Chactun: A Long Lost Mayan City in the Mexican Jungle

A group of paleontologists have discovered a Mayan city in the rainforests of eastern Mexico, and they're trusting the revelation will bail them figure what prompted the ancient civilization's rice and fall hundreds of years back. The city, which paleologists have named Chactun or Red Rock, was in its prime between 600 and 900 AD, and is made up of 15 pyramids, different squares, homes and work places for upper class parts of social order, and ball courts, as said by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History.

Around 40,000 individuals may have existed in Chactun throughout its prime, as said by Reuters. The city is blankets around the range of 54 acres of land area, and its closest neighbor is Xpujil, an antiquated Mayan town likewise in vestiges, in the vicinity of 10 miles away. The group that discovered Chactun was headed by paleontologist Ivan Sprajc, from the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Sprajc told Reuters that the city was totally secured in bush development and vegetation when they ran across it, yet that they have confirm that other individuals had gone to the city something like 20 to 30 years back. Sprajc said in the report that loggers and gum extractors were unquestionably as of recently there, on the grounds that they saw cuts on the trees. "What happened is they never told anybody." he added.

Chactun is a city buried in Yucatan's rainforest.

Sprajc and his group went on the chase for Chactun in the wake of taking a gander at some aerial photographs of rainforests in the Mexican state of Yucatan. "With aerial photographs examined stereoscopically, we found many features that were obviously architectural remains. From there we took the coordinates and the next step was to locate the ancient alleys used by tappers and loggers to reach the area."  Sprajc said. The used something like three weeks clearing a 10-mile way from Xpujil to achieve the Chactun, which has is separated into three divisions that each one have their own particular landmarks, the Institute said. Before each of the monuments, Sprajc said that his group has discovered fired offerings, which indicate that these may have been places for worship.

More research needs to be done to uncover why the city was abandoned. However the Mayans may have left because of demographic and atmosphere weights, or wars, the excavator told Reuters. At its biggest focus, the Mayan civilization stretched out from southern Mexico into Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. The finding of Chactun happens a week after the lost city of Mahendraparvta was revealed in Cambodia.

Chactun will add to the number of reasons as to why you need to visit Mexico and uncover its rich culture. Not to forget the adventures you need to experience like exploring the underwater caves in Mexico and having to try cenote diving in one of its known cenotes.

Image credits: theverge.com

The Top Cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico

A cenote is a pit or sinkholes made naturally by forces in the earth. It’s a result of the collapsing of limestone bedrocks that exposes the groundwater underneath it. Cenotes are commonly associated with the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. 

Cenote originates from the Mayan word "dzonot" or "ts'onot" which means consecrated or sacred well. Cenotes were the fundamental source of new water for the ancient Mayan civilization. Mayans accepted the cenotes held therapeutic components and recognized a large number of them to be consecrated. They additionally accepted cenotes to be entries to the underworld and an approach to correspond with the divine beings. The Sacred  Cenote or Cenote Sagrado at Chichen Itza was utilized to perform human presents back then. 

These wonderful sinkholes are popular and are open to the public. Here, we have listed the best cenotes in Mexico at the Yucatan Peninsula to visit. 

1. Ik-Kil

Also called the "Sacred Blue Cenote", Ik-Kil is a perfectly clear, round in shape cenote. Found on the roadway between Chichen and Valladolid, this cenote is around the range of 130 feet deep. It is in the ballpark of 85 feet from the surface so you will stroll down a wooden stairway to reach the cenote. Ik-Kil is more famous with swimmers and snorkelers than divers. Just near it are restaurants and little palapa homes for those wanting to stay overnight. When in there, search for the waterfalls and the rich green vegetation hanging the distance down to the water.

2. Dos Ojos

Found about nine miles south of Tulum is the Cenote Dos Ojos also known as “two eyes”.  It was named two eyes because these are two round cenotes that looks like eyes. This is an extremely popular cenote and there is a cave underneath where jumpers can explore a vast 500 meters of the underworld. Did you know that IMAX shot a piece of their film "Journey into Amazing Caves" here?

3. Gran Cenote (Sac Aktun)

Having the name Gran / Grand, meaning great, this cenote is unquestionably a sight to see. Found just outside of Tulum, it is not difficult to see. The Gran Cenote has different regions for those who love to swim, to snorkel, and for scuba jumpers. Here, you’ll find fish and turtles and be extra of the stalactites abundant in the area to not hit your head.  Numerous individuals and visitors say this cenote is their favorite among others.

Mexicans and foreign visitors all look forward to visit the wonderful cenotes of the Mexican Caribbean. They may use the day swimming in the water, snorkeling, plunging, sunbathing or just simply unwinding. Arrange your cenote tours, visit a cenote now and connect with the old Mayan culture.

Image credits: amazingplacesonearth.com

Cancun Underwater Museum

Brace yourself for a new unique adventure trip at Mexico that even this early is creating murmurs along the place.

