Mexico on the Road among Yucatan and Maya Riviera!

19 unforgettable days in Mexico thoroughly described in the archeology, history, nature, and the caves of Yucatan cenote + Quintana Roo in the car, and a week of sea and snorkelling to Akumal in the Riviera!

For all the hundreds of photos back to my site:
www.ivanweb.net

 

Flight Cagliari - Rome - Amsterdam

At 15:15 the flight takes off from Cagliari to Rome, who landed after an hour exactly. Here is usual in front of us, like every year, the square in Rome to Fiumicino Terrace. Mascotte only missing the trip, we buy in a toy store: a pink-white unicorn of Nice we call Maya, just to remain in Mexican theme. Expect a few hours rehearsing some phrase in Spanish, until reaching the 19 when we can check-in.
At 20:55 the flight takes off in 1608 KLM to Amsterdam. Are 1302 km for a term of two and a half hours. It 'the first time enjoy a matter of KLM, and aircraft are very comfortable as we knew from our friends. Upon arrival, look for a cozy place to spend the night. Amsterdam airport, fortunately, to our surprise, it's really very nice and organized with wonderful comfortable chairs for sunning. Other than Fiumicino! We find a hidden corner and protected inner panels, where no one passes. We try to sleep a few hours while the check-in of 6.30. The next bar is open 24 hours on 24, can warm up with some hot tea, since wear light clothing tropical climate!
Quickly pass the night. After all we know, the excitement of starting above any adversity! At 8.30 off the last of a long journey: the flight 639 of Martinair Holland for Cancun. Here are 8267 km for nearly eleven hours crossing! Unexpectedly, we find no monitors in the seats and we think we get bored to death. Instead we discover soon after that you can rent the most convenient portable music players, much better and individually customizable.

Flight Amsterdam - Cancun. Terracaribe Hotel

Landed in Cancun at 13:00 local time and move the hands of our clocks -7. This is the difference from even with the entry of summer, which is equally applied in Mexico. The row disorderly and confusing to exit from the airport are shocking: it is total chaos! They say that Cancun is very Americanization, certainly not in this respect.
Change in the meantime, the first in pesos to the euro conversion rate € 1 = 12 pesos. It is not very convenient because it should be at least equivalent to 13. Exit, trying confused between dozens of taxi drivers and escorts who shout the most disparate in anticipation of tourists and customers. Finally get a sign with my name from the arms of the driver's Terracaribe hotel. We reach the van with nine seats and quickly load the bags. The transfer is solely for us.
In about half an hour we arrive in the city center. We are on the corner of Avenida Lopez Portillo, one of the main road. And it shows the intensity traffic! We are rather surprised by the housing: low and small. The buildings do not exist and the roads are in pitiful conditions. The modern part Americanization and in fact is the water side, the area now called Hotelera. Meanwhile to divert to rain just as we descend from the bus!
The Terracaribe is nice, but a little untidy. Upon receipt are informal and friendly and speak only Spanish. One exception is the holder, that if the quarry with good English and seems a very smart person. Our room is on the 2nd floor: nice, comfortable, spacious and clean. Precisely that in Mexico the concept of the ground floor does not exist and is considered as the 1st floor. For the 2nd, in fact, is our first. The only new room is the noise of traffic, because of the window on the main road. Continues to rain interruption, and, tired from the trip, collapsed in bed with no dinner, sleeping in a row for eleven hours!

Cancun

At eight o'clock we descend to the restaurant for breakfast, still incredulous that he had slept so much. We are surrounded by Mexicans, tourists do not seem to be many in these parts. The choice of breakfast is discrete, and is paid separately. Another clarification is in fact to do that here in Mexico the price of housing is only for the night. If not specified, breakfast and meals are never included.
We have a safe room but someone before us, a little careful, he closed with his left code before leaving and you can not open. It is not a problem anyway because there are also available at the reception for free, next to the bench. Let values and passports and what we do. The sky is covered with heavy clouds and the initial idea to move the island Mujeres fades quickly with some regret, because we have chosen the Terracaribe boarding because the island can be reached on foot in just a few steps.
We dedicate this day to visit Cancun. There are several buses that pass in front of, but not loose time to go up on a taxi that brings 80 pesos around Playa Caracol, Zona Hotelera, opposite all'Hard Rock cafe. It seems already to be in another world compared to low decadent houses of the city center. Indeed walk between shops and buildings that are strange in itself a tourist attraction. Very beautiful the main square with the huge monument of an electric guitar, which stands beside the Coco Bongo and inside you enter the mall. Here, in restaurants and stores, stands out the Hard Rock Cafe in the center of the large indoor facility with two floors. That reminds Orlando with Disney Parks!
After a short patrol, walk to the main road reaches the beach near Punta Cancun. We find an open access with some difficulty, since the revenue to spend almost all of the hotel. They retain a fair share of beach, which in this piece is pretty close. Who has not, it munisce of swimming pools to compensate. The sea is very beautiful even with the gray sky, and is beautifully colored in blue-green leaves just some sunshine. And when it comes, is so hot that the rucksack on his back is almost unbearable!
After a long tour loop, we return the square tends to Rock cafe. Lunch at the Rainforest, a famous chain of themed restaurants, the figure for overvaluation of 550 pesos, ordering a huge plate of Mexican appetizers and a first pulp rich pungent spice that we can not even finish. The place is carinissimo and unique, with the waiters dressed as explorers to Indiana Jones and the dense jungle pretending to be repeated on a soul! We wanted to take away this whim because we have not done the Rainforest London ...
Yet we walk in the afternoon on the coast, Cancun doppiando tip and down south. Access to the beach is always difficult and the main road entry points are few. We should take a lead and take taxis to the south in the most famous beaches free. But we prefer to turn back since the sky perpetually overcast. Buy a phone card in a market for 100 pesos for a period of more than eighty minutes for calls to Italy, along with some postcards and a road map more current and detailed as our own. Let us return all'Hard Rock cafe, of which we remain somewhat disappointed at the store too little, and shoot some photos in front of the Coco Bongo. We are tempted to return for dinner after the performance of 22:30, which costs $ 43.
Immediately behind the disturbing entrance of the premises (because we are in the dark period of Halloween!), There is easy access to the beach, which on this side is much wider and longer. One sees a beautiful stretch of the Gulf, and the sea is always beautiful even though more open, with large and powerful waves where surfers give the best of themselves. There is almost no one and lack of sun and strong breezes not encourage some to stay in costume. A gentleman with a funny thing in his hand, similar to that to find metal objects, scours the sand. Looking for gold will stay in Cancun?
To return to Terracaribe stop another taxi, but this time in the first casciano cheat: 160 pesos the cost, that is the exact double journey? The driver says that the price is different from the center to the Zona Hotelera and vice versa, although the path is the same ... but it will be true? It could also avare right, but we were so naive in not reading the sign in front of the public square that officially cost of taxi journeys to various parts of the city. Mistake not to repeat any more!
The heavy meal is still intact in the stomach, creating an unprecedented weariness. Perhaps the heat and the time zone does not help at all. So once again collapsed in bed ... but Cocobongo!

Travel to Chichen Itza. Dolores Alba hotel. Cenote Ik-Kil

The first thought now is directed to rent the car to begin our journey on the road. The holder of receipt was offered yesterday to call an establishment, the Executive, arguing that prices are competitive and can come and take us to the hotel. I take this opportunity to reserve an Atos, the broader economic utility here. The price of 300 pesos per day (€ 24), including insurance and air conditioning, it is incredibly convenient. Is almost half that offered by international agencies more widespread, such as Avis to name one, in which we asked yesterday for an estimate for a comparison. Will there be a cheat?
The driver arrives after just ten minutes (he had said wind phone!), While we are doing breakfast Terracaribe seizing therefore totally unprepared. Stefania leave the table and go up by car to reach the seat of the Executive. The only thing that I think the way is to take reference points to remind me of the way back! Once in the hands of the joint agency for the rental formalities and check the car, which presents some graffietto that time is marked in the documentation. I would like to return the car in Playa del Carmen and I was given a map of the city, where are three active branches of the Executive. Just go to any of these. The drop off in the distance to Cancun is $ 16.
The price seems a bargain and I agree. Behold as the first head of Atos green between the busy streets of Cancun. Fortunately, I remember now the direction and thank you for having taken in the Terracaribe Lopez Portillo, via well-marked by road signs. I will stop to fill up gasoline distributor PEMEX. Are the same all over Mexico and also the price of petrol is fixed. There are no self-service as we: The gas station is always present at the pump to serve. The cleats of fuel is approximately one quarter, and the "Luena" (as they say full) is to cost 160 pesos (about € 13). Maybe I could make a full price for this in Italy!
Torno al Terracaribe, noting that the parking lot of the other car rental, unlike our Atos, all have the mark or seal. I read somewhere that the story can sometimes be a disadvantage because it is easily recognizable as tourists, and someone can take advantage. Unfortunately, it happens even with the traffic police, which also recommends Keyguide not possibly have anything to do: it's happened to receive fines for non-existent tap a few dollars. Happy to be able to run anonymous, load the bags and begin our journey on the road!
We follow the same Avenida Lopez Portillo to leave Cancun and enter the path 180, which is divided in two. One is called cuota, and payment is fast, the other is free and is the old road link passing through Valladolid, and within countries. Merida just before the two paths rejoin and become the same (without toll free access). We want to reach Chichen Itza and to save time we choose to take the cuota. Reaching the entrance to the center of Cancun is as easy as traumatic as the direction, because of the pitiful conditions dell'asfalto. Not only is a continuous succession of famous Topes, or the slowing of bumps that are really high and forcing them to stop as a stop to overcome them (if you want to keep supplementing the car!), But most are a myriad of holes , more properly chasms, due to wet weather. Take sbadatamente a means to end the trip on the road from the coach! At a speed of 40 Km run times are more dangers to go to 200 in one of our street and can not be exhaustively remove a second his eyes from the road!
Finally turn the cuota 180 and the road changes dramatically, allowing you to easily reach the speed limit going up to 90 / 110 km in the second tract. But everything has a price far higher. Ben 230 pesos (almost 20 euros) to be paid at the tollbooth exit to Chichen Itza! Among other things, the road is pretty monotonous, and the car is not receiving a signal. Initially we are struck by the dense vegetation of the jungle around, but once there is more accustomed to see, because the route is perpetually sull'immenso straight plateau of the Yucatan. There are no hills, houses, hills, changing landscape: The landscape is flat! The only exception: a few Mexican feet drag a cart with wood. The question arises: from where comes if there are branches, countries and signs of civilization for tens of miles?
Let for tracks, a small village built near the archaeological site of Chichen Itza exploiting the huge tourist demand. We are at about 220 km from Cancun to Merida and 120. Look at the case very low and small, Mexicans in the street, a few curious children, other dogs and strays thin in poor conditions, which are a bit of pain and tenderness.
Exceeded Topes, we arrive at the site, but we continue to look beyond the Dolores Alba, a hotel that the Lonely Planet describes with excellent value for money. We find after a few kilometers without any deviation on the main road (which is the 180 free, from Valladolid to Chichen to Merida and continues). E 'in front of the cenote Ik-Kil and a short walk from the caves of Balankanchè, both places that we visit. The hotel is typical carinissimo and, in the midst of nature, with a beautiful pool and forty rooms arranged in rows on the ground floor on the back of the jungle. One night (without breakfast) is 420 pesos (€ 35) and you can also pay in dollars or euros by credit card. Accepted immediately because the place deserves. The holder, with an appearance by Mexican cowboys, is a character of its own. We deliver the keys to room number 24, which is nicely just before the swimming pool. E 'clean and customized in real Mexican style. No comfort to luxury, but worth the full price paid. And there is also a convenient safe.
It 'too late to visit Chichen Itza, so leave your bags and go walk around the cenote Ik-Kil. We just have to cross the road and we are at. Admission is 60 pesos each. We a nice stretch in the middle of the fascinating vegetation between stupendi cottage rooms which are also (will cost a different amount by Dolores Alba suppose!). We arrive in front of the parking lot and see that there are only a few buses and cars. Better this way, we thought it was much more popular. Lunch at the beautiful outdoor restaurant in a great sense of relaxation and peace, spending 300 pesos in two with a buffet menu.
The visit of our first cenote is very exciting. Descend the steps leading to light a vantage point, a window open on the rock that overlooks the deep crater with a puddle of water inside it is a great vision, beyond expectations! Down the stairs still in a circle for several tens of meters to reach the bottom where the natural swimming pool. There 's almost no one around, even less water: only a few brave you dive from the top and it seems a lot of fun! Having just eaten is not the case of swimming in cold water, where many nice run and visibility

Chichen Itza. Balankanchè grotto. Light & Sound Show.

