Discoverymundo Blog

Author: Johanna Lee

Leon International Balloon Festival

Where do Air Balloon comes from?

Brothers Joseph-Michel and Jaques-Étienne Montgolfier were the pioneers of hot air ballooning. On the 4th of June of 1783, they succeeded in elevating a spherical bag made of linen wrapped in paper of 11 m in diameter, 800 m3 and 226 kg full of hot air, travelling 2 km for 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of almost 2,000 m. In 1783, a first manned flight was made reaching a height of 3280.84ft.

One of this balloon is big as a house. It’s such a imposing object! Now imagine being surrended by 800 hundred of this balloons moving to the horizon slowly.

Leon International Balloon FestivalLeon International Balloon Festival 2016, is performed November 18 to 21, 2016 at the Metropolitan Park in Leon, Guanajuato Mexico. It is the most important aerostatic festival in latin america; offers to the world admirable shows of Mexico with plenty aerostatic colorful balloons.This festival gets really popular that more than 400,000 people assist and enjoy this spectacular performance. The balloons comes with different shapes during 4 days.

This balloons are directed by recognized pilots. The show comes with many activities during each day such as concerts, concourses, exhibitions and a gastronomic area. Many participants assist to the festival from different parts of the world: United States, Germany, Spain, Belgium, Brasil, Argentina, etc.

The aerostatic ballons are made by nylon or poliester and covered of polieuretano impulsed by a gas mass and the heat.

There is a “Box” in the metropolitan park to bring the balloon to their origin place.
Many persons like to sleep in the festival and rent a tent to sleep there. You just need to have all the papers they ask to get it. Remember to bring yours cause they will not give you one. If you got a vehicle, you will have to pay the parking.

May 18, 2016
Synchronize Your Vacation with a Cancún Swimming Competition

Performing powerful lifts & throws to music – without even touching the bottom of the pool – synchronized swimming is one of the most athletic sports in the world. See for yourself during the Abierto Internacional de Sincro in Cancún, May 18-22.Originally known as “water ballet” when it emerged on the world stage in the late 1800s, synchronized swimming is currently enjoying a surge in popularity – especially with the Summer Olympics right around the corner. Whether you’re on a team looking to compete, an avid fan of the sport, or just curious about its unique mix of music and aquatics, the 2016 Synchronized Swimming Open in Cancún is a great chance to see the best of the best compete before Rio.“Water is Our World”

Such is the motto of FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation, or International Swimming Federation), the organization sanctioned by the Olympic Committee that hosts competitions in all iterations of swimming, water polo, and platform diving. If your team or club hopes to compete in Cancún, it must be affiliated with FINA through a National Federation.Displays of Incredible of Beauty & Athleticism

Popular culture hasn’t always been kind to synchronized swimming, largely due to a lack of understanding as to the sport’s actual difficulty. As a marriage of swimming, gymnastics, and dance, it requires a huge amount of strength, flexibility, and breath control, as well as a graceful sense of rhythm. Something to bear in mind as you watch a performance is the fact that the athletes are never to use the bottom of the pool to support themselves during routines – even as they lift and throw each other into the air.

May 13, 2016
The best bars in Cancun from cocktail dens to beer bars

Cancun is the most visited city in Mexico and a top vacational destination around the world. Travelers from different countries want to experience the blue beaches of the Caribbean, nightlife, food and tours. In Zona Hotelera, you aren’t going to find a lot of bars but if you head to the center of Cancun, you will see many types of bars and restaurants with live music, DJ’s, beer, cocktails, wine and delicious local food.

The most popular areas are Plaza Solare and Plaza de Toros, they have many drinking bars like Guanatos, The Black Pub, Costeñito, La Playita, Mccarthys and Toro Rojo. Cantinita, located outside Malecon Plaza Las Americas, has been re-opened since last month and been one of the favorite choices for the locals. Dublin’s Irish Pub is hopping on Thursday nights and the attractive waitresses all wear what looks like an Irish schoolgirl uniform. Muleiro’s longe is located in Plaza Hong Kong, is a great place to have a drink and listen to latin jazz, flamenco and more. Many rock bands perform at Muleiros. Another one is Vasso, to enjoy a couple of drinks and listen to 80’s, 90’s live DJ. If you want to watch a sport game, La Taberna or Wings Army are great choices.

