CommuniQuest Incentive Travel Digest - Year 10 Vol. 1, 192

Vol. 1, No. 192

DIRECTORY Visionary, Founder and

INDEX

Master Coach: Jose Manuel Garcia, CDS jmgarcia@ividmc.travel President: Jose Manuel (Manolo) Garcia CIS, CMS, CCM, CES manolo@ividmc.travel Vice President of

Pg.

4-13

Pg.

A travel back in time in Los Cabo’s emblematic venues

26-27

Signature collections in Costa Rica

Marketing: Raquel Mijares, CIS, DMCP rmijares@ividmc.travel Corporate Quality Director: Julia ORTIZ, CES, CMS jortiz@ividmc.travel

14-17

Pg.

P uer to Vallart a’s must-visit mu seu ms

IT Director:

Pg.

28-29

A look back at Panama’s historic museums

Alejandro Pech apech@ividmc.travel Content & Editing: Omar Delgadillo corp.news@ividmc.travel

Pg.

18-25

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A must-visit und er w at er mu seu m i n C ancu n an d more

30-39

Dominican Republic showcasing its rich historic side

Destination offices

Cover subject: A step into the world of the past through Museums and Archeological sites in Latin America

Follow us on:

Mexico:

Caribbean:

Central America:

IVI DMC Los Cabos

IVI DMC Cuba

IVI DMC Costa Rica

Yazmin ELOSEGUI, DMCP, CIS, CMS

Alejandro DEBASA, CMS

Ligia VARGAS, CIS, DMCP

Destination Managing Director

Regional Managing Director

Regional Managing Director

yelosegui@ividmc.travel

adebasa@ividmc.travel

lvargas@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit

IVI DMC Dominican Republic

IVI DMC Panama

Jaime NELO, DMCP, CMS, CES

Bidia BISSUMBHAR, CIS, CES, CMM

David JOHNSON, CIS, DMCP, CITP

Destination Managing Director

Planning & Events Manager

Associate Regional Managing

jnelo@ividmc.travel

dr.planning2@ividmc.travel

Director djohnson@ividmc.travel

IVI DMC Cancun & Riviera Maya Ximena LOPEZ, CMS Marketing & Planning Director cun.planning2@ividmc.travel

A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT. Dear reader, Museums serve as a gateway into the past, showcasing struggle, suffering but also astonishing discoveries, remarkable creations, and displays of indigenous history. Regardless of whether you visit alone or with a group, museums and archeological sites spark a meaningful interaction with a destination, allowing you to indulge in a piece of history that had not thought existed. Discover the best attractions and the best museums as each destination offers a wonderful glimpse into its tradition and history. Plan your extraordinary event with our leading quality of service. Our accomplishments and enthusiastic attitude are what upholds up our motto, in your business, “We make YOU look GREAT�!

Sincerely,

Jose Manuel (Manolo) GARCIA, CIS, CMS, CCM, CES President IVI DMC Enterprises

Our Objective: Always aim for 100% overall customer satisfaction.

Our Vision: Associates: Keep the ideal place to work, where our multicultural staff give their best, every day.

Customers: Offer an innovative high-quality service that exceeds expectations.

Partners: Consolidate our network of loyal, honest and successful partners maximizing the return on investment to shareholders.

Planet: Inspire responsible resource management by means of our work.

Our Mission: Serve customers through our international certifications ISO 9001 and ADMC ensuring 100% customer satisfaction to incentives, corporate meetings, conventions, congresses, special events and VIP vacations, providing memorable experiences that leave a mark in each of the destinations in which we operate; maximizing the return on investment to shareholders.

Keeping up with the Smurfs!

What a great month! We were very active and had a lot of work. As you may already know, we love to do our jobs! So of course, we´re glad to share these month’s adventures with you.

For starters; we were invited to the Paradisus Hotel Cancun, where we were astonished by their new overhaul! After undergoing a tour through the hotel, and visiting each new area — we had a delicious meal in their exclusive buffet. Additionally, we celebrated our dear colleague Raquel MIJARES´s birthday! At the end of the day, we had an amazing strategic meeting; where we evaluated new areas of opportunity. Thanks for the invite!

We were recently invited to the Andaz Mayakoba appreciation cocktail, where we had an excellent time in the company of the General Manager and his marketing and sales team! Thanks for the invite and for sharing a beautiful night with us, we are looking forward to making a lot of new business together!

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In other news...

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming the Executive Incentive Symposium in our Mexican Caribbean. During an event coordinated by Peerless Performance & C.A. Short Company — with some of their very important customers who were invited to learn more about our beautiful destination.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico was the host for this amazing event, where we had the opportunity to organize a CSR activity in which our guests made a traditional piñata for the children’s day celebration.

Among the many activities centered around social responsibility was the creation of beautiful bracelets as part of the “empowerment skills development project” for women in Playa del Carmen, learning about the reproduction process of coral reefs and the personalization of new homes for the Acropora coral species that were later placed in the reef. It was a pleasure to accompanying and spending time with all of you, we hope to see you again soon!

Lastly; our representative in Panama, David JOHNSON has successfully obtained the Certified Incentive Travel Professional Recognition! This exam conducted by SITE is aimed at incentive travel professionals with at least five years of full-time experience. It is part of a series of certifications that include the entry-level CIS certification and the directorlevel CITE designation, which is currently in redevelopment.

