Quebec to Panama 2017-2019
(North and Central America)
16 months - solo travel - Suzuki DR650

Yucatán Peninsula 1/3

February 7, 2018  —  Mexico

Cenote Kankirixche

Cenote Kankirixche - Yucatán - Mexico
My first cenote.

Cenotes are natural pit, or sinkhole, in a specific type of rock. They are mostly found in North and Central America, more specifically in the Yucatán Peninsula. There are more than 6,000 cenotes in the peninsula.

In the adjacent photo, the first cenote I visited can be seen. Obviously, when I arrived, I was a disappointed to see only a hole of only a few metres in the ground. But after a few minutes, I was really impressed by this hole. It contains awesome crystalline blue water where bathing is great...

Even if the cenote's opening seems small, the interior is vastly more spacious. In addition to a swim, the cave is a nice sight.

Cenote Kankirixche - Yucatán - Mexico
Cenote Kankirixche - Yucatán - Mexico
The cenote's deceptive exterior hides a gem of a site.
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Cenote Zací

Cenote Zací - Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico

Imagine, this cenote is located in the centre of the city of Valladolid, in a central park. There are even fishes in this lake.

Cenote Zací - Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico
Cenote Zací - Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico
Cenote Zací - Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico
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Merida

Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico

Merida is described as one of the nicest colonial cities of Mexico. Really? I was not at all impressed by the town. It's a pretty town filled with tourists, but nothing is impressive.

An ancient Mayan city, T'Ho (city's old name) was conquered in 1542 by the Spanish. The Mayan structures were demolished, and the material used in several buildings such as the cathedral.

Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
Mérida - Yucatán - Mexico
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Izamal

Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico

Izamal is known as the 'yellow city'. It shelters one of the first monasteries built in the western hemisphere.

The church on this picture is part of the San Antonio de Padua Monastery. Its construction was completed in 1561.

Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
San Antonio de Padua Monastery.
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
San Antonio de Padua Monastery.
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
Izamal - Yucatán - Mexico
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Valladolid

Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico

Nice town known for the Zací cenote (see above). The town is an ancient Maya ceremonial centre conquered by the Spanish in 1543. As for Merida, the Mayan structures were completely destroyed.

Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico
Convento de Sisal.
Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico
Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico
Valladolid - Yucatán - Mexico