Offering human sacrifices to appease the gods, constructing pyramids with mind-boggling mathematical precision and participating in fierce matches of Poc-a-Toc with the possibility of being beheaded at the end of the game, was just another day in the life of the ancient Maya. They are a civilization that has inhabited parts of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras for thousands of years, building empires which thrived until approximately the 12th century AD.
Chichén Itzá, considered to be a sacred Mayan Mecca, was a significant religious and urban center for the ancient indigenous people. After being colonized around the 8th century by the Itzá, hundreds of thousands of Maya pilgrimaged to the great ceremonial site, which possessed equal prominence as a Central American trade hub. Construction of the first stone buildings began during this time, and over 1000 years later, many of the monuments on the 16 square kilometer archeological site still stand.
Deciding to settle at the Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote) for its abundant water supply, they named the influential settlement, Chichén Itzá, meaning “at the mouth of the well Itzá.” Not only was the great cenote a continuous source of water, it later served as a place of worship. Precious items such as gold, copper and jade as well as the skeletons of young women have since been dredged from the sacrificial well.
According to mythology, the Maya worshipped approximately 250 gods whom it was believed, lived on the peaks of mountains. Thus, grand pyramids were constructed to represent mountain tops where the leaders of the people could commune with the deity. The most awe-inspiring of the many stone structures at Chichén Itzá is “El Castillo” or the castle.
This grand temple was declared one of The New Seven Wonders Of The World for its phenomenal accuracy in depicting the advanced astrological system and calendar of this fascinating people. Also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, each of El Castillo’s four faces incorporate a stairway with 91 steps ascending to the main platform at the top. With the addition of this main platform, there are 365 steps in total, one for each day of the year. Moreover, on the facing of the 9 tiers, are 52 stone reliefs which represent the cycle when both the solar and religious calendars would re-align.
What is truly spectacular is the special effect which occurs during the spring and fall equinox. As the sun begins to set on these two particular days every year, a shadow is cast which gives the illusion of a massive snake slowly slithering down along the side of the pyramid. Approximately 5 hours later, it connects with a serpent head at the base of the structure. Spectators travel from around the world to witness this marvelous scene.
Also on the mystical grounds, is The Great Ball Court where players would demonstrate their extreme athletic skills by hitting a heavy, rubber ball, usually with their hips, through one hoop which was fixed high on the wall of each side of the court. Rendered in the stone relief panels near the ball court are hieroglyphics which depict two teams of 7 with one team member holding one of the opposing team’s decapitated head! It is unclear whether the severed head belonged to the captain of the winning team or losing team. In either case, athletes feared not, as being sacrificed meant they would receive a direct path to live infinitely amongst the gods in the upper spiritual world.
Other notable landmarks on the impressive ruin site are the Caracol, or the spiraling snail monument which was used as an observatory, and the Temple of a Thousand Warriors. On these hundreds of columns, are carved the images of Toltec warriors, some of which still faintly display the original paint.
To walk the grounds and view these masterpieces, one cannot help but wonder why this superior cult consisting of remarkable mathematicians, architects, painters, sculptures, astrologists, and linguists abandoned what was at the time, one of the most flourishing centers of the Mayan empire. Will persistent archeologists and historians be able to piece the puzzle and discover the factors which eventually led to the Classic Maya Collapse, or is the secret buried forever with the ancient people who last roamed over this sacred land? Are the answers carved in the stones? Only time will tell.
The Yucatán Peninsula’s beauty spreads over a region enveloped by lush, tropical jungle and bordered by the Caribbean Sea with its awe-inspiring shades of turquoise, aqua and deep blue. Hundreds of thousands of visitors arrive each year to embrace the exquisite, natural splendor in the glorious Mayan Riviera. Yet so much more enchanting wonder still lies beneath the surface of this area, waiting to be explored.
An estimated 10,000 cenotes, or open, access points to the world’s largest submerged cave system speckle the Yucatán Peninsula. These surface connections to the slow-flowing, subterranean river system were created naturally millions of years ago. Originally, this peninsula was amidst a giant reef system. However, during the Stone Age, when ocean levels decreased, parts of the reef were left exposed and the coral was not able to survive. As a result, a massive shelf of limestone, formed by the corals’ skeletons, emerged. Due its porous nature, slightly acidic rain waters seeped through the alkaline limestone rock and created the extensive underground waterway with its many caverns. After the final Ice Age, ocean water levels rose, saturating the subterranean cavities, collapsing some, resulting in sink holes known as cenotes. Some cenotes showcase fascinating cave formations boasting various sizes of icicle-shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Others are protected by the Mexican government and have become important archeological sites. While still others are considered to be sacred, and even haunted, by past and present Mayan civilization.
