By Judy Newell
Mexico News
Cantona: Impressive but Underrated Archaeological Site
Cantona, located in the northeast corner of Puebla state, is one of the most impressive pre-Hispanic ruins in Mexico but for some reason it doesn’t get nearly the attention of sites like Teotihuacán or Monte Albán.
Which is a shame because it’s only about an hour-and-a-half drive from Puebla city, and the excavated portion boasts pyramids, ball courts, and numerous ancient streets and plazas. It’s well worth the trip.
The first people to populate the area where Cantona was built arrived around 1000 B.C. Its name is derived from Caltonal, a Nahuatl word meaning “House of the Sun.” It’s not certain who these ancient people were but they may have been Olmecas or Popolocas. It’s believed that the city eventually hosted just under 100,000 people.
To date 14 pyramids, numerous altars, and plazas have been excavated here. It’s believed that the city once contained 8,000 housing units. The fully excavated site is about 70 acres, just under 2% of estimated area that Cantona once covered.
Be sure to spend some time in the museum where many examples of Cantona’s pottery, figures, and jewelry are found. Information in both Spanish and English is available.
International News
Japan Tourism Arrivals Double
Japan tourism arrivals almost doubled in November, 2022. Over 934,000 people arrived in November compared with 498,600 in October.
South Korea, Taiwan, and the U.S. are the top inbound markets, the Japan National Tourism Organization said.
Japan fully restored visa-free entry on October 11, 2022.
Cruise News
Seabourn’s Latest Sale Has Up to 25% Off Its Luxury Sailings
Luxury cruise line Seabourn is inviting guests to sail in style and at a savings with its latest sale. The sale is valid for bookings made by February 28 and applies to sailings this year and next.
The all-suite all-inclusive cruise line is putting ocean voyages up to 15% off and expedition voyages up to 25% off as part of its second annual “The Suite Life Event.” And as a bonus, customers in the United States, Canada, and Australia only need to put down a 15% deposit.
The sale is valid for bookings made by February 28. It is available on more than 600 sailings throughout 2023 and 2024 on all seven continents from Alaska to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Australia, India, the Caribbean, and more.
Ponant to Launch Expedition Cruises to Ryuku Islands in Japan
Even the locals may not have visited the southern islands of Japan. But from March, 2023 French luxury expedition line Ponant will become the first company to take international travelers to the subtropical Ryukyu Islands where time has stood still.
Ponant will debut three bespoke eight-day itineraries on Le Soleal for intrepid cruisers to experience first-hand what life is like on these small villages dotted along the Seto Inland Sea—the oldest sea route of Japan which can only be reached by Zodiacs.
The first expedition itinerary onboard Le Soleal, which only accommodates 246 passengers, will depart Keelung in Taiwan on March 24, 2023, and sail for seven nights before finishing in Osaka. There will be two other itineraries scheduled to depart Hokkaido on April 11, 2023, sailing along the western Sea of Japan to Honshu and a May 15 departure from Osaka to discover the Seto Inland Sea.
Accompanied by Ponant’s team of expert naturalists and expedition leaders, passengers will gain a deep insight into this unique culture and landscape and also be taken to snorkeling and diving spots.
Guests will have the chance to observe traditional dances, folk drumming, and purchase delicate silk woven goods from Kume.
Deal of the Week
Salzburg and the Danube
10 days, Salzburg to Budapest aboard the SS Maria Theresa
The Salzburg and the Danube cruise goes above and beyond Uniworld’s already renowned European itineraries with extra-special experiences included both onboard and onshore.
There are only two sailings of this unique itinerary in 2023 including the June 2 departure hosted by Jacqui Gifford, Editor-in-Chief of Travel + Leisure Magazine.
Voyage dates: June 2-11, 2023, and June 30-July 8, 2023; from US$7,299 per guest.
Judy Newell, an international travel consultant for over 50 years, heads Perfect Journeys and specializes in unique travel experiences to destinations around the world. She custom designs journeys that are tailored to suit client’s interests, physical abilities, and budgets. Please contact Judy for further information on Travel News topics, Mexico, and international travel. Cell phone 415 111 8765; Vonage 949 300 3682; email at judynewell@perfectjourneys.net. Her office is in Rancho Los Labradores on the highway to Dolores Hidalgo.
Sources: Mexico News Daily, Travel Mole, Travel+Leisure, Cruise Passenger, and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