These certifications are specifically designed for planners of incentive travel experiences in corporations and agencies, the CITP is also essential for senior managers on the supplier side – DMOs, CVBs, DMCs, hotels, cruise companies, and venues.

Candidates are expected to have up-to-date, direct, hands-on involvement in the major processes associated with incentive travel sales, design, and management.

We are very proud of David JOHNSON, every day, our team is becoming better, with the only purpose of making you look great!

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Baja California Sur

Mulegé In this municipality one can find : • Museums, Community Mulege’s Museum, Minning’s History Museum and San Ignacio Cave Paintings Museum.

• Cultural Heritage of Humanity Cave Paintings,

By UNESCO in 1993, located in the Sierra of San Francisco.

Community Mulege’s Museum This ancient Building which operated as Mulege’s jail for many years now serves as a Museum of the community — definitely worthy of a visit. It still retains all of its old cells, including information about the recess practices sessions granted to prisoners during the day.

It also has archeological pieces for exhibition, collection of fossils, instruments of the ancient inhabitants and other objects that are testimony of the past life in Mulege Schedule: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 14:00 Hrs Address: Cananea s/n Centro. Santa Rosalía, Mulege, B.C.S. Founded: January 1, 1993

Mining’s History Museum The impressive City of Santa Rosalia was declared a historic monument in 1984 by the Congress of Baja California Sur. It was built in the last century as a result of a concession to a French company signed on July 7th of 1885 by Mexican President, Porfirio Díaz. This granted the power to mine copper and establish a mining colony with all the necessary, camps, houses, workshops, labs, train, and aqueducts under the name of “ Compagnie du Buleoy”.

After the age of the mining boom, the Mining’s History Museum of Santa Rosalia has regained all of the gems surrounding this flourishing town. Inside its exhibition room, one can appreciate the furniture, equipment, and pieces of the beginning of the last century inside a very original building of that era. At the entrance, there is the little train, which is actually a small train that was used in the mine.

Schedule: Monday to Saturday, 08:00 - 15:00 hrs Address: Jean Mitchell Costeau 1 y Luis Pasteur, Santa Rosalía, Mulegé, Baja California Sur. Founded: October 19, 1996

San Ignacio Cave Paintings Museum It’s a permanent small living room exclusively for Cave Paintings exhibitions. There are copies of the original ones too. A summary of the historic period of the first inhabitants of the region, cave painting art, geography, ecology, lithic instruments, living places, and food preparation as well as objects discovered during the investigations of the INAH ( Mexico’s National Institution of Anthropology and History) in the Sierra of San Francisco and even a partial recreation of a cave are on display.

Available: Tuesday to Saturday, 08:00 17:00 hrs.

Address: Prof. Gilberto Valdivia Peña s/n.

San Ignacio, Mulegé, Baja California Sur Founded: November 1, 1994.

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A reminiscence of the golden ages...

World Heritage Cave Paintings, located in the Sierra of San Francisco These Cave Paintings are located in different places within the Sierra of San Francisco, in the heart of the Reserve of the Biosphere “ El Vizcaíno” north of Baja California Sur within the municipality of Mulege.

The main access is by Federal Highway number 1. The cave paintings are in a very vast area, which is another part of an infinite chain of archeological sites of the peninsula and at the same time those areas are divided over 12 main canyons, with the main visiting zone being located close to Santa Martha Valley.

Of all the Cave Paintings in the American Continent, no one is more spectacular and well known than the style called Gran Mural, located in the central region of the Peninsula of Baja California.

Because of its great scale, the Quality of its execution, it’s homogenic style, the big number of places where it is located and its good conservation state, has placed it between the five more important historic art ensembles of the world.

The other four are the Tasili N’Ager Argelino, the Superior European Paleolithic, the Bushmen of South Africa and the Australian Aboriginals.

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A land filled with history that speaks through its art Jesuit Missions of Loreto Museum This Museum is located inside of a convent, constructed in the XVIII century, by the religious order of the Jesuits. Over the years, the temple was handed over to the Franciscans and later on to the Dominican friars. Inside around 300 pieces are exhibited that very from archeological remains, paintings, and sacred sculptures of the XVII and XVIII century, bells, incense-burner, and ancient documents — such as the historic catechism printed in 1681 and the book of ecclesiastical commentaries of 1701. There is also a Bell that fell into the sea in 1875, which was later found trapped inside of the fisher’s net a hundred years later.

Visitors can find a historic narrative containing the prehistoric populations of the region, the discovery and the conquest of the peninsular territory of Baja California by the Spaniards.

La Paz The City of La Paz marked in this map with a yellow dot, is the State Capital of Baja California Sur, and at the same time, this city belongs to the municipality of La Paz, marked in purple.

In this municipality visitors can find: 3 Museums, Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California Sur, Museum of Regional History of Todos Santos, and the Regional Interpretative Center Route of Silver.

Mainly 5 of the 240 Islands of the Gulf of California were declared biosphere reserves in 1995 by UNESCO.

Available: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 - 18:00 hrs.

Address: Salvatierra Misioneros 16, Loreto, Loreto, Baja California Sur. Founded: Decemner ,1 1973.

Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California Sur The first room gives a brief introduction to the way of thinking and ancient cultures of this land.

The second room is centered around Archeology that focuses on the birth of the first cultures in the peninsula of Baja California. Then you’ll proceed to find cave paintings, with copies, and pictures of this type of manifestations of the ancient inhabitants of the region in the third room.

The next room is dedicated to the first European habitats in the peninsula. From their initial discovery, the missions, the development of the Jesuit order and the first civilian towns — the three Californias, the ancient one by the first settlers, and the missionary towns and civil California. The last room displays the course of time regarding significant social movements, the independence of Mexico, the interventions, particularly the one in 1847.

Available: Monday to Sunday, 09:00-18:00 hrs Address: Av. Altamirano esq. 5 de mayo y constituciĂłn, La Paz, La Paz, Baja California Sur. Founded: March 30, 1981.

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Museum of Regional History of Todos Santos This Museum is part of the Cultural Center of Professor Nestor Agundez Martinez, previously known as the Cultural Center Century XXI. This stable property was constructed at the end of the 1920s.

Originally it was a school for rural professors which is now divided into 5 regional museums; ancient town photography and contemporary photography, a picture gallery with art treasures donated by regional artists, national and foreigners. The museum of regional history and the fifth room with a copy of a townhouse with walls made of wood. Additionally, it showcases a small ethnobotanical garden, a library, and a small artistic-cultural auditorium.

Available: Monday to Friday, 08:00-20:00 hrs Saturday and Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 hrs Address: Benito Juarez, S/N Todos Santos, La Paz, Baja California Sur. Founded: October 6, 1978.

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Regional Interpretive Center Route of Silver This showroom is located on the main floor of the 200 square meter construction. It offers a variety of interactive expositions, in particular, the mining heritage of the region route of silver, from 1750 to 1930.

Available: Wednesday to Monday 10:00-17:00 hrs Closed on Tuesdays.

Address: Calle Progreso, El Triunfo, La Paz, Baja California Sur. Founded: November 16, 2018.

Photy by blog.visitloscabos.travel

The Natural History Museum of Cabo San Lucas In this Museum there are seven study rooms, where one can find the History and instruments of the Sailors of Cabo San Lucas. In the Archeology room, there are Bones vestiges of a Pericú, Edúe, and Cora woman, which was an ethnic organization that visited the south part of the peninsula of Baja California.

The Biodiversity section displays a much complete representation of the ocean floor, information about the migration of dolphins, and whales as well as the preservation of the marine turtle. Other rooms showcase Astronomy, Geology, Paleontology, and a room dedicated to temporary expositions.

Available: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 14:00 hrs.

Address: Lázaro Cárdenas s/n, Plaza Amelia Wilkes ,Centro, Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur. Founded: October 9, 2006.

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Photo by Garza Blanca Residential Club

Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO since 2003: Sierra de La Laguna Sierra de La Laguna is located in the State of Baja California Sur, nearby the southern tip of Baja California Peninsula. This semi-arid to temperate subhumid climate area represents highly important and contrasting ecosystems, including arid zones, brushlands, low deciduous forest type, evergreen oak: Quercus devia (“encino”) woods, pine-evergreen oak mix woods and oases with palms and “guerivos” situated throughout the gallery forest following the long river basins.

The various ecosystems lead to very rich biodiversity with 974 higher plant species of which 23.2% are labeled endemic, including 5 endemic geneva. Higher degrees of endemic species are found in the core area zone mainly in the pinoencino ecosystem.

Inside its 11,600 acres, Sierra La Laguna represents not only a diversity of natural habitats but also of land cover derived from human activities such as the profitable use of timber and non-timber forest products, extensive farming including cattle raising, which is practiced by 90% of the communities living in the Biosphere Reserve.

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Cabo Pulmo

Cabo Pulmo belongs to the municipality of Los Cabos, and in June of 1995 was declared National Protected Marine Park.

The non-profit organization, Patronato Cabo Del Este was founded in 1997 and has been Cabo Pulmo’s primary aiding organization granting funds from Government organizations.

This area is home to the oldest of only three coral reefs on the west coast of North America and its age is estimated to be about 20,000 years old. In 2005 was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO and currently serves as one of the best places to enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, kayak, and a great spot to enjoy a calm afternoon or even a whole weekend.

Camping is allowed as long as the ashes of the campfire do not remain on the sand. A medium or big metal cup is required to place the firewood before lighting.

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Puert o Va l l a r t a

Archeological Site of Los Guachimontones

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A

s we arrange your visit to Tequila or we are heading to Guadalajara, it will be ideal to consider a quick stop at the Archaeological site of Guachimontones. It features an impressive urban layout and magnificent

pyramidal structures in a round shape, Toltec ball games and a habitable zone. The Guachimontones complex is formed by twenty structures with 5 external squares; it is surrounded by groups of residential complexes formed by 40 round structures with ball games connecting to them.

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Puerto Vallarta is a fairly new city that recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Aside from its stunning sceneries, it is also home to a number of Museums.

They may not be too extensive, but they display key pieces from its past and its present culture. These Museums are showcased in a fantastic manner via a City tour or a shopping tour, thanks to its dimensions and the enrichment they provide to the experience.

