Use these navigation links to move between the Year 2023 pages.  Specific pages can be accessed at the bottom of this page

March 2023 (Part 03)

Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico: Day 3: Valladolid and Cenote Chukum

After our tour of Chichén Itzá, we started heading back east, stopping in the town of Valladolid, whose central square dates back to the colonial era.  Valladolid was founded by Don Francisco de Montejo "The Nephew" by the Chouac-Ha Lagoon (Long Water) on May 28, 1543.  It was moved from its original settlement location as the weather was humid and unhealthy leading to many settlers to fall ill.  They decided to move the site to the Mayan city of Zaci, whose name means White Sparrow Hawk and whose symbol is represented in the town's shield.  They destroyed and ripped down teh Maya town and erected a city on top along a classic colonial plan.  During much of its history, it was isolated and relatively autonomous, which allowed substantial exploitation of the Maya who were barred from entering parts of the city.  Consequently, during their revolt in the Caste Wars in 1847, the city became one of the first points of attack and was under siege for two months before the army finally overcame the occupation.  The town is now Yucatan's third largest city.

South to the central square is the Templo de San Servacio.  This imposing Catholic church with 2 bell towers was founded in 1545 & rebuilt in the 1700s.  According to Primo, the congregation was punished for continued idol worship by the Maya and the main entrance was forcible relocated to the north side.

We loved the "couples chairs" where you faced each other.

From there we headed to Cenote Chukum.  This cenote was leased by the tour company and had several high platforms to jump off and a zip line.  The cenote was 45 m (147.6 ft) wide and had 18 m (50 feet) of space between the roof and water, which was 20 m (60.6 ft) deep.  Surprisingly, the cenote had small fish, blind species of catfish and other type.  The water was also clearly saturated with minerals and smelled slightly sulphuric.  Primo noted that the locals who all use cenotes as their primary source of water are susceptible to kidney stones and will frequently use sugar in their water to help neutralize the minerals.

Andy delighted in doing laps to jump off all of the platforms.  The water was just above 70 deg year round, providing a nice cool dip ... once you made it in the first time.

There were three openings in the cenote roof.  The first was used as the entrance and the second allowed access to a high platform to see inside and take pictures, while the other provided a great beam of light.

Nancy headed up to the platform while the three of us tried to wave at her.

Here are some of the images from the GoPro

This large feature was labeled as a waterfall-shaped speleothem - a large speleothem caused by layers of calcium deposits that initially take the form of the underlying rock.  It occurs when a thin film of water flows over a wide surface, giving way to to the precipitation of the carbonated material.

Afterward, we rinsed off in outdoor showers which used a conch shell to direct the water.

Time to hit the hammocks before heading out.

We enjoyed a great dinner and then walked along the shore.  The full moon was spectacular, as everyone except Andy took pictures of it.

Here are some images at the Cenote clipped from the Nancy's iPhone video.  Here is Andy jumping from one of the ledges.  Next is Andy and Lexi on the zipline.  Lexi fell off pretty quickly.  What's funny is seeing Andy try to twist himself around to see here making it look like he's running on top of the water at the end.

Here is Lexi in the water and Andy making several jumps and flips.  He was having a little too much fun.  Glad we were on a private tour, as we could simply stay a bit longer and enjoy the cool water and neat setting.

Here are some images clipped from GoPro video.  Which mostly includes even more images of Andy jumping off every platform he could.

Here are Nancy and Lexi.  Unfortunately, the light was either too bright or too dark for most of the GoPro images.

Was really hoping these might turn out better.

Here is Andy on the zipline ... again.

I think this is the same zipline sequence Nancy filmed on her iPhone.

So this is what happens when you give a 22 year-old boy the Go Pro.  First he does a flip off a platform.  You know he's up to something when the tongue comes out.

He also did summersaults underwater and blew bubbles at the camera ... of course he did