Moxviquil Ecological Reserve, San Cristobal, Mexico

Posted on March 30, 2014 by www.thenaturalsite.com

bromeliad

This botanical garden is only 3km from the center of town and should be on everyone’s to do list when visiting San Cristobal. It consist of a 1700 meter guided nature trail, an orchid greenhouse with another currently under construction, a botanical garden with a variety of flora native to the state of Chiapas, a spring fed lagoon, small amphtteather, as well as guided tours with educational activities. In general, the mission of Moviquil is to rescue, maintain and preserve a variety of flora native to the state of Chiapas for the benefit of future generations. So far, the Moxviquil group has rescued over 3,000 plants representing over 418 species of the 700 recorded for the state of Chiapas. For more information, check out the Moxviquil website at http://www.orchidsmexico.com and the photo gallery below.

Here’s an example of plant life on the 1700 meter trail in through the mountains

these are called air plants or technically epiphytes because they do not root in soil but grow on the branches or trunks of other plants.

part of the lagoon with an orchid nursery in the background

one of many species in the moxviquil collection

a terrestrial bromeliad

a look at the garden landscaping and amphitheater

another example of an airplant in the garden. the most common types are orchids, ferns and bromeliads.

many types of fern are growing in the nursery and garden areas

there is also a variety of trees in the garden, some have orange blossoms others have yellow and purple blossoms

San Cristobal de Las Casas, A Mexican Magic Town

Posted on March 23, 2014 by www.thenaturalsite.com

This 16th century building with solid adobe walls is located in the center of town and is an important symbol of San Cristobal

The department of tourism in Mexico defines a Pueblo Magico as a place of natural beauty, cultural riches or historical revelance. In 1987 San Cristobal de las Casas was selected as a magic town and is considered to be the Pueblo Magico of Pueblo Magico’s. It is centrally located in the state of Chiapas at 2300 meters above sea level and lies in fertile valley surrounded by mountains and pine forest.. It is also a place where old traditions and customs coexist with modern luxuries. A few of the cities highlights include 12 musuems, 2 theaters, 15 temples, 4 cultural centers, 6 ecological sites and 3 pedestrian only streets lined with a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars and retail stores. San Cristobal is also an ideal location to start exploring the natural wonders in the state of Chiapas such as Montebello Lakes, Agua Azul waterfalls, Rancho Nuevo Caves, Sumidero Canyon, Palenque National Park and many other ecological attractions not far away. The photo gallery below shows a few of the cities many highlights.

Neoclassical architecture located in the main square of San Cristobal

One of several pedestrian only streets in the center of town lined with a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars and retail vendors

surrounded by the del Carmen Church and cultural center, the arch was built in 1677

At the center of the town square, this gazebo has a restaurant inside and almost always has a live band on top during the early evening hours

Another pedestrian only street with vendors peddling their wares at very reasonable prices

A theater in the centro area with maya warrior guarding the entrance

Another pedestrian only street with a burger king on the corner. It is one of two fast food restaurants in town. Subway is the other.

An ecological reserve in San Cristobal with a hiking path, orchid greenhouse, and variety of flora such as cactus, bromeliads and ferns.

a cultural center for the arts

These pedestrian streets have lots of sidewalk cafes

playing music during a recent local festival

One of 16 temples in San Cristobal next to the ambar museum

Amber is mined in this area and the museum has video’s and exhibits about the origins, mining, and processing of amber

Sits high on top of a mountain overlooking the city.

Templo Mexicano

nineteenth century neoclassical building gothic and baroque features

Palenque National Park, Mexico

Posted on March 15, 2014 by www.thenaturalsite.com

Commonly refered to as the palace, this structure was actually a residential and administrative complex.

Commonly refered to as the palace, this structure was actually a watchtower, residential and administrative complex combined into one.

Palenque is not only an archeological site but a world heritage site and national park as well. There are approximately 65,000 species of flora and fauna within the park that can be seen by hiking the jungle trails surrounding the ruins. In addition, there is an orchid nursery, waterfalls, and creeks where visitors can swim if desired.. Excavation and renovation of the ruins began over 100 years ago and continues today as only a small portion of the original cities estimated 1400 buildings have been excavated. Never the less, Palenque was inscribed as a world heritage site in 1987 because its “residential areas, buildings with political and administrative functions, as well as those whose function was ritual are conserved in their original setting, turning the site with its exceptional artistic and architectural features into a living museum.” Of all the Maya archeological sites, this is arguably the most impressive.

The stairway of the building leads to sanctuary that contains a series of stone panels carved with hieroglyphic inscriptions related to Palenque’s history

This temple is named after Count Jean Waldeck of France who stayed here sometime in the 18th century and published many examples of maya and aztec sculptures.