MEXICO
Alliance of all the attractions of Mexico, this trip through the Yucatan and the Chiapas allowed us to discover an almost intact culture. Between the transparent waters of the beaches of Bacalar, protected nature reserves with spectacular flora and fauna such as Rio Lagartos, between cenotes such as oases lost in the desert and or even temples, historical parts from the Mayan heritage only accessible after a canoe trip, I were not bored.
Welcome to
MEXICO
HISTORIC SITES
There are a lot of temples in Mexico but I think the one that stood out to me the most was the Mayan site of Yaxchilan. On the borders of Chiapas, in a loop of the Usumacinta River, the ancient Mayan city is accessible only by lancha (motorized canoe). We feel the soul of an adventurer exploring this magical site, thehe elements are remarkable, the elegant ridges and the mansard roofs support a decoration modeled in stucco, one discovers there an impressive number of sculptural monuments (lintels, steles, altars, hieroglyphic staircases), on which are narrated the high feats of arms and various rites of ceremonial life. One can also admire the representation of a woman as the main actor in a ritual, which is almost unknown in monumental Maya art, whatever the site.
The city experienced its golden age between 700 and 800 under the reign of the Jaguar dynasty. Lost in a luxuriant jungle populated by birds and howler monkeys, the discovery of this fascinating environment was a real privilege.
WHITE SAND
A nirvana of azure water, the Riviera Maya is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. As a result: more than 130km of beaches of breathtaking beauty. In this idyllic setting, one never ceases to rejoice to be there, surrounded by magnificent colors, a drink in hand and a luminous sun.
Nevertheless, it is with a heavy heart that I realize that several of these beaches are invaded by algae. The latter seems to be a real plague for this magnificent landscape... Full of Mexicans do not hesitate to roll up their sleeves every day to remove them and deposit them far from there. This is because their decomposition sucks oxygen from the water and their dark trail blocks sunlight, eliminating marine life. The entire natural ecosystem that gives this incomparable turquoise color to the Caribbean Sea is therefore in danger... Companies are also affected and are mobilizing such as Le Sargaboat, a boat built by a team of Quebecers, ready to face Mother Nature. "The ecological mission of the project interested me a lot, says one of them, Cyril Paciullo. The idea of cleaning up all the beaches that we see polluted every year is really interesting." A company, The ocean cleaner, has also been registered in Quebec...
Hoping with all my heart that these projects move forward and manage to overcome this ecological disaster, both for the pleasure of the eyes, and for the health of our beautiful planet!
THE CENOTES
I was looking forward to discovering the cenotes, these geological formations in the shape of wells or caves that can be found all over the Yucatan Peninsula. The peninsula is indeed a vast network of underground rivers in which the Maya population once supplied water. Today, the ground having shrunk in several places, the accesses have been commercialized, thus allowing visitors to discover these sources of water in motion. Some are in the form of caves, others open to the sky, like lakes. And I could not have dreamed of a better way to start their exploration than with the cenotes of Cuzama, about 1 hour by car from Mérida. For what ? Because not only are the cenotes very different from the others already visited, but the experience of getting there is part of the adventure. I, who like non-touristy and authentic places, was served! Created by a tourist cooperative, it is very easy to find yourself on the grounds of the old Chunkanán hacienda. Here we use the old rail system used at the time to transport the henequén over the vast terrain to go from one cenote to another (about 20 kilometers round trip). The cart, pulled by a mule, with a Spanish-speaking guide, will make you live a whole visit. The ride in the rainforest on this unusual transport is rather crazy, but a must do!
LAS COLORADAS
Rio Lagartos is a fishing village between sea and lagoons, you quickly feel at ease thanks to the tranquility of the village. People come here above all to discover this famous nature reserve by boat. Between the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, your guide, who is often a fisherman who knows the waters of Rio Lagartos like the back of his hand, will take you to see what the place has to offer. Don't be afraid of “not seeing anything” because he has an eye and you will see all the animals you have come to discover. Open your eyes wide during these 3 hours of travel where fauna and flora have everything planned to enchant you. Honestly we were able to see a lot of species: crocodile, flamingos... But you absolutely have to bring a camera with a very good lens!!
And yes, you read that right, in Rio Lagartos there is a pink lake, guaranteed to be 100% natural and dye-free. This phenomenon is due to the fact that this part of the sea is closed, much like a lake. Loaded with salt and sediment, the lake naturally takes on this quite stunning candy pink color. The pink flamingos that have settled there will make the place even more colorful.
CHIAPAS
Chiapas is one of the states of the Mexican Republic richest in hydrometric flow. A study by the Mexican government showed that in 2001 Chiapas provided more than 51% of the country's hydroelectric energy. This is partly due to the construction of many large dams in the 1970s. This region also has an exceptional biodiversity, by its topography, its different climates, and especially by its point of convergence with the two biodiversities of the north and from South. The Agua Azul Fauna and Flora Protected Area is located in central Chiapas, between the towns of San Cristobal and Palenque. It is also a magical place with many waterfalls with turquoise waters, to make the waters of the Caribbean pale.
Indeed, the rocks are limestone and contain a high dose of calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide which create a clear deposit at the bottom of these natural pools. When the light enters the water, it filters all the colors, except the blue which arrives at the bottom and is reflected again on the surface, giving these beautiful shades of turquoise: magnificent!
