The Mexican Water of Life

By Robert Nickel

Tequila is what the Mexican people like to call the 'water of life'. They also deem the beverage to be a gift from the Gods for the Hispanic people. Legend tells us the Aztec people living in Mexico saw a lightning bolt strike a Blue Agave plant, causing the liquid inside to boil. After it cooled down the elders tasted the nectar and loved the sweetness of it. They soon developed their own way of duplicating the process, and added a fermentation stage. The drink was called octli, and later pulque.

It wasn't until 1521 that tequila, as the beverage we know now, was produced near the village of Tequila. It is likely a more watered down, less syrupy beverage than what the Aztecs made. But just as fun. When the Spanish decided to take over the region, they distilled tequila when the brandy ran dry. In 1600 Don Pedro Sanchez de Tagle began mass-producing tequila.

The village of Tequila is located about 342 kilometers inland from Puerto Vallarta, in the province of Jalisco. If you are looking at Puerto Vallarta vacation packages, consider one that includes a day trip to Tequila. The drive takes just over four hours, but with an organized tour, scheduled stops will take place to explore Aztec ruins and Agave plantations. The village of Tequila is now recognized as part of the World Heritage List for its preservation of ancient distilleries and Agave plantations.

Current Mexican law states that tequila can only be produced in the province of Jalisco, and is even limited to a few states with in the province. The word tequila is even copywritten. Therefore any tequila served in Puerto Vallarta hotels will always be genuine tequila made within the immediate region.

There are two kinds of tequila: Mixtos and pure Blue Agave. Mixtos contains 51% Blue Agave and 49% glucose and fructose sugars. It has a sweeter, less abrasive alcohol taste than the 100% Agave tequila. As with any aged spirit, the beverage takes on the flavors of the wood casket it is aged in, allowing the harshness of the alcohol to mellow while the vegetal flavor of the Agave becomes more prevalent.

Reposada is tequila that has 'rested' for a minimum of two months, but less than a year, in barrels made of oak. The barrels can be just small gallon size or as large as 20,000 liters. The larger the barrel, the more complex the flavors. As with Rum or Brandy barrels, some distilleries char their barrels before filling. The charred barrel adds a smokiness to the flavor.

Most people of heard of the 'worm' in the bottle of tequila. Actually it is not a worm, it is the larvae of a moth species that has infested the Blue Agave plant. When an infestation occurs, it means the tequila is of a lower quality and likely will not have the full-bodied flavor of premium tequila. The marketing gimmick of putting larvae in the tequila bottle began in the 1940's, but people still seem to believe it means the tequila is good quality. Considering the source of the drink, its ancient history and the advanced aging process, tequila should be in the same category as Cognac or Port.

A vacation in Puerto Vallarta is not complete without a good education on all the different cocktails made with tequila. Hotels in Puerto Vallarta can help out with beverages like the Bloody Aztec, made of tequila, cream, creme de cacao and red food coloring. A Brave Bull is tequila and Kahlua. Charro Negro is tequila and cola. A standard beverage in Mexico is Paloma, which is a Margarita made with white grapefruit juice. Ask the bartender in your hotel or resort for his recommendation on a brand of tequila. There are many to choose from, and you will always want the expert advice of a local.

About the Author:

BookIt.com is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Find great deals on puerto vallarta vacation packages at BookIt.com!

Planning Your Cabo San Lucas Adventure

By Paul Garnett

Cabo San Lucas is indeed a perfect place for everyone. Whether you are a golfer or a surfer, a beach addict or a scuba diving enthusiast, there are always activities that await you in Cabo San Lucas. The place boasts of golf courses, of beaches that are not only for those who love paddling on the shores but also for those who want to explore its marine life. Even staying in the luxurious hotels in Cabo will surely please you and let you enjoy the place fully.

So whether you are looking forward to a game of golf, or getting into the thrills of zip line adventures and rock climbing or just sunbathing along the shores, Cabo San Lucas is definitely one good place for a vacation.

You may find it hard in budgeting your time when you are in Cabo San Lucas so it is always wise to plan your vacation carefully and list down what you want to do while you are there. Among the things you might want to include in your list are the following.

