Tulum, Coba, Cenotes, White Sand & Blue Seas!
By Dr. Sheri Rosenthal, Thu Dec 8th

I adore the Mayan Riviera as it is sometime called, because ofits simple beauty and wonderful energy, the perfect place for aspiritual journey! Tulum's white limestone beaches and sapphireblue Caribbean waters are also perfect for sunbathing, swimming,and snorkeling.

I would like to share a little of the history of the place, atleast from the point of view of the archeologists. Most people'sexperience of this area is often limited to a visit to Cancun,and although it is a beautiful area, it cannot compare to therest of the coast that is largely undeveloped. Especially themore southern area comprising the Sian Kaan Biosphere which is aprotected reserve.

"Sian Kaan" means "where the sky is born" and is a habitat forthousands of birds as well as all the terrestrial and aquaticanimals to be found in the coastal area. The Yucatan is alsofamous for its cenotes; Mother Nature's own crystalline freshwater pools which are immersed in history and Mayan ritual.These cenotes are actually windows to the vast undergroundrivers that flow beneath the ground through submerged caves. Thecenotes have provided freshwater to the land inhabitants formillennia. In the Tulum area the best cenotes are located southof the Tulum Pueblo and along the road to the Mayan ruins ofCoba.

When the Spaniards arrived at the walled fortress of Tulum in1518, they considered it as large and beautiful as their belovedSeville. They may have been struck by its location, or thebeautiful painted facades of its buildings. Tulum's name is morerecent than its oldest structures, and translates, notsurprisingly to "wall" from the Mayan language. The city'soriginal name is believed to have been Zama or "place of thedawn," in reference to its position by the sea looking eastward.

The approximate date of the city's construction is unclear.While it is believed to have been built around 300 BC, themajority of the buildings appear to date from between 1200 to1500 AD, when the city was inhabited by the Mayans and gainedits greatest importance. With its strategic position at the topof a cliff, Tulum made an excellent fortress. The city issurrounded by walls on three sides with the fourth side wellprotected by the sea. When the Spaniards arrived within 70 yearsof their conquest, Tulum was completely abandoned, although someMayan pilgrims continued to visit the city.

Also fascinating is the ancient city of Coba. Although Coba,located 45 km (28 miles) northwest of Tulum, is less well-knownthan either Tulum or Chichen Itza, it is one of the oldest Mayancities and predates other better known cities in the area. Cobais located near five of the largest lakes in the YucatanPeninsula. It covers an area of about 70 square km (28 squaremiles). Most of the buildings in Coba are un-restored, whichisn't surprising, given that there are approximately 15,000structures throughout the city.

The five lakes of Coba are without a doubt the main reason whythe Mayans settled here. Coba reached its peak around 600 AD,yet it was mysteriously abandoned three hundred

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years later.Some archaeological evidence suggests that around the 8thcentury, when the population of the city was at its peak, it mayhave had as many as 55,000 residents!

All in all this is a wonderful location to spend time looking atyourself and what you have created in your life. When visitingon a spiritual journey, allow lots of time for self reflection,ceremony and ritual, swimming and dancing, and a sunsetcatamaran ride.

About the author:Dr. Sheri Rosenthal is the owner and director of Journeys of theSpirit. Our intent is for your spiritual transformation &personal growth with the opportunity to visit incredible sacredsites, and experience distinctive and extraordinary itineraries!You can reach us at journeys@journeysofthespirit.com orhttp://www.journeysofthespirit.com.