This post was originally from March 2, 2023

On Monday we spent the full day in Caye Caulker chilling on the island vibe. The island is actually split into two because of a hurricane that destroyed the area in the 60’s. Since then, the gap between the two land masses has increased and now you have to take a quick taxi to get to the north side of the split. The view crossing the water is one to take your breath away as the water is once again crystal clear and turquoise. We rented bikes and ventured to the other side of the split where we were able to explore. We tried to see the resident crocodiles that live in the mangroves but sadly they were all a bit camera shy. It wasn’t long until we were sweaty and hot and ready to jump into the turquoise blue ocean once again. 

Tuesday was the last of our long-ass travel days of this trip, when we had to cross back into Mexico from Belize. The border crossing wasn’t as dramatic as last time as our guide wasn’t left at the border like Lula. We now know that Peruvians have needed a Visa to get into Belize since April of last year, but the government website has just not got around to updating it. Only in Central America right?!!

Just after we crossed the border our driver took us to the most beautiful oasis called Lake Bacalar, which is also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colours due to its blue and turquoise hues. I thought the water in Caye Caulker was turquoise, but this just hit a whole different level of vibrancy. It’s hard to believe that Mother Nature can be this naturally beautiful! If we could have we definitely would have wanted to stay here and enjoy everything that Lake Bacalar has to offer for at least a few days, so if you are ever in this area I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary!

Playa del Carmen is our final stop on this trip and is where we started just 3 weeks ago. It’s crazy to arrive back at the same hotel having had so many incredible experiences. It feels like only yesterday that we set off on this journey, but at the same time we’ve done so much that it feels like a lifetime. 

Yesterday was a day for the books and one of my favorite days of this trip to be honest. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we signed ourselves up for this full day excursion as it included a trip to another Mayan Ruin site and more cenotes. Both Liza and I felt like it would be a better option than sticking around Playa with the hoards of people.

We were taken about 40 minutes out of Playa to the ruins of Tulum. I’m not going to lie, I’m feeling a bit ‘ruined’ out so I wasn’t super stoked about this part. Because Tulum is also on a very high tourist traffic area this site had no shortage of people. I found the abundance in iguana’s far more exciting than the site itself – they’re so damn cute basking in the sun! One thing that sets this archeological site apart from the rest is that it’s right on the coastline. In my opinion these Mayans had it right it with this prime real estate! The local guide was great and explained things super well. I found it interesting that the Mayans used mercury to paint their buildings red. When the drought ended and the rains began, the mercury made its way into the water system, which was one of the reasons why the population deteriorated so quickly. 

After having delicious street tacos on the side of a busy road we were taken to the most beautiful place. It is called Aldea Tierra Nueva Cielo Nuevo. It’s a private land with 5 picture perfect cenotes. Being so close to the tourist hotspots, I was worried that we would have to fight our way through crowds again, but in fact it was the total opposite. Our small group had the entire place to ourselves! The owner developed this area around the cenotes 7 years ago and it is absolutely incredible. It is perfectly manicured with all the amenities leading up to the cenotes. Just the jungle itself was amazing, but then when we got to the actual cenotes it became absolutely magnificent! I thought that the last cenote experience was incredible back near Merida…this was definitely Cenote 2.0 ++++.

Each one was walking distance through the jungle which made getting in and out for a swim so easy. The water was every shade of blue and crystal clear where you could see the bottom.  Each had its own charm and notable feature. In one, when we stood on a rock tiny little fish would nibble at our feet. It tickled like crazy and we got our own free fish pedicure. 

Each cenote was partly covered by cave so when you were snorkeling you could see the crevasses below and how it led to a complete other world of channels of caves. It’s incredible because as we swam we were surrounded by so much all around us.  From below the rock formations that led to caves and from above stalactites and roots of trees poking through the limestone. In one cenote, as we swam deeper there was a massive hole in the cave. We crawled through it and inside was another pool. Of course it was completely dark but there must have been some source of light somewhere as the blue pool lit up iridescently! It was so incredibly blue that It didn’t look real.

My favorite cenote of them all was one where we swam into the gorgeous cave and deeper there was a small opening – through a narrow crevasse it opened up to an oasis. Almost completely covered with the jungle and sunlight peeking through it a was the most peaceful and serene experience. Staring out at each one was like looking at the cover of a Jehovah Witness magazine! Truly a piece of Mexico I’ll never forget!