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Are you planning a trip to Cancun and looking for a more personalized private tours
Alltrips is a reputable tour company that specializes in creating customized itineraries for visitors to Cancun tours. Their private tours allow you to experience the best of Cancun without the crowds and hustle and bustle of typical group tours.
One of the biggest advantages of a private tour is the flexibility it offers. You can tailor the tour to your interests and preferences, and there is no need to adhere to a strict schedule or itinerary. Whether you want to explore the city’s historical landmarks, enjoy the stunning beaches, or indulge in some authentic Mexican cuisine, Alltrips can create a tour that meets your specific needs.
Another benefit of a private tours in Cancun is the opportunity to interact with a knowledgeable and experienced local guide. Alltrips’ guides are passionate about sharing their love of Cancun and its rich culture with visitors. They can offer insights into the city’s history and culture that you might not get from a guidebook.
Alltrips offers a variety of private tour options to choose from. Some of their most popular tours include a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza tour, a boat tour of Isla Mujeres, and a snorkeling excursion in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. All of their tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about navigating Cancun’s busy streets.
If you’re looking for a more personalized and intimate way to explore Cancun, consider booking a private tour with Alltrips. With their knowledgeable guides and flexible itineraries, you’re sure to have a memorable and unforgettable experience in this beautiful city.
Visit: https://alltrips.mx/
SOURCE BLOG: Are you planning a trip to Cancun and looking for a more personalized and intimate way to explore the city? Private tours offered by All trips may be just what you need. – Alltrips (wordpress.com)
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Temple of Kukulcán, Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico (photo by Alex Korolkovas)
#Kukulcan#Chichen Itza#Mayan#ancient ruins#archeology#stars#nature#night#Yucatan#Mexico#travel#photography#history#architecture#landscape#vacation#sky#beauty-funny-trippy#pyramids#pyramid#Maya#Mesoamerica#temple#Kukulcán#Yucatán#Chichén Itzá#Alex Korolkovas
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Adela Breton (British, 1849-1923), Ruins at Chichen Itza, Yucatan Mexico (East facade of Monjas), 1902, watercolor.
[digitally enhanced]
#adela breton#20th century#women artists#chichen itza#mexico#prehispanic mayan#mayan ruins#watercolor
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Mayan ruins
Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, México. July 2017. Photo by M. Lucero.
#chichen itza#mexico#caribbean#tropical#mayan#ruins#pyramid#sculpture#precolonial#precolombian#mesoamerica#photo#photography#photographers on tumblr#photography on tumblr#2017#original photography
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Finding the Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico
Many of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico are found in the Yucatan Mexico tucked into the jungle and along the coast. We love learning about the history and culture of the places we travel. If you are traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, we highly recommend taking the time to visit some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico.
While you likely think of lazy beach days…
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#chichen itza#coba ruins#cozumel#mayan architecture#mayan culture#mayan history#Mayan Ruins#Mexico#mexico culture#travel tips#tulum ruins#Yucatan Peninsula
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Happy birthday to this gal! 🎉💙 (And yes, June’s birthday is in June 😂)
#june brown#original character#oc#birthday art#birthday girl#mexico#mayan ruins#cancun#chichen itza#digital art#my art#sapphire.exe
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Experience Mexico’s unique culture and storied history with a semi-private guided tour. Explore the seaside ruins at Tulum, wander through the iconic shrines and pyramids at Chichen Itza, and swim in the clear waters of Mexico’s famous cenotes.
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Ruins of Tulum, state of Quintana Roo, Mexico
Tulum is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city which served as a major port for Coba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned. One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.
The site might have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise. Tulum stands on a bluff facing east toward the Caribbean Sea. Tulúm is also the Yucatán Mayan word for fence, wall or trench. The walls surrounding the site allowed the Tulum fort to be defended against invasions. Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub, especially for obsidian. From numerous depictions in murals and other works around the site, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending god.
