Without a doubt, visiting the crystal clear waters of the Mayan
cenotes will be a unique, magical experience. Many consider this
trip to be the highpoint of their stay in Yucatan. We invite you
to live it for yourself.
Included:
Departure from your hotel at 9 am.
Transportation with A/C.
Specialized guide.
Snorkel equipment and life jacket.
Visit and lunch at Hacienda Ochil.
Bottled water.
Entrance fees.
Return to hotel at 5 pm.
A guide trained in water rescue, EMT and Scuba, will accompany
you during all the water activities while offering information on
these magical places.
No Included:
Beverages at Hacienda Ochil
Prices:
Price per person: $750 pesos.
Children under 2 years free.
Children 3 years and older pay full fare (we have children’s
equipment).
Recommendations:
Wear your bathing suit under your clothes, bring a towel and camera.
CENOTES
Among the distinguishing attractions of the State of Yucatan are
the cenotes, from the Mayan word dzonot, meaning “cavity of
water.” Cenotes are unique formations in the world, since
besides being the most important source of the fresh water in the
forests; they were also sacred places for the Maya, representing
the entrance to the spiritual underworld.
The Yucatan Peninsula lacks rivers and other surface waters as the
ground is limestone and very porous, Rainwater filters straight
through penetrating cracks, forming caves and cenotes. Nevertheless,
the limestone surface often sinks, reveling natural fresh-water
deposits and allowing us a glimpse of the spectacular landscapes
of the underground waters: green, crystalline or turquoise, in configuration
with stalactites and stalagmites they form veritable works of art,
well worthy of admiration.
By tradition, cenotes are distinctive insignia of the natural Yucatecan
landscape. Sunlight filtering through the cracks in the rocks and
projecting onto the transparent water is a visual banquet for nature
lovers.
Cenotes vary in size and shape according to their location. They
can be as irregular as the sunken ground which makes them possible.
Some are open in the form of a lake or pool; others cenotes, are
half hidden in the caverns; still others cenotes are completely
enclosed save for the sprinkling of sunlight through the cracks
above; and some are only accessible by trailing underground passages.
Although no two forms are alike, it can be said that cenotes share
certain characteristics. The water is cold since it emerges from
underground deposits. It is clear and rich in flora and fauna giving
rise to an ecosystem in almost perfect balance, and spectacularly
beautiful.
For many years the cenotes of Yucatan have been the object of speculation
and legend, since they played a determining role in the development
of the Maya civilization. Immense communities grew up around them,
making them the hub of the city. An abundant quantity of offerings
and jewelry has been recovered from the floor of the cenotes, apparently
thrown into the depths after human sacrifices. Ceramic remains and
utensils destined for religious ceremonies have also been found.
As well as their exquisite natural beauty, cenotes have an important
archaeological value and are perfect for ecotourism activities,
such as cave diving, Submerging and penetrating the caver depths,
exploring sub aquatic galleries, and finding your way through the
labyrinth of underwater tunnels is a unforgettable experience for
any enthusiastic. Besides diving and generally getting to know the
place, there´s also rappelling, and swimming to enjoy, while
you take in the beauty and mystery which has taken nature millions
of years to shape.
Without doubt, a visit to the clear waters of Mayan cenotes is an
experience so different that you are suddenly spirited away into
a magical world of unreal beauty…
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Contact: Mayan Ecotours
Calle 80 No. 561 X 13-1, Col. Residencial Pensiones 6a. Etapa
C.P. 97217 Mérida, Yucatán, México
Tel./fax (999)987 37 10, cel. (044 999) 243 14 89
E_mail: info@mayanecotours.com
Chat: mayanecotours@hotmail.com
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