U Save Car Rental at Puerto Vallarta Airport

Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is located in North-West Jalisco, only 6 miles (10km) north of Puerto Vallarta. It features many shops and restaurants within its facilities for passengers to enjoy a comfortable waiting until their flight is ready to depart. The airport’s first level faces the street and has free access. There, you can find small shops, fast food restaurants and bars. There also are several magazine stores, money exchange facilities and a post office. On the main level, you will find flights’ check-in, and domestic and international arrivals. On the upper level you’ll come across domestic and international departure gates and you will have access to the Duty Free Shop and several restaurants and bars. This airport is the gateway to many tourists’ dream beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta, the Riviera Nayarit and Jalisco and it handles approximately 2,500,000 passengers each year.

Puerto Vallarta, also called Vallarta by the locals, or V.P by English-speaking visitors, is a paradisiac city located in the state of Jalisco, on the Western Pacific Coast of Mexico, right in the middle of the Banderas Bay. People’s attention is excellent and friendly, the ocean breeze is mild and romantic and there’s so much fun on the beach and in the city that Puerto Vallarta has won the title of: “The Friendliest City in the World.” Surrounded by beautiful beaches, the breathtaking Sierra Madre Mountains, lush jungles and sparkling waterfalls; awarded with mild climate and ever-shining sun, Vallarta attracts thousands of tourists every summer.

In PuertoVallarta you can do so many things and visit so many nearby attractions that you will feel that time just flies away every day. If you love aquatic life you should visit the Bay of Banderas, located to the west of Puerto Vallarta. If you crave adventure, you should take a canopy tour in the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains. If you enjoy riding the waves, you should practice surfing in Sayulita near Puerto Vallarta. If you enjoy relaxing in a golf course surrounded by stunning vegetation and the most beautiful sight of the mountains, Marina Vallarta’s international golf clubs are your best option. If you expect to be able to do all that… then, let me tell you that you need to rent a car.

Renting your car in Puerto Vallarta will allow you to visit the incredible nearby attractions without depending on the public transport’s schedules and without paying huge amounts of money for a cab. The cheapest car rental company in Vallarta, which at the same time offers excellent vehicles and services, is U-Save Car and Truck Rental. U-Save is the best car rental company because it has learnt from its thirty-year’ experience that “cheap rental car can and must be accompanied by excellent service.”  U-Save has more than two hundred car and truck rental agencies around the world. The company honors its mission in every new rental agreement: “Earning the right to serve you, each and every time.”

Get into your U-Save rental car and tour the city’s cobblestone streets or take a drive along the stunning coast of the second largest bay in the Northern Hemisphere, the Banderas Bay. In your U-Save car you will be able to travel the distance to Marina Vallarta to admire the amazing panoramic view of the city from El Faro Lighthouse, or take a relaxing trip to the Botanical Gardens located only half an hour distance from Puerto Vallarta.

The renting process is really simple at U-Save! You can rent your car upon arrival at the airport at the U Save Car Rental at Puerto Vallarta Airport office or book your rental car in advance so that when you arrive at Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport all you have to do is to pick it up!

If you expect not to spend too much in your rental car, U-Save offers excellent vehicles at around US$ 13 all taxes and fees included. Moreover, the car rental contract includes free unlimited kilometers. In case you want to add any special accessories (like a baby seat or a GPS) or in case you want to add an extra driver, you should ask for the service at the time of renting. A minimum surcharge will apply in those cases. Just as an example, you can rent a Standard V.W Jetta (or similar) or a Nissan Sentra (or similar) at the incredible price of US$ 13.86 per day (Airport fee and taxes included).

Note!

-          In Mexico, the minimum required age for driving is 21 years old.

-          All additional drivers must present the same personal documentation as the owner of the contract. This includes: personal Id document, valid driving license, a recent personal photo and passport.

U-Save office at Puerto Vallarta International Airport is open from 8am to 8pm. In vallarta.com you will find the best deals to rent your U-Save car and enjoy the best vacation touring the city and its marvelous surroundings. 

When you rent a car at U-Save, you save. 

Cecilia Vittori

The Underwater Art Museum on Isla Mujeres

·         Jason deCaires Taylor is the son of a Guianese mother and an English father. He was raised in Europe and Asia and developed a deep love for the sea and the natural world by spending his childhood playing among marvelous coral reefs in Malaysia. He worked as a dive instructor around the world learning all he could about natural preservation, underwater naturalism and photography. In 1998 he graduated from the Institute of Art in London, where he specialized in sculpture and pottery.

·         Roberto Díaz Abraham defines himself as a “versatile” and imaginative person. His love for art first manifested when he was a seven year-old child when he loved transforming a piece of wood into something useful. After high school he started painting as he studied Economy at Boston University. He moved to Cancun with his family about 20 years ago and is involved in several important projects there, one being his Monteverde Educational Center. One of his favorite quotations is: “there still remain one thousand and one projects to develop and my only limit is imagination.”

·         Doctor Jaime Manuel Gonzalez Cano got a PhD in Natural Resource Management at the prestigious Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine at London University. At present he is a research associate to the Marine Resources Assessment Group at the same institution, and a Witness Expert in Environmental Impact before the Mexican College of Biologists.