Tulum was first mentioned by Juan Díaz, a member of Juan de Grijalva's Spanish expedition of 1518, the first Europeans to spot Tulum. The first detailed description of the ruins was published by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in 1843 in the book Incidents of Travel in Yucatan. As they arrived from the sea, Stephens and Catherwood first saw a tall building that impressed them greatly, most likely the great Castillo of the site. They made accurate maps of the site's walls, and Catherwood made sketches of the Castillo and several other buildings. Stephens and Catherwood also reported an early classic stele at the site, with an inscribed date of AD 564 (now in the British Museum's collection). This has been interpreted as meaning that the stele was likely built elsewhere and brought to Tulum to be reused.
Work conducted at Tulum continued with that of Sylvanus Morley and George P. Howe, beginning in 1913. They worked to restore and open the public beaches. The work was continued by the Carnegie Institution from 1916 to 1922, Samuel Lothrop in 1924 who also mapped the site, Miguel Ángel Fernández in the late 1930s and early 1940s, William Sanders in 1956, and then later in the 1970s by Arthur G. Miller. Through these later investigations done by Sanders and Miller, it has been determined that Tulum was occupied during the late Postclassic period around AD 1200. The site continued to be occupied until contact with the Spanish was made in the early 16th century. By the end of the 16th century, the site was abandoned completely.
Tulum has architecture typical of Maya sites on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. This architecture is recognized by a step running around the base of the building which sits on a low substructure. Doorways of this type are usually narrow with columns used as support if the building is big enough. As the walls flare out there are usually two sets of molding near the top. The room usually contains one or two small windows with an altar at the back wall, roofed by either a beam-and-rubble ceiling or being vaulted. This type of architecture resembles what can be found in the nearby Chichen Itza, just on a much smaller scale.
Tulum was protected on one side by steep sea cliffs and on the landward side by a wall that averaged about 3–5 meters (9.8–16.4 ft) in height. The wall also was about 8 m (26 ft) thick and 400 m (1,300 ft) long on the side parallel to the sea. The part of the wall that ran the width of the site was slightly shorter and only about 170 meters (560 ft) on both sides. Constructing this massive wall would have taken an enormous amount of energy and time, which shows how important defense was to the Maya when they chose this site. On the southwest and northwest corners there are small structures that have been identified as watch towers, showing again how well defended the city was. There are five narrow gateways in the wall with two each on the north and south sides and one on the west. Near the northern side of the wall a small cenote provided the city with fresh water. It is this impressive wall that makes Tulum one of the most well-known fortified sites of the Maya.
There are three major structures of interest at the Tulum archaeological site. El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.
Among the more spectacular buildings here is the Temple of the Frescoes that included a lower gallery and a smaller second story gallery. The Temple of the Frescoes was used as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun. Niched figurines of the Maya “diving god” or Venus deity decorate the facade of the temple. This “diving god” is also depicted in the Temple of the Diving God in the central precinct of the site. Above the entrance in the western wall a stucco figure of the “diving god” is still preserved, giving the temple its name. A mural can still be seen on the eastern wall that resembles that of a style that originated in highland Mexico, called the Mixteca-Puebla style, though visitors are no longer permitted to enter.
The Temple of the Descending God consists of a single room with a door to the west and a narrow staircase that was built on top of another temple that served as its base.
In the niche located at the top of the door stands a sculpture that’s found throughout Tulum. He has wings, a headdress and holds an object in his hands.
Also in the central precinct is the Castillo, which is 7.5 m (25 ft) tall. The Castillo was built on a previous building that was colonnaded and had a beam and mortar roof. The lintels in the upper rooms have serpent motifs carved into them. The construction of the Castillo appears to have taken place in stages. A small shrine appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes. This shrine marks a break in the barrier reef that is opposite the site. Here there is a cove and landing beach in a break in the sea cliffs that would have been perfect for trading canoes coming in. This characteristic of the site may be one of the reasons the Maya founded the city of Tulum exactly here, as Tulum later became a prominent trading port during the late Postclassic.
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North Star Series
Chapter 12 - The Letter
Warnings: cursing, child abandonment, feelings of inadequacy
Summary: Y/N receives some surprising news from her mother. Depressed Y/N, protective, sweet George.
