Discoverymundo Blog

Author: Johanna Lee

The best wedding I have been in Cancun

In 2014, I attended to one of the best weddings I have been to in my life. This was at the Barcelo Mayan Palace in Riviera Maya (Transportation to Barcelo Mayan Palace). My cousin Alfonso was getting married with her girlfriend Gaby, a very beautiful couple.
They organized their wedding weekend at this hotel with a Mayan ceremony, Church ceremony and an amazing party at the end.

First, we arrived on a van this Friday with my family in Mexico and other countries. There were more than 200 people including my cousin’s girlfriend family. We arrived about 4 pm, every family was located in a room at this huge resort, it was really big you could lose yourself. Finally we stayed in a room near the wedding couple, it was cool because the photographers took pictures of them at the lobby with their wedding clothes.
We were all located in the rooms and getting ready for the first Mayan ceremony. The Mayan Civilization is part of our mexican culture and that is why they choosed to stay in the Mayan Palace.
We found ourselves at night by the sea, beautiful candles and lights everywhere, ready to start with the ceremony. The couple stood at the front seated. This ritual began with many chants that the Mayan culture do, very interesting. Fire shows and rituals called everyone’s attention; that’s how Gaby and Alfonso joined throught the Mayas.

After this ceremony, we all went to a Mexican buffet inside the hotel, the food was delicious, I can’t explain it with words. There were 4 types of Mexican Buffets. It was so good you couldn’t choose. Since eating tacos, chilaquiles, pozole, enchiladas, mole and more.. to the best desserts of all flavors, great drinks and Mexican entries..

We were like four hours at this buffet, the enviroment and the music was really nice and very mexican, of course.. After this each family went to their room. My family and me went looking for some place to go dancing, the atmosphere in each place was fun and we had to move after that big dinner!

The next day, we were ready taking breakfast in another buffet until we couldn´t eat more. We went to the beach for a while, did some activities of the hotel and stayed all day at the pool with my family and having good drinks.

My sister and I went to a spa for a good massage offered by the hotel. I can say it was one of the best massages I’ve had in my life. They were 2 girls, one for my sister and one for me. The music was very nice and the atmosphere towards the sea.
That was all day until 5pm that we had to get ready for the big day. Of course it took us like 3 hours to dress up and everything because we are women and we took over. haha
So, the wedding at the chappel started at 8. Big decorations with lots of colors and lights surrounded in each corner.

The couple looked divine together and I must say some tears came to me. It reminded me of how important it is love in life and we should cultivate it, that is why i think is the best wedding I have been in Cancun.
All this was until 10 pm ready for the big celebration party by the sea. We arrived in a monster truck for everyone and took a table for each family. A blue dance floor with lights was the fascination!

The night started with a fire show a little scary because the actors where playing and dancing with fire, it kinda look like martial arts.

Then they gave us dinner and finally the party got started. The music was very popular and super fun! Then they started playing all kind of music, rock and roll, pop, mexican, salsa, hip hop and a lot more. We danced like 8 hours… surely the best thing was the people there!

I had a lot of fun at this wedding and I’m always gonna remember it like the best wedding I have ever gone.
Here I share a little video dancing at night with the family! Hope you enjoy and if you like this article share it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yP9QSn7D6Y8

Read all of our wedding reviews on our Discovery Mundo Storefront at

October 16, 2015
The moment I decided to jump off a bridge

This is a little story about the moment I decided to jump off a bridge, better called as “Bridge Puenting”.

Once a morning on a trip in Baños, Ecuador. I was with my travel group, ready to take the best pictures when they jump off a bridge. I knew that day and was completely sure that I wouldn’t do it. I thought in my mind that the rope was going to fall. I was afraid.
This was in Baños. One of the most touristic cities in all Ecuador and recognized for the amount of activities and tours it offers.