But these men are not only the individual successful people mentioned before. They also are the successful founders of MUSA, The Underwater Art Museum on Isla Mujeres  (Museo Subacuático de Arte), Mexico.  This impressive museum is the largest underwater museum in the world and features almost 450 life-sized sculptures made from ph neutral clay with the final objective of conservation. MUSA was designed with the intention of counteracting the effects of hurricanes and climate change on the ocean and reef systems. The special material used in the sculptures fosters the overgrowth of coral life and the colonization of the area by all forms of marine life.

MUSA is located very close to the famous Manchones Reef in the National Marine Park of Cancun, Isla Mujeres and Punta Nizuc. It covers an area of over 150 sq meters and weighs approximately 120 tons. Being visited by over 750,000 tourists every year, the park holds an immense pressure on its resources. The installation of the sculptures promotes the recovery of the natural reefs and relieves pressure on the park resources by drawing visitors away.

MUSA (Isla Mujeres)was formally opened to the public on November 26^th 2010 and is divided into two galleries: the Salón Manchones, which is eight meters deep and suitable for snorkelers and divers alike; and the Salón Nizuc, which is four meters deep and suitable for snorkelers only.

The sculptures were designed and created by Taylor and look beautiful in the underwater, surrounded by the most colorful and diverse marine life. Some of the pieces are: “The Dreams Collector”, “Silent Evolution”, “Anthropocene” and “Silent Evolution” among many others.

If you visit Isla Mujeres, make sure to enjoy the marvelous experience of knowing MUSA. I can ensure you that you will never ever experience anything like this during your lifetime.

Cecilia Vittori

The Gentle Current in Garrafon Park

Isla Mujeres is an impressive little island located only eight miles away from the Bahía Mujeres. It covers an area of five miles long and just half a mile wide but within this tiny space, the most spectacular magic of nature abounds. Isla Mujeres used to be a fishermen village, but over the years it has become a major vacation destination for tourists from all over the world.

If you have ever imagined how paradise could be, Isla Mujeres is it. From bird-watching to snorkeling; from hiking to zip line flying, there are so many eco-friendly activities on the island that you can never get bored! If you are a Nature devotee and expect to enjoy the most relaxing and tranquil vacation surrounded by lush vegetation and the most diverse terrestrial and marine fauna, then Isla Mujeres is the best destination for you.

Two of the main tours on Isla Mujeres are the snorkeling and scuba diving ones. There are several amazing sites to submerge and visitors are always accompanied by an expert guide. It doesn’t matter much if you are a professional snorkeler or an apprentice: Isla Mujeres has an activity suitable for each of its visitors. But do take into account this piece of advice: if you are going to take a snorkeling tour, visit Garrafón Park.

Garrafon Natural Reef Park is an amazing natural park located at the Southern tip of the island. The real origin of its name is not yet clear. Some attribute it to the clarity and serenity of its waters, which turn this beautiful site into a magnificent “container” to swim or snorkel without being posed to any kind of risks. Others state that due to its strategic location, this reef was used as a refueling station for both Punta Sur Lighthouse and vessels travelling to Cozumel. It is said that fuel was stored in huge “garrafas” or “garrafones” and that the reef was named after this fact.

If you are a natural adventurer but you have never experienced high adrenaline activities, Garrafón is the ideal place for you to start!  Garrafón is considered one of the most stunning reefs in the world. It is only 4 meters deep and 320 meters long. Its waters are incredibly gentle and crystal clear. This allows for amateur people to try the marvelous experience of snorkeling and scuba diving surrounded by the most beautiful and colorful fish schools and coral reef formations (which an amateur wouldn’t be able to do at deeper sites).

Kayaking is another of the adventure sports you will be able to practice at Garrafón. Currents are so soft that you will feel safe and during your adventure you will be able to admire the marine fauna through the transparent waters of the Caribbean Sea.

As a matter of fact, the current is so kind, that you can take a Sea Trek tour and walk at the bottom of the sea like becoming part of the amazing underwater life. You will be provided with a special helmet full of compressed air for you to be able to… literally walk underwater!

Nothing is more relaxing; nothing could be. The gentle current of Garrafón Park invites you to enjoy an adventure of color, relax and magic. Don’t miss it! Because this is the experience you will take in your heart forever.

Cecilia Vittori

The cheapest car rental agencies in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, also called Vallarta or simply V.P, is a paradisiac resort city located in the state of Jalisco, on the Western Pacific Coast of Mexico, right in the middle of the Banderas Bay. People there are so kind, the ocean breeze so mild and there’s so much fun on the beach and in the city that it has been declared “The Friendliest City in the World.” Its beautiful beaches, mild climate, the exceptional Sierra Madre Mountains, lush jungles and sparkling waterfalls attract thousands of visitors every summer.

If you are an aquatic life devotee, the Bay of Banderas, located to the west of Puerto Vallarta will offer you a unique experience. If you crave adventure, a canopy tour in the stunning Sierra Madre Mountains is just perfect for you. If you enjoy riding the waves, Sayulita offers an excellent surfing beach near Puerto Vallarta. If, instead, you are a golf lover, you will find several international level golf clubs in Marina Vallarta and its surroundings.  But if you love all what I’ve mentioned… then you will need to rent a car.