The tranquility of Dolores Alba us to confirm the room for another night, just after breakfast. We can have time to leisurely visit Chichen Itza and the Caves in the afternoon and stay another day in this beautiful place. Take your car and in a couple of miles we are facing the most famous archaeological site in the Yucatan. You pay 10 pesos for parking (valid for the whole day, even if you travel and return later). 100 pesos a head is for the ticket (a bracelet is worn, also valid for the play of lights that takes place in the evening).
Being the first visit to our site, we think to take a guide as a basic understanding of history and culture of the Maya deeper than read the paper guides. We can not be more fortunate, as it has been before us a nice gentleman with an aspect bonaccione who also speaks Italian, which is the name of Arturo. The cost for a tour of an hour and half to the site is 450 pesos (and are not negotiable because there are signs to show that the official prices). The Lonely Planet talks about indeed a cost of about $ 40. Therefore we accept without thinking too much. Arturo debut with congratulations for coming so early (not even 8.30), since there is much less warm and very few tourists. This will allow you to visit the best site. Buses in fact, as read by other stories, coming to 11.00 am with the bulk of visitors, and from that moment becomes a Chichen Itza Carnaio.
In the entrance hall there are several souvenir shops, a market, a very useful ATM (the only one in the area) for a cash withdrawal, the toilet. A little later we begin the tour stopping at the plastic where it is reconstructed at the heart of the site in miniature, with a splendid view of the Castillo and the surrounding of the main monuments. Arturo explains the basics of Maya history and construction of Chichen Itza.
To make a short summary, the Maya civilization has very ancient origins: the first can be attributed to 1500 BC, although it is in 300 BC you begin to develop the first large city. The empire was located in the existing areas of Veracruz, Yucatan, Campeche, Tabasco and Chiapas in Mexico, and in most of Guatemala and in some areas of Belize and Honduras. The classical period, from 300 ca. and the 900 D.C. , Is characterized by the spread in all areas of Maya culture almost uniform. The largest Mayan cities were then Tikal, Copan, Bonampak, Piedras Negras and Palenque. In this period the culture presents its most interesting development in the cultural, political, technological, culminating in a scenario where every town had a small state that had contacts with them for trade.
Around 900, the cities were abandoned, probably because of famines and natural causes, even if you do not have complete certainty. Part of the population moved in the Yucatan, and here was a center of Mayan civilization period. The New Empire culminated in the cities of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Mayapan and Labnà. The peak of the Mayan people was around 1000 AD, but internal problems and wars between the various cities they caused the decline.
One of the most important and studied of these people was the high degree of technical knowledge, as represented by the water network, consisting of tiny channels carrying in large tanks used to collect water for daily use and irrigation in fields, and construction of long roads that connected vast distances. But perhaps most astounding of all of the Mayan knowledge of astronomy, stars and the calendar, go to Chichen Itza so well represented by the study of blocks of the most famous monument, the pyramid El Castillo.
We continue walking in a tree-lined street, reading the original recordings in Maya language, consisting of an alphabet of hieroglyphs. Just a few meters forward and suddenly you get on your green lawn El Castillo, with its 30 meters high! Finally! Solemn and spectacular, is a great emotion that the dream of transforming Mexico into a real vision before us! And even more intense is the excitement of being here alone without anyone around!
Arturo part with the explanations and our pictures are wasted in all the poses. But he advised to wait because we are on the west side in the shade and the best images are obtained in the facade of the pyramid, illuminated by the warm rays of the sun that shines today without a single cloud in the sky blue. Along the pyramid and learn the historical. It is a true representation of the Maya calendar, with 9 floors and 52 boxes, and four steps to 365 steps total. Look at the facade of which, during the spring equinox of March 21 and September 21 of the autumn, twice a year, sunshine magically displays on the stairs with a play of shadows in the form of a serpent, created in honor of the god Serpente of feathers. Thousands of people get together these days to see the event, shown on many postcards. Unfortunately we can not climb the stairs from now more than a year since un'americana became ill and, in any case, the pyramid was not built to support the weight of thousands of tourists who come every day to visit. Note also the substantial difference between the two sides restored and given to the splendor of the past, compared to the other two from much ruined.
Start being a little 'people and is even better, from a photo, when there is no one because, as a manual, to capture the grandeur of a monument, it is necessary that there is an entity reference in the picture , to give greater grandeur to it.
Let's go to the group of a thousand columns and through the green grass on the side opposite to the field of Juego de Pelota, the largest ever built. Measuring 170 meters long and 50 wide, with high side walls up to 8 meters. In fact it was used a few times to play, among other things extremely difficult, but more often it was the theater, with great acoustics. Arturo beat hands to make an example, and it is literally amazing, to say the least! The game at that time consisted of a rubber ball, the weight content of 'just' two kilos (but it was a stone or a football?), Who was bounced to the ground and between the walls of the field with the purpose of homework , as in basketball, in a side basket. You could use elbows, knees, shoulders and hips but not his hands or feet. Was thus virtually impossible, since the baskets are about seven meters in height. So much so that if someone could with, a man was considered exceptionally strong. So how better reward if you can not send directly as a messenger to the god with a beautiful Toltecs sacrifice of blood? We must consider that, at the time, this was considered a supreme honor and the concept of death was very different from our ...
In any case, the practice of sacrificial rites was not customary in the original Mayan culture. E 'became a brutal reality in the decadent end of the history of this people, between the X and XII century D

Chichen Itza. Balankanchè grotto. Light & Sound Show (2)

To give strength to their god and worship, was made the brutal ritual of the sacrifice of human hearts, which was to dope the poor with Belce predestined and rip the hearts are still alive. The Belce is derived naturally from the trunk of some trees, here on the site. In low doses, became more or less a common beer, but in concentrated amounts assume the features of a real drug. The obsession with this ritual involved also and especially the use of prisoners in battle. Among those chosen were the strongest ever to make a more 'contribution' to sacrifice himself.
We discover another curious truth of maya: sometimes, some punishment consisted in the diet, which did not mean, however, do not take food as we understand it now, but simply not to use the spices, especially chilli. The latter was used in abundance in the kitchen and then eat a plate without his presence was considered tasteless, so as not to eat anything.
Just above the Campo Pelota of the Toltecs built the platform for Tzompantli, the "wall of skulls, and the House of Eagles dedicated to elite military corps. On the "wall of skulls" were produced by the skulls of the Toltecs players sacrificed, a practice that had never reached such levels in the previous bloody Mayan people. The importance of blood as a contribution it is clear even in reliefs that decorate the House of Eagles, where jaguars and birds of prey, emblems of the two most important military orders, as well as symbols of the Sun by night and day of the Sun, devour human hearts.
10:00 and I see many Mexicans are starting to open and baste their stalls, waiting for the boom of tourists. Let's look so fugitive preview the beautiful crafts of various kinds.
We reach the temple of the jaguars, with interesting reliefs and paintings, and then the Caracol, the observatory circle. The study of astronomy was made here, in one of the few buildings circular spiral of the Mayan culture. On a double plinth chamfered corners by this masterpiece was constructed in blocks of polished stone punctuated by four doors, while on the drum top masks were applied to Chaac at the openings. Further Caracol presents instead of the windows which overlooked the priests-astronomers to observe the sky. Here, without tools if not two slats of wood cross, the priests could follow the path of the sun, moon and constellations. With great patience record the passage of time and created a solar calendar of 365 days, with a minimum gap of one established by modern astronomers. The calendar year it was divided into 28 weeks of 13 days each. From this knowledge of the time also derived their power, being able to predict the changes of season and many of the repetitive events are commonplace today, but then unaware for most of the people.
Here ends the tour, which lasted about two hours, even more than agreed. Arturo was friendly and thorough and we are really happy to have known because it has given accurate and detailed information not found even in the Lonely. We are free now to turn to the remaining parts of the site. 11:00 seems to be in another place than that seen two hours ago, hundreds of groups and tourists throng the square root of the Castillo and makes a deadly hot!
Cenote reach the front, which were made other sacrifices to the god of rain. We thought we found just over a puddle of water and instead the cenote is really great. A real deep crater outside! Maybe for this reason that we have discovered in over 200 human skeletons and about 4,000 exhibits various objects? Then pause a few minutes to convenience kiosk where we buy something cool to drink.
Returning back to the main square, stop in the endless stalls teeming with tourists now dealing with any purchase. All advise travelers to buy here because it costs much less than in the rest of the country and you can breathe more prices. The selection of souvenirs to take home is practically unlimited. Face very different context for some of the things from which we are most attracted. The first treaty is of wooden musical instruments, like flutes and drums made of reeds on the course all by hand. Then move on to negotiate a magnificent head of jaguar in cedar wood rifinitissimo, the most beautiful of all the stalls. The Mexican wants 600 pesos, but in the end with 500 will get the head, a beautiful picture to the star (also wood, alone was worth 150 pesos) and several bracelets and necklaces. An Italian guy will manifest even sincere compliments, saying that he could not fall below 500 for the head only. For the Americans, even the price was 800 pesos negotiable why not, says the Mexican (and is not the only one to say it!), They are richer and can afford it! We also note some hammock but we are not totally convinced. Finished shopping, we return to satisfied Dolores Alba, sfiancati from hours of walking under the scorching sun. Lunch outdoors in front of the pool to resume the effort. Hence the feeling of peace is even more amplified after the crowd of Chichen Itza!
At 14:40 we're parking the cave Balankanchè, close to the hotel, wanting to reach on foot. The entrance costs 35 pesos a head, and the visits are made every hour. So while we await the 15, we visit the small museum quickly below that talks about historical artefacts found in the caves. The guide is ready and the group meets, made by us, some Mexican tourists most likely a pair of European French. Some warning signs about the difficulty of breathing in the depths of the cave, since the complex without completely closed outlets. Does not give due importance at first, but we think after the first two hundred meters, on a path that goes for 800 meters by three quarters of an hour walk. There is lack of oxygen and heat and humidity are at the limit of endurance! Every step of weighing too much as a hundred meters of the race ... The caves are amazing, however, truly deserving! Present within the archaeological remains such as vases and sculptures of great interest, as well as rooms filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and a final pool of clear water where the tour ends and starts that of speleologists divers. The water is so crystal clear that is mixed with air and the bottom appears nitidissimo. The return is made faster, the desperate search of oxygen at the lungs seem to burn! The parking is a Mexican gentleman who is unexpectedly washing the windows of our Atos earning a tip.
Let us return to Dolores Alba, but the day is not over yet. 18.30 we are back to the Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show, the show of the evening lights of 19:00. We enter and walk again the path leading to the tree in front yard in El Castillo. It makes a certain effect with the darkness all around. Care suffered two chairs of the many specially arranged in front of the pyramid which give a fascinating view of the site at night. The show lasts about forty minutes and consists of a narrated in Spanish explaining the concepts of history and customs, and monuments pr

Mérida.

We breakfast at 8:00 and immediately after the check-out of the room and pay directly in euro. We have reflected on leaflet dell'omonimo Dolores Alba in Merida, which is very beautiful. And since we were here well, book a room for tonight through the receipt.
We load our luggage in the car and the road stop a moment to Chichen Itza to withdraw cash in pesos dall'ATM by credit card. A little later, at the slopes, we fill up a gas distributor into the desert. The tank is just under half of the gas station and the guy charges 260 pesos. I remain puzzled and I have some 'confusion of thinking that the gas Magna is the most expensive. There are two types of fact in Mexico: the green and red. But few minutes after checking on the Lonely, is exactly the opposite: the green, that is, the Magna is the most economical! The gas station has pulled a good bin, because the first full done at Cancun was 160 pesos with the hand at the same height. And say that I also watched that reset the meter, but not the price I have seen written anywhere. Advice beds were all true and there are cheat, you must keep your eyes open!
Discard the cuota and continue on 180 (free) that goes to Merida, hoping that at least this is more characteristic and there are more interesting things to see first. In reality it does not change much. The landscape is always the jungle, without relief, flat and straight for tens of kilometers. We move in a tiny village, a few homes, even stray dogs and sick, some on the Mexican side of the road. Topes I never fail, and not all are marked and this is visible because it is confused with color dell'asfalto. Where is even one constructed home, you have expected! Do not ever exceed 40 km ending near a town is the number one rule to safeguard the journey on the road ... Fortunately the road is at least as a whole in conditions much better than Cancun.
The entrance to Merida is pretty traumatic. From jungle green switch to that town. But not for the asphalt or concrete (because the houses are low and only small, to 90% to a plan, and the remaining 10% more than two or three - hardly the buildings do not exist), and for the people . A human flood teeming streets for going anywhere in the middle of a traffic vehicle intricate crazy. Now we must be careful only to cars, to Topes, to road signs, traffic lights (which are positioned differently from ours, namely the other side begin the crossroads), but also not to invest any!
Fortunately, the Dolores Alba is close to Calle 65, which is the main entrance road to Merida out of the 180th The car stopped in front of the rickety door of the hotel and ask if they have parking inside. The entrance is a few meters further on, in a small and narrow driveway. Parking and got the formalities of check-in. The hotel has two different parts around two adjacent courtyards. The first is in colonial style, very impressive, where there are outdoor tables for dining rooms and upstairs more 'Mexican'. The other is the modern, with rooms on two floors with a stained glass mirror directly to the swimming pool. Take one of these, the n ° 255 on the 2nd floor, for 450 pesos (€ 37). The colonial style rooms were just under 430 pesos. The hotel is very beautiful and wonderful accommodation, very spacious, clean, shiny and new, with comfortable tables and chairs and safe: an oasis of paradise in hell of Merida! I would not have ever said to look at the entry gate sbilenco and I must confess that the Lonely Planet has again made the center, because Dolores cites as an institution of the city with excellent value for money.
We leave our luggage and walk through the center of Merida, which has the nickname "White City" because it was once a clean city and the inhabitants always wore white. Today is a bustling city, not particularly characteristic but lively and always festive. We need to walk almost a push! The old town has little to say, being limited mainly to the El Zocalo main square, where there are some colonial buildings like the Casa de Montejo, built in 1549 and inhabited by the family. Today is a bank, one of the best examples of Plateresque centuries. Nearby stands the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), which dates back to 1892 and was built where once there was the palace of the colonial governors. Around you are many souvenir shops and handicrafts. Merida is particularly famous for the textile, especially in the hammocks and Huipiles Yuta, the female indigenous garment (a kind of blouse decorated with vividly colored drawings pre-Hispanic), and for the Panama hats made with the leaves of palm Jipiapa .
Following the directions of the Lonely, stop for lunch at Café Lucia. Eat Italian, but to say so. The food is good, but the pizza has a piadina pasta and pasta is hot. We are all alone in the restaurant and probably the reason is the price a bit high: 350 pesos. The Lonely must upgrade in the way ... in exchange, the restaurant is beautiful and a pleasant atmosphere with an exhibition of paintings on the walls of Writers and an impeccable service and class. Wonderful is the garden at the back, as the Café Lucia has recently become a hotel with rooms from $ 120 per night!
Let us return to the streets of the town, meeting by chance a professor who makes a joke heard our Italian. It 'been in our country for honeymoon and tells of Venice and other cities from the memories memorable. It seems that many Mexicans who choose marriage for Italy as the destination. Consider our people to their similar culture, friendliness, warmth el'immancabile traditional afternoon siesta! Strolling the street shows the place where the university works. He says that tonight is a big party in the square and suggested to go there. Then leads us into a shop hammocks, panama and clothes from the name "Casa de Artesanías Mayas LOL-BE", in Calle 62 No 486 X 59 Y 57. A cheerful young man with cowboy boots is called Errique and begins a long, funny and entertaining conversation rich Italian bars. Onset that there are products from local families, entirely made by hand, and purchases have the opportunity to help these people directly, without intermediaries. All things already heard to entice tourists to buy the course. But Errique is very nice and still exalted by showing the difference on the quality of different hammocks. Merida is commonly known as the best place ever to buy hammocks in Mexico. Those with large mesh, he says, not used to anything and should be avoided because they irritate the skin. Those cotton knitted closer is better, but it frayed and break easily hooking sbadatamente the enclosed, keys or shoes. The real Mexican hammocks are yuta, unmistakable tissue that has a pleasant odor to humans but rather pleasant to mosquitoes. Why Mexicans have never needed dell'Autan! Resistant to rain, washing machine, weight, and tears to be unraveled: prat

