Birdwatching has tourism potential

Flamingos in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. RÍO LAGARTOS ADVENTURES

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, October 8, 2014

What’s bigger than golf or fishing as a generator of tourist income in the United States? Birdwatching. But in México it’s an activity that’s long been overlooked and given so little importance that there are no official figures to measure its economic value.

That value to the United States has been estimated by the Fish & Wildlife Service at US $32 billion a year where birding, as it is commonly known, enjoys the participation of some 55 million people. In Canada, 11 million travel to different places to view birds in their natural habitat.

In Scotland, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds found that as much as $12 million is spent annually by tourists who travel just to see white-tailed eagles on the Isle of Mull.

“In México we have recorded 1,100 birds, and half of those are in the Yucatán,” says Juan Flores, president of the birders’ club, Green Jay.

“In Quintana Roo we have tried to promote the activity but without adequate infrastructure and training the advances have been slow.”

In contrast, Costa Rica benefits from an estimated economic boost of $1 billion from birdwatching ecotourism, drawing many birdwatchers from the U.S.

In spite of the potential that those numbers would indicate, tourism in Quintana Roo is regarded primarily as sunshine and beaches.

According to Quintana Roo birding expert Barbara MacKinnon, the Yucatán peninsula sees more than 1 billion migrating birds either staying or passing through during migration, and they come from both the north and the south.

She says birdwatching is a little more developed in Yucatán as a result of cooperatives in the Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and the presence of flamingos, but cites a shortage of specially trained guides who don’t put birds at risk.

The pioneer of birdwatching in the region says there are initiatives under way to create cooperatives in the Noh-Bec ejido in Felipe Carillo Puerto that promote the preservation of forested areas and training in birdwatching tourism.

The area is rich enough in resources to justify more effort. When birdwatching in the U.S. you might see at most 30 species, but on the Yucatán peninsula it’s possible to see as many as 160 species in a day, says MacKinnon.

Source: El Financiero (sp)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/birdwatching-seen-great-tourism-potential/#sthash.XwpjLPFM.dpuf

Ecotourism has a great deal of potential, says Mexican expert

mexiconewsdaily.com

Sumidero Canyon, one of the most important tourism sites in Chiapas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mexico News Daily | Sunday, August 17, 2014

 

Mexico has everything it needs to be successful as an ecotourism destination given its natural and cultural attractions and its proximity to the United States and Canada. But the country is lagging behind in taking advantage of its resources.

Ecotourism expert Héctor Ceballos says ecotourism could bring substantial benefits in terms of both environmental protection and sustainable development for rural communities.

Ceballos, a professor at the Iberoamerican Univeristy for 30 years, said Mexico is reaching only 50% of its potential in this area.

In contrast, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Kenya and South Africa have achieved a well  developed market. He says part of the problem is confusion in Mexico over the concept of ecotourism with adventure tourism.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature defines ecotourism as an environmentally responsible model that consists of visits to natural areas, while creating minimal disturbance, to appreciate and study the natural attractions, as well as whatever cultural features there are, past and present.

Conservation is therefore promoted, there is low negative impact on the environment and culture and it encourages the active involvement and socioeconomic benefits of local communities.

Meanwhile, adventure tourism caters to young, Mexican tourists and leaves out adults and foreign visitors, says Ceballos. Ecotourism, on the other hand, offers greater security and encourages the movement of visitors to diverse parts of the country.

Ceballos says the western Sierra Madre along with the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Veracruz, Yucatán and Chiapas offer the greatest potential to establish themselves firmly as ecotourism destinations.

Baja California, on the other hand, has erred in focusing on large-scale, sun and beach tourism, he says, which if not controlled will make the coast of that state look like the coast of southern California, from Los Angeles to San Diego.

Ceballos is an internationally-known expert in the field of ecotourism and is credited in some circles with coining the word itself.

Source: Notimex (sp)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/ecotourism-great-deal-potential-says-mexican-expert/#sthash.AvNB7W3G.dpuf

Gov’t announces funding to help boost ecotourism projects

Mexico News Daily

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

 

Swimming with whale sharks, kayaking, river-rafting, diving and caving are among the myriad activities that Mexico offers in the way of ecotourism. With that in mind, the federal government has announced the allocation of 107 million pesos for its promotion in 14 areas of the country.

The money will be matched in equal amount by state governments.

The National Commission for Protected Areas estimates that ecotourism brought 2.5 million visitors last year, while 1,126 ecotourism businesses have been identified.

That figure is expected to grow in the coming years now that community businesses created in rural areas are in the process of developing their capacity and will be offering additional ecotourism attractions.

Along with its 174 protected natural areas Mexico is believed to have the largest number of species of reptile at 707, and comes in at second place for the number of mammal species, at 438.

It also ranks very high for species of amphibian and flora, which are found here in abundance.

The funding announcement was made at Adventure Travel Mexico 2014 by Carlos Joaquín González of the Tourism Secretariat. He said the ecotourism segment of the tourist industry is seen as having potential for innovative tourism products and for attracting new markets.

Source: Economía Hoy (sp)

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/govt-announces-funding-help-boost-ecotourism-projects/?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=fb&utm_campaign=ecotourismfunding#sthash.rCb0PQs7.dpuf

Gov’t unveils tourism map

Friday, 15 November 2013 00:10
thenews.com.mx

 
Mexico State Gov. Eruviel Ávila Villegas unveiled a Strategic Tourism Development Map on Wednesday, dividing the state’s territory into nine tourism corridors that offer a wide variety of destinations, such as archaeological sites, natural areas, adventure expeditions and cultural and culinary attractions.

