Cenotes: The Entrance to the Underworld Maya

Cenotes: The Entrance to the Underworld Maya


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Cenote is a term that only is used in Mexico and that comes from the word Mayan "dzonot", that means "abyss"; they are well of sweet water wells created by erosion of limestone, soft and porous stone, but for the maya world were sources of life that provided the vital liquid, in addition to being a gateway to the wonders of the other world and the center of communion with the gods.




In the Peninsula of Yucatan abound the cenotes and is an of them experiences more exciting, that only can enjoy is in this part of the world, is diving and explore these fabulous and mysterious cenotes and its rivers hidden.


Them ancient Maya possessed a connection incredibly strong with them cenotes, because not only was his source main of water, but were considered places sacred and, to the same time, the entrance to the underworld.

Currently, the fauna inhabits the cenotes is endangered, endemic species caused by the relative isolation, and many others have been villages, artificially, by new species that make their life within these cenotes.

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VARIETY OF WILDLIFE THAT INHABITS THE CENOTES
Studies among the species of invertebrates that inhabit them, specially focused between the macro and, similarly, on zooplankton have been within the cenotes that are inhabited.

On the other hand, in the cenotes inhabits a large number of vertebrates, such as iguanas, turtles, toads and frogs, while on its walls, birds such as swallows nests continuously.

Similarly, it is common to find a variety of fish, especially in those natural wells that are near the coasts, such as cichlids, the guppies, the sardines and the molis, catfish; on some systems you can find, even invasive marine, as snappers, the needles, the Tarpon and Gobies.

Furthermore, in the more isolated cenotes, that have not been reached by the most recent increases den sea levels, they are only two species: catfish and the guppy

Cenotes: The Entrance to the Underworld Maya


PECIES UNIQUE IN ITS TYPE
He type of fauna that inhabits in them cenotes can in some occasions species unique in its type, or even those creatures that is found in way of extinction, as, for example, the fish blind of Yucatan, the eel blind, it damablanca blind and the eel of mud, as well as species endemic of a sardine and a moli.

On the other hand, it is common to find, in the Tulum cenotes, American eels, which comply with a process of life different from that commonly experience it when they continue their life cycle in the rivers.

Cenotes: The Entrance to the Underworld Maya


THE CYCLE FOOD
Fortunately, there is a diversity of flora and fauna that inhabits the cenotes, which allows to maintain, stably, the food chain. It is not common that these species suffering from famine, and if it occurs it can resist it without major problems.

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Calakmul - Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake

Calakmul - Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake

Calakmul - Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake



Roughly translated "Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake", Calakmul saw its peak inthe period of the year 500 to 800 A.d. Is believed that was an of them cities Mayanwith greater power in the region, rivaling with the city of Tikal.

His pyramid more impressive is the structure VII whose use is focused on give you to the elite a space housing. Later it was used as a burial site for one of its most important leaders.

The structure height exceeds the 22 meters rise imposing among the jungle landscape.

Calakmul is registered as Cultural heritage of humanity by Unesco and is part of theimpressive biosphere reserve of the same name by the rich variety of fauna and vegetation that characterize him.

Calakmul Biosphere reserve by itself is also a major attraction. It is the second lungof America and of Mexico's largest tropical reserve. Houses to around 86 species ofmammals, is found present five of them six cats that exist in Mexico (jaguar, puma,ocelot, ocelot and jaguarondi), and is have made 73 records of orchids, those delicate flowers that never had seen of way wild and that in its habitat natural look moreWarrior, less fragile.

Calakmul - Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake


The biosphere is an organic link between the humid forests of the Guatemalan Petén, the Lacandon region of Chiapas and the northern region and Caribbean of the Yucatan peninsula. The rain that falls here is filtered in the soil and nourishes them cenotes of the States neighbouring.

It is not a quiet place, but the sounds that we hear nothing have to do with the noise to which I am accustomed: hear the wind moving trees, birds singing, some crickets. The Hotel Puerta Calakmul is located in the 98 Km of the highway Chetumal-Escárcega (186). Its 15 cabins are scattered through the jungle and designed to keep in touch with nature without losing the luxury. Have no crystals, but if nets; they are made of wood, are equipped with organic amenities and the beds are covered with 250-thread-count linens. Some have a terrace that invites you to open a good book (or even one bad, with that Outlook, reading is the least). It has a gazebo and pool. It has hot water and electricity, but telephone, television and Internet access are onlyvisible in a special room. It is an hour from Calakmul and Becán, Chicanna, and Xpujil. The biosphere is located 15 minutes away, so you can hike.