Sunken Museum

Have you ever experience submerging yourself underwater for a museum?  Probably not. Well, if you haven’t got that experience, let Cancun do it first for you. A new underwater sculpture garden will be established in Cancun, Mexico meant to be the largest underwater museums in the world. Named as “Silent Evolution”, the amazing exhibit covers more than 150 square meters of the clear waters of the Caribbean. Measuring 28 feet deep, the Silent Evolution is a perfect site for divers who want to witness great underwater scene.

Cancun Underwater Museum is composed of 400 clay statues installed on the sea floor. The person behind these sculptures is Jason de Caires Taylor, a renowned artist in his field. The series of figurative sculptures depicts the evolution of the Mayan people in a different perspective. 

Where is it located?

The Cancun Underwater Museum can be found in the State of Quintana Roo, in the waters between Isla Mujeres and Cancun. It is in the protected National Marine Park just a few minutes from the Manchones Reef. The closest airport is the Cancun International Airport. The best time to go is from November to April during the dry season.

The Secret Purpose

Aside from the perceived primary purpose of many about the establishment of this underwater museum which is to promote tourism at Cancun being an artistic developing area, the sculptures are constructed from a special material that aims to serve as a breeding ground for marine life. The statues serve as artificial coral reefs which helps boost the ecosystem in the area. Upon observation, this project is indeed a purposeful one, since it does not just want tourists to get amazed on the wonders of the sculptural models, but also to develop awareness among them that leads to conservation of the underwater ecosystem.

Witness also the eye-catchy transformation of the Mayan sculptures as coral reefs and marine plants start to grow in them.

Image credits: vistanature.com

Overview of Playa del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen, or simply Playa, is once a fishing village, now a hippy and trendy place in the Yucatan Peninsula at Mexico. It has gone about looking for support as the next Miami Beach by the locals. It is also considered to be the fastest growing place in the Caribbean, not to mention that it also has most of the fun you’ll ever get in the said area.

As Playa grows and grows even up to the present, more and more visitors from cruise ships arrive at the place. This calls for it being a popular tourism destination in Mexico. The beach scene greatly attracts most number of tourists everyday who are looking for excellent nightlife, beach fun, and tropical magnificence. This is located in the middle of Quintana Roo, only 45 minutes from Cancun, known for the Maya ruins. The location in the heart of Quintana makes it really accessible to all Mexico’s Caribbean coastline adventures.

Here are the most try activities that you should also jump in while in Playa Del Carmen:

Embrace yourself for a water adventure. Since Playa Del Carmen is known for it is beach location, you must try several beach trips. Water sports for the thrill-seekers are available; the list includes swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing and kayaking. For those who want to activate their adrenaline, try diving off the cenotes or the underwater caves. But if you’re looking for greater heights, it is highly recommended that you try sky diving. On the other hand, a great way to relax yourself is to indulge in fishing and boating at Puerto Adventuras. 

Experience fun-filled nightlife. Tourists do come at Playa not just for the waters, but also for a different taste of nightlife that it offers. Quinta Avenida served to attract most people because of its series of bars and restaurants to choose from. Taste the Mexico’s national distilled alcoholic drink, the tequila. Another option is to go into Blue Parrot, known for its rock acts with a beachside backdrop. 

Dwell into Mexico’s rich culture. As mentioned earlier, the central location of Playa makes it convenient to exploring the nearby place of Riviera Maya popular for its Maya ruins. Drive to the town of Tulum and Coba, two of the Mayan ancient cities. There you can find archeological structures and relics that was once a cradle of the rich Mayan culture.

Image credit: tripadvisor.com

Top Things to do in Riviera Maya

This. It seems that Mexico will never run out of places to offer for a spectacular vacation. Wherever you go, there are still a lot of new activities to try and places to stay. This is one good thing about Mexico—you’ll never get bored.

Riviera Maya is another tourist spot to consider. As you browse through the internet, you’ll see a lot about this place and how to make the most of your visit here. In any season and for all walks of life, Riviera Maya boasts a wide variety of fun stuffs and spots that will definitely make you want to book your flight here.

Here are some of the most popular places to visit and the accompanying activities that you must dare to try:

Travel back in time at Chichen Itza. This is one sightseeing tour that you’ll never regret. Chichen Itza is considered to be the ancient Mayan Empire capital holding majestic archeological buildings like the Temple of a Thousand Columns and Kukulcan Pyramid. Once declared to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, experience with your eyes the cultural heritage of the Mayans at the heart of Yucatan Peninsula. 

Relax at Xcaret Eco-Archeological Park.  Being the “nature’s sacred paradise”, Xcaret is now considered a unique park in the world. If in other parks, you’ll see it simply as ecological or plainly archeological, well, consider Xcaret to be different. Here you’ll not just enjoy the Mayan atmosphere as this once served to be their place of purifying themselves, you’ll also get the chance to be in one with nature. Soak yourself in the goodness of the underground river and get entertained with a variety of stuffs like dolphin shows, bird and wildlife watching, and the majestic Mexican Show.