Join a cruise. Cruise ships from the Pacific often visit Cabo San Lucas, so you can join those cruises. You can also opt to privately charter a sailboat for your snorkeling or whale watching cruises or join a dinner and sunset cruise offered by plenty of touring and cruising companies.

Cruising in Cabo will allow you to experience the beautiful waters of Cabo at the same time enjoy a beautiful scenery that you will best enjoy when looking at the place from a distance.

You can include whale watching on your list as well. Whales often take shelter at the Magdalena Bay in Cabo San Lucas, thus at certain times of the year, usually from January to March, whale watching is one good adventure to take.

ATV riding and horseback riding can also be fun activities. Cabo San Lucas has a desert where you can enjoy an ATV ride or a tour of the place on horseback. If you are on honeymoon, you might likely enjoy a relaxing horseback riding adventure on the beach.

If you love challenge and competition, you can participate in their fishing tournaments or you might want to challenge your friends in golfing. If you want a more relaxing fishing adventure, you can also do that aboard yachts where you can do fishing while enjoying a good cruise around Cabo.

There may be so many things to do in so little time so better plan your vacation wisely, find activities that will surely make your Cabo vacation the grandest of them all.

About the Author:

Author Paul Garnett wrote this article on behalf of Villa Pelicano, a Villa For Rent in Cabo San Lucas. If you will be planning a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico sometime soon, please consider this beautiful Cabo Rental Home. For rates and more information, please visit VillaPelicanoCabo.com.

Scheduling A Mexico Vacation

If you have never journeyed to Mexico at all, you might be curious as to what is so great in Mexico and the reasons why you should vacation there. Mexico is mostly renowned for their beaches, although beaches are not the only thing which can be found within Mexico as it's also famous for the rich history and society. All through the country, particularly in Mexico City, there are a lot of places which offer informative excursions and facilities. If you are keen on integrating some education into your family getaway to Mexico, you will discover a number of museums to visit.

Mexico City is renowned for the educational facilities where you could effortlessly locate a number of museums that are aimed at both children and adults. Along with seeing what the country is all about, you and the family would walk away with valuable information. Dependant upon how old your kids are, this knowledge might not just help them understand Mexico's culture, but it may aid them in their schoolwork too.

Understanding the importance of both the history and culture of Mexico is not the only method which learning can be incorporated into the getaway. All along the coastline of Mexico, you may find a number of Oceanside places that offer fun, stimulating, and even educational pursuits which may include aquatic shows or even oceanographic museums.

Along with incorporating education into the family getaway, a Mexican vacation allows you and your family to spend more time with each other and maybe, that's the biggest advantage to planning a vacation in Mexico. Many families, because of hectic diaries, many times discover it difficult to spend uninterrupted time together although when visiting Mexico, you'll discover that interruptions are often nonexistent.

While Mexico is a great destination for family vacations, it is additionally a great place for people seeking to experience a romantic vacation. If you want to leave the kids with a caregiver, both you and your spouse could enjoy a romantic getaway.

Mexico is most known for its beautiful beaches and beach resorts and these places are often thought romantic environments and all along the coast there are private beach resorts along with popular beach locations. One of the Advantages of taking a romantic vacation is the time that you will be able to spend with your partner. If you want this time to be private and intimate, you'll want to consider vacationing at a private beach area.

One among the numerous benefits of going to Mexico, no matter if your vacation is a romantic getaway or a family outing, is the price. Most individuals automatically assume that vacationing in this country is expensive and out of their reach and though it's a fact that setting up a Mexican getaway might be pricey, it does not have to be. There are a number of popular beach resorts, spa resorts, and golf resorts that cater to those who are seeking to have a great vacation while on budget. With a little bit of research, it may be possible for you to find and get Mexico travel bargains therefore it's plain to see that there's a lot of benefits to vacationing in Mexico. No matter when that you travel or where precisely you travel to in the country, you are certain to enjoy the incredible benefits talked about in this article.

