The photo contest, is very easy:

Step 1 (click in the image to enlarge)

Enter to our facebook page  (click here) and select “Photo Contest” tab

Step 2 (click in the image to enlarge)

Fill out a form, then upload the best family that you have, you can choose from your facebook gallery or from your computer

Step 3(click in the image to enlarge)

Share it with all your friends and family to gain “likes”, you can ask them to help you win this photo contest

With just that, is easy to participate and win.

There is another way to win, the person who mentions the most friends(only Real people) in the comments section of any of our contest post will win 5 days / 4 nights in a Cancun resort and 3 days / 2 nights in Miami condo

Example: @nameoffriend. (click in the image to enlarge)

Restrictions:

-THERE WILL ONLY BE TWO WINNERS

-IN THE CASE THAT SOMEONE WINS THE PHOTO CONTEST AND ALSO MENTIONS THE MOST FRIENDS, THEY WILL RECEIVE ONLY ONE PRIZE (1 certificate for Cancun and 1 for Miami)

-An activation fee of $69 USD for each certificate is required when making your reservation.

-You must be at least 25 years old to claim the price. If you are not 25 years old, you still can use it, but must travel with someone this age.

-The participant and his friends must Cancun Great Vacations fans.

-Only one photo per person.

-Any user who does not follow all the steps will be automatically eliminated from the contest.

-Prizes will be communicated to the winners within 1 to 7 days from the date of publication.

-The winner must accept the prize and indicate his/her personal information (via email) for the enjoyment of the prize.

-The winners will be chosen according to the conditions stated above and published in the Wall of “Cancun Great Vacations” on May 11, 2012 at 18:00 hrs.

-Don’t forget to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter, so they can enter to win the gift certificate too!

PUERTO MORELOS:

Located in the Riviera Maya only about 25 minutes (11 miles) south of Cancun´s International Airport is Puerto Morelos. It is a bohemian town and very different from the crowded cities of Cancún and Playa del Carmen. In Puerto Morelos you will hear different languages, due to the multinational residents, such as: English, Dutch, French, German, Swiss, Italian, Maya and of course Spanish. On your stay here, we recommend you visit the National Marine Park, an ideal place to snorkel and dive. For adventure lovers, you won´t need to look further because Puerto Morelos offers plenty of ecotourism excursions such as bicycle tours, jungle canopy zip lining, and the opportunity to explore “cenotes”, natural sinkholes, nearby. You will be amazed by the beauty of Puerto Morelos!

PUNTA BRAVA:

Also known as “playa del sur”, this beach is a calm, peaceful spot situated between Puerto Morelos and Punta Maroma, just 30 minutes from Cancun and 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen, it´s located in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, with many beaches and virgin coves to the north and south. There are many activities available: aquatic sports such as waterskiing, sailing, fishing, and swimming with dolphins; and land activities like golf on courses with fascinating ocean views and jeep safaris or horseback riding. At night there are also many bars, pubs and restaurants to enjoy.

PLAYA DEL SECRETO:

Warm crystal clear Caribbean seas and soft white sand makes Playa del Secreto one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Riviera Maya, located only 48 km south of Cancun. The road that leads you to Playa del Secreto winds through mangroves, local wetland trees, where hundreds of species of tropical birds can be seen. There is a small community of houses and even one hostel but in general there is nothing but blue skies and crystal water along a lonely beach, where it is still possible to see the wonderful and unique event of turtles laying their eggs. Witnessing a turtle being born or making its first trip into the ocean is an unforgettable experience that takes place on Playa del Secreto.

PUNTA/ PLAYA MAROMA:

Considered one on the top beaches in the world, located between Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen, Playa Maroma is a calm tranquil beach. Playa Maroma´s cove is a crystal clear water pool ideal to dive or snorkel and explore colorful reefs, or swim with dolphins. We would also like to mention that between Punta Maroma and Punta Bete you can find “Tres Ríos Nature Park, which boasts three rivers of fresh crystal subterranean water, and ten cenotes that you can enjoy with your family.

