Yatra Geetham – Mexican Tour – 2

Yatra Geetham

Mexican Tour – 2

Telugu Original : Dr K.Geeta 

English Translation: V.Vijaya Kumar

          The city of Cancun is located on the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, in southeastern Mexico.

          In the local Mayan language, Cancun means “Nest of Snakes.” This region was the heart of the Mayan civilization, one of the world’s oldest great cultures, which flourished from 2000 BC to 900 AD. The many ruins that survive today are truly fascinating.

          The city of Cancun gained importance during the Spanish conquest in the 18th century. After the 1970s, construction of resorts began, leading to a massive influx of tourists.

          From above, the luxury resorts line a narrow, ribbon-like strip of land jutting into the sea, creating a paradise-like view. This area is called the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone). Since it is connected to the mainland at both ends, you can see beautiful ocean views on either side no matter where you go.

          The serene sunrise that greets you every morning from the hotel balconies, and the moonlight sparkling on the waves at night, are unforgettable sights.

          Outside the Hotel Zone, the rest of Cancun is more like a small town. About 99% of the population depends on tourism. While Spanish is the main language, those who know some English find plenty of opportunities in the tourist industry. However, in the non-tourist areas, poverty is evident.

          In recent years, drug-related crimes and murders have increased, and the presence of military forces everywhere reflects efforts to reassure visitors from wealthier countries like the U.S. We had postponed our trip several times because of safety concerns. But when we finally arrived, we found there was nothing to be afraid of.

          When I asked locals about security, they said that although crimes occur everywhere, media reports tend to highlight incidents in Cancun more. One person asked me, “How many shootings happen in America? Is it any safer there?” That made me pause.

          One day, a bus driver on one of our tours said: “Your safety depends on what you do. If you are just a tourist, who will target you? As far as I know, Cancun is safer for ordinary people than many other places. Is there a drug mafia? Doesn’t it exist everywhere? There are no bigger crimes here than in America.” He said this with a laugh, and it felt true.

          Since we had bravely decided to visit despite the warnings, we resolved not to overthink security issues.

          We made a list of important places to see in the area. The most important of them is the Chichen Itza pyramid, one of the eight wonders of the modern world. 

          Apart from that, the underground waters called “cenotes” are definitely worth seeing. 

          The island of “Isla Moharis” adjacent to Cancun was added as a day program.

          I would recommend “Market-28”, which is famous for its local products, people and culture.

          They should book adventure tours like the zip line, which Satya and Varu love.

          The “Pirate Show”, a tour while enjoying the evening view of the ocean, is a must-see.

          The ruined cities of the Mayan culture like Tulum and Coba are the most important of all. We had enough tours ready for a total of five days.

          Finally, the day of our departure arrived. As part of the Costco package, we had to change flights twice. Since both flights were scheduled back-to-back, we had to leave at noon and would reach Cancun at night.

          The first flight, from California to Dallas, Texas, took three hours. The connecting flight from Dallas to Cancun took another two hours. With Cancun being three hours ahead of California, it was already nine in the evening when we landed.

          It took another half an hour to exit the airport. Cancun airport is actually quite small, so it normally doesn’t take long.

          Within minutes, as we were about to exit through the glass doors, a girl wearing a badge like those at tourism help centers greeted us: “Do you need any help?”

          Since our Costco package included a private van transfer from the airport to the hotel, we stopped by her, wondering where it would pick us up.

          Later, we realized what a big mistake that was.

*****

(to be continued)