Renting your car in Puerto Vallarta will allow you to visit certain incredible nearby attractions without depending on the public transport’s schedules and without paying huge amounts of money for a cab. With your cheap rental car you will be able to tour the city’s cobblestone streets or take a drive and get to know the stunning scenery along the coast of the second largest bay in the Northern Hemisphere, the Banderas Bay. With your rental car you will be able to travel the distance to Marina Vallarta to admire the amazing panoramic view of the city from El Faro Lighthouse, or take a relaxing trip to the Botanical Gardens located only half an hour distance from Puerto Vallarta.

Of course when planning your car rental you need to take certain tips into account. For example which size of car you need according to the amount of passengers and luggage that you will carry in it; which special services and equipment you may need (if you don’t know the area you may want to ask for a GPS service); and which price you are ready to pay for your rental car.

In general, renting a car in Puerto Vallarta is not expensive at all. There are several rental car agencies to select among and all of them offer similar car classes. You can either rent your car upon your arrival at the Gustavo Días Ordaz International Airport or you can rent it in advance before your trip. This last option tends to be the best one in order to ensure that there’ll be car availability when you arrive and to get better deals and offers in your rental contract. Vallarta.com offers the best rental car deals in Puerto Vallarta.

In order to save money in your rental, please take into account the following information:

CAR CLASSES

The price you will pay for your rental car varies according to the type of car you rent and the special services you expect it to have. In general the cheapest cars are the smallest one which feature basic amenities: the economy (Atos or similar), the compact (Clio or similar), medium (Aveo or similar) or standard (Megane or similar).  Premium (Audi A6, Chrysler Grand Voyager or similar), luxury (BMW 730, Mercedes SLK2 or similar), minivans (Durango, Van Express or similar) and vans (Traffic or similar) are also available but at a higher rates. If you need to rent an SUV (Patriot or similar) or a van, it’s better for you to do it in vallarta.com so that you can get a better deal than at the car rental offices.

SPECIAL SERVICES

Of course the price will vary according to the special services and amenities you may want to include. All car rentals offer an array of services and equipment additional to the basic ones. These services include equipment like baby seats, GPS or city maps and unlimited mileage among others.

CAR RENTAL AGENCIES

 The cheapest car rental agencies in Puerto Vallarta are Alamo, Thrifty, Payless, Budget, Dollar car Rental, National Car Rental and Hertz Car Rental. All of them offer the same types of cars and prices are quite similar, too. Take into account that a third-party insurance policy is mandatory when you rent a car in Mexico, so that you will have a little extra charge for the policy.

With countless tourist attractions to visit and unbeatable friendly attention everywhere in Puerto Vallarta, once you visit this paradisiac city you will certainly feel like returning again and again. By renting a car in vallarta.com you will find the best service possible at the lowest price available and you will be able to enjoy a much better vacation than you could have imagined. Visit vallarta.com and start making your luggage.

Cecilia Vittori

The Cave of the Sleeping Sharks Isla Mujeres

Apart from its natural beauty, Isla Mujeres seems to cast some kind of spell on animals’ behavior. A good example of this is the gathering of whale sharks in the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea in the area. The point is that whale sharks are solitary animals but hundreds of them gather near Isla Mujeres during the summer season to feed from the rich plankton and algae in the area.

Another amazing phenomenon takes place at the Manchones Reef at about 65 to 100ft underwater (20-30mt). If you get close enough to the cave called “Los Cuevones,” made up of coral formations, you will be able to admire the magic view of nurse sharks sleeping with their eyes wide open. This wouldn’t be surprising at all if we didn’t know that sharks never sleep. They need to keep in motion to be able to breathe. If they stay still, they die.

In 1969 Carlos García Castilla, a lobster diver from Isla Mujeres, was diving for work when he felt intrigued by a strange phenomenon.  He saw that sharks entered the cave but he never saw them come out of it. He got closer and got astonished by the image. The sharks remained still with their eyes wide open. He then contacted the oceanographer and journalist Ramón Bravo. Mr. Bravo was quite skeptical about the news but decided to take a look at the cave. So he took his snorkeling gear and his camera and dove to the famous cave. Bravo saw the sharks resting at the bottom of the cave in a state of dormant inactivity and called Dr. Eugene Clark to study the phenomenon.  Dr. Clark settled on the island and pursued an investigation to find out the biological causes of such a strange behavior. She finally concluded that these sharks take oxygen from the fresh water bubbles by standing still against the current. They are not completely asleep because they follow the divers around them with their open eyes. From then on, Isla Mujeres became the selected site of oceanographers and scientists. Even Jacques Cousteau moved to Isla Mujeres for a couple of weeks to study the sleeping sharks.

The cave was renamed as “The Cave of the Sleeping Sharks” and became one of the main attractions of Isla Mujeres. The most common shark type that can be found is the nurse shark; but lucky divers may spot tiger sharks, mako sharks, bull sharks, lemon sharks, manta rays or black tip sharks. Only experienced divers can access the cave due to its location deep below the sea surface. The experience is incredible and the most adventurers cannot miss the opportunity of visiting it.

Can you imagine the adrenaline of swimming so close to these marvelous and dangerous fish? Of course you will be accompanied by a professional diver who will give you all the necessary tips to enjoy the tour to the most. Please, remember to do exactly what your guide indicates so that you can experience a safe tour.  If you are planning to visit Isla Mujeres sometime, start taking your snorkeling lessons! The Cave of the Sleeping Sharks is a tour not to miss.