Alia Jae is an exciting travel buff that will give you the most helpful and insightful travel advice. If Mexico is your choice spot for a vacation you may want to check out http://www.bukisa.com/articles/87198_popular-mexico-destinations to help you plan your next Mexico adventure.

Mexico: Why Make it Your Destination?

By Ving Parradiao

A lot of eager tourists and travelers hit the skies and the roads every year. Some of them headed for the beautiful country of Mexico. So what Mexico the perfect choice? Why make it your choice of destination?

There will probably be thousands of reasons why Mexico is a good travel spot. The first reason is because of the many activities that it can offer you. It is not only know for its long stretch of spectacular beaches but more so, of a very rich history and culture.

If you want to schedule a vacation in this place, it is highly encouraged that you check out its past and heritage to make your stay even more worthwhile. Throughout the country, you will find several locations which offer educational activities to tourists. You can also just visit any of its museums and get a real good kick at how their rich and beautiful past was all about.

Several educational museums are scattered all over the country. Some of which are geared especially for kids while some are for adults. Given this, you and your family are sure to walk away with valuable information. This knowledge will also be helpful for the kids, not just in understanding Mexican culture but even more importantly, in understanding life and the globe at large.

Apart from the history and culture, you can also try several oceanside facilities along Mexico's coast line. These facilities will offer you and your family fun, exciting and worthwhile educational activities. Most of which included aquatic shows and ocean museums.

Apart from the fun and the knowledge that you can have, you and your family also gets a good opportunity to spend time together. When you're in the city, you focus of a wide range of daily routines. You forget or have no time for quality time. Mexico offers your a spot where you can enjoy each other without further interruptions.

Mexico is not only perfect for families. It is also an ideal romantic destination for lovers. A romantic getaway between a couple, no matter and when and where it held makes the relationship healthier. Mexico has its ways of making it even more exciting and meaningful.

Some of Mexico's romantic spots are the beautiful beaches and resorts. Along the coast of Mexico, you are sure to find a wide range of popular beach destinations. This romantic environment allows you to spend time alone with your partner. If you want everything to be private and intimate, consider going to a private beach resort with your sweetheart.

Contrary to what most people believe in, vacationing in Mexico is not really as expensive. All you need is a little creativity and you are sure to find brilliant ways to spend your vacation fun and worthwhile without having to spend too much. You can find famous spa resorts, beach resorts and gold courses which offer to those who are traveling on a tight budget. A quick research will give you a good idea of finding out Mexico's best deals.

Mexico always makes a good vacation spot. You will just have to see it for yourself.

About the Author:

Why not visit cable beach bahamas or cable beach nassau bahamas for loads of summer vacation fun?!

Getting Around Playa Del Carmen Cheap

By Chris Higgen

Vacationing in Playa Del Carmen comes extremely endorsed by families. The region really is the perfect Mexican Carribean beach vacation. Maybe you want to fly into Cancun, but staying there can be stressful. Playa is half an hour away, and a world of difference. Another option is checking out the nearby Riviera Maya. Here you can still find authentic Mexico.

There is so much to do in Playa. They include both fly fishing, exploring a fascinating city scuba diving and visiting the fascinating Grand Coco Bay Playa Del Carmen and Xel-Ha where you will discover plants and wildlife priceless masterpieces of the earth.

Feed the dolphins and make new friends! If you are truly adventurous, then there is zip lining over the top of the jungle canopies.You can ride the horses in many different locations. If you are adventerous, then check out the jungles which can be reached on horseback. There is always running on the beach and in the surf.

Hopping in a boat over to Cozumel will satisfy even the most intrepid of tourists.

Playa's bigger, crazier brother Cancun is half an hour away. So those two popular destinations are available as day trips when you choose to make your vacation stay in quieter Playa Del Carmen.

A great stress reliever is staying at a hotel that is all inclusive, they save time and money and effort. You can check your worries at the door, these places are designed to be havens of peace. Not even worrying about how much to tip (propena in spanish) since truly everything is included in the bill.

Everybody gets a vacation here. The children can participate in hotel sponsored events. The parents can relax in some much deserved peace and quiet. It's a great romantic escape

In this tough economy, Playa Del Carmen offers an affordable and unforgettable family vacation.

