{"id":4885,"date":"2021-02-01T18:45:42","date_gmt":"2021-02-02T02:45:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/?p=4885"},"modified":"2021-02-01T18:45:42","modified_gmt":"2021-02-02T02:45:42","slug":"chichen-itza-valladolid-sacred-cenote-saamal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/?p=4885","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Travel to Chichen Itza and  swim with catfish at Cenote Saamal."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mexico Prior to Covid (Dec. 2019)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What a day we have planned! As our visit to <strong>Yucatan, Mexico<\/strong> is brief and opportunities to learn exist in each new geographical location; we decided to immerse ourselves in cultural experiences with the local company <strong>Living Dreams Mexico<\/strong> and a private local tour guide. We selected the <strong>Chichen Itza Private tour with Sacred Cenote and Authentic Lunch<\/strong>&#8220;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/39d8f958-f14e-4cbb-8db8-a404a0b6ab89-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4890\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although this tour was priced at over $300 CA each everything was included and our private guide was knowledgeable, adaptable, passionate and well respected by locals.  We even had a surprising experience at the end of our Mexican buffet as servers broke into birthday song and we discovered it was our guide, <strong>Angela Rojas<\/strong>, Birthday!   Here are highlights of our 7+ hour cultural tour around Yucatan with our amazing guide, Angela. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to minimize the rush of tourists at the <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza<\/strong>, Angela arrived at our resort in <strong>Playa del Carmen<\/strong> bright and early at 6:30 a.m. We stopped to grab a coffee and tasty morning treat while Angela explained the day&#8217;s agenda, showing us maps and sharing about the Mayan history and culture. Angela was a wealth of knowledge and bilingual in English and Mexican-Spanish. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/87f09e27-2749-45c3-90af-264b20f2b583-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4892\" \/><figcaption>Morning coffee and maps of Yucatan, Mexico. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the 181.5 km drive from <strong>Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza<\/strong> we took highways 305D and 180D passing through a toll station en route. The roads were not busy early in the morning and we arrived at our destination at 8:20 a.m. before the crowds of tourists and while parking spaces were plentiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/8a9d6192-b090-4d62-81a6-a2ea780022ee-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4893\" \/><figcaption>Aerial photos of Chichen Itza complex &#8211;World Heritage Site in Yucatan, Mexico.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> It was educational watching the vendors pulling their wares along the sandy paths and setting up around the grounds at <strong>San Felipe Nuevo<\/strong>. <strong>Chichen Itza<\/strong> is a complex of <strong>Mayan-Toltec<\/strong> ruins centrally located on the northern half of Mexico&#8217;s <strong>Yucatan Peninsula<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/73b8c76f-023f-47fe-9d1d-d6267678228f-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4902\" \/><figcaption>Vendors setting up at Chichen Itza at 8:15 a.m. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A little background information: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chichen Itza<\/strong> was listed in 1988 as an <strong>UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>. It is classified as one of the <strong>New Seven Wonders of the World<\/strong>. My research reflects several meanings to the name  <strong>Chichen Itza: &#8220;the mouth at the well of Itza<\/strong>&#8221; or &#8220;<strong>at the edge of the well of the Itzaes<\/strong>&#8220;. These meanings tie to the water located in natural cavities (<strong>cenotes<\/strong>) found throughout this location. (Which we will explore later in this blog post). Itza meaning &#8216;water magicians&#8217; translated from Mayan <strong>Itz<\/strong> meaning &#8216;magic&#8217; and <strong>a<\/strong> meaning &#8216;water&#8217;. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sacred cenotes have further intrigue as scientists have theorized that the cenotes are located in a ring pattern across the Yucatan Peninsula and were created by the impact of a massive asteroid&#8211;probably also ending the existence of dinosaurs. Search &#8220;<strong>Chicxulub impactor<\/strong>&#8220;.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In ancient, pre-Columbian times Chichen Itza was a thriving civilization of <strong>Mayan- Toltec<\/strong> peoples. Archaeology records estimate the city at over 1,000 years old. The complex was conquered by the Spanish in the mid 16th century. Art and cultural influences are mainly from <strong>Mayan-Toltec <\/strong>(earlier) and <strong>Spanish<\/strong> (after conquest). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Please click the following video to experience highlights from our amazing guided tour around the Chichen Itza<\/strong> <strong>ruins.