Mérida. Dolores Alba hotel

We try to be calm with all the media (which is valid for two people or a European maya) and the large (for four people and two Mayan Europeans - also wanted a small child in her arms) while Errique offers volunteer to recover with the camera. Released a film very funny and lively, but this is not safe! The top comes when pulling out of a drawer dell'Amakasutra the book, with clear views of the famous Kamasutra sull'amaca upgraded. From here there are a number of unforgettable characters and clichés Italian Errique knows to perfection, beyond the bad language more 'refined'. It mainly argues sull'incubo of suocere, that here in Mexico held a rod of her husband and their daughters are odiatissime! It 'something that we have heard often in the stands, where to gain the sympathy of the customer is shouting: "Gift for mother-in-law?".
We start 'furious' dealings with Errique, argues that once again his willingness to meet in two Italian children compared to those wealthy Americans who buy regardless of the quality of things. Dall'esagerato initial price of 4200 pesos (350 euros) for a large hammock, we reach after twenty minutes, finally to 100 euros for the big hammock, the beautiful and vibrant colors, plus the panama. This too is excellent: very light, it folds into a pocket, you put in washing machine, you adjust the size of the head with the knee or with the bandage, and back in a few perfect moments! Never seen a hat so flexible ... I do not have money with us but Errique does not make any problems and is willing to accompany us back to Dolores Alba to go and take them. Walk quickly through the streets of Merida, which is increasingly crowded, and exchange views with various Errique on politics, culture, sport and economy to plot the differences between Italy and Mexico. Conclusion: the whole country and the world is basic problems are almost the same. Talk about serious issues and funny things and, although this afternoon was initially scheduled to visit the city, is extremely interesting because we learn Errique with the lives of Mexicans by a real Mexican. And she always says, solemn truth, which mingle with the local population is the only true way to know a place you visit.
Back at the hotel, go up in the room to take the money and once down Errique are chatting with other Italian merchant from the spirit is inherent in his character! The pay, but that is not all: Let us at this point offer calling another great hammock for 50 euro gift, of course, the mother-in-law. Taken into sympathy, no one beats the edge again and go back to the shop between general laughter. We choose a hammock-striped white and blue salute Errique, taking a picture with him as a memento of this unforgettable afternoon in Merida!
Sunset is coming and is now little time to quickly visit the main square (El Zocalo), where we see a puppet 'living' very funny dancing a local advertising. Stop within a 7 Eleven to quench the thirst of the hot day and just made the race through the streets of the city.
It only remains to return to Dolores Alba, dove into the courtyard colonial dinner in a relaxing and secluded atmosphere. Drizzle starts to but fortunately the tables are covered with large umbrellas. We order the vegetable soup (spicy!) And a second plate full, spending 100 pesos in total.

Ruta Puuc: Uxmal archeological site

We are again at 7:30 in the courtyard of the Dolores Alba for a quick breakfast buffet, very varied and good. We load our luggage in the car and resume their journey on the road, along the street 261 and leaving Merida to the shoulders. Our intention is to travel the famous Ruta Puuc, itinerary dedicated to the Maya civilization flourished between VIII and X century. This name will indicate both the homonymous hills that characterize this region, which finally gives a greater variety and charm to the landscape so far rather flat because of the endless plateau of the Yucatan, both the archaeological fiorito style, characterized by large complex of buildings at the plant rectangular groups of columns alternating with panels framed, Chaac masks and mosaics on the facade of stone.
We follow the directions of the map and arrive at Uxmal at 11.00, after about 80 kilometers of road almost desolate, evocative, and plunged into the jungle. Cerchiamo first housing, so as to arrange the suitcases and have the rest of the day available to visit the archaeological site. The offer is not very diversified and is concentrated in a few isolated structures on the main road. Not located near any country town in fact, as for example a track Chichen Itza. On the right, a couple of miles before Uxmal, the Lonely Rancio cites as budget hotel but discreet. Ask prices, which are actually low ($ 35 per night), but the sight of the room leaves rather perplexed. The place is small, go left to itself, moist and decadent, very spartan. Try later entering the Mision, a bell'hotel from the outside with large rooms have balconies with view of the jungle and the archaeological site. The room rate here rose to 110 dollars per night. Yet we go forward one kilometer to reach the entrance to the site, where the beautiful Hacienda Uxmal, a beautiful colonial style structure very characteristic and well kept. The price of the room is also for $ 110, but here are a few tens of meters from the site, easily accessible on foot.
There being no other choice, we opt to stay here. And the decision is nicely apt. Upon receiving it nell'Hacienda announce that there are no rooms available at the time but at the same price they offer to the Lodge, a few meters below. We reach the lodge, which is a vision of paradise, with two fantastic swimming pools, bungalows surrounded by beautiful jungle, a restaurant: everything exactly opposite to Uxmal. Leave your car in the parking lot and get your bags. Following a gravel path, we reach the room on the ground floor, facing the most beautiful swimming pool with palm trees in the middle. E 'perfect: the new, spacious, with an efficient air-conditioner, a huge and comfortable bed, large wardrobes, table and chairs, a bathroom with beautiful finishes and a valuable gigantic bathtub. In the veranda there are no other chairs in a wooden rocking chair overlooking the pool. A staggering peace reigns around. This accommodation fully deserves its price and is certainly the best seen so far!
At noon and leave by crossing the pool, just ten meters ahead, we are at the entrance to the archaeological site of Uxmal. We pay the ticket, as at Chichen Itza, is valid for the whole day and night for the spectacle of lights and sounds. We start the visit by reading some information from the guide. Meanwhile, the name Uxmal means' built three times ", referring to the three stages of realization of the place. Were discovered here in beautiful buildings Puuc style characterized by the use of mosaics and tiles whose sizes reach up to one meter in length. For many centuries this was one of the most important Mayan cities of Yucatan, due to the many chultunes large tanks which ensured a lasting cistern with an ingenious system of water supply. Do not forget here that there are natural wells and the water flows at about 40 meters underground, depth not reached by the techniques known then. The Maya were therefore forced to find other systems to supply water by flowing the water to keep it in large and deep holes near natural pools of water, artificially sealing. Or, next to his hut, built platforms carrying the rainwater in underground tanks. These systems were called aguadas first and chuetun seconds. On average, a tank containing about 35 liters of water were used not only for domestic purposes but also for the construction material.
Regarding the historical, the arrival of the Spaniards Uxmal was still inhabited, but the last Xiu dynasty had long moved its capital to Mayapán. The Spanish friar Alonso de Ponce was the first to tell of these places in his memoirs, Uxmal and then fell into oblivion until the first half of the nineteenth century, when it was rediscovered from exploration John Lloyd Stephens and English by the architect and designer Frederick Catherwood. At that time was not yet clear that the Maya civilization is extended to an area as vast and Stephens and Catherwood, fans of both pre-culture, for years explored the tropical forests of Guatemala, Honduras and the Yucatán in search of ancient ruins of unknown people, making a huge contribution of visual and written monuments of the time.
Our reading is stopped a few meters after the entrance, where we are amazed by the most famous construction site: the Pyramid dell'Indovino, which reaches 39 meters in height, which unfortunately is not going up. Tourists are few and we can admire and photograph with due attention to this spectacular monument. The unusual oval base is quite unusual and distinctive as they are not in any other place known. It was built between the sixth and tenth century and was once painted red, with details in yellow, black and blue.
The site is geographically very different from that of Chichen Itza, with hills and steps to a more intense green and intense, giving a greater feeling of full immersion in nature. And the fact that it allows much less frequented corners of being in solitary and enjoy the charm of the place.
Next to the Pyramid dell'Indovino turn towards the huge Cuadrangulo de las monas, Quadrilatero nuns, because it recalls the courtyard of a convent with 74 rooms-cells. It is not clear what was actually used. Walk in peace in it, characterized by a green lawn perfect English. From here we go back to the other side of the Pyramid dell'indovino, where the Cloister, a courtyard 75 meters long and 60 wide, surrounded by four buildings facades carved. The function of the cloister was probably used as a residence for priests who officiated in the Witch House, so called even though it was actually the main temple of Uxmal. From here there are great ideas, cameras, games with depth for the columns and interesting architecture.
Crossing the bow of fake Quadrilatero descending steps and the landscape ranges greater, showing a series of level terraces. And 'everything beautifully surrounded by greenery. Attract many butterflies and iguanas everywhere, of every size, that run free, thick and between the rocks and taking the sun.

Ruta Puuc: Uxmal

Let the Playground of pelota, dramatically smaller than Chichen Itza, and go up on a small hill where the Governor's Palace, a building almost 100 meters long which rises above a vast tiered platform and served as a residence for the highest authorities. The building is oriented towards the rising of the planet Venus and the bottom has a simple and linear, while above the cornice is decorated with symbols of Mayan culture and the frieze can count 260 masks of the god Chaac. On the back of the building are a series of close-door-shaped tip of the arrow, which put in a tiny room which is still unknown. The elaborate mosaics that adorn the four facades are composed of about twenty thousand pieces! Also on the back of the building, it comes out with a nice glance at half height on the steep steps of the Great Pyramid, which is attached to the hill.
Before you visit, walk around the ring back on the terrace where the Casa de las Tartarugas, a building named for the cornice above the frieze decorated with small carved turtle. Seems to have been built as a tribute to the god of water. From here you can see a good view of the site, with pyramid dell'Indovino which rises majestically from the jungle and overbearing.
On the left, continue for a few meters down to the level and reach the first said Great Pyramid, about 40 meters high. It 'almost entirely ruined, and climb those stairs so narrow results in a considerable effort, however, amply rewarded by the superb panorama above. You can relax while you sit here watching the whole archaeological site in its size and the dense jungle as the eye can see. The descent is even more difficult and must be done to avoid bias in the sense of vertigo.
Walk to the nearby El Palomar, the "pigeon", a curious structure with the roof ridge that is reminiscent of the Arab dovecotes. On the back there is also a small path which ignore the destination and that we only for a short stretch.
We have seen more or less in all three hours of access to abundant Uxmal, which personally I find most fascinating of Chichen being more isolated, vast, and with a landscape more interesting thanks to the terraces to steps that allow a growing progressive view of the whole place, and thanks to the many butterflies and iguanas everywhere. The comparison is difficult because we talk about two very different.
Back entrance, where there are several shops el'ATM for withdrawal of cash, and a Mexican food restaurant where lunch practically alone. You eat well and cheaply.
A few minutes later we are in costume in the beautiful pool relaxed dell'Uxmal Lodge, unfortunately without a bath because the water is colder than expected. Even here we are alone, having welcomed an English lord who was devoid of extra fabric. He swims the would gladly, accustomed to temperatures very different from ours. This place is truly a paradise dell'Eden!
Shooting forces, at 19:00 we are back to the site to assist with the Light and Sound Show, the show of lights and sounds. After an articulated semi enlightened path, climb the stairs that lead to a panoramic terrace on the quadrangle de las monas. Apparently there are only two rows of chairs and we settle in an excellent position with an excellent vision. A few minutes before, however, comes a large group of people that creates turmoil. Other seats are taken but are proving inadequate, so many people to accommodate the ground in front of us, covering the visual and partially canceling the charm and fascination of the show, which is already quite interesting and less monotonous than that of Chichen Itza . Although it is nice to see the illuminated quadrangle and the great pyramid in the background, the noise of the tourists and the continuous flash of compact cars distract from the narrative. Even the professional photographer sitting next to us, who paid fior of dollars to have the front row with dedicated stand, it is quite dry and the situation does not hesitate to show this with talkative 'gestures' rating with the finger to those who shoot behind him. We can only give him reason, since the organization was unfortunately poorly managed. Should prohibit the use of flash, because quite useless. Only beginners who do not know any basic photography can dream that the flash of a compact can serve some photographing subjects in the dark at tens of meters away, barely lit by spotlights. In fact, looking at the digital screen and seeing only a photograph black, persistently continue to take a blank ... At the end of the show, we leave the beginning and before leaving the site we try to take something meaningful, supporting the camera on a heap of stones in front of the magnificent Pyramid dell'Indovino, artfully illuminated to create an aura of pure magic.
Let's go back to the bungalow and tired Stefania somewhat 'off waiver even though the dinner to bedtime. So I take something to the little restaurant outside of the Lodge, rather charming if it were not for some annoying insect too, and chamomile to take in the room ...

