Living in the Yucatan the last 6 weeks has been an experience like no other I've ever had. I've never lived in a place that was so dominated by water. Water seems to be central to everything here. There are lakes the size of counties, huge lazy rivers, and caves in the soft limestone filled with freshwater (called cenotes) that are perfect for a swim. The ocean is on one side of us and on the other is a massive mangrove swamp--Sian Ka'an. And the rain. The most raucous tropical deluges will appear out of nowhere on a seemingly clear day. This is a world dominated by water.
Part of the allure of Sian Ka'an mangrove park is floating with the current through the park in 2300-year old canals hand-dug by the Maya. The water is crystal clear and a perfect 80 degrees.
Naturally when our friends Kim and Sergio came to visit, a day of floating these canals was high on the agenda.
This big old guy in Akumal wants to say hello.
The Maya also had several forts and cities built along the coast, such as the old city of Tulum.
Not to be outdone, the Spanish began building their own forts (complete with a watery moat) to try to subjugate the indigenous populations. This fort in Bacalar dates to the early 16th century.
Though it remains a terrifying reminder of colonialism and genocide, today the Spanish fort is one of the most tranquil places you can imagine.
Erin surveys the view from the top of Coba, a set of Mayan ruins that soar above the surrounding mangrove swamps and jungle. This remains one of the tallest man-made structures in the southern Yucatan.
Admiring the Myuil Pyramid. Another ancient Mayan structure that rises out of the mangrove swamplands.
And when it's time to cool off after clamoring all over ruins, the local cenotes are pretty much perfect. Here, Erin snorkels into Sac Atun, an extensive underwater cave system complete with remains of prehistoric tapirs, extinct camels, and other animals.
Just another pre-work cenote dive. Our version of a weekday commute.
Easter Sunday on the Sian Ka'an coast.
Erin finds a perfectly-sized spot to wait out a light sprinkle.
Boat ride across Laguna Chunyaxche.
Light lunch on the shores of Lake Bacalar after sea kayaking on some pretty wild waters.
The old bridge on the way to Punta Allen, where Campechen lagoon drains into the ocean. We saw countless fish (including flying fish!) and crocodiles sunning themselves at this spot.
Did I mention that we are trying to swim in as many cenotes as possible?
Keeping an eye on things along the Sian Kaan coastline.
Even inland at Palenque, rain is a fixture of daily life. This Mayan city which dates back nearly 2000 years is by far our favorite set of ruins. The experience is rounded out by the terrifying screams of howler monkeys in the surrounding jungle and brilliantly-colored macaws swooping overhead.
This big old guy in Akumal wants to say goodbye.