Traditional Mexican Posadas

Mexican posadas are traditional fiestas celebrated during December. These celebrations take place on each of the nine nights leading to Christmas Eve, from the 16th to 24th of December. Traditionally, posadas are reenactments of Mary & Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay for the night.

Posadas begin with a procession in which participants hold candles and sing litanies. The recreation occurs in neighborhoods where participants go from one home to another while singing Christmas carols.

Photo Credit: Flickr @Omar Eduardo

A group of people will stay outside of the house and sing the part of Joseph asking for shelter while the people inside respond to the petition. The host (those inside the house) will eventually open the door and everyone goes inside.

Photo Credit: @acalidoniohn

Once inside the house, celebration starts! Hosts distribute food to all the guests (usually tamales & hot drinks such as ponche or atole)

If you visit Xcaret during these days, you can experience a Traditional Posada!

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DIY: Mexican Ponche

Ponche is a warm tropical-fruit beverage traditionally imbibed in Mexico during December, especially during the posadas.

Photo Credit: https://mas-mexico.com.mx/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Posadas_luces-vela.jpg

Ponche is made of seasonal fruits and although it isn't an exact science, it is usually made of sugar cane (caña), tejocotes (Mexican hawthorn), guava, cinnamon & piloncillo. Some people add apple, tamarind, prune & raisins.

The preparation is pretty simple. Peel & chop the sugar cane. Chop the rest of the fruits into bite-sized pieces. Put water in a pot, add piloncillo (or brown sugar), cinnamon and the rest of the fruits. Turn on the heat and let it simmer until the fruit is tender. Once it has boiled and the fruit is fork tender, the ponche is ready to be served. Taste the infusion and adjust the sweetness if necessary. 

Traditionally, ponche is served in clay mugs. Make sure to serve both fruits and ponche. Don’t forget to include a spoon or something to fish out and eat the fruit. For us, a great ponche includes "piquete," a shot of rum, tequila or mezcal. Any food or drink with "piquete" has liquor in it. Trust us, ponche with piquete is exquisite!

@capitalcondesa

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18 Ruins you must visit in Quintana Roo

What is the first archaeological site that comes to your mind when you think about Cancún? Chichén Itzá, right? Well, surprise! Although it is pretty close to Cancún it is not in Cancún. It's not even in the same state! Chichén Itzá ruins are located in Yucatán. Quintana Roo (the state where Cancún & the Riviera Maya are located) has 18 archaeological sites that surprisingly, are not that common! Have you been to all of these sites?

El Meco

Photo Credit: "El Meco" by HJPD is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Where is it? North of Cancún. Around 20 - 25 minutes from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: The site is open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs. Restrooms are available.
Fee: $55 MXN.
Why visit it? Given its location, it’s highly probable that it had an important significance in the navigation route along the coast. Don’t forget to take a picture of “El Castillo”!
Interesting facts: “El Meco” is actually a nickname that was given to a caretaker in the XIX century. In México, “El Meco” is a pejorative nickname given to people with genu varum (bow-legged).
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. No food or drinks are allowed. No flash pictures.
Plan to stay: 1 hour

San Miguelito

Where is it? Cancún Hotel Zone. At Museo Maya de Cancún. 15 - 20 minutes from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: The site is open from 9:00 - 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $55 MXN. Restrooms, parking lot, lockers & rest areas are available.
Why visit it? Conjunto Norte, Palacio Chaak, Conjunto de los Dragones & Conjunto Sur are must-see structures!
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing & sunscreen.
Plan to stay: 1 hour

El Rey

Photo Credit: "El Rey" by Xe3osc is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Where is it? Km. 18 on the Cancún Hotel Zone. 20 minutes away from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: The site is open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $55 MXN. Restrooms are available.
Why visit it? 1 of the 2 archaeological sites in the Hotel Zone!
Interesting facts: The name of this site was given due to an anthropomorphic figure that resembled a king.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing & sunscreen.
Plan to stay: 1 hour

Playa del Carmen

Photo Credit: Xaman - Ha" by Amazing Templates

Where is it? Playacar, Playa del Carmen. 1 hour away from the Cancún International Airport.

Why visit it? Closest ruins to Playa del Carmen!

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent.

Plan to stay: 1 hour

Xcaret

Photo Credit: "Xcaret" by AMAPO is licenced under CC BY-SA 3.0 

Where is it? Next to Xcaret Park. 1 hour from Cancún International Airport.

Things to consider: The site is open from 9:00 - 15:00 hrs.
Fee: $65 MXN. Restrooms are available. This fee covers only access to the archaeological site, not the entrance to Xcaret Park.

