Sights of Cancun โ 30 most interesting places
Cancun is in the TOP-5 of the best resort cities. It appeared on the site of a small fishing village, but today this city has become the most important center of international tourism. Russian tourists have appreciated the cleanest beaches and the warm sea, exotic nature and interesting places that you could only read about before, but today you can visit them on your own. The city is located on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Chichen-Itza
The first place in terms of popularity and attendance belongs to the Mayan city of Chichen Itza. This city has been one of the seven wonders of the world since 2007. It is the political and cultural center of the life of the Mayan tribes. The most outstanding merit is the pyramid of Kukulkan. Chichen Itza has been designated a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO. The city also ranks 2nd in terms of attendance among tourists and archaeologists.
In the process of archaeological work on the territory, the most valuable monuments of culture and architecture of past centuries were found:
To all this, you can add more monuments to the Gods, amazingly beautiful landscapes and works of art. All this can be seen by visiting the city of Chichen Itza. But this is not the only Mayan city that is close to Cancun. This also includes the cities of Koba, Tulum, Ek Balam and others. On one of the highest points of the resort are the ruins of Yamil Luum.
In the XIII-XV centuries. 2 temples stood on this place: the temple of the Scorpion and the temple of the Hand. Now only the floors and walls remain. Not far from these ruins are hotels that tourists often check in to enjoy the picturesque view of the archaeological site. It is this fact that makes hotels so popular and in demand.
Island of Women
Isla Mujeres is the name of the island in Spanish. It is considered the northernmost point in Mexico. The city and the island are separated by a strait through which a ferry service is established. The total area of โโIsla Mujeres is over 8 hectares. Latin American mystics call it a place of power. About 12-13 thousand people permanently live on the island, there are modern hotels, 4 main beaches, restaurants. Next to them are a turtle farm open to the public, a national park, and an airport.
On the territory of Isla Mujeres, buildings reminiscent of pirates and the times when fishermen lived here have been preserved. One of the famous attractions of the island: Sculpture Park near the ruins of the temple of the Mayan goddess Ixcel. In the pre-Columbian era, on a small area of โโland there were cult settlements, altars of the formidable and beautiful wife of the supreme god of the Indians. The symbols of Ixchel were considered snakes, the moon and a rainbow. The Maya believed: the mother goddess bestows prosperity, health, wisdom, magic, heals from infertility, diseases. To appease her, they made human sacrifices.
Christianity that came to Latin America could not completely destroy the cult of Ixchel: ancient traditions were transformed into new customs. Images of the goddess can now be seen everywhere on Mexican household items. Residents of the island, tourists seek to meet the dawn of the first day of the year at Cape Punta Sur โ next to the ruined temple of the goddess โ in the hope of finding happiness, health, good luck.
Cenote Seven Mouths
On the territory of Mexico in the rocks there are a huge number of natural wells (cenotes). Seven Mouths is one of them. Such an unusual name is quite understandable, because the ancient Indians considered each well to be the mouth of the earth. They revered water, believed that cenotes were sacred. Mystics today recognize natural wells as places of power. Healers and healers advise visiting cenotes to cleanse from negativity, treat diseases, and enlighten.
Even those who are far from traditional medicine note the special atmosphere of the Seven Mouths well system, connected by a huge cave. The depth of water in the cenotes, where the fish live, reaches 150 meters. Stalactites and stalagmites grow inside the cave. The role of light sources is performed by natural holes, cracks in hard rocks. The cenote is a historical and natural monument.
Indian priests performed sacrifices and magical rituals here. Nowadays, the well system is open for visiting, swimming, individual and private tours. The natural monument is located on a private property near Cancun. To get to a unique place, citizens and tourists rent buses.
Sen. Ik-Kiel
The natural well with fresh water is considered the most popular in the country. The mysterious place like a magnet attracts tourists who come to the well from Cancun and other cities in Mexico. The history of Ik-Kil is not full of horrific details about human sacrifice. The distance between the water in the well and the surface of the earth: 25 meters.
Ik-Kil is called one of the safest cenotes. The water level (miniature black carps live in it) reaches 20 meters. You can go down the stone stairs adjacent to the wall. Inside the well there are 2 viewing platforms, a diving tower, an artificial beach.