PUNTA BETE:

Located 4 kilometers north of Playa del Carmen off highway 307 is Punta Bete. Stunningly beautiful and with relaxing, calm seas, this is the ideal place to snorkel the reef that´s situated very close to the coast. During your stay rent a cabaña or try camping on the beach for a unique experience. Punta Bete has rustic restaurants and lovely scenery, and you can also visit the little archeological site situated on this beach. If you stay here, remember to ask for the grilled lobster like the locals, it´s simply delicious!

XCALACOCO:

Another great place you can visit is Xcalacoco, which means “twin coconuts” in the Mayan language. This beach is located just a few miles from Playa del Carmen. It is believed that the area was a commercial port for the Mayas and that the name comes from the fact that there were many coconut trees in the area. Today it is just a white sandy beach where you may find a few Mayan ruins. This is a great place to camp as you can find services like showers and restrooms. There are some small restaurants on the beach, where the grilled garlic fish and the Mayan specialty of the region “Tikin-Xic Fish” (fish in a Mayan sauce made with achiote) are both very popular.

Mexico is a country that would most likely be negatively impacted by forced climate change, indicates a 2009 report by the World Bank Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.  As a result of this fact and the country’s voluntary reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Mexico is an ideal location for the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun.

Mexico Climate Change

Mexico shines as a developing country which has implemented domestic environmental controls.  From the time experts first revealed the negative impacts of climate change on man and nature, Mexican authorities began establishing programs to generate a greener economy and reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere.

The Mexican government’s voluntary program for businesses to measure and report GHG emissions reveals the country’s willingness to implement environmental controls.  In fact, the program has been so successful that the number of businesses using it to supplement international protocols has doubled between 2006 and 2009.

Mexico’s environmental commitment has even extended to the international community by its participation in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1993, signing the Kyoto Protocol* in 1998 and endorsing it in 2000.  The country’s efforts demonstrate that any country can be environmentally responsible to the full extent of its abilities.

UN Climate Change Talks

As host to the 2010 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun from November 29^th through December 10^th, Mexico continues to be an active contributor on environmental issues.  This important meeting includes the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) and the 6th Conference of the Parties with a meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP6).*

Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Christiana Figueres, indicates the conference is about “identifying what elements they will be able to agree on in Cancun.”  A minimum of two elements require a consensus:

(1) Providing support to countries having catastrophic events.

(2) Requiring developed countries to provide developing countries with financial and technological support.

Conference Contributions

As the climate change conference sponsor, Cancun will benefit from a commitment to plant 10,000 trees and bushes along the main corridor from Cancun to the Riviera Maya, Luis Donaldo Colosio Boulevard, which will help with carbon capture, sequestration, and beautification.

Another benefit of holding the conference in Cancun is the establishment of a residual waste management program that facilitates the processing and elimination of waste products.  Recycling containers will be placed throughout the city of Cancun and in official meeting areas of the conference.

Since the potential energy output from hosting this conference could contribute to negative environmental impacts due to additional greenhouse gas emissions, the Mexican government has recommended that conference organizers and attendees:

• Support sustainable forest management worldwide and in Mexico
• Participate in reforestation programs worldwide and in Mexico
• Neutralize greenhouse gas emissions through soil conservation programs
• Use renewable energy sources

Sustainable Tourism

Our featured Riviera Maya resort, Hacienda Tres Rios, is founded on sustainable tourism practices that preserve the environment while still providing luxury accommodations.  It is one of the few truly sustainable resorts in Mexico that exceeds environmental standards because of its environmental friendly design and construction – not just eco friendly practices.

As part of its ecotourism program, Hacienda Tres Rios offers guests the chance to make their hotel stay carbon neutral, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of clean, renewable energy for just $1 USD per night.  This is only one of many environmentally friendly practices at the resort.  Visit Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park’s model of sustainable tourism for more information.

* Adopted on December 11, 1997, in Kyoto, Japan, the Kyoto Protocol established customized, legally binding requirements for 37 industrialized countries and the European community to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between 2008 and 2012.

Traveling internationally with children can be fun and educational for the whole family.  Although it requires a little more energy and planning, it’s worth it!  When you travel with children, especially in Mexico where children are esteemed, you’ll have experiences that you wouldn’t otherwise have if you were on your own.  A Cancun vacation with children can be a culturally enriching experience that teaches them about different countries, civilizations, traditions, customs, and nature.