Cecilia Vittori

Hiking Tour to the Manchones Reef on Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is located eight miles away from the Bahía Mujeres. It is only five miles long and half a mile wide but it is full of natural treasures to know, which turn this tiny island into a paradisiac vacation site. Its incredible history and archeological sites; its legends and stories; its amazing landscapes and its diverse natural life are the main attractions that Isla Mujeres has to offer to its thousands of tourists every year.

This former fishing village is now a paradisiac vacation site where shopping, dining, and enjoying are everyday routines for tourists from all over the world. There are plenty of tours for visitors to select among: from getting to know the island by hiking or bike riding to getting into the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea for snorkeling or fishing. Fun never ends on Isla Mujeres.

If you are a Nature devotee and expect to enjoy the most relaxing and tranquil vacation on the beach, then Isla Mujeres is the best destination for you. The typical tours include snorkeling or scuba diving in the marvelous reefs of the island accompanied by professional guides. But if you prefer to spend a day out of to the water sometime, try enjoying the hiking tour to the Manchones Reef on Isla Mujeres. This reef is located southwest, just off the shore of Isla Mujeres and is the most popular reef on the island.

Manchones Reef is the perfect site for snorkelers and scuba divers because there, they can appreciate the most amazing and diverse marine life and the beautiful and colorful reef formations. Some of the underwater attractions include the famous MUSA, an underwater museum that displays ph neutral human-size sculptures that foster varied and interesting coral formations; the Sleeping Sharks Cave with the marvelous view of wide-open eye sleeping sharks and El Farito with its famous Virgen del Carmen. If you walk along the shores on Isla Mujeres, you will be able to admire the beauty of the scenery: an immense mass of crystal water where boats and ships of all sizes and colors slowly sail along the sea and “human fish” taking a dip into the sea in their snorkel gears to admire the natural paradise that the Caribbean Sea has to offer.

Taking care of nature and respecting it is one of the main rules on Isla Mujeres. For that reason visitors are not allowed to throw garbage on the floor and should always remember to wear biodegradable sunscreen.  It is advisable that you take your hiking trip on comfortable shoes because the ground may be slippery or steep on certain areas. Also, bringing your camera is an excellent idea! You will certainly want to take photos of everything during your walk since the scenery is amazingly beautiful and you will be able to spot the most strange ground fauna and many different types of plants and vegetation.

For a relaxing and tranquil experience on Isla Mujeres don´t miss the opportunity to take a walking day along the marvelous Manchones Reef. The experience is unique and invigorating and nature will wrap you in its arms.

Cecilia Vittori

Gran Real Yucatan in Merida

If you are planning a vacation in Merida and need some help with the selection of cheap but at the same time good accommodation in the city, cancun.com has the answer to your need:

Gran Real Yucatan in Merida is an elegant baroque style hotel located in the Historic Centre of Merida. It stands in what used to be a wealthy hacienda built by the end of the 19^th century and still preserves the elegant and picturesque main patio surrounded by antique columns and wide passages. Its colonial style along with its spacious facilities, and excellent services and amenities turn this hotel into the most comfortable and home-like hotel in the city.

 Gran Real Yucatan is strategically located in downtown Merida, just a few blocks away from the city’s main attractions: the main Cathedral, the main Square and the famous Paseo de Montejo Avenue. Nearby you can also visit the Plaza Grande, The History and Anthropology Museum, Centenario Park and the Government Palace. The best malls, the finest restaurants and theaters are only steps away from the hotel, too.

This four-and-a-half star hotel features 73 elegant rooms divided into four categories: Deluxe, Deluxe Plus, Junior Suite and Master Suite. All the rooms offer a private balcony overlooking the hotel’s pool or lush gardens, air conditioning, LCD monitor TV, cable TV, telephone in the room and in the bathroom, shower, bathtub, hairdryer, purified water system, safe box, smoke detectors and vanity mirror. The suites are also equipped with living room, kitchenette (featuring coffee maker, microwave and minibar), bathrobes and slippers.

After a tiring tour day, you will be able to return to the hotel and feel like a monarch. Take a dip in the hotel´s pool or just relax by it; enjoy a cocktail at the hotel’s bar or take a soothing massage by the pool. After these relaxing experiences you can either enjoy the view of the stars from your balcony, rest on your cozy bed or sit in the patio to admire the Mexican sunset.

If you are a lover of good cuisine, visit the hotel’s restaurant, El Emperador, where you will be able to enjoy the best meals either inside the colonial style restaurant or on the beautiful terrace facing the hotel´s charming courtyard. A professional chef prepares exquisite regional food varieties, seafood, pasta and delicious steak. El Emperador is open from 7am to 11pm. If you prefer a snack accompanied by a good wine or a cocktail, enjoy it in Los Vitrales bar. This picturesque bar is made of onyx and granite, and features huge 19the Century stained glass windows. It is open from 12am to 10.30pm.

If you are travelling with your family and you want to enjoy Merida’s nightlife you will be able to leave your children in the hands of a professional babysitter who will take excellent care of them until you return.

Book your stay at this amazing hotel in cancun.com and enjoy this offer!

US$81 per night taxes and fees included. Stay longer and get every second night free! This promotion is valid for stays between August 27^th and October 31^st 2012. Don’t miss the opportunity! Make your reservation now and enjoy “The White City”.

