Our journey began among Mayan ruins under the guidance of an authentic Mayan who has devoted his life to sharing his culture with others.
OUR GUIDE
Affectionately called "Nic", our guide began with showing us pictures of the area duing the times of the ruins' creation thousands of years ago. MAYAN RUINS
As a matter of perspective, this picture shows Monika standing among others only halfway up one of the "smaller" ruins in the area. MAYAN BALLGAME
In the Mayan ballgame, teams would participate in the center aisle using a ball made of solid rubber and weighing up to 9 lbs. The purpose was to pass the ball through the small ring on either side by only using one's hips or elbows. LARGEST RUINS CLIMB
Consisting of more than 150 stairs, each close to a small child's body in height, this ruin is the largest in the area. VIEW FROM THE TOP
Yes, we were crazy enough to climb to the top. The view was worth every step. Later, our journey continued as we traveled by van to the Mayan village of Pak Chen--a village still existing in the authentic tradition. Altournative works in conjunction with the village of Pak Chen in an eco-tourism fashion. In exchange for assistance with tour adventures, portions of the money benefit the village. Also, Altournative conducts programs with the villagers to teach them a trade so they can remain in the village and not be enticed to leave for the larger cities, thus essentially ending yet another Mayan cultural heritage. CANOEING
Our first adventure in Pak Chen was to canoe around a small lake in search of wildlife. ZIPLINE
After a two mile hike, we took a zipline across an open cenote inhabited by several crocodiles. SHAMAN'S BLESSING
After another mile hike, we arrived at a cenote in which we would be swimming. The village uses the waters of the cenotes for drinking, so we were tentative to agreeing at first. The guide assured us though that they maintain a healthy balance and the village shaman blessed us before entering. REPELLING INTO OPEN CENOTE
Without an entrance by foot, we needed to repel down into the cenote onto awaiting floatation tubes below. You've never seen more pristine waters in your life. AUTHENTIC MAYAN CUISINE
With a day of hiking and adventure behind us, we were treated to an authentic Mayan meal cooked by the villagers. MAYAN SCHOOL
Upon exiting, you're left with a powerful image of the only school in the village of Pak Chen. They are truly a people of few resources but enormous hearts.