To help streamline your family vacation planning, remember to obtain these essential documents for air travel to Mexico with children:

#1 - Passports and Visas: U.S. citizens require passports for international air travel but do not need a prearranged visa for Mexico unless visiting longer than six months.  You’ll receive a tourist card (form) for completion on the plane before landing, which serves as your tourist visa.  When applying for passports, give yourself ample lead time, since processing can take 4-6 weeks.  Visit the US Department of State website for passport requirements.

#2 – Proper Legal Documentation: If both legal parents of the child or children are not traveling with them, the parent or adult accompanying the child must bring a notarized letter of permission from the legal parent or guardian specifying trip details and their contact information.  If a legal guardian is with the child, proof of legal guardianship is required.  If parents are legally separated or divorced, and one parent is accompanying the child, a notarized letter of permission from the absent parent or proof of sole legal custody must be provided.  Single parents are also required to bring official documentation of sole legal custody, a birth certificate (with no father specified), or a death certificate of the absent parent.

#3 - Medications and Medical Authorization: If you, the child or children need prescription medication, bring the labeled, official pharmacy bottles (without handwritten notes on labels) along with copies of written prescriptions.  Unmarked bottles or bags containing medication are considered unauthorized and can be confiscated by airport security officers.  As a proactive measure, obtain a medical treatment authorization from a pediatrician in case the child or children need medical treatment while traveling.

Immunizations and Vaccinations:

Although not documents, these warrant mentioning here.  Mexico does not require special vaccines, but travelers are advised to have up-to-date tetanus, polio, typhoid, and Hepatitis A vaccines.  If you’re a frequent traveler or spend extended time in foreign countries, diphtheria, tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and rabies vaccinations are suggested.  Since travel health recommendations change from time to time, contact your doctor before traveling.

While vacationing in Cancun, if you’re a U.S. citizen and have questions or need legal services, contact:

U.S. Consulate at Plaza Caracol

Second Level, No. 320-323 (inside the mall)
Boulevard Kukulcan, Km. 8.5
Zona Hotelera (Cancun hotel zone)

Tel. 998-883-0272

Email: cancunagency@gmail.com
Website:  http://merida.usconsulate.gov/cancun.html

Envision an underwater museum created by man. With no walls to hang paintings, how could this be done…and what’s the point? Developed for the Punta Nizuc National [marine] Park off the coast of Cancun and Isla Mujeres, Mexico, the Museo Subaquatico de Arte (MUSA), or Subaquatic Art Museum, is the answer to an important question: How do we preserve our deteriorating coral reefs? Not only is this museum a tourist attraction but it’s a nature preserve. Nearly open for exploration, the Cancun underwater museum will be the largest in the world when completed.

Museum Purpose

Since Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and the Yucatan Peninsula’s ecosystems of rainforests, wildlife, rivers, and oceans are subject to environmental contamination with potentially detrimental consequences for the world, the region harbors many nature reserves. Recent “victims” are the coral reefs of the second largest barrier reef in the world: the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, spanning the coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, including Isla Contoy, Cozumel, and further south beyond Mexico.

Climate change, population growth, and building development resulting in increased sewage, fishing demands, and agricultural chemicals interfere with nature’s ecosystems, especially delicate coral reefs that grow very slowly. Since coral reefs are extremely sensitive to temperature changes and foreign contact, people should not swim near the reefs or touch them. Healthy coral reefs attract many fish and marine life, which are essential to the preservation of our ecosystems.

Museum Development

Initiated by the Mexican government to preserve the region’s coral reefs, Cancun’s underwater museum began its first phase on November 14, 2009, entitled The Silent Evolution. Designed to encourage sea life growth, the first three statues of phase one’s 200 sculptures − Dream Collector, Man on Fire, and The Gardener of Hope − were submerged.

These life-size, PH-neutral concrete statues are being created and installed by British sculptor and museum Artistic Director, Jason de Caires Taylor, who says, “I am excited that this will become the beginning of the world’s largest underwater museum. This is a unique opportunity to explore the boundaries of art and combine it with reef conservation.”

