Chichen Itza + Iconic Cenotes: Swim, Snap & Wonder

Chichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city in Mexico, which was abandoned in the 15th century. It is now an archaeological park declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is world famous for the play of light and shadow that occurs at each equinox on the steps of the pyramidal base known as The Castle. In this, the sun, as it rises above the horizon, illuminates the western rafter of the basement, creating triangles of light and shadow that seem to descend to the serpent's head in the rudeness of the rafter. This event, achieved from the correct orientation and inclination of the planes of the basement, shows the great level of astronomical and architectural knowledge that the Mayans possessed, and which has resulted in being one of the most studied cultures and regions around these topics. All visitors to Chichen Itzá must pay a local tax of 453 Mexican pesos, directly at the ticket office of the place.

In the Yucatan Peninsula there is a great network of aquifers that have formed millions of years ago, when the peninsula was submerged in the sea; and when the porosity of these ancient reefs was exposed, they allowed the permeability of the rain thus creating these wonderful natural spectacles known as cenotes. It has a diameter of 60 meters and the height is 25 meters to the water, with a depth of 43 meters. Long liana-shaped tree roots descend from above, seeking the coveted water. Here there have been competitions of divers from the Red Bull tournament, who perform spectacular jumps in the cenote. The stop is a must after having toured under suffocating heat. Immersing yourself in the freshness of its crystalline waters gives a rest to the body and an invaluable gift to the eye. The facilities are quite prepared to receive the numerous visitors. It has access stairs to the cenote, which is at a considerable depth, as well as showers, dressing rooms and services.

The Magical Town of Valladolid in Yucatán is one of those destinations where time passes serenely, breathing the air of an ancient Mayan town rich in traditions. There is much to do in Valladolid, Calmly, you discover streets that lead to temples and former convents, such as Santa Lucía and San Bernardino, architectural witnesses of the Franciscan order. Stop at a house like Casa de los Venados, they have a collection of almost three thousand pieces of folk art and their owners take guided tours. Continue to the Zací artisan center to buy jipijapa hats, huipiles and guayaberas. If you prefer, there is the Donato Bates market for saddlery souvenirs. In your walk, you will find Mayan cuisine restaurants, do not forget to try the lime soup and the Valladolid sausage prepared in an artisanal way. In the afternoons, the squares are filled with street vendors of marquesitas, a long, rolled dessert filled with ball cheese.