(^8) In one fell swoop, I learned what role Europeans played in the demise
of the Mayan culture. During the Spanish conquest of this area, the
Maya state of Chetumal bravely fought off several Spanish
expeditions before finally being defeated in the late 16th century.
How sad is that? Eventually, the Spanish drove all the Hispanic people
away, and I understand that many settled in what is today Belize.
Chetumal – Limones - 94km
Mexico felt more organised and developed than the Central American
countries we had just come from. The road to Limones was smooth
and featured a wide, good shoulder.
At lovely Laguna Bacalar, it was easy to understand why the lake was
referred to as the Lagoon of Seven Colours. The lake is scenic and
home to the oldest life on the planet in the form of an ancient
population of stromatolites, a living fossil that predates dinosaurs and
even plants. I further learned that the lake is fed by a 450-kilometre
underground river that is part of the world’s largest water cave and
tunnel system. Sadly, this lake is now under grave threat due to
pollution.
The village of Bacalar dates to Mayan times but was sadly conquered
by the Spanish in 1543. Fort San Felipe Bacalar, built in the 17th
century to protect the town from pirates, still exist.
Although plenty of cabanas lined the lake’s shores, we cycled until we
reached Limones. Typical for that part of the world, even the tiniest
settlement was home to ancient ruins. Limones was no different and
housed the Limones Mayan Ruins dating back to 700 AD.
leana
(Leana)
#1