Two hours west of Cancun lies a great little city named Vallodolid. The central park and the large church are oversized here, and the hustle of this crossroads atmosphere make you want to spend a few days, but we were on a mission to accomplish two things: jump into a cenote called Dzitnup, and climb to the top of Ek Balam ruins.

After a quick lunch in the city square of Vallodolid, (we packed a cooler on this trip) but there are quaint hotels with dining rooms all around the square. We then headed 20 more minutes to Dzitnup. Much has been written about this cenote, but for my first cenote swim I was truly mesmerized as I waded beyond the people squatting at the entrance, Travel tip: Avoid the weekend, especially Sundays as it is very busy.

Once through the crowd I felt the clear cool water and took in the true wonder of what this underground cave was really about. I thought of all of the Mayan rituals that might have been performed here, and I tried to feel the energies. I swam to the center where there is a large hole with tree roots hanging down and at noon the sun shines directly through this hole illuminating the center, my friend Tina took a picture that I will always treasure. We then returned to our hotel and as I remembered the thrill of the afternoon cenote swim, I drifted to sleep with the chorus of tree frogs and planned to wake early the following day, and climb the ruins of Ek Balam.

The next day at 9AM , armed with water, sun glasses, lip protector, cameras, and some of us a hat, our most comfortable walking shoes, and sure determination, we began our 102 ft. climb to the top of the acropolis, the main uncovered structure of Ek Balam. There are still remaining structures waiting to be uncovered.

We carefully made our way to the mid-point where under a palapa sun protector you can view hieroglyphs, stand in awe at the base of the huge Jaguar mouth, and feel history swirling around you. The Mayans believed the mouth of the jaguar was the connection to the underworld.

We than proceeded to the top. Some of us were better than others and more sure of foot. I cannot help but remember myself clinging to each step and having a young French man, which in itself would not have bothered me, but he had a baby strapped to his back as he swept by me on his own assent! But my methodical approach paid off when we all three were perched at the top feeling tired, astounded by the view, and apprehensive about the climb back down.
We drank the view that let us see as far as Coba, (make note to go there soon) and the vast jungle stretched all around us. We felt good, and then we started down. Again I was a “step by stepper", but the footing is secure. You can take your time and I would not have missed it for anything. Like most things in life it was worth the effort.

Again we returned to our hotelito, which is just 2 miles away from the ruins. Part of the group investigated the friendly, clean, and welcoming real Mayan Village adjacent to our hotel. I investigated the fabulous free-form pool that has been so tastefully done at our hotel, set amongst the various sleeping options. Cenote fed the water is cool, and is filtred through a charcoal filter. Interesting place. I would return, and probably will.

That afternoon we packed up our memories and headed back to Puerto Morelos. An excellent getaway that I will definitely do again. Next time I hope my husband joins me, but this all girl weekend was my first, and I hope not my last, and it was “ A good thing”

Travel notes: Bring a cooler if you plan to stay at the eco-hotel. She does have a fridge but it’s nice to have your own personal cool things in your own space available at any time. Stop in Vallodolid and restock ice as Ek Balam Village really is a village and not quite yet prepared for tourists. Which makes it even more incredible.

We took the free (libre) road on our way there and it was lovely to see the tiny villages along the way, and it took about 2.5 hours. For our return trip we took the Autopista and that took $17/US and about 1.5 hrs and no topes to drive over. I liked the mix and would do that again.

One final note: One month after this trip I did return with my husband, we climbed to the top again, and we toured more of the actual Mayan village of Ek Balam. We stayed at Genessis Retreat again, and again it was delightful. Our stay was brief as it really came about due to an evacuation for hurricane Ivan. That hurricane is responsible for making me realize Hurricanes are not just drinks anymore!………………. ‘till next time diary.

• Whale Shark Experience
• City of Valladolid and the ruins of Ek Balam
• Merida with my Mom