The nine tourist corridors in Mexico State, which Ávila Villegas said will make it easier to promote the state’s destinations and develop travel infrastructure, are Toluca and its Surroundings, Sanctuaries, Beauties of the Nevado, Monarch Butterfly, Mazahua Splendor, Otomí Heritage, Teotihuacán, Volcanoes and Shopping Circuit.

Ávila Villegas said Mexico State is a place with a great deal of potential to promote tourism and create jobs, adding that he trusted that all of the state’s economic and social sectors will close ranks and help attract more visitors from elsewhere in Mexico and from abroad.

“We have natural beauty, we have the same number of volcanoes as pyramids, we have forests, lakes, plateaus — a great variety of natural beauties in our state, hot areas and the Nevado de Toluca volcano, and so we’re in a special place to be able to invite and promote tourism here in our state,” he said.

The state government is also pushing for the Padre Tembleque Aqueduct in the Nopaltepec municipality, which dates back to the 16th Century, to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ávila Villegas has signed an agreement with Tourism Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu and Mexico State Family Development Agency (DIF) President Isis Ávila Muñoz that will implement the National Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children and Adolescents in the state’s tourism industry, which is aimed at protecting minors from human trafficking, exploitation and sex tourism.

This agreement will require all of its signatory agencies to adhere to all of the sexual exploitation guidelines established by the federal government, Ávila Villegas said, as well as ensuring that local tourism industry operators also take appropriate measures to prevent sex tourism.

THE NEWS

Mejora El Quelite como destino turístico rural

Belizario Reyes

31-10-2013

Las calles de la sindicatura están siendo empedradas por parte de la Sectur y el Gobierno del Estado. Fotografía: Noroeste / Andrés García.

 noroeste.com

MAZATLÁN._ Con base en la unión de sus habitantes y el apoyo de autoridades, El Quelite mejora como destino turístico rural con la limpieza de su carretera y el cuidado de las bugambilias que la adornan, así como el adoquinamiento y empedrado de sus callejones y calles.

"En El Quelite la comunidad siempre ha estado unida para hacer acciones que tengan que ver con el desarrollo turístico, la limpieza pues es una parte muy importante que debe encontrar el turista en un lugar que ya se está dedicado a esa actividad", dijo el doctor Marcos Gabriel Osuna Tirado, quien inició el proyecto de destino turístico rural en dicha sindicatura.

Al encabezar la culminación de la limpieza de los 5 kilómetros de la vialidad que conduce de la Carretera Internacional 15 México-Nogales hacia El Quelite, así como de las bugambilias que fueron plantadas a los lados, agregó que se tiene conocimiento que las cosas se deben de estar segmentando y Mazatlán como un destino turístico tiene que segmentarse forzosamente.

"Entonces El Quelite es un producto que a Mazatlán lo fortalece en el sentido de que la gente que vienen a visitar el destino tiene más opciones para venir, hay más qué escoger al momento en que lo eligen porque tiene productos a su alrededor", señaló.

"El Quelite es un producto de muy buena calidad porque es el producto mejor posicionado del estado en pueblo rural; El Quelite ha quedado por arriba inclusive de pueblos mágicos que son Cosalá, El Fuerte y Rosario", recalcó.

Osuna Tirado precisó que fue hace cuatro años cuando plantaron las primeras bugambilias traídas de Colima y ahora se busca poner un invernadero para producirlas en la sindicatura.

Aunque se tienen unas personas encargadas de regar las plantas, también se cuenta con el apoyo de voluntarios para hacer diversos trabajos como la limpieza y colocación de piedras blancas a orilla de la carretera hacia El Quelite, a quienes ayer por la tarde se les donó por parte del hotel Mayan Sea Garden cobijas, sábanas y fundas.

Señaló que se están adoquinando y empedrando callejones y calles de El Quelite para darle un mejoramiento de imagen urbana en la parte que es el casco histórico del pueblo.

El adoquinamiento y empedrado de callejones y la calle que conduce a El Mirador las está haciendo la Secretaría de Turismo y el Gobierno del Estado, trabajos que iniciaron hace aproximadamente un mes y se prevé que concluyan en unos 22 días más.

Mexico among world’s top tourist destinations

Thursday, 31 October 2013 00:10
BY ROCÍO ZAYAS
The News

Influential travel publication Lonely Planet has ranked Mexico as one of the top 10 countries to visit next year.

In the 2014 edition of the prestigious tour guide publisher’s Best in Travel book, Mexico came in 6th place — behind Brazil, Antarctica, Scotland, Sweden and Malawi and ahead of the Seychelles, Belgium, Macedonia and Malaysia.

Lonely Planet said that Mexico has made important strides in restoring its image in recent years, thanks to its ample offer of hotels, beaches, cultural and outdoors tourism, as well as its delicious food. Mexico is on the cusp of change, the book said, which is why it recommends visiting now to make the most of the opportunity.

The Tourism Secretariat (Sectur), the National Tourism Promotion Fund (Fonatur) and ProMéxico also signed a collaboration agreement on Wednesday to further develop the country’s tourism sector and attract foreign investment, as well as promote the internationalization of Mexican tourism companies.

