IMAGE - mayan sinkhole swimming

The BEST thing to do after wandering around ruins to cool off is to go for a swim!! - so after our allotted 2 hours at Cobá our little tour group headed to a nearby Cenotes (underground limestone cave) - an unusual natural wonder of the state of Yucatan. It is estimated that there are more than 6000 scattered around the state.

The Maya called them dzonot, which the conquering Spaniards translated as cenotes. In the Motul dictionary, a dictionary of Maya hieroglyphics, defines dzonot as "abysmal and deep". Cenotes were once the only resource for fresh, sweet water in the local Yucatecan jungle, and for that reason were considered sacred places of the Maya.

Above ground showers and changing areas were available - and we were the only group at this particular cenote - so our own private Mayan spa!!
The water was crystal clear turquoise color with a very pleasant, refreshing 78° F (25.5º C). The stalactites and stalagmites that form inside the cenotes are true natural works of art - but the rooftop bats were a bit of a worry!
We walked down 40ft - approx. 80 steps into this magical pool of fresh water. After just under an hour of swimming we felt truly refreshed - and ready for lunch.

Lunch was a busy affair, obviously only one large establishment in the area caters for all the daily tour groups. The food was OK - I enjoyed a chicken thigh wrapped in banana leaves- sweet and moist with salad, followed by crème caramel and fresh fruit. James had pulled pork, salad and fresh fruit. Over lunch it was interesting chatting with some of the Americans in our little group. They didn't know the value of the Peso - as they were in all-inclusive resorts and only had $US, and had never - and never would venture outside the Hotel Zone into the main city of Cancun.