Calakmul - Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake

With a very similar concept is also the Hotel Chicanna Ecovillage, located at Km 144of the Escarcega-Chetumal Highway, from where you can reach walking Chicanna and Becán. The difference is that in addition to Cottage-style rooms, surrounded by jungle, with restaurant and pool, this hotel has ecological practices: using solar energy, treated wastewater and placed tanks under the rooms to make them more freshand avoid air conditioning. Sell a box lunch for those who come to discovering thebiosphere and the archaeological areas, since there is no water or food establishments.

Calakmul - Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake

Hotel Debliz Xpujil is a cheaper option, is located in the 153 Km of the highway Chetumal-Escárcega. They have simple rooms and suites equipped with TV, air conditioning, hot water, and there is wireless Internet in the lobby. It has swimming pool and basketball court, as well as an interpretive trail. One of the great attractions of thisplace is that, upon request, accept pets.

Calakmul - Capital of the Kingdom of the Snake

The Calakmul Hotel is one of the oldest in the area, is located in Avenida Calakmul, in the municipal seat. It is a modest place, but clean. It has rooms with television, hotwater and air conditioning. It has furthermore huts with shared bathroom which areinexpensive. The gardens seem to refresh one afternoon. According to Peter, one ofthe employees, plants grow without the need of special care, which gives it that touch of jungle.

To enjoy it in all its glory, Calakmul is a municipality which must not travel in a hurry, so it is best to choose a hotel with us and explore their most recondite places.

It is followed in importance Becán, city surrounded by a moat in the maya area, referring to the military activity that existed. Also is Xpujil, to which is can get walking from the header municipal eponymous, Chicanna, River Bec, anteater, Balamku, Nadzcaan and Altamira, but this is found in excavations and not is open to the public.


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Mahahual: The Ave Fénix of the Costa Maya

Mahahual: The Ave Fénix of the Costa MayaMahahual: The Ave Fénix of the Costa Maya

Mahahual name coming from a family of trees typical is located near the Marine Park "Reefs of Xcalak" and the river Huach, Bacalar and Chetumal places of great nature and quiet and friendly people.

Mahahual until the end of the 20th century has been a small population of fishermen, however currently being developed as a resort alternative to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, primarily as a dock of cruises and the Dolphin Delphinus Costa Maya, is also an important destination for sport fishing.

Mahahual is located 145 kilometres northwest of Chetumal, and is the heart of Costa Maya is a small fishing village with sandy streets unpaved, with some restaurants where you can enjoy some of the delicious lobster, clams and a fresh fish daily served here.
Due to its tropical location in mahahual divers are a marvel of formations of coral, sponges, sea turtles, dolphins, seahorses, manatees, and thousands of coral fish, they have discovered how wonderful and attractive is to admire the Sea World offered by the beautiful beach of Mahahual, is for this reason that many tourists prefer to Mahahual because it is a very quiet and pleasant place where you can enjoy the breeze of the sea and the kindness of its people.

Also, Mahahual offers small hotels for rent serving divers, tourists and fishermen.
One of the main attractions of Mahahual is its proximity to the Banco Chinchorro an atoll declared a nature reserve and also recognized as the second largest reef in the world barrier. This reef is located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Quintana Roo and Belize, having a huge biodiversity of extremely attractive to dive into it, and surrounded by Virgin forest.
Mahahual: The Ave Fénix of the Costa Maya
The small fishing village of Mahahual will be the ideal place for you to enjoy a dream vacation, without worries and away from so busy life of big cities. This small fishing village has the unique Wharf of cruises to the South of the State of Quintana Roo,because it is a strategic point from which you can make a strategic tour along the coast where the adventures abound. Start your day sailing area Lake which was formed by the reef breakwater. Immerse yourself in its turquoise waters, dive and discover unimaginable beauty.

The sea and adventure lovers will find 20 minutes from the coast by sea an underwater paradise, Banco Chinchorro, the country's largest coral atoll. In its inner lagoon emerge covered mangrove cays that give refuge to a wide variety of flora and fauna.You can swim to her around and admire from fish and turtles to dolphins and sharks among shipwrecks of all times.