To enter the territory, each visitor must take a shower in a place specially designated for hygiene procedures. On the surface, next to a natural reservoir, there are: 2 mid-range hotels, souvenir shops, a life jacket rental, a restaurant, a motel.
Cenote Hubik
The natural well is recognized by tourists, the Mexicans as โthe king of beauty among the cenotes.โ A visit to a local attraction is included in various excursion tours. Khubiku in the language of the ancient Maya means โgreat masterโ, the word has another interpretation: โiguana's nestโ. The herbivorous lizard was and remains among the Indians a sacred animal, a messenger of the gods.
Its symbol is ambiguous, often found in ancient inscriptions and drawings. The iguana reminds you to live in the present, it, according to Latin American beliefs, relieves the burden of the past. From the surface of the earth to the water mirror, you have to go over 100 steps. The water in Khubik is cooler than in the Cenote of Ik-Kil, but also very pleasant for swimming.
The โGreat Lordโ has a spherical shape, which creates a special atmosphere of comfort in the cave. The depth of water in a natural well, where small fish live, is 27-30 meters. Bowl diameter: about 50 meters. The natural monument looks especially impressive at noon, when direct sunlight penetrates through the arch.
Museum of Underwater Sculptures
The unique collection is abbreviated as โMUZAโ. The museum covers an area of โโ420 square meters and consists of two main underwater galleries. About 500 marine concrete sculptures, mounted on special bases, make up his original collection. The author of the project is a British artist, public figure Jason de Caires Taylor, who is known for his diverse works aimed at protecting the environment.
Each sculpture depicts a person belonging to a certain nationality, the era of the development of civilization. Taylor called the collection โSilent Evolutionโ, emphasizing the philosophical idea of โโthe project and the practical aspect of placing the figures. Sculptures look realistic, people are captured in moments of movement, emotional experiences. Polyps, algae, lime deposits gradually cover the figures.
The last, centuries later, will become part of the coral reefs, will protect the coast from erosion (washout by waves). The museum offers glass-bottom boat trips, scuba diving, and childrenโs entertainment and educational programs.
Xel-Ha Park
Distance between Ecopark and Cancun: about 100 kilometers. Xel-Ha is named after the lagoon of the same name. On its territory are the ruins of one of the largest ancient ports in America, 20 modern attractions and entertainment facilities. Part of the park is also a natural aquarium where you can swim with dolphins, stingrays, see the numerous inhabitants of the Caribbean Sea.
Among the popular activities in Xel-Ha, the leaders are: hiking in the jungle, diving to the bottom of the lagoon, walking on air bikes, visiting a temazcal (traditional Indian bath), jumping into the water from the Rock of Courage. The park is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The most famous natural attractions of Xel-Ha are the grottoes of the Mayan goddess Ixchel and Eldorado, cenote wells (even those who do not have diving skills can dive into them), a tree where a bee swarm lives.
The latter is interesting in that it is intended for obtaining honey. The bees living in its trunk have no sting. The solemn ceremony of extracting the delicacy is carried out by the park staff, like the ancient Mayans (who came up with a simple and inexpensive biotechnology), 2 times a year on the full moon.
Xcaret Park
Mexico's most famous national park is named after a Mayan settlement. The latter existed in its place in the pre-Columbian era. Archaeological monuments have been partially preserved, next to them there are 40 attractions, shops, restaurants, wildlife corners, a theater, a giant aquarium, and a hotel. Distance from Cancun to Ecopark (open to the public since 1991): 75 kilometers. Archaeologists, restorers managed to restore the ancient pyramids and Mayan buildings.
โShkaretโ occupies over 80 hectares. Its structure includes reserves with wild animals, birds, several museums, numerous pavilions, galleries where you can see butterflies living in natural conditions, a unique collection of orchids. In the center of Xkaret there is an 80-meter observation tower. 3 rivers flow through its territory, which flow into the Caribbean Sea, which washes the coastal park area. Among its famous sights are two Catholic churches and a cemetery.
