Mexican Wholesale

posted by AetnaJo on Feb 22

Semana Santa is Mexico’s second most important holiday season of the year, behind only Christmas, and runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. In addition to attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, many Mexicans will also take advantage of the holiday to go on vacation. If you’re planning to visit Mexico during Semana Santa, make sure you checked on availability in advance.

Semana Santa in Mexico

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, celebrates the Christian holiday of Easter. Mexico is nearly 90 percent Catholic, so this religious holiday takes on a special meaning that the entire community shares and participates in.

All of Mexico celebrates Semana Santa, but certain cities and villages are better known for celebrating the holiday, and often provide reenactments of the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion on the cross. The best known cities are Ixtapalapa (in Mexico City), Pátzcuaro, San Cristobal de las Casas (Chiapas), and Taxco. Smaller and silent torch lit processions, Processión del Silencio, also take place in Aguascalientes and San Luis Potosí.

Each community celebrates the holiday with it’s own regional flavor, however, popular with the whole country is the breaking of cascarones, colored egg shells filled with confetti, over friends and family. Churches will be filled with those attending Mass on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and families will take this opportunity to be together.

The most moving event of Semana Santa is the reenactment of the Passion of Christ, or the Passion Play. The event’s in the mentioned cities are sponsored by religious or community groups, and can include large processions of penitents, sometimes on their knees, a portrayal of the last supper and the crucifixion itself.

In many cities, important religious images from the church will be displayed, traditional altars are decorated at home and in the streets, and flower decorations and palm crosses will be found everywhere. The central colonial cities seem to celebrate this holiday with the most reverence and tradition, and if you wish to see the beauty of traditional Mexico, Semana Santa would be well worth seeing for yourself.Mexonline.com

.Enjoy!

posted by AetnaJo on Feb 15

Paricutin, the volcano that grew out of a cornfield.

Volcan Paricutin

Paricutin-Mexico’s most famous volcano.
One day in 1943, a farmer in a small village in central Mexico in the state of Michoacan set out to plow his cornfield. It seemed like any ordinary Saturday, the month was February and the skies were clear. The farmer, Dionisio Pulido, was attending his crop of corn when he heard low rumblings emanating from the earth. This in itself was nothing particularly new; indeed, the area in which he lived, just outside the quaint village of Paricutín, had been experiencing small earth temblors for the past 2 months.

Little did he realize that his life was to forever change due to the impending events that would soon unfold. Suddenly and without warning, much to the farmer’s consternation, the earth started to open up before his very eyes. A huge crack appeared in the dirt directly in front of where he stood. Instinctively, Dionisio Pulido attempted to fill the hole with earth. This was to no avail. Soon a terrible odor could be smelt coming from the fissure in the ground, a smell that can only be described as rotten eggs.

Volcan Paricutin

This odor, which was actually sulfur rising from the fissure in the earth, portended more events yet to come. Much to the farmer’s dismay, smoke started billowing out of the ground, the rising gray vapors filled with soot and ash. A terrible heat could be felt rising from the earth’s inner core and wisely, Dionisio Pulido fled the scene. Incredibly, what the farmer was unknowingly witnessing first-hand was the birth of a new volcano. Exhausted from the day’s extraordinary events and with the sun quickly setting in the western sky, Dionisio retreated to his home for the evening.

The next day, Dionisio, along with several others from the village, went out at dawn to examine the location. What they saw both amazed and justifiably terrified them. Rocks were furiously shooting into the sky while the cone of the previously underground volcano now broke through the surface and started growing before their very eyes. Lava started to pour quickly out of the cone’s spout and this was enough to convince the villagers to get away as fast and far as possible. The entire cornfield was soon transformed, its surface filled with molten rock that continued to expand across the landscape.

Two villages were buried by the volcano’s lava and ash, Paricutin and San Juan Parangaricutiro. A striking example of the volcano’s effects can be seen in photos of the church that was buried neck high in San Juan Parangaricutiro. Only the steeple of the church can be seen today with the landscape forever and dramatically altered with acres upon acres of lava rock stretching out in all directions. Incredibly, there were no fatalities from the falling rock or scalding lava, although lightning that accompanied the original event was blamed for 3 deaths.

