The post Planning a Visit to Mexico? Make Sure It’s During One of These Amazing Festivals appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>There are more than 5,000 festivals taking place in Mexico each year, so you will probably have the chance to witness some of them whenever you visit. However, the following ones are alone worth the trip.
Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe
Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe is dedicated to Mexico’s patron saint, Virgen de Guadalupe. The festival is celebrated across the country on December 12, with the biggest festivities taking Mexico City, where the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is situated. The festivities include the Dance of the Matachines, performances by dancers with colorful headdresses, fireworks, and live music.
Fiesta Grande de Chiapa
Fiesta Grande de Chiapa honors Saint Anthony Abbot, Our Lord of Esquipulas and Saint Sebastian, and is mainly celebrated in the city of Chiapa de Corzo. The festival was recognized for its tradition and importance by UNESCO, becoming part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010. The biggest event during Fiesta Grande de Chiapa, which takes place from January 8 to January 28, is performances by masked dancers known as Parachicos, who dance on the city streets from morning to night.
Día de los Muertos
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is Mexico’s biggest festival, celebrated in the first two days of November. Despite its somber name, the festival is actually largely cheerful, honoring the dead and celebrating life through humorous stories, gatherings, and food. Adults build colorful flowers, kids dress up in costumes and ask for gifts, while everyone writes humorous epitaphs in the form of short poems.
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]]>Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Surrounded by a mangrove forest on one end and the pearly white beach on the other, Grand Velas Riviera Maya is a holiday paradise like none other. With each cluster of suites acting as a mini hotel within the resort, the luxurious Grand Velas Riviera Maya has plenty of restaurants and swimming pools to choose from, as well as gyms to keep up your active lifestyle.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
This prehistoric-looking hotel is filled with stone facades and tropical foliage, helping you to relax and unwind from the moment you enter Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s doors. With ten restaurants, eight bars, and a kids club to choose from, this is an ideal location for an exciting yet equally harmonious vacation for the entire family.
Mahekal Beach Resort
If you dream of experiencing a true beach vacation on the sandy white shores overlooking the waves, then this is the resort for you. At Mahekal Beach Resort, you’ll get to sleep in palapa-topped bungalows surrounded by shady palm trees and offering a range of bars, restaurants, and a family-friendly pool.
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]]>The post 3 Reasons to Visit Oaxaca, Mexico appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Mole, Mezcal, and More
Oaxaca is often hailed as the culinary capital of Mexico. The region’s seven types of mole, complex sauces made with dozens of ingredients, are a must-try. For drinks, sample the local mezcal, a smoky agave spirit, at mezcalerías like La Mezcaloteca. Finish your culinary journey at the Mercado 20 de Noviembre, where you can taste local specialties like chapulines (toasted grasshoppers) and Oaxacan chocolate.
A Journey Through Time
Oaxaca’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases stunning colonial architecture. Start at the Zócalo (main square) to admire the 16th-century Oaxaca Cathedral. Then, visit the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, known for its ornate golden interior.
Solo Travel & Destinations (@gracefkim)The Artisan’s Touch
Visit the Mercado de Artesanías to find a wide array of local crafts, from intricate alebrije (brightly colored folk art sculptures) to black clay pottery from San Bartolo Coyotepec. For textiles, take a day trip to Teotitlán del Valle, where you can watch artisans create vibrant rugs using traditional weaving techniques.
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]]>The post 3 Great Countries for Birdwatching appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Costa Rica
Renowned as a biodiversity hotspot, Costa Rica offers birdwatchers an unparalleled opportunity to observe a stunning variety of bird species amidst its rich rainforests, cloud forests, and coastal habitats. With over 900 species recorded in the country, including colorful toucans, resplendent quetzals, and elusive hummingbirds, Costa Rica boasts one of the highest densities of avian life in the world. Visitors can explore national parks such as Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Corcovado National Park, as well as lesser-known birding hotspots like La Selva Biological Station and the Osa Peninsula.
Ecuador
Situated on the equator, Ecuador is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a diverse range of habitats that support an astonishing array of bird species. From the lush Amazon rainforest to the high-altitude páramo of the Andes and the pristine Galápagos Islands, Ecuador’s varied landscapes provide habitat for over 1,600 bird species, making it one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. Birdwatchers can marvel at iconic species such as the Andean condor, the magnificent frigatebird, and the colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock, as well as a plethora of hummingbirds, tanagers, and parrots.
Kenya
Known for its vast savannas, dense forests, and diverse ecosystems, Kenya is a top destination for birdwatchers eager to witness the spectacle of East African birdlife. Home to over 1,000 bird species, including the iconic African Big Five, Kenya offers birdwatching opportunities that are second to none. Visitors can explore national parks such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru, where they can spot an array of colorful species such as lilac-breasted rollers, superb starlings, and African fish eagles.
