Latest news with #Teotihuacan
Times
2 days ago
- Times
Mexico honeymoon ideas: 10 of the most romantic places to stay
Despite its famed food culture and jungle-fringed beaches, Mexico wasn't a country that particularly called to me — that is, until I visited unexpectedly in 2022 after meeting a man who lived there. It turned out that I fell harder for the place than the relationship: over the next two years I spent 17 months exploring the country's epic landscapes — and just four of those with the man in question. It's hard to define exactly what's so seductive about Mexico. Is it the cowboys riding along the beach while whales breach on the horizon? The defiant cool of its contemporary creative scene contrasted with indigenous peoples proudly practising pre-Colombian crafts? Whether your post-wedding wish is sun worshipping or high-octane hiking, cultural kicks or historic immersion, Mexico offers it all — and at far more affordable prices than most top honeymoon destinations. I'd be very surprised if you didn't fall head over heels with it too. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Vast, vibrant and very easy to fall for, the sprawling capital is the place to start any Mexican honeymoon. From classic cantinas to Enrique Olvera and Jorge Vallejo's Michelin-starred restaurants, each neighbourhood has its own culinary identity best discovered on a food tour. It may be tempting to spend the rest of the time browsing Roma Norte's concept stores for treasures for the house, but a balloon ride over the vestiges of Teotihuacan (once one of the largest ancient cities in the Americas) has to be among the most romantic history lessons you'll ever have. Uma Casa's plant-strewn, limewashed rooms embody the most seductive aspects of contemporary Mexican design, while double-height indoor terraces offer plenty of privacy. Viator has numerous options for a sunrise balloon ride over Teotihuacan. Most are similar in terms of the experience they offer — and the opportunities for envy-inducing honeymoon photos. • Discover our full guide to Mexico Given its location just four hours from Mexico City and its long affiliation with the arts — it was one of the favoured bolt holes of the Beat poets — it's unsurprising that this highland city's cobbled streets are lined with tempting galleries and candlelit bars. Seeing Diego Rivera's murals followed by a dance performance at the Bellas Artes is a low-key date, as is sitting in the Jardin de Allende listening to the mariachi musicians who perform under the spires of the great gothic cathedral that crouches at the heart of the Unesco-listed old town. Casa No Name is an 18th-century mansion with a folkloric feel and rooftop hot tub, perfect for quaffing sunset cocktails à deux. G Adventures' nine-day Essential Central Mexico trip includes two nights in San Miguel de Allende as well as the up-and-coming city of Guadalajara. • Best places to visit in Mexico The intimate Caribbean island of Cozumel comes into its own in the morning, when the glassy waters of the snorkelling spot known as El Cielo (the sky) are free from day trippers and the best loungers still available at the Cabana Beach club. The west side of the island is home to the lively (read: touristy) city of San Miguel and most of the island's hotels, while the lonely beaches and seafood shacks of the wild east coast are a mere 20 minutes away by car. Broody newlyweds, take note: the ruins of San Gervasio were once part of an important Maya pilgrimage site for women seeking fertility. InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa may not have the catchiest name, but you can't beat stilted cabanas with sunbathing nets over the ocean when it comes to spending quality time together. Newmarket Holidays' Deep South Rhythms, New Orleans & Caribbean Cruise includes a stop in Cozumel, as well as the Caribbean islands of Jamaica and Grand Cayman. • More of the best hotels in Mexico Tequila, mezcal, pulque… when you think of Mexican tipples, wine probably isn't high on the list. However, thanks to a Mediterranean microclimate due to its location in the mountains of the Northern Baja Peninsula, the Valle de Guadalupe enjoys perfect conditions for producing light, characterful reds. A stay here offers the opportunity to explore more than 150 independent wineries, many championing organic and biodynamic techniques, as well as feast at numerous farm-to-table restaurants such as Lunario and Fauna, which has long communal tables that spill out into a cactus-filled garden. Banyan Tree Veya's 30 romantic villas appear to have sprung organically from the valley's boulders, each with a private plunge pool. You'll wake every morning to panoramic views of the vineyards and mountains beyond. Baja Winery Tours offers private transportation and itinerary planning around the Valle de Guadalupe, including stops at fine-dining Sandwiched between the skeleton of a Maya citadel and the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve — the largest protected area on Mexico's