Days before I dared to walk throught the Amazonas, went to the waterfalls, saw a 2 meter Boa close from me, went to a swing of a tree and even throw myself in a big row like Tarzan! But nothing of that could break my fear of doing bridge jumping…

But didn’t last much..
We arrived to Pailon del Diablo on a Sunday Morning, October 11, with a climate of 15 celcius degrees, I was wearing formal pants with a blouse and sandals not appropiate for this activity, I knew I wasn’t gonna jump… not at all!… My job that day was supposed to take photographs and videos of my friends.. My fear that moment now was that something happend to them.
Then the first of my partners jumped, everything changed on my mind: When he did it, seemed he could fly; he screamed and everyone felt the emotion of the 70 meters free fall. At that moment I remembered that traveling involves new experiences and I could not refuse the opportunity to live them.Still frightened, I asked to hold tight my harness. My legs were shaking when I stand on the edge of the bridge and the only thing I thought was that this jump would be the closest thing to feel the sensation of flying. Finally I threw myself on that bridge with my head down like a swimmer.

Here is a video of me this day doing bridge jumping, hope you like it.

https://youtu.be/-VpQl-K1QV4

After doing it there is only one thing I can say, this is a sense of freedom, happiness and excitement at the same time. One of the best things about traveling is to live new experiences and refusing to them is to lose an important part of the trip.

This is why I am happy to have done many things during that trip, meeting exotic animals and see beautiful landscapes. But I’m grateful that I overcame my fears and i felt the adrenaline wush of the free fall of PUENTING!

Nothing can be compared to that and I can say i fully enjoyed my trip without any restrictions.

Girls Team!

October 14, 2015
Marietas Islands

If you’re traveling to Mexico and you have no idea about what to do you can visit Marietas Islands.

The Marietas Islands is a group of small uninhabited islands in the state of Nayarit a few miles of Punta de Mita and Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico. They are very a popular tourist destinations because of the abundant marine life, because the islands are protected from fishing and hunting.

The most famous and visited point of this island is Playa Escondida, also known as Hidden Beach.

People constantly reported sightings of sea turtles, stingrays, octopus, wild dolphins, whales and thousands of species of tropical fish around the islands. They are also home to a few thousand of birds species such as the blue-footed boobies.

In Punta de Mita you will find small boats out doing tours through the islands to see the wildlife of this region. Approximately in the period from December to March you can observe gray and whales that come from Alaska in order to give birth off the coast of Nayarit.

Explore the bay as you head out to the islands, looking for dolphins, rays and turtles along the way. As you reach the islands, you will encounter over 90 species of birds that call the island home.

This duration of this tour is about 7 hours and you will totally need your camera to take pictures of this wonderful island.

You will enjoy time in the clear refreshing waters around the islands swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and exploring a buffet lunch, open bar, music and an entertaining performance by the crew.

You can make the reservation for this tour with Discovery Mundo clicking here Isla Escondida tour includes Continental breakfast, Deli style lunch, Open bar, Snorkel equipment, Kayak equipment, Wetsuit and Paddle board.

October 10, 2015
Tips before going to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is one of the most visited places in Cancun, this paradise Island will be unforgettable for you. I’ll give you some tips that you need to know before going to Isla Mujeres:

Get Your Beach Kit Ready

If you are an adventurous traveler don’t forget to bring everything you need to have the best time. Remember if you want to do beach activities don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, a good sunscreen, your beach kit, a camera, water glasses and anything else you would like to bring!

Buy your ferry tickets Online

If you want to get fast to Isla Mujeres you have to take a Ferry, but there will be times that buying your ticket will take a long time… That’s why i recommend you to buy them online and avoid making lines ( Ferry Tickets Online here).

Take advantage of the Tours of Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres offers a lot of activities for tourists: Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Swimming with Dolphins, Swimming with Sharks, Parasailing, Ziplines and a lot more. Some tours include food and drinks. ( Tours of Isla Mujeres here )

Pre book your stay in Isla Mujeres

There are a lot of hotels and places in a good price and next to the beach where you can stay in Isla Mujeres. You can find yours at the moment you arrive at the Island; but there is nothing better to have everything ready with anticipation to avoid complications.
I hope this tips work for you. If you like this article share it in facebook with your friends!

