Mayan ruins

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

he Mayan ruins were the main reason, why we wanted to visit Yucatan in the first place ... Our plan was to visit Tikal ruins in Guatemala as well, but we ran out of time.

Chitzen Itza

I remember the road to Chitzen Itza was brand new, so the driving itself was a pleasure and good weather was a bonus.

There is a big parking area at the entrance, so everything is well organized. I must say, I was a little dissapointed, not that I didn't expect the crowds and the stands, but anyway it seemed too much commercially oriented. Although, the place itself looks stunning and it is definitely worth visiting. Be prepaired to wait a while at the entrance.

Coba

Coba Ruins are located about 45-minute drive from Tulum, so we had a great day trip. Of all the ruins I saw in Yucatan I liked Coba the most, because the site is so spread out (50 km - 31 miles), that we didn't get the feeling, that there were a lot of people, like in Chitzen Itza. When you get there, you can rent a bicycle taxi or a bicycle, like we did and you can visit the whole labyrinth of this remarkable Mayan legacy.

Nohoch Muul, the main temple is about 42 meters high (138 feet) and there are 120 steps to the top. When we saw the stunning view, we wanted to stay there till the evening. It was magical. For me the climbing was more difficult on the way back down. Can't wait to revisit ...

Ek Balam / Black Jaguar

In Mayan language Ek Balam means 'Black Jaguar'. It represented the capital of the kingdom Talal, located approximately 150 km west of Cancun. The most gracious building are the Acropolis, Arco de Entrada and the Oval Palace.

Later on, we stopped in the Mayan village and met the real descendants of the Maya people - the children. They were so nice, unspoiled and so beautiful. We brought them the potato chips and some Coca-Cola and they were happy and thankful.

Tulum ruins

Tulum was built in the thirteenth century and has served as a seaport. This site is special, because it is the only Mayan city built on a coast, it is located directly by the sea and very well preserved. The basic architecture included pyramid temples, ceremonial ballcourts, palaces. Standing there with the iguana at my feet, I couldn't get rid of the thought what happened to the lost civilization and how much they actually knew about art, architecture, astrology, calender, mathematics ...

After sightseeing, we couldn't resist swimming in the turquoise sea. So, girls, don't forget to bring a towel, some water and the bikini with you :)