Muellecito

El Muellecito is located a few steps from the entrance to the Hotel Zone, avenida Bonampak. It’s a favorite election to locals. It serves seafood, nachos, hamburguers, chichen and some entrees to acompany with a drink. There’s a special smoking area outside with tables and an air conditioned. Muellecito is opened 1pm to 2am Monday to Saturdays and 1pm to 7 am on Sundays.

Las de Guanatos

Las de Guanatos is another local favorite. The most popular is located in Plaza de Toros, avenue Bonampak. They feature live music and offer special drinks for a very good price. There are some promotions like 2×1 on micheladas and seven beers for 100 pesos. The food is delicious, try the “torta ahogada”, the “michelada” prepared cocktail and a drink Ojo Rojo or Chamoyada. All bars in Plaza de Toros are open until early morning.

The Black Pub

The Black Pub is located in front of Plaza de Toros. This is a bar/restaurant popular for the environment and music. They open from 1 pm to 4 am Monday to Saturday with specials on Monday to Wednesdays! The live rock music is great. Wednesdays are special to get a free vodka or tequila bottle and free drinks for the ladies.

Mccarthy’s Irish Pub

If you want to feel the Irish style, go to Mccarthy’s Irish Pub in Plaza Solare. There’s live rock music, 2×1 drinks between 4-9 pm and a free pool table. On Tuesdays, you can get 2 hamburguers for the price of 1 and on Mondays, wings are for 3 pesos each. The atmosphere is really fun.

Señor Frogs

Señor Frogs is more than a bar, turns to be a nightclub when the themed parties makes you want to dance all night. It’s a restaurant during the day and party at night, hard to leave without a smile on your face. Try the Wild Frog’s Rocks Drink: 100% Agave Señor Frog’s Tequila, Pama Pomegranate, Liqueur, Cranberry Juice, Lime Juice and Grenadine.

Han Social Room

The hip, young, local crowd spends their nights at Han Social Room. It’s located in Puerto Cancun at the Diomeda building. Thursday is for ladies night and those who are celebrating their birthday receive a free bottle. The music is kind of everything: pop, techno, salsa, etc. Ladies night and special theme events shine the spotlight here.

Don Libando

This place has become a landmark in Cancun for really awesome cocktails. Largest selection of Mezcal in town, and delicious Mexican fusion food as well. Located inside Plaza Solare Avenue Bonampak. If you ever wanted to try an exotic dish, order the roasted crickets.

May 12, 2016
Cancun Ice Cream Shops

A sticky-fingered guide to the best ices in the city takes you from glorious gelato in luxurius ice cream parlours to sweet shops full of candy; simply the best places in Cancun to indulge a sweet tooth.

Aldo’s Gelato ♥

It can be difficult to choose among the many ice cream shops in Plaza Las Americas, but as soon as you go to Aldo’s Gelato, you know you are in safe hands. The tasty and creamy flavours are wonderful, they have at least 24. You can get little samples before choosing the one you want. My favorite one is the scoop of almond and another of Ferrero Rocher chocolate, both of which are incredibly good. A two scoops ice cream costs about 5 dollars. This store is located inside Malecon Plaza Las Americas outside the foodcourt.

Ice Dreams ♥

In Cancun, the number of luxury coffee shops and ice cream parlours increases. One of the favorite is Ice Dreams, which has pitched right next to Tradiciones Latte Art Cafe. If you are in a transfer, ask him to take you to Avenue Kabah street corner Avenue Holbox. This ice cream, made frozen yoghurt has 2 special flavors you can choose to customize with toppings.

Hageen Daz ♥

Reuben Mattus created the finest ice cream in 1921. The irresistible creations, hot beverages and divine pastries are made with the choicest ingredients. Be prepared to pay for premium cones and ice cream. Located in Plaza Las Americas & on the bottom floor of Forum by the Sea shopping center across from Senior Frogs at Avenue Kukulkan.

Moyo ♥

Moyo believes in the Mexican capacity to create an exceptional and creative flavor. The natural and fresh ingredients are chopped daily to keep all the nutrients. This is the only frozen natural yogurt no fat that does not need pasteurization, it’s made with Bulgarian Yogurt which contains 30 million lactobacilli per gram. Moyo is a functional food for the important amount of nutrients that favor the optimal functioning of the body. Cancun Moyo is located in Malecon Plaza Las Americas.

