THINGS TO DO IN QUINTANA ROO AND YUCATÁN, MEXICO

Turquoise, deep blues and hints of aqua compile to create the Caribbean sea. Situated on the coast of Mexico, the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatán offer the traveller an array of areas to create wonderful memories in this sun drenched country. Here are four places that you can not miss while in Quintana Roo and Yucatán. 

Isla Mujeres: 

Located a boats journey away from the bustling city of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is 7 kilometres long allowing you to explore this small haven in three hours and via hired golf cart. Natural beauty oozes from the island, white sandy beaches and green, aqua water that is unbelievably clear. The vast expanse of Cancun’s hotels can be seen beyond the horizon and wealth is seen by mega yachts anchored meters off the shore. Whether it is swimming in the clear waist deep water, taking in the beauty while sipping a coconut (or a margarita), enjoying the wind in your hair as you zip around on a golf cart, walking amongst the artwork displayed on the tip of the island or indulging in a local meal at Mango Cafe - There is something for everyone. 

Tulum: 

The rugged twelve meter tall cliffs, brilliant white sand beaches and turquoise waters are home to the Mayan city and at the tip the Templo Dios del Viento (God of Winds temple) guards Tulum. While walking around the ruins you can’t help but to marvel in the construction by the Mayans as it is the only Mayan city built on the coastline. The Castillo is situated on the limestone cliffs and is the foreground of the Carribean coast. The Temple of the Frescoes is the best preserved building within the Mayan city and represents the world of the dead, the living, the creators and rain gods.

Chichen Itza: 

The Mayan built city was the central hub for Mayans during 600 - 1200 AD). El Castillo dominates the site by standing tall in the middle and when one claps the small room turns the clap into an echo of sound that leaves you thinking “how did they create a building that does that?” Not only that the Mayans built El Castillo so that during the spring and autumn afternoons the light casts a shadow that appears to be a serpent. Apart from El Castillo, one can marvel at the sight of the great ball court, temple of the warriors and Cenote Sagrado. 

Ik Kil Cenote: 

Ik Kil Cenote is one of the most photographed and popular cenotes amongst tourists in Mexico. This is demonstrated when one arrives and stares down to see an aqua colour water mystically surrounded by vines hanging down to the waters surface and waterfalls dancing amongst the rocks. Once you have descended down the slippery stairs, the sheer cliff face stares back at you. Standing on the edge you dive into 40 meter deep water, where black cat fish swim and thinking you are able to push off the bottom you suddenly realise you can’t touch it. 

All photos taken by Codie Shearer.