Chacchoben Mayan Ruins and Lake Bacalar Mexico

This morning looks like it’s going to be overcast today, so its time to explore.

After another delicious breakfast at Paridiso Restaurant, we’re in the car and heading east along the two lane Hi-way to the intersection of 307 that runs north and south from Cancun and down to Chetumal.

Once on 307 heading south, we take a turn east onto a narrower road and soon find ourselves at Chacchoben Mayan ruins. We are the only car in the lot.  We park and make our way to the gate to pay the entrance fee.   A young fellow greets us and asks if we would like a guide, we agree on a price and we wander the site.   He is trying really hard to learn English and does his best to teach us about this fascinating place.

Chacchoben ruins are dated to around 700AD, so it’s a very old site. The site has a park like atmosphere; quiet with the tall palms, making for a pleasant stroll.

We climbed various ruins and were able to see the original red pigment images inside some of them.  It was interesting to learn of the culture and customs that the Mayans had here.   After a few well spent hours of studying and taking photos, it was time to hit the road and find a place for lunch.  We head back west to #307 and turned south to Bacalar not before having to stop at one of the many topas on the hi-way to slow you down as you pass through the villages. At each topa, you will see mostly women and children selling freshly cut pineapple or oranges from one of the nearby orchards.
We purchase the bag with chili sprinkled on pineapple and continue on to Bacalar.  Very tasty!  Once there, we head towards the beautiful deep blue/turquoise lake to find a restaurant.  Again, there are very few tourists, so we pick a place near the lake and have lunch.

Lunch is ok, but the cervasa hit the spot. So what to do in Bacalar?   This was one of the entrances from the sea that pirates used to force their way into the city.  So just across the way from the restaurant, we happen upon an old fort.  Incredible!  You are able to walk around and evenake your way up into the lookout area.  A must see for anyone passing thru Bacalar.

We learned the Fort of San Felipe was built in 1733 to protect the Bacalar population from the frequent attacks by pirates from the Caribbean.  It has a moat all the way around it and sits in the center of town, overlooking lake Bacalar. The nice thing we noticed, is that all the information in the ‘museum’ type section, is in both English and Spanish. This was such a nice way to end the day.

Ready to head back to Mahahual, we jump in our car and enjoy our hour and a half drive back.  It’s starting to get dark by the time we get back. After a little relaxing in our room, we shower and get ready for dinner, finding ourselves at Fernando’s (100% Agave restaurant).   A couple of margaritas each, a very tasty dinner and its off to bed.

To come: Our tequila lesson at 100% agave!