Mexico Kan Tours

“And then you’ll ride down a slow-moving river in an inner tube.” It’s 7:30 pm in Tulum, Mexico. I had already tried cave diving and wanted to do something else, the next day, while my husband went back to it.

Civilized Jungle. Structure in the background

“What else do you have?”

“Bla, bla, bla ride bicycles, zip line, hike through the jungle, blab la bla, swim in a cenote, Mayan shaman, bla, bla la bla, monkeys, bla, bla, monkey sanctuary,” she said.

“That’s for me. How much does it cost?” I pulled out cash and paid.

The Cobá Historical Site was the first Mayan Historical site I’ve been to, ever. The simplicity of the little tiendas and kiosks at the gate charmed me. That I must buy toilet paper before going into the baño, not so much. Tip: always take a tissue the driver offers and keep one with you.

Inside the gates,  a lightly cleared jungle with paths leading to the historical site and its structures still outlined the city it once was. The bicycle rental is nestled in the trees an easy 100’ from the gate. They appear old but run smoothly. Bikes are one speed. We didn’t need anything fancy. After an easy 2 km mile ride to the main square we arrived at the temple location. We parked our bikes knowing if someone takes them while we climb the temple, we would just take another one.

Just because you’ve been to one Mayan Historical site, doesn’t mean you’ve been to them all. On this trip, I saw three sites and drove by one more. Two sites allow climbing up the temple, two do not. While climbing the Cobá temple I cursed myself for using the elliptical trainer and not the stair climbing machine at the gym.

Our guide (or fearless leader) Marlon, told interesting stories but didn’t look particularly Mayan. He said there was an Italian Priest in his lineage and many people in his grandmother’s town, also, looked like that priest.  I give him kudos as a tour guide. A 6-year-old, very precocious, boy,  jumped on his bike and peddled off in a huff over something. Alex pumped after him and met us at the bus.

Sweat poured out of my head the whole time. The bicycle ride back reminded me of the ride in, like ran downhill both ways.

“Where are the monkeys?” You ask.   Wait for it. I’ll post with pictures, soon.

the view looking up. Why didn’t I use the stair master at the gym?

Looking down, it’s really that steep.