Ruta Puuc: Kabah, Sayl, Labnà archeological sites

Breakfast at Lodge at 8 am is the most expensive media (200 pesos) but excellent. They feel only the birds singing around a lot and there is peace. Before leaving, we are a mezz'oretta parking in the square at the entrance to the site of Uxmal, in order to give some food to the poor puppies crakers thin, and Mexicans do not seem to particularly care.
10:30 we are on the 261, continuing as a textbook route of Ruta Puuc. We reach the first site of the sequence: Kabah, which means "the hand that chisel" or "the gentleman from the hand strong and powerful." The difference with the sites visited so far is clear. Meanwhile, the parking is nonexistent: a small square where there is only one other Atos. Admission is 45 pesos per person and the ticket is in a spartan shack with a man who does not speak a word of English, but is surrounded by dogs who for once seem to lead a dignified life. A large yard with beautiful green lawn is now a vision of the archaeological remains, which are relatively poor condition compared to more sites. Sprout everywhere a multitude of butterflies and bees, which must be the famous Mayan bee citing the leadership ... before coming in Yucatan, I was not at all aware that the cartoon had the same name refers to a species of bees really exists!
Reading a little 'history, the city dates back to a period between 750 and 950 DC and that was the most important after Uxmal. The two were joined by roads of 20 km, today regrettably unseen since the paved streets of white stones are buried under the vegetation of the jungle.
On the right (compared to), we start climbing the stairs leading to the most interesting: the Palacio de los Mascarones, (Palace of the Masks). This is a stunning example of Baroque style pre exacerbated, built between 700 and 900 DC 46 meters long, with two rows of five rooms connected to the pair, the Palace has a beautiful facade adorned with 300 masks of the rain god Chac Mool. Unfortunately, most are ruined and the best, the only nearly intact, can be found at the right end of the building, which is also open to the boundary of Kabah.
On the back, you notice the two Atlantes, architectural structures of the human form that have a particular importance, being the only three-dimensional human figures found in the Mayan sites. The look stand out among the blue skies of this wonderful day, which sometimes only becomes just partially covered.
We continue to walk uphill on a terrace, while another steep staircase leads to rather ruined El Palacio building Puuc style with simple elegance: a series of portals with columns on top of the facade. We are again square off in a meadow at the bottom of the main entrance. On the back, keeping the building to your right, a path leads in minutes at Templo de las Colomnes, in a relaxing anfratto solitaire surrounded the jungle. We must beware of the many mysterious natural holes that plunge into the void, covered by just a few wooden beams. You have never seen the depth and who knows, maybe there is some hidden cenote ...
Back to the car park, we visit the second part of the site, following the signs of another path. Along a pile of stones that once formed the Great Pyramid and come in ten minutes all'Arco monumental restored. There are other paths indication side and try to follow one for about ten minutes. Not seeing any warning but let us return to self and Kabah.
We continue on the road to the next site sayili, the "rise of the ants, which we reach after a few kilometers of desolate road, nestled in a picturesque landscape in the jungle. It was a great city, built between 750 and 1000 AD The entrance is still less than Kabah, namely 30 pesos per person. A well-paved path leads curato attractiveness principal and practically only of this little place: the spectacular El Palacio, a grandiose building consists of three platforms with a front 85 meters long. E 'is considered one of the most beautiful palaces of the Maya, equal to that of Uxmal. Puuc beautiful decorations on the columns, representing Chaac Mool and a god descending, Ah Mucen Cab (ape god).
Take photos of ritual, try some trail on the back, which should lead to El Mirador, an observatory poor condition, consisting of a temple decorated with a square-style battlements Chenes. Desist after a few minutes, however, not to go too far with the times.
Another short drive and enter a Labnà. To the parking lot, a girl is approached by asking if he can try to open up its Atos with our keys. Has committed an unforgivable mistake to close the bonnet and doors, leaving the keys inside ... ahiahi! We have an Atos, the attempt is valid but does not bear any fruit. The beauty here is that there is virtually nothing in the vicinity: either case, countries and even less mechanical. Let them so disconsolate being well aware of our key ...
Labnà, which means "old house" is a site of medium size: the smallest of the most popular Uxmal and Chichen Itza, but larger than the secondary route Puuc.
This city saw the light in the fourth century and flourished for centuries, until its decline around the year 1000. A path shaded by magnificent trees passing through a very small market and leads into a huge open space with grass green, where the palace had a total of 67 rooms spread over two levels. Unfortunately, today some of the rooms have been lost, but the building is considered a jewel of style Puuc. This is the starting point via a unique ceremonial causeway, the Sacha, which spans much of the site joining the main monuments. While we found the parking lot of the guys who have succeeded with the help of a Mexican driver of way, to open the door down the glass. "It 'been easy,' they say," See that now also open your .... " A great irony council to consider seriously. We follow along the sache El Mirador, the observatory on the top of a pyramid nearly destroyed that rises to heaven, and come all'Arco magnificent arched monumental three meters wide and six high, which marked the entrance and exit from the city . E 'perfectly restored, but was part of a building which was rather unfortunately entirely destroyed. This is a typical fake Mayan arch, and is decorated with masks of Chaac and small niches that reproduce huts.
For a change, there is hardly anyone around and the walk is very relaxing and enjoyable. The new single is hot morning, but the rest you can not have everything ... a re-look at the Edificio de las Columns, with its base of 40 and 20 meters wide.
Let Labnà satisfied, the most beautiful site that has seen three today, and continue among the rolling hills of a mostly deserted street, noting with amazement that despite the Ruta Puuc is among the most famous routes, is not much choice to bid for housing or restaurants. On the road you have never even met one, and is required to get them moving in a few countries in the area.

Loltun caves; Izamal

At 14:15 we reach the Cave Loltun, considered among the gems of limestone complex to visit here in Mexico. The next tour is at 15:00, lasting for one hour and the ticket costs 60 pesos per person. I take this opportunity to find a quick place for lunch, leaving out the front of the restaurant for reasons of time. We follow the advice of a cartel, walking on a path that runs alongside the road for about ten minutes, but got it right bitterly discover that the food kiosk is closed. Let's go back to the caves and we are content with a few snacks. We are a group of ten people including an Italian couple, the first seen so far, also traveling on the road to the south of Mexico.
Our guide shows and mentions to enter. Descend a few steps toward the mouth of the cave. Assures that the entire path is ventilated and there are problems with breathing, as it happens instead for those Balancanchè try firsthand. The route is now beyond all expectation. It 'just amazing, alternating cavities immense size exotic leave amazed, a narrow and low tunnels difficult passage. One of them leads to a labyrinthine hall, with the ceiling so low to be very careful not to crush the forehead on hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites, mostly unified in single columns. Each of these, as shown in the guide, has a particular sound. Yes, beating the columns, they emit a sound that case looks exactly the musicality LOL - TUN. Hence it is clear the significance of the historical name of the cave!
Go up some steep and slippery stairs with the aid of ropes, and we come into another room mammoth, highly suggestive, which has two cracks on the roof leading light. Later, another tier to the sale, just in front of the kiosk, we found that closed before. So let the little path and go back to the parking lot, feverish from exploration of these incredible natural caves.
The day of our visit is over and now, after having chatted briefly with the Italian couple, we must go a long way to achieve Izamal. We follow the road 18 and deviamo on 180, leaving behind Merida without even log into. After about seventy miles, at 19:00 dark place now, we come finally to Izamal. Following the directions of the Lonely, we overcome the historic medieval town center and find the Calle 22, where the number # 305 is the Macanchè B & B. Outside is quite common, but once inside the doors open to a true oasis, perfectly cured and custom-style English. The room is 450 pesos per night with breakfast (price is the English style, since it is the first time here in Mexico we find that the breakfast included in overnight). The rooms are not numbered but have a real name either. The English lady shows two and our choice falls on the "Santa Fe", a lively and colorful. The peculiarity is that the B & B is located exactly on the border between city and jungle, and the British lords have built a true paradise with animals (cats beautiful and well kept, the first finally here in Mexico), fountains, gazebos, hammocks, a swimming pool natural stone and much green. Gives a clear impression that they barricaded live here without having to leave and never have built their kingdom!
The lady offers for dinner a delicious fresh fish, to cook for the moment thanks to the skillful culinary talents of her husband. I gladly accepted the suggestion, and after an hour to be settled, we return to sit at the tables in the courtyard outside. It breathes a sense of peace and serenity in this lovely place, thanks to the kindness of the owners. The fish is excellent, as the Mexican nachos we are doing well these days pillaging!

Izamal, Valladolid - Cenote Dzitnup

Breakfast at 9:30 is very good, according to the best traditions of England. Turn the oasis of Macanchè daylight, envy the work done by this remarkable couple who has chosen his corner of paradise in the small Izamal. We are also a half hour in the veranda of our room, a swing nell'amaca that after the explanations of Errique recognize yuta not be so much less than the performer bought in Merida ... The typical hammock from 'tourist' as he said, and not from Mexico!
We load our luggage and Macanchè salute the unique B & B, to drive the center of town. Parking in the main square and just off a policeman is approached tourism cordial, engaging in a good quarter of an hour to suggest all the possible things to do and see for Izamal. His name is Arturo and is also too kind, as to think that there is something suspicious under. Reassuring for the car, saying that is protected under his control, and is the name of a certain Luis to visit the convent. We are embarrassed because we do not know whether to give him a tip or not. We follow the advice of the Lonely and Keyguide, which we strongly advise to give money to the police in public, and we just thank him kindly.
Let us begin and Arturo visit Izamal. The Spanish built here on the ruins of the ancient Mayan city native, dedicated to the worship of various deities, such Itzamna, creator god, in the late preclassico (300a.c. - 100d.c.). Since then Izamal retains the characteristics of a colonial town shining very well preserved. Many buildings of the century XVI and XVII and are painted in colors of the classic, the ocher, which derives its nickname, the Yellow City.
In front of us, in the main square, is the Convento de San Antonio of Padua, the main tourist attraction of Izamal. It was built in 1561 by Franciscan friars, who used the stones of the destroyed temple of Mayan Papp Hol Chac to build the spectacular monastery, the most famous of all of Mexico and often under cover for so many brochures and travel guides.
Before you walk into the square side, full of stalls, with the ladies dressed in traditional Mexican costume that await local tourists. We buy from one of these a few candles, guardacaso yellow, in harmony with the surrounding houses, and then climb the long staircase leading to the vast atrium of the convent elevated. E 'surrounded by a portico of 75 arches arranged in the form of an irregular rectangle: a beautiful architectural glance! Inside, light the candle yellow mixing the hundreds offered, and quickly visit the chapel, on rigor of a true 'thin compared to our churches. Then we find Louis in the words of Arturo. It 'a very small man (about 1 meters and forty) than hunchback who fraternize with Stefania immediately and is responsible to lead us through the streets of the monastery. Visit the main church which is the Santuario de la Virgen, with beautiful frescos of the XVI century, but the explanations given by Louis in Spanish are almost incomprehensible.
The kindly leave a tip and leave the main entrance, where you have a wonderful view of the square. We notice a long row of horse-parked, which replace taxis carrying tourists around pearl city. Arturo find that, given the short time available, proposes to mount one of those to visit the rest of the country. Opt for a 'ride' for half an hour at a cost of 70 pesos. It 'pretty fun and worth it, because to Izamal there is much to see, if not the remains of the pyramid has a small pile of stones. Turning the horse in hand, you have the opportunity to experience a glimpse of Mexican life observing shops, stalls, children playing in the street, everywhere and always small low houses painted exclusively with yellow, which make this town the most characteristic and well held view so far.
Once back, stick a mini-market very well-stocked supply where the supply of basic necessities. Izamal then leave, taking the cuota road to Valladolid to speed. Always follow the directions of the Lonely, we reach the center of town, busy but far less chaotic in Merida, looking for the hotel El Marques Mason of which is right on the main square. I go down and ask about parking, which as usual has a small entrance in the back contorted reached by a nearly invisible door. Parked the car in the dirt, we return to the reception, through the colonial courtyard of the restaurant looks really beautiful. We are assigned a room number 206 on the second floor, at a cost of 505 pesos. It 'nice and comfortable, but less than other views in the days before. Gives to the pool in the courtyard adjoining the restaurant. The tranquility of the place is broken by some work in progress for the reconstruction of new rooms, but nothing unbearable. The keys are smiling widely because they are attached to a huge figure in heavy iron, big twice my hand. Maybe they want to make sure that customers do not lead outside the ...
We leave everything in the room and descend to the streets, where we take a taxi to get to the cenote Dzitnup, about seven kilometers away, already out of town. The ticket costs 40 pesos per person, and there is no time limit for the visit. A steep and narrow staircase leads into the cenote, which is very impressive and certainly more beautiful and natural Ik-Kil seen at Chichen Itza. It 'also very dark, however, more than expected, because the only light comes from a small circular slot, while the photos in postcard views that seemed otherwise. Are obviously taken with the times in slow conditions, suggest that is why buy at all. I try some shooting I also support the camera at some points, failing to stand. Water is freddina and having just eaten exclude to bathe. A couple of brave try instead a swim in the huge and splendid stalactites of the cenote, reflected for the most part mirror the placid green waters stagnant. We are very few in here and it's worth sitting down to contemplate this natural masterpiece. We then inside a small path between the rocks that leads higher, but without anything interesting to watch.
We're about an hour and return to the surface, buying some items in the few craft stalls remained open. The taxi is still there to wait, as agreed. Moreover, it will earn 150 pesos which asked!
Return across the street at dusk. Ne advantage for a walk through the square, noting the many local craft shops. To enter into a case, in which we deal with a talkative and friendly to the Mexican bottles of tequila and vanilla, as well as a rag doll. We meet with two of our great astonishment continental friends who work seasonally in Sardinia: what is a small world! Tell that they are in the village in the Riviera, and are ordered in gita daily.
Let us return to El Meson del Marques on the other side of the square. Here colonial dinner in the courtyard, even more fascinating at night for an excellent romantic atmosphere created in the art by careful lighting candle. The service is also impeccable and dinner is the best of all the travel

