CENOTE at Chichen Itza

According to Wikipedia, a cenote is a deep natural pit or sinkhole, characteristic of Mexico and Central America, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. 

Our guide informed us that this particular cenote was used for the ritual human sacrifice of children.  When this was excavated, thousands of skeletons were lifted out of the deep. 



Centote where children were sacrificed


Just up the path of this cenote is the wall of skulls.  Since it was considered an honor and privilege to be sacrificed, I suppose that this wall was constructed as kind of a memorial.



Wall of skulls



Just up the road, about 3 miles from the Mayaland Resort, is a resort that is built around a huge cenote.  A special bus was designated to take some of us, who wanted to go swimming, to this resort.  As you can tell from the above photo, the walls have been reinforced with concrete and two good sized ladders have been constructed for those who do not desire to just jump.  I used a latter, by the way!

The water was very cold and clear.  I had to ease my way into it.  Once I got used to it, I felt confident to float out to the middle.  The thought did cross my mind that maybe some skeletons lay at the bottom; nevertheless it was fun to be floating and to watch the others jump in.

Now, back to the Mayaland Resort.  It was so old and quaint that one could almost imagine Humphrey Bogart walking through the courtyard on his way to do a movie scene take.  Our guide Jack Marshell, said that they could have housed us in a modern resort, but the tour directors wanted us to experience this place. 

The beds were comfortable, but the air conditioning did not work well.  It leaked condensation water onto the floor, but it was better than nothing.  If we wanted we could open the large windows for a cross breeze.  And the toilets would not accept paper, so after doing one's duty, the used paper was placed into a waste basket.  This sounds gross, but really we didn't notice any undo oder.  Bugs were common guests on the floor, so I found it wise to watch my step. 

The above mural is located in the dinning hall.  It was quite beautiful, but in a way I guess it was a little Corney.  Ha ha. 


We were on the 3rd level

 The swimming pool is located just outside the dinning area.  During the night storm, it completely filled and overflowed.



Peacock resting outside our room



The above photo is of one of the mural windows that adorned the front of the resort.  These scenes represent, I believe, the discovery and excavation of Chiten Itza.