As mentioned in the previous post Mexico has an incredible ancient history of both the Mayan and the Aztec people. Mayans were present on the east coast from 2000BC with strong civilisations up until the Spanish invasion in 1500AD.

We spent a day visiting the ruins in Coba, about an hour from Tulum. We arrived early at 8am and were the first ones to climb the highest 42metre pyramid. This is one of the only Mayan pyramids still open to climb to the top of it which was a cool experience. The site consisted of pyramids, temples and a ball court. The Mayans played a ball game where the ball had to be bounced through a hoop using only their hips. The game was often used as a way to determine human sacrifice as well. Coba was first settled in 50BC, thrived up until 600AD. Around 1000AD it is believed there was a power struggle between Coba and other bigger more powerful settlements like Chichen Itza and was then abandoned in 1500AD with the arrival of the Spanish.

After visiting the ruins we hired bikes to cycle to visit our first cenotes.

Cenotes are a natural sinkhole caused by the collapse of limestone bedrock. This results in the underground water table being exposed. They are often very deep, we swam in some 50metres deep. The water is exceptionally clear and clean with some little fish. They are an incredible way to cool off after a hot day at the ruins. The first two we visited were underground cave cenotes just out of Coba. The Mayan people used the cenotes for many spiritual rituals so it was a special way to finish the day.

Valladolid

Just when we thought Mexico couldn’t get any better we arrived in the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid. We spent two days here exploring the streets, eating amazing food and swam in another incredible cenote. The pastel coloured buildings, cobblestone streets and vintage VW beetles everywhere made this town feel very unique. We really enjoyed attending the free light show put on at the convent which taught us about the history of the city.

On our last day we visited another amazing cenote, a ten minute walk from the center of town. This cenote was half open, a different experience to the fully enclosed cave cenotes at Coba.