Mexico Naval Museum, Puerto Vallarta

Photo by Vallarta Lifestyles

This museum which is located in the building that formerly housed the Harbor Master boasts a collection of over 150 pieces.

In 2015, by the order of Admiral Vidal Francisco Soberón, Secretary of the Navy, the Naval Historical Museum was remodeled and opened on February 17th, 2016 as Mexico Naval Museum. In efforts to unify the image of Mexico’s Naval Museums, it now integrated by 14 ludic, surrounding and interactive rooms in which a navigation simulator stands out, and model ships navigation instruments and uniforms are exhibited, among other museographic effects.

The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 - 19:00 hrs.

Del Cuale Museum Del Cuale Museum is located near the handcrafts Market of Puerto Vallarta, on the island of El Cuale, which was inaugurated in December of 1978. In 2004, the building and the museography underwent maintenance, and the following year it reopened its doors with a collection from western Mexico, donated by the regional museums of Guadalajara, Colima, and Michoacán.

The Museum is open from Monday through Saturday, from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Page 18

Manuel Lepe Museum House This precinct is centered around the work of the Naïve painter, Manuel Lepe, who was born in Puerto de Vallarta, Jalisco.

This museum house aims to preserve, and spread Lepe’s plastic work, and give theater classes to children, youth, and adults of the town. The museum offers guided visits and theater workshops. It has a staging area with a seating capacity for 80 people.

Photy by blog.visitloscabos.travel

Puerto Vallarta’s Chocolate Museum Looking to enjoy the most delicious food ingredient in the World while in Puerto Vallarta?

Chocolate-lovers don’t want to miss the Choco Museo. The year-old, multilevel museum tempts visitors’ taste buds with guided tours and chocolate sampling. On the tour, chocolate devotees are educated about how the tiny cacao bean is transformed into a flavorful food, the history of cacao in Mexico and how it’s used in Mexican dishes, and why Mexico’s cacao is preferable to other regions’ (hint: the climate!).

The Choco Museo offers several workshops, too, including a Bean to Bar workshop, a truffle-making workshop and a mole poblano workshop, which highlights how to make one of Mexico’s signature sauces. Prices begin at $35 USD. In addition to tours and workshops, the museum entices chocolate enthusiasts with an onsite boutique, which sells 100% organic chocolate truffles, moles and more decadent chocolate delights.

The Museum is open daily from 9:00AM to 10:00PM Page 19

Photo by Garza Blanca Residential Club

C ancun

The history and mystery of one of the most prominent civilizations lies in Chichen Itza Page 20

A look into the Mayan world and their astonishing creations...

Chichen Itza The legendary Mayan city of Chichen Itza stood out as a cultural and political center of the old Mayan civilization and was one of the most extensive settlements in the center-north of the Yucatan Peninsula. In its time of greatest splendor, it was the most powerful city in the Yucatan Peninsula. On July 7, 2007, the Kukulcån Temple, located in Chichen Itza, was recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the modern world, by a private initiative without Unesco’s support, but with the recognition of millions of voters around of the world.

The most important structures within Chichen Itza are: The Pyramid of Kukulkan or Castle, the Great Ball Game, the Sacred Cenote, the Jaguar Temple, the Temple of the Bearded Man, the Temple of the Eagles and Jaguars, the Temple of the Warriors, the Group of a Thousand Columns, the Observatory, Complex of the Nuns, The Church. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun creates the illusion of a snake ascending or descending the stairs of the Pyramid of Kukulkan, a fantastic phenomenon that attracts many people.

The illusion is reproduced in the light and sound show that takes place every night at the archaeological site.

Tulum A cultural masterpiece overlooking an impressive panorama The archaeological site of Tulum is located on a cliff facing the Caribbean Sea; with warm starry nights on the seashore. It is the most photogenic site in the region and, perhaps, the entire country.

The main building is a large stone structure called El Castillo, which sits on a rocky cliff that ends on a white sand beach that overlooks the turquoise sea.

The Mayan translation of Tulum is “wall or palisade”, a name that is believed to have been assigned when the Mayan city was already abandoned and in ruins because at the beginning of the 20th century even the Mayan people who lived in the surroundings visited the temples of the city.

The archaeological site of Tulum is regularly visited by the proximity of the tourist poles of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Coba The archaeological site of Coba is located about ninety kilometers east of Chichén Itza and about forty northwest of Tulum, has an area of just over 70 square kilometers and a network of 45 roads (or sacbes) that connects the various sites, and with other minor communities, which surely depended on their domain. Its original name Co-Bah, is translated as “water with moss” or “water moisture”, although there are authors who suggest that it means “murky water”, due to the proximity to small lakes with a rare cloudy color.

The site remained relatively unknown due to its distance until the first modern road to Coba was built in the early 1970s. Once the great resorts of Cancun were designed, the Mexican government determined that cleaning and restoring part of this enormous Mayan site would make it an important tourist attraction.

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El Meco El Meco is located on the north coast of Quintana Roo, right in the bay of Isla Mujeres, so it has likely played a relevant role in the Mayan navigation route along any coast. In its early stages, in the Late Classic (600-800 A.D.), the settlement was linked to Coba, as a fishing village of relative importance.