The former residents of the two villages had to relocate with the memory of that fateful February day forever etched in their memories. What they had witnessed was extraordinary, for what they had observed with their own eyes was the birth of a volcano. The volcano’s cinder cone ultimately reached its full height of 1,391 feet where it stands today. Thankfully, the type of volcano that occurred in Paricutin is classified as monogenetic, meaning that it will never erupt again. In 1952 all activity ceased and it is now considered a dormant volcano.

Volcan Paricutin

Many people come to visit the volcano which is located approximately 200 miles west of Mexico. The city of Uruapan, located 20 miles south of the site, is a good jumping-off point to take a day trip to see the volcano and the surrounding lava fields. It is a good idea to stock up on supplies in this city, especially water. From this city you’ll board a bus to the small village of Angahuan. This small outpost is the closest village to the site and it is here that you can hire a guide for the day. This is highly recommended as the trails are not clearly marked. As well, the option to travel by horseback is available as this adventure will take a full day in any event (14 miles round-trip). Angahuan offers cabins for rent and there is a small cafeteria on the premises. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as the lava rock can be very slippery and dangerous.

The volcano of Paricutin now bears the honor of being listed as one of the world’s 7 natural wonders. It holds the distinction of being the only volcano on the planet born in modern times. Eruptions from volcanoes are commonplace occurrences but the birth of an entirely new volcano is genuinely rare.

posted by AetnaJo on Feb 12

Hola.  Are you planning to visit Mexico?  I’ve decided to post an outside article because of its good and useful information.  Enjoy!

Do I need to have a passport?
Starting January 27, 2007, the U.S. State Department will require a passport for all travel to and from Mexico by AIRLINE. If traveling on foot, by car or boat, including cruise ship or ferry, the passport requirement will not come into effect until after January 2008.
At present, the Government of Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico, such as a combination of a birth certificate and driver’s license. However, some U.S. citizens have encountered difficulty in boarding flights in Mexico without a passport.
Get the latest information about Visas and Passports here.

What do I need to enter Mexico?
This depends on which country in which your visit originates. If you are from the U.S. or Canada, you will need your passport or notarized birth certificate with state issued ID. You will also need a tourist card unless you are traveling for less than 72 hours within the border zone (usually no further than 20 miles south of the U.S. border except in Baja California and Sonora which have extended their zones). If you are from any other country, you will need to check with the Mexican Embassy or Consulate nearest you (the New York Consulate has a detailed list of requirements on their website). See our Visa Information Center for compete information about entry requirements.

Do I need auto insurance?
It is highly recommended to have auto insurance before you enter Mexico. The law in Mexico does not specifically require you to have auto insurance to drive in Mexico, until you get into an accident. Then you will need to prove you have MEXICAN auto insurance, as Mexico does not recognize foreign insurance. Without insurance you will be taken to jail first to determine your guilt or innocence, your financial ability to pay damages, the amount of damages you’ll need to pay, etc. It’s a major hassle that can be avoided by paying for relatively inexpensive insurance, and you can even add legal services to your policy to have a lawyer represent you while in Mexico. See Mexico Car & Health Insurance and Legal Services for more details.

Can I bring my pet into Mexico?
Yes you can. You’ll need to make sure you pet has documentation of recent rabbies shots, and be sure to have a Certificate of Good Health from your Vet to make sure you don’t have any problems getting back into the US with your pet. See Bringing Your Pet Into Mexico for more details.

Can I purchase prescription drugs in Mexico and bring them back into the United States?
There are regulations for bringing in pharmaceuticals from Mexico, however they are changing on a constant basis. Although many drugs in Mexico are available over the counter at a pharmacy, certain prescription drugs in Mexico do require a prescription from a Mexican pharmacist, and foreigners have been known to purchase them from people not authorized to issue them. You can be arrested in Mexico if caught buying drugs without the proper prescription and the penalties are stiff, up to 25 years in jail in Mexico.

According to the U.S. Customs, to bring back prescription drugs into the U.S. you must have a prescription written by a physician licensed in the United States, have it in its original packaging and carry no more than a three-month supply AND you must declare them. If you are caught trying to bring in drugs without the above requirements you can be stopped, have your good confiscated and may be arrested.

