20 dic 2012

Museum of the Mayan Culture

The state capital of Quintana Roo and the youngest of all the capitals in Mexico, Chetumal is a picturesque city which offers a unique contact with nature. Surrounded by protected natural areas, marvelous landscapes, and unusual architecture, this city offers an atmosphere of calm and lavish hospitality. Here you can plan an excursion deep into the jungle, where you can enjoy the intense color of the flora and admire the fauna in its entire splendor. There are also archaeological sites, concealed in thick forests, of outstanding beauty and historical importance.

This city, said to be the foundation of the mixing of the Maya and Spanish cultures, would be rather empty without a center completely dedicated to the Mayan culture. This is a culture that stands out among other pre-Hispanic cultures for its prodigious scientific advances and the enigmatic disappearance of this people from all the principal Maya cities. With the help of modern science, the museum scientists provide a remarkable collection of handicrafts, mock-ups, studies and reproductions of articles from the era. Everything here is planned to help us better understand the wisdom of the Maya. This museum, deemed as the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, is completely dedicated to the Mayan culture. It features an important collection of authentic works and reproductions of classical works, and tells the development of Mayan culture, its roots, and the several aspects of their daily life.

For those visitors who know much about the amazing Mayan Culture, the Museum of Mayan Culture is the perfect starting point. This is a modern museum that would fit well in any city, as it features interactive exhibits and models of most Yucatan sites decorated around a jungle theme. It is important not to get confused and think this museum is the Chetumal City museum, just a few blocks away on the same street. While the City Museum is interesting, it is rather small and focuses only on Chetumal.

The museum features many models of Mayan Ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. If you have the chance of visiting these ruins, it is especially interesting. The museum is entirely dedicated to the complex and amazing world of the Mayan civilization. Through the exhibits you can understand Maya social classes, politics, and customs; Maya architecture; their use of plants for medicinal and domestic purposes; and the Maya calendar. One of the most remarkable displays is the three-story Sacred Ceiba Tree. The Maya used this symbol to comprehend as well as to explain the relationship between the cosmos and Earth. The first floor represents the roots of the tree where the Maya underworld, Xibalba, reigns. The middle floor is the tree trunk, known as Earth, or Middle World, home to humans and all their trappings. The top floor is the leaves and branches and the 13 heavens of the cosmic Otherworld.

The Museum of Mayan Culture, which opens Tuesday to Thursdays from 9-7, Fridays and Saturdays from 9-8, and Sundays from 9-2, is a great opportunity to learn more about this fantastic and unique culture and civilization. Don’t miss the chance to visit it on your next trip to Chetumal!

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Quintana Roonian Institute of Culture

With an exciting and rich past inherited from the early Mayans, Chetumal is a great place to spend an unforgettable vacation in the beautiful paradise of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This is the perfect destination to indulge yourself and enjoy the stunning views, the warm water, and the cool breeze that flows through the streets, and especially the friendliness of its people, who will make your feel their liveliness and happiness through their various celebrations and traditions, making your trip to Chetumal really pleasant. Among the main attractions on Chetumal, you can visit Kohunlich, Bacalar town, bay and beach, Dzibanche, Chinchorro Bank, the Fort of San Felipe, the Blue Cenote, and the great variety of museums. In this category we find the great Quintana Roonian Institute of Culture, an organization aimed at keeping and promoting Mexican culture.

Located in Yaxchilan Avenue, in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, the Quintana Roonian Institute of Culture is an institute created with the aim of organizing, investigating, and coordinating the different cultural events in the State of Quintana Roo. The institute's purposes are, among others, to investigate, register, defend, conserve, market, and promote culture, to spread knowledge of cultural demonstrations and of National Cultural Heritage of Mexico, to contribute to national development, and to enlist the participation of the community and private sector, and to encourage international integration. It is the organization main function to formulate and execute the policies and strategies of the State in regards to cultural development, cultural conservation, and the diffusion and investigation of affairs related to the Cultural Heritage of Mexico.

The Institute was established to stimulate, preserve and share the values and regional and national traditions expressed in the institute, as well as to promote citizenship participation and guarantee their free access to the different artistic disciplines. This institute has the goal of executing, evaluating, and following cultural measures for the State, coordinating activities that encompass the involvement of different institutions with similar aims. Moreover, this institution takes action in the establishment of programs and financing to cultural activities, giving priority to the creation of financial funds for State’s artists, whose works contribute to the achievement of the Institute’s goals. Besides, it checks the correct functioning of the State arts schools, and proposes the establishment of new ones to foster training and improvement of Quintana Roonian artists. The Quintana Roonian Institute of Culture equity includes all movable and immovable property, resources and subsidies given by the federal or state government, gifts from the social and private sector, etc. The Institute offers many interesting artistic and cultural activities and programs.