The building known as “El Castillo� is the tallest in the region and from its top you can have a privileged view of the island of Cancun and its surrounding areas, which granted it a strategic importance in preHispanic times. Its port was the center of important commercial activity and from there, the access to the neighboring Isla Mujeres was surely controlled, which served as one of the most important sanctuaries of the late Postclassic (1200 - 1500 A.D.).

For a while, the place was closed to the public and re-opened a couple of years ago. Despite being so close to Cancun, tourism is scarce due to the low promotion of the place.

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A paradise injected with culture

El Rey

El Rey site is located on the Mexican coast of the Carib Juรกrez, in the city of Cancun, along the hotel zone of the most important archaeological site on the island of Can had religious and profane purposes. Remains of mural the Mayan rituals of the postclassic period have been fo in relation to the Mayan culture in the Hotel Zone that learning more about this archaeological site, experienc Cancun.

The archaeo explored in two main sites that on that of Tulu in addition to a king. Th remains un sculpture th which is pr of Cancun.

San Mig

The archae most impo of Cancun prosperous civilization more than arrival of t

The area is mainly of buildings, the most im was remod Hispanic ru on the site, be admired site along w connected b Page 24

bbean Sea, in the municipality of Benito e island of Cancun in km 18. El Rey is the ncun and is made up of 47 structures that l painting and drawings associated with ound. It is one of the few cultural places you can visit and take a quiet walk while ce nature, and do something different in

ological site El Rey Cancun was the first n the city. It is made up of two plazas and streets, unlike the other archeological nly have one. Its style is very similar to um and inside there were traces of paint, to a kind of grave that probably belonged The original name in the Mayan language nknown. The name El Rey comes from a hat looked like a monarch, the head of reserved in the Archaeological Museum .

guelito

eological site of San Miguelito is the ortant Mayan settlement on the island n. This place gives an account of the and dynamic life of the Mayan n on the East Coast, which was inhabited 800 years ago and remained so until the the Spaniards into American territory.

made up of five groups, each consisting residential structures, administrative temples, and a pyramidal structure, mportant in San Miguelito, and which deled at least three times during its preule. Of the 44 structures that are known , 14 of them have been restored and can d by the public. Visitors can visit this with the Cancun Maya Museum, as it is by a trail at the bottom of the museum.

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Museo Maya Cancun This is the most relevant modern museum that the National Institute of Anthropology and History has constructed since the foundation of the National Museum of Anthropology (1964) and the Museum of El Templo Mayor (1987). It protects one of the most significant archaeological collections of the Mayan culture of the country as they not only include the most relevant pieces of the State of Quintana Roo, but also a selection of emblematic pieces from the sites of Palenque, Chichen Itza, and Comalcalco, among others.

It is a building of avant-garde des the environment. It is located in th has access to the archaeological zo a path that departs from the low

Isla de Cozumel Museu

It belongs to the Cozumel Parks Quintana Roo, since 2005. It spe and environmental education an has four rooms, 2 temporary ex a Mayan living room, Casa M The four main rooms are:

The Island - It exhibits the profile evolution of the island in detail, as ecosystems that constitute it.

The Sea - Exhibits the underwate the process of coral formation and in coral reefs.

History and Archeology - On on as a strategic place for pre-Hispan and the importance as a sanctuary is precise. On the other side of the Spaniards in 1518 and during the centuries, the use of the island as abandonment by its few settlers.

Contemporary Cozumel - It show the island, initiated at the end of from the Caste War, and its deve current tourist destination.

Underwater Art in (MUSA)

The Underwater Art Museum (M aquatic attractions for visitors in 400 submerged sculptures, this pla Page 26

sign and genuinely caring for he hotel zone of Cancun and one of San Miguelito, through wer corridor of the Museum.

um

s and Museums founded in ecializes in the conservation nd history of the island. It xhibition rooms and donors, Maya, and a public library.

e of the origin and geological s well as characteristics of the

er environment, focusing on d the ecosystem that extends

ne hand, the role of Cozumel nic commerce and navigation, y for the veneration of Ixchel, room is the arrival of the first e seventeenth and eighteenth a refuge for pirates, until its

An underwater world waiting to be uncovered derwater adventure. The MUSA is located in the Mexican Caribbean, between Isla Mujeres and Cancún. It was founded in 2009, by Dr. Jaime González Cano and former president of Nautical Associates of Cancun (ANC), Roberto Díaz Abraham. Together they contacted British artist Jason deCaires Taylor to begin a collection of underwater art. However, it was not until a year after it officially opened the site, which has generated more than 30 million dollars annually in tourism.

The artworks that are exhibited in the MUSA have an ecological framework as all the materials used are sustainable. Additionally, all of the sculptures are designed with holes of various sizes so that different types of fish are tempted. The museum is designed to be attended from the depths of the sea, by diving, or from its surface, with snorkeling or glass deck boats. If you choose to immerse yourself in the sea, you’ll be able to indulge in their true surroundings and appreciate their magnificence under the effects of color, light, and sound. The museum is divided into three galleries called Manchones Hall, Nizuc Hall, and Punta Sam Hall.

The first is located eight meters deep, suitable for both divers and swimmers, the second, located four meters deep, is only suitable for snorkeling, as well as the third.

ws the gradual repopulation of the 19th century by refugees elopment until it became the

Cancun Museum

MUSA) is one of the biggest Cancun, with its more than ace is ideal for a fantastic unPage 27

Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, there are more than 4200 archaeological sites, and among them, the most recognized are Guayabo, in the canton of Turrialba, and Finca 6 in the town of Río Frío, in Sarapiquí. These magical places represent pre-Columbian history.