Start Here:
Y/N's note told him where to find her. She was sitting by the Black Lake, poking at the dirt with a stick. He sat down beside her, his pulse quickening when he saw her puffy, red-rimmed eyes. 'Ok, who's ass am I kicking?' George wondered.
He pushed a strand of hair from her face. She scooted closer to him and handed him the letter.
"I'm such a fucking idiot," she uttered.
~•~
Earlier that morning at breakfast
Y/N sorted through the letters she'd received in the post that morning.
"Hey, look," Y/N showed George a postcard with a pyramid on it and the words, Chichen Itza. "Grandma's on another cruise."
"Didn't she just get back from one?" George chuckled.
"Yep, a Christmas cruise to the Bahamas." She smiled, continuing to read the postcard. "Says they went to the Yucatan and got to tour the Mayan ruins. Very cool."
After her granddad's death, her grandma continued to take care of their small apiary business for a few more years, before retiring to Key West with a couple of her widowed friends. Y/N said they were the real life Golden Girls. George had no idea what that meant, but it was apparently a good thing.
Several minutes later, while he was talking with Fred, he heard Y/N sigh. 'Oh dear.' He knew that sigh. "What is it, love?" He asked, turning back to her, his hand squeezing her thigh.
"Mother." She held up the envelope before shoving it in her backpack. "I'm not in the mood for her nonsense right now. I'll read it later.
~•~
"Damn," George said, folding up the letter.
"Yeah."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer. "You're not ok with this at all." It wasn't a question.
She shook her head, still poking at the dirt. "I convinced myself I didn't give a shit about my parents or what they did to me. Turns out I've been lying to myself the whole time. Because I do care. Way too much. And I hate it." Her hands shook as she pulled a photo from the envelope and handed it to George. "She could barely be bothered to spend five minutes with me. And now here she is, so fucking excited to be adopting her new husband's kids."
The photo was the epitome of the picture perfect family. Maybe a little too perfect. Gleaming smiles, hair perfectly coiffed, their clothes immaculate. He was about to mention it, when Y/N spoke again.
"I just can't help but wonder if my father is out there somewhere being the doting dad. Blissfully doing all the things he never wanted to do with me." She shoved the stick harder into the ground, breaking it in half.
"What's so great about them?" She gestured to the three kids in the picture. "And what was so wrong with me, that I mattered so little to them?" Y/N shoulders sagged as she curled into herself. "I guess I just wasn't enough of whatever they wanted."
George's grip on her tightened.
"No."
His commanding tone shocked Y/N out of her downward spiral. "No? I don't--what do you mean?"
"Fuck'em. Fuck both of them. That's what I mean. It's not your fault your idiot parents were too stupid to realize the treasure they had in you. You are enough, Y/N. Enough for yourself and enough for me. To hell with anyone else." He caressed her cheek, his voice softening. "So, no. You will not blame or belittle yourself. I won't allow it."
A bemused grin spread across her face. "I love your determination, Georgie, but do you really think you can silence that little voice inside my head?"
"Yeah, I do." He pulled her onto his lap. "Because I am the George Weasley and you are mine. I refuse let anyone make you feel like you're anything less than the Goddess you are, including yourself," he replied, a plan formulating in his mind.
'I don't know what I did to deserve this boy, but I'm glad I did it,' Y/N thought as she relaxed into his embrace, smiling in spite of herself.
~•~
*If you'd like to be added to the taglist, let me know*
~•~
Next Chapter:
#george weasley x fem!reader#george weasley x reader#george weasley x y/n#george weasley x you#george weasley
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Chichen itza mayan ruins | Alltrips
About the Maya ruins
Chichen Itza, one of the largest Maya cities, is synonymous with the Maya civilization. The city is located in the present-day Mexican state of Yucatan. The Maya city reached its height around 600 AD. After that, the city was abandoned. The city was rediscovered by the Spanish in the 16th century. The city has since been a source of fascination for historians and archaeologists. Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities. The site of Chichen Itza is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The chichen Itza Mayan ruins of the city are a popular tourist destination. Tourists can explore the ruins of temples and palaces. They can also learn about the Maya civilization at the on-site museum.
