The Yucatan and the Riviera Maya

The Yucatan is a region in southeastern Mexico, and is easily one of the top few places among those I have visited. Cancun is perhaps the most well-known city of this region, located in the northerneast most part of the Yucatan Peninsula. I stayed away from Cancun because of its reputation for all-inclusive resorts and tourists.

The Yucatan offers gorgeous blue beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, parties, scuba diving and snorkeling, one-of-a-kind cenotes found only in this region, and other thrill-seeking activities. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which spans from Cancun down to the Honduras, makes it the second largest barrier reef system second to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

I had a sudden urge to get away, so I planned this trip one week in advance and went alone, during offseason in October, when the prices were great and the weather was very warm but not stifling hot. Despite rain being predicted daily on the forecast, it only rained one day during my stay, and the rain lasted just 20 minutes. I stayed in a lovely and relatively small hotel less than a block from the water, seen below.

While waiting to check in at the hotel, the guy ahead of me asked if I was here for the music festival. I didn't know, but was happy to learn that there should be a good amount of night life in particular that week. He and his friend invited me over to listen to some of the music that would be playing at the event, and I later joined them for food and drinks on the beach. Turned out his friend was a local who he met the year before. He is a military doctor, and appeared to travel often for work.

Aktun-Chen (Akumal)

I highly recommend seeing this place, which is not too far away from Playa del Carmen. It offers wildlife, forest tours, cave exploration, cenotes, ziplining, and snorkeling the underground river.

Upon entering the grounds, I saw this slumbering monkey.

After walking around and seeing the various animals, I started the underground cave hike. This was my first experience with cave exploration and since then I have been drawn to caves, the cold damp air underground, the mysterious feeling of the earth and the darkness, the wonder of the creation of stalactites and stalagmites.

To this day, I think the caves in Aktun Chen are still the most beautiful I have seen. But then again, I have not yet seen Vietnam's Hang San Doong, the world's largest caves (and on my bucket list). Still, the view below is rather impressive.

Then I proceeded with ziplining. This was actually my first time on the zipline and I have to admit that I'm terribly afraid of heights, even though the photo probably doesn't show it.

CHICHEN ITZA

Also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, it has been named the SEVENTH man-made wonder of the world. If you visit Cancun or Playa del Carmen, it is well worth the 2 hour drive west into the heartland of the Yucatan to see this Mayan ruin. I know you're probably wondering, but no, you are not allowed to climb up the pyramid. Also, Chichen Itza is a pretty large area so if you come here, it's not just to look at this one pyramid below!

Sacrificial altar where the kills were made atop that stage for all to see. I can't imagine seeing that with my 21st century eyes.

COBA RUINS

Coba is another ancient Mayan city, located inland, west of Playa del Carmen.

Pictured below is the Nohoch Mul pyramid. I was lucky because when I went in 2013, they still allowed visitors to climb the pyramid, and to hold on using the rope in the middle of the stairs. However, I learned that they shortly closed down pedestrian access up the pyramid due to past injuries. Pictures are deceiving, and the pyramid is quite tall, and the steps quite treacherous.

I rappelled down into a lagoon with helmet and gloves that were too large for me, but what an adventure.