It was common for ancient Mayan cities to be built surrounding one or multiple cenotes as they were the residents’ primary source of fresh water. Sacred ceremonies often took place around these wells which were thought to be gateways to the underworld. Sacrificial offerings (some human), were presented to Chaac, for example, the god of rain, in times of drought. There is one famous cenote, Sac Uayum, 25 miles south of Mérida (the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán) which legend has it, is guarded by a feathered serpent with a horse’s head, keeping fearful Mayan locals at a distance. Up to last year, marine archeologists had discovered 15 human skulls lying on this eerie cenote’s floor and more are believed to be buried within the sediment.
Some interesting archeological finds include fossilized remains of camels, giant jaguars and mammoths, fine jewelry, textiles, pottery, sculptures, as well as the oldest human remains ever found in the Americas, dating back to at least 10,000 years ago. These significant artifacts depict the innovativeness and immense richness of the ancient Maya culture. Cenotes have varying water depths ranging from a few meters to over 100 meters. The majority have cool, crystal clear waters with a stunning turquoise tone. The water itself has an upper layer of fresh water overlying a layer of salt water. As the rainwater filters down towards the cenote, it has a tendency to flow out horizontally along the water table to eventually reach the ocean.
To have the opportunity to swim, snorkel and dive within these natural wonders is an experience to truly appreciate forever. The refreshing translucent waters remain at a constant 25 degrees Celsius or 76 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Many of these magnificent swim holes have jumpable cliffs, averaging about 3 meters, which present opportune moments to face fears of heights!
In the following video, I am leaping off the ledge at Cenote Eden, located just 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen. After I had silenced a few demons chattering back and forth in my head, I plummeted into the pristine waters. When I eventually bobbed to the surface, I heard my 8 year old, (who had just completed his 40th jump), call out “Can’t you just try it without screaming?!?”
Most of the dive shops in town offer day trips with transportation to the 100’s of nearby cenotes. However, you can also gain some valuable insight and directions by speaking to the friendly locals here in Playa!
With hundreds of miles of pristine coastline to choose from, several powdery-soft white shores could have very well made the top 5 list. However, we have selected 5 unique beach settings in and around Playa del Carmen which each in their own way, offer an original experience, while all possess an extraordinary beauty which will blow your mind!
1) Mamitas Beach Club
Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen, Mamitas Beach Club is considered one of the most liveliest and popular beaches for the twenty-something crowd. This is where the headquarters of the world-famous BPM music festival is situated and the glistening turquoise waters attract hundreds of thousands of awe-struck visitors each year. For a fee, beach-goers may revel in the sun and have access to sun beds, lounge chairs and food and drink service. A variety of water sports such as kite surf, paddle board, wave runner, and catamaran rentals are available. Every week, DJ’s from around the world travel to spin their pulsating beats at this chic bikini heaven.
2) Xpu-ha
A vast shoreline borders translucent waters in which you can wade out hundreds of feet while the water level remains at your hips. A couple of eateries sporadically occupy the shore, but packing your beach chairs and picnic lunch is one of the best ways to enjoy the secluded beach of Xpu-ha. Located about a 25 minute drive south of Playa del Carmen, this rustic paradise presents both the perfect setting for romance or a memorable family day at the beach.
3) Akumal
The bay of Akumal is enclosed by the world’s second largest barrier reef and offers sublime snorkeling, diving and fishing opportunities. In fact, the Mayan name Akumal translates to ‘Place Of The Turtles.’ It is the only area in the Mayan Riviera where you can swim with sea turtles year round. Snorkel gear can be rented or diving excursions may be booked at the on-site dive shop. The calm, crystalline waters along the alabaster shore give you the illusion that you are swimming in a pool. Bringing a cooler is allowed or there are several options to dine and enjoy a cool Caribbean cocktail while absorbing the captivating ocean views.
4) Maroma Beach
Approximately 25 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, Maroma Beach Club is enticing with its ample stretch of beach and variety of activities. For a fee of $100 pesos, visitors have access to the beach loungers with umbrellas, the volleyball court, soccer balls and of course, the alluring blue-green sea. A delicious menu of casual food and drinks is available, as is camelback riding for a rare experience!
5) Tulum
The 45 minute drive south of Playa del Carmen is certainly worth the trip for a day of fun in the sand in surf of Tulum! Few locales in the world extend visitors the invitation to encounter such a magical scene as they splash in crystal clear waters with a backdrop of ancient archeological ruins in the distance. There is a stretch of public beach where you can set up your own cooler and chairs or there are boundless options for beach clubs and restaurants offering loungers with umbrellas, usually for a minimum purchase of food and drink. With so much variety and exquisite beauty to experience in and around Playa del Carmen, one week is never enough! After three and a half years, I still look forward to a day trip of exploring the region’s many majestic works created by Mother Nature’s generous hand.
For more information, be sure to inquire with our knowledgeable team at BRIC who are happy to assist in coordinating a memorable day trip to one of these divine beaches.