Death is a natural part of life and it has been celebrated in Mexico for centuries in one of the most unique and colorful ways. During November 1^st and November 2^nd all corners of Mexico unite to honor the dead.

From the far north-western regions to the infamous Yucatan Peninsula, Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, celebrations can be found in a beautiful blend of color, fragrances, and food.

Day of the Dead has it origins in pre-Hispanic traditions. The celebrations conducted by the indigenous tribes were in honor of death and were used as a homecoming for the sprits of the loved ones that had passed.

Unlike the Europeans who believed death was simply the end of life, native tribes of the Americas thought of death as a passage to something else, simply a stage. The European invaders saw the practice of Day of the Dead as morbid and tried to eradicate this tradition among others but Day of the Dead celebrations survived and later became ingrained into the Catholicism practiced in both North and Central American.

Today Mexico, Central America and small regions of the United States honor Day of the Dead and it is a sight that one must see. The golden-yellow colors of marigolds petals grace alters that are adorned with flowers, incense, and candles while food and candy skulls are used as offerings.

Each color used in Day of the Dead décor represents something unique. Purple represents suffering, while white stands for hope. Incense is used for purification and cleansing purposes. Skulls and skeletons represent both death and birth and although the appearances of skeletal figures may conjure more of gloomy feel for outsiders, Day of the Dead celebrations are anything but morbid. For some, it is a celebration of life.

Although festivities for Day of the Dead occur in three different regions, it is predominately celebrated in Mexico, a perfect time to visit. Where else in the world could you experience such a unique and age-old tradition that celebrates life while mocking death.

*Day of the Dead skull artwork by Thaneeya McArdle

Have you ever heard of Xel-Ha?

Xel-Ha is an eco-archaeological park near Playa del Carmen, where nature and Mayan culture can be admired in all their richness.

The most beautiful part of Xel-Ha is the river of clear, fresh water and the huge lagoon where it joins with the sea. These two areas are perfect for snorkeling and seeing fish and other marine life. You can even swim with several huge stingrays in the entrance to the Mayan Cave, which is covered in fossils from the prehistoric era.

Along the river there are several attractions and activities to liven up your swim. There is a 6 meter cliff that is safe (and fun) to jump off of.  There is also a “Tarzan” style rope to swing from. There is always an atmosphere of fun and laughter in these areas, whether all visitors speak the same language or not.

If you can not swim very well but want to see the underwater life, you can relax and float on a tire and let the gentle currents of the river guide you while you listen to the sea, wind and the gentle movement of the palm trees.

Next, visit “Xpa” which is Xel-Ha’s spa. Ancient Mayan techniques are used to soothe, heal and revive the body and mind. Once your treatment is finished, proceed to the hammock area and take a siesta.

Xel-Ha is conveniently organized. Free towels are available everywhere. They also provide lockers to store all of your belongings. Another excellent aspect of the park is that you can eat when you want and all you want. Xel-Ha has has 6 restaurants with different cuisines and they all are buffet style.

Xel-Ha is a must see, perfect for the whole family. Expect an unforgettable day of adventure and relaxation!

If you are looking for adventure in the Riviera Maya, spend a day at Xplor, an adventure park located just south of Playa del Carmen. Recently, Hacienda Tres Rios, along with other bloggers and Tweeps from the area, was invited to get to know Xplor and help promote the contest they are holding in Mexico to name the caveman stuffed animal that appears in the photo above.

Xplor makes the most of the tropical jungle and underground caves and rivers that the Yucatan Peninsula is known for. Much of the park is underground. That being said, you will spend part of your day on solid ground as well, exploring the jungle in Amphibious vehicles, and WAY above ground as well, on thrilling, but very safe zip line circuits.

It’s probably best to start your day off zip lining, because you will need a lot of energy to climb all of the towers. Have a big healthy breakfast. There are a total of 13 zip lines in the 2 circuits. There is also a waterslide and a few water landings, which feel great on a steamy day. Then, after all that climbing and flying, which takes a couple of hours, you are definitely going to need a snack. Stop by one of the snack areas for delicious and nutritious smoothies, juices and cookies.

