Leaving 'Julia Max' in Puerto Isla Mujeres, we took ferry/bus/taxi to Valladolid and Rio LaGartos. The first day we went to Chichen Itza, probably the most famous Mayan ruin. A temple that has been beautifully reconstructed, along with associated buildings, ball court, market and grounds. Our guide, Antonio, a Mayan himself, spoke very good English. Certainly proud of his heritage, I thought it was interesting he is taking math and astronomy classes from the university in Mexico City. We were intrigued that he had practiced and played on the Mayan ball court at one point during his youth. Gruesome game, however. Another day we took a bus to Coba, another Mayan temple. We rented bikes which saved alot of walking on broad dirt roads. Sue climbed the main temple at this ruin, doing a masterful job, but her legs soon remembered the effort she had made! We took in a Cenote, one of many fresh water deep pools in a large limestone room minus a roof. It was cool, fresh water with a rope swing. Obviously the Mayans enjoyed these for the last 2000 years. On our last day we went to a nature reserve on the north Yucatan coast to see the flamingos!!!! and also take in two birding tours.