If you are interested in the mysterious history of Mexico, you definitely should visit Cempoala. Cempoala or Zempoala is the center of the Veracruz. The city was founded 1500 years before the Spanish entrance. It is situated on the shore of the Actopan River and not far from the coast. In ancient language, the name of the city means “three hearts.” This beautiful name is an allusion to three nations living here – Totonac, Chinanteca, and Zapotecs. These are very inventive and romantic people who perceive life very differently from us. They live in harmony with nature, keep honoring old gods and pledge the traditions of their ancestors. Frequently, these people are associated with their neighbors - the Aztecs who are famous all over the world.
Places of interest
Now, when you are introduced to the hosts of Cempoala, it’s time to see their significant landmarks. If you wish to visit the most important historical places in the city, you should start with the following ones.
· The Muse De Templo Mayor
The Muse De Templo Mayor is a temple that was discovered in the 1970’s while excavating the Pyramid of Huitzilopochtli. You can get there using public transportation. This temple dazzles the eye with over 7000 of discovered unique objects. These are beautiful ornaments and statues, including the statue of the God of War, the God of Rain, and the Goodness of the Moon, masks, tools, and many other artifacts worth seeing.
· The Chapultepec Castle
The Chapultepec Castle is a park, castle, and museum complex. It hosts such important sights as the Monument of Young Heroes, zoo, botanical garden, the Modern Art Museum, and the National History Museum the presents the history of Emperor Maximillian and his wife. You can visit this castle with you children. Many tourists include a visit Chapultepec Castle in their Mexico vacations.
· The Zocalo
The Zocalo is an open space for spiritual and religious events of the Aztecs. Nowadays, this square is surrounded by The President Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and local government offices. Impressive architecture and the spirit of ancient times that can be sensed here in every stone make it a must-visit spot for every tourist.
Cempoala is a great place for learning the history of the country and having a dream Mexico vacation with your entire family. Here you can enjoy wonderful views, find out more about the enigmatic past of the Mayan civilization and quench your thirst for adventures. People of this region are friendly and elegant, which makes Cempoala a great choice for tourists with diverse interests.
Order online now and save 15%. Adult - 44$, Child - 35$.
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We fly children from 4 years. Minimum height 90 cm (3 feet), minimum weight 15 kilos (33 pounds).
Feel the emotion of fly through the trees.
Lockers and equipment included.
Reservations cancelled 15 days or more prior to the scheduled day 100 % reimburse, from 14 to 4 prior to the scheduled day of visit are subject to an additional
20% fee. All reservations cancelled 3 to 0 days before date of visit, or in case of no-show will not be reimbursed.
Amazing Zip Lining Adventure in Aktun-Chen
Total freedom
As kids, we all imagined ourselves flying. You can make this dream come true in the Aktun-Chen park! Our natural reserve features a premium 25 feet high zipline that
will take you all the way over the jungle spreading out before you like a beautiful laced veil. You will remember such a flight for a long time! Especially since it
takes place in a scenic area like our nature reserve! Aktun-Chen is a fabulous 400-acre tropical forest containing
many exotic species of flora and fauna that you will be able to observe from the height of our zipline. Since it runs through the canopy, you will see
bright tropical birds, noisy monkeys and other jungle dwellers at arm’s length. In a few minutes, you will catch a glimpse of the entire Aktun-Chen park unfolded beneath
in full splendor! This ancient land used to be inhabited by the Mayan civilization and you can still feel the spirit of these old times floating in the air.
Don’t waste your chance to explore these historical territories flying high as a bird on our zip line!
Who invented a zip line?
Riding down a zip line is a fascinating activity that gives you a chance to experience a thrilling cocktail of height, adrenaline and beautiful view visible below.
But if you think zip lines were invented just for fun, you are wrong. A couple of decades ago, it was the only means of transportation available in certain areas.
Here is a short history of this amazing invention that has eventually turned into an exciting activity:
As you can guess, people started using zip lines in mountainous areas (the Himalayas and the Alps) where it was impossible to get across precipices and
rivers without this kind of support. Since building bridges was too time-consuming and expensive, they would simply stretch a rope or cable from one side to
another, hook on a primitive harness and transport passengers, cattle and supplies to the destination point. Quite often, it was the only way for local dwellers to
get to work, school or a marketplace where they were selling their goods.