Caribbean coast — Tulum's sublime shoreline contains six miles of beaches with sand the texture of talcum powder and bath-calm water. Throw in countless design-led resorts, spas hidden in the jungle and plenty of opportunities to sip mezcalitos in bars where everyone looks like off-duty models, and you'll begin to understand why Tulum is such a siren for those dreaming of tropical romance. Papaya Playa Project is a cluster of thatched cabanas and whimsical tree houses with direct access to 900m of deserted Caribbean sands. There's a beach party every Saturday with renowned guest DJs –— a plus or minus depending on your post-wedding energy levels. Kuoni's tailorable Las Vegas and Mexico trip offers a memorable contrast between the bright lights of Vegas and the Yucatan's most laid-back beaches. • More of the best hotels in Tulum Once known for its 19th and 20th-century architecture and old-time feel, the capital of Yucatan is having a moment. Thanks in part to gentrification in Mexico City, a host of cool creatives have relocated here and are now embracing the city's history by converting mansions into boutique hotels and opening shops that act as galleries for indigenous artisans (try Taller Maya). The dense jungle that surrounds the city is scattered with Maya archeological sites including Uxmal (a Unesco world heritage site) and Ake, which lays bare the story of the Spanish conquest. Casa Olivia is romance embodied thanks to antique loveseats, spiral staircases and bathrooms like indoor jungles lit by chandeliers. Two of the four rooms are honeymoon-worthy suites, but Olivia gets our vote for its direct pool access and very private terrace. Sunvil's 11-night Yucatan Natural Wonders itinerary includes several nights in Merida, as well as time at Uxmal and Chichen • Best all-inclusive hotels in Mexico A host of ritzy resorts makes this glamorous peninsula an ideal basecamp for exploring the Riviera Nayarit, 200 miles of pristine Pacific coastline and arguably Mexico's most up-and-coming beach destination. Between December and March amorous humpback whales migrate to the waters of the Bahia de Banderas (Mexico's largest bay) to breed, while the gentle waves of Playa Punta Mita are ideal for fledgling surfers. If you can peel yourself off your lounger, a boat trip to the Islas Marietas Unesco biosphere reserve and golden sand of the appropriately named Playa del Amor — which can only be reached by swimming — are well worth the effort. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is a collection of breezy houses and intimate casitas overlooking a private swathe of sand. The spa offers numerous couples treatments, including a signature tequila stone massage. Cox and Kings offers tailor-made tours to the Pacific coast, including the Riviera • Best hotels with swim-up rooms in Mexico This 31-mile-long Caribbean lagoon is Mexico's answer to the Maldives. Its Mayan name, Siyan Ka'an Bak'halal, translates to 'place surrounded by reeds where the sky is born' and as the sun progresses over the water you'll see it glow numerous shades of blue, from inky indigo to violet and turquoise. Wandering along Chetumal's malecon (pier) and climbing the Coba pyramid to watch the jungle claim the sun are worthwhile outings, but Bacalar is fundamentally a place to indulge in stillness, nature and stylish hotels with a sustainable bent. Akalki Hotel y Centro Holistico is a collection of Gaudí-esque structures on the water's edge, including a floating yoga pavilion, juice bar and holistic healing centre ideal for those craving a post-wedding health reset. Today Voyages' ten-day Yucatan Honeymoon combines plenty of beach time with nature excursions and visits to interesting rural villages. • Best time to visit Mexico: when to go and what to do Flying under the radar of most international tourists, this rural region in the northern state of San Luis Potosi combines the chance to hike to dozens of gorgeous waterfalls with cultural quirks such as Huapango music and behemothic tamales designed to feed up to 50 people. A stroll around Las Pozas — the whimsical sculpture garden dreamed up over decades by surrealist artist and patron Edward James — is captivating, as is swimming in the crystalline canals that feed the Media Luna Lagoon, a half-moon-shaped lake you can go scuba diving in. The area is popular with day-trippers from Monterrey, so it's best to avoid visiting at weekends if you can. Accommodation tends to be in private cabin rentals or small boutique hotels, bringing a sense of charm to celebratory nature-first getaways. Hotel Boutique Santa Lucia is typical of the region's hotels: a cosy, colourful nest in which to relax after a day spent in nature. It's also within easy striking distance of the Las Pozas garden and Tamul waterfalls. Get Your Guide offers a day trip to the Tamul waterfall — the highest in the region — with a boat ride, underground cenote visit and meal at a local restaurant. This ultra-exclusive enclave's name translates to 'village of water' and it does indeed have a series of cerulean lagoons, as well as Caribbean beaches and deep, mysterious cenotes (sinkholes) where you can float and observe the burning blue of the sky. The most exclusive spot on the Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is essentially a gated community that's home to just a handful of high-end resorts as well as some private properties. It may not be the most culturally stimulating destination but it's hard to beat for a blissful post-wedding slump. Banyan Tree Mayakoba has an excellent spa, as well as a boat that can be booked for couples dining among the mangroves. Abercrombie & Kent offers bespoke trips to the Riviera Maya that can include a stay at the magnificent Rosewood • Cancun v Tulum: which is better?