The agreement aims to provide information, training and technical assistance that would allow Mexico’s tourism operators to modernize themselves, as well as to attract foreign investment to develop the country’s prime tourist destinations.

“We are seeking to promote new projects in Mexico that will strengthen the tourism sector, economic growth and job creation,” said ProMéxico General Director Francisco N. González Díaz. “Actions will be coordinated to improve the image of Mexico abroad and, above all, to create more jobs, given that the tourism sector represents 9 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Sectur Director Claudia Ruiz Massieu said that the synergy between Sectur, Fonatur and ProMéxico will be key in attracting investments.

Mexico – Where Adventure Travel Never Ends

By Mike Cooney Chief Explorer, Cooney World Adventures

“Aren’t you afraid to travel there?” That’s usually the first question I’m asked when I tell people I’m going to Mexico. And to be honest, it pisses me off every time. That’s when I ask them if they’ve watched the local news lately; they respond with an uncomfortable chuckle as if to say, “Gee, I hadn’t looked at that way.”

Following my dissertation about the country’s natural beauty, its history, and the fact that Mexicans are among the most warm and hospitable people in the world — I’ve been to more than 50 countries, so I have a fairly good frame of reference — I always win them over to adding Mexico to their bucket list.

Sure, we all know about the all-inclusive resorts with their eat-and-party-until-you-drop philosophy. They can be fun too, but in small doses. Then there are the historical relics and temples scattered throughout Mexico that remind us of once mighty civilizations that rivaled Rome, Greece, and all other empires of note. And let’s not forget the culinary delights, which have been exported around the world from Beijing to Boise. But did you know that Mexico is one of the great adventure tourism destinations on the planet?



Everything from soft adventure to full-on adrenaline-fueled sports activities are available throughout many states and regions of Mexico. Some of the more well known include whitewater rafting, rappelling or canyoning, mountain biking, zip lining, sandboarding, hang-gliding, hiking, swimming with whale sharks, mountain climbing, skiing (yes, snow skiing) and much more. The only limitations are your own, and how far you are willing to push the adventure envelope.

For the second year in a row, I was invited to participate in Adventure Travel Mexico (ATMEX), which is sponsored in part by Adventure Travel Trade Association. In addition to several Familiarization (FAMs) tours, there is also a large three-day trade show where virtually every state and many travel tour operators converge to promote their region and adventure-filled itineraries. Here are a few of my personal favorites:

Whitewater rafting options range from tubing on a placid river with minor drops to make-sure-your-insurance-is-paid class 5 rapids.  One of the best places to experience whitewater rafting is at Mexico Verde Expeditions, which is located on Rio Pescados northwest of Veracruz. The lodge offers glamping (glamorous camping) accommodations, excellent food, and a variety of adventure activities.



Ymbigapan is a tour company located in San Andrés Tuxtla also not far from Veracruz. They offer customized itineraries for all levels of adventure travel including caving, rappelling, bird watching, horseback riding, and experiencing awe-inspiring waterfalls that are off the beaten path.

Rappelling beside a raging 120-foot waterfall is both exhilarating and a bit unnerving, even for the most devoted adventure-seeker.  First, it requires getting geared-up in a thick wetsuit that’s like putting on a full-body girdle, strapping on a helmet, zip lining across a gorge, crossing a swift moving river on foot to the point where everyone begins the descent to the bottom of the waterfall. The wetsuit serves two purposes: First, it protects against abrasions when coming in contact with the jagged sides of the cliff, and two, it provides some protection against the freezing cold water plummeting to the rocks and deep pool below.




I’ve experienced my fair share of adventure travel, but one of the most exhilarating was riding an ATV on the sand dunes at Playa Chachalcas. The massive dunes come right up to the shoreline of the Gulf of Mexico. They are constantly shifting and creating new windswept vistas. Even the powerful ATVs have a hard time cresting some of the huge piles of sand along the beach. Believe me, I know. It took me four
 attempts to conquer a formidable dune that seemed to rise at a 45-degree angle. Once at the top, I was treated to picturesque views of the Gulf’s azure waters and surrounding area.

Mexico offers adventure enthusiasts countless options and locations to experience what they love best. Whether you are new to adventure travel or have lived an adventurer’s life, new and exciting experiences await you in Mexico. What are you waiting for?




Interesting Facts About Mexico

·      Mexico’s official name is Estados Únidos Mexicanos, which translates to United Mexican States.

·      Chocolate, corn and chilies are all originally from Mexico.

·      The first printing press in North America was used in Mexico City in 1539.

·      Chihuahuas are named for a Mexican state.

Benefits Provided by Tourism Industry in Mexico

Mexico is showing steady growth within the general tourism sector and it is being notable for the economic benefits, it proffers in a country with advantages to build a stronger development of this industry.

Data from the Federal Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) reveals that this acitvity generates sales for 6.2 billion dollars a year and accounts for 1.4% of GDP of this country, while the so-called “industry without smokestacks” (Industria sin chimeneas) makes up to 9% of total GDP.

Also noteworthy, is the fact that it helps to increase and stimulate  the creation and development of micro, small and medium-sized local companies, even though is really hard for them due to taxes, as well as aiding the generation and distribution of tourism revenue locally.

The segment reports expenditures of 1,250 dollars per person, while a traditional tourist spends on-average just 750 dollars, according to the coordinator for business tourism for the Council for Tourism Promotion of Mexico, Eleonora Garcia Ferrel.

