|
 Since
the general interest these days is to stay a bit closer to home, we have
decided to focus on the wonderful history of our neighbors to the south:
Mexico and Central America. Their proximity to each other makes them a
natural combination for this issue.
The region abounds with
monuments and history, ranging from the pre-Columbian cultures of the
Maya, Toltecs, Olmecs and other civilizations to the great colonial-era
cities, to today’s eight sovereign nations. We hope this issue will
broaden the region’s scope in readers’ eyes.
Mexico with its diverse
geography of mountains, beaches, valleys and deserts, offers a wealth of
travel opportunities. Rich in history, culture, archeological sites,
natural wonders and great regional cuisines, most any traveler there can
find a location to suit his interests.
Central America, with
its geographically compact seven countries, offers the same wealth of
attractions, although with the inconvenience of many more borders to
cross.
This
month's tour hosts review:
|
Albee Adventures
Pick of
the Month |
|
Location: Central America: Costa Rica, Belize,
Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Panama |
|
Specialty: Custom-designed tours offering both single
and multi-day itineraries |
| Why
We Like Them: Albee's site offers a wealth of great information on the
countries it visits and a complete list of available trips.
With both a knowledgeable and responsive New York staff and
local contacts in all the countries it serves, Albee
Adventures insures that its travelers always have personal
contacts and assistance at every stage of their trip. |
| |
|
Far Horizons Archaeological & Cultural Trips |
|
Location: Central America: Honduras, Belize, Guatemala,
Mexico |
| Specialty:
Archaeological and indigenous heritage, trips lead by
specialists in the field |
| Why
We Like Them: Founded by a Mayan archaeologist in 1982, Far
Horizons offers small group tours to destinations of
scientific and cultural significance. The small group size
allows travelers to visit places normally our of reach to
larger groups. Due to the company's close relationships with scientists
and archeologist in the field, most trips feature meeting
with the local specialists for a deeper understanding of the
current culture and past achievements. |
| |
|
Siesta Tours |
|
Location: Mexico |
| Specialty:
Mexico’s Colonial Cities, the Yucatan and Oaxaca |
| Why
We Like Them: Siesta Tours creates trips primarily for museums and
prearranged groups, resulting in highly focused experiences.
Since many of these groups allow outside participation,
travelers joining one of these trips have the advantage of
extremely knowledgeable local guides and specialists
from the organizing institute. Siesta Tours' only focus is
Colonial Mexico. The knowledge that Marion Bayer, the
company’s president, brings to all the arrangements, and the
access to sites not normally open to the casual tourist, is
exceptional. |
|
Article: The Day of the Dead Comes Alive in
Oaxaca |
| |
|
Mayatour |
|
Location: Central America: Costa Rica, Belize,
Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, and Mexico |
| Specialty:
Archeological tours to Mayan sites |
| Why
We Like Them: A focused study of Mayan archeological sites
throughout Mexico and Central America. Set departure
itineraries, but Mayatour can also create individual tours and
offer its set tours for special departures for groups of
four or more. Fantastic local lodges and expert guides
provide a great introduction to the mysteries and history of
the Mayan culture. General interest trips to their other
destinations are available as well. |
| |
|
Adventure Specialists |
|
Location: Copper Canyon, Mexico |
| Specialty:
Horseback and hiking trips into Copper Canyon |
| Why
We Like Them: Adventure and archeological tours led by experts in the
field. These trips allow travelers to experience the natural
beauty of Copper Canyon’s local history, lost archeological
sites and native peoples by horse or walking trek. Explore
hidden waterfalls and learn about the local birds and
animals from local experts. |
| |
|
Aper Tours Photography School |
|
Location: San Cristóbal Mexico |
| Specialty:
Photography tours in locations around Mexico |
| Why
We Like Them: By utilizing the diverse landscapes and meeting the
local people, students not only receive a great photographic
education but a chance to experience the local culture. The
exact itineraries of the trips are created upon arrival
based on the interest of the students and create a personal
experience for each participant. |
| |
|
Canyon Travel |
|
Location: Mexico’s Western Sierra Madre |
| Specialty:
Natural history trips and visits to indigenous peoples |
| Why
We Like Them: Canyon Travel is dedicated to developing sustainable
tourism in the Sierra Madre and assisting the local
communities to prosper by utilizing the beauty and natural
resources to develop tourism for future generations. Its eco-tourism trips are lead by knowledgeable local guides and
all trips meet with native peoples for an deeper
appreciation and understanding of the local area and
indigenous peoples. |
| |
|
EcoTourismo Yucatan |
|
Location: Mexico’s
Yucatan Peninsula |
| Specialty:
Eco-tours of the Yucatan with a focus on Mayan civilization |
| Why
We Like Them: Tours are created to
focus on past cultures, both pre and post-colonial, and
how the peoples of the periods co-existed with nature, and to
encourage the understanding and protection of these natural
resources for future generations. The company specializes in
one-of-a-kind trips designed for the client’s specific
interests and also offers a selection of set departures. |
|
