The Mayan Religion...

It's really interesting to read and learn about this remarkable culture, that is why I chose this topic to introduce you whithin Mayan ideology...

Indeed, religion was the main topic related to Mayan culture.

The polytheistic Mayan religion has always been one of the richest and most admired of the antiquity. In this religion, they believed that the world was an infinite square divided in the three planes: the Underground, Earth and Heaven. These planes were governed by different gods and gave a different sense to life. They also believed that the entire universe had a cycle and past defined the present, and present defined the future.

In the Twenthieth century, there were still some pilgrimages to Tulum to pray for the famous Mayan gods, and currently in this territory, there is one of the most fascinanting religious constructions, called "El Castillo" (the Castle). This building is located on a low platform and has columns in the shape of feathered snakes ("serpientes emplumadas", colloquially). Its superior façade is decorated with diverse figures, while the most remarkable one representing the sun's god. Although the origins of the Mayan culture will always remain in mystery, to visit the beautiful Tulum's Castle, is to get closer to one of the most determining traces of this amazing civilization. I've had the opportunity to be there, and it's a pleasurable sensation to observe this archaeological site located on a cliff of Caribbean Sea.

Therefore, try to take a brief vacation time and enjoy sightseeing!!!

For further information, visit http://www.tulum.caribemexicano.com/

(Tulum's mystery)

Yosemite National Park...a paradise on earth

I've just skimmed this reading from Friends of World Heritage, and I got impressed about this impressive spot, located on the central Sierra Nevada of California. Indeed, Yosemite National Park is a place of such beauty that it has been called a paradise on earth. People love it for many different reasons, and for those responsible for serving them while protecting this cherished place, the job is a constant challenge.

Yosemite National Park is a land of awe-inspiring cliffs and domes; the beautiful, glacially-carved Yosemite Valley; five of the world’s highest known waterfalls; and groves of giant sequoia, the world’s largest living things. The park has a history of human association that includes its occupation by Miwok and other indigenous peoples, and its ties to the beginnings and struggles of the conservation movement, the development and nurturing of the concepts of protected areas and national parks and the government institutions established to manage and preserve them.

Although Yosemite National Park was designated a World Heritage site in 1984, its significance had been widely recognized and led to its protection even before a national park was created in 1890 on part of the present-day site. In 1864 (nearly eight years before Yellowstone was set aside as the world’s first national park), Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove were granted to the State of California by the United States Congress, ‘for public use, resort and recreation’, ‘inalienable for all time.’ In 1906, Congress accepted transfer of the Grant back to the United States and added it to the already established Yosemite National Park, managed – like other parks in the west – by the U.S. Army. Only later, following public debates over the cutting of giant sequoias in Yosemite and other simmering issues at national parks, did Congress establish a National Park Service. Today, the National Park Service is making even greater efforts to manage the natural and cultural heritage it is charged with preserving. From systematic monitoring of natural resources, to creating environmentally sound infrastructure (such as roads and visitor stations) to handle its huge influx of tourists, to dealing with regular wildfires, the Yosemite Park management has been responding to changes in the park for more than a century.Additionally, the Park Service has made a point to improve its relationship with the many Native American people that live around the park. Many of these – from seven different tribes – remain active in the park’s management and activities. Some work for the park, providing visitor programs and professional services, and some are long-serving craft workers or interpreters who remain involved in educating millions on the ways and cultures of Yosemite’s indigenous peoples. A cultural center, under construction, will be a place where Native Americans can maintain their culture and observe their traditions in the Yosemite Valley. “Now, after almost thirty years of working on this, we can see that our efforts and dreams will come true,” says Jay Johnson, Tribal Elder and descendant of the Ahwahneecis (Yosemite) Tribe. “We will have use of the Indian Village in Yosemite Valley called Wahhoga.”Yosemite National Park draws visitors from around the world. From climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, to photographers recreating the works of Ansel Adams, to campers swimming in the Merced River and naturalists skirting the meadows and riparian corridor in search of birds and wild flowers, it is easy to understand why Yosemite welcomes 3.5 million visitors annually. But there is more here to know and understand. Yosemite is a source of pride, part of the nation’s identity, and a central institution in the effort to preserve its natural and cultural heritage.

So, don't forget we have such an awesome destination near by Mexico!

World Heritage Alliance...

Did you know that Mexico has 25 tourism sites declared as Humanity's Heritage (Patrimonio de la Humanidad)?
Indeed, the World Heritage Alliance has announced that Mexico is awarded as the country with the maximum quantity of Humanity's Heritage sites in western hemisphere. Besides, there are some of them suffering tourists' abuse by damaging these fantastic environments, while there are another mexican sites declared as Humanity's Heritage remaining ignored by the lack of promotion they have. That's why there are five governmental, private and international organizations working together to protect our legacy:

• Mexican Secretary of Tourism through the Turistic Promotion Counsel.
• World Heritage Alliance.
• United Nations Foundation through the UNESCO.
• Expedia Inc.
• Friends of World Heritage Organization.

Their objective is to educate travelers and travel industry's workers about the importance of developing a responsible tourism, which is a new touristic trend : The awareness of developing responsible touristic activities based on rooted values to involve traveler whithin sustainable tourism. (At less, that's the perspective i caught from this important initiative).

Yurts...surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty

For some spoiled travelers, the quote: "Traveling without traces" has become difficult these days. It's the reason why yurts are the perfect way to escape and get back to nature, following Mongolian nomads tribes' wisdom, offering comfort beyond compared.

Thousands of years before, Mongolian tribes were used to building yurts for living surrounded by nature.

Nowadays, yurts are become in luxury lodging tents for ecologically respnsible travelers. Even more, these tents allow travelers to get through the most sensual landscapes without damaging neither comfort nor consciense.

Yurts have handled the idea of offering all the best aspects of camping but in a more sophisticated and comfortable fashion.

Yurt's structure:

The yurt structure are handcrafted from oak and ash wood, covered in creamy natural canvas. The large, open space that this creates is furnished with a double or king sized bed, luxurious bed linen, fluffy towels. A storage area for your clothes and room to accommodate two single camp beds for children under 12.

Each tent has its own relaxation area with hammocks, giving you the space rarely found on a traditional camping holiday.

Yurt's atmosphere:

Yurt's focus is on natural luxury. This mean all the luxury nature can provide, including: beauty, fresh air, tranquillity and great company, offering all this with minimum impact to the environment. The tents and pathways are lit with solar power where possible, with extra lanterns and candles to add ambience. Likewise, they have exotic bathing areas, stocked with natural Provençal bath products, perfect for relaxing mind and body.

If what you are looking for is to be involved in nature and feel its sensations, yurts are the right choice...

Unfortunately, there are just three yurts companies around world:

-- Treebones Resort: Located on North California , rates for each night are from 129 to 169 american dollars for three people (http://www.treebonesresort.com) ;

-- Canvas Chic: on South France, the rates are from 400 to 650 dollars for three nights ready for two people;

-- Huzur Vadisi: over Turkish Mediterranean, rates from 650 to 1 300 dollars for two people staying a week, including yoga and meditation course (http://www.huzurvadisi.com)