• Best hotels in Cancun Do you have a favourite romantic destination in Mexico? Let us know in the comments
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Archaeologists Found a 1,600-Year-Old Maya Tomb That May Belong to a Legendary King
Here's what you'll learn when you read this story: Researchers in Belize discovered what may be the tomb of Caracol's first dynastic leader, Te K'ab Chaak. Previous excavations at Caracol revealed two more burial sites, both dating back to a similar timeframe as Te K'ab Chaak. Some artifacts discovered in the tombs were more typical of Teotihuacan society, suggesting that the Maya were influenced by Mesomerica earlier than previously believed. Maya civilization was one of the largest ancient societies in Mesoamerica, and our understanding of the culture is similar to our understanding of the ocean: growing every day. Lucky for us, another major discovery was just made—after four decades of research, a team of scientists have located what may be the tomb of a legendary ruler. A team of archaeologists from the University of Houston (UH)—led by spouses Arlen and Diane Chase—made the discovery at Caracol in Belize. According to a press release, this burial site is the first identifiable ruler's tomb found at Caracol in more than 40 years. Researchers believe the tomb belongs to Te K'ab Chaak, the founder of the Maya dynasty and leader of Caracol, a city that played a major role in the civilization's political history. After his death, Te K'ab Chaak's dynasty continued in Caracol for more than 460 years. Te K'ab Chaak was buried at the base of the royal family tomb. Researchers estimate he was approximately five foot seven inches, and had no teeth remaining when he died. Items found in his tomb included pottery, carved bone tubes, jadeite jewelry and masks, and oyster shells. Several pottery vessels at the site, according to the release, depict vivid scenes. One shows the ruler receiving offerings from the gods. Another shows the Maya god of traders, Ek Chuah, surrounded by ritual offerings. Four more vessels depict bound captives. Te K'ab Chaak's burial site was one of three tombs, all dating back to around 350 A.D., that have been discovered in the area over the years. In 2010, researchers discovered a cremation containing the remains of three individuals, knives, atlatl (spear-thrower) spear points, and obsidian blades from Pachuca, Mexico. According to researchers, these burial practices were typical of high-status nobles in Teotihuacán—a prominent pre-Aztec city in Mexico—as opposed to those of the Mayan civilization. The third burial was the tomb of a woman, and was discovered in 2009. The tomb contained pottery vessels, a beaded necklace, mirror fragments, and shells. Prior to the recent discoveries, experts had believed Teotihuacán came to be long after Te K'ab Chaak and the other individuals would've been buried. 'Maya carved stone monuments, hieroglyphic dates, iconography, and archaeological data all suggest that widespread pan-Mesoamerican connections occurred after an event in 378 AD referred to as 'entrada,'' Diane Chase said in the press release. However, data from the three burial sites dated further complicated experts' understanding of the cultural blending. According to researchers, all three tombs provide evidence that the Maya were enmeshed with Mesoamerica earlier than previously believed. 'Both central Mexico and the Maya area were clearly aware of each other's ritual practices, as reflected in the Caracol cremation,' Arlen Chase explained in the release. 'The connections between the two regions were undertaken by the highest levels of society, suggesting that initial kings at various Maya cities—such as Te K'ab Chaak at Caracol—were engaged in formal diplomatic relationships with Teotihuacán.' It seems that there is still always more to learn about ancient Maya. Research continues at Caracol, as experts reconstruct the jadeite mask and analyze the DNA of skeletal materials. The Chases will present their recent findings at a conference held by the Maya Working Group at the Santa Fe Institute in August of 2025. You Might Also Like The Do's and Don'ts of Using Painter's Tape The Best Portable BBQ Grills for Cooking Anywhere Can a Smart Watch Prolong Your Life?