Chichen Itza pyramid
Chichen Itza is a Mayan ruin located in Mexico. The Chichen Itza pyramid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mayan ruin of Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The site is about 2 hours from Cancun and about 3 hours from Merida. Chichen Itza was a major city of the Maya civilization. The Maya civilization was one of the most advanced civilizations in the ancient world. The Maya were experts in astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. The pyramid at Chichen Itza is the most famous structure at the site. The pyramid is also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. The pyramid is about 24 meters tall. The pyramid has stairs on all four sides. The stairs on the north side of the pyramid are the widest. The north side of the pyramid also has a carved image of a snake. Chichen Itza was a major city of the Maya civilization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are a must-see for anyone visiting the chichen Itza tour from Tulum area. The Alltrips blog provides a great overview of what to expect on a tour of the ruins and highlights some of the most interesting aspects of the site. If you're looking for a comprehensive and informative guide to the Chichen Itza ruins, be sure to check out the Alltrips blog.
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Sonic’s Latin American Adventure (Part 1)
Most of you are probably familiar with Sonic Adventure.
While not being Sonic’s first, it was his first big successful jump into the world of 3D.
And although it has aged in terms of graphic and especially voice-acting, it’s gameplay and story is still fondly remembered by many.
But one element that I want to take about are the levels.
Sonic Adventure has some of the most iconic levels in the Sonic franchise.
But what some of you may not know were the real-world inspirations behind them.
Ever since the Genesis days, Sonic has drawn influence from our world for reference.
Carnival Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was inspired by the local carnivals that Sonic Team saw in San Francisco.
Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was inspired by Las Vegas, which Sonic Team took a trip to during its production.
And undoubtedly the most recognizable (and widely hated) level in the entire franchise Green Hill Zone from the game that start it all, was inspired by the rolling green hills and blue skies of California.
But when it was time to develop Sonic Adventure, Sonic Team wanted to go bigger than ever before and create more realistic worlds than before, thanks to the greater capabilities of the Sega Dreamcast.
One of the kind of new environments they wanted to do for Sonic Adventure were jungles with ancient ruins.
When creating levels for the games during the Genesis days, while Sonic Team did draw some influence from the real world, they mostly drew inspiration from movies and tv shows.
None of the team had ever seen any genuine ruins or jungles before, and tools like the Internet were way too primitive at the time for help.
So in order to make the environments of the game feel authentic as possible, Sonic Team took a nearly 3-month long trip through Central and South America.
They traveled to Mexico (specifically around the Yucatán Peninsula), Guatemala, and Peru.
And they not only took inspiration from the environments of those locations, but also the culture, history, and possibly even religion.
So today, I want to go into depth on the real-world inspirations for some of the levels and elements of Sonic Adventure.
So grab your adventure gear and some snacks, cause we’re going on a Latin American adventure!
Coming up first we have the very first level of the game, Emerald Coast.
When taking in the tropical beach environment, the seagrass thatched umbrellas scattered all over the place, forested cove and the resort at the beginning of the level, it’s safe to say that Emerald Coast was inspired by popular vacation spots such as Cancún and Tulum.
Next we come to the Mystic Ruins and Lost World.
These two locations are definitely the strongest examples of the Latin American influence.
They’re both clearly inspired by the ancient ruins of Mayan cities such as Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uaxactun, and San Gervasio, along with the jungles surrounding them.
Within the Lost World level, there’s a bit of a snake theme going on. From the torches, to the entrances, and there even being a giant stone snake moving around in the water section.
In Mayan culture, the snake was one of the most important animals, alongside the jaguar and the quetzal.
Snakes were seen as the vehicles by which celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, crossed the heavens on. The shedding of their skin made them a symbol of rebirth and renewal.
And although there were many sculptures of snakes, most of them found on pyramids, they were often used to represent an important deity in Mayan mythology.
But I’m gonna touch on that a bit later.
The history of the Mystic Ruins is also pretty accurate to the history of most of the Mayan cities.
As most of you probably know, the Mystic Ruins was originally the home of the Knuckles Clan.
But after it was abandoned for thousands of years, it eventually became overgrown with jungle.
That was basically the same thing that happened to the real-life Mayan cities.
After they were abandoned, the surrounding wilderness essentially claimed them.
