MEXICO ~ RUINS

Pictured below is the observatory in the ancient city of Cobá, buried deep in the overgrown jungles of the Yucatan. The ancient Mayans were brilliant architects, mathematicians, and astronomers, but go somewhere else if you want to learn the history of Mexico. I'll only tell you about the present, what it feels like to beg for mercy in the oppressive heat of the tropics.

I actually enjoy the heat. I've lived in hot places and it suits me fine. But it's the humidity that beats you down like an animal, drowning you in torrents of steamy, unrelenting sweat.
Sticky, stuffy, suffocating humidity. It reminds you how much you really do need that next gasp of oxygen. That's the kind of hot waiting for you in the Mexican jungle in August.

The heat can play tricks on you. It can even make you see funny faces in stone.
Some people say they can see a face in this picture. I don't know what they're talking about.

One of Mexico's biggest tourist attractions is Chichen Itza, a fantastic ancient Mayan city.
Everyone has been there, and every one has to climb the steps of the main pyramid. It's still worth it.

The entire city of Chichen Itza is full of remarkable architectural ruins.
It's really easy to imagine how alive the city once was.

Some people say they can see two faces in this stone wall carving.
I think the heat has definitely gotten to them too.

Legends say a lot of people were sacrificed at the top of the main pyramid, El Castillo.
Once you climb it, you'll realize they all just fell down the stairs (dizzy from the heat). They're really steep.

Many other surprises lie hidden in the jungle.

This recently discovered underground cave system, Aktun Chen, has an underground river and huge cenote. Roots from trees on the surface reach straight down through surface openings to get at the juicy minerals below. It's nice and cool down there too.

MEXICO ~ AKUMAL

Akumal is a slice of paradise hiding on the Mayan coast.
It's a quiet, unpretentious little town, with wonderful people and great snorkeling. Once in a while you can snorkel along with an eel, a big stingray or a green sea turtle through beautiful coral reefs.

Green sea turtles do not have it easy. Their nesting grounds compete with big oceanfront resorts for precious space on the beach. Even with the help of dedicated volunteers at the Centro Ecológico in Akumal, only a tiny fraction of this crew will ever make it to maturity.
One year after this photo, hurricane Emily swept through Akumal, destroying an estimated 100,000 turtle eggs.

You can't help but fall in love with these little creatures, especially after swimming with their parents around the coral reefs.

Another little guy shows off the remnants of his yolk sac.

Once they're born, they know what to do. This little guy is flapping away towards the ocean.
(He's obviously trying to escape the heat.)