Nutrisa ♥

You can recognize Nutrisa ice-cream parlour from the queues of people outside. This might not be the most delicious ice cream in the world, but it’s prices are way better than the other. You can choose from a traditional scoop ice cream to a soft yogurt ice cream made with natural ingredients. Try to fill it with carob trees, granola and chocolates. Perhaps you can try on the top a lemon cream or chocolate syrup with some caramelized almonds. Nutrisa is located in Plaza Las Americas, La Gran Plaza or at Superama in Avenue Nichupte.

La Michoacana ♥

Even their aguas frescas give you the option to pick and choose what flavor sorbet you want. They always have a wide variety of flavors, so you’re bound to find something you like. The Ice Cream is very rich and delicious for a great price in case you want a 3 scoop ice cream! 100% Mexican. If you want to try a typical flavor try mamey, one of my favorites! You can find La Michoacana at the food court of Plaza Las Americas and Comercial Mexicana Avenue Kabah.

May 11, 2016
Cancun Family-Friendly Resorts, Beach Escapes

Cancun Family-Friendly Resorts, Beach Escapes

High weather temperatures, deep ocean dives on Cancun reefs, family friendly resorts, beach escapes at Isla Mujeres and more- Cancun has enough outdoor activities to keep any tourist as wide as a happy dolphin. Find the resort and activity that suits your styleF

Hyatt Siva Cancun Resort: Located on the most desirable point of Cancun, a Mayan-inspired oasis surrounded on three sides by Caribbean waters. This resort is for couples, families and groups celebrating special occasions. Counts with more than 17 restaurants from local fresh to grilled seasonings, big playgrounds, pools and other fun activities.Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun: A luxury resort that gives you the best in every detail for any age. Counts with balcony suites infront of the beach and big pools with bars. Their 5 restaurants offer a unique taste from the international cuisine with live jazz music. The spas and activities is a reason of why is a great choice for a family-friendly resort.. From a playground for kids to a nightclub for adults.Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort: At Moon Palace you will find that touch of elegance you are looking for. Have fun at 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, enjoy treatments in the luxurious Spa, party at NOIR Nightclub, try your surfing skills with the Flowrider and some other activities. Each room has its own private whirlpool and balcony. Restaurants offer a different type of cuisine: Italian, Asian, Mexican and American without restrictions to eat and drink.Snorkel, Dive and Swim at Cancun Underwater Museum: The Cancun Underwater Museu m, also known as MUSA is one of the favorite attractions for the divers. The museum has a total of 500 sculptures where live different kinds of coral formation as an underwater garden.
Heavenly has also bumped up the fun even if you don’t dive, a snorkeling program can be fun if you might be new to water sports.Whaleshark Discovery: Whale Sharks are the biggest fish in the world, they come to Cancun this May 15 surrounding Isla Mujeres, Contoy and Holbox to eat plankton where the Caribbean meets the gulf of Mexico. They can measure up to 12 meters long and you can still swim or snorkel around them. The’re feed by plankton. The normal tour to swim with whale sharks lasts about 3 hours, if you have never dive or snorkel, professional guides will make you feel secure and save.Cenote or Cavern Dive: A Cenote is, in the Yucatan Peninsula, a type of freshwater-filled limestone sinkhole. The Mayan considered Cenotes to be an entrance to their underworld or Xibalba where their gods live and their spirits reside after death. This unique experience is famous for its underground conditions. The water visibility is of 500 meters. In some Cenotes you will see beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, amazing light effects as the sunlight shines through cracks in the ceiling and halocline effect.

May 10, 2016
What Makes Cancun Special for Living

Cancun is an incredible paradise for tourists. But I have been 4 years here and all I can say is one of the best choices I could ever done. Like in everywhere there are pros and cons and if you know how to take advantage of where you live, I wrote this article of what makes Cancun special for living:

1. Environment

I want to start to mention this before anything. The opportunity of living in the Caribbean is a great choice. Cities without too much contact with nature may get you a little tired, too much traffic and stress all the time. People in Cancun are so much in contact with sea and nature that it helps a lot to clear the mind and make us feel happier.