About the Author:

Playa Del Carmen Mexico provide an unforgettable escape from the norm spot in the Yucatan. You have to investigate Playa on your next Mexico vacation!

Getting Good Cancun Vacation Deals

By Brandon

Cancun, Mexico is located on the Yucatan peninsula, and is known as the Mexican Caribbean, with its white beaches and bright blue water. Apart from being a popular vacation destination, it is also home to over 500,000 citizens. As a vacationer, therefore, you have plenty of places to choose from - whether as near the beaches as possible, or deeper in the city to get the feel of the "real" Cancun. It all depends on why you're going there!

Because of its popularity, accommodations near the touristy hotspots can be quite expensive. What you get in being "right there" at the center of things, without having to waste time taking buses, taxis or limos to your destinations, you pay for.

On the other hand, if you're willing to expand your horizons a little, and look at hotels or locations closer to the actual city, you can find some inexpensive deals, but of course, then you have to pay more to get where you want to go by taxi or bus, and there's the time factor involved there as well.

That's why research is so important, and the easiest way to do research these days is to scope out Cancun on the Internet. You'll want to conduct a two-pronged approach to your research. First, you'll want to find out about the city itself, from such sites as Wikipedia or even their own official website.

Whether you're single, a couple, or a family, there are all sorts of activities for you to do in Cancun, but you'll want to know about them before you arrive.

Once you decide where you want to go and how long you can stay, then you have to start doing the research on the least expensive lodgings...or if expense really isn't an issue, you still want to get the best value for the money that you are paying.

To that end, there are websites such as Orbitz and Priceline that allow you to compare prices for hotels, airplane tickets, and so on. Before booking into the cheapest hotel - check out their websites, to make sure you know exactly what you're getting.

Vacation and tour packages are also a viable option. It's always more fun to go places with a group of people whom you know, or who share similar interests. Consult a professional travel agent to see what they can offer you, to ensure that you get the best Cancun deal possible.

About the Author:

Get more helpful tips and information on various cancun vacation packages deals you can look for through my website on various cancun vacation packages

Top Ten Places to Visit on Your Next Vacation

Not sure where to go on vacation next year? Looking for a place to relax, have fun, maybe get a little adventurous and meet real people? Well here's my short list of unique, fun-filled vacation destinations:

1. Mexico - If you are looking for a place where you can experience everything you ever wanted and then some, consider versatile and exciting Mexico! There is a large selection of vacation packages to choose from in Mexico: beautiful beaches, cool hotels and exotic historic interests. Popular tourist spots like Acapulco and Guadalajara are great if you like the nightlife and are looking for something a little crazy and wild. Mexico is also well-known for its breathtaking landscapes: deserts, quaint resorts, mountains, villages and jungles.

2. Aruba is another very popular tourist destination for those who are looking for pleasant, sunny climates. Aruba's coast is resplendent with beautiful white sand beaches both to the south and west. After a full day of water activities, make sure you save some energy for the famous carnivals held annually between January and February.

3. Hawaii is one of the most highly visited places in the world. You will love Hawaii's pleasant climate, warm hospitality, amazing volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. This island has so many tourist spots you'll need more than just a week to hit them all. If you enjoy hiking, you'll love the experience even more when traversing the countryside near the Hawaiian volcanoes.

4. France - Be amazed by all that France has to offer from its beautiful architectural attractions to its wonderful cultural history. Whether you choose to visit the large bustling cities or the small countryside villages and vineyards, French food, wine, and culture will make your vacation a memorable one.

5. Machu Picchu, Peru - This is a world wonder you must make time to visit! The mysterious lost Inca civilization will be not only a new hiking experience, but also a very tangible lesson in ancient archaeological finds. Visit the ancient Inca villages and temples and travel throughout the astoundingly beautiful countryside. Imagine the stories you will tell your family and friends when you get back.

6. Swiss Alps - If you are looking for an adventure-filled vacation, check out the Haute Route in the Swiss Alps. This place is a haven of adventure, interesting culture and hospitality.