With the increase of this activity and the benefits that are being provided to the sector, it is necessary to invest in infrastructure, such as convention centers, hotels, resorts, entertainment facilities, freeways, highways, among others.

The World Tourism Organization  estimates an employment growth of 12% during the next 4 years, which now generates 151,100 jobs, 85,000 direct and 66,000 indirect.

Mexico has a huge potential, working as a bridge between the United States and Latin American, both areas with important business acitvities. There are also 59 international airports and 28 national airports offering connectivity to hundreds of different destinations all over the globe.

Sectur

There are 70 World Class facilities dedicated and specialized in these kind of activities in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco, Cancun, Tijuana, etc.

Finally, one of the most important incentives is the 0% tax rate for lodgings, resorts, convention facilities, transportation, food and services when coming from other countries.

But the main challenge is the termination of sales tax for this type of tourism that is being considered, although this measure should be dropped, since it makes the sector less competitive.

The petition will be presented offcially on October 9th by the Federal Secretary of Tourism, Claudia Ruiz Massieu.

Source: www.sectur.gob.mx/‎ www.mexicanbusinessweb.mx

Hiking Trail From Mexico To Canada More Popular Than Ever

by Bellamy Pailthorp

NPR News

September 30, 2013 4:29 PM

 

A record number of people are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. This year, more than a thousand backpackers applied for permits to complete the entire 2,650 mile trek between Mexico and Canada, though just about half of them are expected to actually finish as the season wraps up this October.

AUDIE CORNISH, HOST:

The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the nation's iconic hiking routes. It stretches more than 2,600 miles between Mexico and Canada and this year a record number of people are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. In fact, as many as 500 are expected to finish the entire trek. From member station KPLU in Seattle, Bellamy Pailthorp reports on how the experience is changing as more people do it.

BELLAMY PAILTHORP, BYLINE: Wow. I'm on the Pacific Crest Trail at an iconic part of it called the Kendall Katwalk. It is a narrow shelf that's been blasted into the mountainside. All around us, 360-degree views of the rugged peaks of the North Cascades. To the south, there's about 2,400 miles of the trail that go through Oregon and California all the way to the Mexican border. To the north, there's less than 250 miles to go if you want to reach Canada and the end of the trail.

NAMIE BACILE: It's always an adventure. You never know what's around the next bend.

PAILTHORP: That's Namie Bacile, a construction worker turned full-time, long-distance backpacker. He's not surprised at how popular it's become.

BACILE: Bound to happen. The first time I did the trail in '92, there was, like, 19 of us. So I've seen it grow over the years and it's the same way with all the trails.

PAILTHORP: He remembers a spike on the Appalachian Trail 15 years ago when Bill Bryson's book "A Walk in the Woods" became a bestseller. And now a bestseller about the PCT is being made into a Hollywood movie. "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed will star Reese Witherspoon. That is driving the latest boom. Bacile says a lot of good things come with the big numbers.

BACILE: A lot more trail work, a lot more involvement, a lot more resources. And like I say, it's a long trail. You stretch all those people out. And I still go. I can go all day long and not see anybody.

PAILTHORP: But it can get busy where the thru-hikers come off the trail to get their supplies and do laundry. They often gather at the homes of people they call trail angels.

ANDREA DINSMORE: This is a hiker dorm. We've got bunk beds here, or they can sleep outside. We've got two acres for them to go camping on.

PAILTHORP: Andrea Dinsmore and her husband, Jerry, have converted one end of a large garage into free lodging for hikers. They call it Dinsmore's Hiker Haven. The Dinsmores have already hosted more than 250 hikers this year.

JERRY DINSMORE: Every year, we have more here than we did the year before by about 50 hikers. So, you know, better not get too much bigger.

(LAUGHTER)

PAILTHORP: Along with the increasing numbers, the Dinsmores have seen the gear get much lighter over the years. To finish the trail before snow starts covering the passes in Washington, thru-hikers have to put in 20 to 30 miles a day for five months. Among them is 28-year-old Jessie Chism. She says she's whittled the weight of her backpack down to about eight pounds, not counting food and water.

JESSIE CHISM: I've heard horror stories about 60-pound packs and I don't - I would have never made it if - I would have injured myself long ago should I have ever tried a heavier pack.

PAILTHORP: Chism quit her job as a hydraulic engineer with the Army Corps to make this journey. She's part of the growing community that rejects the idea that the Pacific Crest Trail is only for super-buff, hard-core hikers.

CHISM: I believe that everyone has a business on trail, and it's not difficult. I did 200 miles of it in flip flops because my blisters on my feet had exploded. So I did it in flip flops, and so it's just getting up and walking. And I think that anyone could do it.

PAILTHORP: Of course, that view is colored by the invincible feeling of someone who's just put 2,400 miles behind her. Parts of the trail wouldn't be safe without boots. Other parts are accessible enough that even a reporter can make it up there and back in a day. For NPR News, I'm Bellamy Pailthorp in Seattle.

MELISSA BLOCK, HOST:

You're listening to ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News.

Discovering Mazatlán, Mexico

traveldudes.org

When people think about vacationing in Mexico, some of the first places that come to mind are Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Puerta Vallarta.

But, while these locations are beautiful, there are more places to discover in the country.

Filled with dynamic culture, the friendliest of people and authentic food, Mazatlán is a coastal retreat that should be added to the list of Mexican destinations.

Once a port for various cruise lines, the safety issues surrounding Mexico have scared travelers away and Mazatlán recently fell off the vacationing grid.

