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I wanted to explore the ruins and pueblos south of Tulum this summer with my daughter ~ we had already experienced one great tour with David, so I asked if he could put a trip together for us that would include Calakmul. Several conversations later, we had put together an exciting tour of southern Yucatan and ruins! David is in the process of turning his home into a native bed and breakfast, so we decided to stay there, in Chacchoben pueblo. When we arrived, we immediately felt transported, and very at home. It is a magical and historical place, built on an old Mayan site, and was his grandmother’s home, who was the midwife for the region. The backyard has large tropical trees, flowers, birds, butterflies ~ full of life ~ ! the sprawling limestone patio between the house and the luscious back yard is perfect for lounging and outdoor meals. Each morning, David would prepare a delicious and healthy breakfast. We would eat, enjoying the morning symphony of the birds, then, we were off for our daily adventure!
The first site we explored was Calakmul, in the heart of the jungle and a UNESCO World Heritage site; it’s a meso-American biodiversity hotspot, and the third largest in the world. I was surprised at how few people go there, but it is off the beaten path, and only recently has been “discovered”, so it is not well known yet. We stayed at Puerta Calakmul, an eco-hotel, as it was closest to the ruins. Rustically chic, very clean, a little pricey, but quite nice. They had good food and very pleasant service.
Driving into Calakmul, we saw flocks of the beautiful Mayan turkeys. When we arrived at the site, we sent monkeys running across the tops of the temples … they leaped into the trees, but stayed close by. Calakmul has many stelae ~ they honored the ruling couple, not just the male ruler, so the stelae are often paired. We climbed temple II, and, climbed! it is almost 150 ft tall … from this spectacular point, you see other huge pyramids thrusting above the jungle canopy, including one in Guatamala. It was breathtaking … and we were the ONLY ones there!! There is lots to explore here. I was very much looking forward to going thru the museum (they have uncovered four tombs here, with gorgeous jade masks and obsidian carvings), but we didn’t have time as I had some phone issues to address.
In the morning, we went to nearby Chicanna, a spiritual center and where the elite probably resided. As we hiked in, blue mot-mots were calling back and forth. We saw more monkeys, and later heard toucans and saw the mot-mots. The entrance to the main building is a well-preserved and monstrous snake’s mouth, you walk thru the gaping mouth to go inside. Pottery and flint-napping shards are found all around the site. We were the only ones there, once again! Other buildings onsite are also ornate with carvings. It was beautiful, and ethereal ~ another very special day!
The next few days, we explored Dzibanche and Kinichna, day trips. A skirmish between howler and spider monkeys was highly entertaining (howlers won!) and a pair of bujos (owls) watched our every move at Dzibanche. Each site has it’s own story and feeling, and I love putting their stories together in Mayan history. Touring the Yucatan in David’s comfortable car, we enjoyed regional foods at various outdoor restaurants (had some of the best ceviche ever!) and were visited by an inquisitive peccary at one. I love the Mexican chocolate – one evening, we roasted and ground cacao beans to make hot cocoa … delicioso! I can’t say enough about how awesome this trip was. If you want an adventure, David can make it happen. He is knowledgeable, energetic, very helpful, and a great story teller. We will definitely come back for more exploring!
… if you stay at the BnB, ask David to bring you to the ranchito, down the road … he and other artists have created a replica of a Mayan ball court there, and have used it for various cultural events. Very cool!!
Perfect for a personal tour groups of 4-12 people. Organized, personable and professional!
Three of my friends and I just did a 7-day Royal Caribbean cruise and decided to book an excursion to see the Mayan Ruins at Tulum during our visit to Mexico. After being referred to this company my travel agent, we booked our tour of Tulum through cozumelchoice.com.
Our ship, Independence of the Seas, was schedule to be in the Cozumel port from 10am – 7pm local ship time. We took a $5 taxi ride to the meeting point where we were greeted promptly (by one of their English-Speaking tour guide/directors – Angela) in Cozumel and directed effectively to the ferry to meet with our expert tour guide David Villagomez in Playa Del Carmen.
We then took a well air-conditioned 12 passenger van to the site of Tulum (about 45 minute drive with our tour guide giving us an endless amount of knowledge of the Site all along the way). Ice cold waters/gatorades were provided to us along the way. When we arrived at the site we were able to walk the entire site while our tour guide gave us so much detail information regarding the culture, religion, tools, archaeological info, building use and positioning, and soooooo much more.
My friends and I also practice acro yoga as a hobby and wanted to get cool shots at the ruins while we were on the site. Our tour guide, David, was nice enough to take pictures of our group as we did some poses.
It was a hot day but once done walking the site, we walked back to a nice a/c filled van where ice cold towel were provided to us (this was a nice touch, as I got hot and sweaty easily, lol). The 45-minute ride back to Playa Del Carmen was nice because our tour guide answered all of our questions about the Mayan civilization and so much more.
Our driver, Pedro, dropped my friends and I off at the port of Playa del Carmen and our guide, David, walked us to the shops and ferry pickup.
We napped on the ferry ride back to Cozumel and then went to Senor Frogs for some tequila and margaritas. I made a video of the experience and the owner of the company is going to share it on their company website!! woot 🙂
I believe this company also does tours to Dzibanche and Kinichna if you are staying at hotels in the area or cruising to Costa Maya… That may be our next visit to Mexico in December.
We recently did a tour of Cozumel with Angela Alfaro and her driver (I think Pedro). The day turned out to be wonderful, informative, refreshing and just plain delightful. Angela is well informed, witty and a great guide. Whether it was viewing the ruins, making chocolate, sampling tequila or having lunch in one of the most beautiful spots ever, we enjoyed it. It was like spending the day with two good friends. We would definitely try to book another tour with her should we return to Cozumel.
My tour in Cozumel was amazing Angela took care of all our needs. Her enthusiasm for her people and culture touched our hearts. Before the trip one of my traveling companion was very ill but she went along with us Wow Angela eagle eye made us all relax and have a great time. Thank you Thank you
I recently took the Tulum Ruins tour out of Cozumel in February 2015 with Angela Alfaro. I was so impressed by Angela’s passion and knowledge of the Mayan culture. She was very good at making the tour interactive and fun (not just a bunch of facts and dates). I would highly recommend this tour by Angela to anyone visiting Cozumel.