The Independent
12-06-2025
- The Independent
Solo female traveler reveals why Mexico is great for visiting alone (though there is a city she won't return to)
There's no denying that Mexico has a crime problem — its murder rate is three times higher than America's, for example. But one travel expert says that it's a bucket-list-worthy country for female travelers regardless, whether they're alone or with companions. Sam Saenz, from Texas, has spent a huge amount of time in Mexico and tells The Independent that she is "fascinated by the country", having had joyously memorable experiences there with friends and on solo adventures in places that include Mexico City, the resort town of Puerto Vallarta and the Teotihuacan ruins. However, the 38-year-old, who runs travel blog eatwelladventureoften, admits that solo women vacationers do need "street smarts" to stay out of trouble and admits there is one place she'll never return to. The content creator explains: "Mexico can be a dangerous vacation destination for solo female travelers if they do not have street smarts or if they act like the stereotypical obnoxious tourist. "There are some parts of Mexico, like any country, that aren't safe for solo female traveling. For example, there are parts of Miami I would not go by myself and I lived there for four years." Sam takes precautions such as sharing her Google location and trip details with multiple friends and family and staying in hotels rather than Airbnbs. She explains: "With hotels there's an added layer of security. There's often only one entry point, unlike an Airbnb, which can have multiple. There are also lots of people around, so if you need help there are people to ask. If something goes wrong, the hotel staff are more likely to find out faster than if you're staying at an Airbnb, isolated. "Also, you can get local recommendations from the hotel staff. I also think hotels are cheaper now than Airbnbs, so that is another benefit." Sam's first international solo trip was to Cabo San Lucas, a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. And this 2016 vacation was a huge confidence booster. Sam tells The Independent: "I was kind of lonely on this trip. I also didn't feel as comfortable as I do now, being a more seasoned traveler. "So the first day I didn't explore the town as I was intimidated to be out alone in Mexico. "However, I ended up making friends with another woman who was solo traveling and we explored the next day together, so that was fun and memorable, just because I feel like you can make fast friends solo traveling." Sam had a similarly happy experience on a cruise. She said: "I also had people kind of adopt me on a cruise from Florida to California back in 2023. "I got adopted by a group and it was awesome, because I could have as much or as little solo interaction as I wanted. "If I wanted to, I could hang at the pool all day by myself then have dinner with the group. "I ended up staying at a condo in Puerto Vallarta, a resort town on Mexico's Pacific coast, that belonged to a couple in the group. So, I think you are more likely to make connections when you are solo traveling." Asked to name her favorite spots in Mexico and Sam is quick to sing the praises of Mexico City. She says: "I'm always down to return to Mexico City. I love the vibe of the city. The food is incredible, the people-watching is incredible, the art and culture is great. I mean, there are something like 150 museums and art galleries. "In 2016, I went on a Bumble date and on the date, we booked flights to Mexico City for literally six hours later and spent an entire weekend there exploring. It was definitely one of the greatest memories of my life. So romantic and exciting. I wrote a book based on this adventure and I am hoping to publish it in the next year. "When I went, everyone asked me why I was going there and told me it was dangerous — and now several people on my social media have since made the trip after seeing my experiences and pictures." Other Mexico highlights for Sam include experiencing the Unesco-listed Teotihuacan ruins, which she describes as "mindblowing"; being "two pina coladas deep on Isla Mujeres on a rope swing over the water and feeling so happy and free"; going across the "amazing" Jorullo suspension bridge in an all-terrain vehicle; and visiting the aforementioned Puerto Vallarta, which she describes as "extremely solo-traveler friendly". She adds: "I wouldn't be quick to tell people in Puerto Vallarta you're alone, but I went all over the city and took tours