Sanborn's Mexico Travel Insurance

Thu Oct 29, 2009

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck off Mexico’s Gulf Coast on Thursday, shaking buildings in the coastal capital of Veracruz but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, public safety officials said.

“At present we have no news of any damage,” said a spokeswoman for the Veracruz state civil defense office.

State oil company Pemex, which has extensive oil and gas installations in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Gulf coast, said its facilities were operating normally.

“The ground shook quite strongly for a while, it was frightening but we have no reports of any problems,” said a Pemex spokesman in Veracruz.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the epicenter of the quake was offshore in the Gulf of Mexico, 45 miles (70 km) southeast of the port city of Veracruz.

A brief stay in a dream – A trip back in time

Just 3 hours from Mexico City, and half an hour from San Miguel de Allende, the mysterious Coyote Canyon is a beautiful place, filled with a special energy and history. However, there are very few who know the way there. Its inhabitants wish to preserve the authenticity and magic of this place for those tourists and visitors who seek an authentic adventure.

Located in the center of the state of Guanajuato, Coyote Canyon covers approximately 1,000 hectares of a semi desert region (high desert plains). It was this grand region that became the cradle of independence. A century later Mexican revolutionaries also crossed these arid lands. Some also tell that the famous Pancho Villa hid a great treasure somewhere in this area.

For the last fifty-five years a family of ranchers and farmers has inhabited this canyon. They live there in the old cowboy tradition. They cultivate the lands, raise and sell livestock and produce fresh ranch style cheese for sale in nearby markets.

Recently the family decided to open the doors of their home to tourist seeking to discover the traditions, customs, and habits of daily life and work at the ranch. They invite us to travel, on horseback, with them for a day or more to discover this rich and singular place. Throughout these excursions, you are escorted by experienced guides, who will share with you their in depth knowledge of the native flora and fauna. Wildlife commonly seen at the ranch includes a wide variety of native birds, as well as raccoons, armadillos and other fascinating animals. With a little luck you may even spot a pack of wild coyotes.

The excursion is quite rugged, however, the sure footed horses know their job very well, so the rider need only hold on tight and let them do their work. The trip will take you over the plains and amongst the cattle, before descending to the bottom of the canyon, then across the river and along sheer cliffs. It you seek even more excitement you can finish off the excursions by rappelling down a sixty meter cliff.

Just a few days in the middle of this nature will take you to the heart of the ancient Mexico, along with a friendly family which will adopt you immediately and will make you feel at home.

We suggest you take a trip in time, a discovery of the region’s real tastes, a nature’s charm.

www.coyotecanyonadventures.com

Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UR4vMfXuQLY

A fascinating destination where dreams come true

A land of dreams, colors and beauty which has preserved the authenticity of its Native culture and its colonial charm, the state of Michoacán fascinates visitors with its diversified landscapes and ruins. The cradle of the guitar, it’s also a place where the richness of Mexican craftsmanship shines.

Tree-covered mountains, fine sand beaches, tropical valleys and blue-hued lakes: Michoacán boasts, in a small land area, some of Mexico’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. The state’s Native traditions and colonial towns are at the root of its celebrity. With an enjoyable, semi-tropical climate, just four hours from Mexico City by highway, Michoacán, one of Mexico’s most typical states, has everything you need!

Along the Pacific Ocean lie still-virgin tropical beaches. The main resorts are Playa Azul, las Penas, Playa Dorada, Caleta de Campo, Maruata, a beautiful, quiet place where turtles go to lay their eggs. It’s an unforgettable, unique, cant miss spectacle.

A bit higher in elevation, there are avocado, mango and other tropical fruit plantations. In fact, the Uruapan area – the worlds avocado capital – produces most of the Hass avocados found around the world!

At 1,500 meters, the Altiplano begins, where the climate is drier but very enjoyable. Strawberries are grown in abundance, especially near Zamora. This area is also where most of the colonial cities are located. Higher up, starting at 2,500 meters and especially in the direction of the state of Mexico, there are pine forests, old mining towns, and near Angangeo, the famous butterflies.

Soar beyond your imagination..

The Monarch butterfly is the pride and symbol of the state of Michoacán. The eastern portion of Michoacán is the perfect winter retreat from the woods of southern Canada and the northern United States for this beautiful butterfly.

In Michoacán, the Monarch finds optimal conditions in terms of vegetation and temperature to hibernate and reproduce from October through March. Approximately 60 million Monarch butterflies travel more than 2,500 miles/4,000 kilometers in order to reproduce in the Michoacán forest. During these months the pine and oyamel fir forests turn bright orange with the fluttering butterflies. The orange, white and black coloring of the Monarchs provides a stark contrast with the green of the woods and the intense blue of the sky. Seeing the Monarchs in this environment is one of the most wonderful spectacles that nature has to offer, truly not one to be missed.

There are five Monarch butterfly sanctuaries in eastern Michoacán bordering on the state of Mexico. Of these, two are open for tourism: Sierra Chincua in the municipality of Angangueo and El Rosario in the municipality of Ocampo. In addition to the Monarch refuges, this region offers the visitor many interesting and historic sights such as traditional villages, archeological ruins, and colonial churches. There are mines dating from the 19^th century, forests and lakes, campgrounds, caves, hot springs, festivals, celebrations and crafts for the visitor to enjoy.

The only sanctuaries open to the public, El Rosario and Sierra Chincua, receive visitors in the autumn from mid November until March 21^st. The sites are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily. El Rosario was the first sanctuary opened to the public and is the best known. The route is well marked for the over 2 kilometers/1.25 miles from the entrance into the forest. Residents of the local community accompany visitors and serve as guides for the groups that visit.

The Monarch butterfly is part of our universal heritage as human beings, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Therefore, the visitor to the sanctuaries is asked to respect it by walking only on the marked tourist trails, do not bring food, drink or eat within the Monarch Butterfly biosphere reserve, don’t touch or throw objects to the butterflies, when taking pictures don’t use flash.

http://michoacanmonarchs.org/

http://www.spiritofbutterflies.com/welcome.html