Puerto Morelos to Chichen Itza and Cenote Yokdzonot: Day trip

First settled in the 5th century, Chichen Itza became the most powerful city in the Yucatan around 1000AD after it was conquered by the Toltecs. This blending of Mayan and Toltec cultures made Chichen Itza one of the most diverse ancient cities in Mesoamerica, a tradition that was preserved in its art and architecture. The most famous monument is, of course, the 30 meter high pyramid, with its serpent-headed staircase. If you’re visiting around the equinox (or come for the night show), you’ll see how the corners of the pyramid were carefully constructed to create a serpent-like shadow on the sides of the staircase. But the pyramid is just one part of this once-great city - nearby you’ll find the Great Ball Court, the Skull Wall, and multiple temples. And in the group of buildings to the south, a stellar observatory. Then there’s the older Puuc-style neighborhood, with monuments like the Temple of the Panels and the Temple of the Deer.

With a diameter of 40 meters, Cenote Yokdzonot is one of the largest in the Yucatan. Surrounded by lush jungle, the roots of ancient trees hang over the 18-meter-high walls of this “open” cenote, creating a waterfall of wood. Unlike many cenotes, the area around Yokdzonot hasn’t been built up. Rather, two women from the local community laid each stone in the walking path and cut the wooden railings by hand to preserve the site’s natural beauty. They only buildings here are the palapa-roofed bathrooms and a small restaurant cooking traditional local food. As usual with cenotes, don’t use sunblock or bug repellent before getting in the water!