But as the Mazatlán Tourism Board works to restore its tourism, here are a few reasons this city is highly worth a visit:

The culture: 

Part of the state of Sinaloa, Mazatlán is filled with new and old. As large resorts line the sandy beaches, take a step away from the new in the historic district of dowtown Mazatlan and you will witness original Mexican style in the churches, plazas and the opera house, which dates back to the city's origins—a  fisherman's village.

The histoic disctrict is the place where festive music fills the air and traditional performances meet the streets.
Aside from the historic district, the rural towns that surround Mazatlán will give you a true sense of culture. Cobblestone streets, traditional architecture and generations of family will transport you back to Old Mexico. The colonial facades of El Quelite, Concordia, La Noria and Cosala are just a few towns where the natural features of culture are still alive.

The food: 

There is a large variety of gastronomic options in Mazatlán. From modern restaurants serving international delights to small taco stands and Mexican restaurants providing the freshest, traditional dishes, you will find it throughout the city.

But the thing that can't be missed when visiting is the local array of seafood. Mazatlán is the shrimp capital of Mexico along with being the best sport fishing spot for blue marlin and swordfish. But seafood isn't all that is eaten in the city, fresh tamales, tortillas, tacos and carne asada among other meats are some of the tradional foods that can't be missed when visiting.

The activities: 

With the mountains to one side and the ocean to the other, Mazatlán offers a wide array of activities and adventures for every type of person. Along the beaches, kayaking, sailing, surfing and paddle boarding are just a few fun options. There is also parasailing and jetskiing to get your adrenaline going.

For all things watersports, Aqua Sports Center is a great place to start. And when it comes to land adventures, Huana Coa Canopy Adventures located in the mountains provides visitors the opportunity to zip line, drive ATV's or horseback ride through the countryside. If you are looking for a cultural adventure, jump on a donkey in one of the rural towns surrounding Mazatlán and this adventure will give you a totally different perspective.

Whether you are looking for an all-inclusive resort vacation filled with sun and relaxation or more of a cultural experience where you will discover the vast history of Mexico, Mazatlán offers something for everyone.

Travel tip shared for Traveldudes by FunAsWeGo

The spirit of Mexico: Tastings spotlight complexity of tequila

Christine Delsol, Special to SFGate

Published 4:31 pm, Tuesday, August 27, 2013

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    Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila...
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  The Spirits of Mexico is a touring event, with the last leg taking place in San Diego. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  The Spirits of Mexico is a touring event, with the last leg taking...
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  The San Diego event draws about 2,500 tequila aficionados, and claims to be the oldest, largest and most comprehensive such event in North America. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  The San Diego event draws about 2,500 tequila aficionados, and...
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  It also offers numerous tasting opportunities. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  It also offers numerous tasting opportunities.
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  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila tastings for numerous brands and includes seminars led by professionals who cover the history and culture of each spirit, teach proper tasting techniques and impart wisdom about current trends. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila...
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  The tasting competition (by invitation only) that precedes the festival determines the awards, and trophies are announced during a dinner and live auction at Barra Barra Saloon in Old Town San Diego Friday night. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  The tasting competition (by invitation only) that precedes the...
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  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila tastings for numerous brands and includes seminars led by professionals who cover the history and culture of each spirit, teach proper tasting techniques and impart wisdom about current trends. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila...
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  Numerous tequilas on display for the tasting competition portion of the event. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Numerous tequilas on display for the tasting competition portion of...
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  Judges use taste, smell and sight to decide which tequila should reign supreme at The Spirits of Mexio festival. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Judges use taste, smell and sight to decide which tequila should...
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  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila tastings for numerous brands and includes seminars led by professionals who cover the history and culture of each spirit, teach proper tasting techniques and impart wisdom about current trends. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila...
• 
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila tastings for numerous brands and includes seminars led by professionals who cover the history and culture of each spirit, teach proper tasting techniques and impart wisdom about current trends. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila...
• 
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila tastings for numerous brands and includes seminars led by professionals who cover the history and culture of each spirit, teach proper tasting techniques and impart wisdom about current trends. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  Scenes from The Spirits of Mexico event, which offers tequila...
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  The traditional Tequila Trail in Old Town San Diego presents signature dishes from local restaurants, along with selections of tequila, mezcal and other Mexican spirits. Photo: Luis Garcia-Rivera
  The traditional Tequila Trail in Old Town San Diego presents...

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Perhaps Mexico's most famous export, tequila has come a long way from its onetime frat-party niche where fortitude was measured by the number of shots, buffered by licks of salt and lime, you could down. Not so long ago, travelers were often surprised to encounter the wide variety and high quality of tequila they encountered in Mexico. In the right hands, the nectar of the blue agave actually is as refined and complex as any fine whiskey or wine.
Though Mexico strictly regulates tequila exports, more and more previously unknown brands have been making it north of the border — so many, in fact, that it's hard to know what to choose. There are a couple of constants: Always look for 100 percent blue agave (the name "tequila" can be applied to anything above 50 percent), and the older the spirit, the smoother and richer it will be. Beyond that, it's mostly personal preference.

Tasting festival

The Spirits of Mexico event, coming to San Diego Sept. 17-21, is one easy way to sample a wide variety of tequila brands, as well as a few mezcal and other spirits made in Mexico. Now celebrating its 10th year, the festival offers seminars led by professionals who cover the history and culture of each spirit, teach proper tasting techniques and impart wisdom about current trends. And of course, there are tastings. Lots of tastings.

