Mexico Holds a Special Place in My Heart
My first international trip as a young child was to Mexico. That trip is the reason that I have a case of severe wanderlust. It was also the experience that forced me to learn Spanish, live in Spain for two years, and eventually become bilingual. For this, Mexico has a special place in my heart.
Fortunately, I have had many return trips to Mexico, ranging from family trips, cruises, and even Spring Break nearly twenty+ years ago. Over the last year, I have been able to visit one of my favorite regions of Mexico, which is the Yucatan Penisula. I suggest you grab a cup of coffee, tea, or perhaps a margarita to read about these three adventure travel activities on the Yucatan Penisula.
Three Adventure Travel Musts on Mexico's Yucatan Penisula
Rio Secreto
The best way that I can describe this adventure is as an active visit to one of Mother Nature's underground museums. At Rio Secreto, I had the opportunity to explore an underground freshwater river and the miles of caves. The water was quite chilly, but the team at Rio Secreto provided the wetsuit, helmet, light, and water shoes. Most of the water is waist deep; so, this adventure can be for the non-swimmers and athletes alike. If you would like to learn more about this aquatic adventure on the Yucatan, visit Rio Secreto.
Tulum
Tulum (meaning wall) was my first Mayan ruin visit. During which, I was awed by the discoveries of the Mayans (2000 BC to 1500 AD): written language, calendar, the concept of zero, and of course CHOCOLATE. Plus, I have to bow to a culture that builds a ceremonial city by the beach. Isn't everything better by the beach? I think so. To learn more about Tulum and Mayan Culture, here.
Chichen Itza
I would say a trip to the Yucatan would not be complete without an adventure to Chichen Itza, which is one of the new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza (mouth of the well at the freshwater cenote of Itza) was an intellectual city of thirty thousand scholars with its height from 600-900 AD. The marvelous pyramid in the picture is El Castillo (Castle) of Kulkulkan (a god symbolized by a feathered serpent). This pyramid is the Mayan calendar with ninety-one steps on all four sides, for the four seasons, and one step at the top to make three-hundred and sixty-five days. My travel tips for Chichen Itza: walk fast by the vendors, go early morning to avoid crowds and sun, and bring a big umbrella or big hat for shade. Learn more about this new wonder of the world here.
As always, here's to looking up!
