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Travelogues
In an attempt to explore the historic lands of the Maya, we landed in
Cancun which is probably the quickest and easiest way to get into this
part of Mexico. Cancun of course is a party town, crass and commercial,
and caters to the needs of the free spirit. We set base in Cancun, which
is slowly limping back to life after the wrath of Hurricane Wilma and
proceeded to the somewhat laid back town of Playa Del Carmen, a short
drive on Hwy 307. A quick trip to the sandy beach followed by a
leisurely stroll on Fifth Avenue which is closed to traffic, offered us
ample opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful
town. The multitude of small shops selling trinkets and handicrafts is
enough to keep you hopping as you mingle with the locals and practice
your limited vocabulary of Espanol, although most of the shopkeepers
speak reasonably good English. Around dusk, the place takes on a festive
atmosphere with music and lights. |
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The
next day we hopped on a ferry to Isla Mujeres, the island of women on
the Caribbean Sea, a few nautical miles from Cancun. The beaches here
are much more pristine and the island was infested with buccaneers and
pirates once upon a time. The highlight of the day was ‘snorkeling’ in
the coral reefs of the Caribbean, part of the El Garrafon ecological
parks and it was absolutely awesome to see the coral reefs and swim with
the large variety of splendidly colored fishes. Having done some of the
things that a typical tourist to Cancun would, we set off on the toll
highway 180 to Chichen Itza, one of the most well known Mayan ruins. The
toll highway is the best way to get there by car and the maximum speed
limit is 110km/hr (65mph). While the roads are well maintained, there
are no exits, rest areas or gas stations for miles. However the toll
stop offers some respite. 
Chichen
Itza was founded at the height of Mayan civilization during the golden
Classic era circa 25-950 AD. Abandoned and forgotten for centuries after
the Spanish invasion, the ruins were first discovered in the early 19th
century by Stephens and Catherwood. The illustrations of the
gifted Catherwood in the Lost Cities of the Maya are so lifelike,
that it reminds one of a scene from Kipling’s Jungle Book. Upon arriving
at the site, the sheer beauty and magnificence of the El Castillo is too
awesome to describe in words. Also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan,
the wind god, this pyramid that appears to touch the heavens is not only
awe inspiring, but has a deeper significance.