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent.

Plan to stay: 1 - 2 hours

Rancho Ina - CALICA

Photo Credit: "La Casa Azul" by Luis Adrián Rojas Yáñez.

Where is it? Tulum - Cancún Highway, South of Playa del Carmen. 15 minutes from Downtown Playa del Carmen.
Things to consider: The site is located within CALICA’s property, so it is not formally open to public access. Visits must be arranged through INAH at least 7 days beforehand!

Why visit it? CALICA is a representative site of the Mayan post-classic mural painting of the area.

Recommendations: All visitors must be accompanied & follow the instructions given by a CALICA member staff.  Sandals are prohibited, wear tennis or closed shoes.

Plan to stay: 1 hour

San Gervasio

Photo Credit: "San Gervasio" by Banja-Frans Mulder licensed under CC BY 3.0

Where is it? Cozumel. Around 30 minutes from the Cozumel Ferry Pier.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $70 MXN + additional fees charged by the Fundación de Parques y Museos de Cozumel. Restrooms, parking lot, handicrafts store & convenience store are available.
Why visit it? Manitas, Chichán Nah, El Álamo & Nohoch Nah are some of the must-see structures at San Gervasio.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

El Caracol - Punta Sur

Photo Credit: https://www.encirclephotos.com/image/tumba-del-caracol-at-punta-sur-near-san-miguel-cozumel-mexico/

Where is it? Punta Sur, Cozumel. 30 min from the Cozumel Ferry Pier.
Things to consider: There are no restrooms on the site. There is no cost for visiting the site, but since the ruins are located within the Ecological Reserve of Punta Sur, the entrance to the park must be paid.  -Adult: $14 USD    -Child: $8 USD
Why visit it? Although it is a rather small structure, the peculiar decoration of the roofing of the building makes it a unique structure in the region. El Caracol at Punta Sur offers a marvelous sight of the Punta Sur Sea of Cozumel!

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Xelhá

Where is it? 115 Km. South of Cancún. 16Km. to the North of Tulum. 1 hour from the Cancun International Airport.
Some things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hours.
Fee: $70 MXN. Restrooms and parking lot are available.
Why visit it? Take a look at the Mural Painting in "Los Pájaros" building
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 1 - 2 hours

Tulum

Photo Credit: "Tulum" by Popole Chien is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Where is it? 128 Km. South of Cancún. 1:30 hours from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hours.
Fee: $70 MXN. Restrooms and parking lot are available.
Why visit it? Privileged location & great shape of the structures & mural paintings.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 1 - 2 hours

Cobá

Where is it? 109 Federal Highway to Nuevo Xcan. 47 km north-west of Tulum. 2:10 hours from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:30 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $70 MXN. There is a parking lot (fee must be paid) & restrooms. There are some near places with food & handicrafts for sale. There are guides available also.
Why visit it? You can climb the ruins!
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Muyil

"Muyil" by Pierre-Selim Huard licensed under CC BY 4.0

Where is it? Federal Highway 307. 25 Km southeast of Tulum. Around 2 hours away from Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $45 MXN. Restrooms, rest areas & parking lot are available.
Why visit it? Less visited than Chichén Itzá & Tulum!
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Chacchoben

Photo Credit: "Chacchoben by Texcarson licensed under CC BY SA 3.0"

Where is it? 293 Federal Highway to Chunhuhub - Merida. 37 Km. North of Bacalar. 3:30 hours from Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $60 MXN. Restrooms, touristic information, handicrafts, food & parking lot available for an extra charge.
Why visit it? Las vasijas, la gran plaza, gran basamento & los gemelos are must-see structures!

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Kinichná

Photo Credit: @andresv.marin

Where is it? Chetumal - Escárcega Federal Highway 186. Close to the town of Morocoy. 5 hours away from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $60 MXN. Restrooms are available.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Dzibanché

Where is it? Chetumal - Escárcega Federal Highway 186. Close to the town of Morocoy. 5 hours away from the Cancún International Airport.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $60 MXN. Restrooms are available.

Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Oxtankah

Photo Credit: Vist Chetumal

Where is it? Chetumal - Calderitas Highway. 5 hours from Cancún International Airport. 25 min from Chetumal.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $55 MXN. Restrooms, parking lot & information center are available.
Why visit it? Oxtankah is the city with more relevance discovered in Bahía de Chetumal. Also, there's a round temple with a spiral ramp.
Some recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Chakanbakán

Where is it located? Chetumal - Escárcega Highway. 5 hours from Cancún International Airport. 1:10 hours from Downtown Chetumal.
Things to consider: The site is not open for public access. Visits must be arranged through INAH. No restrooms available.
Why visit it? It is considered an ecological reserve. Don’t forget to visit: Acrópolis, Ukuchilbaxal, Kihuiksinan, Uchbenbut & Kulpool.
Interesting facts: Most of the structures in this site haven’t been explored!
Recommendations: Bring water.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

Kohunlich

Where is it? Chetumal - Escárcega Federal Highway 186. 5 hours from the Cancún International Airport. 1 hour from Bacalar.
Things to consider: Open from 8:00 - 17:00 hrs. Last access is at 16:30 hrs.
Fee: $70 MXN. Restrooms are available.
Why visit it? Visit Temple of the Masks, 27 steps & residential buildings.
Interesting facts: The name of this site comes from the english “Cohune ridge”, which is related to the existence of Cahoon Trees in the area.
Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, sunscreen & insect repellent. No food or drinks allowed. No flash pictures.
Plan to stay: 2 - 3 hours

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Which is the best seafood for you?

When you visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya you have to feel it, breathe it, sleep it and most importantly, eat the Riviera Maya. And by that, we mean that you have to try some of the seafood recipes cooked here.

You’ve probably heard from some friends that they didn’t like this or that and you don’t want to order something you’re not going to enjoy. That’s why we bring you a brief explanation of the most popular seafood so you can enjoy your perfect meal.

Fish

If you’re going to eat seafood and don’t want to take any risks, this is the go-to option. It has the most neutral flavor among all seafood, so the important thing to look for are the complements.

The texture is soft and, depending on how it is cooked, it could feel as if it dissolves on your mouth. It can be prepared in very different ways including breaded, in soup, with garlic sauce, roasted or in ceviche, which is a combination of different vegetables and A LOT of lime juice.

However you prefer it, fish is the simplest flavor among seafood, it’s similar to chicken but softer. If you don’t like it, you probably won’t like seafood.

Shrimp

It has a rougher texture and a stronger flavor than fish, yet it’s a favorite among tourists and locals for its flavor and multiple ways of preparation.

Our favorite way to eat this seafood is on the traditional shrimp cocktail which is made combining lime juice, ketchup, onion, avocado and, of course, shrimp. Other great ways to eat it is breaded, buttered, with garlic sauce, breaded with coconut (my personal favorite) and so many others.

Oysters

This one is definitely a hit or miss. Many people love them, many others consider it the most disgusting thing in the world, the only real way to know if you’ll like them is to try them for yourself.

The oysters’ flavor is extremely salty and concentrated and they have a gooey texture; it’s definitely weird but not bad, especially if it’s well flavored.

Crab

This one is a bit more difficult to find, depending on how you want to eat it. To enjoy the full experience you have to try it straight from the shell.

Crab tastes a lot more “meaty.” It holds a lot of flavor and can be cooked in a variety of ways which add more flavor to the mix. With a good white wine, crab is a must try.

Lobster

The fanciest and most expensive seafood on our list. Lobster is usually saved for special occasions and important events, but it doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket. If you know where to look, you can enjoy it within a budget reach.

One of our favorite ways to eat this delicious food is on pizza, I know it may sound weird, but it’s very popular on Holbox. The taste is close to shrimp, but when it’s properly cooked, it lives up to its price.

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The most "Instagramable" places on the Riviera Maya

Let’s be honest, we love taking pictures and showing them off on the internet, especially if we’re in a place like Cancun and the Riviera Maya where gorgeous pictures are almost taken by themselves.

Nowadays, it is important to have your adventures immortalized on Instagram and, to do so, you have to know the perfect spot to take a picture (a process that can take several hours depending on how perfectionist you are). That’s why we bring you our list of the most “instagramable” places on the Riviera Maya.

Bacalar Lagoon

An often forgotten beauty of the Riviera Maya is the magical Bacalar, which hosts one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Once you get there, you'll instantly find the perfect spot for taking pictures.

MUSA

The Underwater Museum of Art speaks for itself. It's a unique and amazing experience in the world, and if you have the chance to take pictures, they will be memorable.

Alux Restaurant

There are two things we know Instagram loves: food and unique places. Fortunately, Alux Restaurant has both. Imagine yourself enjoying a gourmet dinner inside a cave. Well, that's what you'll get here.

Kaan Luum Lagoon

Located a few minutes away from Tulum, this gorgeous place is perfect to spend an afternoon chilling and taking pictures.

Cenote Ik Kil

One of the most popular places on the list. The scene here seems made to be the perfect photo spot for any Instagram enthusiast that wants memorable moments.

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