When you choose to vacation on Mexico’s eastern coast, you will discover that the area is home to a great variety of features including 5 star resorts, world-class dining, outdoor activities galore and some of the planet’s most gorgeous beaches, complete with glittering white sand and turquoise water. However, one of the biggest highlights of visiting this spectacular region is experiencing the rich cultural history of the ancient Mayan empire. Scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula are several sites of former cities and temples filled with ruins to explore, as well as mystical underwater pools called cenotes found in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, where the ancient civilization believed they could communicate with the gods.
Natural Wonders
Beginning millions of years ago, these subterranean groundwater pools were formed when sea levels dropped drastically to expose miles of coral reef and gradually rose once more, filling empty tunnels and caves with water. Cenotes are home to fascinating geological formations as well as a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna. Mayan for ‘sacred well’ or ‘cave filled with water’, cenotes are an amazing entrance to a surreal underwater escape in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.
Sian Ka’an’s Sacred Sinkholes
Because cenotes provided the Mayans with crucial freshwater during difficult summers and periods of drought, they were accurately thought of by their society as life givers. Thus the reason they chose to build many of their cities near the entrances to these sinkholes. This is also why they worshipped the rain gods whom they believed resided within the cenotes and performed ceremonies to honor them. The Mayans thought of the cenotes as a gateway into another realm where they were able to communicate with the gods and ask for their consent to travel through the regions they cared for and defended.
Cenote Adventures
At the Sian Ka’an Village, you will find a knowledgeable staff who will be happy to let you know when tours and excursions are available, as well as pricing information. Visiting the local cenotes is a wonderful way to explore this magical, ancient realm where you can become as familiar with it as you like. You will discover a breathtaking collection of flora and fauna in addition to amazing naturally developed geological formations no matter the method you choose to tour, from snorkeling to kayaking to diving straight into the water and swimming around.
Once you experience the dazzling cenotes near Sian Ka’an for yourself, you will realize why the Mayans were so fond of these underwater getaways which showcase the powerful beauty Mother Nature has to offer.