WEDNESDAY OUTING: MAYAN SITE & CENOTES

Wednesdays we head ‘out' of the Rancho for a full day of activities that take us to several sites that are significant historically and culturally to the Yucatecan Mayan people.

First we head to the archeological site at Chunyaxche. This area is managed by a local Mayan tourist ‘cooperativa'; Uyo Ochel Maya, with whom Living Adventure enjoys a longtime association. The site also hosts a Sian Ka'an Reserve outpost located on the shore of historic Laguna Muyil. Our groups are guided by Ismael Caamal Angulo or one of his brothers. These young outdoor professionals are critical to the preservation of the Mayan culture in this area and are passionate in their dedication and knowledge of their culture.

We enjoy hiking around this archeological site in particular because it is ‘off the beaten tourist path' and allows quiet space and time to sit with these monuments and sense their antiquity.

After the morning at Chunyaxche, we have a picnic lunch and head for an enchanting experience at one of the area cenotes (say-no-tay). These magical pools have been sacred to the Mayan people for hundreds of years and are a source of fresh water. The color and texture of the water is almost indescribable; it is like swimming in velvet and luminescent light. They are extraordinary for their great depth and viewing the dimensionality while snorkeling is a thrilling experience.

The day ends with re-supply shopping in Tulum and a dinner at our favorite seaside restaurant; Zamas!