{"id":726,"date":"2016-09-17T17:17:56","date_gmt":"2016-09-17T22:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.siankaanvillage.com\/blog\/?p=726"},"modified":"2016-11-29T12:40:25","modified_gmt":"2016-11-29T18:40:25","slug":"sacred-cenotes-in-the-sian-kaan-biosphere","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.siankaanvillage.com\/blog\/destination\/sacred-cenotes-in-the-sian-kaan-biosphere","title":{"rendered":"Sacred Cenotes in the Sian Ka\u2019an Biosphere"},"content":{"rendered":"

When you choose to vacation on Mexico\u2019s eastern coast, you will discover that the area is home to a great variety of features including 5 star resorts, world-class dining, outdoor activities galore and some of the planet\u2019s most gorgeous beaches, complete with glittering white sand and turquoise water. \u00a0However, one of the biggest highlights of visiting this spectacular region is experiencing the rich cultural history of the ancient Mayan empire. \u00a0Scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula are several sites of former cities and temples filled with ruins to explore, as well as mystical underwater pools called cenotes found in the Sian Ka\u2019an Biosphere, where the ancient civilization believed they could communicate with the gods. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Natural Wonders<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Natural<\/p>\n

Beginning millions of years ago, these subterranean groundwater pools were formed when sea levels dropped drastically to expose miles of coral reef and gradually rose once more, filling empty tunnels and caves with water. \u00a0Cenotes are home to fascinating geological formations as well as a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna. \u00a0Mayan for \u2018sacred well\u2019 or \u2018cave filled with water\u2019, cenotes are an amazing entrance to a surreal underwater escape in the Sian Ka\u2019an Biosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sian Ka\u2019an\u2019s Sacred Sinkholes<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Sian<\/p>\n

Because cenotes provided the Mayans with crucial freshwater during difficult summers and periods of drought, they were accurately thought of by their society as life givers. \u00a0Thus the reason they chose to build many of their cities near the entrances to these sinkholes. \u00a0This is also why they worshipped the rain gods whom they believed resided within the cenotes and performed ceremonies to honor them. \u00a0The Mayans thought of the cenotes as a gateway into another realm where they were able to communicate with the gods and ask for their consent to travel through the regions they cared for and defended.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cenote Adventures<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"Cenote<\/p>\n

At the Sian Ka\u2019an Village, you will find a knowledgeable staff who will be happy to let you know when tours and excursions are available, as well as pricing information. \u00a0Visiting the local cenotes is a wonderful way to explore this magical, ancient realm where you can become as familiar with it as you like. \u00a0You will discover a breathtaking collection of flora and fauna in addition to amazing naturally developed geological formations no matter the method you choose to tour, from snorkeling to kayaking to diving straight into the water and swimming around. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you experience the dazzling cenotes near Sian Ka\u2019an for yourself, you will realize why the Mayans were so fond of these underwater getaways which showcase the powerful beauty Mother Nature has to offer. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When you choose to vacation on Mexico\u2019s eastern coast, you will discover that the area is home to a great variety of features including 5 star resorts, world-class dining, outdoor activities galore and some of the planet\u2019s most gorgeous beaches, complete with glittering white sand and turquoise water. \u00a0However, one of the biggest highlights of visiting this spectacular region is experiencing the rich cultural history of the ancient Mayan empire. \u00a0Scattered around the Yucatan Peninsula are several sites of former cities and temples filled with ruins to explore, as well as mystical underwater pools called cenotes found in the Sian Ka\u2019an Biosphere, where the ancient civilization believed they could communicate with the gods. \u00a0\u00a0 Natural Wonders Beginning millions of years ago, these subterranean groundwater pools were formed when sea levels dropped drastically to expose miles of coral reef and gradually rose once more, filling empty tunnels and caves with water. \u00a0Cenotes are home to fascinating geological formations as well as a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna. \u00a0Mayan for \u2018sacred well\u2019 or \u2018cave filled …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":728,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.siankaanvillage.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/sacred-cenotes-in-the-sian-kaan-biosphere.jpg","jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"\nSacred Cenotes in the Sian Ka\u2019an Biosphere<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Visiting this spectacular region is experiencing the rich cultural history of the ancient Mayan empire,as mystical underwater pools called cenotes.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, 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