2. Job opportunities

If you are a chef, doctor, engineer, dentist, psychologist or any other profession, you got it! Foreigners from Canada, Europe and United States travel all the way to Cancun to be assisted by professionals. This is because the cost is 8 times lower than in their own country, specially for doctors. If you are a chef or you would like to get into the tourist area, there is a big demand for people to work in hotels. Even if you have never work and want to start your laboral life, you can get a well paid job in a hotel of Cancun.

3. Languages

If you live in Cancun, I bet your English has improved since the day you came. Living here with constant coexistence with foreigners makes you to practice a lot English and other languages like French, Portuguese or Italian. You’ll also love to learn from other cultures and traditions.

4. Activities

Just to give you a quick list of activities to do in Cancun: beaches, snorkel, dive, skate, day pass at a hotel, tours, cinemas, parties, sports, theaters and many more. There are all kind of activities for everyone except for snow and ice skate.

5. Study abroad

Cancun is a good choice to study college, specially for careers about tourism and gastronomy. This schools are excellent for learning the best cuisines in the world with French & Canadian Chefs, other languages and opportunities to work in other countries. Some schools offer special programs for students who want to work and study at the same time!

Do you have any questions? You can contact me by email and I will gladly help you. [email protected]

Book your Cancun airport transportation here

May 9, 2016
The Best Bars in Playa del Carmen for Every Taste & Occasion
For many of us, vacations are an excuse to drink a little more than normal, sampling the unique flavors of our destination. It’s for travelers like these that we offer this convenient guide to the best bars in Playa del Carmen for every occasion.

Your Guide to the Best Bars in Playa del Carmen

It’s no secret: vacations and drinks go together like tequila and lime. That’s why we’ve mixed up this helpful guide of what to expect as your carouse the best Playa del Carmen bars for every occasion.

Riviera Maya Drinking, By the Numbers

First of all, we recommend venturing out for a taste of Playa’s most creative cocktails. Try as many places listed below as possible. As you do so, bear in mind a few rules of thumb:
- Though super popular and “hip,” 5th Avenue bars are often overpriced.
- Well-made cocktails range from 80-120 pesos, beer 30-40 pesos.
- Tipping is not as paramount as in the U.S., especially for beer.
- Every bar in Playa uses purified water (ice included).
- Bars close by 2am, when the party moves to the clubs.
A Taste of Mexico
- La Mezcalinna (12th St, btwn 1st Ave & the beach) – Mezcal is the featured spirit at this quaint bar. Be sure to try both the Peanut and Passion Fruit Mezcal Shots.
- Club de Cerveza (5th Ave, btwn 34th & 38th St) – You won’t find a better selection of Mexican craft beers in all of Playa (along with 60+ from around the world).
Hit the Beach
- Fusion Bar & Restaurant (6th St & the beach) – Sipping cocktails in the sea breeze, feet stretched out in the sand. Does it get any better?
- Wah Wah Beach Bar (2nd St & the beach) – Live music Tuesday-Saturday and an all-you-can-eat pig roast every Sunday make this place a local hit.
Where to Catch the Game
- End Zone Sports Bar (5th Ave, btwn 12th & 14th St) – Easily the best place to watch your team in Playa del Carmen.
The Best of the Best
- Almirante Pech (5th Ave & 30th St) – World-class food and drinks as stunning as they are delicious and inventive have vaulted this hotspot to the top of Playa’s craft cocktail scene.
May 6, 2016
Airport transfers in Dubai

If you are planning to travel to Dubai, Discovery Mundo offers transfer services from Dubai International Airport to hotels. After picking up your luggage and passing through customs follow the signs of “Shuttle” or “Transportation Area” which are generally the same way to the Exit. Look for our representative, who will be holding a sign with your name.

Which types of transportation we have?

Share Service: A Van up to 7 passengers. It is equipped with air conditioning and internal communication system to offer fast and flexible service.
Ample space in the back provides comfortable transport of luggage inside the vehicle, never on racks mounted on top of the vehicle.

Toyota Hiace

Private Coaster

Private Bus 50 Seater

Huyndai H1

Private Service: We provide private services up to 8 passengers. They are all equipped with air-conditioning.
Ample space in the back is provided for luggage inside the vehicle, never on racks mounted on top of the vehicle.