Cecilia Vittori

Family Hotels in Cancun

Whenever we plan a family vacation, we need to think about everything in advance: finding an appropriate accommodation for us and our kids, finding restaurants where our kids DO EAT! when on holidays, finding entertaining activities for us and our children, and trying to relax amid this ordeal! If you are planning your family vacation in Cancun and you are expecting it to be funny and relaxing for you and your loved ones visit cancun.com and you will find all the information you need to enjoy the best vacation at the best price. Find out about the best family hotels in Cancun and get hot deals for a perfect vacation in this perfect family vacation destination.

Family hotels in Cancun are varied in their category, programs and prices. You can choose to stay at a cheap hotel offering a room-only program and spend your days visiting the most famous touristic attractions in the area (be it in your own car, a rental car, by taxi or by bus). Or you can stay at an all-inclusive family hotel where all your meals, services and recreational activities are provided for within the plan. Here we will give you a clue as regards the different options so that you can select the most convenient for you according to your expectations.

If you are planning to spend every day sunbathing on the beach and visiting touristic attractions in the area, then you may decide to book your accommodation at a cheap hotel on a room-only plan. These hotels feature excellent basic services and amenities, and their facilities are comfortable. If you prefer not to think about anything during your vacation and to have everything arranged in advance, then pick an all-inclusive plan and all you will have to decide every day will be whether to lie on the beach or swim in the pool; to drink a margarita or tequila! In cancun.com you will be able to get economic prices for your stay at luxury family hotels either on a room-only or an all-inclusive basis. The hotels we will mention in this article are highly recommended by guests who have stayed there before.

 Take a look at these unbelievable offers!

§  Gran Melia Cancun Beach & Spa Resort is a luxury, prestigious hotel which features all the comfort you may expect for a relaxing and entertaining vacation with your family. Enjoy playing tennis, swimming with your kids in any of the two pools or taking a soothing massage at the hotel’s Spa. Relax playing golf in its 9-hole, par three golf course while your kids get involved in any of the recreational activities available at the hotel. At Gran Melia Cancun you can stay at the reasonable cost of US$121 per night on a room-only basis. Taxes and fees are included in this price that has a 35% discount compared to the real fee per night. Two kids up to 12 years old stay for free sharing their parents room (applies for stays between April 4^th 2012 and May 31^st 2014 and for reservations prior to January 1^st 2013). If you prefer an all-inclusive program, you will receive 35% discount per room and 35% discount for kids between 5 and 12 years old paying only US$239 per night (taxes and fees included).

§  Flamingo Cancun Resort is a four-star hotel where you can also select to stay under a room-only or an all-inclusive plan. This comfortable hotel offers excellent services and amenities to help you find the tranquility and relaxation you need while offering an array of recreational activities for your kids to be entertained and happy.  If you book your room in cancun.com you will get the incredible discount of 45% in your fee and pay only US$84 per night taxes and fees included for a room-only plan or US$147 for an all-inclusive plan (applies for stays between September 1^st and December 22^nd 2012 and for reservations prior to November 6^th 2012).

§  The Westin Resort & Spa Cancun is a five-star family hotel where you can stay on an only-room, a breakfast-only or an all-inclusive program. This amazing beachfront hotel offers the perfect combination of comfort and luxury, relax and entertainment that will turn your vacation into a paradisiac experience. Enjoy tropical activities like parasailing and snorkeling or pamper yourself with a soothing Temazcal bath while your kids swim in the pool or spend a great time at the Kids Club. The offer in cancun.com is unparalleled! Get a not-to-miss discount and pay only US$84 per night taxes and fees included for your only-room program from October 8^th to December 22 ^nd 2012 (for reservations prior to October 16^th) or US$161 per night taxes and fees included and every third night free! from August 1^st to December 23^rd 2012 (for reservations prior to December 21^st 2012).

I know. You still don’t know if you should believe this, right? Just visit cancun.com. These incredible offers and many others are waiting for you to decide! Book your stay in cancun.com and enjoy Cancun with your family!

Facilities included when renting a car

When on vacation, we generally expect to be able to know every existing corner of our selected vacation destination. And it sometimes happens that our schedule depends on the public transport schedule, on our economic capability to afford a taxi or on the tour timetables. In the end, the experience turns out to be tiring and we never get to do everything we would have liked to.

Fortunately, there is another option available since a few years ago. Renting a car is a viable option when it comes to avoiding all the above mentioned. Renting a car is cheap when compared to paying a taxi ticket any time we want to go somewhere and it allows us to freely dispose of our timetable. We decide where and when.

Of course, when we decide to rent a car we must possess all the necessary information about our rental car and about what is included in and excluded from our car rental agreement. At present, rental car companies sell much more than simple rental cars. They generally include additional services and accessories that will make our trip easier and more comfortable.

The first thing that we must do before hiring a car is decide the type of car we need and the additional accessories, services and equipment that we may need. For example, depending on the amount of passengers and luggage that we plan to carry in our rental car we will decide to hire a small vehicle or a van. If we travel with children we may need a baby seat or a child safety seat. And if we don’t know the city we may need a GPS service not to get lost.

Generally, all car rental agencies include certain basic services as part of the basic car rental agreement.