The latter is partly real: there are no burials, and the tombstones are genuine. On the annual national day of commemoration of the dead, a costumed procession is held to the โfield of Godโ, as in all major cities in Mexico. Ecopark show programs are designed for adult and childrenโs audiences, the most popular performances among visitors are: โFlying Peopleโ, dolphin performances, rodeo.
La Isla Shopping Center
โLa Isla Shopping Villageโ guides call a paradise for shoppers. Travelers compare the shopping complex with little Venice. Over 200 global and Latin American brands offer their products here: clothes, shoes, accessories. In โLa Islaโ you can buy jewelry, original souvenirs, luxury cosmetics. On the territory of the shopping complex there are restaurants with national cuisine, a cinema, an interactive aquarium.
The shopping center consists of two-story buildings built according to the canons of Venetian architectural styles. Numerous canals, bridges, floating gondolas with passengers only reinforce the feeling that a certain magician has transferred a piece of the Italian city to the New World. The mall is recognized as one of the most popular family vacation spots in Mexico. For foreign tourists, โLa Islaโ provides the option of an accelerated tax refund for the purchase of non-food items.
Mercado Market 28
The flea market is located in the center of the city; it attracts tourists, lovers of antiquity from the countries of the New and Old Worlds. The marketplace is considered the largest in the city. It consists of several specialized markets, one of which is focused on the sale of fresh products, which is rarely mentioned in guidebooks.
Separate sites are intended for the sale of cosmetics, jewelry, European and Latin American branded clothing, antiques, products of local craftsmen, and cigarettes. On the territory of the market there are shops with shoes, souvenirs, masks, handmade dishes. Its infrastructure includes various cafes with national cuisine.
โMercado 28โ is aimed at tourists, which is reflected in the price level and knowledge of spoken English by the staff. Important advantages of the market: here you can bargain, get significant discounts, and not experience problems with currency exchange. However, a limited number of stores accept bank cards. Information about the possibility of non-cash payment for purchases must be clarified in advance with the sellers.
Market Mercado 23
Foreign tourists constantly confuse the vegetable market with another one โ a flea market, because the trading floors have the same name (and they are located nearby on the map). โMercado 23โ is distinguished by its smaller size, product range, affordable prices. Thrifty guests of Cancun, the townspeople prefer to buy fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, cheeses, spices, flowers, herbs and tinctures at this market.
Those who have a limited budget for souvenirs and the purchase of household items also prefer this trading platform. The market is located outside the hotel zone. Even beginners in the art of bargaining will be able to significantly reduce the initial price when dealing with Mexican sellers. The main thing: do not show your interest in buying a particular product.
The authentic atmosphere reigning in the market can be safely called festive. It does not have a scope, but it is homely and cozy. A visit to โMercado 23โ appeals to those who are interested in the daily life of ordinary Mexicans. Numerous cafes and eateries located in the market attract the attention of connoisseurs of local cuisine.
Coco Bongo Club
The nightclub is one of the top popular entertainment venues in Cancun and Latin America, known for its grandiose enchanting shows, which involve dozens of artists parodying movie stars, tightrope walkers, acrobats, musicians, singers, dancers. Coco Bongo has been operating for more than 20 years, during which time over 150 entertainment programs have been staged in it, the institution has branches in different states. The name of the club is borrowed from the American comedy film The Mask.
According to unofficial melons: Jim Carrey, who played the main role in the film, was and remains one of the co-owners of the institution. โCoco Bongoโ accommodates 1800 guests. Smoking, stay of minors in an institution is prohibited. Club tickets include alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. โCoco Bongoโ values โโโโthe reputation of a safe entertainment establishment: inspection of personal belongings of visitors at the entrance to the building, verification of personal data of customers are mandatory procedures.
It is forbidden to bring any drinks, narcotic, psychotropic substances into its territory. As for the show programs: they are designed for different tastes, replete with special effects, unexpected twists. The performances consist of improvisational and planned parts, built on the principle of a style mix, where the musical palette varies from classical, Mexican folk melodies to rock and roll, disco, techno.
Anthropological Museum
The Museum of the National Institute of Anthropology is not the only such institution in Mexico. In Latin America, museum buildings are located mainly on excavation sites. There is a museum with the same name in Mexico City.