<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-video wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-videopress wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"VideoPress Video Player\" aria-label=\"VideoPress Video Player\" width=\"489\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\/\/video.wordpress.com\/embed\/34HLeGhx?preloadContent=metadata&amp;hd=0&amp;cover=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen allow=\"clipboard-write; presentation\"><\/iframe><script src='https:\/\/v0.wordpress.com\/js\/next\/videopress-iframe.js?m=1770107250'><\/script>\n<\/div><figcaption>Our day exploring Historic Chichen Itza<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tallest structure in <strong>Chichen Itza<\/strong> is the ancient <strong>pyramid of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo<\/strong>, which is 98 feet or 29.87 metres in height. In order to protect the archaeological pyramid from erosion, tourists are no longer permitted to climb the stairways. Other buildings at the heritage site which have survived include: the <strong>Warriors&#8217; Temple, Circular observatory, Great Ball Court, Jaguar Temple, Group of Thousand Columns, and Tomb of the High Priest<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> A reliable, educational source to check for further information, history and photos (available in several languages) is the <strong>UNESCO World Heritage<\/strong> website at <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/whc.unesco.org\">http:\/\/whc.unesco.org<\/a><\/strong> Search: <strong>Chichen-Itza<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/img_8531.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4913\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After collecting souvenirs, we were off to explore a sacred cenote! The 40 km drive on highway 180 to <strong>Cenote Saamal near Valladolid<\/strong> took about 35 minutes. Our 2 hour visit at Cenote Saamal flew by so quickly!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/s-so-excited-before-the-cold-shower-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4934\" \/><figcaption>BRRR! The shower was chilly after being in the hot sun all morning! Saamal cenote.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> The beautiful, soothing swim in the cenote was complete with catfish, dripping waterfalls, and a dive platform. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/img_1576-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4935\" \/><figcaption>Playing with the catfish at Saamal cenote. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite your swimming ability, showers and lifejackets are requirements here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/dad5fdb0-c47c-48a2-969d-45eba23407d9-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4917\" \/><figcaption>Sacred Saamal Cenote&#8211;The Catfish loved to hang out in the shallow water.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After our refreshing swim, we had the good fortune of meeting a current athlete from the national <strong>Great Ball<\/strong> team. I can only imagine the damage those stone &#8216;balls&#8217; would make on your body! Lunchtime!  The <strong>Mexican buffet<\/strong> was extensive and delicious. We would love to return here.  Plus&#8230;.we had a surprise in store as we discovered it was our tour guide&#8217;s birthday! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/496064d4-1b87-439f-a69e-6665134a3ddf-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4919\" \/><figcaption>Meeting the athlete on the National Great Ball team, Mexican buffet, and Angela&#8217;s birthday surprise. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our final stop prior to the homebound journey, was to visit the city of Valladolid. This pretty city was very colorful and filled with flowers and gardens. Points to note include: the colonial buildings, the cathedrals and plazas, and definitely the Chocolate shops!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/a376b903-57c0-4278-9385-f48418082273-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4923\" \/><figcaption>Exploring pretty Valladolid <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thank you for the fabulous tour <strong>Angela Rojas<\/strong>! Our porthole into the history, culture, and customs of the <strong>Mayan people and the Yucatan peninsula<\/strong> has definitely expanded. We arrived back at Playa del Carmen Beach Resort in time for a relaxing sunset and dinner. What an inspiring day! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/5a2732da-ac4d-42d3-b70b-2b76795b8088-collage.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4927\" \/><figcaption>Sandos Playacar Beach Resort, Playa del Carmen. Sunset. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tomorrow morning we head off to Benito Juarez to snorkel in the National Park reefs of this area. What will we discover?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stepped pyramid of Kukulkan, El Castillo&#8211; Chichen Itza, Mexico<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4888,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,7,18,19,20,41,44,46,47,74,89],"tags":[151,192,199,248,275,278,296],"class_list":["post-4885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adventure","category-before-covid-19","category-cenote","category-cenote-saamal","category-chichen-itza","category-kukulkan-el-castillo-pyramid","category-mayan","category-mexican-food","category-mexico","category-seven-wonders-of-the-world","category-unesco-world-heritage-site","tag-el-castillo","tag-kukulkan","tag-maya-and-toltec","tag-sacred-cenote","tag-travel","tag-valladolid","tag-yucatan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4885"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4885\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sandysglobaleyes.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}