The tasting competition (by invitation only) that precedes the festival determines the awards, and trophies are announced during a dinner and live auction at Barra Barra Saloon in Old Town San Diego Friday night. Top winners in 2012 were Crotalo Extra Añejo, best of show, and Siete Leguas, Corazon, El Jimador, Crotalo and Los Siete Misterios (Tobala Variety), best in their respective categories.

The Spirits of Mexico is a touring event, starting in New York in May, moving to Chicago in June, and winding up in San Diego. The final San Diego leg, which draws about 2,500 aficionados, claims to be the oldest, largest and most comprehensive such event in North America. A panoply of master distillers, blenders, mixologists, distributors and retailers present both world-renowned and emerging brands, and visitors will be able to tap the knowledge of prominent historians and authors. This year's festival promises more "meet, greet and taste" opportunities than ever, and is adding events that spotlight the spirit, as well as the spirits, of Mexico's history and culture.


Tequila 101

The kickoff event is the brand-new "Contemporary Cocktails/Ancient Cuisine" Cocktail Challenge at the Blind Burro in Downtown San Diego. Chefs will re-create dishes that the ancient Aztecs ate, as well as each dish's contemporary version, offering insight into how the Spanish influenced Mexico's ancient cuisine. Five finalists will pair their finest cocktail concoctions with cuisine re-created from what is known about what the Aztecs ate. At the same time, guests will taste mixologists' best efforts to create the festival's Cocktail of the Year.

A free "Art of Tequila" exhibition opens Wednesday, detailing the artistic passion lavished upon the hand-crafted bottles that distinguish Mexico's spirits from any other in the world. The exhibition focuses on the distinctly Mexican cultural themes that inspire the innovative, often whimsical and sometimes outlandish designs.

Thursday brings the traditional Tequila Trail in Old Town San Diego, presenting signature dishes from local restaurants, along with selections of tequila, mezcal and other Mexican spirits.

The main tasting event on Saturday, at the Information Center Plaza in Old Town San Diego, puts hundreds of styles of agave and other spirits produced in Mexico at visitors' disposal, with food created especially for the event.

Extra credit

Though The Spirits of Mexico will have enough tequila to keep any sane person fully occupied, the festival also offers a rare opportunity to sample Mexican wine, as well as some of the other spirits produced in Mexico that are rarely found in the United States, including:

Bacanora — Distilled for 400 years from agaves that grow in Sonora's Sierra Madres, bacanora was inexplicably outlawed at the onset of the Mexican revolution in 1915. That law was only repealed in 1992, and the state established standards and regulations for its production. The agaves are slowly roasted in underground pits, imparting mineral nuances to the liquor.

Mezcal — Though a generic name for all spirits distilled from the agave, it's more often associated with the maguey agave spirit produced primarily in Oaxaca and to a lesser extent in the states of San Luis Potosi, Michoacan, Jalisco, Durango, Morelos, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. It is usually produced in smaller batches, and the agave heart, or piña, is cooked in an underground pit lined with volcanic rock. The smoky flavor that results does not lend itself to mixing, so it is usually drunk in straight shots.

Raicilla — A fermented pre-Hispanic drink that has been prepared by traditional methods for 500 years, raicilla is based on wild agave plants, though agave is now cultivated for the purpose in the state of Jalisco. Long regarded as "moonshine," it is now regulated and produced legally in Jalisco. 

Sotol — Produced in northern Mexico from the Desert Spoon cactus (sotol in Spanish), sotol is distilled in much the same way mezcal is. Though common in Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango and Coahuila, commercial versions are extremely rare.

The Spirits of Mexico, Sept. 17-21, downtown and Old Town San Diego. Events $35-$95; combo tickets $88-$265. www.thespiritsofmexico.com, (619) 709-0555.

Budget Travel in Mexico

 travelindependent.info/america-north.htm

 

México

Miss at your peril: (stay away from the crowds) - 'Highlight of Independent Travel'

Intro: Viva México! It's huge and has tons to offer! Right across the spectrum, from the nadir of Cancún to the zenith's of Palenque, Oaxaca (Wa-ha-ka) and Porto Escondido to mention a few. México's size has two major effects on travellers. One good, one not so. Firstly [the good] the sheer size of the country and its variety means that with some effort you can find many gems and have them completely to yourself, in addition to the fact that there are many great things to see and do without even venturing off the beaten track.   The downside from the country's size (and terrain which is far from flat) is the necessity to spend many hours on buses of which the cost of can seriously mount up - even more so if you take advantage of the better services. For example the six hour journey from México City (N.B. referred to as México City here, but really just México or México DF) to Oaxaca on a premier bus will blow the daily budget of any budget traveller and then some. It is common to hear backpackers throughout the Americas moan at just how expensive México is and wonder how locals can afford to live. It is not that México is expensive, I mean far from it when compared to the super power to the north, but in relation to the rest of Central America it is more pricey in the same way as Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina use to be to South America, and just like these countries it is transport and tourist hot spots that get you. Lets take the Yucatan for example, Cancún is nearer to Miami than México City and has many daily direct charter flights from Europe.