The Cancun institution is considered a branch, but (due to the specifics of Latin American law) the museum in the resort town has considerable autonomy. Its management has the right to decide on the issues of storing and increasing the collection, organizing excursions, and distributing incoming financial resources. The Anthropological Museum is located in the center of the resort and is open seven days a week. In it you can learn a lot of interesting facts about the history of the city, region, state.
The museum is famous for its collections of photographs, sculptures, paintings by Spanish and local artists. More than 100 sites have been created to accommodate its exhibits. Particular attention of visitors to the expositions is attracted by household items of the Indians, skulls and masks, which performed ritual functions among the Mayans, Aztecs, Olmecs, ancient jewelry.
Arena for bullfighting
Bullfighting fans rush to the complex on buses and taxis every week on Wednesdays. According to Mexican traditions: in the performance of the arena, one bullfighter can fight two bulls at the same time, which makes the fights even more dangerous. The traditions of bullfighting, according to official historical versions, originated in Spain (Portugal disputes the right to be called the birthplace of fights with animals).
In Latin America, the first bullrings appeared in the 16th century. The basic rules for the battles of people with bulls in the Old and New Worlds remain similar. However, the Mexican bullfight seems more spectacular due to the introduction of show elements into it. Cowboys in wide-brimmed sombreros are the first to enter the arena in Cancun before the performance of the matadors; an incendiary male dance precedes the start of the fighting.
In Spain, Portugal, only bullfighters and service personnel are allowed access to the site with animals. Mexicans are not so strict about the special status of the arena: foreign tourists are allowed to participate in bullfighting. Every year, the services of professional bullfighters are gaining popularity in the city, who insure newcomers during fights and conduct training sessions.
El Meco
The archaeological zone is named after the city of the ancient Maya, located on this territory. Distance between downtown Cancun and El Meco: 8 kilometers. The city of the Indians was built on the coast approximately in the III century, the Mayans left here after 8 centuries. The main building of El Meco: a pyramid with a height of more than 12 meters. It performed religious and defensive functions.
There was a temple in the building, from a platform on the roof of the building, Indian warriors monitored the lagoon. The building is located on a hill, the locals call it in the Spanish way: โCastilloโ, which means โcastleโ. There is a version: originally El Meco was a fishing village, it was empty for 500 years and was revived due to its geographically advantageous position.
Until our time, 14 buildings for various purposes, including temples, have survived from the trading city of the ancient Maya. Archaeological research in the area is ongoing. The Mexicans believe that El Meco will still surprise and surprise with unique finds.
Viewpoint Torre Escenica
The 110-meter tower of the same name is made of metal; from its height, a stunning view of Cancun and its surroundings opens up. The observation deck belongs to the category of panoramic structures. It operates daily from morning to evening, allows you to see the city in natural daylight and nighttime artificial lighting.
Entrance to the observation tower is paid. The structure is recognized as the highest point of Cancun, it is invariably included in various tourist routes. Torre Escenica is not a static structure: it moves up and down around the axis of the tower. 60 people can be on the site at the same time. In some guidebooks, it is called an extreme attraction, which is not entirely true, because the cabin and lifting mechanism comply with modern American and European requirements for the safety of viewing platforms.
The Wax Museum
It is difficult to surprise anyone with collections of wax doubles of famous people, because there are similar sculptures in different parts of the world. Latin Americans were able to breathe new life into the classic concept of entertainment venues and attract tourist flow. The project cost $3 million to complete. The museum occupied an area of โโabout 700 square meters.
It was opened in 2016, its main collection currently consists of 100 figures placed in 23 themed rooms. Specialists from the Old and New Worlds worked on the creation of wax sculptures, investments for the construction and equipment of the museum were received from Brazil. Each room has an authentic atmosphere, specially selected music sounds.
The duration of the excursion program through the halls of the museum: 2.5 hours. In the building you can see the figures of athletes, politicians, musicians, actors. There are sections intended for children, where the characters of their favorite books and films are waiting for the children. The most popular among adults and young visitors are the expositions dedicated to the history of the Wild West, pirates, superheroes.