-       Value Added Tax (VAT): Generally, when renting a car all companies include in their prices the VAT fee. Just in case, check the tax and fees conditions in your car rental contract.

       Facilities included when Renting a Car:

-       Third-Party Insurance: This insurance is always included in your car rental contract unless you already have one. Also, all car rentals will offer you an array of other insurance policies to protect the driver, the passengers and the vehicle in the event of an accident. Some of them are:

·         LDW or Loss Damage Waiver: pays for any damage done to the car and is sometimes covered by credit cards so you should contact your credit card check before contracting it.

·         Personal Accident Insurance: covers personal medical attention and death benefits.

·         Personal Effects Insurance: covers all the objects you get into the car.

·         Additional Liability Insurance: covers additional property damage, injury or death.

-       Only New Rental cars: All car rental agencies provide cars of no more than 6 months old.

                        -        24-hour Roadside Assistance:  the car rental agency will provide a telephone number in the contract agreement for the client to call in case of basic mechanical difficulties.

      Unlimited Mileage: Most rental car agencies include this service without any extra charge, but you should check your contract before signing it just in case. 

-          Additional Drivers: generally, car rental contracts include one extra driver for free. This extra driver will have to present the same personal data and documentation as the contractor. The compulsory documentation includes the driver’s ID with a recent photograph, a valid driver’s license and passport.

-         Fuel Service Option: All car rental companies will handle the car fuel full. The renter is required to return it in the same conditions. In some cases the renter may select the Full Service Option, in which the company will charge them with a full tank of gas when they return the car. This is cost-effective if the car is returned with an empty tank because the rental company will not refund money to the client in case the tank wasn´t empty.

-         Cell Phone rental: Some companies offer a mobile phone for an additional daily cost. All the national calls to and from the mobile from will be free and some international calls may be added.

-         Flight delay Service: All companies include this service so that a client whose flight is delayed doesn’t lose their rented car.

Also, some car rental companies include all kinds of special accessories for your comfort and safety. Some of the many additional accessories and equipment are:

-       Baby seat: for infants from 0 to 13 kg.

-       Child safety seat: for infants from 9 to 18kg.

-       Booster seats: for infants from 15 to 36kg.

-       Air Conditioning.

-       Automatic Gear.

-       Diesel Engine.

-       Navigation System / GPS Navigation service.

-       Tires suitable for winter; snow chains.

-       Ski racks.

-       Load-securing strap / (with rachet)

As you must have notices by now, renting a car means a lot more than just renting a car! When travelling abroad, getting a rental car can turn to be the best option to enjoy a fun and comfortable vacation. And, please, wherever you rent your car, DRIVE SAFELY.

Encounter with the Whale Shark in Isla Mujeres

Whale sharks are the largest species of fish in the world, reaching over 50’ (15 meters) and over 27,000 pounds (12,500 kl). Even though whale sharks are enormous fish which may look intimidating, they actually are graceful and docile creatures which do not pose any kind of risk to human beings.  Their scientific name is Rhincodon typus but in Latin America they are called “pez dama” or “pez dominó” due to the perfect and unique spots which they carry on their backs as a kind of ID. They are estimated to live between 60 and 150 years and they are said to be low swimmers.

Whalesharks live in tropical warm waters and are in general solitary animals. That is why their annual congregation in the summer time near Isla Mujeres represents such a unique and magical event. During the months of June, July, August and September hundreds of whale sharks gather in an elliptical patch of ocean covering a seven mile radio (18km2)near Isla Mujeres. They feed from plankton, algae, krill and bonito eggs in the warm and rich waters created by the conjunction of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Some people say that when there is full moon their feeding is enhanced.

The encounter with the whale sharks is one of the most marvelous and unforgettable eco-tours that you will experience on Isla Mujeres.  The tour begins with an hour boat ride departing from the docks on Isla Mujeres. A professional guide leads the boat to the area where whale sharks can be perfectly spotted. Generally, no more than 10 people are allowed per tour and visitors are provided with life jackets, the use of which is compulsory. Off Isla Mujeres, these amazing animals gather in groups of up to 20 so there is a 99% chance of success in viewing multiple sharks during the tour. Each encounter allows for two people at a time to get into the water accompanied by the guide and swim with the sharks. In order to protect the animals and the snorkelers, it is forbidden to touch them or to get closer than 2 meters (6.6 feet) from them. If you prefer not to get into the water, you can just observe them and take photos from the boat.  While on the boat, you will be offered fruit, coffee, soda and water to keep your body hydrated. Once the encounter is over, you will be headed back to Isla Mujeres, where the tour will finish with an exquisite meal.

If you are a professional photographer or videographer, you may prefer to contract a private tour to ensure you share enough time with the sharks to take the best shot. The services offered in a private tour are the same as those offered in a public one.

In 2013, the official opening date for the Shark Tour Season has been set on June 1^st and the closing date is September 15^th.  Do not miss the opportunity of taking this once-in-a-lifetime tour if you visit Isla Mujeres during the summer. Swimming with the whale sharks in their own habitat is an experience you will never forget.

El Farito in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is definitely a paradisiac island. Located eight miles away from Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo, Isla Mujeres is surrounded by the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Being a natural paradise and offering many different natural attractions, Isla Mujeres has become the perfect site to practice ecotourism in its unique Natural Parks.

