The Riviera Maya is a top tourist destination located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The area is home to miles of sandy, white beaches, and the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. It receives thousands of visitors each year that love the area’s natural beauty, amazing beaches, and rich heritage. Recently, a 1000 year old wooden canoe has been discovered in the area that was likely used by the Mayans. The ancient canoe was found submerged in a freshwater pool known as a cenote . Common to the Riviera Maya, cenotes are natural sinkholes that result when limestone bedrock collapses to reveal groundwater. If you want to visit the Riviera Maya, contact Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573. Amazing Mexico is a genuine travel agency that has special travel promotions and all-inclusive packages on sale right now. In the meantime, keep reading below about the recent discovery of the ancient canoe.

Mayan Canoe Discovered in the Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya is home to ancient Mayan ruins such as Chichen Itza which are a wonder to see in person. For hundreds of years, the area was inhabited by the Mayan people for hundreds. The recently discovered ancient Mayan canoe measures just over 5 feet (1.6 meters) in length and 2.5 feet (80 cm) wide. Many historians believe that the canoe was used to transport water to and from cenotes, and for ritual offerings , too. Discovered by workers who were building a tourist rail project currently under construction known as the Maya Train, the tourist-friendly attraction is expected to help bring revenue into the area. The discovery of the canoe is actually the first complete canoe that has been found in the Riviera Maya. Additional studies of well preserved canoe will be performed to better assess its exact age. Similarly, a three-dimensional model of the canoe has been commissioned as well.

 

 

The Mayan Civilization

Currently, the canoe is estimated to have been built between AD830 and AD950 . At that time, the end of the Maya civilization’s classical zenith was underway. Previously, dozens of cities across present-day southern Mexico and Central America were inhabited by the Mayan people. The Mesoamerican civilization is considered the most sophisticated and highly developed writing system in pre-Columbian Americas. Plus, they are highly regarded for their logosyllabic script as well. In addition, they had major human achievements in art, architecture, mathematics, calendar, and astronomical systems. For example, various monuments at Chichen Itza have been determined to be astronomically aligned. This shows that the ancient Mayans had an excellent understanding of astronomy.

 

 

Chichen Itza Ruins

Situated on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico’s most important and complex Mayan ruins. The ancient city thrived from around 600 A.D. to the 1200’s and was named due to a local cenote. At the ruins, there are a variety of architectural styles including the Puuc and Chenes styles of the Northern Maya lowlands. In the center of the ruins, a massive step pyramid known as El Castillo, or Temple of Kukulcan, still remains intact. Also, graphic stone carvings are still visible at various structures throughout the ruins including the ball court, Temple of the Warriors and the Wall of the Skulls. Make sure to visit Chichen Itza at night to see their spectacular evening sound-and-light show that illuminates the buildings’ sophisticated geometry. According to ancient legend, the Serpent God Kukulcan descends on the pyramid twice every year. Kukulcan was a feathered serpent that was believed to be a creator god as well as the god of rain, wind, storms, and life.

 

 

Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

In the Yucatan Peninsula, there are thousands of cenotes. Commonly used as a water supply and for sacrificial offerings by the ancient Mayans, there are four different types of cenotes. To start with, some cenotes are completely underground and resemble cave-life swimming holes. Secondly, some cenotes are partially underground where some sections are open to the sky and other sections are underground. Next, some cenotes are found at land level similar to a lake or pond. Lastly, the most stunning cenotes have open wells to the sky above. These spectacular cenotes are often used as swimming holes for people who want to enjoy a refreshing swim on a hot day.

 

 

If you want to see the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya in person, why not book a vacation to Mexico? Looking for a great deal? Call Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573. Amazing Mexico is a legitimate online travel agency which offers special deals to visit the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, Cabo, and more. Plus, they only work with the country’s top resorts who have successfully implemented COVID health and safety practices to keep visitors safe during their trip. These special all-inclusive travel packages won’t last forever so call Amazing Mexico at (866) 883-0573 today. You deserve to take your loved ones on a fun and relaxing adventure to Mexico!