/countries/show/mexico/1.rss en-us Las Pozas, which means “The Pools,” is an eccentric and surreal sculpture garden high in the rain forest outside Xilitla, Mexico. English poet and artist Edward James built Las Pozas because he “wanted a Garden of Eden set up,” and what he found on a visit to Los Angeles in the 1940s wasn’t to his liking. Instead, “Mexico was far more romantic,” he explained, and there was “far more room than there (was) in crowded Southern California.” In the lush mountains seven hours north of Mexico City, and about 2,000 feet (610 meters) above sea level, Las Pozas sits on 80 acres (320,000 meters2) that Edward James chose as the ideal location for his Eden. Prior to building the Las Pozas gardens, James planted orchids, up to 29,000 at one time in and around the natural waterfalls and pools. But in 1962 an early frost destroyed all his work. So instead of replanting, James spent millions of dollars and employed countless workers to create a surreal concrete garden that was inspired by both the orchids that were once there as well as the surrounding jungle vegetation. From 1949 to 1984 James built 36 surrealistic concrete structures in Las Pozas, Mexico. These palaces and pagodas hold such names as “The House on Three Floors Which Will in Fact Have Five or Four or Six,” as well as “A Roof Like a Whale.” Here, in the moss covered sub-tropical jungle, concrete spiral staircases lead to nowhere, buildings are more like mazes, and concrete towers pierce the sky. Following the labyrinth like trails, bridges, and paths will only bring you deeper into Edward's magical world. Everywhere you turn there are hidden details of art amongst the wild, and as time continues on, so does the jungle in its rise to reclaim Las Pozas. The Las Pozas sculpture garden was an effort that cost Edward James more than $5 million dollars, as well as his surrealist art collection. James was a wealthy man after inheriting a 6,000 acre estate upon his father’s death, but he had to auction off his art in order to generate the necessary funds. Before Las Pozas, Xilitla Edward James lived in a 300 room mansion in England – now a center for the arts known as West Dean College. James was the only son of an American railroad magnate and a Scottish socialite who was rumored to be fathered by the Prince of Wales, later known as Edward VII. That was all a far cry from the jungles of Mexico, but it’s where he became impassioned as a patron to surrealist artists, most notably Salvador Dali in 1938. He also ran in various intellectual circles throughout Europe and the United States, but abandoned it all for Las Pozas. Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:13:51 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/las-pozas http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/las-pozas The Monarch butterfly migration “is one of the most significant biological events on this planet,” according to University of Kansas biology professor Chip Taylor. It is an awe-inspiring sight to see thousands, if not millions, of Monarch butterflies come to roost in the Oyamel forests of Mexico and the trees of Southern California. The Monarch butterfly migration route takes these insects thousands of miles from the north, some coming from as far away as Canada, making this migration a beautiful wonder, and one that no other butterfly takes part in. Each winter, as the temperatures drop in the north, the Monarch butterflies migrate south to the warmer climates of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. No bad for an insect that weighs less than a gram. Generally, birds fly south for the winter, but the Monarch does manages up to 12 mph over a journey as long as 3,100 miles (nearly 5,000 km). What’s particularly astonishing about the Monarch migration, is that not one single butterfly succeeds in a full migration due to their short life span. It generally takes three or four generations of Monarch butterflies to complete a full migration cycle (to the southern Monarch sanctuary and back). It’s simply a pattern that’s engrained in the butterfly’s genetic code to instinctively know where to go. The Monarch migration generally starts around October. If temperatures drop earlier, then the butterflies will go south, travelling about 50 miles in a single day. The Rocky Mountains appear to be the dividing line that helps determine where the Monarch migrates—if they’re east, they go to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in the Mexican state of Michoacán; and if they’re west, they go to Southern California, most notably around Santa Cruz. When they arrive at their destination, the butterflies tend to use the same trees each year to roost, huddling together for warmth, which makes for a truly bizarre and wonderful experience to observe. This migratory test of endurance proves unsuccessful for many of the Monarchs as they succumb to fatigue and the dangers of storms and passing cars. Despite this, it is believed that as many as 300 million of the orange and black butterflies successfully migrate to their over-wintering lands in the south. The exact path they take is still being studied and plotted, but as there’s no mass exodus filling the skies, the only real spot to enjoy the migration is at their winter roosts nearly two miles (2,400 to 3,600 meters) above sea level. Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:38:09 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/monarch-migration http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/monarch-migration The Yucatan Peninsula is commonly considered and visited for the warm beaches around places like Cozumel, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. They’re great getaways that draw the sun worshipers looking to unwind, relax and have some fun; but it’s not all about the sand and surf. Visitors to the area can also explore ancient city ruins of the once powerful Mayans: a civilization that ruled a large chunk of present-day Mexico and Central America for thousands of years. The most popular of these sites is the nearby Chichen Itza; but just a bit further down the road sits its impressive cousin: Uxmal (Oosh-mahl)— an interesting and less crowded experience. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal, which is Mayan for “built three times,” is believed to have been abandoned shortly before the Spanish arrived in the 15th century. Research and restoration work is still conducted to determine historical details, but it appears the area experienced initial construction as early as 850 BC. Uxmal, once a prominent location for the Mayans, diminished as other Toltec invaders and cultures moved in. Uxmal in Yucatan was once home to an estimated 25,000 people, but those crowds aren’t even remotely seen here today as Chichen Itza, the second most visited site in Mexico, tends to draw more visitors from the nearby beach resorts. What sets the Uxmal ruins apart is the Magician’s Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, which rises 115 feet (35 meters) above the surrounding structures. It is believed to be unique among Mayan constructions, with its rounded sides and height, and even gradient, as it towers over the sprawling 150-acre complex. The Magician’s Pyramid is adorned with beautiful temples and decorations, some being built as late as AD 1000. A number of other fascinating structures litter the grounds and are also worth experiencing. The Nunnery Quadrangle (a possible military academy) and the Governor’s Palace (both named by the Spanish) are two of the most important and worthwhile. Although elaborate carvings and adornments can be found around both buildings, of particular note is the 320-foot (97 meter) long mosaic facade on the Governor’s Palace. It is definitely worth closer inspection, as is the Jaguar Throne (an animal associated with Mayan kings) in the front of the structure. The ceremonial causeway that links Uxmal with Kabah, once a trading centre 11 miles (18 km) to the south, is definitely worthy of a visit. Some travellers today are attracted to the Mayan sites because of the 2012 apocalyptic predictions from the Mayan calendar. Many historians and scientists argue against the popular culture, saying that there is very little fact indicating such an occurrence. Nonetheless, revitalization in the interest of these places is happening. Now is a great time to take advantage of it and experience a fascinating and exotic place, close to the relaxing resort life, that once held great sway in the world. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:31:11 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/uxmal http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/uxmal Despite the common misconception, Cinco de Mayo is not actually Mexico's Independence Day. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican militia's victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is more of a regional holiday than a national one, and most of the celebrations occur in the city of Puebla. Those parts of the United States with large Mexican populations will also enjoy the thrill of Cinco de Mayo celebrations, which have become a bigger tradition than in Mexico itself. Cinco de Mayo is seen more as a day to celebrate Mexican culture within the United States. The Battle of Puebla took place over forty years after Mexico gained its independence from Spain. The years following independence were riddled with war, strife and bloodshed, culminating in a civil war in 1858 that nearly destroyed the national economy. The decades of chaos and violence drowned Mexico in debt owed to a number of other countries, including France. At that time, France wanted to expand their empire and saw an opportunity in war-torn, debt-ridden Mexico, who had lost the ability to make loan payments. France seized on this weakness and invaded at the Gulf, near Veracruz. The French troops then began their long march toward Mexico City. Much to their shock, they encountered determined resistance near Puebla as two Mexican forts had been filled with militia men, intent on stopping the progress of the French. It is estimated that only 4,500 poorly armed, ill-trained Mexican militia stopped and defeated the trained, perfectly outfitted 6,500 French soldiers. This victory provided the Mexican nation with a sense of much-needed unity, which is the founding reason for the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Sadly, the Mexican victory was short lived. Napoleon the Third sent 30,000 more troops to Mexico; and this time the French were victorious and installed Maximilian of Austria as Mexican ruler. Thanks to the United States intervening, Maximilian's rule only lasted three years. Once the French were expelled, Maximilian was executed by the Mexicans, and his bullet-ridden shirt is kept on display to this day. Mexican people see Cinco de Mayo as a day to celebrate their national unity, won through such strife, bloodshed and loss. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo festivities involve music, food and dancing, and mostly occur in the city of Puebla. On the day of celebration, all Mexican men who serve in the army pledge allegiance to Mexico and the Mexican national flag. Cinco de Mayo in Mexico is always notably colourful as inhabitants come out to their city squares in traditional clothes accented in ever colour imaginable. One of the more common foods to find is called “mole” (a sauce made with chocolate and forty other spices). It is usually served over chicken or turkey. Celebrations for Cinco de Mayo can begin up to a week beforehand with parades, banners and even schools holding special events to educate students. The day of Cinco de Mayo is filled with food, traditional Mexican music and folk dancing. In Los Angeles they hold yearly mariachi and folk dancing demonstrations. In the US, Cinco de Mayo celebrations are considered on par with St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest. Food, drink, dance and fun fill the air; a far cry from the dark times that led to this day hundreds of years ago. Whether in Mexico or in the United States, the Cinco de Mayo celebrations are a fabulous, cultural event that should not be missed. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:21:20 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/cinco-de-mayo http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/cinco-de-mayo Akumal is a wonderfully laid back, quiet village 60 miles south of Cancún, along Quintana Roo’s Mayan Riviera coast in Mexico. A world away from the turbulent goings-on farther north, Akumal has held onto its rich history and Mayan roots, which is very evident when mingling with the residents on a walk along the town’s narrow avenues. One of the former residents is celebrated just inside the town arch, where a statue of Gonzalo Guerrero and his family stand. Guerrero was a Spanish conquistador, who, after being shipwrecked at Akumal, made the very best of his situation by becoming a respected warrior and marrying a Mayan princess to start the first known Euro-American family. Re-discovered in the early 1950s, Akumal’s sugar sand beaches, coconut palms and warm emerald waters captivated world explorer Pablo Bush Romero so much that he purchased land from a plantation owner and set about establishing a small resort community for scuba divers. Romero was a pioneer in underwater exploration who saw the vision of a unique underwater museum in Akumal Bay where tropical sea critters make their home among massive anchors and cannons from ancient shipwrecks. With just one addictive peek beneath the surface at the remarkable diversity of life in this shallow-water reef, you'll be hooked on Akumal snorkeling. The coral is busy with dozens of species of underwater flora and fauna, and it’s in relatively good health considering the rising water temperatures and a host of other environmental concerns. While snorkeling Akumal, I rounded a craggy blob of coral and met the business end of a lime-green moray eel showing off a smile of tiny razor teeth. I floated right on by, checking to be sure I wasn’t followed, and chased a brilliant blue angel fish into the midst of a liquid light show. Tiny quarter-sized fish in iridescent yellow and orange darted into coral crevices, and striped clownfish stayed true to their name, generally goofing about the neighborhood. There were floating purples and reds and whites and blues—it looked like all the colours from my crayon box at school were swimming around—and only my burning lungs broke my trance to head back up for air. Venturing a bit deeper while snorkeling Akumal, several large shadows drifted into my direction, and a foursome of giant, battleship-grey groupers moved slowly past, bulbous mouths pursed in an eternal smirk. Near the surface, a long, hovering straight line caught my eye. The silvery scales of a barracuda reflected the afternoon sunlight, and he kept a wary eye on the pale-skinned intruder in his part of Akumal Bay. An immense school of small, gray-brown fish, easily numbering in the thousands, hovered very near the “‘cuda,” drifting slowly back and forth at the whims of the currents. They seemed to have no destination that day, and were content to float next to the larger fish in suspended motion like a giant shadow forever swaying with the wind. Waning daylight forced a reluctant exit from snorkeling Akumal bay, but the sunset view on the beach conjured plans for my next trip to this getaway location. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:23:31 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/akumal-snorkeling http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/akumal-snorkeling Lying just off the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Cozumel, the Island of the Swallows, offers world class diving in picture perfect surroundings. With striking coral reefs, thriving marine life and crystal clear waters to spy them through, Cozumel was Mexico’s best kept secret until a young Jacques Cousteau “discovered” it in the 1960’s, placing this sleepy isle square on the scuba map. With over forty major dive sites to choose from, Cozumel caters to every diving level and preference, from dolphin dives to personalized ‘Scuba Subs’. Yet the island’s greatest attraction remains drift diving: currents that carry divers along great swathes of reef on an ‘aquatic wind’. As you float over the technicolor corals you’re likely to spot sea turtles, stingrays, angelfish and even grey nurse sharks enjoying the ride with you. Some of the most popular sites include the Santa Rosa Wall, Chankanaab, Palancar and the no-translation-needed Tormentos. Back on land, underwater river systems lead to Cozumel’s other great treasure: cenotes. Formed over thousands of years, cenotes are startling underwater caves that have evolved their own eco-systems. Featuring stalactites and stalagmites like their terra-based brethren, the water within is so clear that diving in a cenote feels more like a spacewalk