Get a Mayan Encounter at Coba. Immerse yourself in a fascinating adventure about Mayan culture in Coba, one of their oldest cities. Located inside a rainforest, fill your eyes to amazement with the highest pyramid in the peninsula. Visit also Pacchen, another Mayan community wherein you’ll get to try eco-tourism activities like rapelling and zip lining.

Entertain yourself at the Caribbean Carnival. All the way to Isla Mujeres, treat yourself for a night party made complete by variety of drinks like Margarita, Tequila, and Piña Colada. Have an absolute Caribbean evening with a full buffet dinner by the beach and be entertained with Caribbean Carnival shows. 

Image credits: mexicotoday.org

Fun Must Try Activities in Cancun

Cancun might be unfamiliar to your ear, but mind you, this can be the most delightful place you’ll ever visit in your life. Cancun is found in Mexico; often called the ‘Glistening City’. People from all parts of the globe choose to settle their vacation here because of a lot of stuffs that can be enjoyed by a typical tourist. Some choose to keep themselves wet under the sun courtesy of the beautiful and stunning beaches; some would choose to learn about the historical richness of Mexico through their national sites; and some would end up their tour by rewarding themselves through shopping and filling their hungry tummies. As a hint, what tourists love about this place aside from the beaches, are the weather and nightlife that comprises a perfect vacation.

Here we have listed some of the top-of-the-list places in Cancun and accompanying activities that you should dare try:

Learn about the Mayans at Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a large Mayan archeological site in Mexico. The asset of which is the El Castillo pyramid which at once served as a temple of worship for the Mayans. However, it is noted that Chichen Itza is often crowded with lots of people who are visiting the place, but to avoid such a scenario, it is suggested that you visit early in the morning. But despite the nuisances that you might encounter, the beauty and magic that the place will give you is definitely overwhelming as you get the chance to travel back in Mexican time. No doubt lots and lots of people are going to Chichen Itza—once a home to the Mayan civilization.

Dive under the sea without getting wet at their Interactive Aquarium. This attraction will definitely provide a worthwhile activity for the whole family, especially with children. Besides, Interactive Aquarium is perfect for travels during rainy days, for you don’t have to worry about getting wet outside. Get up close in personal with the dolphins, sharks and all the other forms of marine life. Plus, you can get the chance of feeding the sharks yourself. This Interactive Aquarium is found at the La Isla Shopping Village at Cancun; open from 9:00 in the morning up to 5 in the afternoon. 

Spend the night at Coco Bongo. Fact: Night life at Coco Bongo is not your usual dance-the-night-away nightclub. Here you will be entertained by several performers on stage. If you’re looking for all-night performances to watch and enjoy for the rest of the night, Coco Bongo is perfect for you. 

Image credits: tripadvisor.com

Adventures in Yucatan Peninsula

Yucatan Peninsula lies among the eastern coast of Mexico. From the location itself, it is no doubt that this place will provide you with a lot water-filled activities upon choosing it for a vacation. But contrary to what you might be thinking right now, there are still lots of recreations to enjoy at Yucatan. Contrary to the typical swimming stuffs and water sports, many fun-filled things to do and exciting places to visit are in store for you.

One good thing about Yucatan Peninsula is that it is among the top popular vacation sites to visit by the Americans when it comes to tropical climate and affordability. Besides, enjoyment is not just the only benefit you’ll get upon visiting, but also learning and acquaintanceship to people of different forms and sizes.

Upon planning your trip to Yucatan, here are suggested activities and places that you must see:

Go for deep sea fishing. Fishing lovers will definitely love the waters of Yucatan Peninsula. Fishing locations are divided into the northern and southern part and both boasts of a variety of fishes that might bite into your hook. What’s fun to know is that the fishes that you might encounter are really abundant when it comes to size.

Dive into a cliff!  One thrilling adventure for seekers in Yucatan is the cenote diving. Cenotes are natural pits created from collapsed bedrock or limestone exposing the underground water. To put it in simple words, cenote is a dive hole with cliffs to which one can dive off and even snorkel underwater. Yucatan is blessed with many of this natural wonders that attracts divers from all parts of Mexico and the world. Just remember that cliff diving on a cenote is not recommended for first time divers. Only the professional ones are advised to try this unique adventure.

Travel back to history with the Maya ruins. The Mayan people are important people not just in Mexican history but also in the history of the world. Popularized by their calendar and by being great mathematicians, the Mayans are still being known by a lot of people through archeological ruins. The three most famous sites are the Chichen Itza, Tulum and the Coba ruins. Tulum has itself a picturesque view of the coast on the background. Meanwhile, the Chichen Itza is one of the largest and once a commercial and spiritual refuge for the Mayan people.

Image credits: kidsumers.ca