Relaxing in Mexico ...

While visiting Mexico, I enjoyed my stay and would happily go back if I didn't have so many other places around the world I wish to see.  In 2011 My son, a group of friends and myself took a week trip to an all-inclusive resort in Punta Maroma, Mexico.  This was not one of the top resorts in the area, but was still very nice … an average resort at best.

In planning the trip, it was agreed that we would plan alternate day trips to different parts of the region and stay on the resort on the other days.  For one of our day tours we planned a visit to Coba ruins in Tulum.  Included in this package was a repelling experience into a Cenote, a zip-line experience and a tour of Coba.  This tour was well worth the money, just for the laughs alone, but mostly because it had a wide range of activities for a large dynamic group with varying activity interests. 

We first stopped in an area that has many Cenotes.  A Cenote is where the soil erodes away and creates a sinkhole.  The sinkhole may be open or as a cavern that usually contains water.  Before visiting the Cenote, we had a Shaman do a spiritual body cleansing with sweet grass and smoke.  This was a great introduction into the local culture.  We then proceeded around the corner to gear up for our descent.  In order to get into this Cenote, you have to repel into it.   

Once the company  strapped you in [2 at-a-time on single lines], you descend into the cenote.  Because they were quick to get you connected and put your mind at ease, you did not have time to think about what we were doing and before you know it you were heading into the cenote.  I descended quickly to videotape others descent ... it is evident that we all truly enjoyed the experience. 

Once in the Cenote you descend into the water onto a tube and float around.  

We then left by van and stopped at a zip-line.  Once we got to the initial spot, the instructor gave us information about how to operate the brake.  To operate the brake you had a state of the art brake system ... a stick. LOL!  The idea is that once you get close to the landing near the end, you place the stick BEHIND the pulleys on the cable and pull down on the stick ... this is how you stop.  Ha! Ha! Ha!  The instructor saw that a couple of our party were not thrilled about doing this activity and the guide stated that if anyone did not wish to do it they can walk around to the other side and watch everyone come in.  So, I went first ... when I got close to the other side I noticed something moving in the water.  Once I got landed I asked the guide what that was and he indicated that this was a crocodile pond below.  This I did not know and thought, really?  That was one huge crocodile I saw.  

Well, one of our party came across next.  Getting close to the landing she put her brake stick up on the cable, BUT she was putting it on in FRONT of the cable instead of the back!  Everyone started to holler for her to place the stick in back ... she was so busy laughing and screaming with excitement that she did not realize what she was doing.  Well, let's just say that the brake worked very well she actually stopped short of the landing platform.  The guide was able to reach out to the stick that she extended to help pull her in. Thank goodness she did not do this any sooner.  Ha! Ha! Ha!

Our final stop was near Tulum to visit the Mayan Ruins of Coba.  I absolutely love history and ancient cultures.  Coba, the Mayan ruins site, is very important to have a great guide as they will give you information that you would not get if you walked on your own.  You learn amazing facts such as the road that was built at that time connected other distant communities.  The Mayans put pieces of shell in the limestone road ... reason:  the shell assisted in illuminating the road for night travel.  There are still little sections of the road you can see that go into the jungle.  Gives you a clear indication of how incredible they were as engineers with limited tools. The Coba ruins are considered one of the most important of all the sites found thus far in Mexico.  When you enter this site, there are three main sections to visit – Macanxoc section, Conjunto Pinturas and Nohoch Mul.  What was explained to me was that this site was central to all the other ancient Mayan communities and this was indicated by the sections of the roads, known as Sacbe, that were found coming from different directions into this particular site.  The Nohoch Mul is the main focus point where all the roads seem to end, this is the tallest pyramid structure found in Mexico to date which includes over 100 steps to the top.  ​After exploring the ball courts, some of rented a guide to bike us up to the pyramid.  Passengers [maximum 2] sit in the front of the bike and the driver pedals his way and will stop any where along the way that is of interest.  Other members of our party chose to rent bikes they could pedal themselves and tour at their own leisure.  We all ended up by the main attraction nearly at the same time.  Standing in front for a couple photo ops.  I was getting ready to climb, and after talking to a couple of my friends, they were distracted with something behind me, which forced me to turn around.  There was a lady clinging to the rope laying on the step and I was not sure if she was climbing or descending.  Not sure if it was her friend or relative, but they were hollering for her to stand so they could take her picture.  The lady responded by yelling that she was too scared to stand … she was on the second step!  LOL   

While some of my friends sat on a nearby bench, some of us climbed to the top.  It does not seem like you are that high until you climb to the top and see the panorama of the area.  While the wind was slightly pushing on you, you get a sense of historical importance standing on the top of this mountain.

Video: Shaman, Driving through communities, spelunking into Cenote, zip-lining and visit Coba, Mayan Ruins.

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Today was a full day ... a fantastic tour!  

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