and felt very safe. People are also very welcoming there, so I think it helps." One place she isn't keen to return to, however, is the city of Oaxaca [wuh haa kuh]. Sam explains: "I don't think I would go to Oaxaca as a solo female traveler. I went with my business partner who was female and we just didn't feel that welcome in the city. "I didn't feel unsafe, but I definitely didn't feel welcome and I hate to say that. I think Oaxaca has an incredible food scene and unique culture." For anyone who is hovering over the "book" button for a solo trip to Mexico but is feeling nervous about going, Sam says: "If you've done your research, then FIBI. That's short for 'f*** it, book it'. Usually, taking the first step by booking your trip helps everything else come together, and the fear becomes excitement. "Just don't forget the seaweed. Many people don't know about sargassum [a brown tropical seaweed] and how it affects different regions of Mexico at different levels of intensity until after they get to their destination." For those who are particularly jittery, Sam recommends a cruise. She remarks: "I think a cruise is good for those looking to ease into solo travel and/or see different parts of Mexico — and it's a good way to experience Mexico safely."
Washington Post
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
‘Andy Warhol in Iran' searches for drama in a quirk of history
In a 2013 article for the Atlantic, Interview magazine editor Bob Colacello remembered traveling to Mexico with the publication's co-founder, pop artist Andy Warhol. The visit included a day trip to the pyramids of Teotihuacan, where Warhol refused to get out of the car, declaring the monumental pre-Columbian archaeological site 'just a pile of old rocks.'
The Sun
29-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Inside ‘gateway to underworld' underneath 1,800-year-old city which holds ‘toxic' secret that scientists ‘can't explain'
AN ANCIENT pyramid thought to be a 'gateway to underworld' was discovered to contain a hidden secret. The historic site, located in an ancient city, is thought to house a supernatural secret. 6 6 6 Quetzalcoatl Temple in Mexico, also known as the Feathered Serpent Pyramid is thought to have been built around 1,800 to 1,900 years ago. During an excavation project researchers discovered large amounts of liquid mercury in 2015. Its something experts believe means the structure was used to 'look into the supernatural world.' They also believe its presence could indicate that a king's tomb or ritual chamber could be lying underneath the ancient city of Teotihuacan. The pyramid was originally unsealed in 2003, allowing researchers like Dr Sergio Gómez to spend six years excavating the tunnel. During this excavation, researchers uncovered three chambers at the end of a 300 foot tunnel. In addition to the liquid mercury, they also found artefacts like jade status, jaguar remains, and a box of carved shells and rubber balls. The tunnels and adjoining structures lie 60 feet below the temple. In their 16 years excavating the temple, the research team uncovered over 3,000 ceremonial and ritual artefacts. They have used their discoveries to create a comprehensive survey of the pyramid and tunnel using LiDAR scanners and photogrammetry. Liquid mercury is not an uncommon discovery - with Dr Rosemary Joyce saying that archaeologists had found the substance in three other sites around Central America. Its believed that mercury symbolises an underworld river or lake. Dr Annabeth Headrick agreed with this interpretation, telling the Guardian that the the qualities of liquid mercury might appear to resemble "an underworld river, not that different from the river Styx. "Mirrors were considered a way to look into the supernatural world, they were a way to divine what might happen in the future. "It could be a sort of river, albeit a pretty spectacular one," Dr Headrick added. The Quetzalcoatl Temple is located around 12 miles northeast of Mexico City in Teotihuacán - the heart of the Mesoamerican Teotihuacan universe. Around 4.5 million people visit the temple - which is the third largest in the city - every year. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, and was listed on the World Monuments Watch in 2004 as tourist visitation led to the site's deterioration. More than a hundred human remains, which may have been sacrificial victims, were found under the structure in the 1980s. The Aztecs believed it was the place where Gods were created, with sacrifices being made as tributes. 6 6 6