than a swim (the water’s also clean enough to be sampled, for those that like their mineral water fresh). Before taking the plunge make sure to choose an accredited dive school, well versed in the local waters and currents. And remember all reefs are protected National Parks and a ‘look but don’t touch’ approach works best for all. If you want a break from diving then Cozumel’s clear waters are perfect for snorkeling, and the island’s abundant wildlife, Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches and fresh seafood ensure Cozumel’s charms are far from surface deep. Mon, 09 Feb 2009 08:30:56 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/dive-cozumel http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/dive-cozumel In southern Mexico, nestled between ranges of volcanic mountains, the town of Catemaco springs to life every March with a spectacle of witchcraft, sorcery and merriment. The Noche de Brujas—“Night of the witches”—dates back to the precolonial era, drawing traditional healers, shamans, prophets and fortune-tellers from all over Mexico to gather for a legendary all-night festival, during which participants invoke a mass cleansing to alleviate the previous year’s negative energies. Adventurous tourists join in on the fun of Noche de Brujas, some just to witness the spectacle, others daring to get involved. The adorable avenues and landscapes of pristine Catemaco are supercharged with mysticism on a regular day, but during Noche de Brujas the sense is nearly palpable. Streets are crowded year-round with vendors selling trinkets, magical potions and healings. Tourists encounter spiritualists and sorcerers in every nook and cranny, advertising traditional remedies for just about any malady you can think of. The culebreros (snake bite healers) are renowned due to the region’s abundance of venomous snakes, but unless you’ve recently come across an asp or a cobra, consider hiring a yorbatero (massage healer) instead for a soothing massage. Follow the signs to dwellings of prominent witches. Hire a witch for a limpia—a spiritual cleaning; better yet, unless your soul is afflicted with a curse, have the bruja cast one on someone else in your party! When the Noche de Brujas is over, stay a few extra days to catch a ferry to the Monkey Islands, where abandoned research monkeys from Thailand run free. Take a morning stroll down the Malecon and witness the 600 species of birds come to life as the sun breaks on the volcanic horizon. Unless you're a risk taker who craves confrontation, avoid taking snapshots of the brujos; they hate photographs. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:52:05 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/noche-de-brujas http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/noche-de-brujas The ruins of Chichén Itzá take you back in time to an era of a vast and powerful Mayan empire, once the center of being for all of the Yucutan civilization ruling over politics, religion, and military. Today the ceremonial structures and various other buildings that were in their time of grandeur between 800 - 1200 A.D are in various states of preservation, and open for travelers to explore. Set in a clearing surrounded by jungle, the history of Chichén Itzá entails stories of humans sacrifices and ultimately a violent end spurred by a revolt against the reigning powers that shifted development away from Chichén Itzá. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was recently declared one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Exploring the secret rooms, passages, and summits at Chichén Itzá, make you feel like you are the first to delve into the mysteries that lay around each corner. The site has many fascinating stone buildings that are a must see when exploring this lost Mayan world. El Castillo also known as the temple of Kukulkan, will stop you in your tracks once you pass though the turnstile to enter into Chichén Itzá. This temple is particularly intriguing at the rising and setting of the sun during Spring and Fall Equinox, when the suns shadow casts the impression of a snake slithering down the North stairway. Another complex called the Temple of Warriors includes many large stepped pyramids scattered amongst many rows of carved columns that depict various warriors, and is adjacent to the Great Market. Las Monjas, also known as “The Nunnery” is one of the more captivating complexes built in Puuc architecture style, the structures here are believed to be living quarters for the elite Mayans and are covered in relief carvings. There are 7 ball courts, but the most notable is the Great Ball Court approximately 150 meters north west of El Castillo. These ball courts housed many games and festivities and at each end of the field is a raised temple in which you can envision Mayan Kings sitting in presiding over the activities. It is said that the captain of the winning team would present himself to the captain of the losing team to be decapitated. It might seem a bit backwards, but the Mayans believed this tradition to be the highest honor, granting them direct access to heaven versus the 13 steps Mayan culture believed they had to go through. Just east of the primary ruins is an underground world called Cenoté. To get into these underground caves with glowing cool water set against the backdrop of blood read stalagmites you must climb down steep vertical hole, with entry steps carved by the Mayans themselves thousands of years ago. Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:39:59 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chichen-itza http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chichen-itza