Such an influx of tourists, many who have considerable (by Mexican and backpacker standards), money to spread about is bound to push prices up. In addition the rapid development in México fuelled by the NAFTA agreement has brought in standards of services (such as buses of which many are excellent) that you just don't find in most other Latin American countries. For increased quality comes increased prices. Lets go back to that seemingly expensive bus journey from México City to Oaxaca. The bus will have AC, movies and the road is excellent. Much cheaper alternatives exist, of course you don't get AC and a movie, but you don't even get the same road since the good one is a toll road that the cost of using is the main contributor of the cost of your ticket. So take the cheaper bus if you want it to take twice as long. Let's be fair in the big scale of things the extra money is probably worth it. The analogy works with most things such as seemingly expensive food and accommodation. Enjoy México for the right reasons (take touristy attractions especially the Yucatan, like the tequila - with a pinch of salt), learn some Spanish, get off the beaten track and enjoy for along with Guatemala it is a real highlight of this region and one of the world's most underrated country's.

Highlights & Lowlights:

• Highlights: The a traditional route from the Capital South towards Central America will take in the following highlights: México City (inc. surrounding areas such as Teotihuacán), Palenque, Oaxaca and Porto Escondido - but that's only the tip of the ice berg. As a general rule of thumb the main tourist focus of the country is the Yucatán (where there's plenty to explore) and with direct flights from Europe and North America this is an obvious entry point for package tourists seeking sun/sea and backpackers heading for central America.
  
  Those who enter the country at Mexico DF the greatest temptation is to head South towards the well known aforementioned highlights and to Central America. Distances and/or limited time often put those heading this way off routes to the North and West of the capital. Discount or write off these routes at your expensive... among the less crowded highlights are: Guanajuato, a phenomenal colonial city, more Spain than Spain, great tunnels, architecture, mazes of alleys, college culture and street actors. Zacatecas, the beauty of this city at sunset can't easily be described; the food and museums are cheap and world class. The architecture is a great mix of Mexican and Moorish. Accommodation is great and seemingly hardly anyone on the circuit in Mexico gets here.
  
  San Miguel de Allende, despite the hype that its full of Americans, it rarely is. A great cathedral, wonderful cheap authentic food, perhaps the best nature preserve in all Mexico (the botanical gardens - over hundreds of acres - above town), one of the best hostel owners/hostel in Mexico, mellow street life, calm mornings, great art scene and Spanish schools await those who visit. Morelia, a colonial gem with amazing local artisans and street life, cathedrals are world class, food (try the sopa tarasca) is to die of.
  
  Another gem, abet a bit more well known is Real de Catorce, a little tiny town in the mountains of North Mexico. Very popular with the backpacker crowd due to its otherworldly landscape (the Mexican with Brad Pitt was filmed here) and Peyote usage by local Indians (and of course travellers), this little town has horseback riding (3$ US an hour) into the local mountains and deserts, a hippie market, and the place looks like a Sergio Leone/Clint Eastwood film. The journey itself is a highlight, with a bus along on the world's longest cobblestone road, into a one way tunnel through a mountain.
  
  Diving - On a world scale, there is some truly superb diving in Mexico. You can dive the cenotes in the Yucatan through caverns with stalagmites, stalactites and haloclines - it really is an incredible experience and pretty unique. There is also excellent reef diving on Cozumel, in Baja California, and you can snorkel with whale sharks in Holbox and Isla Mujeres.
  
  Many thanks to Eric Beecroft and Jason for sharing there expert knowledge here.
  
  
• Lowlights: If you are 21 or under have limited taste, possibly American, you will love Cancún. For most it's one of those loathsome place with only novelty value and nothing (unless you have a big budget to keep you there). Playa de Carmen and Cozumel Island are not far behind. The rate of change in these places on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan is unbelievable. See them to believe them. Large parts of the Yucatan are not so bad as to avoided.
  
  Another common complain along with the crowds and modernisation in tourist hot-spots is the simple fact that México is not a shoestring budget country when compared to Central America and long distances on buses kill a budget. On a more critical side not everyone is smitten by the highly and definitely over rated San Cristóbal de las Casas, where due to the history of up-risings and military presence in the area many of the 'cooler' travellers head to hang out and do little. San Cristóbal de las Casas is to backpackers what Cancún is to package tourists - a Mecca in México. For that reason if you don't have time to 'hang-out' or wind your way there on the bus you could happily give it a miss and spend your time elsewhere such as some of the great places listed above in the highlight section.
  
  Last, but not least the border towns of Tijuana and Cuidad Juarez (across from El Paso, Texas) are definite lowlights where trouble is extremely easy to find.
  

• Visa strategy: Tourist cards are issued free for 90 days at entry points for most nationalities.
  

Typical tourist trail: The majority of tourists disregard the north of the country (above México City) which is mainly dry and harsh and not particularly rich in highlights. Unless they are making trips from America into the spectacular scenery of Baja California or to the Copper Canyon (which are both highlights). The vast majority of tourists fly into the Yucatan and spend there time there. Those with a bit more time may start in México City which is brimming with things to see and do. From there a typical path may head either directly to Oaxaca or to the coast at Acapulco (or further north) and then down along the coast to Porto Escondido and then up to Oaxaca. From Oaxaca the trail heads to Palenque, either via Villahermosa or Cristóbal de las Casas. For here on either Guatemala or the many amazing temple sites of the Yucatan will call you.