This means of transportation was soon borrowed by mountaineers to shorten the way between two steep points. The gravity of the slope would pull the carabiner
down and in a few minutes the climber was on the other side with minimum effort. At that stage, zip lines were still very simple, without any safety mechanisms. Most of the times, mountaineers didn’t even take basic measures of precaution while using zip lines in their practice.
This may surprise you, but zip lines were also actively used by scientists. Those of them investigating the ecology of upper forest levels needed an easy
and convenient way to access the height of 25 and more feet. Sliding through the canopy down a zip line (often made out of first available materials) allowed
them to catch a glimpse of the hidden part of jungle flora and fauna. That’s how zip lines traveled from mountains to tropics. Over the decades, zip lines turned
into a popular entertainment. Although they have remained and extreme kind of sport, they have become much safer and more technically complex. To reduce the
risk and attract more clients, many zip lines were moved to less dangerous and at the same time prettier areas where visitors could enjoy the panorama. Today,
there are hundreds of zip lines all over the world, including such exotic regions as Mexico, China, Africa and Australia.
How are ziplines constructed?
Although it might seem to you that ziplines are tricky constructions, their mechanism is pretty simple. Basically, it is a system of suspensions
that allows you to slide down the cable controlling your speed with the help of your own momentum. A person attached to the cable pushes off the platform and gains
speed as their weight pulls the harness along its length. The whole ride consists of four elements:
The first and most essential thing a ziplining can’t exist without is a cable. It should be thick and sturdy enough to provide the needed degree of gliding
and sustain an adult person. Our cables are made of top-quality steel that ensures perfect support and safety. Make sure your weight corresponds with the maximum
requirements before taking off.
Naturally, there has to be some element to sustain a person and keep them sliding down the cable. That would be a harness. Made of dense leather straps, it will
keep you comfortable and safe during the trip. Harnesses can be adjusted to any body size, but there are weight limits that should be considered before you proceed to the trip.
The harness is connected to the cable with a carabiner and pulley. There is also a brake to slow down or stop the movement if you move too fast. It is easy to
reach and can be used at any moment. While you are in the air, you can freely change your position, move your hands and legs, turn around and even hang upside down!
Now let’s see how all this works. Once your feet leave the platform, the momentum of your body begins to pull you along the cable and the next moment you are
already flying over the forest as if you had a pair of wings! Depending on the length of the cable and the length at which it is stretch, you can slide slower or faster.
But don’t worry, the route is calculated with great precision, so you won’t rush off too fast or collapse into anything. If it seems to you that you gained too
much speed, just pull the brake.
In Aktun-Chen park, safety standards of zip lining are taken very seriously and we use the most secure equipment to keep you out of harm’s way.
We choose only certified brands to provide the highest level of safety and comfort for our guests. If you are new to this kind of activity, you will receive a short
training course that will teach you the basics of zip line behavior to avoid any potential risks. Our qualified instructors will tell and show you everything you
need to know about this amusement ride. We also provide our visitors with additional sportswear, including a helmet and a pair of protective gloves.
Safety rules on a zipline
Just like any other extreme kind of sports, taking a ride on a zip line is linked to a certain degree of danger. However, you can reduce the risk by taking simple
precautions that will keep you safe during the ride.
1. If you plan to zip line, put on comfortable sports clothing and shoes with closed toes. An outfit like that won’t limit your moves. Avoid wearing tight shirts,
jeans and high-heeled shoes that don’t go very well with physical exercise.
2. Make sure to wear a pair of protective gloves to protect your hands from friction. Another obligatory part of your outfit is a helmet that will cover your ears
from the rushing wind and absorb the impact of a blow should you hit a tree. However, the possibility of it is very low, so you don’t really have to worry. Put on a helmet just in case.
3. If there is a strong wind, it’s also advisable to wear special goggles that will cover your eyes and protect them from dust and air. Note, though, that goggles are
not included in the set we provide for our visitors.
4. To be able to zip line, you should fit the limits of minimum/maximum weight. It’s not safe to zip line if you are too heavy since the cable may not be hefty enough to
support you. This requirement should be taken especially seriously – disregard can cost you your health and even your life.