Close to the Quintana Roonian Institute of Culture, and in order to safeguard the history of Chetumal for future generations to come, Chetumal’s city museum was founded. Apart from being one of the oldest edifices of Chetumal, this museum gives examples of striking architecture as well as classy interior decor. There are six rooms filled with photographs, furniture, weapons and many other objects related to the rich history of these brave people.

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Chetumal's beaches


Surrounded by protected natural areas, marvelous landscapes, and unusual architecture, Chetumal offers an atmosphere of calm and lavish hospitality. The state capital of Quintana Roo and the youngest of all the capitals in Mexico, this is a picturesque city which offers a unique contact with nature.  Here you can plan an excursion deep into the jungle, where you can enjoy the intense color of the flora and admire the fauna in its entire splendor, or stroll along its magnificent beaches. There are also archaeological sites, concealed in thick forests, of outstanding beauty and historical importance.

Although Chetumal is much more than a tourist destination, any description of this paradise city would be incomplete without a brief summary of the marvelous stretches of cool, golden like sand. Strolling along the coast in Chetumal is what anyone would desire, and it’s all at no cost – all beaches are open to the public. The majority of the hotels overlooking the beaches offer lounge chairs laid out under palapas, which are a kind of thatched umbrellas, to shade visitors from the significant effects of the strong Caribbean sun.

In many beaches you can find the low seawater and the even bottoms make these beaches the perfect options for the whole family. Children will find the ideal place for playing and swimming, while parents will have the chance of enjoying an interesting variety of restaurants, bars and water activities. Visitors can choose to relax on some amazing beaches. With regular shuttles to popular destinations, high-wave action, beach volley, and a wide range of bars and restaurants, these three beaches have everything you need to spend a wonderful day. Some of these magnificent beaches offer higher waves and breezier conditions than their northern counterparts.

If you are a sailboarding or parasailing enthusiast, you will also find a good beach where the higher wind speeds offer the best conditions to practice these sports. You will find daring tube rides, sand volleyball, and the chance of also practicing parasailing. There are many magnificent beaches that, apart from soft golden sand and surf, offer a breathtaking view. In the case that you love reef diving and snorkeling, the city itself does not offer diving but you can go to Mahahual to dive and snorkel, with access to Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Mahahual is best known for its diving with the world famous Chinchorro Reefs off the coast. The beaches here are totally secluded and mostly natural. 

The beaches at Chetumal are all wonderful and amazing, you just have to decide on which one will be your next stop! Chetumal is like a canvas on which a master painter has captured the color of the rain forest, the lightness of the beaches, visited only by the local fishermen, the brightness of the colors of the wildlife, and the diverse architecture of the wooden houses with their red, slanted, roofs in the style of 'Old Chetumal'. Enjoy Chetumal in the striking, turquoise and jade hues of the bay, the pleasant, soft breeze that blows up and down the streets, the sweet songs of the migratory birds, and the amazing golden beaches. 

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Private – Puerto Vallarta Downtown (per vehicle)

One of the most attractive destinations in all Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is the ideal place to forget the routine, relax and enjoy the golden beaches and amazing beauties of the colorful landscape. Puerto Vallarta a great variety beaches with the most fantastic natural scenery you will ever see. If you are to take some exciting but also relaxing holidays in Vallarta, you may need to rent a car to move from one place to another with total freedom, or need a transfer service from the airport to the hotel, to the hotel to a museum, etc. Puerto Vallarta has many rental companies that offer a lot of possibilities to rent a car or a transfer service and enjoy wonderful vacations on the beautiful Mexican Pacific coast.

Apart from its lovely beaches, Puerto Vallarta has a downtown area worth visiting. Situated in the center of the Bay of Banderas, one of the main natural bays in the world, the downtown area is the location of the original fishing village that turned into a world-renowned tourist destination. This area of the town has a particular magnetism and character of its own. In the town square you will find the Palacio Municipal (City Hall) and the Cathedral Guadalupe, which is Puerto Vallarta's most famous landmark. A mile-long boardwalk known as the "Malecon" runs along the downtown oceanfront street, Paseo Diaz Ordas, a street where you will find shops, restaurants and night clubs overlooking the turquoise sea. Downtown streets are crowded with shops where you can buy anything a tourist could want: decorative plates, silver and other jewelry, t-shirts, bags, magnets, postcards, and ornaments. You will find many art galleries, specialty stores, traditional marketplaces and dining establishments.