Now you might want to head for the underground river rafts. You can choose a one or two person raft, which you will navigate with two small paddles on your hands! The stalactites and stalagmites are beautiful to look at (No touching allowed!) and remind us that our Earth is something we should cherish and protect.

Since you are already wet, why not head for another underground river? This time you will be swimming. It’s over 400 yards long, but don’t worry, they will provide you with a life vest.

The “Heart of Xplor” (see first photo) would be a great place to meet up with your companions before you head to the buffet restaurant for lunch. The buffet is very large and there are plenty of choices. However, don’t overeat, because now it’s time to drive your Amphibious vehicle through the jungle, underground caves and even a waterfall!

Before you head back to your resort, stop by the Xplor gift shop, which carries a large variety of merchandise, and it’s underground!

Don’t miss this adventurous yet safe ecopark. A day at Xplor will add a memorable twist to your vacation in Cancun, Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya.

Tip: Wear water shoes and surfing-type clothes, you are going to get wet!

Have you been to Xplor? What is your favorite part?

The Riviera Maya is a special place.  That’s why Hacienda Tres Rios developed an eco friendly resort surrounded by lush jungles, tropical plants and exotic animals on a white sand beach along the Caribbean Sea.  Near Cancun, the Riviera Maya is located in a safe and peaceful area in the southern region of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula that contains many natural activities and cultural attractions:  nature reserves, eco parks, white beaches, the Caribbean Sea, tropical rainforests, underground rivers, cenotes, caves, and archaeological sites of ancient Mayan ruins.

Five must-see places in this tropical paradise are:

Playa del Carmen

With a Playa del Carmen address, Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort lies on the outskirts of town, only a five-minute drive from La Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue), the famous promenade with trendy cafes, popular bars, hot nightclubs, outdoor restaurants, arts and crafts shops, and boutiques.  The town’s European influence offers an eclectic variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, in addition to its customary scuba diving, fishing, sky diving, and kiteboarding activities.  Only 68 kilometers (42 miles) from Cancun, Playa del Carmen includes the ferry port for transportation to Cozumel island.

Cozumel

Famous marine explorer and diver, Jacques Cousteau, introduced the world to Cozumel island, a diving paradise with spectacular coral reefs and sea life along the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.  This part of the Caribbean Sea contains many tropical fish, exotic sea life, and colorful coral reef formations that make it ideal for snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, submarine tours, sailing, kayaking, glass bottom boat rides, and for swimming with dolphins.  Only 60 kilometers (36 miles) south of Cancun, Cozumel is a 45-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen’s port.

Tulum

Built on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Tulum is the only ancient Mayan city with fortress-like walls serving both to protect the seaside trading port from invaders and to separate the upper and lower classes.   The Tulum Mayan ruins are recognized for their distinctive temples and pyramids, primarily El Castillo (the castle or lighthouse), the tallest and most famous structure at this Mayan archaeological site, which is located 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Playa del Carmen and 130 kilometers (81 miles) south of Cancun.

Xcaret

The ecological and archaeological park of Xcaret features natural activities and cultural attractions, such as white sand beaches; inlet, rivers, cenotes; a botanical garden, aquarium, aviary, butterfly farm, exotic wildlife, turtle conservation programs, and even on-site Mayan ruins.  One of the many vacation activities at Xcaret eco park includes a night show with authentic cultural, historical, and traditional Mexican performances.  A great day trip, the park is 24 miles (38.5 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen and 37 miles (59.5 kilometers) from Cancun International Airport.

Puerto Morelos

An authentic fishing village nicknamed the ‘Jewel of the Caribbean,’ Puerto Morelos has pristine beaches along the Caribbean Sea containing a portion of Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System; abundant fish make it an ideal spot for snorkeling and fishing.  Local fishermen catch fresh fish daily, distributing to the town’s best seafood restaurants.  Nearby attractions are The Cenotes Route, Croco Cun Zoo, and Yaax Che botanical garden.  Centrally located, Puerto Morelos is only 22 miles (36 kilometers) from Cancun and 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Playa del Carmen.