Today I want to talk about a freak of nature that the Yucatan Peninsula was well kept Secret River is a system of caves and caverns with rivers or underground aquifers, which was discovered two years ago in the jungles of the Riviera Maya.
is thousands and thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that have been shaped by millions of years with the land. Previously, access to this type of training was exclusive only to cavers, geologists or trained personnel to investigate the cave formations, today also outside these disciplines we can enjoy and live an extraordinary life experience.
By entering into the bowels of the earth's state of Quintana Roo, you can see millions of formations ranging from ceiling to floor and vice versa, plus you can walk and swim on the crystal clear water while listening to expert guide in these tours. To understand these
formations is an explanation: The peninsula of southern Mexico rose to the surface for millions of years, since before it was part of the aquatic world. Today, we see this surface completely flat, without mountains, it seems that we can touch the clouds!
Unlike many mountain ranges and peaks in the country, the Yucatan Peninsula does not produce water through the mountains, the water flowing in this part of Mexico does it through the underground rivers that are reported under the chalky earth, these sweet and crystal clear rivers are connected and powered through the famous "cenotes" in this land, there are hundreds. Recall that a cenote was sacred to the Maya.
River secret was discovered two years ago by "Don Cleophas", a Mayan iguana looked for some to take home as food, to follow one of these reptiles, suddenly heard a splash!, and peek through the underbrush, he realized that it was a cenote, today this place is the first entrance to Rio Secreto.
Over time the caver Gustavo Vela, came to the property of Don Cleophas and made a study of the flora and fauna of the jungle and mapped the site discovered a complex system of caves with water, a total of 12kms so far discovered. The areas open to the public are three different routes known as: joy, palaces and supreme. Each of them shows with interesting formations and beautiful scenery.
capricious formations in the bowels of the earth.
show is impressive stalactite is like a petrified rain drops were becoming longer with the passage of thousands of years and were sustained. Each stalactite is formed of a first drop that hangs from the ceiling, surrounding layer, containing calcium and around it builds up a layer of this mineral, the next drop down the same conduit as the first layer and enhances the calcium so the drops are formed on a tube stone, but there is a drop in the tip of the stalactite, the passage of millions of years, these formations are still alive and with different dimensions and thicknesses.
show is impressive stalactite is like a petrified rain drops were becoming longer with the passage of thousands of years and were sustained. Each stalactite is formed of a first drop that hangs from the ceiling, surrounding layer, containing calcium and around it builds up a layer of this mineral, the next drop down the same conduit as the first layer and enhances the calcium so the drops are formed on a tube stone, but there is a drop in the tip of the stalactite, the passage of millions of years, these formations are still alive and with different dimensions and thicknesses.
The case of the stalagmite is different, growing from floor to ceiling but does so through the drops fell one by one from a stalactite, and were forming a small peak of calcium. Hence we see in this marvelous formations thousands of rose on the floor and ceiling.
Now, when the two formations grow and come closer together, created the famous columns, over the years, become more coarse. Imagine the stunning gallery of these formations, and now all this show, add water, everywhere where you can walk and even swim!
now to live the experience!
Arriving at parking, transportation will take you to the natural park entrance, then hosts visitors divide into groups of six or seven people to give them a guide who will explain the training and support in this incredible experience. Before entering
Secret River, you must leave all your stuff in a locker and staying in a bathing suit, the guides will provide you with a garment made of neoprene, water sandals, helmet and vest flashlight including float.
your clothes already caver water, walk through the jungle to the cave entrance, where the guide will give you the explanation and details of the course and once with headlights on, start the tour. At first, the secret will of the river water reaches the ankles and as you venture into the bowels of the cave and its galleries, the water level will rise to cover your whole body for that then you're swimming in the middle of the ancient formations .
Secret River is a dark underground system, the fauna is at least as blind catfish and some other small, harmless bat that feeds on the fruits of the forest, in fact it is very rare to see.
Another experience that will amaze you in Rio Secreto, is to experience total darkness, this comes at a time when all travel in silence, sitting in a pool, we will have to turn off the flashlights to reflect and recognize the importance of caring each of the natural ecosystems that Mother Nature formed in our country well in the minute we become sensitive to it.
Experience a tour and swim by Secret River is 600 meters, its routes and mazes you say about two hours of unforgettable experience.
Another witness is the ancient cave is massive corals ocean floor as I mentioned, the land surface, and are now petrified these huge walls and domes.
You take note:
-Rio Secreto is a living cave system, the formations are still in development, so it is very important not to touch the formations of stalactites and we can stop the growth of millions of years.
-serves the guide's instructions and places if you can play.
-Rio Secreto is a living cave system, the formations are still in development, so it is very important not to touch the formations of stalactites and we can stop the growth of millions of years.
-serves the guide's instructions and places if you can play.