North American Travel is a great possibility when it comes to visiting downtown Puerto Vallarta. The company features low prices, great service, and a modern and first-rate fleet. The company’s car rental stations in Puerto Vallarta are situated everywhere, close at hand, whether in city centers, airports or railway stations. No matter if you are seeking a rental car, a lease, replacement car or van, North American Travel will be glad to serve you at its car rental stations in Puerto Vallarta. The company offers brand new rental cars, shuttles to many locations, all inclusive prices, 24 hour roadside assistance, and 24/7 service in most major airports. The company offers its private transfer service to tourists interested in visiting Puerto Vallarta downtown area. This service costs US$100 one way, or US$175 round-trip per vehicle.

Whichever your option is, in North American Travel you will find the best service and personalized attention at your disposal to enjoy a wonderful stay at Puerto Vallarta. North American Travel is a company that offers car rental benefits to businesses, individuals and families with fast, welcoming, inexpensive service with a personal touch. Without a doubt, renting a car will provide convenience of driving where you want and when you want, and in North American Travel you will find a wide range of options to choose from.

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Puerto Vallarta Transportation

One of the most popular tourist destinations in all Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is the perfect destination to forget the routine, relax and enjoy the golden beaches and amazing beauties of the colorful landscape. Puerto Vallarta offers a wide range of different beaches with the most fantastic natural scenery you will ever see. If you are to take some exciting but also relaxing holidays in Vallarta, you may need to rent a car to move from one place to another with total freedom. Alamo, U Save and Europcar are car rental companies that offer many possibilities to rent a car and enjoy wonderful vacations on the beautiful Mexican Pacific coast.

In the case of Alamo Rent a Car, this is a quality-oriented, well-known company that serves the rental requirements of airport travelers. The company offers low rental fees and an inconvenient-free client experience at the most important travel destinations. The company offers a large and modern fleet of vehicles, with cars from the best and most recognized car brands. Among the vehicle types, the company features a wide variety of alternatives depending on the car characteristics. In the SUV category, for example, you can select a GM Tracker 6.2 or similar, or a Nissan X-Trail 2.5 or similar. Both models fit five passengers, three pieces of luggage, power steering, air bags, air conditioning, ABS brakes, automatic transmission, 2 WD, and AM/FM stereo radio and cd. These are the perfect option if you are travelling with a large family or group of friends.

With more than 200 car and truck rental locations around the world, U-Save is a company that offers car rental benefits to businesses, individuals and families with fast, welcoming, inexpensive service with a personal touch. Without a doubt, renting a car will provide convenience of driving where you want and when you want, and in U-Save you will find a wide range of options to choose from. One of these alternatives is the Ford Edge, an exclusive and roomy vehicle in which you can drive in style and comfort with your family or friends, while enjoying a high-performance driving experience. Whichever your option is, in U-Save you will find the best service and personalized attention at your disposal to enjoy a wonderful stay at Puerto Vallarta.

Europcar is another great possibility when it comes to renting a car in Puerto Vallarta. The company features low prices, great service, and a modern and first-rate fleet. The company’s car rental stations in Puerto Vallarta are situated everywhere, close at hand, whether in city centers, airports or railway stations. No matter if you are seeking a rental car, a lease, replacement car or van, Europcar will be glad to serve you at its car rental stations in Puerto Vallarta. The company offers brand new rental cars, all inclusive prices, 24 hour roadside assistance, and 24/7 service in most major airports.

You can rent the model of car you wish at the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport. Renting a car will give you the chance of visiting whichever place you want, as free mobility is one of the reasons you will be prefer to rent a car and enjoy some wonderful holidays!
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4 dic 2012

Daily travel outlook in Air Canada


Established during the 1930s, Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline and the world's tenth largest passenger airline, according to the amount of destinations. With its chief office in Montreal, Quebec, Air Canada's operating subdivisions include Air Canada Cargo and Air Canada Jetz. Air Canada Vacations, a supplementary service, offers packages to almost 100 places. Together with its regional associates, the airline operates on more than 1,300 daily scheduled flights.

