Mayan Excursion in Punta Gruesa

Once again, PG ventured into unknown realms of the Yucatan with a two-part day trip to Chacchoben ruins and Cenote de la Normal. One of the guides (staff) had previously been to the ruins, but the cenote was a new experience for everyone.

The ruins were easy enough, well signposted and not too far from Bacalar which is a location frequently visited by staff and volunteers. Two cars full of us arrived at the ruins and we spent a relaxed hour or so wandering around the site. The temples and buildings themselves were impressive, peeking out from amongst the trees, but the wildlife sold it for everyone. Fruits and flowers that were unrecognisable, lizards with Mohicans and various new bird species including a rather large Toucan that sat and posed for us from a distance, a first for many of us but they are always a treat to see.

After we were ruined out, we continued to Bacalar for some provisions and to find out more about the next stage of our day, the Cenote. Previously, we had visited Cenote Ocom to the north, and Azul close to Bacalar, but this was a new venture. The Cenote we were after joins on to the lake, dropping away from the 3m deep water to a chimney of 50m. The colour change from the aqua, sandy lake to the deep blue Cenote was obvious on arrival. However, the plan was to dive from the school access as the Cenote is named after and related to the school. But the school was closed, therefore we had to find another way to gain access. After some searching, we found a vacant plot of land that allowed us down to the waters edge that presented somewhat of a challenge. The ‘path’ was overgrown and it led to a steep slope, which we had to navigate with all the kit. However, everyone got stuck in and the process was far more efficient than first thought. Once we were set up, we all piled into the water to begin the exploration.

We followed the wall down to 25m and then swam round. There were tree roots that looked eerie in the lighting, fish that were fairly unbothered by our presence, and near the end of the dive, some sharks (well, catfish!) to keep us amused. Diving in fresh water is a very different experience to diving in salty water, so the volunteers also got to practice their buoyancy skills! It was a very relaxed dive, even though the visibility was low in the dark depths. We will definitely consider returning there in the future, possibly when the school is open, but if not, we now know we have another option!

Mayan Excursion in Punta Gruesa