Native Trails MyTrails 2025 304 Yucatán 36 Exploration of the cenote Dzitnup Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Medium The Mayans believed that cenotes (sacred sources in the Mayan language) were the entrance to the underworld. When visiting the cenote Dzitnup, you can get an idea of this myth. Stalactite formations line the edge of the crystal clear freshwater lake, which is accessible via steep and wet stairs cut into the subterranean limestone. 37 Exploration of the cenote Ik Kil Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Medium The Sacred Blue Cenote – Ik Kil – is located just 2.7 km (1.7 mi.) from Chichén Itzá. A wide staircase leads down 25 m (82 ft.) to the crystal clear water. When the sun is high enough, the water turns turquoise and the steep rock walls of the cenote, which are overgrown with ferns and lianas, shimmer emerald green. On hot days you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the perfect natural pool. 38 Mayapán, the last great capital of the Maya Duration: 01:30 h · Level: Easy Mayapán was the last great capital of the Maya. The buildings in the center were modeled after neighboring Chichén Itzá, but are smaller and less sophisticated. Structures similar to the Pyramid of Kukulkán and the round temple of El Castillo were erected. The remains of artistic sculptures and wall paintings are worth seeing. 39 Visit to the Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché Duration: 02:30 h · Level: Easy Experience the fascinating world of Yucatecan cenotes at the Cenotes Hacienda Mucuyché theme park. The site offers guided tours through the restored Hacienda Mucuyché, followed by refreshing swims in the impressive Carlota and Azul Maya cenotes, which are connected by a picturesque water channel. The lush vegetation and crystalclear water create an unparalleled atmosphere. An unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. 40 Experience the archaeological site of Oxkintok Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy The buildings of the important ruined site of Oxkintok are divided into several groups and were erected in the famous Puuc style. During a tour through the ruins, you will learn, on the basis of the phases of construction of pyramids, altar platforms, steles, and other buildings, how this Mayan architectural style changed in the course of time. The earliest inscriptions date back to the period between 476 and 507 AD. 41 Calcexhtok Grottos Duration: 02:00 h · Level: Easy The Calcehtok grottoes are an intricate tunnel system about five kilometers long, located near the archaeological site of Oxkintok. Adventurers and climbers will get their money's worth in the vaults, which are up to 30 meters high. The name Calcehtok is Mayan and means "deer neck stone", going back to a stone with the image of a deer neck found at the site. You will explore the caves on partly narrow and adventurous paths with an experienced guide, admiring impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as archaeological relics found here, such as ceramic objects and weapons. With a little luck and depending on the time of day, you will also encounter different species of bats that make their home in the cave system. 42 Visit of the archaeological zone of Yaxunah Duration: 01:00 h · Level: Easy Connected with other towns of Yucatan via sacbés, surfaced Mayan roads, Yaxunah may have been a town on the border between two dominions. After a first heyday between 900 and 600 BC, it flourished again in the second half of the first millennium AD. Architectonically, several structures of the zone are reminiscent of the Puuc style, and a look at the stonecraft, e.g. at the main plaza, will make you discover similarities with neighbor sites.
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