The Ruta Puuc The Path of the Gods

The famous Ruta Puuc is a Mayan treasure located in South Yucatan amid lush jungles, vast lowlands and a few little hills that can be spotted here and there during the trip. The word “puuc” means “hill” or “group of hills” in Mayan language and the route derives its name from these small hills scattered on the plains.

 Following the Ruta Puuc The Path of the Gods is like walking an interesting trail into the ancient Mayan history and culture. The circuit covers six major archeological sites: the cities of Uxmal, Labna, Xlapac, Sayil and Kabah; and the beautiful Grutas de Loltun (Loltun Caves). Many of the archeological sites that compose the trip are not located on the main routes and there is no public transport to the area; so the best way to do this tour is either in your own car or in one of the organized trips that leave from Campeche or Merida. At the entrance of each city you will find toilets and basic snacks. It is important to wear comfortable shoes, a cap, and biodegradable sunscreen for the tour. 

Let’s get our tour started:

The Puuc architectural style features buildings made of short plain walls with highly ornamented frieze at the top, representing two-headed serpents;  feathered serpents with wide-open mouths from where humans emerge; masks of Chaac (the God of Rain) with large eyes, a long, curved, elephant-like nose and large fangs. Other common features are the decorated cornices, rows of half and full columns, and rooftop combs. The different towns were interconnected by “sacbés”- paths that were slightly elevated from the ground and paved in stone. Being an area of little rain, the ornaments honoring Chaac and signs of dofferent rites and cults are visible in all the sites.

·         Uxmal, meaning “the one that was created three times” or “the fore coming”, is one of the most important archeological sites in the Mayan history. Presumably founded in the 7^th century and declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, Uxmal is impressive and attractive. The highest and most magnificent construction is La Casa del Adivino (The Pyramid of the Magician). The legend states that this pyramid, built upon an oval base and featuring more than 35 meters tall, was constructed in one single day by a dwarf. Other interesting buildings are “El Convento” (The Nunnery Quadrangle) which is a large and highly ornamented construction that may have served as a school for healers and priests; “La Casa del Gobernador” (The Governor’s Palace) which sets on a platform and stands almost 100 meters long; “La Gran Pirámide” (The Great Pyraid) standing 32 meters high and featuring a crowning temple with incredible birds carved in the interior and exterior. 

Uxmal Mayans developed the “chultunes” (cisterns), an advanced hydraulic system to collect fresh water.

·         Labna, meaning “old or abandoned house”, is located 42km Southeast of Uxmal. It is well-known for its impressive arch, “El Arco Triunfal”, which boasts refined perfection and nice ornamentation. Its façade includes the representation of serpents and Mayan huts. The vestiges of “El Gran Palacio” (The great Palace) are the first ruins visible when you reach the site. This palace was more than 393 feet long and featured more than 70 chambers distributed on two levels and decorated with figures of Chaac and serpents’ heads. Also interesting are “el Mirador” (The Watchtower) and “El Edificio de las Columnillas” (The Pillar Building).

·         Xlapac, meaning “old walls”, is located 38 kilometers Southeast of Uxmal. This archeological site is divided into two groups: The first group is where you can find “El Palacio” (the Palace). It features nine rooms distributed in three rows of three rooms each; and has a total of eight entrances adorned with masks of Chaac, and circle, star and snake motifs. In the second Group, there is a construction similar to El Palacio but offering a different ornamentation with pillars and stones known as “cien pies” (centipede).

·         Sayil, meaning “the ants’ site”, is located 33km Southeast of Uxmal in Yucatan. Among its constructions we find the impressive “El Gran Palacio” (The Palace). Also known as “The Chultun Palace”, this construction features three levels and 85 chambers. Archeologists believe that it may have been the building from where the city was administered. The construction is impressive. The second storey is carved with columns and Chaac masks. “El Mirador” (The Watchtower) and the chultun by the Palace are also interesting constructions to visit in Sayil. 

·         Kabah, meaning “the Lord of powerful hand”, it is located 23km Southeast of Uxmal. Most of the buildings date from 7^th to 11^th centuries.  Three important architectural sites form the urban nucleus: El Codz Poop, El Palacio de Teocalli (Teocalli Palace) and La Gran Pirámide (The Great Pyramid).

