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The ancient site of Kohunlich was an important part of the Mayan world in Yucatan and was occupied largely between 300 AD and 1200 AD. Only a very small portion of the site has been uncovered but this excavation has revealed many sculptures.

The main structure at Kohulchil is called “Templo del Sol” (temple of the sun) and features huge 6 feet tall masks of the Mayan Sun god in an exceptional detail. This site is best known for this temple of the masks, an early classic pyramid which central stairway is flanked by huge humanized stucco masks. Built around 500 AD, making one of the oldest construction of the site. After 700 AD, this temple was covered over with a terminal classic construction, which protected the masks and accounts for the marvelous state of their preservation today. The only standing remains of the later temple are some steps in the lower portion of the stair.

The ruins of kohulchin is a real gem. Completely surrounded by the lush foliage of the tropical jungle. These time worn ruins have a mystical quality that is enhanced by a lack of tourists, who seldom venture far south of the Quintana Roo state. For that reason they are frequented by all manner of tropical wildlife and exotic birds

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Chicanna was erected at the base of the Yucatam Peninsula. It’s not a large Mayan site, but it’s well worth visiting. It’s close to the main road and since the landscape is flat, you will be able to see it. In Chicanna, the builders took advantage of the slightly high elevation to construct several groups of rooms and structures for carrying out ritual ceremonies. Evidence of occupation dates back to the period known as the late pre-classic (300 BC to 200 AD). While the last stages of activity date to the arly post-classic (1100 AD).

The ancient name is not known and was named Chicanna when it was discovered in 1966. The name refers to structure II, which alludes to the house of the serpent mouth. Due to its location, dimensions, and rich decoration of the building, it has been considered a small elitist center of Becan which possibly served as a residential zone for the rulers of Becan.

Chicanna is one of the 45 sites located in the region of the Rio Bec. It is well known for its enormous representation of Ilzamna, principal god of the Mayan Pantheon, also known as the earth monster on the facade of the lower construction.

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Yagul, a Zapotecan stronghold. There is plenty to see at Yagul, like tombs, the largest ball court found in the oaxaca valley, fretted stone mosaics, the ruins on the acropolis, and the huge defensive walls of the fortress at the top of the hill. A good place to see on the way back from Mitla.

This important pre-Hispanic center, which name literally means “old stick” or “old tree”, contains the largest ball court in the Oaxaca valley, and the second largest in all of Mesoamerica. The site’s architecture is similar in many ways to that of Monte Alban. This has been totally excavated.

The ancient city of Yagul was designed with militarily strategic fortifications. In the center lies an enormous man-made platform with staircases which lead to the temples and the main palace. Steps then lead up to the hill on the north side of the city to the acropolis with its defensive walls and watchtower which overlooks both the city and the whole Tlacolula valley. The vast majority of the city’s population lived on the hill behind the fortifications.

The ruins are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 5:00. Entrance to the ruins costs $3 USD.

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San Gervasio is the largest and most famous Mayan ruins site in Cozumel, dating back to 300 - 400 A.D, when this urban center was dedicated to Ix Chel, the goddes of fertility, medicine, midwifery and weaving. Mayan women used to make a pilgrimage from the main land to visit the temples and many statues of Ix Chel found here.

The architectural style appears to be modeled after the capital of the Itzas, with the white stone roads connecting all the temples, similar to the roads found at Chichen Itza. While this ruins site is small compared to the giant sites on the main land, it presents an interesting history of the Mayan presence on the island of Cozumel.

A graceful arch protects an altar on Sacbe (ancient road) leading in to the ceremonial center. although the archaeological site at San Gervasio has not had a lot of restoration, there are numerous structures and the beautiful natural setting which make a visit there worth while. one of the most interesting buildings is the temple of the hands.

So take time to enjoy the peaceful setting of this fertile jungle shrine dedicated to the Maya goddes Ix chel. Ruins are opened daily at 9:00 am. The entrance is $6 USD. and please don’t forget your camera, a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, and bottle water.

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Tres Rios is an ecological park in an area of low subtropical jungle and mangrove in the Riviera Maya, between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Tres Rios is the only area in the Riviera Maya where cenotes are at ground level in the form of fresh water well that runs in shallow rivers(1.2 Km of length each) toward the sea.

If you love scuba diving as much as I do, Tres Rios is the perfect place. It’s not only exciting but also fun and safe. If you get the chance to visit Tres Rios, use this opportunity to discover why the Riviera Maya is host to the best diving in the world. Here you will enjoy the colorful marine life, amazing coral reefs and the crystal clear cenotes and rivers. If you have never been scuba diving before, Tres Rios is the perfect place for you to try it out.

The extensive, unspoiled beach invites you to participate in fun filled volleyball games, and you can even be part of a beach soccer match. If you are looking for adventure, tough, you should then try kayaking. if you are more inclined to have a relaxing time, then, you should take one of the horses and ride along the Mexican Caribbean shore and just enjoy the view.

