Nomad World
YUCATAN: Land of Mayans and Cenotes - Part 2
By E.R.L. and Elisa Pritzker
In Part 1 of this adventure, we met Chichen Itza, the Mayan city, and talked with Jesús, a direct Mayan descendant. You can see it here: http://joom.ag/fQ2Y/p6
Today we go into the jungle to see the cenotes, water mirrors that were used by the Mayans. The term cenote comes from the Maya ts'onot and refers to surface access to crystalline water sources connected by underground caverns. It is estimated that there are around 6,000 in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The cenotes in Yucatan are managed by Mayan families who charge entrance to visit them and thus provide sustenance to their families. They are frequented by scuba divers who explore their depths. Others are more remote and far from tourists.