7. New York City - Wow, New York City is packed with sights! From the Empire State Building, to Ellis Island, to the Statue of Liberty and much more, you will find a feast for the eyes around every city corner. While touring the city don't forget to stop at a corner vendor to try one of NYC's famous hot dogs or pretzels.

8. Thailand - Learn why Thailand is called "The Land of Smiles." This place has so much to offer: friendly natives, cool destinations, a welcoming culture and fascinating civilizations. Thailand is filled with exotic sights and historic beautiful temples that are sure to bring a smile to your face, too.

9. Los Angeles - One taste of LA's beautiful sunny weather and you'll know why the rich and famous settle around here. You can tour the homes of some of your favorite stars and visit many different attractions. But don't wear yourself out all day, because LA has a tremendous nightlife, with restaurants and bars known for their exotic meals and entertainment.

10. Las Vegas - Go ahead, walk on the wild side and see what all the buzz is about when you visit Sin City. Las Vegas is yet another destination where a week isn't enough time to see all the sights, live shows and still hit the casinos. No matter what your schedule, though, be sure to try the Gondola Ride at the Bellagio, a must-do attraction. And always remember, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

Elaine Rojas is a writer, entrepreneur and inveterate traveler and is partner in an e-commerce site, http://www.tikanchay.com that sells handcrafted jewelry from Peru using native materials and the highest quality silver jewelry.

Mexico's Hidden Jewels

By: Ricardy Banks

Thinking of a vacation to Mexico but want to go somewhere different off the beaten path? Here are some ideas for destinations in Mexico that will take you beyond Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

Isla Mujeres, located only eight miles across the bay from Cancun, is a tiny island only five miles long and about a half mile wide. Translated, Isla Mujeres means the "Island of Women". No, it is not a hidden commune filled with females but it is a charming and tranquil fishing village. It has shops, restaurants and about a dozen or so small hotels where you can rest your head.

With a downtown area consisting of only four or five blocks, this makes Isla Mujeres everything that the big tourist areas in Mexico are not. Surrounded by white sand beaches on all sides, snorkeling and scuba diving are popular in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Kayaks, snorkeling gear, and other water toys can be rented on the beach and fishing, sailing and even swimming with dolphins is available here. Isla Mujeres has something for every one of all ages and is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Mexico.

Another great Mexico vacation spot that is often overlooked is Cabo San Lucas. Its location at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, gives it an ideal climate of about 78 degrees year round. Once a tranquil fishing village, Cabo has evolved into a wonderful spot for vacationers but remains small and charming. Small however does not mean boring, there are many things to do in Cabo.

Deserted beaches, on both the Pacific coast and along the shoreline of the Sea of Cortez, make Cabo San Lucas an awesome beach vacation. If you enjoy water sports, boating, marlin fishing, horseback riding and golf, you will enjoy Cabo. Golf has become very popular in the area and there are five championship golf courses already here and more on the way.

Cabo San Lucas is a perfect vacation spot for those looking for something different. It can be quiet and relaxing for a romantic getaway or it can be a place where you will keep going till you drop with the whole family.

Another one of Mexico's jewels is Tulum. You will find Tulum about an hours drive south of Playa Del Carmen on the Mayan Coast. Tulum is best known for its Mayan ruins. Small but impressive, the ruins are perched high on top of limestone cliffs that offer a breathtaking view below of the sparkling Caribbean and a romantic coastline.

The little town of Tulum is slowly expanding and there are several very good local restaurants and a few on the beach in the smattering of hotels in the area. Accommodations range from five star boutique hotels to rustic cabanas.

Tulum offers the perfect mixture of tranquility, relaxation and seclusion but still gives you the option of exciting nearby attractions. Day trips in the area are always a good choice and the Eco-tourism experiences are limitless.

It is a much slower paced vacation and a combination of 3-4 days in Playa Del Carmen and 2-3 days in Tulum is a great way to combine the best of both worlds in these treasured spots.

Author Resource: Ricardy Banks is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be
sure to visit her other websites Jewelery, Travel and Personal Finance

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