Mexico Cross Over 2014 - Uxmal - Loltún - Uxmal | Thursday, February 13 - 21km

Early in the morning, before the run of groups on the site, you’ll visit the archaeological site of Uxmal. Afterwards we will be going to the village of Oxcutscab. The colorful market with its fruits and vegetable will fascinate you. On top of several “mountains“, you will cycle to the caves of Loltún. You’ll continue your journey by bike to the archaeological site Kabah and transfer to Uxmal. Accommodation at the Hotel Flycatcher Inn. - Trip Notes

Vilde Chaya - wild spinach

Ricardo

After a very nice breakfast of fresh fruit, omelette with chaya (Mexican spinach), orange juice and coffee, we headed by van to visit Uxmal which was the star of last night’s show. By day, it is an imposing site! Check this link for historical details: Uxmal

The Pyramid of the Sorcerer is an unusual oval shaped pyramid which, according to legend, was built by a dwarf in one day.  Personally, I think that’s a tall story...

Our special guide Ricardo led us around and, between him and Luis, we learnt all about the various structures, the mathematical interpretations and the Mayan legends. They were apparently quite big on erotica combined with blood letting. The rain god Chaac dominates the site and we saw him from every angle.

 

 

 

 We also spotted a woodpecker and evidence of his work! And Luis pointed out the tourist tree, so called because it is always red and peeling...
 

Of great interest was the sport section where two sides, using only elbows and hips, attempted to send a ball through a vertical hoop. Apparently the captain of the losing team was beheaded as a sacrifice.

Back in the van to the market at Oxkutzcab which was, as most markets are, full of local fruit and products and great for people watching.

 From there to the caves at Loltun where they just today switched on the new sound and light show at the first section. Our special guide Pablo made it clear that he expected a tip at the end. Very interesting caves but, as some of my readers may recall, I don’t fare well below ground…

 

Finally we mounted the bikes for a 21km spin on rolling hills- flanked by orchards and, apparently, inhabited by wild animals - to the Chocolate Museum which would be our reward for a “huge” day of climbing up and down Mayan structures, slipping and sliding and climbing in the caves and just a little bit of cycling. The Museum was established a few years ago by a very wealthy Belgian chocolatier and is quite interesting. We had some chocotherapy at the end of the tour drinking traditional Mayan “hot chocolate” and sampling some chocolate per se, some with chili which I think I can buy back home.

 

 inner tonight at the Flycatcher where our hosts prepared meatballs.

 

TIN TIN KI!!