If you are you looking for weather conditions for your flight at Air Canada, the company provides an everyday outlook for possible disruptions to Air Canada flights and Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz. When forecasted weather or other conditions may cause flight delays and possibly cancellations, affected airports are listed on the airline’s webpage by date, region and city. You can automatically receive alerts for delayed or cancelled flights on your mobile device or by email, signing up for Flight Notification. You can register for the company’s Flight Notification service to receive delay or cancellation information, or gate change details for your Air Canada or Air Canada Express flight. Notifications can be sent directly to your text-messaging-enabled phone or your email address.

Apart from the daily travel outlook, at Air Canada you can also find the status of a specific flight, as the company provides the Flight Status tool, which features up-to-date flight departure and arrival information. This tool is also available as an application for your mobile; you can download the mobile timetable now with your Air Canada BlackBerry App or your Air Canada iPhone App. Now you can use the Air Canada iPhone App to find and book flights, view flight details, select your seat and share your itinerary with family and friends. It’s the complete mobile experience in the palm of your hand!

Searching for flight schedules is very easy. Once you have entered Air Canada’s webpage, you just have to visit the Timetable (flight schedules) and easily find out about flights, destinations, time of departure and arrival, and connecting flights. You only need to enter the place of departure, your destination, and the dates of departure and return. Automatically, you will have access to all the available flights, class, seats, trip duration, and all the services provided (like meals, etc.). After you have decided on the most convenient option, you can simply book your flight! You can also make hotel reservations, rent a car or find out about special discounts.

Traveling with Air Canada is a guarantee of a safe, first-rate and comfortable flight. The company has the most modern aircrafts, a friendly and attentive staff, and the well-known world-class service. Passengers from all over the world choose to fly with Air Canada, as it operates to a wide range of national and international destinations. The company provides a well-arranged and organized flight schedule and daily travel outlook, which passengers can access from everywhere, at any moment. You can check available weather conditions, destinations, flights, class, seats, trip duration, and all the services provided. Whether alone or with your family, for business or for pleasure, do not hesitate to choose Air Canada for your next journey!

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Late or delayed baggage in TACA flights


Established in 1931, TACA Airlines is a company that boasts more than 80 years of history. It connects the Americas together through its four Hubs in Colombia, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Peru, and its features its extensive route network from Canada to Brazil, flying to 50 destinations in 22 countries. Its fleet consists of Airbus 319, 320 and 321 and new Embraer 190 aircraft. Moreover, its regional operations service 39 destinations in Central American countries with a fleet of ATR-42, Short SD360, Twin Otter and Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. 

In TACA, the intention is that all passengers arrive at their destination on the same flight as their luggage, with the baggage in the same conditions as it was when it was checked in. Nevertheless, sometimes some unfortunate situations do occur. If your baggage did not arrive on your flight, you should notify the company as soon as possible in the office at the airport, before leaving the airport. Once there, you must complete the “Baggage Claim Form” found in the Baggage Office at the terminal (which is usually in the baggage claim area). If you've already left the airport you can file the report through an online form to report baggage irregularities. You have up to 21 days from the date you completed your flight to file a formal claim with either the Airport Baggage Office, via the company’s website, or through the baggage call center.

Once the claim is made, a baggage customer service consultant will get in touch you in a maximum of 2 days to help you resolving your problem. Any traveler who is not a resident in the destination country and whose free baggage allowance did not arrive on the same day of travel has the right of getting compensation for basic necessities. Reimbursement for delayed luggage receipts must not include alcoholic beverages, luxurious items or payments in expensive restaurants.

At TACA, you can know where your luggage is using the baggage tracer. Your baggage details are entered into the company’s worldwide computerized baggage tracing system, and you can have access to it to find out about your items. Baggage reports will be received when the Airline has been the last carrier under a single contract of carriage, notwithstanding which airline issued the ticket. Only expenses for basic necessities are valid if the passenger did not receive his or her baggage and is not a resident of the destination country.

The company’s policy is to transport all delayed luggage pieces in a maximum of 24 hours, except in circumstances beyond the control of the airport, such as lack of flights, high season, bad weather, among other reasons. The Customer Service Advisor will keep you constantly informed about the status of your baggage and let you know as soon as it is received. You now have a reasonable time from the date the flight landed to officially make your claim to either the Baggage Office at the respective airport, the baggage call center or through the online form to report baggage irregularities and inconveniences you may have.

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