2007

67 per night. Late Check in has been arranged and room service breakfast for the first morning.
American breakfast included for all nights

Mayan Ruins of Tulum are a spectacular site to behold. If the ruins themselves weren't enough the setting on the beach is a true place to declare Heaven. The shocking turqoise water and the bold black cliffs join to create an awe inspiring picture. The archeological site is one of facinating exploration. Once thought of as a fortress, the ruins of Tulum are actually what once was a busy site of commerce. This was a walled city of laborers,astrologers,farmers and nobility. There are three walls to protect the city from outsiders, the remains of several house type structures, burial sites for the kings, a tall pyramid and two structures on each corner of the fence to guide the planting of crops. Tour guides are available to take you thru the ruins and explain each building. They are well worth the price, about $35.00 u.s. for 1-4 people. There are no brouchures available, however there are signs at each site that have a small amount of information. You are free to swim or sun at the beach below the ruins, and there are several places to take pictures and enjoy the view from above. After you have visited the ruins there are many, many booths and shops of typical Mexican handicrafts and souviners to browse thru as well as several small food and drink vendors. Plan on three hours minimum to enjoy the ruins of Tulum.

Seventy-six miles south from Cancún is an amazingly beautiful, natural aquarium of the Mayan Riviera. This park has a system of caverns, coves and lagoons that are home to hundreds of marine species. One of the species, a fish, affectionately known as "kissers," are not afraid of people and come so close that they seem to "kiss" your skin. Beyond all of the natural features it offers, there is also a good selection of restaurants, shops and more located here. Ask your hotel about the organized tours

Día de muertos - Days of the Dead
Celebrated throughout Mexico, October 31st, November 1st and 2nd
Deceased relatives are remembered and honored in cemeteries and family homes in this unique cultural celebration. Festivities take place throughout the country, but celebrations are most colorful in Patzcuaro, Oaxaca, Chiapas and San Andres Mixquic (D.F.).

While ruins, including pyramids El Castillo and Kukulcan, are the primary reason to visit Chichen Itza, there is a wealth of other attractions as well. Otherworldly bird-watching and stargazing experiences can be found within the Maya Jungle Reserve and in Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge. Yaxkin Spa makes the most of this sacred space with holistic Mayan healing. Freshwater sinkholes offer unforgettable swimming. Drive or catch a bus from Merida or Cancun. Daytrips run from both cities

61.50 per night

8 Hour ride

The next leg of our journey took us to Palenque, a Mayan site made famous by Erik von Danekin in his book "Chariots of The Gods". An 8 hour bus ride. With ever changing scenery and a few rest stops along the way, the journey is over quicker than the clock would have you believe. Whilst opinions may vary, Palenque is probably the most beautiful setting of all the Mayan historical sites.
Set amongst lush rain forest, it will certainly remain in my memory for many years. It was at Palenque that the tomb of Lord Pacal was discovered deep inside a Pyramid. Pacal's sarcophagus was decorated with a sculpture that, when viewed sideways, could easily be that of a spaceman at the controls of a spaceship. Or it could simply be Pacal descending from his earthly life to his resting place, ready for his journey to join the gods in the heavens. The interpretation is yours and can't really be made without a visit to soak in the history and atmosphere of Palenque.

70 per night