Ruins of El Rey
Distance from the city center to the archaeological zone of the same name: 25 kilometers. Near the object there is a huge number of hotels, which undoubtedly affects the attendance of the historical monument by tourists. People lived in this territory in the II and I millennia BC. The Mayan settlement can be bypassed in about 1.5-2 hours.
The name combines two words: โmaskโ and โskullโ. These were the first artifacts found during archaeological excavations. They are associated with the magical, religious rituals of the ancient Indians. The inhabitants of the settlement worshiped the god of the sun, as evidenced by the surviving fragments of ceremonial buildings. Ruins remained of the stone buildings, but special earthquake-resistant sites (they served as foundations) and wall paintings survived.
On the territory of the settlement were the tombs of the rulers of the Indians. โEl-Reyโ did not escape the fate of plunder by the European colonialists of America, black treasure hunters. Many locals believe in the cosmic origin of the first buildings of the mysterious ancient city. From time to time, information appears in the local press from eyewitnesses who saw UFOs in the excavation area.
Mayan Museum
The museum has been open to the public since 2012. Ironically, it was this date that European scientists, who were trying to decipher the ancient Mayan calendar, took as the time of the beginning of the Apocalypse. The building was erected in the hotel zone of Cancun, it was designed by Mexican and Dutch architects. There is an escalator inside the building, conditions for visiting the disabled are provided. The first level is reserved for cafes and office space, funds and exhibition halls are located above.
This layout is a tribute to practicality. Floods often occur in Mexico, which also affects the inhabitants of Cancun. On the first level there is an entrance to the archaeological complex โSan Miguelitoโ, where 40 structures built by the ancient Indians have been preserved. The funds store about 3500 items, the expositions occupy 3 halls and are regularly updated.
The first section is devoted to the history of the development of archeology in the state of Quintan Roo, the second โ to the Mayan culture, the third โ to the art of the Indians. The museum houses copies (replicas) of famous artifacts found in various parts of Mexico. Among its exhibits: the remains of an Indian woman who lived approximately 12 thousand years ago. There are versions that she was the wife of a nobleman, a wealthy citizen or a priestess.
interactive aquarium
Latin Americans and guests of the country call this entertainment venue one of the best in Mexico. The building is located on the territory of the shopping center โLa Isla Shopping Villageโ, it was opened in 2000, but even today it impresses with the size of its aquariums. In the tanks, conditions are created that are as close as possible to those in which marine life lives.
In the interactive aquarium you can see sharks, rays, piranhas, jellyfish, scorpions. The real favorites of the public are sea lions and dolphins. They are happy to pose in front of photo and video cameras, accept treats, play with visitors of all ages. For those who like to tickle their nerves, the institution offers the opportunity to feed the sharks โ under the supervision of the aquarium staff.
Swimming in such a pool is dangerous, you have to keep your distance from predators โ otherwise the fun will turn out to be extremely unpleasant consequences. A show with the participation of dolphins in the institution takes place daily. Visitors can swim with them between performances.
Ruins of Yamil Luum
An attraction on a hill between hotels traditionally attracts the attention of travelers. In the language of the ancient Maya, โyamil luumโ means: โhilly land.โ Fragments of two temples, Scorpion and Hand, have survived to our time. There are various versions of which of the Indian gods these pyramid-shaped structures are dedicated to, none of them has been recognized as proven.
Scientists find it difficult to determine the number of buildings erected on this piece of land in antiquity. The main archaeological excavations were completed in Yamil Luum in the first half of the 19th century. It can be unequivocally stated that this place was sacred, performed religious and defensive functions. The Maya knew a lot about the structure of the Earth, the Sun, and the Galaxy.
At one time they created โmeteorological servicesโ and lighthouses. The layout of the pyramids, including those built in Yamil Luum, allowed the air currents entering the structures to emit a loud whistle. When the sound, due to a change in the direction of the wind, acquired a special tone, this meant: a storm or hurricane was approaching.
The lights on the tops of the pyramids did not allow ships, travelers to go astray. With the help of small fires kindled on the hills, the Indians quickly transmitted information about the approach of the enemy.