Costs: Costs vary hugely for México depending on where you are and what you are doing. On the two ends of scale lets use Cristóbal de las Casas and Cancún for example, the latter and around US$30 won't get you too far especially if you want a drink or two. In the former lazing around in a hammock you would be hard pressed to spend half the Yucatan amount living pretty good. There is a definite tourist economy, with high prices and sometimes, unhelpful service. To avoid this as much as possible and find places used by locals a good understanding of Spanish really makes a difference. Another certain key to budget travel in Mexico is planning a good circuit route so as to backtrack as little as possible and keep those fund killing bus trips to a minimum.

• Money: ATMs are plentiful through-out much of the country and are a far more convenient way to carry money than travellers cheques. Any funds you take with you should be in USD. Credit cards can be used in some circumstances and are worth having.
  
  
• Getting around: México has a highly developed bus system with many different options and of course considering its size a large network of internal flights. Taking into consideration how developed the bus system is most will favour this rather than taking internal flights. For flying the most popular and recommended option is México City to Cancún or vice versa as this is a hell of a long way to backtrack if you have a flight out of say Cancún.
  
  
  • With regards to buses the subject could fill a web site alone. The system is both complicated and confusing and trying to understand it is impossible. Luckily you don't have to and in reality most Mexicans don't. At the end of the day anywhere you want to go there will be a bus going, you just have to find the station it goes from. Most cities have numerous stations (México DF has four). These may be split further by one for first class, one for second.. and so on. Just take it easy it is not too hard to get anywhere and buses are generally organised, clean and prompt - but no bargain.
    
    
  • There now exists three superior classes of bus plus second class buses. These are usually called Primera Plus, Futura and Ejecutiva. All these first class buses (not always all available), are excellent, but have prices about 40% higher than regular services making them really quite expensive for long journeys where you can do with the extra comfort. For most regular first class is the way to go, you still get AC, TV and a WC (for what they are worth).
    
    
  • Be aware that AC buses can get quite cool in the day and very cool at night. Have a sweater handy. Cheaper buses without AC and all the windows open are pleasant for shorter journeys. Films shown on buses are 50% of the time in English with Spanish sub-titles. When travelling over night front seats will keep you away for smelly toilets. On popular routes booking advance is often necessary and at busy times of the year (Christmas, August) very necessary, particularly in the Yucatan or in and out of México City. Due to the size of México it is more than likely you will have to do at least a few overnight trips.
    
    
  • Second class buses normally operate from a different terminal from 1st class buses and look a lot more antiquated. They call at towns and villages and use side roads that 1st class buses would never touch. For longer journeys 1st class buses are better, but on a second class bus with the windows wide open, music playing, local colour you have a great Mexican experience.
    
    
  • More info can be found in any guidebook and most major companies such as ADO (www.adogl.com.mx) have websites for more info, timetables and prices.
    
    
    
•  
  
  Guide book: The 7th edition Rough Guide is an excellent guide and our recommendation for a 'Mexico only' guide (Buy/view: in the USA (amazon.com), in Canada (amazon.ca) or in the UK (amazon.co.uk)), but so is the Lonely Planet and Footprint. The Footprint does however cover central America which may be of use to you and is therefore recommended.
  
  
• People vibe:
  
  
  • Locals: The friendliness of locals does vary dramatically especially in an out of tourist hot spots. There is a definite anti-gringo attitude around Cristóbal de las Casas and in other areas. However, on the whole if you speak Spanish Mexicans are wonderful people.
    
  • Other travellers: Various. Mainly European backpackers apart from on the Yucatan where the large numbers of tourists are mainly North American.
    
    
• Tourist factor: From 10/10 to 5/10. As with many countries, many spots get very crowded during the European/North American summer holidays and there is a signification increase in tourists/travellers.
  
  
• Accommodation: There is a wide range of accommodation in most places from very cheap dives to more expensive very nice rooms.
  
  
  • Hot water: In hotter areas and at the cheaper end, hot water may not always be available.
    
  • Average cost: From US$7 to US$30 (normally about in the middle). Found many cheap places that were very dirty and noisy so took a more expensive option. Prices are higher on the Yucatan and lower in backpacker hubs.
    
    
• Communications: Internet plentiful and good value.
  
  
• Media:
  
  
  • Books: American newspapers and magazines on the Yucatan. Elsewhere books and newspapers/magazines are in Spanish.
    
  • TV: Due to its proximity to American, cable TV is wide spread and always available in better hotels and in bars in tourist hot spots on the Yucatan, where sporting events are often shown. Cinemas in major cities are good quality.
    
    
• Food: México is all about food which outside of Asia has the best street food in the world. Don't be afraid just dive in. Smarter restaurants aimed at tourists can be quite expensive by comparison. The best value is always small family run places. The meal of the day or set menu (comida corrida - make sure they give you the menu with this on) as in the rest of Latin America is always the easiest and cheapest way to eat. There are many fast food restaurants, both Mexican and America and numerous supermarkets (with excellent bakeries) so eating cheap on the move is easy.
  
  
  • Vegetarians: Fine, although eating on street stalls and taking advantage of the cheap set meals of the day will be complicated and often not possible especially if you don't eat chicken.
    
    
• Hassle and annoyance factor: Limited, this is not Asia.
  
  
  • Women alone: Fine on the whole. Care is required same as everywhere.
    
    
• Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Fantastic Tequila and Mezcal bars, especially in Oaxaca. Great beer everywhere, but open air drinking places are not very common. Pot is plenty available in most places in particular along the pacific coast and any backpacker 'hubs'.