Isla Mujeres is visited every year by thousands of tourists coming from all over the world to admire the exceptional marine life and to dive or snorkel in the amazing Mesoamerican Reef, the second longest reef in the world. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two of the main touristic activities on the island. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, the surrounding waters of Isla Mujeres offer all the possibilities for you to practice. From tranquil shallow areas to incredible deep ones, the Isla Mujeres’ underwater life is an intense experience that you cannot miss.

If you are a nature devotee, Isla Mujeres is the perfect vacation destination for you. It offers several natural parks and Eco touristic tours that you will love.  One of the most magic attractions on the island is the tour to El Farito (The Little Lighthouse). Located 1.5 kilometers away from the island on La Carbonera Islet, El Farito on Isla Mujeres is considered a National Aquatic Park. It stands on a breathtaking reef and offers an amazing view. The turquoise waters that surround El Farito are the home of all types of colorful marine life, an array of fish types and stunning coral formations. That’s why El Farito has turned into one of the sites selected by many tourists to snorkel or to practice amateur scuba diving.

As you explore the transparent waters, you will come across the Virgin of El Farito. This Virgin was originally submerged in the year 1966 to protect the sailors and the fishermen in the area. The image was donated by the underwater explorer Pablo Bush Romero and honors the “Virgen del Carmen”. The Catholic priest John Mc Carthy blessed the image as it was being submerged in the beautiful waters. There used to be an annual boat procession to the Virgin of El Farito in which fishermen offered her flowers and coins, and made all kinds of promises expecting to get good health and a good productive year.  The Virgin was stolen and replaced in 1994 when a new procession accompanied its submersion. This time, it was the priest José Eduardo Perez Hernandez who was in charge of its blessing.

Most snorkeling tours include a visit to El Farito. The Little Lighthouse has the advantage that being so close to the shores of Isla Mujeres, it can still be visited when there is bad weather and other snorkeling sites are closed.

If you are planning a tranquil vacation, surrounded by the invigorating power of Nature; if you really want to experience a different type of vacation; if you want to touch heaven, then visit Isla Mujeres and get deep into the water. Leave a coin to the Virgen del Carmen in El Farito as you swim among the most colorful fish and coral formations. Enjoy El Farito on Isla Mujeres and expect a miracle afterwards.

Cheap Hotels in Merida

If you love History and Culture and want to enjoy a vacation where the historic traditions combine with the comfort of modernity, then you should visit Merida. Also called “The White City” for the white color of its colonial buildings and for the extreme cleanness of its streets, Merida is the capital city of Yucatan and the gateway to the main archeological sites in Mexico. Famous for its delicious cuisine which combines flavors and spices from the rest of Mexico, the Old World and Asia, Merida is a picturesque city, where people are friendly, malls and shops have everything to purchase and the surroundings offer amazing experiences like swimming in the cenotes or visiting the near beaches at Progreso, Chiburna, or Chelem.

Walk along the Paseo Montejo, Merida’s Main Avenue and let the view of the beautiful colonial buildings like the Grand Cathedral, the Casa de Montejo or the Peon Contreras Theater take you away to the past. Take tours to the surrounding archeological sites and know the Mayan Pyramids of Uxmal and Chichen Itza.

Cheap hotels in Merida are varied as regards category and rates. If you need are looking for cheap accommodation in Merida a good option is to visit cancu.com. There, you will always find the best deals for all kinds of hotels: from luxury Haciendas to moderate boutique hotels, which offer comfortable rooms, basic amenities and an excellent and friendly service which will make of your stay a home like experience. Some of the best options are:

Three-star Hotel Aragón is a picturesque building located in Merida’s Historic Center, lose to the main historic attractions, the best restaurants and the shopping area. The guestrooms are comfortable and spacious, equipped with air conditioning and cable TV. The continental breakfast is included in your program. Booking your stay on cancun.com you will get a great deal. Pay only US$32 per night taxes and fees included.

Four-star Hotel Nacional Mérida is a charming hotel located at the Historic Center. It offers 63 spacious and comfortable guestrooms decorated in a colonial style equipped with air conditioning, cable/satellite TV, coffee and tea maker, hairdryer, magnifying mirror, shower/tub, smoke detectors, telephone, wake-up calls and wireless internet. During the hot summer days, you can either take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax by the pool on the lounge beds that surround it. Cancun.com offers a not-to-miss deal! Pay only US$39 per night taxes and fees included. Every third night is free! (Applies for stays between August 10^th and December 19^th 2012)

Four-star María del Carmen Hotel is located in the Historic Center and features 88 guestrooms decorated in a minimalist modern style. All rooms feature air conditioning, bathroom amenities, cable/satellite TV, flat panel TV, coffee and tea maker, hairdryer, purifying water system, shower and safe deposit box. The outside pool offers a comfortable ambience to unwind and relax. Booking in cancun.com you will get a 17% discount and pay only US$40 per night taxes and fees included! (valid for stays between October3rd and December 19^th 2012 and for stays from Monday to Saturday)

Stays at Merida are cheap and comfortable, convenient and friendly. Make your reservation in cancun.com and prepare your luggage. History, culture, relaxation and fun are waiting for you in Merida.