Archeology as a tourist resource has been predominantly visualized and developed under the criterion of monumentality.The Guayabo National Monument is the only pre-Columbian site with highly complex architectural structures that are enabled for tourist visits in Costa Rica. Visitors can find artisanal objects and influences from both Maya, Olmec, and Aztecs, as well as Chibchas, Quechua, and Incas.

On the other hand, the establishment of this place has been explored in an estimated 10 and was declared a World Heritage Site in 2009 according to the American Civil Engineering Society (ASCE).

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Museums in Costa Rica Costa Rica has a large collection of relics as proof of the cultural wealth of its people and in turn a basis for the development process of this country, both in archaeological research and in artistic and technological creation, as well as Conservation and restoration of our natural heritage. 15 museums were registered throughout the national territory, but more in the National Museum, located in the capital city of San JosĂŠ, which was founded in 1887. It is a national monument like the Bellavista Barracks. It contains a large archaeological collection in connection to the legacies of its ancestors.

Collections: Archaeological: The museum has a collection of 45,000 pre-Columbian objects of stone, ceramics, gold, jade and others.

Artistic: Paintings and sculptures, Sacred Art. Historical: documents, stamps, textiles, weapons, numismatics, antique furniture.

Natural: The National Herbarium consists of 190,000 copies.

Insects, 60,000 copies.

Birds of Costa Rica, 10,000 copies.

Mastozoology.

Rocks, fossils, mollusks and vertebrates.

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Panama’s ...M us eu ms and arc ho lo g i cal s i te s

Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum The building that houses the Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum was built in 1874, as the Grand Hôtel by Alsatian George Loew. It was subsequently purchased by Count Ferdinand de Lesseps to install the offices of the Universal Company of the Interoceanic Canal.

The New Canal Company worked here and then it was sold to the United States along with the concession for the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1915, it was purchased by Dr. Belisario Porras, President of Panama, and ministerial offices were installed. It was the headquarters of the Post and Telegraphs and at the entrance of the building, you could see the mosaics with this name.

In 1996, the Board of Trustees of the Canal Museum rehabilitated the building to inaugurate the Museum of the Interoceanic Canal of Panama soon in 1997.

The Panama Interoceanic Canal Museum has permanent exhibitions where testimonies of the history of the interoceanic route and the construction of the Panama Canal are exhibited.

Biodiversity Museum by Frank Ghery Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Biomuseo is his first work in Latin America and in the tropics. The building was designed to tell the story of how the Isthmus of Panama emerged from the sea, joining two continents, separating a large ocean in two and changing the planet’s biodiversity forever.

The 4000 square meter museum contains eight permanent exhibition galleries designed by Bruce Mau Design. In addition to the main spaces, the museum includes a public atrium, a space for temporary exhibitions, a shop, a cafeteria and multiple outdoor exhibitions arranged in a botanical park. The permanent exhibition is a combination of art and science, which will give visitors the feeling of being faced with an amazing phenomenon.

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Panama Viejo Labeled the first European established city on the Pacific Coast of the Americas, and declared a World Heritage by UNESCO, Panama Viejo was founded in 1519. This was the first city built on the Pacific Ocean coast during the Spanish colonial period in America. Its geographical position turned it into a golden transit point and the fabulous treasures of the American continent were sent to Spain and, therefore, it was also a coveted booty for pirates. In 1671, the city was sacked and destroyed by the famous pirate Henry Morgan. The remains of the old city were abandoned for more than two centuries. This radical abandonment allowed for the long-term conservation of the historical and archaeological remains of the important buildings and structures, while the city’s activity was transferred to what is currently known as the Old Quarter or Casco Antiguo.

The site includes the ruins of the first European settlement on the Pacific Coast of the Americas, as well as traces of the first inhabitants of the Isthmus. Panama City was founded by Pedrarias DĂĄvila on August 15th, 1519, and reached 10,000 inhabitants in the 16th century. August 15, 2019, will mark its 500th anniversary.

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Dom i ni can R ep u b l i c

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Museum buffs will find an array of opportunities around the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo’s Colonial City—the first urban settlement in the New World—houses excellent museums providing insight into the Spanish colonial days—from the Alcázar de Colón palace to the Museo de las Casas Reales.

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Dominican Republic The best of both worlds Alcazar de Colon One of the most popular museums in the Colonial City and also one of the most impressive in architecture.

Completed around 1512, this Gothic and Renaissance style palace was once the home of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus, and his wife María de Toledo, niece of King Ferdinand of Spain.

With views overlooking Plaza de España on one side, and the Ozama River on the other, it is the oldest vice-regal residence in the Americas, and the first fortified palace turned into a museum showcasing 16th century furniture, art, musical instruments, and weapons. Winding staircases lead towards the couple’s well-preserved bedrooms, and to the lavish crystal chandelier-lit reception hall where events were hosted for the Spanish aristocracy.

Ozama Fortress Built by the Spanish in the early 16th century, the Ozama Fortress is the first permanent military structure in the Americas, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization.

