Even more mayan ruins

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Tulum, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Tuesday, November 1, 2016

The surprising lack of Aussies in my last tour group came back with a vengeance. A few Brits, even fewer Kiwis and the rest came from Down Under. Our constantly enthusiastic tour leader, from Costa Rica, explained the layout of the upcoming few weeks and we went for dinner by the beach.
Smaller than Chichen Itza, but less crowded and more more jungly, is the ancient Mayan city of Cobá. The weather was the good ole h'n'h (hot and humid), and the shade of the trees made little effort to rectify that fact. To be honest, our decision to race on the dirt roads on rented bikes and then climb the steep steps of the tallest pyramid probably helped putting sweat on our backs.
The sweatier you are, the sweeter the relief of jumping in the cool water, and few waters are cooler than those in the cenotes. The jump was a bit over 10 metres at the highest platform, and luckily life vests were not mandatory. Yay Mexico, and take heed, other Latin American countries (I'm looking at you, Brazil)!
This cenote was completely sealed in, with nothing but a 2x3 m hole to enter through. The ceiling, 25 metres above water level, was covered with stalactites and the occasional bat, and its bottom lay equally far from the water level. Cool, said Bill. Chilling, said Bull.
A town with even more Mayan ruins (less impressive, but right by the sea) is Tulum, our next destination.
Some of us decided to rent some bikes and head towards the beach, and, time permitting, those very ruins. Unfortunately, the supposed left turn was missed, and the bike journey took us further than expected. Along a long stretch of road, lined with bars and restaurants and private beach resorts we pedalled until we reached the entrance to Sian Ka'an nature reserve and was told that the public beach was just 3 km away. Easy enough, and 4,5 km later we hit the waves, having the whole beach to ourselves.
On the way back I turned my GPS watch on, and we decided to stop every 3 km for a few cold ones. And there it was: Akumal, a local APA. I hadn't had ale in a long time. A long time.
Upon returning to the bike rental, the distance covered showed that we had spent around 30 km riding our slightly unadjustable fixies in the heat.
Dias de las Muertas, and/or Halloween was that day, and we got our faces painted, Mexican style, and hit the bars.
A few short days in Mexico was nearing an end. I am not even close to having experienced it though, so I'm coming back in the future; during the dry season and when no medical conditions stops me from diving.
 

Pictures & Video

1005-Pyramid 1006-view 1007-downstairs 1008-cenote 1009-secluded 1010-APA 1011-Dias
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