Dolphinarium
The entertainment venue is popular with adults and children. It has 3 restaurants serving local and Thai cuisine. For those who do not want to swim, it will also be interesting to visit the dolphinarium, to look at moray eels, jellyfish, clown fish and other inhabitants of the seabed living in huge aquariums. The institution is allowed (for an additional fee) to feed the sharks.
The dolphin show lasts 40-60 minutes. After it, the audience can swim in the water with the animals. The Dolphinarium offers various training sessions, special educational courses, diving lessons, ecology lessons for adults and children. In the pool, visitors successfully master the skills of communicating with dolphins, getting a lot of positive emotions. In the options of the institution's services, photo shoots are provided.
Ventura amusement park
Ventura Park is family oriented. The complex is recognized as one of the best in Cancun and Mexico. There are several options for entrance tickets in the park, different levels of entertainment programs are provided, including the All Inclusive system. Ventura Park consists of 6 zones, it has its own beach.
On the territory of the park there are attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, bars, restaurants.
Dolphinarium, the underground world, where the atmosphere of a fantastic future reigns, is always popular with young and adult visitors. In one of the zones, conditions have been created for auto racing with all the attributes traditional for grand prix. For fans of roller coasters, special attractions have been erected.
Walking on rope bridges between centuries-old trees, parachuting, riding water slides and tubing are just a small part of the entertainment that the park offers. The complex contributes to the protection of wildlife. In its โAmazoniaโ part, natural conditions have been created for the habitat of reptiles, animals, birds and insects confiscated from poachers and smugglers.
Temple of the Scorpion
The construction is located on the territory of the ancient Indian settlement Yamil Luum. Entrance to it is free. The exact name of the temple in the Mayan language is not known to scientists. The Indians believed: one of the incarnations of the lord of darkness is a scorpion. Spider-like creatures were revered. Scorpions symbolized courage, rebirth, the ability to survive in any conditions.
It is noteworthy that the Indians simultaneously attributed such a scorpion to the god of the Sun. He, according to ancient Mayan beliefs, rewarded people with fiery qualities, demanded bloody sacrifices to save life on Earth. The modern name of the temple will receive because of the wall paintings and figures of scorpions discovered by archaeologists.
Only part of the building, built of stones, has survived to this day. The top of the structure, according to historians, was made of wood. The restorers failed to recreate this level of the temple. The inner room with images of scorpions is open to the public. There are versions that it was in it that the Mayans made sacrifices.
Planetarium
The white building is inferior in size to its โcolleague from Mexico Cityโ, but the first one is homely. Capacity of the main part of the planetarium: about 100 seats. Its lecture halls are able to receive 2 times more visitors. The planetarium is an example of the use of energy-saving technologies, materials for construction, and the functioning of scientific facilities.
The building has a natural ventilation system, its design allows you to save energy without compromising the comfort of employees and visitors. In addition to the astronomical observatory, the planetarium has two museums, one of which is dedicated to water and its importance for life on Earth. The layout of the building provides for a conference room.
Citizens often come to the museum for the purpose of shopping: here you can buy eco-techniques from leading Latin American manufacturers. The planetarium is open to the public weekly from Tuesday to Thursday. On Friday, paid circles of archeology and natural sciences work in it.
tequila museum
Mexicans call a strong alcoholic drink a national treasure of their state. The Tequila Museum in the city opened in 2010. At the moment, there are several such institutions in the country. The Cancun Museum was the second in a row. It was decided to place it in the hotel zone in order to attract the maximum attention of city guests to unique expositions.
The townspeople joke that it would be more correct to name the museum in honor of tequila and mezcal, because the second drink is the progenitor of the first. Ancient Indians owned primitive technologies for the production of mezcal. Scientists believe that in Mexico, agave alcoholic beverages began to be made about 10 thousand years ago by indigenous peoples. The Spanish colonizers improved the technology.
However, the mass production of tequila in the country began with independence from Spain. The museum presents exhibits that tell about the history of the company โHerraduraโ (โHerraduraโ). It was founded in 1870 and was able to conquer the world market in record time. There is a tasting room in the building.
