Adventure Travel in the Mayan World - By: Duende Tours webmaster

Adventure Travel in the Mayan World

Since many years the Mayan World has been a popular destination for adventure seekers. Early day explorers like John Lloyd Stephens discovered the region to be full of exciting surprises when first stumbling upon great ancient pyramids in the early 19th century. Still only 40 years ago a visit to the now well known ruins of Tikal, Guatemala involved a 2 day jungle hike over rarely trotted paths after a dubious flight into Guatemala's jungle capital Flores.

Nowadays the region offers escapades for any adventure level. From day excursions to Chichen Itza Maya Ruins to one week jungle tours by foot visiting the tallest Mayan ruin El Mirador. But the Mayan World offers the adventurer much more then just archeology. In an area of roughly 300,000 square kilometers (116,000 square miles) the Mayan World comprises mountains, lakes, both white water and calm rivers, rainforest, Caribbean beaches, cenotes, caves and waterfalls. This wide range of geological attractions and ancient as well as modern Mayan culture provides the traveler with an ideal destination to quench his thirst for adventure.

The state Quintana Roo of Mexico owns the worlds largest system of underwater caves. Called cenotes, these cave systems were once dry and formed marvelous limestone forms in stalactites and stalagmites. Today these caves are a paradise to snorkelers and scuba divers as they are accessible from both land and ocean.

In the Peten region of Guatemala, one can find many lakes. Each with a different composition these lakes vary in color and clearness. Spread throughout the vast rainforest of this region, these lakes provide a refreshing break and beautiful views. The rivers of this region are excellent for bird watching and canoe trips.

In Cayo District of Belize day excursions are numerous. The region is rich with lush jungle, caves and rivers. Let your guide take you on a river into the jungle for a visit to a well known medicine man or pass through water caves on an inner tube.

Southern Guatemala's mountain range offers white water rafting, kayaking and amazing waterfalls. A visit to this region is not easily planned, but the effort is awarded with natural beauties still undiscovered by most tourists.

Chiapas state of Mexico has waterfalls amongst Mayan ruins and lush jungle. A visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Bonampac provides the opportunity for a bicycle ride through the rainforest.

These are just a few highlights in the amazing World of the Maya; a destination that forms a must to any self respecting adventurer.

By C. Willigers - Duende Tours

About the Author

Over the past few years we have shared magical Mayan Jungle places with people from all over the world raising forest protection awareness offering people the chance to see the Mayan World in a different way. Duende Tours shows the natural side of the Mayan World, with her unique people, culture and secrets. During our adventures we bring travelers deep into the jungle and everyone always comes to the same conclusion: This is Paradise, we have to

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Duende-Tours-webmaster/20815

Additional Articles From - Home | Travel & leisure