Chitchen Itza and Isla Mujeres.
On my only full day in Cancun I took a day trip to Chitchen Itza, of the new 7 wonders of the world and an absolutely incredible day. I had heard that the site was a bit like a huge Disneyland and was not worth seeing but I genuinely had a great day!
Our tour guide Jorge was really fabulous and told us so much information about the region and the Mayan civilization that it was hard to take it all in. For example the word Cancun has only existed for 40 odd years as before it was the name of the whole region. In Mayan Cancun means “snake’s nest” because the Mayans would kill anyone foreign entering the region as they had been enslaved by Westerners until 1936.
Our first stop was at a “Cenote” a sinkhole. These were crucial to the choice of location of Chitchen Itza as they were used as a source of water, and also sometimes as a place of human sacrifice. We had time to look around and to have a swim in the water, which was refreshingly cool for me, and unspeakably cold for the Mexicans on the trip! Our next stop was a Mayan artisan cooperative where we were given some time to shop around and look at the wonderful handmade crafts, followed by a huge buffet lunch.
Finally we arrived at Chitchen Itza where Jorge gave us explanations about the main buildings. The main temple was by far the most impressive, although we weren't allowed to climb up it. The sheer inventiveness and ability of the Mayans is incredible: On the summer solctice every year the way the sun falls on the temple creates a shadow that looks like a snake sliding down the side of the temple. Also the acoustics are amazing; if you clap your hands in a certain place infront of the temple the sound of a bird echoes back. (It sounds made-up but I heard it and did it myself!)
My next stop was Isla Mujeres which I was very sad to leave this morning. It certainly lived up to expectations. A beautiful paradise island with white sand, shallow turquoise waters and lots of palm trees, it was an excellent place for some chilled reading. I stayed in a great hostal complete with backyard onto the sea with hammocks and a beach bar. I mainly chilled, rented out a bike for a tour of the island and met other travellers who shared their experiences with me.
If you've never tried the Caribbean you have to... its just like nothing you will have been to before!
Now in Playa del Carmen!
Love Soph xxx
Our tour guide Jorge was really fabulous and told us so much information about the region and the Mayan civilization that it was hard to take it all in. For example the word Cancun has only existed for 40 odd years as before it was the name of the whole region. In Mayan Cancun means “snake’s nest” because the Mayans would kill anyone foreign entering the region as they had been enslaved by Westerners until 1936.
Our first stop was at a “Cenote” a sinkhole. These were crucial to the choice of location of Chitchen Itza as they were used as a source of water, and also sometimes as a place of human sacrifice. We had time to look around and to have a swim in the water, which was refreshingly cool for me, and unspeakably cold for the Mexicans on the trip! Our next stop was a Mayan artisan cooperative where we were given some time to shop around and look at the wonderful handmade crafts, followed by a huge buffet lunch.
Finally we arrived at Chitchen Itza where Jorge gave us explanations about the main buildings. The main temple was by far the most impressive, although we weren't allowed to climb up it. The sheer inventiveness and ability of the Mayans is incredible: On the summer solctice every year the way the sun falls on the temple creates a shadow that looks like a snake sliding down the side of the temple. Also the acoustics are amazing; if you clap your hands in a certain place infront of the temple the sound of a bird echoes back. (It sounds made-up but I heard it and did it myself!)
My next stop was Isla Mujeres which I was very sad to leave this morning. It certainly lived up to expectations. A beautiful paradise island with white sand, shallow turquoise waters and lots of palm trees, it was an excellent place for some chilled reading. I stayed in a great hostal complete with backyard onto the sea with hammocks and a beach bar. I mainly chilled, rented out a bike for a tour of the island and met other travellers who shared their experiences with me.
We saw a snake eating an Iguana on the side of the road!!
If you've never tried the Caribbean you have to... its just like nothing you will have been to before!
Now in Playa del Carmen!
Love Soph xxx
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