Casa San Angel Only Adults Merida

If you are planning a romantic getaway with your beloved, a fun vacation with your friends or a relaxing trip on your own in Merida, cancun.com has an incredible offer for you. Enjoy the highest comfort, first-class service and excellent amenities at four-star Only Adults Casa San Angel.  This colonial hotel is located at Merida’s Historic Center, on the famous main avenue Paseo de Montejo. Close to all the main attractions and featuring 15 colorful rooms furnished with several original antiquities, Casa San Angel is the perfect place to rest and unwind during a relaxing and comfortable stay.

The historic 19^th Century building where the hotel stands was once the home of Graciano Ricalde, the well-known Mexican scientist and mathematician. The hotel’s familiar atmosphere, its comfortable and spacious guestrooms and its excellent service will ensure you an unforgettable stay. Walk the halls and admire the beauty of its antiquities and pictures.

The hotel’s rooms are spacious and comfortable. All of them feature air conditioning, ceiling fan, free wireless internet service, bathroom amenities, flat panel TV, cable TV, hairdryer, safe deposit box, iron and ironing board and purified water system. Rooms are comfortable and inviting. You can enjoy reading the daily news on your cozy bed or swaying on your private handmade hammock.  If you want to experience an even more luxury accommodation, relax in your private Jacuzzi at a Jacuzzi Suite.

Due to its strategic location, Casa San Angel is the perfect base for those who want to be close to… everything! Take a one-kilometer walk along the picturesque streets of Merida and visit the Anthropology Museum, Daniel Araya Theater, the Governor’s Palace and the main square. Walk a little bit more and arrive at the Monumento a la Bandera. If you feel like shopping, you can visit the Gran Plaza Shopping Mall which is located only 7km away from the hotel.

 After a day walk you may feel like taking a dip in the beautiful hotel’s swimming pool, relaxing on your hammock or pampering yourself with a soothing massage.

If you are a fine cuisine fan, then you will love dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Tala Bistro where you will be able to taste the most exquisite Mexican and international dishes, and delicious Mexican and Arabian desserts. On Saturdays, Tala Bistro remains open until 12am waiting for its guests to return from the famous Noche Mexicana, a cultural event which takes place weekly on the main avenue.

By booking your stay on cancun.com you will get these amazing promotions:

·         Stay at a Standard Room enjoying a 50% discount per night for double occupancy and pay only US$147 taxes and fees included (valid for stays from August 16^th 2011 to December 20^th 2013).

·         Stay at the Jacuzzi Suite enjoying a 50% discount per night for double occupancy and pay only US$170 taxes and fees included (valid for stays from August 16^th 2011 to December 20^th 2013).

Did you ever imagine that it was possible to enjoy such comfort for so little money? Merida is a city full of history and culture and so is Casa San Angel. Make your reservation and live within a cultural building! 

Best Western Maya Yucatan in Merida

Merida, also called “The white City” for the cleanness of its streets and the predominant white color on its many colonial buildings, is the perfect place to book your stay if you are planning a vacation where history and culture are the focus. Actually, Merida is the gateway to such archeological sites as Chichen Itza and Uxmal, and is itself full of interesting historical buildings that attract the attention of local and international tourists.

If you are looking for cheap and at the same time excellent accommodation in Merida, cancun.com has the answer for you. Best Western Maya Yucatan is a three-and-a-half star hotel located in the heart of Merida, close to all the main attractions in the city. Its strategic location makes it the perfect starting point for a walking tour of the city and for a tour to the Mayan Ruins nearby. Some of the city attractions are the Historical Museum, Merida Theater, Olimpo Art Gallery, Plaza Grande, Centenario Zoo and the city’s main avenue called Paseo Montejo. If you want to travel a short distance to the beaches nearby you can rent a car at the hotel and enjoy visiting the beach or the amazing cenotes. The archeological site of Uxmal is only 80 km away from Merida and Chichen Itza is 120km away.

Best Western Maya Yucatan is a colonial building featuring 78 comfortable rooms decorated in a traditional Mexican style. Thirty eight of them are non-smoking and all of them are spacious and offer excellent amenities and services to make you feel like at home. Guestrooms are equipped with air conditioning, shower, bathroom amenities, cable / satellite TV, flat panel TV, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, safe deposit box, purifying water system, free wireless internet, telephone and smoke detectors. Enjoy a coffee while admiring the lights of the city from your private balcony or watch a movie from the comfort of your bed with a delicious tea in your hand. Also, 24 hour room service is available at a minimum extra charge.

At Best Western Maya Yucatan facilities and services are unbeatable. The hotel features a parking lot for your car or rental car.  After a tiring tour day, you will be able to relax by the pool or take a relaxing dip in it before enjoying an exquisite meal at the hotel’s restaurant or a cocktail at the bar.

Chichen Itza Restaurant is open all day long (from 7am to 10pm) and offers delicious a la carte breakfast, spicy Mexican traditional dishes international cuisine for lunch and for dinner.  

If you travel with your family and you want to enjoy the Noche Mexicana with your couple, you can ask for a professional babysitter who will take excellent care of your kids while you stay away. The service is inexpensive and truly safe. 

Quickly! Book your room on cancun.com and seize this incredible opportunity!  US$46 per night taxes and fees included. Every third night free! This offer is valid for stays between August 13^th and October 31^st 2012. Make your reservation and enjoy culture in Merida!