Pirate party โCaptain Hookโ
The entertainment tour program is popular not only among tourists. The townspeople are happy to join those who crave adventure, sea romance. Parties are held simultaneously on three galleons. The ships outwardly are exact copies of Spanish ships of the 18th century. One of them is called the Black Pearl (after the fictional galleon from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series).
Shows, weather permitting, are held daily. Traditionally, the tour starts at 19.00 local time. The party program includes an excursion, a disco, dinner, a meeting with the โenemy shipโ, firing from cannons, a naval battle between pirate galleons. The costumed performance lasts 3.5 hours. Children accompanied by adults can participate in the party.
Pyramids of Coba
To get from Cancun to the pyramids of the ancient city of Coba, it takes about 3 hours by car or bus. Koba is one of the names of the sun god, who was worshiped by the Indians. However, the name of the city has another interpretation. If you divide it into syllables, you get two words, they mean in translation: โcloudyโ and โwaterโ. Koba is built around lakes, where crocodiles still live today. The area of โโits main part occupies 70 square meters, but the complex of buildings is 2-3 times larger.
It is difficult for scientists to give exact data about the city due to the fact that the vast majority of it is overgrown with jungle. 45 roads led from Koba to different parts of Latin America, they delivered materials for the construction, decoration of the pyramids, and organized ceremonial processions. The height of the largest of them, to whose top visitors are allowed access: 42 meters. Pyramid Grupo Koba, on which climbing is prohibited due to the high risk of collapse of parts of the structure, is 22 meters lower.
The Mayan city dates back to the 1st millennium BC, but there are versions: the buildings and roads were built earlier (by a more developed civilization than the Indians). Each of the pyramids has its own name, unique architecture. In Kobe, there is also a site for a ritual sacrifice game. The priests deprived the captain of the losing team of the head, and she turned into a โballโ for the next competition.
Not all tourists believe in terrible stories, and literally every traveler strives to climb to the top of the pyramids. This process is very complicated, because the steps are small, steep, slippery due to the constant humidity of the air. If you do not hold on to the cables, it is almost impossible to get up and down without the risk of injury.
Tulum
This name is given to the modern settlement, the archaeological zone and the beach. Distance from them to Cancun in a straight line: 120-135 kilometers. The town, the excavations, the place of rest are nearby, which often confuses foreign tourists, because the locals refer to everything with one word โ โTulumโ. It is translated from the language of the ancient Maya means โwallโ. According to various estimates, from 15 to 28 thousand people live in the settlement.
Most of them work in the service sector, many are residents of other Mexican states. The town has small markets, souvenir shops, bike and car rentals, gas stations. Distance from the city center to the beach area of โโthe same name: about 6 kilometers. There is also a beach near the ruins of Tulum. The archaeological zone covers the territory of the ancient port city. The building closest to the water is called the โCastleโ.
Its height is over 7 meters, but the foundation belongs to an older building. The castle offers a stunning view of the bay. The second most important attraction of Tulum: โTemple of the Frescoesโ. The building got its name in honor of the surviving wall images. The three levels of this building symbolize the worlds of the gods, living beings and the dead. The most famous of the artifacts found in the archaeological zone are the sculptures of the deities of the ancient Indians.
Xplor Extreme Park
It takes about an hour to get to the extreme amusement park by car or bus. Xplor started operating in 2009. Its attractions are designed for adults and children. The area of โโthe extreme park on the surface: 50 hectares. Caves and underground rivers, where entertaining routes are laid, occupy about 8 hectares. The park has entertainment programs: day and night. It is not divided into thematic zones.
In Xplor, there are 4 categories of courage tests, from which visitors can choose any, several or all. 13 descents are equipped for bungee flights (length of the route: 4 kilometers), towers are installed along its entire length, whose height varies from 8 to 45 meters. A 10-kilometer track has been created for cross-country buggy trips.
Traveling on wooden rafts along the underground river passes through mysterious caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The organizers of entertainment programs offer to overcome another route by swimming. Its length: 400 meters through underground caves, where visitors will see the skeletons of dinosaurs. The park operates on an All Inclusive basis: it provides transfer services, meals, access to all attractions, photo and video recording of the exciting adventures of Xplor guests.