Hyundai H1

Toyota Hiace

Luxury Limousine

BMWS

Audi Q7

May 2, 2016
Some reasons to get married in the Riviera Maya

We all dream for an incredible wedding, to have an unforgettable day for the rest of our lives. Of course, before planning this big event, you must start choosing the best place to get married and why not on the beach? If you are not sure, here are some reasons why to get married in the Riviera Maya:

You have many options to choose your wedding venue

The Riviera Maya is a great place to get married in front of the crystalline Caribbean. Incredible and luxury resorts to choose with beautiful decorations, Mayan rituals, big buffets with unlimited food and wedding chapels to share those vows with your loved one. There’s so much around the Riviera Maya; more than 800 hotels & resorts and plenty things to do. Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are some other great places to get married. Don’t limit yourself because of the budget, once you know what you want, you’ll probably find the best and fit on that!Wedding and honeymoon can be together

Choosing Riviera Maya can be ideal for celebrating both events together. There are many ways to have a fun and romantic wedding experience. Also, this is an opportunity for your guests to enjoy vacations as well! You will be surprised by the things to do at the resorts, tours and accommodations.The uniqueness

When it’s a wedding, everything is a surprise for you and even for guests. You can add a little of the Riviera Maya: a special Mayan Ceremony, fire enternainment, a concert, etc.. . This kind of things will make your wedding more incredible.The cost

If we compare a wedding in the Riviera Maya to another destination you can save at least $15,000. With the natural scene of the Riviera Maya and one of the top wedding places worldwide, you don’t need to spend a lot on the decorations. Wedding expenses, are cheaper in the Riviera Maya than in other countries like Europe, United States or Canada.Photographers

With such amazing landscapes; the blue waters of the caribbean, white sand beaches and starry skies will look amazing for the photographs!Your wedding transportation

When choosing your wedding transportation from Cancun airport, you’ll have many options; such as limousines, vans, sedans or buses. You can also choose to arrive to your wedding day with your couple in a helicopter! No language barrier
As going to a top vacational destination, the communication will not be a problem. English and spanish is basic for all riviera mayenses and the complete country of Mexico. Many companies that help you planning your wedding have people that speak different languages like Portuguesse, French, Italian, German and many more.

April 29, 2016
From Riviera Maya Golf, to Extreme Sports in Playa del Carmen

From Riviera Maya Golf, to Extreme Sports in Playa del Carmen

Skydiving, kiteboarding, & flyboarding are just a few extreme sports in Playa del Carmen, with plenty of Riviera Maya golf to relax afterward.

Whether you crave a quiet day on the golf course in lush Mayan jungle, or the undeniable thrills of skydiving, kitesurfing, and the wildly new world of flyboarding – it’s all right at your doorstep. In Playa del Carmen, extreme sports are everywhere you turn, along with serene stretches of challenging holes at world-renowned courses like our neighbor; Riviera Maya Golf Club. For the perfect mix of relaxation and high-octane recreation, consider planning adventures like these:

Riviera Maya Golf Club

Carretera Federal Chetumal-Benito Juarez

km 250, Akumal

This is the place to relax after skydiving from 10,000 feet or “hovering” over the Caribbean on an aquatic flyboard. The 27 holes are also perfect for those of tamer heart to wile away the day in paradise while friends and family indulge their wild whims.Skydive Playa

Plaza Marina

Local 32, Colonia Centro

When it comes to sightseeing, nothing compares to a 40-second freefall from 10,000 feet. The pros at this local outfit tucked away behind Señor Frogs at the ferry dock work with first-timers everyday, so training before you’re tandem jump only takes 20 minutes.Playa del Carmen Kiteboarding & SUP Adventures

Sandos Playacar Resort

Playacar Hotel Zone

The only active kitesurfing school in Playa offers extensive lessons for all skill levels to ride the wind and water, as well as rentals for those who’ve already gotten their feet wet.Flyboard Riviera Maya

Calle 5 Sur

Plaza Tuu-Kul

Playa’s newest extreme sport involves strapping a high-flying aquatic “hoverboard” to your feet and taking to the air up to 50 feet over the Caribbean coast. After a little training, you’ll be doing back flips in no time!

April 29, 2016