Mahahual is a holiday paradise of recent building, which is located in the center of the Riviera Maya, about 145 kilometers Northwest of Chetumal, facilitating visitors to both destinations travel from one point to another easily and to know these two treasures hidden South of Quintana Roo.
The great diversity of flora and fauna, Xcalak is one of the last Virgin beaches of the Mexican Caribbean located about 60 kilometers from Mahahual, tourist destination with truly unforgettable landscapes, since it is considered a paradise for lovers of nature, diving, fishing and snorkeling.

And if you walk a little more, in the bird Island, place where you can admire more than 40 species of birds; But if what you want is a jungle experience, go to Uchben Kah, a former ecotourism Park, where the Maya drew wood bat dye, where the English pirates exchanged it with weapons and that later was used to fine wood that reached Chetumal passing the Bacalar lagoon, where you can do a multitude of activities.

Fishing enthusiasts, are attracted by the tranquility of the spectacular beaches of the village of Mahahual, since you can find a lot of lush animals such as: conch, chancay, Grouper, snapper, crowned, beaked, mojarra and Red Snapper.

You can take a dip in the new water park of Mahahual, where you can have a day full of fun, laughter and adrenalin in their two circuits of canopy, 12 slides with fall up to 25 metres, expedition in the lost river where you float in a tire to traverse the Park; or if you want to relax you can do it in the natural cenote or the Monkey Island.

Bacalar: Home of the Lagoon of the 7 Colors

Bacalar: Home of the lagoon of the 7 colors

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Bacalar

Bacalar is a heavenly town. Among small fishermen's houses emerges the beautiful lagoon of the same name that, say, has seven shades of blue. In this beautiful body of water, it is possible to swim, snorkel, dive and quiet walks in boat.
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Bacalar

In addition, the bastions of the Fort of San Felipe, where you get one of the best views of this natural wonder, you shall send to the stories of pirates, while its temples and plazas provide a provincial environment. It was built in 1729 in order to stop the attacks of the pirates that lurked with its boats from the Caribbean Sea. It is a historical site, witnessed battles against English settlers. Among its original elements stresses their military construction of thick walls, with bastions at the four corners and a moat, now turned into a garden with figures of maya and Spanish origin. The building houses the Museum of piracy, in charge of the Quintana Roo Institute for culture, dedicated to the history of the region.

And if outside little, Bacalar is also the gateway to the underwater Caverns of Cenote Azul and interesting Mayan archaeological areas covered by jungle.

Bacalar was founded by the Mayans to 415 A.d. with the name of Sian Ka'an Bakhalal. For centuries beset by pirates because of its commercial importance in Central American goods and for being one of the places where plentiful, the dye stick, coveted by the British for dyeing textiles, because of its indelible dark pigment.
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A very frequent activity in Bacalar is the carving of wood in various forms. Suit of dye is used to dye the traditional clothing that can be purchased in the town, as the hand-embroidered huipiles. Also beautiful textiles and basketry, figment of the imagination and skill of the craftsmen with the Palm. It is common to offer colorful hammocks, ideal for a good night's sleep. You'll find more of these products in the Cenote Azul. This circular water body has a diameter of more than 300 meters and a depth of up to 90 meters. It is ideal for snorkeling, to go diving, swimming - is surrounded by trees and plants - and for diving since you'll find a world of nooks and crannies and underwater caves.

The main attraction of Bacalar is its enormous homonymous lagoon, which stretches for more than 50 kilometres long and two wide. Soils of the Fund, the difference in depths and the variation of the intensity of the Sun, make its waters to show a wonderful diversity of colors of blue. The waters are transparent and white sand; There are fish, parrots and macaws, as well as cenotes and the site of the "abandoned ship". Them banks have spas, palapas, areas for camping, restaurants and springs, for example the Club of candle Bacalar, from where depart boats tourist to make travels by the lagoon or where is rent kayaks and team of diving.

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THE RIVIERA MAYA


THE RIVIERA MAYA

Cancun
Mayan Riviera

The Riviera Maya is surprising you. With its more than 120 km of extension, its crystalline turquoise waters, its white sand beaches, cenotes, majestic archaeological sites, natural parks and thematic unique in the world, in addition to magnificent hotels and an exquisite gastronomy.

CENOTES

A cenote is in a few words a cave with water. But the natural environment of the Yucatan Peninsula, is what makes these places, really spectacular scenarios. Scuba diving or snorkeling in the cenotes in the Riviera Maya is one of the most requested water activities, as it is a unique experience.

