In Chichen Itza we packed up early in order to beat the crowds. Right down the road was Cenote Ik kil, and at nine we were the only people there. The Yucatan is absolutely filled with cenotes, from cave types with the ceiling caved in, to total caves, to things that look more like ponds. Ik kil is pretty much what the dream cenote looks like, though.
Deep dark water in the bottom of a cave, but instead of floating on our back’s taking in the beauty of it, we were immediately jumping off the highest point we could find—over, and over, and over again.
After an awesome start to the day we headed for the ruins at Ek’ Balam, which promised to be way less crowded than Chichen Itza, and also way more fun for kids.
But first thing first—tacos.
This site’s stucco is so well preserved it’s hard as a tourist to determine how much is real. Reading up about it tends to give conflicting information, but apparently the Mayans buried this part of the site to hide a royal tomb. Thus, the nearly perfect stucco work. And most amazingly, we still get to climb right up to it.
Guns ‘n’ Roses.
After Ek’ Balam we drove to Valladolid, checked into the hotel, changed into swimsuits and headed just a block over to Cenoti Zaci right in the middle of town. It wasn’t as scenic as that morning’s, but was still pretty cool. And the fact that it’s right in the middle of a bustling city makes it kind of unique. We made a few jumps, swam around a bit, then decided we were all exhausted and needed food.
6 Comments on “Cenotes”
Perfect pictures as usual! How is the vacancy rate at the local hotels? Is it possible to just travel along without making plans and reservations a few months in advance?
Love the blog!
Thanks, Peter. We booked about three days early, but from the looks of the places we could have skipped even that. I don’t know what it’s like in the tourist centers, but the inland towns are pretty empty. Most Yucatan tourists come cruising in on a giant bus for the day and are back in Cancun by dark, from what we can tell.
Hello! Wonderful to see recent photos of Ek Balam. I wish I currently had access to photos I took there 15 -20 years ago to compare. First time I was there most of the structures were mounds of vegetation. I don’t remember the large one being so tall so maybe it was still partly buried when I was there. I do remember seeing workers carefully excavating the beautiful details. My husband grew up in that area.
I enjoy following your story.
I think they just started excavating in 1998 if I’m not mistaken, so you were there very early on. Good spot to visit now, because you get the feeling this is going to be just as overrun as Chichen Itza pretty soon. Especially since it’s actually closer to Cancun.
I have followed Bumfuzzle for years, watching these beautiful kids grow. I love the life you are leading, and the lessons your kids are learning. I think you two demonstrate bravery in casting aside the traditional job/house/school drudgery and living every day to the fullest! Thanks for taking us all along for the ride!
Keep splashing away! You are giving your kids an amazing education, all about the world. They will be great ambassadors, wherever they go!