WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE

In college I took a pre-Columbian art history class.  I needed an art class to fulfill my general education for an associate degree.    That's where I met G.  We studied about the ancient civilizations of the Americas, before Columbus arrived.  We studied the Olmec, Toltec, Aztec, Mayan and Inca civilizations.  The class interested me because I was born in Mexico City and I visited the Aztec pyramids as a little girl in the city of Teotihuacan.  The Aztecs believed that the gods created the universe at that site.  I dream of going back all the time.  Anyway, the class was amazing.  So much history.  So much art.  It really made me appreciate the culture.  It also made me want to travel and visit more of these ancient cities. 

A while back we decided to visit the Mayan Riviera.  We took a plane to Cancun and then rented a car and drove to a beautiful city called Tulum.  From there, we took a day trip to a city called Coba.  It's an archeological site that houses the tallest Mayan pyramid in Mexico. This trip was long overdue!  G and I always talked about visiting the Mayan temples.  We were so excited to be able to go.  The drive from Tulum to Coba was about 45 minutes.  It was only one road so the drive was super easy. 

Coba is in the middle of the jungle.  Once we arrived we were able to explore the city.  The place was bike friendly but we decided to walk and take it all in.  All along the paths were mounds overgrown with trees, vines and flowers. 

All the people at the site were very friendly.  You can hire a guide too, if you want more history.  We decided to explore and follow the paths to the highest pyramid.

The pyramid is called Nohuch Mul.  It means "large mound" in Maya language.  It stands about 130 feet tall.  We were lucky enough to be able to climb it.  It was a true honor.

Going up was the hardest.  We took small breaks to catch our breath.  The views from up at the top were amazing.  All I could see was a canopy of trees.  And I could hear the loud sounds of birds singing.

The journey uphill was difficult, but once we reached the top, exhausted and soaked in sweat, we looked out at the view and thought "Welcome to the Jungle!"

Here's a little video footage of the journey uphill.  I still can't even believe we were there.  I feel so happy and lucky to be able to share this.  

Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.  - Anonymous

-Vicky Vicious xoxo