Development of the underwater museum consists of three phases. Phase I involves submerging 200 life-size statues at various depths throughout the marine park and is well underway. Phase II consists of submerging 200 additional statues across Cancun’s underwater shoreline estimated for completion before the end of 2010, resulting in 400 permanent statues in the underwater museum. Phase III, set to begin in 2011, will invite other local and international artists to submit their statues for installation.

Drawing thousands of tourists each year, the national marine park advocates nature conservation while continuing to promote tourist activities, such as snorkeling and diving along the underwater museum’s artificially inspired natural coral reefs.

Punta Nizuc National Park Director Jaime Gonzalez says, “The underwater museum will draw many tourists, allowing us to give a rest to the natural reefs. It’s like a restoration process.”

The submerged sculptures are already showing coral, algae and invertebrate growth, and are attracting colorful fish, marine life, and tourist interest!  Nearing completion of the first two phases, the opening of the Cancun Underwater Museum will be introduced by Mexican President Felipe Calderon at the end of November 2010.

For more information, visit the Cancun underwater museum website.

Mangroves:  What are they and why are they so important?

Nature preservation.  It requires our attention because many of the world’s species are becoming endangered.  Mangroves, shrub-like trees that grow in salt water marshes and wetlands of subtropical and tropical regions, are one of them.  Mangrove forests have been devastated by acts of nature and especially by man’s land development and industry expansion.

Flourishing mangrove forests are essential to healthy marine ecology.  Mangroves provide food, protection, shelter, and nesting places for marine life, reptiles, and birds.  They stabilize lowlands with root systems that prevent shoreline erosion and protect highlands with dense foliage that shields land from wind, storms, waves, and floods.  They also act as a filter that traps sediment, keeping water clear, which protects the coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Preserving the natural environment is also essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems that provide all people with food, clean water, and fuel.  You can help with environmental preservation by supporting Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa & Nature Park’s initiative for donating mangrove trees to the reforestation program in Cancun, Mexico.

1 Facebook “Like” = 1 Mangrove Tree Donation

This simple yet profound action can support nature conservation:  For every new person who chooses to “Like” the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort Facebook page, the resort will donate one mangrove tree beginning today (October 7, 2010). This past February, the eco friendly resort donated 3,000 red mangrove trees (of over 90% needed) to reforest Nichupte Lagoon’s mangrove forests devastated by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

Hacienda Tres Rios Resort currently has 3,385 “Likes” on its Facebook page.  By increasing this number to 6,385 with the “1 Like = 1 Mangrove” campaign, it aims to donate an additional 3,000 mangrove trees to Cancun’s reforestation program.

Help us reach this goal by asking your family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances to “Like” the Hacienda Tres Rios Facebook page.  It’s easy.  Just use the “Suggest to Friends” link under the Facebook page photo in the upper left-hand corner.

Now everyone can play an active role in nature conservation with just one “click!”

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is an age-old tradition dating back to a time when only the indigenous tribes roamed the Americas. Upon arrival, the European invaders saw the tradition as barbaric, morbid and attempted to eliminate the tradition along with many others. Fortunately Day of the Dead celebrations survived and they later became ingrained into North and Central American Catholicism.

Halloween, brought to the United States by Irish and Scottish immigrants also originates from ancient traditions but it is celebrated to ward off spits, not welcome them. Day of the Dead, on the contrary, dedicates the first two days of November to honor and celebrate the spirits of loved ones that have passed. Marigold-adorned alters are risen and the favorite food and belongings of the deceased are set out along with festive decorations, candles and incense.

Although skulls and skeletons are a common decoration used in Day of the Dead festivities, they are not all intended to induce a feeling of gloom. Instead, the skeletal figures represent life, death and birth, symbols used long before the arrival of the European invaders. Candied skulls are set on alters as offerings to souls of deceased children and it is very common to find skeletons in much of the Day of the Dead art, costumes and decoration.

Mexico, Central America and part of the United States celebrate Day of the Dead but Mexico is where the most authentic, colorful and passionate festivities occur making November 1^st and 2^nd in Mexico a photographer’s and culture seeker’s paradise.

If you don’t eat junk food at home, don’t do it on vacation, a rule that is broken way too often.

