Explore Mexico's Must-See Natural Wonders
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HEAT THINGS UP IN COPPER CANYON’S HOT SPRINGS
To call the Copper Canyon amazing is an understatement – with awe-inspiring verdant green valleys, limitless layers of watercolor mountain peaks, otherworldly winding rivers, color-morphing cliffs, and prismatic rainbow waterfalls. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a series of six distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental, and is larger and deeper than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. There are numerous trails for hiking, but the expansive backcountry is best reached by horseback or guided burro. Discover secluded swimming holes and hidden waterfalls or camp beneath the stars on a sandbar near a peaceful river. For the ultimate romantic experience, make your way to a hot spring. These naturally-heated geothermal pools are nature’s steamy Jacuzzis, and Copper Canyon is home to several of them. Recowata Hot Springs near Creel and Basirecota Hot Springs near Cusarare are more developed, but for steamy seclusion, head deep within the valley to isolated Owerabo Hot Springs, concealed by a waterfall cascading from the cliffs above.
SWIM WITH YOUR SWEETHEART IN A SECLUDED CENOTE
Cenotes – several located near and throughout Cancun and the Riviera Maya – are natural sinkholes caused when caverns collapse to reveal hidden underground pools – and they are absolutely magical (google it, seriously). Cenotes can be like large open lakes with sandy bottoms, crystal clear water and floating gardens… or like mysterious caverns with exposed tree roots, stunning stalactites and spotlight-like openings to the world above. There are over 7,000 known cenotes in Mexico, so ask your travel agent what’s nearby. Some are developed with parking lots and changing rooms, while others are simply marked by a lone ladder descending into the secret abyss below. Don’t bring sunscreen or bug repellant because foreign chemicals are strictly banned. All you need is your swimsuit and good footwear to take a romantic swim in a natural pool unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
DIVE INTO THE PALANCAR REEF FOR AN UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
If you’ve never taken a scuba tour, then dive out of your comfort zone to see these incredible reefs on the Southwest side of the island of Cozumel. The perfect location for a novice dive, Palancar Reef has an incredible series of coral walls, towering rock spires and magical swim throughs. See majestic sea turtles, moray eels, and various vibrant marine life hiding amongst colorful gorgonians and diverse sponges. For more experienced divers, check out nearby Paso del Cedral for a glimpse of larger schools of exotic fish. If snorkeling is more your speed, head to the crystal-clear waters of Akumal Bay. Both Palancar Reef and Akumal Bay is a day trip from the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. You’ve already taken the big plunge (your walk down the aisle), go ahead and take a dive for an underwater adventure you will remember for years to come.
GO UNDERGROUND AND BRAVE THE GRUTAS DE GARCÍA (GARCÍA CAVES)
The miles of menacing caves hidden deep in the mountains of Nuevo Leon are not for the easily frightened. Cerro Del Fraile is the highest peak in Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, and inside are two paths descending to 27 separate chambers deep below the surface. Hold your honey close because tours of this underground wonder can be chilling. Hear the sounds of elusive bats and dripping streams echo through eerie caverns of stalactites and stalagmites. Squeeze past ominous limestone columns into an ethereal foggy chamber, and see the sunlight shine through small openings in the rock ceiling above. Those brave enough to enter will be rewarded with incredible views seldom seen above land
COMMUNE WITH NATURE IN SUMIDERO CANYON
Just north of the city of Chiapa de Corzo lies the Halong Bay of Mexico: Sumidero Canyon. Boat tours on the Grijalva River pass lush canyon walls, mossy streams and mystical waterfalls for a worry-free wilderness tour. Couples who enjoy communing with nature, but aren’t looking for long hikes along complex trails, a boat tour on the Grijalva is just for you. Bring your binoculars to spot endangered species such as the spider monkey and river crocodile or threatened species like the jaguarundi, anteater and king vulture. See wildlife in the depths of the canyon without disturbing native habitat and catch glimpses of animals you may not otherwise see on land.
SLIP AWAY TO A SECRET BEACH NEAR THE MARIETA ISLANDS
Hiding amongst the uninhabited Marieta Islands off the coast of Nayarit is a tropical paradise straight from a romance novel. A giant gaping crater in the surface of the lush green island reveals the secret beach of Playa Escondida, with pristine white sands flanked by crystal-clear waters. But getting there takes careful planning. You’ll need to obtain a permit in advance and arrange a charter or boat tour from Puerto Vallarta or Punta Mita. Once on the island, your guide will point you in the right direction, towards a small passageway through the rocks. The islands are an archipelago, formed by underwater volcanic eruptions, so the beach is only accessible through an underwater tunnel. Don’t worry, you won’t have to be fully submerged. What awaits is one of the most incredible secret beaches in all of Mexico – and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll have it all to yourself.
BASK IN THE SUN ON THE SHORE OF LAKE CHAPALA
Surrounded by colorful colonial villages and picturesque mountain hills, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake is an ideal destination for a relaxing post-nuptial getaway. Lake Chapala is located outside of Guadalajara, Mexico. With numerous picturesque resorts, charming restaurants and romantic lakeside walks, the area is a favorite among honeymooners and retirees alike. Pack a picnic lunch and rent a canoe for a peaceful afternoon on the water or soak up the sun on a serene beachside blanket.
**Reaching Copper Canyon, García Caves and Sumidero Canyon may take some extra time to reach cue to poor road conditions, but the sights and the experience here are worth the trip!
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