For example, this illustration shows what Tikal might’ve looked like during the time of the Mayans.
And this photograph shows what it was like back in 1881.
Next we move on the second level of the game, Windy Valley.
When taking in the mountainous landscape and the stone structures (plus their appearance), it’s pretty clear that this level is a loose adaptation of famous Inca city Machu Picchu.
As for the next two levels, finding their inspiration was admittedly a bit tricky when considering the locations Sonic Team traveled to.
But after a lot of research, I think I found them.
Icecap from Sonic 3 returns as the fourth level in the game.
Although it’s inspiration is a tad tricky, I believe that it was inspired from the various snowy-peaked mountains of the Andes.
And for the final level, we come to Red Mountain.
This was probably the hardest level for me for find any possible inspirations for.
Admittedly, for the longest time I thought it was inspired by the tepuis of Venezuela.
And at first glance, you can definitely see the comparison.
Unfortunately, the only place that Sonic Team traveled to was Peru.
But then I remembered that Red Mountain had a bit of canyon look as well.
And after doing some research, I've come to two possible inspirations for the level.
These inspirations are Colca Canyon and Rio Marañón, two canyons located which not only have similar appearances to some of the geological features of Red Mountain, but also just so happen to be located in Peru.
Next we have is Sand Hill, and funnily enough, the history of the level actually involves its inspiration.
During the trip, one of Sonic Team's stop was the city of Ica. During their visit, they discovered the sport of sandboarding. It amazed them so much that they decided to include it as a mini-game for Tails.
As you could already tell, the location was inspired by Ica itself.
Well that's all I can share for now!
I've already reached the 30 image limit, so I can't show any more photos for this post.
So this is gonna be a two-parter. Along with that, it's gonna be much shorter than this one since I'll be covering that the last bit of info I wanted to share.
So stay-in tune for the second and final part of Sonic's Latin American Adventure!
#sonic the hedgehog#sonic adventure#latin america#mayan civilization#central america#south america#cultural inspirations
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Best Beaches of Mexico To Visit in 2023
Are you looking for an unforgettable beach vacation in Mexico next year?
With its pristine white sand, crystal-clear water, and tropical climate, Mexico is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches.
From secluded coves to bustling party spots, here are some of the best beaches in Mexico to visit in 2023.
Playa Sisal
Located on the Yucatan peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, this breathtaking beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports.
As well, Playa Sisal has turquoise waters that are crystal clear and pristine white sand that stretches up to two kilometers along the shoreline. It has numerous reefs that offer excellent spots for scuba diving and fishing.
Basically, the ancient city of Tulum is located just north of Playa Sisal and offers a glimpse into Mayan culture and history through its amazing archaeological sites and structures.
Tips: The best part about Playa Sisal is its incredible seafood. From grilled shrimp to fresh ceviche, you can enjoy mouthwatering meals right by the beach!
Cancun
Cancun is not just any barrier island off the southeast coast of Mexico; it's an absolute paradise packed with rich history and jaw-dropping beauty.
From the moment you step onto its beaches, you'll be entranced by the breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and golden sands that stretch for miles. But there's more to Cancun than just its beaches.
We highly recommend the tranquil and less crowded Playa Chac Mool for families or couples seeking solitude. Meanwhile, Playa Delfines offers the best opportunity to spot playful dolphins in crystal-clear waters.
But that's not all - you can also explore the underwater museum at Isla Mujeres, where you'll be mesmerized by the unique and awe-inspiring sculptures.
Playa Carrizalillo (Puerto Escondido)
Of course, you might want to escape the crowds and find a secluded and serene place to relax. Playa Carrizalillo is the perfect spot for that.
Tucked away in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, this crescent-shaped beach boasts turquoise waters and breathtaking views.
To reach Playa Carrizalillo, you must walk down and then back up around 155 stairs, but the journey is worth it. Once you arrive, you can relax on the soft sands and enjoy the beautiful views.
Tips: Playa Carrizalillo isn't just a beach for regular beachgoers; it's also a popular place for beginners and intermediate surfers to go surfing. Surfboards can be rented from one of the many surf shacks on the beach for 150 MXN per hour. You can rent shortboards, longboards, and bodyboards when you arrive.
