7 days in Paradise- Day 4

Day 4 (Wednesday Aug. 5th)

We started off this day at 5:30am and kept going for next 16+ hours. We jumped in the car a little after 6am and headed for the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza. We were able to take a toll roll for 99% of the trip and maintain a pretty good rate of speed. The only time we had to slow down was for the toll booths, people riding bikes in the wrong direction on the road, and a few stray cows. After 2 1/2 hrs. of driving across the Yucatan Peninsula, we arrived at our destination.

The toll road

The toll booth

Traci enjoying the ride. The Jolly Ranchers - not-so-happy after sitting in the sun

We we were approached by several of the locals offering their services as a tour guide. Based on the research that Michael conducted, it was recommended that we wait until we get inside as we could find one cheaper. The plan was to walk around until we heard a "PSST" and then we would get the deal of a lifetime. As we wandered around looking for our deal, we were accosted by several people trying to sell us their wares and were approached by an older man with a cane who waved a newspaper at us and said something in Spanish. We ignored him and continued to look around like lost puppies. Finally, we made a decision to go back to the main entrance and grab a guide. As we were leaving, the paper wielding man said "You need a guide?". And so the negotiations began. He offered to take us around the old and new sections and spend no more than 2 1/2 hours with us for $500 pesos (about $40 U.S. dollars). We agreed and our tour began.

We made it

Ernesto our tour guide

The High Priest Temple

Bill and Traci in front of the temple

In front of the observatory

There were lots of Iguanas around

Incredible

Seated in one of the ruins

See the snake head at the top?

The Tiger and the Eagle

The temple of the Warriors

See the face in the mouth of the snake?

The Rain Gods

The Castle

A Cenote

Skulls everywhere

The Great Ball Court

Put a rubber ball through the hole, you win and you die... Congratulations!

A distant view of the Castle

Enjoying the view

One last photo on our way out

Our guide, Ernesto, had been in the touring business for 48 years and did a great job explaining the history of the Mayan people. He stopped at every pile of rock, wall and temple and explained the significance of the structure and pointed out details that would definitely have gone unnoticed. 4+ hours later, our tour wrapped up and Ernesto went on his way to find another group of tourists to show around. If you make it to Chichen Itza, I recommend going early before the sun or crowds show up.

Our next stop was about an hour away and it was a restaurant that was recommend by a fellow traveller on line. There is a restaurant that overlooks Cenote Zaci that is in Valladolid. The ambiance of the restaurant was pretty cool but the food was average at best.

Unfortunately, we were unable to climb any of the ruins at Chichen Itza as someone slipped and died a few years ago. Coba was on our drive home and we could climb to our hearts content. In order for us to get to Coba, we had to take a different route that was a single lane highway and wound through several small towns. As luck would have it, it began to rain very hard and we wound up behind several slow vehicles. There were several signs that indicated that you should not pass; however, being in Mexico, is was more of a recommendation. Needless to say, we started passing a truck and Michael stepped on the gas to ensure we made it around the truck and not into the dashboard of the oncoming traffic. The second he applied the gas, the tires spun and my life started to pass before my eyes. NOTE: Never ever try to pass a truck in the rain with bald tires on a two lane highway where people do not obey traffic laws. :-)

After another hour of driving, the rain let up and we reached the ruins of Coba. We paid the entrance fee and were notified that they closed at 5:30. We had about an hour to get to our ruin, climb it and get back to the main gate... how hard could that be? We tried to rent a bike but they said it had to be in 30 minutes before closing time and they knew we wouldn't make it. So, we started on our speed walking journey. We found a sign that pointed to the "Grande Temple" and indicated that it was 2 Kilometers away. As we neared the temple, Michael agreed to stay at the bottom and take pictures as we all raced to the top and then I would take some when he started his climb. We spent a few minutes enjoying the view and then descended to begin our 2 Kilometer walk to the front gate. We made it with time to spare and were completely wiped out from the walk and climb.

Map of Coba

The ruins

We begin our ascent

Almost there

Michael and Catherine at the top

We made it too :-)

Going down

Traci and Bill

A gorgeous walk back

We arrived back at our resort about the time it was getting dark and were ready to relax. It was a full moon and we couldn't think of a better way to enjoy it than to chill out in the pool.

Day 5, we go snorkeling

Bill and Traci