After
early Breakfast at Puerta Calakmul hotel, continue to the
majestic city of Becan. (Maya for Path of the serpent) The
moat surrounding the city center is 52 feet wide and 16 feet
deep and has been dated to the preclassic period, considered
the capital of the Rio Bec region.
Becan
is the only site surrounded by a wall and moat. To enter
Becan, the Mayas built various entrances, seven of which
are through tombs, where you can see towers decorated with
facades, the ball court, and well-preserved stelae, we will
continue our expedition to the state of Quintana Roo to
the Cenote Azul at Bacalar, which owes its name to the Maya
word Halal which means "place surrounded by reeds."
and it features one of the most impressive and deep "holy
holes" in the whole Yucatan Peninsula. Estimated deepness
of this "holy hole" is about 200 mts. (600 ft).
The
geological phenomenon of the Cenote Azul is that it sits
adjacent to the Bacalar Lagoon and is the biggest sinkhole
in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Cenote Azul offers tremendous
freshwater diving, especially on days when the sea is to
rough for reef exploration and it´s a paradise for
specialized divers.
The
bell shaped opening has a rim of 130 feet where divers often
stop and admire the clear and incredibly calm water. This
unique underwater formation looks more like a moon escape
with submerged trees populated by more schools of fresh
water fish than any other "Earthly" setting. From
its edge, the celestial game of lights and colors can be
admired as they gleam off the transparent crystal clear
waters of this well, filled with fish were dozens of wild
ducks skim the waters. Laguna Bacalar is the second largest
fresh water lake and still the best kept secret in Mexico,
its breathtaking scenery is still little known by international
tourism.
Bacalar,
on the edge of the Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of
Seven Colors) in the state of Quintana Roo, provides a wealth
of history and magic. This town cultivates the memories
of its ancestors; fishermen, merchants, warriors and poets.
Considered to be an important "liaison" city for
the north, west and south settlements of colonial times.
Bacalar was built in 1545 by Spaniard Gaspar Pacheco, who
called it San Felipe de Bacalar (still the official name
but reduced to Bacalar for practical reasons). The city
was invaded and destroyed by pirates in 1642.
Rebuilt
in 1726, Fort San Felipe was erected to protect the city
from future attacks from pirates or displaced Mayas. Visitors
can still explore this fortress. Once again destroyed during
the long Yucatan revolt, Guerra de Castas and newly re-established
again in 1902. Today, it encloses an onsite museum and next
door stands, like a sentinel, Bacalar's oldest tree (384
years old).
Arrive at Club de Vela Bacalar, here you will enjoy a jungle
tour, have a nice lunch and enjoy a fresh dip in the lagoon.
Then, continue to Tulum for lodging at the Hotel and Cabañas
los Lirios. (B-L)
Facts:
Bacalar "Pueblo Magico" full of legends, joy and
exciting adventures.
Lirios Tulum Cabins is the right place if you want to be
totally relaxed and far from stress.