·         Grutas de Loltun (Loltun Caves), meaning “the Stone Flower”, these caves were used by the Mayans to get clay and to hide. The walls are covered by paintings of hands, faces and animals. The main hall presents a dome where light and shade play games with your eyes in a marvelous sight.

The Ruta Puuc, The Path of the Gods is an amazing one-day trip that you cannot miss if you travel to Yucatan. Get an insight into the Mayan amazing culture by travelling the Ruta Puuc.

Cecilia Vittori

Fares for minors flying by TACA

TACA is the flag-carrier airline from El Salvador. With more than eighty years of experience, it has developed over time into one of the leading airlines worldwide due to its first class service and attention. This year, it has been granted for the fourth consecutive year the Skytrax awards as Best Airline in Central America and the Caribbean and Excellence in Service in Central America and the Caribbean.

Whenever we plan a flight with our kids, comfort and safety stop being important to become essential. We want our children to fly comfortably and to enjoy the trip. For that reason, TACA has developed special infants’ and minors’ safety conditions that provide for your children’s comfort and security and for your tranquility. 

TACA (El Salvador) considers infants all children under 2 years of age who do not occupy a seat. Infants must travel on an accompanying adult’s lap. Infant’s fare is charged only 10% of an adult’s fare in order to provide for the infant’s insurance, fuel fee and security.  This special fare applies to infants travelling to all the destinations on TACA but it does not apply to Business Class flights in which infants’ fares are exactly the same as those of an adult. 

TACA considers minors all children between 2 and 17 years of age. Minors occupy a separate seat and are generally charged the same fare as an adult.  Minors above 5 years old and up to 12 years old may travel unaccompanied and all TACA flights provide for compulsory minor services for unaccompanied minors. Special services include assistance at the check-in point; help boarding the flight and special attention during the flight. For minors from 13 to 17 years of age, the minor service is optional. 

Unaccompanied minor services are charged as follows: US$115 for minors travelling on a North American flight; US$90 for minors on a Latin American flight and US$30 for minors on a domestic flight.

In general, for all routes infants enjoy a 90% discount of an adult´s fare. As regards minors, discounts may apply according to the origin and destination of the flight/s; the specific conditions of the promotion or the selected cabin type (Economy or Business). 

Fares for minors flying by TACA:

·         For children between 2 and 11 years old travelling between North and America and Central America; between North America and Caracas, Venezuela; and within Central America and between Central America and the Caribbean minors’ fares are equal to those of adults.

·         25% discount applies for children between 2 and 11 years old travelling between Canada and South America ; and between North America and North of South America (Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia) or Porto Alegre (Brasil); Asunción (Paraguay); Montevideo (Uruguay); La Paz  and Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia).

·         33% discount applies for children between 2 and 11 years old travelling between Mexico and Central America; between North of South America (Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia) from Lima (Perú); and between South (Argentina; Bolivia; Brazil; Chile; Paraguay; Perú; Uruguay) and North of South America.

·         50% discount applies for children between 2 and 11 years old travelling between Mexico and South America except Colombia; and between South America and Havana.

Please, in case you are planning a trip with your kids, take these fares and conditions into account before booking your tickets in TACA (El Salvador) and have a nice flight!

Baggage Information for your flight by Air Canada

Whenever we travel by plane, we expect our airline to provide us with all the comfort and security that we deserve. Generally, how our baggage is handled and transported is a main concern for us. For that reason Air Canada has developed certain security measures to ensure its passengers a safe flight for them and their luggage.

If you visit aircanada.com you will find all the necessary information related to Air Canada baggage policy before your flight. It is important that you check the particular regulations and restrictions as regards your carry-on baggage, your checked baggage, the additional charges that may apply to certain items, restricted and prohibited items onboard and what to do in case of delayed or damaged baggage. 

 Baggage Information for your flight by Air Canada:

-          Carry-on Baggage:  You can bring one standard article (23cm x 40cm x 55cm handles and wheels included and 10kg/22lb max. weight) and one personal article (16cm x 33cm x 43cm and 10kg/22lb max. weight) on board. These articles include your carry-on bag; roller bag; bag pack; laptop computer; a pet in its carrier; duty-free items, etc. You can also bring your coat; a small purse; an infant care item like a diaper bag; a small stroller; your cellphone; mobility aid or any other special need item; life sustaining items, labeled medication in their original container; battery-powered medical equipment and personal oxygen concentrators and more. For detailed information about all the items you can and cannot carry in your carry-on baggage, visit aircanada.com.