Playa del Carmen beaches
Playa del Carmen is a beach town that has gained popularity recently for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history.
As you walk along the palm-lined beaches, you can't help but feel the cool breeze coming from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
The city was once a Mayan fishing village known as Xaman Ha, which means "waters of the North." It was a significant trading center and religious site for the ancient Mayan civilization. Today, you can explore the remnants of this ancient culture by visiting the Mayan ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza.
Tips: The fastest way to travel from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is via ferry, which will take 35 minutes to reach your destination.
Costa Maya
Costa Maya, located on Mexico's east coast, used to be undeveloped until a large pier was built, attracting a lot of beachgoers.
The region maintains a beautiful balance between traditional Mayan identity and modernity, making it a recommended beach for tourists.
Tourists can experience costumed Mayan entertainers, Mayan architecture, luxury shopping, beach clubs, and restaurants.
Divers should go to the underwater wonderland of Banco Chinchorro, and history buffs should check out Dzibanch, Kinich-Na, and Kohunlich, three underrated Mayan ruins in the area.
Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit
Punta Mita is a luxurious paradise located in the Mexican Riviera Nayarit, just a short drive away from Sayulita
What sets Punta Mita apart from other beach destinations in Mexico is the abundance of five-star hotels, luxury vacation rentals, and world-class golf courses.
Whether you prefer modern, minimalist, tropical, or rustic lodging, Punta Mita offers upscale oceanfront views that take your breath away.
Punta Mita Ocean Sports allows you to go sport fishing, kayaking, whale watching, surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and more.
Aside from the beach activities, Punta Mita has a bird sanctuary nearby. You can also explore recreational trails that abound in the landscape.
Playa Balandra (La Paz)
Playa Balandra is an stunning beach in Baja California Sur State, about one hour from La Paz, Mexico. Its crystal clear waters and brilliant white sandy beaches make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.
One of the most iconic features that make Playa Balandra unique is the "mushroom rock" on the beach's north side – it's a must-see!
Tips: due to its growing popularity on social media, it's essential to arrive early to secure a spot at the beach. Both the parking lots and the beach itself tend to fill up quickly,
Sayulita
This secluded beach is rarely crowded, so it's a great place to get away from the busyness of Playa Sayulita.
We all know it's also a great spot to catch the sunset, but be sure to have a secure way to get back to town after dark.
Sayulita is a sleepy beach village about 26 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta, known for its world-class beaches and water activities.
Surfing is a popular activity among locals, with Playa Carricitos being the mecca for experienced surfers and surf schools available for beginners.
Tips: To get to Playa Sayulita, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or book a private transfer from the airport.
La Lancha
Visitors to Playa La Lancha are greeted with an idyllic paradise of white sands and clear waters. It's the ideal spot for an adventure-filled getaway, offering both surfboard rentals and lessons and incredible photography opportunities.
Basically, the waves here are perfect for surfing but can be too strong for swimming. There's even a tree that provides a shady spot for photos.
Those looking to explore further can take a hike down from the highway, but do so with caution - the beach is located near swamps which can be home to crocodiles during certain times of the year.
Tips : Getting there is easy; visitors can take a bus or Uber straight to the OXXO convenience store nearby, park in the lot across the highway, and make their way over on foot.
Wrap Up
Now that you are familiar with some of the best beaches Mexico offers, it's time to start planning your 2023 vacation! Taking a trip to a beach paradise can be just what you need for a mid-year reset.
Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or spend some quality time with friends and family in a tropical paradise, these best Mexican beaches will make your journey memorable.
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I don’t know how much people care about my personal life on here. I am back from two weeks in Mexico. Got to do Día de los Muertos in Mexico, so that was cool. And I saw a ton of ruins and Mayan stuff.
I know you might think I went because of Talokan and Wakanda Forever coming out. That’s just a coincidence. I have wanted to go for awhile. We actually had a small Maya unit in my public US middle school. We had done “Voyage of the Mimi” (which is a weird 90s educational program starring young Ben Affleck, who my class mocked mercilessly). The first one is about whales and the second one is about the Maya, if I recall correctly. Mostly what I knew was they had cool pyramids and knew astronomical stuff.