October 8, 2015
Best Clubs in Cancun Mexico

Here I’ve made a list (in my experience) of the Best Clubs in Cancun Mexico:

Mandala

Mandala is life! First because of the beautiful and vivid colors that this place shows at night. I recommend you to visit Mandala at least once. Is my favorite of all the clubs in Cancun.
There is all kind of music here, Hip Hop, Pop, Electronic, Salsa, Reggaeton and lot more. The enviroment is really joyful and very exciting!
One of the things that I like the most about Mandala its the location, just right on the center of the Cancun Party and next to the beach. At night the party gets crazy to receive tourists until the sun comes up when Mandala Beach starts. You can enjoy here the beach, the pool of Mandala and some other beach activities. You can visit Mandala any day of the week.

Palazzo

Palazzo is one of the clubs in Cancun located at the end of the Hotel Zone nightlife. It’s an exotic place and luxury because of it’s decoration and night shows. Don’t forget to bring all your friends cause you’ll have one of the best times ever!
It’s better to go on fridays, when there are night shows. Palazzo is very recognized to receive tourists from Europe, Russia, United States, China and other parts of the world.

Daddy’O

Daddy’O without doubt is one of the most visited clubs for Cancunenses that enjoy a night with their friendships but also is the perfect place for tourists from monday to sunday. You’ll enjoy ALL kind of music here. Cancunenses use to go a lot on saturdays because the entrance it’s free for them. There are a lot of fun night shows. Especially on Mondays. If you are a lover of all kind of music, mexican drinks, shows and good party you can’t miss a night of Daddy’O!

Coco Bongo

Of course, COCO BONGO can’t be missed in the list of the best clubs in Cancun. Coco Bongo is a place where you’ll appreciate shows of Vegas Style. Characters imitating famous people around the world like Michael Jackson, Spiderman, Jack Sparrow, The Mask and a lot more! Don’t forget to book your Coco Bongo Tickets with anticipation and take your friends with you. 🙂

October 8, 2015
Dolphins

They are among the most intelligent species that inhabit the planet. They are relatively close to the coast and often interact with humans. Dolphins are often regarded as one of the most intelligent animals on the planet. Comparison of intelligence between different species is complicated by, among other things, to differences in the sensory apparatus, response modes and nature of cognition. However, the behavior of dolphins has been studied extensively, both in captivity and in the wild. The appearances of dolphins in mythology and legends are numerous and attest to the relationship between humans and dolphins since antiquity. Greek mythology tells that these marine mammals before dolphins were men, particularly pirates who tried to sell the god Dionysus as a slave and this punishment made them such cetaceans, and the same civilization god Poseidon exercised dominion over water and the sea was always represented with its characteristic trident and surrounded by dolphins. According to another legend, Poseidon persuaded Amphitrite to marry him sending a dolphin. The intelligence of dolphins is also used by the army with military dolphin called. There is a Navy program in which marine mammals are trained to detect mines, protect military facilities and attack enemy forces in the United States. This program exists since the 60s, and he trained, among other mammals, killer whales, false killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, common, narrow snout and pilot whales and Risso. Currently, many dolphins (particularly bottlenose dolphins and orcas) are trained to participate in shows at zoos and water parks. Taking advantage of his intelligence and skills, these dolphins are trained to obey their caregivers during intensive training, always in exchange for food. Among the exercises you perform a trained dolphin leaps, pirouettes in the air, ground movements and movements platforms tail moving back are included.

You can make the reservation to live one day with this beautiful and intelligent animals with Discovery Mundo and you will have a great time.