Valladolid, Cobà

Go for breakfast in the courtyard of the hotel (60 pesos each). This is also good as the dinner yesterday. Walk to the main square into a park, well-kept and has a beautiful green. There are, besides the common bench, but the funny brilliant for two stools where you can sit together side by side looking in your eyes. Enter for a brief visit to the cathedral, decorated for a lively celebration. We note from the traffic the more frequent use in Mexico Maggiolini of old style: a great car now considered vintage to the Italians! We buy a few souvenirs and we think the various gifts from Italy to bring in relatives and friends: these will be the last we buy, because in the coming days in the Riviera Maya we assume that the sky rocketing prices for these items.
Finally we leave Valladolid and we head to Coba, one of the largest Mayan cities of Yucatan. Located halfway between Tulum and Valladolid (50 Km from both) and is considered the site of the less frequented beaten Chichen Itza and Tulum.
Coba was founded in 623 and flourished for about fifteen centuries, until the late post-classic period. It was rediscovered in 1891, thanks to the excavations of Austrian Maler, studied later in 1930 and then almost forgotten until 1973, when they returned to excavate. Today the remains brought to light and are visited only 5% of the surface, which amounts to about 50 sq. km. Given its size, the site is much more dispersive and the other inside are equipped to hire a bike or using a bike taxi. The architecture has not yet found quite clear: the pyramids and the 32 carved stelae, though much ruined, remember the style of Tikal which is however many hundreds of kilometers, rather than that of nearby Chichen Itza and Tulum. According to some archaeological reports the Lonely, this is perhaps due Coba which the alliance had to draw precisely with Tikal, but through marriage.
The ruins are scattered around five lakes and include the remains of a road network, the sacbés, which means the stone paved streets, connecting the central district of the city to remote areas. The longest path found so far leads to a hundred kilometers to Yaxuná.
Parked in a dirt square not kept on the shore of one of the many lakes that are located in this area. We meet a pair of gentlemen who had this two days ago at Macanchè of Izamal. We salute a smile for the coincidence and reciprocate, suggesting among other things, to leave the car with the bonnet facing a few inches from the trunk of a tree, so that you can not open it. In fact, leaving all the suitcases in the parking does not give a guarantee. So willingly follow their example and enter the site.
Admission is 60 pesos each. A few steps characterize the main aspects of this archaeological site, once again different from all others. Here in Coba artefacts are very damaged, sometimes just a heap of stones, and spread great distances from each other, immersed in a jungle with tall trees that give plenty of shade and close views. Remember in most settings of the adventures of Indiana Jones. First on the right we see the Templo de las Iglesias, a huge pyramid which has banned climbing. A little further is an area equipped for the rental of bicycles, which for the moment we do not care. We prefer to walk in the jungle and walk down a beautiful stretch on foot, reaching Grupo Macanxoc that is going right at the fork after the juego de pelota. The paths are wide and well marked, and almost entirely due to the shade trees all around. A case can be divided into two paths (one for bikes and one for those who walk), while leading to the same destination. The distances, however, are actually higher than we thought and what the bike means a considerable saving of time.
Follow the signs to arrive Nohoch Mul, the "big mound", also known as the Great Pyramid, which with its 42 m is the highest structure of the Mayan peninsula. The steps are all destroyed and we must be careful in climbing, but can be used in supporting the strings, especially in the downhill is more challenging. From above, it should dominate the site with a wonderful vision, but reach the top requires calm and concentration, and leave that business travelers with more time, and accept in groups applaud the brave daring.
Let's go back quickly to the parking lot, a little 'concerned about the car and put it all especially for the gifts purchased, not for value but for the fact that they are characteristic and unique to different areas of Mexico and not have the opportunity to find the coast. Fortunately, everything is in order and resume the trip raised. The road between Coba and Tulum is full of works in progress and in the process of expansion, which denotes a certain interest growing. Soon, this site mentioning that all the less will have beaten his revenge, and unfortunately will not be visited with that air of mysterious charm. Already today there was a lot of turmoil and we met many more tourists to Uxmal, and any other site of the Ruta Puuc.

Tulum

We arrived after three quarters of an hour to Tulum Pueblo, the town itself of about 7,000 inhabitants in which you can find the bus station, bank, travel agency, the internet point, the little shops, cafés, hotels and restaurants. Along the main street, Tulum Avenue, which we entirely to housing. The sea is located about seven kilometers from the center, called the Zona Hotelera (just like in Cancun), where instead there are the most popular hotels. There are also several cabanas, bungalows which are of various types: from rather Spartan, often made only of wood, with thatched roof and floor of concrete or sand, to luxurious, elegant and equipped with all comforts. The prices are more disparate and, of course, proportional to: there are $ 20 per night for the most basic, up to $ 70 for the most common, and over $ 100 for the best. Errique suggested in Merida just to save a cabana, taking advantage of the hammock for sleeping outdoors. Economic ones are few and still go to steal, so it is almost time for book binding. We seek a 'traditional' housing and remain in the district of Tulum Pueblo, where it is easier to find cheap being distant from the sea.
Always on the advice of the Lonely, let the hotel and restaurant "El Crucero", which we find almost immediately. It seems like a small oasis, a little 'style Macanchè of Izamal. The rooms are one floor, on the back of the restaurant in a green, and there are also hammocks inevitable (but always in cotton and not yuta!). Ultimately the structure itself is so personalized and feature as untidy and decadent, although the place is charming, where the location and how to Uxmal, we are opposite the archaeological site that can easily visit on foot. The rooms are of two types and of course prices. See them both, and we choose the most expensive for 600 pesos per night. E 'spacious and incredibly particular, painted in distinctly comic. Seems to enter into a cartoon! The rest, however, leaves much to be desired, since there is a high humidity on the walls and is full of mosquitoes. The bathroom is also essential and spartan.
We leave our luggage and walk in the neighborhood, reaching the entrance to the ruins of the site, which is closing its doors at 18:00. The curious colored train that takes tourists up and down the avenue of even one kilometer!
Back and ask to get a seat of the Executive and discovered with great pleasure that there is a just a short walk from Crucero. We want to keep the car a day longer, and deliver it here in Tulum itself instead of in Playa del Carmen, as initially planned, after reaching Akumal by taxi. The rental employee says that there is no problem on it, just pay the day more and recalculate the drop-off, for just a few dollars higher (being the farthest Tulum Akumal from Cancun).
Satisfied, we remain at El Crucero for dinner, which as restaurant earns much in positive points. Although there is none (the most popular are of course those of the Zona Hotelera), eat really well. Take a large plate of quesadillas and fajitas more beer cerveza, spending 350 pesos.
Rest of the members with the intent to prepare a long day of visits during the night but, unfortunately, I wake up several times because of the continuous thunder and rain thunderous. Is flood, and not just out, also seen dripping from the ceiling of the ruined walls of the room!

Tulum

At 7:30 we are up for breakfast. The weather is quite improved and the sun is out, while remaining the sky being overcast. We note with hilarity that our car is' drowned 'in the dirt parking, reduced to a small lake of rain tonight. It will be a problem to arrive at the counter to enter!
Having to stay here another night, I approach to ask out of curiosity to Andrea's Tulum, facing the Crucero, as is a room. Being still under construction, offering a promotional price of 400 pesos for a room on the ground floor, brand new and without moisture. We accept without thinking twice. I saved 200 pesos is exactly the number needed to reach by taxi Akumal, and the room is much more suitable to our standards and comfortable, even if not comic, and like the Mexican Crucero.
At 9:30 is already quite warm and we start the tour of Tulum, one of the most photographed sites in the world. The reason is simple: this is the only Maya site built on the sea, in a grassy promontory overlooking the Caribbean Sea. And that makes it unique in its own right. Now, after visiting most sites in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo, we can actually say that each has peculiarities and characteristics different from others. And this is a very positive note, because it makes it more challenging each time your visit!
The entrance costs 45 pesos per person and can be visited in a clockwise direction, along a path up the hill that leads to the opposite walls. Tulum means to "fortress", because it is surrounded on three sides by a defensive wall that measures approximately 6 meters in thickness and from 3 to 5 meters in height.
Between 1100 and the Spanish conquest the city was a thriving commercial hub, probably headed by a class of rich merchants. There are no pyramids, but only temples. And all fenced, you can not enter or climb to anyone, not even in the most important, the famous El Castillo, the watch tower in limestone alabastrino overlooking the sea. The inhabitants worshiped the Descending God, whose effigy is still visible on the door of the temple itself. The buildings housed inside the walls were used for the ruling class. Remain in their homes platforms, namely the foundations of buildings in wood and straw destroyed.
The archaeological site is graceful, harmonious and relaxing to visit the early morning, but not very big. Totally the opposite of Coba, is collected and covers broad views over the sea and the hill to the green lawn. Here it is impossible to shelter from the sun that beats! Once the walls there is a particular order for the visit, you can walk almost anywhere you choose to stay inside the plane or on the sea, much more evocative. Walk aimlessly looking at the Templo de Las Pinturas, double deck, probably the last Mayan construction built before the arrival of the Spaniards. Now colored frescoes inside are discarded but are still beautiful masks and decorate the stele. Then there are the Temple of the Descending God, El Palacio, who are both images of the deity (probably the ape god). The Templo de la Estela, "temple of the stele, was found the stele (now at the British Museum in London) over impressed with the oldest known Maya writing (564 AD), and the Templo del Dios del Viento is the best point to photograph the incredible scenery on the ruins and the sea below. E 'qui Tulum that makes the difference compared to competitors, because the sight of Caribbean color is amazing and offers unforgettable views.
A wooden staircase descends to the beach, where, fortunately, since the morning hours, yet there is none. The sea is beautiful but a little 'rough. In the space of ten minutes to get tourists frotte so gone back and take another path. Pause to observe a curious iguana and a tiny crabs busy digging its burrow, among other things quite far away from the beach. Emerge towards the balcony overlooking the most photographed of the entire site. Here there are still very few people, and a wonderful placed on the rock iguana makes yet one more postcard shot already hugely impressive.
We continue on the other side, seeing the background behind the palm trees the beach El Paraiso: other excellent visual postcard. Finally, when the site is overflowing with people, leave satisfied and happy with the fact that this is the last archaeological site we visit on this holiday. Having to do a ranking, it is impossible to choose which of those visas is the best, just because of their diversity. Personally, I confirm that my tastes Uxmal was what attracted me most and sent emotions.
Changing accommodation, carrying bags simply walk away from all'Andrea Crucero Tulum's hotel. We refresh with a shower, and on the door read the curious Italian translation of the rules to be followed (also written in English, German, French and Spanish). And 'bad, I would say that is not even associated all'italiano because 90% incomprehensible, if not reading the original words in English ... It certainly makes really smile!
At noon the recovery drive from the puddle of water, dry at all despite the deadly heat of today and the sun shining. Just beside the hotel, take the 307, the busy main highway that runs straight across the Riviera Maya to Cancun. Finally a decent way and without holes is not a payment. The Topes, however, we are the same, although much less marked and much more visible. Cross several tour buses and minivans that are the collective taxi or private.