Visit our Purchasing Medications in Mexico page for additional information.

Can foreigners purchase land/real estate in Mexico?
Yes, with some limitations. In the “restricted zone” along the coast or borders, you can purchase land or property through a trust called a Fideicomiso, which is held by a bank in Mexico for up to 50 years and can be renewed and passed on to heirs. Property in the interior may be purchased “fee simple”, meaning you get the title direct. When dealing with real estate, always cross-check everything to make sure the property and owners are legitimate, and there is clear title. Seeing a real estate agent, lawyer, escrow service, notary, bank officials, etc. are all part of the process. Do your research.

What is the drinking age in Mexico?
Eighteen (18) for all citizens and visitors to Mexico. You must have valid ID in the form of a passport or driver’s license. Mexico has strict laws about drinking in public and public drunkeness, so don’t use the lower drinking age as an excuse to forget your common sense.

To get answers to a specific question you may have, please visit our Message Board, where you can get post your message and have hundreds of other online members help you out. Those questions that get asked often are then included into this FAQ list.

posted by AetnaJo on Jan 29

Los Niños Heroes

The Niños Heroes (Heroic Children) were six teenage military cadets who died defending Mexico at Mexico City’s Chapultepec Castle (which was the Mexican army’s military academy,) from invading forces from the U.S.in the Battle of Chapultepec on September 13, 1847. Mexico has had many heroes through its long and eventful history but conceivably none have mesmerized the thoughts and stirred the hearts to the extent that Los Niños Heros have. These brave young men fought valiantly for their country during the Mexican-American War but sadly, they died defending México’s honor.

These cadets ranged in age from 13 to 19 years of age. Their commanders ordered them to fall back but the cadets did not and instead they resisted the invaders until they were all dead. The six young men refused to relinquish their posts and bravely met the superior forces of the Americans.

· The last survivor Juan Escuitia born in Tepic between 1828 and 1832 was a second lieutenant in an artillery company, and is said to have draped himself with the Mexican flag before jumping to his death to prevent it from being taken by the enemy.

· The other five were Juan de la Barrera, born in Mexico city in 1828 He was the son of an army general who enlisted at the age of 12 and died defending a gun battery at the entrance to the park. He was 19 and the oldest of the six.

· Francisco Marques, born in Guadalajara, Jalisco in 1834 and was the step son of an army cavalry captain. He applied to the Academy on January 14, 1847 and belonged to the first company of cadets. His bullet riddled body was found on the east flank of the hill. He was the youngest of the six;

· Agustin Melgar born in Chihuahua, Chihuahua between 1828 and 1832. He was the son of Esteban Melgar, a lieutenant colonel in the army and Maria de la Luz Sevilla, both of whom died while he was very young and he applied for the Academy on November 4, 1846. He was able to shoot and kill invaders before taking refuge behind some mattresses in one of the rooms but was mortally wounded.

· Fernando Montes de Oca born in Azcapotzalco, Mx., Mexico between 1828 and 1832 to Jose Maria Monted de Oca and Josefa Rodriguez. He applied to the Academy on January 24,01847 and was one of the cadets who remained in the castle. His personal record reads “Killed for his country on 13 September 1847″;

· Vicente Suarezborn in 1882 in Puebla, Puebla and was the son of Miguel Suarez, a cavalry officer and Maria de la Luz Ortega. He applied for admission to the Academy on October 21, 1845 and was killed at his post in hand-to-hand combat.

They were buried in the grounds of Chapultepec Park in an undisclosed location and on September 27, 1952, they were re-interred at the monument top of the Heroic Cadets in Chapultepec.

This grand monument was raised in their honor, “Los Niños Heroes Monument,” and stands proudly at the entrance to Chapultepec Park in Mexico City. This impressive monument was made of Carrara marble by architect Enrique Aragon and sculptor Erlesto Tamariz in 1952.

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman of the United States visited the “Los Niños Heroes” monument where there was a moment of reverential silence observed by the President as a sign of respect for the young boy cadets. When President Truman was asked why he stopped at the monument his response was, “I respect bravery wherever I see it.”

