GRAND CENOTES IN MEXICO
WATER WONDERS AROUND THE WORLD
These eight water-focused experiences are worthy of travelers ’ bucket lists .
WORDS / JENNA BUEGE
Whether it ’ s in it , on it or around it , so many of life ’ s greatest adventures have water at their core . Humanity ’ s attraction to water transcends location , culture and ethnicity . In fact , our fascination with the world ’ s sparkly blue depths is so prevalent that it ’ s been the focus of numerous scientific studies , the inspiration for millions of books , poems and songs and the shining star in plenty of films and documentaries .
Luckily for us , so many of Earth ’ s watery wonders are open to exploration . Ready to start dreaming ? These eight unique aquafilled getaways inspire romance , relaxation , thrills and more .
HUANG JENHUNG / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
Opposite page : Ik Kil cenote in the Yucatan Peninsula ; left : Visitors swim in beautiful blue-green waters .
ECSTK22 / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
GRAND CENOTES IN MEXICO
Hidden within the dense cover of the mysterious Yucatan Jungle , where a sea of broccoli-like treetops stretch as far as the eye can see , is an ancient treasure , the equivalent of liquid gold . Despite its reputation for swanky oceanfront hotels and exciting water-based adventures , Mexico ’ s Yucatan Peninsula has virtually no permanent surface water . Instead , nearly all the region ’ s lakes , ponds and rivers exist thanks to cenotes , the beating heart of the Riviera Maya ’ s intricate underground water system .
While cenotes can occur both above and beneath the ground , some of the most spectacular of the bunch are semi-open or cavern-like in appearance , their crystal-clear turquoise pools framed by wild vines , rocky outcroppings and stalagmites and stalactites . When sunlight pours in from the “ roof ,” it ’ s easy to feel that same mystical connection understood by the Ancient Mayans long ago .
S . BORISOV / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
SUMMER 2023 / THE COMPASS / 31