Aktun Chen

After a mezz'oretta we reach the junction for Aktun Chen. A dirt road leads to many holes after a few kilometers to the place of this nature reserve. We have read many stories that strongly suggest a visit, being little known and less frequented of the biggest water parks of Xel-ha and Xcaret.
Park your car in a small plaza with trees, which in themselves perceive the lack of visitors: we are in the middle of the jungle! Descend the stairs and reach the receipt. The entrance is quite expensive and is 22 euros per person. We wait ten minutes of the arrival of our leadership team, composed almost entirely of Mexicans themselves on vacation. Comes a gentleman quite like an American Ranger, and after a brief presentation begins the visit leading to observe several snakes in a cage and trighillo, very similar to the feline cat. Almost all in Spanish, since most of the native-speaking tourists. Somehow or other we can understand almost everything, apart from the technical names. Shows the most poisonous snakes, which are small, and takes in another arm which is of course bigger is not allowing pet.
Let's go back to the reception where we get a white helmet for protection, and we are led to the caves. The route to be done is quite long. The formations of stalactites are magnificent, the best seen so far. The rooms are less extensive Lol-tun but equally spectacular and made a fascinating play of light accurately. Under no view of the caves in Mexico there is no ban on photography or resume, but the little light often makes it almost impossible to shoot without a tripod. Here in Aktun Chen fortunately there are a couple of points specially lit to capture the classic photo.
The salt is there between general astonishment, and also the caves are more than one: it is a real karst complex of dozens of miles, visited touristically only a small part. Leave on surface and underground falls several times. An unexpected that leaves me very disappointed was the jam of the box in my DV camcorder. E 'already the second time in this trip but here, in the dark and running, it is impossible to understand the problem. The guide infierisce suggesting to keep the space to shoot the final cenote, which is fantastic. Not having alternative sfodera my Nokia 6233 mobile phone and start again with this. It will not be exactly the same thing, but at least with a one gb Micro SD I have 30 minutes of shooting at maximum resolution, which are not even so bad except that the sound is ridiculous. I am not a fan of hyper cellular technology, but today I admit that I have saved!
We cross the wooden bridges of the hair in narrow passages, where the leadership asks them to be careful not to put their feet over the wood to avoid unpleasant encounters with piranhas. Initially we think of a mockery, but sensing that is saying seriously! Finally we reach the deepest point where you open the final room with the cenote. It 'very strong emotion: is a magical place as described in fairy tales. Depending on the adjustment of the lights that guide the changes to achieve what it means' dark 'without artificial lighting, the colors of water assumed intense emerald green leaves you breathless. We are on a long iron bridge that crosses it in its entirety. Unfortunately, the problem of these platforms for a photographer is that when a group moves a step trembles all, thus supporting the camera, hoping that no roads at that time requires a lot of evidence and attempts to empty rooms. Some nice photos and so can, however, even without a movie-quality, immortalized the most beautiful cenote seen in Mexico!
Leave enraptured by this experience and continue the journey in reserve. There are similar examples in small pigs, which seem aggressive and make a great noise, and many deer and parrots, these esagitati. The toucans are closed in a large cage, while the spider monkey in a wide and high fence. This is a disappointment because they read in stories that are free to take the tourists to hand. The motivation is explained, is because in this period, the mothers are pregnant and become aggressive. The guided tour ends here. Con un po 'di amazement, the guide does not ask but expects a tip, supporting some motivation for us is in fact not entirely valid. However, it was very professional and prepared and leave 50 pesos.
Are 15:00 and hunger is felt. Sit at the small booth of the place and consume a cheesburger fast, between the cries of parrots and a deer on the road looking intrigued. I take this opportunity to bring it closer and finally we can touch, something that we were not able to do before. Are accustomed to tourists but still a little 'suspicious, and in fact it's better this way. We notice a group of boys with the quad switch for internal paths are the same as we have also seen the exit of the caves. We have seen the brochure that talks about this tour and should be fun, even if the visit of the reserve on foot is far more comprehensive and 'natural'.
We observe good half hour for the spider monkeys, which seem sweet and incredibly curious, even if a little 'heights. Those are amazing with such long limbs and tail from which their name that use to hang around and to go among the trees, just as if it were another limb. Moreover, recalling really walk the movements of the spider ... The boys are seated and pull out the arm from the net to give his hand to tourists. As soon as they see something that moves trying to grab, like a plastic bag, a can, even my phone! The mothers are on hand with cuccioletti trees and studying the situation. When you tire, climb high among the trees and start to swing and throw the branches making spectacular stunts! They are really wonderful to see. Appears also a funny and unique animal, which initially seems an ant but it is not at all. Its local name is tejón.
We leave happy Aktun the subject of Chen and we return to Tulum, passing through the Zona Hotelera. We follow a beautiful promenade where many people engage in jogging, and spend many resorts, restaurants and cabane. Are all quite distinctive, separate and intimate with each other, immersed in a beautiful green surroundings, without giving a sense of crowding or concrete inappropriate. Since we do not see the sea, deviamo for a small side street and parked the Atos in a tiny square of sand. Few meters to feet and emerge at dusk in Playa el Paraiso, a really great beach as they say!
Finally, we return all'Andrea's Tulum, where we remain to dinner, spending just 250 pesos. The restaurant Crucero however was significantly higher for quality of food.

Akumal Beach Resort

At 9:30 am we walk for the last time on the square in front of the archaeological site of Tulum. There are many shops and restaurants and fast-food. Apparently still sonnecchiante nearby stalls and some are beginning to open it now. We found that the Mexicans have schedules that gratify the lovers of sleep before 10:00 it is easy to find many outlets still closed. We are not attracted to anything in particular and among other things, as expected, the prices here on the Riviera are much more expensive than inside.
Shortly after arriving at the branch office of the Executive, to hand back the car rental. The commission began to examine the note and Atos suffered a small hole in the lagging rear right. Ask if it was made clear in Cancun, or if by chance was obtained by us during the trip. I am a po 'puzzled, because I have noticed the lagging and is the first time that I see. But I am 100% certain that we have not made us that little Buchetto, which does not at all the features of signal light. It seems however that it is not convincing because the salesman insists on this topic. E 'unsuspected traces of plaster that are noted at the edges and I think that at this point have the same seat to paste the little piece without changing the entire lagging. During the journey, it must be detached by itself for many different reasons. It seems in any case all the excessive, even considering what might be the cost of a small insignificant piece eventually be replaced. In the documentation given to come to Cancun, you see a 'X' general at that point that I believe is exactly what the problem (we do not see others in the rest). The commission, however, prefers to call headquarters to explain the issue and assess whether this infamous charge signal lamp on the tail of the car. Fortunately, that, with the honor of honesty, is validated my version and all is resolved smoothly, if not half an hour of time lost in anything. The cost of self is confirmed in the initial 300 pesos per day (€ 24) plus $ 18 for drop-off, which is charged to my credit card. Now I can actually say that the rent with the Executive, local company, has been enormously cheaper than what I would have signed with other international airline.
Let's go back on foot in five minutes all'Andrea Tulum's hotel, leaving the room and carrying the bags on the main road. Discard the hypothesis of collective taxi, which frequently go on Highway 307 (the main road of the Riviera), because those are all so far seen a minivan 9 seats without luggage, which is essential for us that we are two suitcases and a substantial number of envelopes full of gifts! So we opt for the traditional taxi, which has a stop just to the side, with fixed tariffs set out in a bill for information. To reach the Akumal Beach Resort (also known as the Columbus Club in Italian) it is necessary to round the figure of 200 pesos. We take any and we mezz'oretta about a trip on Highway 307.

Akumal Beach Resort

A detour on the right door at the entrance to the resort, which is controlled by guards and closed by automatic bars. We have read, on this, on the severity of supervision, with absurd paradoxes of someone who, to reach distant locations in the early morning, you had to leave at night barely able to leave the village, because the conviction of the bad faith of the guard that you want to leave the resort without paying the bill. What to pay then, if a village is all-inclusive?
Beyond these almost ironic misadventures, the taxi driver is limited to communicate that we are dell'Akumal customers and receive permission to enter. We are greeted by a nice Mexican girl who speaks a good Italian. Explains some basic concepts and that the check-in and delivery of the room we have to wait until 15:00. In the meantime (now it is noon) we can use all the services of the village, in-room safe to leave your bags, change of bathrooms, restaurant and bar. And all wearing the blue identification bracelet of Italian guests. We discover from the sign above that each color is the spoken language identification: the green is assigned to the American / English, purple for the French and so on also for German, greek, etc.. Obviously, the bracelet is to be kept firmly in the stay, because it is the only way to know quickly the membership of the village (there is an identification code is different for each resort), and you may be asked by the guards monitor continuously day and night is the beach at the heart of the village. Never seen so many checks in a holiday! The question arises: is the motivation to be considered because they are too many thefts occurred in the past or because they want to avoid?
We leave the bags, wear the costume and turn to the village. Turn the corner of the reception and reach the pool. The first impression is to tell the truth a little 'depressing. Despite being one of the most tranquil resort, the Akumal is a structure of over 200 rooms and Ste and I just do not feel that they belong to the category of tourists from the village. Having been in the oasis of Dolores Alba in Merida and Chichen Itza, dell'Uxmal Lodge of Macanchè B & B Izamal, small shared with virtually anyone, now make it even better. The aversion to mass tourism, the group dances, the animation ubiquitous, it's stronger than us. But there is also to say that this is now more active in which explode all activities of the resort.
Walk aimlessly along some 'all tracks and pulling the findings more accurate. Objectively, the location and the resort is beautiful, but we have seen better in other trips. Immediately upon receipt winds at the heart of the village, with the bars, the square with stalls, the main buffet restaurant, and then the pool facing the beach. Curious with the huge chess pieces one meter high! The sand is beautiful, white, but there is little and walk above is not easy because you have the sinking sense of fatigue. The landscape around the small bay is characterized mainly by the color of the sea, which at lunchtime gives the best of the day, and from the boats at the end of the beach further north, where lies the small village of Akumal, which can be reached in ten few minutes walk on the beach. The remainder of the landscape is a little 'flat, completely flat with no relief, as 90% of the Riviera Maya.
Lunch at the main buffet restaurant, all in wood and very big, with a good selection of dishes from different nationalities. Then finally, at 15 o'clock, we receive the keys from the reception room. The lodgings are very colorful and collected in different sections, each of which has slightly different characteristics. Some are completely detached from the village at the bottom of the beach (south side), connected only by a footpath. Others are right in the middle in front of the pool, and therefore more lively. Others are detached from the center of the resort, but close to everything, in the vicinity of both Italian and Mexican restaurants. Here is our room, No. 308, the area now called Pitz. E 'spacious, comfortable, very vibrant in color, with a fairly nice veranda overlooking the deep green grass and where you see the sea and beach umbrellas. There is a long wardrobe closet for the safe return, a good bathroom. We know that the Italians are very demanding in this!
Not having booked through tour operators, our area is separated from that of any other Italians who come in groups with Ventaglio. It seems that occupy about one third of customers, while another third is made up of British and American and the remainder from France.
We can finally empty the bags and get to the beach with more comfort to the Caribbean sun! The situation of sunbeds is unfortunately not very happy. Just as described in the forum, many are not and could not find it available. Those in the shade and then disappear immediately although it is clearly written not to fill a vacuum, removing the penalty towels, I have the distinct impression that this is not done and there are always clever.
At 16:00 we water with mask and flippers for snorkelling. The first tens of meters from the beach is only sand, with some residue of the reef. Then start the first corals, as they had quite ruined announced. The fauna in the surroundings is not so much, so it's pretty low. There are some parrot fish, butterfly fish, angel fish, but in small quantities. I am fortunate, however, at least a glimpse of a beautiful manta meter wingspan. The temperature is pleasant, and it varies considerably depending on the position. Just move a meter to go from a cold to a current hot too. That of which I am really puzzled is the visibility, and quite low, especially near sunset, almost nothing close to the shore. The barrier itself, however, where the waves break, is very remote and only accessible with a long swim. This also allows you to always have a calm sea in front of the resort for almost the entire length of the beach.
17:00 pesto is already dark. Let's go back in the room at 20:30 and the walk pleasant lane that runs alongside Pitz by the pool and the beach and leads to a buffet restaurant. Dinner and walk to the village at this time incredibly animated. It seems that Sunday evening, in fact, guests are vendors exhibiting their goods at stalls of all kinds. We observe a brilliant artist in the creation of his paintings with the special spray cans, taking a stunning beauty when they are illuminated by a lamp after. Blazing the way in which dry instantly, his works, through a spray that works exactly like a miniature spear flames! One of these cubes costs 150 pesos (I thought a lot more), while two are on offer at a price of 250 pesos. We can not resist, and buy the last just before our eyes (a Mayan pyramid at sunset burning red) plus another dolphin jumping over the moon.

