We set up this excursion for our third day there thinking that since we had been having gloomy weather it would give us something to do besides staring at the rain an eating. But to our surprise we woke up to a gorgeous day. We couldn't believe it, although it was a good thing because today's excursion also included swimming.
We got picked up bright and early and we made our way to Tulum. First on the list was a tour of the Tulum Mayan Ruins. Is funny because while in school History was never an interest for me. Although it was indeed interesting, to me it was beyond boring. Now that I'm an adult though I love learning about early civilizations and historical sites so this was pretty neat to experience. At first I didn't care much for checking out the ruins, I was interested in seeing Xichen Itza instead but that was out of the list this time around, however once there things got interesting. Our tour guide was super funny and he explained everything so well. He walked us around and told us about the ruins and then we had an hour to walk around, take pictures, and enjoy the area. I loved that we got there super early so we were part of the early crowd. On our way out that placed was jammed packed. There were so many tourists. Apparently it is the third most visited archeological site in Mexico (I read that in a google search). It rained a little but the sun was still out so it was somewhat refreshing.
From there we went to the location where we would be rappelling, cave snorkeling, and zip lining. I wish I could remember the name of the place but I honestly can't recall it at all. All I remember is that it was fun!
We had to leave everything in our bus and just bring walking/water shoes and our bathing suits. They provided everything else from towels, to water, and even the pictures. I was a little annoyed by that but it was honestly a great investment.
We started rappelling into the cave. Let me just note that I'm the biggest scary cat ever yet somehow I manage to put myself in situations that I would have never even dreamed of. They set you all up with "rappelling gear" and give you a few minutes talk on how it's done and then they ask who wants to go first. I was terrified but you do it in couples so that was nice. You also go at your own speed since you control it with your left hand and then towards the bottom you just let go completely to make a splash into the water and so the picture has a dramatic effect. It was pretty cool. We swam through the cave till we reached our first zip lining area. I believe there were 5. Or maybe 7. I remember 2 being at the end, after lunch.
The zip lining was pretty cool too. I had tried zip lining in Costa Rica back in 2010 and somewhere else too but I don't recall where. I was terrified and there's actually a video where you see the tour guide messing with me and just as he lets me go he says "oh wait wait" but I'm already going so my heart drops to my bottom and all I hear is laughter. Not cool, not cool. It was funny to have that on video.
From there we ended up in a underwater cave where we got snorkeling gears and got to swim through to the other side. That was the coolest experience ever! So I just Google searched it to see if I find this place and it's actually called Cenote Sac Actun. Guys, I totally recommend you checking out this Cenote if you are ever in Mexico. I can't swim. Well not too good anyways and the whole time I stayed next to the tour guide and my hubby because let me tell you, the view into the water was beyond breathtaking yet at the same time I was pooping myself. Specially when it got dark. I remember at one point I panicked and hubby must have noticed because he got next to me and told me to relax. To stop and take deep breaths. How can I explain this. I honestly don't think I can. This is the longest underwater cave in Mexico, I remember hubby pointing out a sign about it being on National Geographic. They had that sign on site. This experience was just too amazing to ever put into words. Is one of those things were you just have to experience it for yourself. And we didn't even get pictures of that part of the excursion. So it is definitely something that I will forever be thankful to have had experienced.
More zip lining and then lunch. This food was authentic Mayan food and it was AMAZING! hubby and I repeated servings twice. Oh and the Tamarindo juice, Dios Que Riqueza! It was really good.
After lunch we had some free time to check out souvenirs on site and the tour guide gave us the option to finish the zip lining or walk it back but of course we all chose to zip line. We then stopped for margaritas and to "shop" for our photos. I have to say that I was impressed with their system. They really persuaded you well for giving in to buying the pictures. Not like you had a choice since you didn't have a camera of your own. Nonetheless it was worth it.
We made it to back to the resort. Showered, dinner, show, and bed.
The weather was pretty decent on our last day in the resort. we hung out at the beach after breakfast for a few hours and wondered away from the resort on the beach side to see what else was around then we came back to the pool area. It was a very low key last day there. We talked bout how much we loved Mexico and we jut knew we would be returning within the year to bring our boys. we missed them so much! But it was a much needed getaway to rekindle our love :)