What are they? The cenotes are freshwater pools with an age of millions of years that were submerged when the sea level rose and filtered through the limestone surface forming this masterpiece of nature. They are classified into three groups, open, semi-closed, and closed cenotes, depending on how your access entrance is.



The ancient Maya performed rituals and sacrifices on them believing that they were going to the underworld: it is said that there are up to approximately 8,000 in the entire Yucatan peninsula since many have not yet been discovered, each of them being a wonder of the unique nature in the world to explore. Obviously, snorkeling and diving can be done by entering its spectacular caves and caverns full of stalagtites and stalagmites.



 Its waters have a constant temperature of 25 ° C throughout the year. They have found within them skeletons of animals and people of ancient Mayan civilizations.



 If you are on vacation in this area of ​​Mexico, be encouraged to know the bowels of a world that few privileged people can know. Along the Riviera Maya there are more than 20 cenotesen where you can swim, snorkel or dive.


The Mayan Riviera Cenotes
Cenotes Route

WILDLIFE


The marina is home to more than 500 species of tropical fish, 65 types of coral and much more aquatic fauna are those that you can find in the Mexican Caribbean Sea. Little pieces of paradise where you can see turtles and manta rays living by your side among many other species.


 The terrestrial among many other species dominate the coatis, iguanas, monkeys, foxes, and sometimes and depending on the area you get to see jaguars.


ISLANDS


We can also visit the beautiful islands that surround it: Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, Isla Holbox and the busiest and most visited Cozumel Island. All of them with their particular beauty, population and lifestyle, being able to perform in all a number of activities.

 
RIVIERA MAYA
COZUMEL

THEME PARKS


The theme parks are part of the attraction of the place. Its facilities and attractions are fused with the nature of the place making them 100% ecological. The most visited are: Xcaret, Xplor, Xel Ha and Río Secreto.


ARCHEOLOGY


The Mayan archeological monuments are one of the main tourist attractions of the world, along with their magic, unknowns, and history about their ancient civilization, makes it inevitable that when you visit them you will be invaded by a great sense of curiosity and questions about the past of their endearing pre-Hispanic history.


Monuments such as the great pyramid of Chichen Itza, and archeological ruins such as Cobá and Ek Balam join one of the most visited: the Temple of Tulum. 

Although there are monuments and ruins throughout the country of Mexico, it is even confirmed that many of them have not yet been found.


With about 300 days of sunshine a year, it is a warm and humid subtropical climate; what supposes an exceptional climate most of the days.

Temperatures range between 25Cº and 40Cº during the day, at night between 20Cº and 26Cº approximately, depending on the time of the year since the annual seasons occur in this area as in the vast majority of the world. 

The rainy season goes from May to November, these being of a duration of no more than 1h a day or on time by areas, although sometimes it can rain several consecutive days without stopping.


The hurricane season is the same as the rainy season from May to November, being 85% more active during the months of September, October and November. 

The dry season goes from December to April, which is when the probability of rains is very low, we can enjoy more days of full sun and a not so hot climate.


GASTRONOMY


Among the typical dishes of the area, tamales, tacos, a rich lime soup, green and red enchiladas, guacamole, nachos with cheese, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, flutes, burritos, some motuleño eggs, mole, kibis , shrimp cocktail, ceviche, fish to size, among many other delicacies.

 Typical honorary dishes


The amount of typical dishes that you must try is very long, so the list would be extensive. Most dishes commonly known as "snacks" can be obtained in many places.


 Among those we have:


Cochinita Pibil: 

Cochinita pibil is the most popular typical dish of the Yucatan Peninsula. It consists of pork marinated with spices such as achiote. The term pibil is coined to any food prepared in an underground oven. 

A hole is made in the ground, charcoal or firewood is put on top and the food covered with banana leaves is placed on top. The food is buried and is cooked by the heat of the earth, its flavor is unique. There is cochinita prepared in a gas oven, but the word pibil is not added.


Panuchos and Salubres: 

These with classics in the region, consist of a kind of toast, with chicken, pork or ground meat. Which carry tanned onion, cabbage, lettuce and avocado. 

The difference between them is that the panucho has beans in the middle of the tortilla.


 Chicken or turkey broth: 

A normal broth, accompanied by shredded meat either chicken or turkey. The broth has chopped cabbage, lettuce, tanned onion and toast. Accompany it with lemon and habanero chili sauce, ideal to cure the cold.