Monument "Los Ninos Heroes

posted by AetnaJo on Jan 2

Mexico Rafting In Vera Cruz

“Rafting On The Pescador River In Vera Cruz”

Veracruz,  Mexico offers some awesome adventure sports including rafting in a pristine area near the village of Jalcomulco, about 90 minutes from Veracruz City. Expediciones Mexico Verde safari camp offers semi-luxury tent hiking, rappelling and whitewater rafting on the Pescado River.

Our choice was a float trip. Our guide, Arturo, launched the raft over a 25-foot cliff — our first clue that this would not be the usual cruise down the river. We wobbly walked down a steep path to the river’s edge. On a 10-foot cliff above us, a man named Algo sat in a kayak.

“If you are into kayaking, you might try water instead of land,” I told him.

“I will. I am the safety boat,” he answered. He then sailed through the air and plunged into the water.

My husband,  turned pale. He doesn’t swim, but because I love the water so much he was being a trooper.

“Don’t worry. This is easy — only Class II rapids,” said Arturo.

Okay. We climbed into the raft and began our 18k trip over 22 rapids which would take us through the beautiful, pristine wilderness that borders the Pescado River. At the second rapid, the boat smashed into a four-foot high rock and got stuck. It sat at a 45-degree angle. I heard a splash and saw Lou had joined the fish.

Getting my 6′2″ husband back into the raft was a challenge. Arturo — almost a foot shorter and 100 lbs. less then Lou — tried. It didn’t happen. Algo retrieved the oars and came to the rescue. Only now the raft’s position had shifted to about an 85-degree angle. The water was up to my neck. I looked up and saw a flock of vultures circling overhead.

After several attempts, he was hoisted into the raft, but the craftremained stuck on the rock. Our only option? Everybody out of the boat. Noticing that the vultures had multiplied, we cautiously jumped in and grabbed a rope. Algo towed us feet first to some slippery rocks. Even though we were drenched, we didn’t panic because our guides seemed to have things under control.

Soon the raft was righted. The vultures left.

“The water is low which is why there are a lot of rocks,” Algo explained.

This was not reassuring. So, Algo put his kayak atop the raft and climbed aboard. He and Arturo took charge. While the rest of us paddled, Lou just sat and enjoyed the scenery.

About halfway through the trip, I noticed light-skinned Lou had exposed legs.

“Why aren’t you wearing your pants? You will get sunburned,” I said.

“I don’t need them. I have my bathing suit.,” he replied.

We paddled into a canyon. Orchids hung from its walls. The tinkling of the water and the rushing of the rapids were the only sounds heard. Cormorants with out-stretched wings stood on the rocks drying themselves. We passed fisherman, people doing their laundry, kids frolicking in the water and even a guy washing his horse. These peaceful scenes were interrupted by more rapids. Thank heaven Algo and Arturo were so adept. They hopped in and out of the raft to nudge it off the seven other rocks that blocked our path. But the obstacles did not detract from our fun excursion.

We returned to the camp to change our clothes. Lou came out of the men’s bathroom, looked at me and asked, “Are you wearing my pants?”

I laughed. He was serious and asked again. If I were wearing his pants, they would be baggy and dragging on the ground. The camp staff started searching for them. They had vanished.

Once home, I uploaded our pictures. Funny thing, Lou was wearing pants when we set off on our watery excursion. They probably left him when he was trying to get back into the raft and he was too nervous to notice. I am happy he was at least wearing a bathing suit underneath. Otherwise checking into our nice hotel could have been a serious problem.

The adventure sport of  rafting in Veracruz, Mexico was such a riot that we can’t wait to return and do it again. But this time, he will bring some extra pants.

El Tiajin Archealogical Site Near Posa Rica VeraCruz, Mexico

© Roberta Sotonoff, 2009

posted by AetnaJo on Dec 9

Mexican Cliff Divers

Mexico has many well-known beaches. Acapulco, Cancun, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas are a few of the most recognized beaches. These beaches are magnets for sun-starved North Americans and Europeans who party in the splendid warmth of the sea and sun.