Snorkeling and beach

We reach the restaurant for breakfast at 8:30. As in all big villages buffet with international clientele, the quantity and variety of food is virtually unlimited to meet every kind of palate. Go to Akumal is also good quality food and service (you serve yourself but the waiters go often to clean the tables and take away the empty dishes and glasses).
Shortly after we are on the beach where we take the moving deck chairs in the shade of the trees, which fortunately are more easily in the face decentralized Pitz. The weather is great and sunscreen required! 10:30 enter the water to refresh and try a snorkelling, but did not see anything special. Following the advice read the forums, so we move to the village of Akumal that we reach with a short walk on the beach. We observe on the left some small factory-equipped with umbrellas, while the coast remains largely pleasantly spacious and open, with few tourists. In the small bay moor the boats of fishermen, and it is here that we try again to enter the water to spot turtles. We see an almost immediately and follow it for a while ', while she seems quite indifferent to our presence. It 'easy to find here because they feed on algae green meadow on the bottom that, unfortunately, on the contrary make the water cloudy and very melmosa with a bad view and limited to a few meters from the palm of your hand. Be careful on the surface from time to time in order to avoid unpleasant incidents with boats leaving or falling from the open sea.
Let us return to our beds and Stefania while the sun takes me out to the shoreline to the south side, where the resort is quieter, a little to explore 'the area. There are rooms on the back deck chairs, but very few and almost none on the beach, because the bottom is rocky and difficult to enter the water. I see a beautiful heron one meter high and half that walks a few meters from the shoreline and I approach slowly with two other people to try to photograph him. It 'really beautiful, but also rightly suspicious and a few meters away takes off with an impressive wingspan. Another fact which leaves me open-mouthed is observed immediately after a group of fish jumping out of the water for several meters and switch between the cries emotions of a couple of guys.
Around noon we know the official photographer of the village, a Mexican boy and very nice in the hand. You arrange with a good Italian and says he alternated with a fellow Italian. They just outside the study next to the main bar, where exposure of samples of digital photos. The talk also of Sardinia, he has heard of it several times but has never had occasion to visit. E 'to believe that here is more beautiful Akumal, and leave with a smile in his illusion. Honestly, that are beautiful beaches we have really so many in our island and many still immensely better. Of course, I speak only in terms of sea, beach, sand quality and colors. In addition, the comparisons can not be done because every part of the world has its unique characteristics: here we are in Mexico between caves, cenote, Mayan temples, tequila and nachos!
We reach the information point to ask the various trips proposals in recent days. At this hour is closed, but are available on a table the various brochures and a book with pictures and descriptions. Coba discarded, the quad to Aktun Chen, Chichen Itza and Tulum that we have already visited, while we find interesting tour of dolphins and a Biosphere Siankan, both from the cost of one hundred dollars each. We choose the first, an experience from which we were also attracted to Florida but we have not had time to do.
Book so the Italian restaurant for dinner (this and that Mexican is always included in Annex-inclusive, but are very popular because it is asked to confirm the morning, which consists of a simple entry to a list).
At 13:00 the beach is empty and moving everyone to eat. And 'This is the best time to break away from the crowd and enjoy the sea, because there is more relaxing and the colors are astonishing. Just an hour after lunch at 14:00, to find no files and less chaos in the restaurant buffet.
The afternoon was cloudy, so we're a swing and laze in the comfortable hammocks that hang in the morning, if it is good weather, on the side of the Italian restaurant, always up to the housing Pitz. There are few, but do not have to fight because nobody does not compute. The bed will also be more convenient it is true, but the Mexican hammock is: Let us use!
Later we walk along the coast until you reach the village of Akumal. It 'very small, consisting of just a handful of homes with a few hotels, a couple of restaurants, houses for rent, an Internet point busy stop where to send an email, some special souvenir shop, a diving center and a market very well supplied. Within the latter is also the only useful ATM in the area for cash withdrawals with ATM / credit card. The atmosphere around is very relaxed and intimate, a nice place to spend a holiday. I would be curious to know what are the apartments for rent to make a comparison with the hotel, but prices are not exposed on the road.
Return all'Akumal Beach, where a quick try snorkelling to 16:30 before sunset. Does not last even five minutes, since the visibility is zero, especially along the warm currents in the shore where the water creates a disturbing effect on the mosaic. Then sit on the terrace in front of the pool, where the snack bar offers a full restaurant with succulent slices of pizza (good to avoid all but the pizza inedible all'ananas!), Hot dog, hamburger, nachos, salads, juices, soft drinks, and so forth.
17:00 witnessing a magnificent tropical sunset, to see in the area of the pool. The sun sets it on the back of the village behind the reception and offers magnificent shades of red, not visible from the beach.
We booked for dinner at Italian restaurant, very close to our room to Pitz. We have to take just a few meters of corridor and we have arrived. There's so many people as we thought, but only a few tables occupied. The service is good, the environment a little 'and the impersonal dishes nothing exceptional. To be honest we were expecting something more from the stories read. That Mexican, right next to it seems much more interesting apparently. Outside start to divert rain and the curtains of the window banged uncontrolled due to the strong wind ... it does not herald a beautiful day tomorrow! The account is always all-inclusive in the village, the only difference with the buffet restaurant is that here is served by a waiter when you leave a tip.
Return to racing in the room to avoid wet with universal deluge which is triggering tonight, and among other things is also pretty cool!

Snorkeling and beach

Breakfast is at 7:30. Having lived a full day yesterday in the village, I can say for certain that the Akumal resort is a very rewarding experience for lovers of food. The daily cycle does not include any break and discovered the hole for those who had suffered a sudden attack of hunger or thirst. Just close the restaurant buffet opens the snack bar on the beach and back. At lunch are both open, and most of the day are also available at the bar and the reception on the beach, serving drinks and cocktails more diverse. E 'un truly all-inclusive complete and comprehensive.
At 9:00 comes a beautiful sun and a clear day. Go to Akumal among others, although the temperatures are high as a typical tropical climate, he feels always a pleasant breeze which lessens the feeling of suffocating heat.
10:30 kayaks rent free for one hour, taking advantage of the Sea dish. E 'included in the services of this resort, so book early enough, or simply notify the lifeguard if, as in our case, there are free on the beach. From the kayak above the sea is beautiful today and finally crystal clear: you can see the rocks, fish and even the bottom few meters high. The coast, as already said, is after all rather flat and does not gives excellent views.
Back in the beds to take in the sun, we are caught by the photographer of the village, but this time the Italian one, which is going around with a lady who teaches Mexican parrots and iguanas. Do not expect a second to pose with these two splendid specimens, following the recommendations and precautions provided by the owner to hold the animals. Leaving a rather amusing and ironic, even if a little 'embarrassing because generally we are used to make us the photos and not to pose. Then talk with the photographer, which is nice but with some sin of pride. His shots taken individually are original and captivating, funny frames fitted with the National Geographic magazine and other popular travel, adventure and fashion, but overall are repeated for all customers, as typical of the photos from the village itself.
At 11:30 it is hot and it is time for another snorkelling. Swim for an hour, drawing attention to the fact for the umpteenth time that the barrier is much ruined, and entire areas of the sea are deserted. Compare some interesting flock of a hundred fish suddenly, almost as if it always just swim together.
12:30 we are lying in the shade relaxing on hammocks hung in front of Pitz, and shortly after lunch at the snack bar with slices of pizza, nachos, ice cream and excellent machine from traditional to classic taste cream / chocolate. At 15:00 it raises a strong wind, at times annoying. Another snorkelling hour leads me to see a great race, which they quickly disappear much faster in the swim!
18:00 remain amazed at seeing a girl drunk and English Maneschi that screams crying and attacking her boyfriend, who tries to bring poor in the room. The official version is that you want to drink again and perhaps it is no longer the case ... it becomes a minor inconvenience villages all-inclusive offering alcoholic beverages at any time, day or night without limitations. I believe that the controls also serve to perpetuate this, since one of those involved in monitoring is below the lively pair without spring of view a second!
Soon after arriving at the pool to watch another beautiful sunset tropical fiery red, when the village, inter alia, clear and smooth operations, giving the most peaceful and relaxing throughout the day.
A positive aspect from this point of view, which I think relates to the animation department, where children can always be kind and very discreet. Greeted kindly but never insist on participation in activities if they see no interest from the customer.
At 20:30 dinner at Mexican restaurant with a spicy soup, tortillas, nachos, chicken, churros. The dishes are definitely more good than those of the Italian restaurant and the restaurant is much more personal and distinctive, with a good theme music. We leave the waiter a tip of 60 pesos.

Swim Adventure at the Dolphin Discovery

At 7:30 we have an appointment at reception for the Dolphin Discovery (Tour of dolphins). The pick up is to collect timely and after twenty minutes on Highway 307 we are in Puerto Aventura. We chose the Swim Adventure program, given the interim (there is one basis for children which is in the encounter with the dolphins, the swim adventure by just $ 99 a head which consists of four different activities with the dolphins, and another more comprehensive advanced from $ 160 which includes meetings with the manatees and sea lions).
The driver parked and walk with us in a little square below. He says to wait a few minutes of opening the ticket office. In the meantime look around Puerto Aventura which is a very nice, a kind of small village with a huge swimming pool in the middle seat of the dolphins, which is divided into five Vasconi. There are shops, houses and many boats around. We record our names and we arrive at the center of the tanks, where we have to wait until 9:00 for the briefing. We therefore still a little 'time to walk. We note first that adult dolphins appear to be a tank and keep curious. Next into the pan instead there are many more puppies that are starting to jump and play. Following are also instructors who come in with the water changes and give them breakfast and caressing various pampering.
Begin to reach several tourists and create some 'confusion between the different groups of programs. We conducted in the central area where the equipment is delivered (mask, boccaio and life jacket) and a key to the safe where to leave backpacks and clothes.
Crossing the footbridge leading to the platform interior (surrounded by tanks), and listen to the explanations of the tour. Is what we anticipated with the dolphins and that the whole program I will be photographed and filmed. We will find a copy of the dvd at the end of the morning in the shop entrance, where we signed up.
The first stage is a picture with the toucans, which are laid on the arms. Then start shooting when we reach the tub where we dive. An iron bridge keeps the water at waist, while the bottom is much deeper. Above we see curious tourists and the official photographer prepares to take. We are a dozen in this group and we have two wonderful adult dolphins are called Pegaso Estrella and all for us.
The instructor is a young man who briefly explains the four phases of the program. We start with the 'presentation', which is to position itself at the center of the pool in random order while the dolphins swim freely to our knowledge. When neighbors go, just put your hands in a certain position to caress and gently if we can watch them swim under water using the mask. In fact, the visibility of the bottom is very low and the water cloudy, but even if for a few moments is a great thrill to see the dolphins swim!
The second phase is called 'Belliride', and to reach each one by one corner of the tub and take the tablet with strong arms. To signal the instructor, the two dolphins with great accuracy with muzzle pushing the soles of the feet at speeds giving the disconcerting feeling of glide on the fun is guaranteed, along with a mountain of foam!
The third step is simply called 'Kiss'. It is, as understood, to give a sweet kiss to a dolphin, holding the muzzle in your hands and avoid nervous gestures that may, like caressing in the eye for example. E 'stupenda emotion, which provides an initial intense feeling with these intelligent mammals that have an expression. During my turn, I can look good Pegaso, which has deep scratches in the back behind the head. E 'stumbled in an unfortunate mishap with a boat propeller, and fortunately recovered in time from the Dolphin Discovery it has treated and rehabilitated. Un po 'come to Seaworld in Florida, we could discuss endlessly on these rehabilitation centers. Some say that it is always sad to see the animals taken away from their natural habitats and confined in tanks or cages or pens, and tourist centers are so used to economic issues. Someone else said that these centers are also useful to study, preserve, and help the species in trouble, and that the 'tourist' is only a part of everything and in any case useful to sensitize the conscience of people, and particularly way of children. I think both arguments are true aspects be kept in mind, to judge in person with a critical eye to each case. Frankly, we like to SeaWorld, dolphins are playful and joyful, and very well cared for by their instructors took with whom they have an intimate relationship. I firmly believe that whoever does this job should an unconditional right to these beautiful mammals. Moreover, we devoted to our dogs and our cat, how can we not love the sweetest kind, intelligent exists on planet earth? But we also both agree that Ste I, on the fact that other animals do not have the same luck and living in conditions more sacrificed. The manatees, for example, visas before entering the pool, have a much smaller amount despite the very largest ...
In any case, it is certain that this experience Dolphni Discovery's recommend to everyone, because we are giving unforgettable emotions. It also seems Estrella reciprocate our enthusiasm, because the shift Stefania for the kiss, asks a spontaneously on its own will!
Now spend a little time off, 'Freetime' the place to play with the dolphins singing, applauding, shouting. As was learned in Florida in fact, we know that the cries of joy, especially children, much like the dolphins and that is why we do not represent any danger for them.
The fourth phase is called finally 'Pectoral Shake', and to swim with the dolphin for taking the front flippers while he holds the belly towards us and back underwater. Although it may seem annoying to the mammal, and in reality is only a form of play: Just follow the rules dictated by the trainers so as not to create problems in animals. The coupling is quite unique and part dolphin rocket with a breathtaking sprint! The entire course lasts a few seconds but it is certainly much more exciting of a roller coaster!
The last minutes of the program provide some spectacular performances as a pair of jumps of dolphins, which fully show their muscle power. We were about an hour in the tank, and leave amazed with the adrenaline a thousand ... it is really worth the pain, beyond expectations! Just outside, a girl of the staff brings the whole group in a waiting room, facing a large TV. Mount the film in front of our eyes: beautiful, but at least we could dry before! The DVD lasts about ten minutes and is truly a memorable and fun since the general laughter ... to buy without even thinking about the price.
So let's go back on land again backpacks and clothes in a safe. We see some leaders with sloths in the arm, which cover the neck and move in slow motion. Further on attr

