beauty
P
repare to be blown away by the natural beauty that is Aktun Chen. Located in the Akumal area, Aktun Chen is a hidden gem in the Yucatan. Deep in the jungle, a bumpy three kilometre drive off the highway, visitors can catch glimpses of the local wildlife as they drive under the jungle canopy to the reception area. Te park relies on pure natural beauty and knowledge- able friendly staff to make your stay a memorable one. You won’t find flashy signs and buildings but rather a personal tour without crowds.
Remarkable Caves
Rated number three on the Top Ten Underground Walks by National Geographic, the 600-metre-long walk is cer- tainly breathtaking. Guides explain the origin of the Yu- catan Peninsula’s system of caves, pointing out interesting sights along the way. Underground, you are transported to another world filled with fossils, unique mineral forma- tions, water and even a couple friendly bat families. Learn how delicate this subterranean system really is, and how long it took to form. You’ll be amazed by the nu- merous formations and the different processes that created them. One section of the cave is submersed in water, the height depends on the tidal waters over eight kilometres away. Visitors can choose to walk through this area or go around, meeting the group on the other side. At the end of the tour you are all assembled on a bridge in the dark. Different areas are illuminated and discussed before the entire cavern is lit up, revealing a beautiful deep ceynote. As you re-enter the sunlight in the middle of the rain
“One of the most
breathtaking experiences on the Riviera Maya.”
forest, you’ll walk past white tail deer on your way to the restaurant to enjoy a wonderful meal. Ten roam the paths until it is time to leave, viewing some of the jungle’s natu- ral inhabitants on your way to the pick up location.
Captivating Cenote
Cenotes, natural sinkholes filled with water, can be found all over the Yucatan Peninsula and have become huge tourist attractions due to their exquisite beauty. Visitors who choose to swim here will take a cool show- er to rinse off any lotion or product residue on their skin and hair. Descending a staircase carved into the rock, a winding cavern filled with turquoise water awaits you. Te sights that you will see here transcend description. Jaw- dropping beauty, it is a surreal experience to swim in this magnificent grotto. Te water is cool but refreshing as you view the sites above and below the water. After the guided tour is over you are free to swim around as long as you like in this underwater haven. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Ziplining
Visitors wanting to get an adrenaline rush can try zip- lining. Equipped with a harness and hard hat you’ll view the jungle from a new vantage as you travel along 10 kilometres of cables high above the trees. Guides are careful to assist you with every detail and once you are ready - you just let go and have fun!
The Hub Fall 2014 • 41
Photos by Tania Moffat
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80