VOCABULARY


Cenote : Cavern with water.
Tulum : Walled city.
Akumal : Turtle place.
Chichén Itzá : Mouth of the well of Itzáes.
Ek Balam : Black jaguar.
Coba : Cloudy water / water humidity.
Sian Ka´an : Where the sky is born
Kukulkán : Feathered Serpent.
Holbox : Black hole
Ik Kil : Winds place

Puerto Morelos a Charming Town


Puerto Morelos a Charming Town


Que hacer en puerto morelos
Puerto Morelos


Caribbean port of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is located between the tourist centers of Cancun and Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya, but retains part of its original fishing village character.


Puerto Morelos Reef National Park


Nestled in the Mesoamerican Reef System - the second largest barrier reef in the world -, here you can perform various water sports, such as diving, windsurfing and kayaking, with snorkeling being preferred by the hundreds of corals and tropical fish that you will see around you , creating a multicolored landscape.



PUERTO MORELOS
Reef National Park


Cenotes Route


Surrounded by the jungle and with crystal clear waters, you can swim, dive, get on zip lines and even rent bicycles or ATVs. Our favorites are La Noria - perfect for diving, swimming or sunning on its floating platform - and Verde Lucero, an open-air cenote with small caves to explore.


Mangrove swamp


Although the growth of the region has ended a large part of the mangrove of Puerto Morelos, you can still observe various species of animals, reptiles, plants and birds from the viewpoints that are on the access road to the town. Close your eyes for a moment and let yourself be amazed by the amount of different sounds that the wind carries.



Akumal Land of Turtles

Akumal land of turtles

swimming with turtles
Akumal


Akumal is a coastal seaside resort in the Riviera Maya of Mexico, in the Yucatan Peninsula. Akumal beach has white sand, a coral reef and warm waters with abundant marine fauna that includes turtles. Its name in the Mayan language means Tierra de las Tortugas, since its beach is famous because from May to October this place becomes the one chosen by sea turtles to lay its eggs. We can find the beach full of these beautiful animals. To the north, the Crescent Bay has a curved beach, while the Yal-kú lagoon is full of colorful tropical fish, along with rays and barracudas. Inside, Aktun Chen Natural Park is known for its caves, cenotes and underground rivers.


Akumal Monkey Sanctuary and Rescued Animals

Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a sanctuary dedicated to the reincorporation of various animals, mostly primates such as the Arana monkey, Capuchin monkey, squirrel monkey and etc.


Akumal Rescued animals
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary

Cenote And Akumal Cave To Swim With Turtles 

A magnificent experience in one of the most impressive cenotes of the Riviera Maya: Cenote Hilario, where our expert guides will accompany you through the passages inside the cave. You will enjoy the pleasant experience of Minute Maya, you will see marine fossils, stalactites, stalagmites, columns and the roots that keep these spectacular places. It will undoubtedly be a unique experience. After that, we will have the opportunity to closely observe sea turtles in their natural habitat in the Akumal Bay, swimming with them is an unforgettable experience. We can also observe a wide variety of colorful fish and wonderful coral reefs, as well as do quite a bit of snorkeling.

unforgettable experience
swim with turtles

Akumal Beach

Akumal has a spectacular bay of crystalline and turquoise waters where you can dive to see the turtles and dive along its coral reef. For the more adventurous we will also have caves and cenotes in which to enter to explore everything inside.


San Gervasio, Cozumel



San Gervasio is located about 3.5 miles east of the town of San Miguel de Cozumel and this place can be easily accessed by the La Isla de Cozumel cross road.

On the paradisiacal island of Cozumel, the Mexican Caribbean is one of the most important archaeological zones and one that is best studied in pre-Hispanic centers, and it is called San Gervasio, it is a set of archaeological settlements that at the time leads to make a center of Mayan pilgrimages in that place worshiped the goddess Ixchel but the most surprising thing is that in addition to being a sacred site, it was also a strategic point for trade and political development in that area 

In this great area there are 6 architectural ensembles that give us an idea of ​​what the religious administrative activities and daily life that the Maya carried out at the time were. all these were united by some branches of roads called sacbés white roads



One of the temples to the goddess Ixchel is called Ka'na Nah. This is the largest structure in this archaeological site, the steps are beautifully decorated with small human faces. 

Another one of the temples is called Nohoch Nah. What does the great house mean? This archaeological building had an altar inside where offerings were made.

 The archaeological building is the Central Plaza. So to speak. This was the center of the other buildings built by the Mayans.