Set at the back of sprawling, walled grounds, the fortress was built to resemble a medieval castle and is marked by a 69-feet tall central tower. The tower’s winding, spiral staircase leads to a lookout platform with impressive views over the Ozama River, and Santo Domingo’s port. Also visible are the original cannons facing the river to protect the city’s entrance from pirates and invaders.

Construction of the fortress lasted from 1502 to 1508, led by then-Santo Domingo governor Fray Nicolás de Ovando.

Admire the fort’s original coral stone material and medieval appearance, but also explore its interior tunnels and dungeons where prisoners, including Christopher Columbus, were once held captive.

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San Luis Fortress Built in the early 19th century, this yellow-toned fortress has a beautiful, ornate exterior gate with two cannons facing the city. A key defense post during the War of Restoration, US Marines also used the fort as a base during the first US occupation of the DR (1916-1924). Inside the compound, you’ll find multiple cannons, army tanks on display, as well as the statues of Dominican independence heroes and other important historical figures throughout the yard. The fortress served as a prison in later years. A small museum opened in 2005 and displays numerous Taino artifacts and cultural items, as well as paintings, period swords, and photographs of the US occupation at the fort.

Columbus Lighthouse Built in the shape of a cross, the Columbus Lighthouse stands over the eastern end of Santo Domingo. The remains of Christopher Columbus were located at this site, which doubles as a mausoleum and museum. The lighthouse was designed by Scottish architect Joseph Gleave, and built during the government of President Joaquín Balaguer as a way to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival on the island. Various chambers display indigenous artifacts from around the Americas.

First Cathedral in the Americas Built between 1510 and 1540, the first cathedral of the Americas—known as “Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Encarcación o Anunciación, Primada de América” —continues to stand tall in all of its glory over the heart of the Colonial City.

The 500-year-old Gothic-style building continues to serve as the most important site for official ceremonies, and religious celebrations. Touring the interior reveals the cathedral’s ornate Gothic ceiling, colonial period oil paintings, sacred chapel rooms, as well as an area with gravestones containing the remains of archbishops. The remains of Christopher Columbus were found here in the 19th century.

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The Museum of Royal Houses The museum of Royal Houses was used as the Spanish Governor’s Royal Court in the 16th century.

It was home to the governor’s palace, the treasury, and the courts of law. Today, the museum offers an informative overview of the history of the Dominican Republic from the colonial period in 1492 to the days of slavery, and the country’s first independence from Spain in 1821.

See displays of the multiple voyages of Columbus, with replicas of his ships, a collection of treasures, and weapons from the days of dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo, among other items. The building itself is a stunning display of colonial architecture, punctuated by vast Spanish courtyards.

Chapel Our Lady of Remedies Tucked at the corner end of Calle Las Damas, just before the Plaza de España esplanade—look for the double bell tower design—the Gothic style “Chapel of Our Lady of Remedies” opens its doors for occasional art and classical music events, and group tours. Originally built in the 16th century by the Dávila family, the 500-year old chapel was intended as a private religious shrine, where prominent Spanish families would congregate for prayers. It was restored in 1884, and you can view its stunning interior arches inside, period art, and a figure of the Virgen de Los Remedios at the altar.

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Our Lady of Las Mercedes Church This was one of Santo Domingo’s most historic churches over Calle Las Mercedes that was built by the Spanish to establish Catholicism in the New World.

Despite multiple disasters, including earthquakes and pirate invasions led

by Sir Francis Drake, the building has preserved its original form, including side chapels marked by Gothic vaults, and altars with baroque pieces. Named after the country’s patron saint, weddings, as well as important masses, are held here during Easter and Christmas, and on September 24, officially celebrated as Our Lady of Mercedes Day.

The Monastery of San Francisco The rustic, dramatic walled ruins of the San Francisco Monastery occupy large Monument to the Heroes of the blocks of the Colonial City — between Calle Duarte and Calle Hostos — also Restoration serves as a fantastic merengue concert All visits to Santiago must include a visit to El Monustage every Sunday. mento, the city’s iconic white marble tower. Circled on all sides by a multilevel garden and boasting panoramic But any other day of the week, the views over the entire city, here you can tour the interior sprawling, unoccupied ruins offer a of the 67-meter (220-foot) high monument, named after stunning backdrop for photo lovers the heroes of the Restoration War (1863-1865), who died and serve as a reminder of the former, in the fight to regain the DR’s independence from Spain. first-ever 16th-century Franciscan Spread over five floors are displays of the DR’s major hismonastery in the New World. It went torical battles, as well as paintings that Spanish artist Vela through several disasters, including a Zanetti created during his exile after the Spanish Civil fire caused by Sir Francis Drake, and War. On the fifth floor is the ultimate reward: a grand paa couple of earthquakes, before it was noramic view of the city of Santiago from a wraparound eventually used as a mental asylum balcony, with the Cordillera Central mountain range in from the 1880s until the 1930s. the distance.

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Casa de Tostado Museum Occupying the former 16th century home of Spaniard Francisco Tostado, this striking colonial building restored into a museum— also known as Museo de la Familia Dominicana del Siglo XIX— showcases the lifestyle of 19th-century middle-class Dominican families with model displays of a bedroom and library furniture to a charcoal oven kitchen, sewing room, and tea lounge. Items were collected from various prominent families to recreate each scene. The building’s double Gothic-Elizabethan window makes it the only house in the Americas with this architectural feature.