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]]>The post What to Do in Mexico City, Mexico appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Colonia Juárez
While previously dilapidated and neglected, Colonia Juárez has since become a bustling neighborhood filled with bars, parks, restaurants, and boutique stores. This is the perfect place to mingle with locals and truly breathe in everyday life in Mexico City.
Virro & Lola 
(@virroylola)Gran Hotel Ciudad de México
Opened in 1899 as a department store, this historic landmark has since transformed into a jaw-dropping hotel. With its antique, iron elevator and elegant curving staircase, the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México is an architect lover’s dream.
El Moro Churerría
Are you craving some delectable local cuisine? Well, there’s nothing better than snacking on some chewy and juicy churros dipped in dulce de leche sauce. El Moro Churerría is one restaurant that offers some of the most scrumptious churros around. What’s more, its located near the city center, making it an ideal place to eat when you’re out and about sightseeing and shopping.
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]]>The post Why You Must Visit Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Unmatched Biodiversity
Strap on your naturalist hat! Corcovado is a biodiversity hotspot, lauded by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” The rainforest has over 10,000 insect species, 375 bird species, and an incredible 160 reptile and amphibian species. Keep your eyes peeled for jaguars, pumas, tapirs, monkeys, and a dazzling array of colorful birds flitting through the jungle canopy.
Untamed Beauty
Corcovado National Park isn’t just about the wildlife. The park boasts a kaleidoscope of ecosystems, from dense rainforests to pristine beaches where the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean lap at the virgin shores. You can hike through verdant trails, feeling dwarfed by the towering trees, and emerge onto a secluded beach for a refreshing swim—a quintessential Costa Rican experience.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
If you crave an escape from the tourist crowds, Corcovado National Park delivers. Getting to this remote paradise requires a bit more effort, typically involving boat transportation or small planes. This, however, is part of the charm.
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]]>The post Here’s Why Nature Lovers Should Add Nicaragua to Their Travel List appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>The Coast
As mentioned, this country is bordered by two different oceans to the east and west. This means that there is an incredible abundance of stunning coastline, with tropical beaches and dramatic cliffs.
The Volcanoes
There are roughly 40 volcanoes in this amazing country, so you won’t run out of breathtaking areas to explore. These impressive volcanoes are ideal for hiking around or simply taking in their beauty.
The Lakes
This country is well known for its beaches, volcanoes, and also lakes. There are loads to discover of all different shapes and sizes. One of the best-known is Lake Nicaragua, which is the biggest freshwater lake in Central America.
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]]>The post Why You Should Visit Guatemala For Your Next Vacation appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>Guatemala City
Before heading to the wild, enjoy all of the attractions that Guatemala’s capital city has to offer. In addition to tasty restaurants and its bustling nightlife, there’s the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology to visit, filled with precious ancient Mayan artifacts.
Volcán De Pacaya
30 kilometers from the capital city is the Volcán de Pacaya, home to Guatemala’s most prominent volcanic chain. Having erupted in 1961 after 70 years of dormancy, it once again had a massive eruption in 2010.
Tikal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tikal is home to some of the most impressive ruins left over from the ancient Mayan civilization. Filled with pyramids and impressive temples, Tikal is worth a visit for any history lover. As you take in the breathtaking views, consider climbing up the steps of Temple IV, the tallest structure in Tikal if you’re feeling brave enough.
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]]>The post Here’s Why You Should Plan a Trip to Panama appeared first on tworeddots.com.
]]>The Panama Canal
This artificial waterway is fascinating and draws tourists in to marvel at the impressive design and the impact it has on maritime travel. The canal is over 40 miles long and connects the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, offering much wider opportunities for international trade. While it has a rather complicated past, it’s a truly wonderful sight to behold.
The Unique Coast
There are thousands of miles of coastline in this exciting country. This means that there are endless activities to try out, including surfing, swimming, diving, and fishing, or simply relaxing on a stunning beach. The abundance of coastline also means that Panama is the only place where you can see the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean and setting into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Biodiversity
Panama is a country with some of the most diverse wildlife due to the exciting range of habitats and ecosystems, including rainforests, mountains, and the ocean. You can find big cats such as jaguars and cougars, as well as loads of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and much more. You can also spot some cute and entertaining sloths.
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]]>Grand Velas Los Cabos
If a tropical summer vacation is on your mind, then why not make your way down to Los Cabos, Mexico? Here, you can stay at the Grand Velas, home to Michelin-star restaurant Cocina de Autor. If you desire an adults-only stay, then you can head to the Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, where you’ll be able to enjoy the Loto Robata Grill.
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit
Continuing your Mexican fiesta, there’s the all-inclusive Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, where you’ll be able to enjoy scrumptious cuisine at four specialty restaurants—Italian restaurant Lucca, local Mexican eatery Frida, French bistro Piaf, and Asian fusion restaurant Sen Lin.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
With 900 rooms, this sprawling hotel has no shortage of food on offer. Head down to the HA’ Restaurant for a Michelin star-worthy meal, or perhaps the Cantina Los Faroles for some Oaxacan delicacies.
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