatre was inaugurated in 1992... for the third time!
For more information:
http://www.culturamazatlan.com/tap1-en.php
After visiting this magical place, take a walk around the city and take part in one of the different tours offered to help you discover Mazatlán's historic centre and charming streets.
If you have time to spare, don't hesitate to take a walk near the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion. This cathedral is considered as an architectural jewel of the 18th century. Many rank this cathedral as one of the most beautiful Christian symbols of North-Eastern Mexico.
For more information:
http://www.go2mazatlan.com/general_information.php |
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Culture
Help the turtles return to the sea
Turtles are part of Mazatlán's culture. Unfortunately, the number of females laying eggs and of baby turtles reaching the sea is lower everyday. We now count only 800,000 females, in comparison with the 10 million females living before 1950! In order to protect this endangered species and to increase public awareness of their extremely precarious situation, Eréndira Gonzalez Diego has created a turtle sanctuary in the Hotel Estrella del Mar. This specialized center relocates turtle eggs to a protected nursery where they are free from predators and man. The eggs are placed at the exact depth that the mother laid them and allowed to incubate for 45 days to save as many as possible.
Previously, this center recruited volunteers to help during the laying and transferring period. Now, they ask for the help of tourists who want to save these turtles and protect this defenceless animal. Come visit this center and learn more about this fabulous animal. You could have the opportunity to help release baby turtles on the beach and watch them get to the sea... Don't miss this experience!
For more information:
http://www.estrelladelmar.com/
http://www.csmonitor.com/
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Hotel
Hotel Estrella del Mar, Turtle's Site
Even though it's located only 10 minutes away from the international airport and 30 minutes away from Mazatlán, be prepared for a complete change of scenery. Make the most out of this place and discover the incredible world of turtles.
The hotel is also an excellent place to relax with its 4 km private beach on the Pacific Ocean and one of Mexico's highest rated golf courses, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Jr.
You will enjoy accommodation with immediate access to the beach and the sophisticated food offered in the restaurant. We promise this will be love at first sight!
For more information:
http://www.estrelladelmar.com/ |
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Restaurants
Here are three restaurants highly recommended for their drinks and seafood.
LA COSTA MARINA
For more informtion:
Between Oceano Palace Hotel and Luna Palace
Lundi au dimanche, de 10 h à 22 h
Tel. (669) 141-928
http://www.lacostamarinera.com/
PEDRO & LOLA
For more information
Constitución y Carnaval
Monday to Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Tel. (669) 982-25-89
http://www.restaurantpedroylola.com/
PAPAGAYO RESTAURANT
For more information:
Av. Camarón Sábalo 6291, Zona Dorada
Monday to Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Tel. (669) 913-41-51
http://www.discoverymexico.com/
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AeroMexico
AeroMexico will launch daily, non-stop flights between Toronto and Mexico City on March 2. Flights will depart from Toronto Pearson International Airport at 9:00 a.m. EST and arrive at Mexico City International Airport at 1:00 p.m. CST. Departures from Mexico City are scheduled at 5:35 p.m. CST with arrivals in Toronto at 11:05 p.m. EST.
For more information:
www.aeromexico.com
AeroMexico will launch a new route between Montreal and Mexico City on April 9. More information will come about the schedule of this flight.
For more information:
www.aeromexico.com
Mexicana
Concerning the company Mexicana, direct flights from Mexico to Vancouver (11 weekly flights), Calgary (4 weekly flights), Edmonton (3 weekly flights), Toronto (12 weekly flights) and Montreal (7 weekly flights) are proposed.
For more information:
http://aeromexico.com/usa/english/index.html |
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This month, Jim Peyton prepares a Pescado Zarandeado, a special recipe from Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy!
By Jim Peyton
Pescado Zarandeado is a unique and delicious traditional grilled fish dish served along Mexico's Pacific Coast. The recipe uses a chile and garlic-based seasoning paste, and a final glazing of flavored mayonnaise before it goes on the grill.
Full Story |
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