There are although, less-known but not automatically less significant beach destinations. These places are everywhere along the Pacific coast, anecdotal from those formed specifically for the Mexican tourist. One is Rincon de Guayabitos in Nayarit or Huatulco in Oaxaca. There are also other beach towns that have gradually emererged from sleepy fishing villages, such as Melaque, Jalisco.

Some of these places offer attractive features such as surfing, snorkeling and leisure options. There is more than enough for family and friends to be surrounded by sun, sand, surf, sea salt and sea food.

The Mexican beaches can always be observed joyfully tackling serious mounds of shrimp, prawns, octopus, clams lobster and fish even though, unquestionably Mexican people love their meat tucked into a tortilla, they are absolutely fervent about seafood.

Mexico has a large fleet of trawlers which dredge up vast quantities of shrimp and prawns that are quickly frozen for the clients waiting inland. Along the Pacific villages, “pangas” which are sea-going launches with one or two men that fish by hand line for red snapper, Dorado and tuna. Also, they fish inshore by set net for an assortment of other species.

An hour from Melaque is Tenacatita. It is one of the most popular beach destinations at any time, especially during Mexican holidays. Rarely is the surf rough, its waters are warm and the sand stretches in a wide, welcoming wedge to a far-distant surprise of never ending rocks, ending in an arc of yellow sand to La Manzanarilla. Tenacatita is a sun, surf, swim, and sea salt and sea food haven. For over half a mile, the beach is populated by palm thatched ‘palapa’ restaurants.

Los Ayala is located at the foot of the Sierra de Vallejo Mountains. Los Ayala is an undiscovered gem and is an authentic Mexican beach town and fishing village. It is just beginning to be exposed as a tropical beach destination for foreign visitors. It is said that Los Ayala is a town evocative of the Garden of Eden. The adjacent vegetation is dense and thick, including thousands of shades of green dancing palm trees, giant lime trees, mahogany trees and a large quantity of papaya, mango and banana trees. It is also considered a bird watcher’s paradise.

The half mile long beach of Los Ayala is a palm fringed cove, perfect for swimming with soft, silky gold specked sand, a gradually slopping shoreline and crystal clear waters. The south end of Los Ayala beach is rocky and dotted with caves that tempt visitors to explore. It is truly a magical beach town.

These are a very few of the Mexican beaches in and around the area of Acapulco, Jalisco, Mexico. As always, remember to enjoy.

posted by AetnaJo on Dec 3

Mexico's Volcano Pico De Orizaba

There are thousands of volcanoes in Mexico of which many are very fascinating. One of the most interesting and the smallest is located in a suburb of the city of Puebla. The “Cuexomate Volcano” weighs about 40 metric tons and stands just 43 feet tall with a reach diameter of 75 feet. Its name Cuexocomate which comes from the Nahuatl language and means ‘a bowl’. Cuexomate was created in 1664 as an offshoot parasitic cone during an eruption of a much larger volcano named Popocateptetl. Cuexocomate is an inactive volcano, yet nearby residents are concerned, since Popocatepetl has been increasing in activity over past years. If Popocatepetl were to erupt again, it is believed that Cuexcomate with its subterranean link could re-establish and the worlds’ smallest volcano suddenly becomes much larger.

The third largest mountain in North America is only a few hours from the Mexican City airport. Climbers from throughout the world looking for fresh and unlike experiences and an altitude that is higher than any in the United States, can fly to Mexico City and set personal altitude documentation on the Mexican Volcanoes.

Mexico has three major glaciated volcanoes:

· Pico de Orizaba (Citlateptl) 5700m 18,700ft

· Popocatepetl 5452m 17,888 ft

· Iztaccihuatl 5286m 17,342 ft

Popocatepetl began erupting in December of 1994 and thousands of residents were evacuated from the area. The evacuations have since been cancelled but it has been closed to climbers since then and it seems that it will remain closed for many years to come. As recent a May of 1996, the bodies of five climbers who had gone to film an eruption, were found. The cause of death has never been revealed.

For now, Izta is open for climbing although if Popo blows its top, you would not want to be in or near the cities of Puebla or Amecameca. Izta does have huts that are only several hours hike from the road. These huts are basic and undersized. At almost 16,000 feet they have a great view but beware of potentially fatal altitude sickness.

