Our journey through Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula began with an exciting private tour to the Ek Balam ruins and Cobá. We chose this adventure to walk in the footsteps of ancient Mayans and immerse ourselves in their rich culture. The experience promised to be both educational and awe-inspiring.
Our first stop was the Ek Balam ruins, an archaeological site older than Chichen Itza. We learned about the pure Mayan influence here, untouched by other cultures. The site’s shaded areas and well-preserved structures offered a glimpse into the sophisticated Mayan civilization. We climbed the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis, which served as both a royal residence and tomb. The view from the top was breathtaking, albeit a bit dizzying.
Key Takeaways
- We explored the Ek Balam ruins and other ancient Mayan sites, gaining insights into their rich culture and history.
- Our journey included diverse experiences from archaeological wonders to vibrant colonial towns and modern attractions like Xcaret Park.
- We concluded our trip with relaxation and wellness treatments at the JW Marriott Cancun, balancing adventure with luxury.
Setting Off on Our Private Excursion
We embarked on our private tour to the Ek Balam ruins, Cobá, and a colonial town. The journey from our hotel took about two hours. Our itinerary began with Ek Balam, followed by lunch in Cobá, and concluded with a visit to a quaint colonial town for shopping and sightseeing.
The Ek Balam ruins impressed us with their rich Mayan heritage. This ancient site predates Chichen Itza and boasts more authentic Mayan influences, untouched by other cultures. The ruins are well-shaded, offering a comfortable exploration experience.
At the entrance, we encountered a large circular structure representing the Mayan zodiac. Each of us received a necklace corresponding to our Mayan zodiac sign. We learned that the Mayan calendar consisted of 20 months, with one month lasting only 5 days.
The highlight of the Ek Balam ruins was climbing the main pyramid, known as the Acropolis. Standing 254 feet tall, it served as both the ruler’s residence and future tomb. The ascent was challenging but rewarding, offering breathtaking views from the top.
Choosing Living Dreams for Our Adventure
We selected Living Dreams as our tour agency for this excursion. Our guide, Yolanda, proved to be an excellent choice. She demonstrated flexibility in accommodating our preferences throughout the day.
Living Dreams designed a well-balanced itinerary that included ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and local culture. The tour allowed us to immerse ourselves in the history of the region while providing opportunities for shopping and relaxation.
We appreciated the agency’s focus on providing an authentic experience. At the Ek Balam ruins, we were able to walk in the footsteps of ancient Mayans, fulfilling our desire for a tangible connection to history. This hands-on approach to exploration was a key factor in our decision to book with Living Dreams.
Reaching and Discovering Ek Balam
We embarked on a private tour from our hotel to Ek Balam, Coba, and a colonial town. The drive to Ek Balam took about 2 hours. Our tour was structured to visit Ek Balam first, followed by lunch in Selva Maya, and ending with a stop in a small colonial town for shopping and sightseeing.
Initial Observations and Cultural Importance
Upon arrival at the Ek Balam ruins, we learned it predates Chichen Itza and has more Mayan influence. The site is well-shaded and represents pure Mayan culture before outside influences. Ek Balam’s significance lies in its preservation of early Mayan traditions and architecture.
At the entrance, we saw a large circular calendar depicting the Mayan zodiac. The Mayan calendar had 20 months, with one month lasting only 5 days. Each of us received a necklace representing our Mayan zodiac sign.
Ascending the Acropolis
We climbed the main pyramid at the Ek Balam ruins, known as the Acropolis. This structure served as both the ruler’s residence and his future tomb. The pyramid stands at an impressive 254 feet tall.
The ascent was challenging, with steep steps and dizzying heights. Two platforms flanked the sides of the pyramid. Upon reaching the summit, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Exploring Ancient Tulum
Tulum was the last Maya city to thrive before the civilization dispersed. Unlike some later sites, Tulum represents pure Maya culture before outside influences. Its coastal location offered natural protection and stunning views.
Key features of Tulum:
- Walled city overlooking the Caribbean Sea
- Well-preserved temples and buildings
- Evidence of extensive trade networks
- Vibrant painted murals inside some structures
Tulum’s architecture showcases classic Maya building techniques and religious symbolism. The site gives visitors a glimpse into daily life in a thriving Maya port city.
Exploring the Vibrant Colonial Town of Cobá
We arrived at Selva Maya Cobá, a stunning mansion-like restaurant that embodied the vibrant colors we associate with Mexico. The interior was filled with bright hues and unique decor, creating an atmosphere that matched our expectations of Mexican charm.
A vast buffet awaited us, offering a wide array of local dishes. The food was both delicious and piping hot, satisfying our hunger after a morning of exploration. The restaurant’s ambiance, combined with its delectable cuisine, made for a memorable dining experience.
After lunch, we ventured into the colonial town of Cobá. The streets were a feast for the eyes, lined with buildings painted in vivid colors that contrasted sharply with the eco-friendly aesthetics we had encountered earlier in our trip.
We strolled through the town, admiring the architecture and soaking in the lively atmosphere. A highlight of our visit was a striking sculpture featuring an open heart. While we couldn’t recall the exact story behind it, its presence added an artistic touch to our cultural exploration.
Our Time at Xcaret Park
We arrived at Xcaret Park after checking into the JW Marriott. The park offers numerous activities, making it initially overwhelming to choose. We opted for dolphin encounters, snorkeling, and the evening spectacular show with dinner.
Swimming with Dolphins
Our dolphin experience cost $130 per person, with a slight discount for Juliet. We were impressed by Juliet’s bravery as she held onto the dolphin’s fin. The kids fed and patted the dolphins, creating unforgettable memories. While we couldn’t use our own cameras, we negotiated a deal for the children’s photos, despite the high price of $300 for 12 digital images.
Underwater Adventure
We tried the Sea Trek activity, wearing heavy helmets that allowed us to walk underwater. Fish swam around us, creating a unique experience. Unfortunately, taking clear pictures or videos was challenging due to the underwater conditions.
Entertainment and Dining
Xcaret offers more than just water activities. We explored a Mayan village, a cemetery, and various other attractions. The park’s diversity meant our 12-hour visit flew by quickly.
For dinner, we attended the spectacular show. The meal featured small portions of various local, culturally-inspired dishes. While the adults enjoyed the two-hour performance of dances and music, the children eventually dozed off due to the late hour.
Unwinding at JW Marriott Cancun
We arrived at the JW Marriott Cancun late at night, exhausted from our day at Xcaret. The hotel surprised us—it wasn’t all-inclusive as we initially thought. Our Caribbean Suite felt warm and inviting. The living room opened onto a balcony, while the bedroom had its own balcony with a view. The bathroom featured both a shower and bathtub.
The hotel’s amenities impressed us. We enjoyed breakfast before exploring the pools. A series of swimming areas included a lazy river and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The beach access was convenient, and there was even a massage area nearby.
Memories from Our Mexican Adventure
Our trip to Mexico was filled with incredible experiences. We explored ancient Mayan ruins like the Ek Balam ruins, swam with dolphins, and immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture. The Ek Balam ruins stood out as a highlight, offering a glimpse into true Mayan history. The site’s age and preservation left us in awe.
We learned fascinating details about Mayan culture, including their complex calendar system and zodiac signs. Each of us discovered our Mayan zodiac symbol, adding a personal touch to our exploration.