October 5, 2015
Whalesharks

Whalesharks inhabits the warm oceans and seas, near the tropics. They are believed as pelagic fish, but in certain seasons migrate long distances to coastal areas like Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, Utila in Honduras, Donsol and Batangas in the Philippines, the island of Holbox in the state of Quintana Roo, Yucatan peninsulas and Baja California, Mexico, the islands of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania, Coiba and the Pearl Islands in Panamá. Is also possible to see them near the coast, entering lagoons or coral atolls, and near the mouths or rivers. Usually remain within ± 30 ° latitude, and at a depth of 700 meters. They may usually solitary act, but occasionally form groups to feed in areas with large concentrations of food. The males can be found in most different places, while females prefer to stay in more specific places.

This species, despite its huge size, is not danger for humans. It is a widely cited example to fame with sharks devouring people. Actually, they are quite affectionate, and often playful with divers. There are even reports, though unconfirmed, whale sharks that come to the surface face up to the diver you scratch his belly and removes parasites.

This shark is often observed by divers and tourists in boats off the Yucatan Peninsula on the island of Holbox, in the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Maldives, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador; Philippines, Thailand, the Red Ningaloo Reef and Christmas Island in Western Australia, Tofo Beach in Mozambique and Sodwana Bay in South Africa Sea. Some of these places, such as in Western Australia, have become central points of the ecotourism industry.

The highest concentration of whale sharks in the world is in the Philippines. Between January and May, they are grouped in the shallow shores of Donsol in Sorsogon province. Some very fortunate divers found whale sharks in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Seychelles. Between December and September, very often it is running into some unit in the Bay of La Paz, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur and from May to September on the northeast coast of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Sometimes they are accompanied by small fish, like remora. Recently, they have been spotted in the vicinity of the Tenggol island, located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, where there are several coral reefs frequented by these sharks, as Redang Island, or Island Kapas.

Come and explore the amazing world of whale sharks in what we are sure will be the best experience of your life and you can book your tour with Discovery Mundo.

October 3, 2015
16 different ways to drink coffee around the world

If you are a coffee lover, you must know these 16 different ways to drink coffee around the world:

1. Buna, Ethiopia

It’s not just a drink, but an act that involves roasting the beans, grind, the brewing and serving the coffee.

2. Cuban Coffee

A concentrated coffee, no milk and sweetened with sugar. If you want to get step by step how to drink it, commment below!

3. Cafe Yuang

A delicious mix of coffee and cold tea!!

4. Frappe Grecia

Made with instant coffee, evaporared milk and ice water. It’s not a glamorous frappe, but is definitely delicious.

5. Pharisäer, Alemania

Coffee with ron and whipped cream! There are several legends about the origin of the name, but basically.. yum yum…

6. Flat White, Australia / New Zealand

This is like a coffee latte with condensed milk, with one or two shots of espresso, and about 180 ml of milk (normal lates contains about 220ml).

7. Espresso Romano, Italia

An espresso coffee served with a slice of lemon. The lemon is rubben on the edge of the cup, the idea is that the acidity of the lemon enhance the flavors in the coffee.

8. Cafe Bombon, Spain

An espresso with condensed milk. If you want to order it half normal milk and half condensed milk, then it’s called “Milk and Milk”

9. Café au lait, France

Much more sophisticated than a latte. It comes with an accompanying hot froothed milk.

10. Cafe de la Olla, Mexico

The exquisite “Café de la Olla”, traditionally prepared in a clay pot. This coffee is made with cinnamon and brown sugar.

11. Turkish Coffee, Turkey

Served thick and strong. It is super important for the Turkish culture that Unesco included it in its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2013.

12. Cafe Lagrima, Argentina

Light and frothy, first the steam milk is heated creating a foma and then adding a tear of coffee.

13. Vietnamese Coffee Latte / coffee with egg yolk

Recipes vary, but the basic ingredients are egg yolk + condensed milk + sugar + coffee. The result is rich, as a dessert.

14. Café des épices, Morocco

A mixture of spices, sesame seeds, black pepper and nutmeg (although this depends on the seller, etc.) is mixed with coffee beans and ground, to create an aromatic and potent brew.

15. Kohi Kan, Japan

There are a number of companies producing Kan Kohi (canned coffee) in Japan. It is available in corner stores and in vending machines. It is served warm in winter and cool in summer.

