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MAYAN RIVIERA
Tourist Guide
X-TAMPU
Xtampu is what the signs say that guide you to the Mayan site of X-tambo. The “x” is pronounced “sh,” (shtam-poo and shtam-bow.) This VERY large site is actually in reconstruction at the moment.
For many years nearby villagers used the stones for their fences, homes, and churches. Located very near the coast very near the road from Progreso to Telchac Puerto, it is actually just a stones throw and short bike ride from the Reef Club Hotel in Telchac Puerto.
Paamul Caribbean Paradise, Riviera Maya Q. Roo México
As a matter of fact, you can see the hotel and coast line from the top of the main pyramid. A fine example of the use of the ruins stones for the other constructions is the Catholic church that is built right into the ruins.
Quite a curious combination of the two eras. May 19 and 20 are the
Patron Saint days. This is definitely a “National Geographic” type
expirience. If you do go, be respectful and non intrusive. X- tampo was a
salt and salted fish distribution center it its day, supplying Chichen,
Uxmal and Izamal with this protein source. THE
FLAMINGO LOOK OUT TOWES
The largest flocks of flamingos in North America are right in the wetlands of this area. The joy of seeing the salmon pink masses of these elegant birds is a heartwarming experience and a photographers dream come true.
Once
exclusive to the Rio Lagartos area, they changed their living habits after
the super duper Force 5 Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. After Gilbert, colonies
started to form in Celestun. Then they started appearing by the hundreds
in Uaymitun. Presently there are some 25,000 flamingos in the Yucatan.
To
see the flamingos in Rio Lagartos, El Cuyo, and Celestun, you have to take a boat
ride. To see them in Uaymitun, you can visit the lookout tower that is
right next to the road. Entrance is free and the caretakers will lend you
some binoculars.
Flamingos
are funny birds the way they stand around on one leg in shallow water and
the way they twist their necks to get their heads upside down so they can
eat. To eat, they turn their head upside down and drag their beaks along
the bottom “inhaling” the mud that has the shrimp, fish and minerals
that they eat. It is these minerals that give them their unique coloring.
Flamingos
are nervous birds so we ask that you don’t scare them or try to get them
to fly. If they take off in a nervous group, they are likely to crash into
each other, breaking necks, legs and wings. If you are lucky enough to see
them in natural flight early morning or sunset it is quite a sight. Enjoy
them in silence and take lots of pictures! DZIBILCHALTUN You
don’t have to travel all the way to Chichen Itza and/or Uxmal to see
Mayan Temples. Located 21 kilometers northeast of Merida is the Mayan site
of DZIBILCHALTUN. With it’s
new, excellent, user friendly museum, ecological path, ruins and cenote
for swimming, this is a must place to visit. All explanations are given in
Spanish, English and Maya, plus there are guides.
To
get there, take a tour, rent a car, or get on the bus to Progreso, and get
off at the crossroads to Dzibilchaltun. Then take a “private” taxi the
7 kilometers to the site or wait a bit and catch a “collective”taxi.
Once
at the site, visit the museum first, see the typical Mayan dwelling, then
stroll the ecological path to the ruins, wander around and climb the
building, and last but not least, head to the cenote for a refreshing
swim.
IZAMAL This
colonial city-town, located just over an hour east of Merida is known as
the colonial jewel of the Yucatan.
Izamal is unique in that you can see three distinct cultures in one place.
The
large Mayan pyramids, Kinich-Kakmo, show the Mayan
era. The huge Franciscan convent, with its second largest in the world
atrium is a clear example of the colonial
period, and of course, you will see the present day aspect. An attention-calling factor in Izamal is the
fact that just about all the buildings are painted yellow, which you will
definitely find very interesting and attention getting.
Tricycles
and horses and buggies are the mode of transportation in Izamal. Take the
opportunity and have a horse and buggy take you around town.
You
can visit Izamal as aday trip or as an over-nightwear. Macan-che Bed and Breakfast offers 12 cute bungalows in a lovely
tropical setting. If you are just going for the day, there are several
restaurants you can choose from. They include Kinich-Kakmo, by the ruins of the same name, or El
Toro that even offers bull meat along with other more typical dishes. Tumbel
Lol is located in a huge thatched roof building. All these restaurants
are within walking distance of the plaza.
Check out the store Hecho a Mano Handmade on Calle 31 by 36. Here is where you will find truly unusual pieces of folkart. American owner, Hector Garza, says that a craft becomes art when it is unique, and his pieces are definitely unique. You can get to Izamal by public transportation every half hour from Calle 62 by 65 and 67 in Merida, or on the weekly Sunday train trip, in a rental car or with a tour through a travel agency.
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