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This magnificent lagoon is located in Akumal, on the Mayan Riviera. What makes this lagoon so attractive for visitors is that during rough sea-days at your hotel where the water is too rough, you can come and enjoy this crystal clear water lagoon which is protected  from the main body of water and remains always calm. The grounds surrounding the lagoon are also nice because they have been manicured with paths, water front beaches, palapas, and statutes.

This is one of my wife’s favorite place, not only because of its calm waters but also because you can always see turtles, rays, barracudas, parrot fish, and a host of other interesting sea creatures. Another interesting feature of this lagoon is the underwater landscape which is quite fascinating as you can see underwater caves and mini valleys. The water is not that deep (6 - 15 feet). So you can feel comfortable knowing you are not in deep sea. This place is really good for children, people who are learning to snorkel, and those who are not great swimmers.

Yal Ku lagoon has other very useful areas such as bathrooms, change rooms, and lockers. Here you can also rent snorkel equipment and the rent costs only $5 USD. There is also a snack bar and you are allowed to bring your own food and enjoy a picnic day with family or friends. The lagoon opens at 8:00 and closes at 5:30 and the entrance is only $8 USD per adult and $5 USD per child. This is important for you to know if you are planning to visit this place: No feeding fish and No sunscreen are allowed.

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Hidden world’s offers you an exclusive access to the Yucatan’s finest cenotes and an uncrowded, family-friendly experience in the Riviera Maya’s natural environment. Situated on the most extensive system of underwater caves and caverns on earth, the park is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Hidden worlds is famous for providing the original and best cenote snorkeling adventures in the Riviera Maya. This place has been long established as one of the very best attractions in the Riviera Maya. The park was recently named one the Yucatan’s “Top Ten Sighs” by insight guides, and is featured in all major guide books as one of the world’s premier nature parks.

Floating through this dream land of natural formation in crystal clear water you can feel the ancient and timeless forces of nature that carved the cavern with a maximum depth of 30 feet (10m) and never more than 150 feet (50m) from air,there is 1,500 feet (500m) of cavern to see without ever leaving the light zone making this a great first cavern tour. The tours are led by experienced, fully cave certified guides in groups of no more than four. come and experience the best dive of your life.

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Caribbean charm awaits you a few miles south of Playa del Carmen in Paamul, in the primitive beauty of the Mexican Caribbean. Paamul is a great place for campers with some of the amenities and installations. Paamul is very close to the reef, and an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.

For a day or for a life, Paamul has full hook up RV sites to accommodate travelers passing through as well as many full-time residents. Paamul’s beach front cabañas include two double beds, private bathrooms, with hot and cold water, ceiling fans, and terraces overlooking the ocean. The reefs of Paamul Restaurant & Bar feature delicious fresh sea food and regional specialities. Pamul is also one of the top 100 dive destinations in the world according to Scuba Diving Magazine. Paamul offers diving instruction, certification, daily drive trips and snorkeling.

This small romantic bay, very close to the reef, is an ideal spot to spend a quiet and relaxing time. Although known mainly as a camping site, there is a small hotel and a few private homes here with basic services, such as a electricity, a restaurant and dive shops. Paamul is one of the beaches where turtles come to lay their eggs. This usually happens during the warm summer nights.

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Xpu-ha is on a small bay about 60 miles south of Cancun. You can get to this beach by going south down the Riviera Maya. The entrance is marked just off the resort community of Puerto Aventuras.

The beach is a length of sparkling white sand. Around the bay’s northern point, there is a lagoon and slightly inland from that, there is the stunning Xpu-ha cenote. The cenote is very long and narrow and reaches into the jungle for 500 meters, its shape and size makes it one of the Yucatan’s most unusual cenote. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk from the beach to the lagoon, then another 10 minutes to walk inland from the lagoon to the cenote.

There are also few private homes at Xpu-ha and some rustic cabañas that can be rented. There are also two small cafes and several dive operators. These local divers are professional who know the area very well. Xpu-ha has also a RV park and campground as well as a beach bar and restaurant. It has two little beach front restaurants/bars the catch of the day. There is good snorkeling here, but watch out for the fishing and dive boats that harbor here-you don’t want to get run over while you are watching the fish.

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Baja Camp is located in Isla de Espiritu Santo, Baja California, Mexico. The Isle of Espiritu Santo is a full nature reserve. The camp sits next to one of the Island’s largest bays. Guests can reach the island via a two hour boat ride from La Paz. The Sea of Cortez is famous for its loads of gorgeous fish and shell fish. Guests are guaranteed a wonderful fresh seafood meal every night.

The island is home to many different groups of seals — guest love sharing the warm water them Kayaks are available for anyone interested in exploring the many inlets around the island. Hikers and trekkers will love the trails that stretch across the entire island. Scuba divers can visit during the summer months and enjoy the groups of whale sharks, hammer head sharks and manta rays that pass through the area.

Baja Camp only allows a maximum of ten guests. This is necessary for the health of the natural preserve, plus it allows for families or groups to have an intimate experience on the island. Packages include transportation from Tecolote beach to Baja Camp, five large safari tents, 3 meals per day, five kayaks, two motor boats, and furnishings. Visit BajaCamp.com for more information.

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