16. Kaffeost, Finland

Traditionally it served in Kainuu, central-eastern Finland. A cheese called juustoleipä served with coffee. The cheese is cut into small pieces, placed in the bottom of the coffee cup and then poured on top. After drinking coffee, cheese eaten with a spoon.

September 30, 2015
Best Cenotes in the Mayan Riviera

Cenote, is a term that comes from “Dzonot” which in Maya means “abyss” are wells of fresh water created by the erosion of limestone. Diving in the cenotes of Riviera Maya is one of the most extraordinary experiences a diver can have.. and Mexico is paradise to enjoy these geological whims. It is estimated that only in the Yucatan Peninsula there are over 3000 cenotes.. and many still undiscovered throughout Mexico.

I´ll show you the best cenotes in the Mayan Riviera:

Grand Cenote

Grand Cenote is one of the best Cenotes, you must visit it. It is located outside of Tulum on the 307 highway. Plenty of stalactites are in this cenote with crystal water. You´ll see around fishes and turtles! Don’t forget to bring your camera and get ready to jump into this big hole.

Cenote Dos Ojos

Located close to XEL-HA water park. This cenote is for scuba diving, amazing landscape and impressive experience that you will never forget. If you want to snorkel, you can access to the second cenote on the right taking the stairs!

Chaak Tun

This cenote is hidden behind the jungle of Playa del Carmen, you will find a natural paradise in here. One of the favorite cenotes of the tourists. The best time to visit this cenote is after 1pm when larger group tours already finished their excursions.

Rio Secreto

Come and experience this stunning underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Rio Secreto, located 5 km south Playa del Carmen. Starting off with a walk through the jungle followed by a descendence of 15 meters through mother Earth’s maze to access and wade through the underground river during 1 hour and a half.

September 29, 2015
Best places in the world to watch the sunrise

Here are the best places in the world to watch the sunrise:

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The sunrise is one of the best times to see diverse wildlife in Botswana with all its splendor. Try a safari ride watching the sunrise, with a guide for an unforgettable experience.

Mount Fuji, Japan

Hiking in the highest mountain of Japan is not easy. Unless you are an adventurous hiker. You will have to come see the sunrise when Fuji is free of snow. Yes, it is full. But there’s evidence that this view is incomparable to any other. If you fail to reach the top of the mountain, don’t worry. The reflection on the way of Yoshida is also a spectacular view.

Bryce Canyon, USA

You can easily get to this spot to watch the sunrise, by car or public transport. Dawn of Bryce Canyon, which is a little more complicated to walk in rock formations, will be one of the most magical moments will witness in your life. The view is epic, looking THROUGH whole Bryce Canyon National Park. Just remember to wrap up well for warmth desert overnight.

Mount Batur, Bali

If you’re desperate to see a sunrise in the mountains, but not very difficult to raise it, then skip to Mount Agung. The trip can be planned from Ubud where you have to be from 2 am o clock! excessively early. The guides keep you area located a leisurely pace, but watching this sunrise will be one of the best we can witness throughout the Asian continent.

Shetland Isles, Scotland

The northernmost islands of the UK offer one of the best views of the sunrise over Europe. Remote beaches make the perfect place to watch the sun. The best time is early spring or late fall to see the perfect through the dawn horizon.

Uluru, Australia

The most impressive natural wonder in the middle of Australia is best seen at sunrise. You’ll have to get out of bed at 4 am to win the coach of sleepwalking early mornings and get to see the best sunrise minutes. As the sky becomes clearer, you will notice a continuous yawn worth it.

Inle Lake, Myanmar/Burma

Spending a night in a house on polotes at Burma Lake is to observe a sunrise just 5 meters from your bed in the balcony. The mountains backdrop along with the early fishermen and lush hanging gardens, it will be ideal taking a few pictures, sit and drink a hot tea from where you sleep.

Hope you like this article! Follow me in the link below (Youtube/Instagram/Twitter/Pinterest) 🙂

September 22, 2015