Ruins and Cenotes

On our way to Merida we stopped at the Mayan archaeological site of Edzna.  Founded around 600 BC, the city was occupied until around 1500 AD and is estimated to cover 25 sq km. The city also had a complete system for capturing, storing and distributing rain water.

One of the local residents came out to say hello

Next, on to Uxmal. The area was settled in around 500 BC but it wasn't until around the 9th and 12th centuries AD that it became the seat of Mayan political and economic power in that region

Then on to Merida to surprise Yvonne and Tony a week early. We'll catch up with them again in Playa del Carmen

Merida has large Mayan and Spanish influences and has the highest percentage of indigenous people of any large city in Mexico with approximately 60% of the population being of Maya ethnicity. The city has a number of old colonial buildings and some nice monuments. It was nice city to visit, however, we have seen many other cities in Mexico that we prefer to Merida

On the road again, this time heading to Valladolid. On the way we visited Yokdzonot cenote, a natural swimming hole. We were the only ones there (and a few hundred birds nesting in the caves) and it was magical.

In Valladolid we were just around the corner from their most famous attraction, Zaci cenote, so we had to go and visit. We had our feet nibbled by the fish in the pool, or as I called it, a Pescado pedicure. You normally have to pay for that in a beauty salon.

We visited Chichen Itza which was amazing. Many of the ruins have been well preserved

Even though we arrived before 9am, it was still really hot so afterwards we visited cenote Ik Kill to cool off. This one had lots of hanging roots and a couple of small waterfalls to stand under

Tomorrow we head to Playa del Carmen and meet up with Yvonne and Tony again.