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There are two amazing waterfalls, Aqua Azul and Misol Há, in the state of Chiapas. Aqua Azul is located just 69 kilometres past Palenque (a must see) on the road to San Cristóbal de las Casas (another must see). Both were packed with people swimming in them the day we were there. How Rob was able to get pictures without people in them I’ll never know.
The Cataratas de Agua Azul (Spanish for “Blue-water Falls”) is filled with beautiful blue water due to it’s high mineral content that comes from the limestone it cascades over as it fall into the pool below.
These pools make for great places to take a refreshing dip.
The Misol Há Waterfall with it’s thirty-meter (100 foot) drop is a stunning site when you first come upon it in the jungle. Only 20 kilometers past Palenque, it is an easy stop on your way to Agua Azul.
You are able to walk in behind the falls and look out through the water while a gentle mist cover you.
Playa Norte Isla Mujeres
We recently took a day off to act tourists and visit Isla Mujeres (the Island of Women). Isla Mujeres is a laid-back island off the coast of Cancun with a very Caribbean feel.
There is a “town” portion of the island with many shops and restaurants, the bulk of them on a pedestrian walkway called Hidalgo.
This was the slowest moving cart on the island.
But the fun thing to do is rent a golf cart and explore the whole island.
There is a turtle sanctuary, where turtles are bred and fed before they are released into the ocean. You will see a lot of turtles from tiny babies to very large adults. 30 pesos to gets you in, another few pesos will get you some turtle food.
This church has the best view ever!
Wandering around the town is the main activity. Isla has wooden buildings, which are very rare on the mainland. There is also an opportunity to swim with dolphins or visit Garrafón Natural Reef Park which has good snorkeling and ziplines. For more information on day trips to Isla Mujers check out Alma Libre Bookstore newsletter.
Taking selfies while driving…not a good idea.
Casa de los Venados (House of the Deer) in Valladolid is not to be missed.
Owners John and Dorianne Venator have an amazing collection of Mexican art that they have hand picked from all over the country. The collection became so large that they needed to find the perfect space for it.
The couple spent eight and half years remodeling a colonial home in Valladolid to house the collection. The home is something to see on it’s own, but ad in the amazing art collection and you are in for a treat.
Although it is their private residence the couple opens their home to the public everyday at 10:00am for tours, in both English and Spanish, of the more than 3,000 pieces of the collection. In return for the tour they ask for a small donation which goes to a local charity.
Whenever we have a chance to sneak away to Valladolid in the Yucatan, we do. This little city is quickly becoming a trendy, hip place to hang out thanks to businesses like Coqui Coqui Spa & Perfumes that make their own scents and candles or Dutzi Bags that make high end handbags sewn by local Mayan woman using recycled materials and our favourite restaurants Conato 1910.
Monastery of San Bernardino de Siena
Valladolid played a huge role in the Caste War of the Yucatan making it one of the major historical sites of the area.
With tons of history, art, culture, cenotes and great food, Valladolid is not to be missed if you are traveling through this area. Check back this week as I will post more on this cultural hot spot.
Our truck and trailer near Saltillo
In a few weeks we will begin our drive from Puerto Morelos, Mexico to Calgary, Canada. As we go we will keep you posted here on our adventures and the wonderful places in Mexico we get to visit. Check back with us.
Between now and then feel free to enjoy some road music from the Red Headed Stranger to get you in the mood. ¡Hasta pronto!