-          Checked baggage and additional baggage:  when travelling on Air Canada, your checked-baggage allowance depends on your fare, destination, date of travel and frequent flyer status. If you baggage exceeds the free allowance in number, size and/or weight, additional checked baggage charges may apply. Please check the specific regulations for checked baggage and additional baggage in aircanada.com prior to your flight to avoid inconveniencies.

-          Restricted and prohibited items: For matters of security, there are certain items that are either restricted or prohibited on board. Visit aircanada.com and review the regulations as regards liquids and gels; batteries; camping equipment;  curling irons and lighters; dry ice, brine or gel/ice packs; meals-ready-to-eat; oxygen for medical purposes; air purifiers and ionizers; avalanche rescue equipment; compressed gas and cylinders; corrosive and oxidizing material; self- defense sprays; explosives and flammable liquids/solids; firearms and ammunition; gasoline-powered equipment; paint; poisons/toxins; radioactive material and security attaché cases.

-          Delayed or Damaged Baggage:  If you cannot locate your baggage upon arrival you will need to inform the situation to a representative of the airline. You will be given a delayed baggage card and a File reference Number that you will use to check the status of your baggage search online and request information at the Central Baggage Office Call Center. If your baggage has been damaged during your flight you will need to inform an Air Canada agent before leaving the airport so that you can have Air Canada to take over the reparation cost.

Complying with the baggage regulations will ensure you and other passengers a safer and more comfortable flight. Please, remember to check the regulations before arriving at the airport to avoid delays and inconveniences before boarding your aircraft. Have a nice flight!

Control List Before you Travel by Air Canada

Air Canada is the leading airline in Canada for a good reason. There is nothing related to your flight that Air Canada does not provide for. Everything is carefully organized and regulated for passengers to enjoy a worry-free and comfortable flight.  That’s why, apart from its excellent service and attention, Air Canada has created a set of tips for you to review before your flight. This “Control List Before you Travel by Air Canada” will help you avoid any type of delays or inconveniencies at the airport, on board your flight and upon arrival at your destination.

1-      Prepare yourself for your flight! This includes:

·         Verifying your itinerary details: check your date, time, fare and seat assignment to make any necessary changes in advance.

·         Checking that the personal data provided during your flight reservation coincides exactly with that of your identification card. Your name, date of birth and gender must be the same on both documents. Please, remember that for flights between Canada and the US as well as for international flights you will be required to present a photo, too.

·         Informing Air Canada Reservations at least 48 hours before your flight in case you have special needs like travelling with a guide dog or needing a wheelchair.

·         Following travel updates online to be aware of any weather or security alerts.

·         Reading the latest safety regulations and restrictions if you travel with infants or children.

2-      For International flights including the US, the following additional steps are included:

·         Checking the security requirements for the places and times you are travelling.

·         Checking customs and immigration information in case your destination is within Canada, the US or the European Union.

·         Checking the countries where API (Advance Passenger Information) is required so that you can save time by providing it before you arrive at the airport.

·         Getting vaccinated from 6 to 8 weeks prior to your flight in case it is recommended or required for the destination you are travelling to.

·         Taking with you the telephone number and address of your country’s Consulate or Embassy for each country you are visiting.

3-      When packing remember to:

·         Check restricted and banned items for your carry-on baggage.

·         Pack everything you need in your carry-on baggage including valuables, money, travel documents, keys, camera and medication.  Please, take into account that medication must be properly labeled and accompanied by the corresponding prescription.

·         Check restrictions and regulations as regard your baggage and find out about additional checked baggage, sports and hunting equipment and musical instruments.

·         Leave presents and gifts unwrapped so that they can be easily inspected if necessary.

·         Download and print Air Canada’s Identification Tags for each piece of your luggage.

4-      At the Airport remember to:

·         Check in for your flight. You can also do this online or with your mobile device within the 24 hours prior to you flight.

·         Check your flight status either online or with your mobile device to be informed in case there is a schedule change for your flight.

·         Be at the airport on time!

I’d like to recommend you printing this list and keeping it with you so as to avoid any possible delays or inconveniences after arriving at the airport. Prepare everything in advance and enjoy a comfortable and safe trip by Air Canada!