When planning an excursion to the ruins, most tourists choose bus tours that are easily booked in the hotel lobby. We tried out an alternate, a tour company (AGI) that offers private trips you can customize. We secured a private multi-stop excursion in an air-conditioned van, with a driver and guide for only $60 US more than taking a group tour to one location. It was a great choice.
We arrived at Chitzen Itza at 9:30 a.m. and were among the park's first visitors. The kids were awestruck by the sheer scale and intricacy of the site. Our guide toured us through the impressive ruins and demonstrated its acoustics in specific areas.
UNDERGROUND RIVER
Although at Chitzen Itza you can't climb or touch the structures, the kids loved it. As we left, the sun was getting hotter and the site became jam-packed with bus tour visitors waiting to get in. Arriving and leaving early was key.
We also visited a Cenote. These are sink holes/caves that dot the Mayan Riviera. Considered sacred by the ancient Mayans, underground rivers run through them. You can swim in them, too.
The one we visited was called Xkeken. It has stalactites, stalagmites and cool water. The kids could not believe their eyes. We also went to an authentic local Mayan diner in Valladolid for lunch. The food was spicy and delicious.
Then came Ek-Balam the day's highlight. If Chitzen Itza is touristy, Ek-Balam is virtually undiscovered. There are very few visitors and you can climb, touch and explore most of the site. The temple is spectacular.
The climb up the temple's extremely steep steps is scary but so worth the effort. The view from the 32 metre-high peak is breathtaking. While relaxing at the top, our guide told us more about the Mayan civilization at this site. It was like living in a Discovery Channel show. The ruins rocked.
Snorkelling is a great family activity. We always travel with our own equipment including masks, snorkels, fins, snorkelling vests and UV swimwear. Mineral-based UV50 sunscreen is also a must. A fish identification book and underwater camera made our daughters' snorkelling experience even more fun.
We explored a nice reef at our resort, the Grand Palladium, and the kids were blown away by the number and diversity of the coral and tropical fish. My wife and I always swam in pairs with the kids, ensuring that they would never get too close to the coral. It felt so good to share this spectacular underwater environment with them.
We also visited the town of Akumal, where we swam with sea turtles. These endangered animals arrive each morning to eat the short grass that grows from the sea floor. It was an experience we'll remember forever.
The kids took underwater pictures of the turtles and every kind of fish imaginable. We explored the reef, seeing stingrays, squid, giant angel fish and huge barracudas.
Akumal is also home to Yal-Ku Lagoon, where an underground freshwater river empties into the ocean, attracting thousands of tropical fish. It is spectacular.
Our family couldn't get enough of Akumal and we visited on three separate days.
We played Indiana Jones and Jacques Cousteau -- all in beautiful, warm Mayan Riviera sunshine.
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