Pico de Orizaba is farther, being approximately 100 miles away. Pico de Orizaba is unaffected by eruptions of Popo. Traveling to Pico has its hazards. You must go through a dry trail that is about one foot wide and has a steep slope on each side. A slip on either side could put you inside the crater or down the side of the volcano. This hike will certainly tire you and it will also have you short of oxygen. There is no room for potential error so you must stay alert and use your ice axe.

Orizaba is the most far-flung while Pope is the most well-liked. The winter holidays are the most popular climbing days. While there, you can tour the many destinations in Mexico City and Puebla. Mexico City is at 7,200 Ft and Puebla is at 7,000 Ft. You can take in some relaxation, shopping eating and so much more.

These are only four of the thousands of volcanoes in Mexico yet all of these mountains are major glaciated peaks. There is certainly a minimum skill set for these peaks which include self-arrest skills, glacier travel experience and crevasse rescue practice. As always, remember to enjoy.

Lava Dome Volcano

posted by AetnaJo on Nov 16

Mexico's Beautiful Beaches

The stunning state of Nayarit, is one of Mexico’s latest travel destinations and is known as one of Mexico’s never ending Pacific beaches. It consists of one hundred miles of perfect Pacific coast beginning in Nuevo Vallarta and ending in the colonial town of San Blas. It is known as the “Riviera Nayarit,” where you can enjoy the magnificent tropical beaches and splendid dining. The Riviera Nayarit is referred to as one of Mexico’s Pacific prized hidden corners where the jungle convenes with the sea. It is a Pacific Eden of tropical flowery forests and lustrous palm-shaded beaches. At Nayarit you will find island and mountain adventures such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, canopy jungle tours, kayaking, whale watching, professional golf courses, atypical native wildlife and even enchanting towns.

Many of the local skimboarders vie for the skimboard world championship playoff held every year in Acapulco. This competition, which is held in the wave-thumped beach of Melaque, always having a big crowd of tourists watching. The frontrunner has the honor of representing Mexico in the national championship held in the superior surf of Cabo San Lucas and then on to the world championships at Laguna Beach California. Melaque beach is protected by a spine of guano sheltered rocks on the northwest making the surf there quiet.

Within Mexico’s never ending Pacific beaches, there are many less known but not necessarily less significant beach destinations that are mostly seasonal. These places are ubiquitously along the Pacific coast and have emerged from sluggish fishing villages such as Melaque. Some of these places offer surfing, snorkeling, and other entertainment options.

There are nine towns on the Nayarit coast of Mexico that can turn out to be anyone’s beach of dreams.

Sayulita is a bohemian surf town that is strikingly beautiful. It is a two mile long stretch of beach that will totally captivate you with its charm.

Playa San Francisco is a wide beautiful sandy beach. It is set in the artsy town generally referred to as San Pancho, and is known to be fierce and mutinous.

Punta Raza is an amazingly beautiful and perfect beach in a spectacular setting. It is two miles of unblemished beach that is a prime illustration of the unbelievable beauty where the Nayarit beaches and the jungles convene.

Lo de Marcos is a wide beach adorned with soft, deep white sand. It is gorgeous. It resembles Hawaii with its craggy north end having crystal clear blue Pacific waves.

Los Ayala is an undiscovered gem on the Nayarit coast. It is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Vallejo Mountains. Los Ayala is an authentic Mexican beach town and fishing village.

La Penita de Jaltemba means “Place on the sandy shore across from the cliff.” This town is what one might perceive as a little rough around the edges.

Chacala is a splendid tropical beach located less than one hour of La Penita and just a few minutes south of the town of Las Vargas. You know you are headed in the right direction as you drive along a winding road set amidst another road amidst what is called the lost jungle.

The beaches of San Blas are lavishly beautiful and summons the adventurer with several palm lined immaculate secluded beaches.

As you can well see, Mexico’s never ending Pacific beaches is a perfect place to experience authentic Mexican fun and living with a unique and affordable vacation experience. Feel free to contact me if you need help or have questions. I’m just a click away.  Enjoy!