I finally found the hidden treasures in Mexico I have been looking for.
Our week spent in Playa del Carmen, state of Yucatan, was one of discovery and adventure. We swam in cenotes, spotted sea turtles whilst snorkeling, and sunbaked on the pure white sands of the Caribbean coast.
We stayed at 'The Yak' hostel in Playa del Carmen, chilling in hammocks under palms and blossoms, in our free time. Our first tour was to one of the 7 wonders of the world- Chichen Itza pyramid. The ancient pyramid, built in honor of the moon, was once the centre of a Mayan city. The Mayans were one of the first civilizations on earth, developing the first known writing system in the pre-Columbian Americas.
After visiting Chichen Itza we swam in our first cenote, Ik Kil.
This cenote was massive, a giant hole in the earth opening into a fresh water pool. The water flows from the underwater river system found in the Yucatan underworld.
On our second day charming Alajandro recruited us from the hostel for a free diving tour in the cenotes. A small group of 6 travelled in his van, listening to Bob Marley, through the jungle and into a quiet paradise. We swam in fresh water ponds nestled amongst palms, and dove through tunnels into caves opening into new cenotes. It was my favorite day in Mexico thus far. At the conclusion of the tour we were taken to an Ancient Mayan temple inside a cave. Alajandro lit candles and we sat in silence, absorbing the atmosphere and our experience.
On the third day we took the bus to Akumal to swim with giant sea turtles. The turtles casually ate the seaweed growing from the sand like water cows. They munched away as we watched above, occasionally swimming slowly to the surface for air. We spent this afternoon sunbaking on Tulum beach. The Caribbean waters in Tulum were turquoise against the pure white sand. Coconuts washed into shore.
We hit the nightlife on our last night in Playa del Carmen, meeting with another 3 students from the study tour. A perfect way to celebrate the end of my time with new found friends and beginning of my next adventure into South America with James. Bring on the Amazon, Inca trek and Rio!
Photo by Ellie Metcalfe
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