Hidden Worlds

Breakfast is at 7:00. The day is now very cloudy, so we think we now anticipate a visit to Hidden Worlds originally scheduled for tomorrow. Both in the cave is not much difference if it rains ... prepare a backpack carrying the bare minimum, as suggested by others who were there, putting masks and boccaio (because we already have, but also provide on-site), a towel, a machine Photo and disposable slippers.
At 10:00, a few meters from the hotel, cross the street and wait on the pitch collective taxi. It 'the first time that we take. The collective are buses from nine to twelve seats that run along the entire coast from Cancun to Tulum continuously, and load the appropriate stops for tourists by charging a fee of a few dollars in proportion to trafficking. Initially we are alone but to the next stop sale a large group of Americans who fill the taxi. It 'a fun, because the gentleman sitting next to me has a strange sense of humor about this. Even after twenty minutes pass the sign with the reporting of Hidden Worlds and are forced to alert the driver to stop. Apologizes because he has forgotten our destination, and stops just below. The pay is 40 pesos and walk a hundred meters on foot to reach the entrance. You get into a dirt square and then into a hut in which the book tour. There is a minimum of outside catering and toilets. Everything is pretty spartan, and you see few tourists around. We request information and look at the book with photos of diving inside the caves. There are drugs, just like you see on the website (www.hiddenworlds.com)! There are several tours available including half-day for snorkelling, visiting the cenote caves and primitive beauty.
Book for 440 pesos a head snorkelling which starts at 11:00, a few minutes. In the meantime, wear the wet suit and life jacket being supplied to the counter, and we know Pakal, a beautiful and lively little dog for just a month. E 'un belgian shepherd Malinois says Jacob, who now will play its first trial of training. Jacob is a very thin gentleman, who is not by chance 'The skinny man', which will be our guide today.
They arrive as the other members of the group: we are twelve in all. System rucksacks and the last things nell'armadietto safety, leaving the key keeper: we are finally ready to leave! First you go up on the chest scardancato back of a tractor and noisy, which bears the name of Chango. There are two other parked with equally strange names.
Jacob leaves us the task of caring for Pakal, fearful of his first experience, and it makes driving advising to keep firmly in place. The path on a track it is quite bumpy because of huge holes amplified by the rain of recent days. The trip is fun and exciting at the same time. We enter the maze of the jungle, so that the branches of trees hitting our heads high (since there are no seats and we are standing). Do not see a single pool of water than those of mud on the road, but we have him dumb, and life jacket: the whole situation is quite unique!
After quarter of an hour and two and a half kilometers, we arrived at the destination. Jacob predicts that we will see two very distinct different. The first is called a few years ago by its discoverer Don Manuels and children "Tak Be Ha," or "The Place of Hidden Waters". E 'consists of a cenote reached by a small external opening, which has ample space for a subterranean lake. The latter, called Cave de murciélagos (Bat Cavern) is a complex labyrinth of caves and tunnels more narrow and dark, winding for some 60 kilometers (those that are known for now, but could be many more).
In a somewhat ironic, if you prefer to get calls from easy or difficult than that, and stressing that shows an easy one meter deep shaft that sinks low in a vacuum ... well let's go! A few meters further on there is the real entrance, very similar to the first but at least with a very steep staircase iron straight down for about ten meters. One sees only the grating that sinks into darkness, and is very close! The adrenaline rises exponentially and is questionable, as read in the stories of other tourists, "but where we are capitati?".
Before starting the adventure within, Jacob presents Marc Torrecillas, a likeable guy who will do the photos to the group in this sensational experience. E 'equipped with a Canon Digital Ixus with flash and underwater housing. Hardly believe it, I thought of not being able to take away any memory of Hidden Worlds!

Hidden Worlds

It 'time to enter into, while Marc takes the first photo one by one at the staircase. A few slippery steps and finally opens the world of fairy tales! The pupils quickly become used to the light, amplified by some specially spotlights, and the amazement you paint on our faces as many experiences in our lives. The beauty and magic of this place is indescribable, beyond all expectations imaginable! Everything around us is a cenote of crystal clear water, so transparent and flat to be confused with the air. Multiform stalactites descend from above and long tree roots that seek water from the surface, as is seen in other caves in Mexico but here in a more marked. All this is taking an surreal landscapes and recalls the saga of the Lord of the Rings, with the subtle difference that there had developed a computer and here are real, right before our eyes!
Jacob quickly says that swimming for about forty minutes, taking a loop around the perimeter of the following cenote. The adrenaline rises to the stars. We enter one by one from a platform that gives access to just several meters deep, and rather cold, despite wearing the wetsuit. Just put the mask in the view is spectacular! There is no form of dust and visibility is perfect. In this anfratto that the surface looked like a small lake, will open on the bottom side of the large cavity with a rope marked and illuminated by a powerful spotlight: this is where you pulled the divers, who follow another amazing underground.
After our set, Jacob advised not to take pictures with disposable machines (like mine) because it knows from experience not to leave anything acceptable under development. I feel the same but I believe is right. We then conducted in single file through a step closer where you should pay attention to the rocks. Sprout stalactites and stalagmites everywhere above, below and to the sides, between imposing cliffs, tunnel, dark and mysterious caves, some partially illuminated. All around is pure magic, there is no need to add more!
Pause a while, who sat out of the water between the rocks, some as me in last row anchored to some spikes. I still watch in disbelief as the backdrop Jacob explains the geological evolution of this place and its primary training. Finally, after another short, leave the enraptured cenote and return to the surface.
It's raining so much but we are already wet! Fortunately, the mute retain the heat while we are on the tractor to go back to the reception. Here we can get a break 'toilet', as suggested by our precious skinny man.
A few minutes still on Chango, where we try to make us take a risky photo heedless of the holes on the dirt road, and we reach the entrance of the Bat Cavern. Here we further 40 minutes by snorkelling with the flashlight, given the total absence of light both natural and artificial. The entrance is narrow and as you start entering a surface of the knee, swimming slowly being careful not to knock your knees on the spikes on his head and stalagmites! The tunnels are narrow and go in single file, so you see only the person who has faced and often even pointing this because the battery side everything else around is dark. He turns sharply angled in underground passages, which in some places become a maze intricatissimo. And here there are no ropes to follow! Jacob advantage in fact a wider anfratto, where we all stand together to say to follow the next without ever venture into the corridors in the alternative, as the risk of losing is not high, it is certain. Even he, the first few times, he could not go back to the total absence of reference points and a natural loss of guidance, although the map of the caves at hand. If someone suddenly finds itself in any case, stay still and not try to run a vacuum: he thinks and see us!
Meanwhile, Marc will take advantage for some photos while we pass one by one in front of him, placed in those few areas where the caves are wider. The emotion is unique in its kind, we feel on the skin a disproportionate sense of primitive exploration, which has always been inherent in human nature. Who loves the adventure and the sea can not come to Mexico without visiting Hidden Worlds!
Pause briefly to another square, with concretions of our exceptional head: other memorable photos! He began to feel the cold but the excitement is too great to pay attention to these trifles. Now is the time, under the direction of Jacob, to try the feeling of total darkness, turning off the flashlights. None Fiata, el'impressionante silence takes over. Not be seen and not heard anything about anything for a long minute, in which time seems to get lost and stop. Jacob's voice breaks the spell: it's time to come ... A heavy heart, we reach the exit path from the outward journey. Climb on the tractor and return to base.
After we dried and dressed, look at the photos of the group that Marc slides on your computer monitor. It 'incredible to think that a few minutes ago we were there! Its price is a bargain because for 220 pesos burn the cd with all the shots today in addition built a photo gallery here at Hidden Worlds, by diving and exploring the reserve. We ask also that there are others where cenote snorkelling, and he confirms that in Mexico the possibilities are almost endless for those who simply want to swim, use the mask, or diving with a deeper exploration into the bowels of the earth: fantastic !
We leave this amazing place, certain that they had just experienced one of the most beautiful ever made in our travels, and take again the team to return to Akumal equally to the cost of 40 pesos.
Lunch at the snack bar and afternoon walk in the country. Buffet dinner and then we go to bed exhausted.

Snorkelling and beach

At 6:45 we are up for breakfast. The weather is very cloudy as yesterday, so as not pretend to take a non-existent in the sun deck chairs, we do a walk on the right side of the resort, where the gulf is more wild and desolate. The tract is flat and rocky, and we must be careful where you put your feet on the dirt and rocks outcropping. Here are frightening the disastrous effects of hurricanes, with palm trees uprooted and overturned on the beach intricate tangles of branches. Putting in place the Akumal Beach resort is a big but at least profitable, while it is clear that nobody is interested in whether the rest of the coastline is left to itself. We observe a beautiful villa and isolated over the gulf that opens a half-moon, to end further on the next beach Veraclub (it's too far away and inconvenient to reach, however, walk).
Finally the sun comes out and go back to the resort on the beach. Always choose different spots for snorkelling but the submarine never changes: a few fish, water a little 'cloudy and scattered debris barrier. The only interesting scene today is a meeting with six beautiful seppiette arranged in a row that move as if they were synchronized robotic!
Take a little 'sunshine and then swam slowly to the country. There are the usual moored boats and the water is dark. Sighted a beautiful turtle that emerge from the slime of green algae, like a few days ago, and we follow a stroke.
Lunch back at the snack bar, buffet, which we prefer because it is quieter, less crowded and it is relaxing on the beach. These hours are among the best of the day for the Caribbean colors. We are still in the hammock all afternoon, now pulling the conclusions of this wonderful trip to Mexico. By water to 16.00 almost without seeing anything.
Before the dinner buffet, to complete the memories of this trip, buy two photos in 20x30 cm (one with the iguana and the other with the parrots) from the studio photographer in the village, plus eight other files for a total final 450 pesos.
Then we arrive at the receiving side and pay the bill of the room, consisting only in the cost of the tour with dolphins because everything else is all inclusive.

Back home

After the usual breakfast of 7:30, we are in hammocks on the beach for the last hours of sunshine. A tingling in my throat, I suggest not to take a bath this morning and stay in the shade of the few palms free present. It 'a beautiful day and the latest photo shoot in memory of Akumal beach.
We leave the room and perform the check-out at noon. Lunch and sit in the waiting room next to the outdoor reception, comfortable and shaded.
16:30 call information for a taxi to Cancun, but fortunately the boy involved in the custody of the luggage suggests asking the driver to transfer a bus just arrived from the airport where he is coming back. Proposes $ 60 instead of 75 taxis and we accept without thinking twice. E 'un minivan nine places for us all, we are even more comfortable!
During the journey on the Riviera Maya flowing melancholic memories of that memorable trip. It 'incredible to think that it is already done! We shall also Playa del Carmen, originally scheduled on the journey but then discarded for logistical reasons and time. We do not repent, as per our needs is already too crowded Akumal. Returning back, I will do only a small change to this wonderful journey, lengthening of the route a few days on the road to the interior of Mexico, the most fascinating and true, to the detriment of the coast and tourist too impersonal.
18:00 enter at Cancun, where a boy takes us into the tiny waiting room, consisting of two rows of chairs facing the arrivals. We have several hours before us, as the flight takes off at 22:10.
At 20:00, two hours before as a textbook, we move toward the doors of the check-in but still upset by the endless row and disorderly in front of us. In no airport in dozens of cities visited in the world has never been a thing of the kind! An hour passes and we are not even halfway through. There are five benches that check-in, all of slow nerve-racking. We finally, exhausted, to our after two and a half hours of waiting nell'estenuante tail. And moreover, are assigned seats separated me and the plane Stefania almost not believe it!
The flight takes off Martinair Holland also delayed from Cancun to Amsterdam. Now not only have to sleep deeply and leave Mexico behind.

Coming back home

After nearly ten hours of travel landed in Amsterdam at 15.00. As we move from the terminal, some teens are meeting with the plastic bags in alerting them to be careful if any liquids in hand luggage. We had heard mention of this new tax at airports before leaving, but we thought only applied to America. Among other things, we have not had any problem or to same or yesterday from Cancun. Hastily call to mind our liquids, pulling out lotion and toothpaste for contact lenses, but not recalling the gifts, now sealed in envelopes and incelofanati bought the first days of the trip to Chichen Itza and Valladolid. We stopped at the crossing of scholarships are asking where the contents of some envelopes. The open collaboration without objection and leave out a small bottle of vanilla and two small bottles of tequila, which Stefania took as a souvenir for the brothers. We stress that these are just for souvenirs, perfectly sealed, and we are coming from Cancun without having any problem of boarding. The girl carries the controls, quietly after a long speech, says it is disappointed and has to throw, because it is a provision entered into force November 6. But we can complain to the offices if they think fit. His face does not actually seem to take so mortified when the bottles and throw in the chest. The scene is so fast that we fail to realize, after the fatigue of 16 hours on the road. But it was really necessary? What cost, if you want to apply the rule of 6 November in two poor tourists nerds who can not learn anything, because I travel outside Europe since 1 November, putting even small bottle pocket in the plastic bag that we have already for other liquids, since we also abundantly below the maximum allowed?
We pass over with little bitterness on the kindness received, and we leave Amsterdam at 17:40 with the KLM flight, which in two and a half hours to Rome.
Here wait two more hours and take off at 21:45 for Cagliari, exhausted from a long trip but not extremely heavy and most unfortunate of the outward journey.
Patience for the bottles, we just won the indelible memories of Mexico that will carry for life!