I also read a book about Hernan Cortes and the conquest of the Aztecs that made me profoundly sad.
So yeah, I was interested but didn’t know much about the history itself. In fact, I discovered I was mixing up Tenochitlan (the Aztec Capitol, now Mexico City’s Centro, especially the Cathedral which is where the original pyramid was) and Teotihuacán (vast ruins outside of Mexico City proper) which made me feel dumb.
Teotihuacán is so BIG. I can’t express it really. We were there for half a day with a guide and we didn’t get to see half of it. These ruins are interesting because they are not quite sure which civilization built here originally. People kept living there well into the time of the Aztecs—when the Spanish arrived—so it’s kind of a place where cultures mix. So much stuff! Biiig.
We climbed the pyramid at Cholula. This is another one the Spanish gutted. They put a church, which is still there, at the top. There is some excavation going on around it. But mostly it’s a very high church and I did not enjoy how much I had to walk up. I am not good at inclines.
We also saw Mitla, which was a Zapotec site, but didn’t have a guide so I didn’t learn as much as I would’ve liked. We did meet a nice, elderly Zapotec man who showed us some weaving though. So that was cool.
Then we hauled our butts to Palenque, our first official Mayan site. It is FAR from anything. But we got a guide to take us hiking is the jungle around it first, to show us how much more there was left to uncover. He found a tiny obsidian blade and a shard of pottery while we hiked, and just put them in a little baggie full of other artifacts he had found, like it was NBD. Palenque was the one site that left me with the sense that more was waiting to be found. Unlike Teotihuacán and many of the other sites, the Palenque site was not in use after the fall of its civilization and the local people did NOT know it was there. So they have made cool discoveries of two tombs which were undisturbed. And the masks they wore were so cool. They also let us climb the pyramids (I only went up one because I don’t like climbing, as I said)
Only 2% of what LIDAR shows has been excavated. I really want them to keep digging! Am like ready to lend a hand if anyone knows about archaeology.
Next, we went to Uxmal, which is great if you want to see detailed carvings and artwork of the Maya. It’s quite intricate, and many other sites the stones weren’t in good condition even if they were still there. (Again, most of these structures may have collapsed or had vegetation growing on them, but the locals knew they were there. People had been in and out so there was often human damage.) It gave me more of a sense of what stuff would have looked like.
Then Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the modern world. Boy was it crowded. I joked to my sister that it was the only dig site with a Starbucks (joke’s on me though because Tulum had one too). I mean, the Castillo is very beautiful and big. There are also some smaller structures that have some good detailed reliefs, but not as many as Uxmal.
Finallu Tulum, the only Mayan site by the ocean. Very beautiful setting but also very crowded, especially considering this one is so much smaller than the others. The lookout structures (the “lighthouse”) were worth seeing because no where else has that, but everything else is relatively small and without .
One thing that is now confusing me about BP is that in the trailer M’Baku says Namor is called Ku’kulkan but they also call the country Talokan. Ku’kulkan is the Mayan feathered serpent god (Quetzalcoatl in the north). But then the city is Talokan, for Tlaloc (Chaac in the South). So which culture are they pulling from? Mexica or Mayan?
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New Seven Wonders of the World
Great Wall of China (China)
Built between the 5th century B.C. and the 16th century, the Great Wall of China is a stone-and-earth fortification created to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from invading Mongols. The Great Wall is actually a succession of multiple walls spanning approximately 4,000 miles, making it the world's longest manmade structure.
Christ the Redeemer Statue (Rio de Janeiro)
Sam Valadi via Flickr Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Art Deco-style Christ the Redeemer statue has been looming over the Brazilians from upon Corcovado mountain in an awe-inspiring state of eternal blessing since 1931. The 130-foot reinforced concrete-and-soapstone statue was designed by Heitor da Silva Costa and cost approximately $250,000 to build - much of the money was raised through donations. The statue has become an easily recognized icon for Rio and Brazil.
