I took off my life-preserver device and decided to dive. A deep breath and I left the surface to swim towards the bottom. Not very deep, only a few meters down, I touched, turned and planned to return to the surface. I looked up. Magical.
the entrance to the cenote...
Sunbeams penetrated the clear crisp water and shined on my face, my body, and even seemed to warm my soul. A spiritual experience. And this was just the beginning of my cenote experiences in the Riviera Maya.
we floated Cenote Aquila y Rio Selva
The entire float down Cenote Aquila and the Rio Selva at Hacienda Tres Rios proved magical. Above water I viewed the mangroves and listened to the birds or below I snorkeled to watch the fish and view the reflections of the sun illuminate the under(water)world. At times I even floated backwards and waved my arms. The shadow created on the floor mimicked an angel. A water angel. A sensation I did not witness alone.
We all entered the cenote 800 meters up river prepared to float down to the ocean. And after a coming to our senses on the SenseAdvenutre or understanding our own life’s journey through the doors of a Temazcal, we desired a refreshing, fun event. A swim.
Some eased their way in, others apparently jumped in to the cenote. Regardless of the entry method, I believe, many of us found more than just an afternoon swim along the way. I did.
We found a reason to thank the sustainable resort, Hacienda Tres Rios, for making its mission not just saving this cenote (only available to its guests) but for making a difference to the environment as a way of business. I also found more.
the guides smiles where the River meets the Gulf
I found a connection. A connection to nature through the natural wonder of a cenote. Magic exists in such an experience. A magic I’d find all week in swimming and experiencing the centoes of the Riviera Maya.
Stay adventurous, Craig
Day 16 of 20 day Mexico Bicentennial Tribute. Day 1 of Cenote Week.
Also thanks for Hacienda Tres Rios for proving passage along the river from the cenote to the Gulf of Mexico and inviting me to share in the experiences of their resort.
