Bacalar, Kohunlich & Cenote Azul

The week before we headed home, Ryan and I took another road trip through Mexico.  

This time we joined Ryan's mom and stepdad on a journey south.  
We took the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, then rented a car and made our way to Bacalar, stopping for lunch at a local market.
 

Later that afternoon we landed in quiant and quiet Bacalar.

The small town is rich with the history of Mayans, Spanish conquistadores and the real pirates of the Caribbean.
 
We spent one night on the lake at this adorable guesthouse in the "palapa room," with its thatched roof and cozy interior.  The view outside was pure paradise.

There wasn't much to do in Bacalar besides explore San Felipe Fort, walk the streets of the little town, and enjoy the naturally beautiful scenery.  That was fine with us.

 
 

We took advantage of as many local delicacies as possible.  Chilaquilles and huevos motuleños with fresh tamarind juice for breakfast; pastor tacos and queso fundido with Sol for dinner.

 

 

The next day we hit the road and stopped to visit the ruins of Kohunlich.

Later we stopped for a drink and swim at the massive Cenote Azul.  
{Micheladas=our new favorite drink!}
 

It was a whirlwind trip, but couldn't have been better.  

We really hope to explore more of Mexico when we have the chance.  
What a beautiful place.

Mexican Road Trip Part V: Ek Balam & Coba

.: Coba :.

Like Chichen Itza, Coba comprises a group of ruins where Mayans once lived.  The area is extremely spread out, requiring miles of walking through the shady jungle.  

Alternative transport is also an option. 

 

 

 

Outside the gates of Coba, a modern Mayan woman sold us pumpkin seeds and was kind enough to pose for a picture.

 

*  *  *  *  *

.: Ek Balam :.

The ruins of Ek Balam underwent excavation in the 1990s.  Work is still being done to the area where multiple buildings remain uncovered.  The ruins were small, but housed beautiful reconstructed carvings.

 

Read about Mayan civilization here.

Mexican Road Trip Part IV: Rio Lagartos

Rio Lagartos is a beautiful nature reserve.  The area is home to a variety of birds species and is famous for its flamingos.  We spent day three of our road trip heading up to the small fishing village to explore all it had to offer. 

We hired a boat and driver to take us through the mangroves where we spotted a crocodile, eagles, osprey, herons, pelicans, and spoonbills.
 

Our guide showed us a massive salt mine, with water so salty you couldn't help but float.   
We caught our first glimpse of the graceful birds we'd traveled so far to see.

The highlight of the ride was a drive out to flocks and flocks of beautiful flamingos.

 

It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

We drove through the quiet streets after our boat ride, and stopped for lunch on our way out of town.