It’s been a full day of activities and the kids are cranky and tired so the quick fix is always pizza or fast food.  Why not opt for something flavorful and local?  On the white sand beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Ceviche is easy to come by. It is quick, healthy and very tasty.  What is it? It is a fresh fish salad seasoned with lime, onions and cilantro. If you are not a fan of fish then chose from the wide arrange of fruits and veggies available that the Yucatan Peninsula has to offer. Have you ever heard of Chaya? Despite the fact that chaya in its natural from looks like nothing more than leaf of a tree, it the Yucatan’s equivalent to spinach and equally nutrient rich. Next time you are here ask for chaya water, a mix of chaya, pinapple and celery. Mmm yummy and refreshing.

Adequate exercise doesn’t always imply heavy weights, treadmills or running a 5K. There are plenty of tours and activities in which you can indulge and it won’t even feel like you are breaking a sweat.

Climb the stairs of the highest Mayan archeological site, Coba or explor the beautiful natural jungle that the area has to offer at Xplor Adventure Park. Xplor consists of zip lining, swimming and rafting. It is appropriate for all ages and comes highly recommended for families. Other activities include swimming with the Whale Sharks, snorkeling in a cenote or just a simple walk on the beach.

Mexican Ceviche Recipe

2 lbs of firm-fleshed fish deboned and cut into ½ inch pieces.

½ cup of fresh lemon juice

½ of a red onion, finely chopped

1 medium freshly diced tomatoes

1 green pepper chopped into small cubes

4 Tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro

¼ teaspoon of salt

¼ teaspoon of pepper

¼ teaspoon of oregano

1 or 2 finely chopped jalapeno peppers (depending on spice tolerance)

2 Tablespoons of white vinegar

A dash of Tabasco sauce

Q: What is the best way to prevent someone from doing something?

A: Scare them.

This is exactly what is happening among Americans who normally travel or want to travel to Mexico. With the constant rehashing of the drug-related violence taking place in Mexico, and now with recent cases in Cancun, an area still considered safe for tourist travel, Americans are hitting the panic button and holding off on their Mexican Caribbean Dream Vacation.

Q: Is a Cancun vacation still possible?

A: Absolutely

If you are a tourist traveling to this specific region, the chances of being harmed are very slim, despite popular belief. Yes, two cases of violence have occurred in this region but it is important to remember that the violence is drug-related violence. In other words it is not random. It is also important to remember that the violence that has occurred in this region has been nowhere near the tourist areas.

Out of all cases of drug-violence in the country, the Yucatan Peninsula has been the least affected and the reason for the increase in the violence is due to the Mexican government’s crack down on the drug trade, meaning violence is occurring between government officials and cartels or among competing cartels.  Never have tourist been targeted. At most, and unfortunately, tourists have been caught in crossfire but this has only occurred in the Mexican states bordering the US where the violence is a true cause for concern.

Useful websites regarding this topic include:

The United States State Department

Killing Drug Violence Myths

The Economist

When you reach your limit of fun in the sun on the beautiful white sand beaches of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, cool off by jumping into a cave full of fresh ground water and swim around hundreds of stalagmites and stalactites that date back thousands of years. If that is not adventurous enough for you, then suspend yourself on miles of zip line that hang high above the natural green jungle. There are only two of the activities offered at Xplor. Imagine the other possibilities.

Located just a short drive south of Cancun and slightly past Playa del Carmen, the adventure park, Xplor awaits you.  With activities ranging from mildly extreme to relaxing, the park has something for everyone. Just remember to bring water shoes because not matter what you do; you are going to get wet…very wet.

Recommendations:

• Visit the souvenir shop first. It is a good place to buy water shoes if you don’t already have them. Also, after a full day of adventure activities, you will be too tired to shop at the end of the day.

• Don’t worry about bringing snacks or drinks for the kids. The park has set up food and drink stands throughout the park. Also, there is a very nice buffet-style restaurant. It is all-inclusive too so you don’t have to worry about paying extra.

• Knowledge of the Spanish language is not needed. The park staff is completely bilingual and offer instructions in both Spanish and English.

• Don’t worry about safety. The park has been certified by a third-party international company to ensure all safety regulations are in order.