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Bruce Tuten via Flickr Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0
Machu Picchu, an Incan city of sparkling granite precariously perched between 2 towering Andean peaks, is thought by scholars to have been a sacred archaeological center for the nearby Incan capital of Cusco. Built at the peak of the Incan Empire in the mid-1400s, this mountain citadel was later abandoned by the Incas. The site remained unknown except to locals until 1911, when it was rediscovered by archaeologist Hiram Bingham. The site can only be reached by foot, train or helicopter; most visitors visit by train from nearby Cusco.
Chichen Itza (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico)
Pavel via Flickr Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0
The genius and adaptability of Mayan culture can be seen in the splendid ruins of Chichen Itza. This powerful city, a trading center for cloth, slaves, honey and salt, flourished from approximately 800 to 1200, and acted as the political and economic hub of the Mayan civilization. The most familiar ruin at the site is El Caracol, a sophisticated astronomical observatory
The Roman Colosseum (Rome)
Sam Valadi via Flickr Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0
Rome's, if not Italy's, most enduring icon is undoubtedly its Colosseum. Built between A.D. 70 and 80 A.D., it was in use for some 500 years. The elliptical structure sat nearly 50,000 spectators, who gathered to watch the gladiatorial events as well as other public spectacles, including battle reenactments, animal hunts and executions. Earthquakes and stone-robbers have left the Colosseum in a state of ruin, but portions of the structure remain open to tourists, and its design still influences the construction of modern-day amphitheaters, some 2,000 years later.
Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
Brandon Price via Flickr Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0
A mausoleum commissioned for the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was built between 1632 and 1648. Considered the most perfect specimen of Muslim art in India, the white marble structure actually represents a number of architectural styles, including Persian, Islamic, Turkish and Indian. The Taj Mahal also encompasses formal gardens of raised pathways, sunken flower beds and a linear reflecting po
Petra (Jordan)
Dennis Jarvis via Flickr Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 2.0
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1985, Petra was the capital of the Nabataean empire of King Aretas IV, and likely existed in its prime from 9 B.C. to A.D. 40. The members of this civilization proved to be early experts in manipulating water technology, constructing intricate tunnels and water chambers, which helped create an pseudo-oasis. A number of incredible structures carved into stone, a 4,000-seat amphitheater and the El-Deir monastery have also helped the site earn its fame.
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Chichen Itza Experience: Culture and Adventure
Chichen Itza stands as an enduring symbol of the ancient Mayans' ingenuity and cultural depth. Nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites visitors worldwide to explore its enigmas and admire its architectural splendor.
Unraveling History
A trip to Chichen Itza is like traveling back in time, revealing age-old secrets with each step. The majestic El Castillo, the central pyramid, ignites the imagination with its alignment to celestial events, reflecting the Mayans' sophisticated astronomical and spiritual insights.
Architectural Marvels
As you wander through Chichen Itza's hallowed grounds, you are met with a myriad of structures that demonstrate the Mayans' architectural and artistic prowess. The Temple of the Warriors, with its detailed carvings and statues, honors their military strength. Meanwhile, the Great Ball Court resonates with the sounds of ancient athletic contests, offering a window into Mayan ceremonies and sports.
Cultural Significance
Chichen Itza continually unfolds its cultural layers. The Observatory, or El Caracol, illustrates the Mayans’ intricate knowledge of the stars, while the Sacred Cenote symbolizes their spiritual ties to water and the underworld, with each monument narrating its own tale of the past.
Nature’s Beauty
The ruins are enveloped by lush vegetation and vivid tropical flora, forming a stunning scenic setting for exploration. A nearby cenote provides a tranquil retreat in its clear waters, perfectly complementing the historical allure of Chichen Itza.
A Journey of Discovery
As your visit concludes, the remnants of Chichen Itza's past resonate, prompting a reflective journey home. Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture aficionado, or simply curious, Chichen Itza leaves a lasting impression, fueling a desire for further exploration and cultural understanding.
Plan your private full-day guided tour with Best Maya Tours, exploring the marvels of El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court. Our knowledgeable guides enrich your visit with deep dives into Mayan history, culture, and architecture, ensuring a meaningful and personal journey through this captivating UNESCO site.
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