Mexico 2016 – Coba, Valladolid and Merida – Days 3 and 4

Day 3 – Tulum, Coba, Valladolid – 11th Nov 2016 (Fri)

We rose early to get on the bus to Coba. It took about an hour, and Sophie managed to get a juice from a street vendor before we left.

Coba, like Tulum and Cancun, is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

The early start was great because the site of mayan ruin Coba gets very busy. The bus dropped us off at the edge of one of the two lakes, and we wandered in the early morning sun to the gates of the ruin. We missed the rush and found a lovely friendly guide near the entrance for 600pesos.

Jose, our guide, took us to see lots of the ruins. The various temples and other structures, and helpfully talked us through some of the facts about mayan people, culture and the civilisations of Central America more widely. We also learnt about the local geography, which is low lying and rather flat, and that if you see a small hill around this region then it’s probably a ruin.

Then we rented bikes (#55 and #96) and rode to the big pyramid – which was 38 meters tall. We hiked up the large steps to the top, there was a rope to helo. The site was starting to get busier, and it was now really hot! The view from the top was great, and we had a few minutes spotting small hills in the landscape – now that we knew they were probably Mayan ruins they were more interesting to us. Getting down the giant steps was harder that the ascent.

We had finished exploring by midday and then headed to Valladolid by bus. It took about an hour, and we both slept. This is becoming something of a routine. We’d hopped over the state line into Yucatan, and into Valladolid.

When we arrived, we went straight to get some late lunch from El Bazar, a low key food market right off the main square. Eggs Yucatanos, tamale Yucatanos and empanados. Plus a huuuuge juice.

Then we walked to our hotel, checked in, relaxed and then rented the bicycles for a winding back street tour of Valladolid.

We toured the less touristy areas by bike. It was lovely.

Despite snapping away, Eddie realised suddenly that she hadn’t had any film in her camera. Ooops. It was sad.

Out tour ended at the main square for touristy food, a beer from a corner shop and a bit of people watching. Unfortunately the Corn speciality was disappointing.

Bike tour and a beer in the main square.

Day 4 – Valladolid – Merida – overnight bus – 12th Nov 2016 (Saturday)

I awoke early feeling not so good but this was overshadowed by Sophie being much much sicker. Overnight she had suffered from a sickness bug, real bad.

We did very little in the morning, until I decided that I would make my way alone to the Cenote (underground lake). So reluctantly I left Eddie in bed sick.

The underground swimming lake near Valladolid.

My solo adventure to the cenote was good. It was a strange theme park type place, with two cave pools to visit. I chose one of the two to visit, and was directed in the vague direction of the rather hidden steps down to the pool. I had to find my way there through a tourist market, which was closed.

I hadn’t quite noticed the procedures, so I headed into the cave, and then saw a sign saying that you had to shower before swimming, to remove any chemicals and sun cream. So I headed back to the surface, found the showers and get rinsed off.

I then took pictures and swam in an almost entirely empty cenote, just a couple of others for company at the beginning. It was a surreal place to swim. Crystal clear waters, a few small fish and bats darting about over head. It was relaxing and disconcerting all at once.

I then showered again in an empty shower block, well, just me and the cleaner. It looked like they were gearing up for the start of the season. I got dressed and went outside back through the shopping market towards the road.

I waited in the sun for a taxi for about 10 minutes, by the taxi sign, before being informed that I was in the wrong place. I wandered out to the road, and a taxi pulled up immediately. It was already pretty full, 6 people, and the driver. I specifically asked the driver if there was room, and he told me yes, enthusiastically gesturing to get in. So i did.

The family and I had a pleasant journey into Valladolid, 3 adults and 3 kids in the back. Two in the front.

I quickly got back to find the hotel manager and Manuel the overly helpful reception attendant ready to see to my every need. Doctors, hospitals, drugs, tourist info, taxis. Very helpful.

Sophie looked slightly better, so we checked out, and got a taxi to the bus station. Our bus to Merida, would be 10 minutes before it arrived.

In Merida we wandered, took pictures and I had a bit of food in the pop cafe, then met with Sophie’s friends J & B. Together we went to a great lively bar, which looked tiny from the front, but had a huge courtyard, with live music and a great atmosphere. Had a beer or two, then we then got on to the overnight bus to Palenque.