-
not leave the group, not taking pictures and your camera may fall and wet, the guide is always accompanied by a professional photographer who is responsible for catching the moments of your visit to the interior land, these photographs you can purchase a CD at the exit.
not leave the group, not taking pictures and your camera may fall and wet, the guide is always accompanied by a professional photographer who is responsible for catching the moments of your visit to the interior land, these photographs you can purchase a CD at the exit.
-A rich and healthy meal will be waiting when you leave.
-The estimated time for this tour is 3 hours and costs 49usd
-Secret River is 5 minutes from Playa del Carmen, is open Monday through Sunday with tours at 9 and 11 morning and at 1 and 3 pm.
"There are some restrictions on access for people with claustrophobia and people with physical disabilities, pregnant women, people under affects of alcohol or drugs and children under 6 years.
-The estimated time for this tour is 3 hours and costs 49usd
-Secret River is 5 minutes from Playa del Carmen, is open Monday through Sunday with tours at 9 and 11 morning and at 1 and 3 pm.
"There are some restrictions on access for people with claustrophobia and people with physical disabilities, pregnant women, people under affects of alcohol or drugs and children under 6 years.
As you can see in the photographs, Secret River is a place that you discover for yourself, everything that I've told you has been my experience, but there are not enough words to express my emotion, you must live It is a chance to see one of the natural wonders of Mexico.
Did you like it? let me your comments and, until the next post!
The Sacred Mayan Crossing is to recreate an ancient pilgrimage at sea to the Maya of the Yucatan Peninsula in canoes made despite the inclement weather. Mayans 500 years ago they started from a place called "Pole" which is now known as Xcaret to get Cuzamil, Cozumel today, in order to consult the oracle of the Mayan goddess Ixchel, goddess of fertility, water, soil, vegetation and love. The Maya heard the message that the goddess Ixchel was for the community and took the opportunity to check the weather and the products to be planted, and also asking for favors, health and fertility to their land. 
At that time, the Mayan priests and leaders communicated with the gods and organized rituals in which the community could participate. The group of travelers who came to Cuzamil also took the opportunity to exchange goods and to trade with the natives of the island paradise ... 
Three days following the steps Maya 
Then, in a scene on the beach were immediate chants, prayers, dances and offerings that were part of the ritual to pray for good fortune in the canoe to embark the next day. 
On Friday 22 May, with the first rays of the sun, began the journey of the 30 canoes manned by enthusiastic volunteers who they entered the sea in a rowing exercise continuous and with a distance of 28 kilometers, through the channel of Cozumel than 420 meters deep. 
dressed as the Maya, that is, painted on the skin, with her panties blanket, and a paddle, the canoe sailed a total of 6 hours under the hot sun, the movement of the whimsical waves and currents of about 4 knots. 
Each canoe carried 4 to 6 crew members, all with a specific task within the vessel, the front, called Proel is the one who set the pace and cut the dangerous waves, the following function canoeists were paddling and they did right left in a staggered, the last crew member or the "Back" called "Helmsman" is who controlled the balance of the canoe, set the course and direction. This person acted as a leader or captain of the boat. 
The Mayan sacred journey was performed mostly by young volunteers who, since last January, physically and mentally prepared for this challenge, the key to success was the training in rowing, swimming, floating, fitness and first aid. 
The turning point of the sacred journey is the arrival of the canoe to Cozumel. It is exciting to see how the community received with joy, gifts and food. They all look happy, is an achievement for each of them, to the Mayan community and for all attendees. Each volunteer who came to the mainland has a story to tell, many of them have done for the sake of culture, their country, customs, traditions to rescue or simply own personal challenge or release; but all united local, national and foreign retired by completing the event and the months of effort. 
Here are some testimonials from people who participated as canoeists: 
Fabian Guerrero and Braulio Zúñiga. "We are in Cancun ... It feels very cool end of the journey, it requires considerable effort. We trained everyday, even on holiday! ... The goddess Ixchel gave us the opportunity to cross over the calm sea and in perfect condition "
The culmination of the sacred journey began with the sighting of the canoe they were received by the Pahuaahtunoob (four gods represent the cosmic compass points). Again the villagers greeted the sailors on the riches of the earth as fruit and food. 
Mayan dances were swift, and the stage were the beautiful Caribbean beaches of Quintana Roo. The priests and messengers spread the message to state officials. The goddess Ixchel peace and abundance predicted for Quintana Roo in difficult times and urged them to use natural resources consciously and respecting the environment. 
let you know that I want to live the Sacred Mayan Journey has been a wonderful experience, seeing how people work in teams, interacts, make friends and above all passion and love of ancestral traditions. 
I invite you to live the Sacred Journey next year and if you join it, it might have a wonderful story to tell. 
That's me. Until next time! 
