Mayan Inland Expedition

 The ancient Mayan city of Coba was once a metropolis of the north eastern Yucatan. Massive pyramids, squares, palaces and monuments have been buried in the jungle for over 1000 years, only recently discovered by archaeologists. Coba ruins are a wonderful environment to learn about the Maya as well as local fauna, where the lush vegetation is pre-eminent, with half-excavated buildings emerging from the vines and tree roots, lots of tropical birdlife and an extensive central area that we visit by bicycle! 

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 Cobá was built around a series of small lakes, which provided a good agricultural environment and gave rise to possibly the largest pre-Hispanic settlement of the Classic period in northern Yucatán (200-800 AD). There are five main architectural groups distributed around the lakes connected by an impressive network of ancient white roads.

 

 The community of Punta Laguna provide eco-tourism activities which are aimed towards the preservation of their culture and the forest. The marvelous natural environment of this area is characterized by impressive lakes, deep well cenotes with crystal-clear water and a semi-deciduous jungle with trees of up to 100ft. An extraordinary bio-diversity of flora & fauna live in this environment, and we are guided by the local community through jungle trails on the lookout for some of the many species of birds, mammals orchids, insects & bromeliads. The standout resident is the spider monkey, who the community have built a very special relationship over the last 20 years, as they have become experts in observing their behavior and can identify each individual in the group! You will also paddle canoe on the calm waters of the lake and enjoy a thrilling zipline over the water.

 

 Also on this tour: we visit a family owned and run cenote, great for swimming and cooling down, and jumping or diving for the brave. In the nearby village of Nuevo Durango, we stop for lunch at the house of a local family who show us their gardens, medicinal plants and project that reintroduces endangered animals into the wild. And of course, a delicious home cooked meal all made from local ingredients.