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Altos de Chavón Archaeology Museum The Altos de Chavón Archaeology Museum, tucked inside the Altos de Chavón complex, houses one of the most comprehensive displays on pre-Columbian and Taino indigenous culture in the DR. The well-lit and labeled extensive exhibit dates from 4000 B.C. to 1492, and counts over 3,000 pieces. The museum also covers the history of Altos de Chavón, and the DR, for an added experience.

16th Century Home of Casa Ponce de León How often do you get to step into the home of a 16th-century Spanish explorer? Juan Ponce de León’s residence continues to stand in the southeastern town of San Rafael de Yuma, close to Higüey, where he lived before heading out into the seas to conquer neighboring Puerto Rico, and later head to Florida.

The stone building was turned into a museum, sitting in the middle of a verdant yard. Visitors can tour the interior to see a few preserved household items and artifacts, including 16th-century furniture. History buffs will appreciate this pit-stop on the way to or from Punta Cana.

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Basilica La Altagracia Located in nearby Higüey and inaugurated in 1971, this cathedral ranks among the most important religious sites in the Dominican Republic. Honoring the Virgin of La Altagracia, patron saint of Dominicans, it’s a standout for its 69-meter or 225 feet high arch, with a bronze and gold entrance.

The altar holds a framed painting of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 16th century, the centerpiece of devotion. One legend says that a sick child was healed after seeing the Virgin Mary appear at this site, near an orange tree, and that he later found her painted portrait under it. Every January 21, pilgrims from around the country flock here to pay their respects, lining up before the altar and making their requests. The celebrations continue around the cathedral with local food and drinks. Safari excursions from Punta Cana include a stop in Higüey for a tour of the cathedral.

Las Pyramids Tucked inside the “Valle Nuevo” National Park, in an area known as “La Nevera” (The Fridge), this pyramid-shaped monument is located at an altitude of about 2,300 meters (7,500 feet). The two cone-shaped structures were sculpted by Spanish artisans from the community of Constanza as a symbol of gratitude for the completion of the San José de Ocoa-Constanza road in 1958.

A few steps away, a single-story museum features interesting facts on “Valle Nuevo” National Park. There is also a Ministry of Environment campsite in this very chilly area, where early morning temperatures are known to drop below freezing point. You will also find the camp of the Ministry of Environment, in this very chilly, where early morning temperatures are known to drop below freezing point.

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What our client’s have to say.

“ “

The giving back event was a great success. The team did a great job getting buses last minute.

Joanne Fulsom |Marketing Manager

Pre-planning was seamless!”.

“Alberto did a fantastic job the whole week, very polite, detailed and accommodating. Would love to work with him again.

Amy Michel |Sr. Account manager

“ “

Karina did a great job from start to finish, especially with our community service project. We had many changes in scope and direction before we finally settled on the project. She was very patient in the process. Karina and Ramon worked very hard to put the project together, supervised the pre-work that was done at the school, and created a great day for our guests to participate in the project without being overwhelmed.

Janice Scalia |Meeting Planner

Jose Luis & Samantha were very helpful!

Beatrice ​Flores |​Senior Event Manager Page 42

Doctor Travel’s cure for the common trip Wake up early to avoid the crowds Looking to capture Instagram-worthy snapshots of your next adventure — or at least without the crowds in the way? If so, then you must rise before everyone else, as this is the best time to capture the best photos, and have the entire place to yourself — whether that be an archeological site, museum, or any other venue.

Remember the early bird always gets the worm.

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CONTACT:

Dear reader!

Thanks for reading Communiquest Incentive Travel Digest I hope you find in this newsletter a useful tool that will help you make decisions for your successful business.We would be delighted to know if there anything else you’d like to see or experience in this monthly newsletter. Your suggestions are more than welcome.

We wish you the best in your endeavors and business adventures, and please, don’t forget, working with us “Will make YOU look GREAT”.

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For further information on the finest hotels, deals, activities, and group packages mentioned in this travel digest, please contact:

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OUR CREDO (A company with a soul) We promise to be those neatly dressed people in white and turquoise blue uniforms. Many people call us “The Smurfs”.

We are an extension of your own business; and we are knowledgeable, witty, fun to have around, and beautiful or handsome (not necessarily in that order).

We can run faster than “Speedy Gonzalez”, and can be in two or three different places at once. We are also committed to doing everything in a legal and personalized way for our clients.

You can find us popping up at airports, historical and archaeological sites, deluxe resorts, charming hotels, golf courses, scenic beaches, and even at the best restaurants in town.

We enjoy “Smurf Team-work” because it’s fun and having fun while doing our job is our passion. We can do the impossible right away – miracles may take a little bit longer.

Since 1986 we’ve been working passionately with the sole mission to Make YOU look GREAT!

by José-Manuel García, Founder

CORPORATE OFFICE José Manuel (Manolo) GARCÍA, CIS, CMS, CCM, CES President of IVI DMC Enterprises manolo@ividmc.travel Calle Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez Lote 19, Mza 20, SM 308 Alfredo B. Bonfil Cancun, Q. Roo 77560 Mexico Tel. +52 (998) 2871700 Page 46