5. The most dangerous part of a zip line adventure is landing at the finish platform. Don’t end your ride at full speed otherwise it’ll be hard for you to land
properly. Use the brake on your harness to slow down before a full stop. Pay attention to the position of your feet to avoid bumping them onto the platform.
6. Even when just standing on the platform, keep away from the edge and hold onto the guard rails. Your feet and hands should always have some sort of support in case you
stumble or lose balance. Don’t underestimate the consequences of falling from such a height.
7. And the last recommendation: carefully listen to every word of your instructor. Although riding on a zipline doesn’t require any special skills, the short coaching offered
to all of our guests before taking off,especially if this is their first time, is highly important for you to get a safe and comfortable experience. Don’t
ignore that part of your air trip!
That’s all you need to know about taking a zipline ride in our park! You will be amazed by wonderful views of the tropical forest, dizzy speed and unforgettable
emotions! Aktun-Chen ranks among the most spectacular locations of Mexico and you can see it for yourself by visiting our amazing nature reserve. Set
off for a flight through a pristine tropical forest and get a shot of adrenaline on our head-spinning zip line running 25 feet over the ground! These impressions will
stay with you long after you leave our park. We offer you a unique adventure you just can’t miss! Take a break from urban routine and relax in the lap of nature in a wonderful
place called Aktun-Chen!
Order online now and save 15%. Adult - 33$, Child - 26$.
When ordering, use coupon 15OFF
BATHE YOUR SOUL
Dont forget your towel.
Lockers and equipment included.
GET IN REAL CONTACT WITH NATURE.
CAVE DIVING IN THE AKTUN-CHEN PARK
More than the eye can see
We think we know everything about the surrounding world. Every day, on the way to our jobs and back home, we follow the same path, see the same buildings
and trees, and hear the same sounds. Our life is governed by the wheel of seasons and sways of weather that repeat an age-old pattern year after year. We live in
a perfectly familiar environment where nothing can surprise us. But earth is just one of the many habitats existing on our planet. Beyond the reach of our senses,
it’s all so different and fascinating! If you want to see the hidden side of our world and get a one-of-a-kind experience that is impossible to forget, welcome
to the Aktun-Chen park! In this tropical paradise, not only you can catch a glimpse of exotic flora and fauna but also set out on a unique snorkeling
adventure underground!
A cave with a history
With a total length of 700 yards, the Aktun-Chen cave is one of the largest and oldest in Mexico. According to geological estimates, its formation
started over 5 million years ago. However, the cenote itself is thought to be much younger, around 30 thousand years old. It all started during the last ice age when
the ocean level dropped drastically laying bare a giant coral reef with its vast underwater caves that subsequently became a platform for most of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Seeping through its porous surface, heavy tropical rains created numerous underground rivers filled partly with fresh rainwater and partly with salty groundwater.
In some places, the soil was corroded by acidic rainfalls and collapsed revealing the water bodies running below. This is how the legendary cenotes of Yucatan
appeared – including the one located in Aktun-Chen!
Spectacular, mysterious and solemn, the Aktun-Chen grotto strikes the eye with exquisite limestone formations some of which are older than our entire civilization.
Massive stalactites and stalagmites edging the passageway form a beautiful underground landscape that ends with a marvelous cenote opening right into the jungle.
With scattered sunlight playing on the transparent water surface and lush tropical vegetation draping the grotto walls, the lake seems to have emerged from one of your dreams.
Long ago, this cave was a sacred spot for the local Maya tribes who believed cenotes to be gates to the underworld where the gods reside. They used to descend here in
search of divine guidance and shelter. Mayan shamans would invoke the spirits allegedly inhabiting the bottom of the cenote and pray for the wellbeing of their village.
Holly gifts were laid onto a stone altar or thrown into the water to appease Chaac, a deity responsible for rainy weather and fertile crops. The importance of cenotes
for the Maya is also explained by the fact that they often were the only source of fresh water to be found in the neighborhood. Today the grotto is open for swimming
and snorkeling being one of the main attractions of our park.
Things to do in the Aktun-Chen grotto
Our cave is a perfect spot for snorkeling. Its maximum depth reaches 10 feet, although most areas are rather shallow offering enough space both
for novices and experienced divers. Splendid rock cascades, enigmatic underwater tunnels and magnificent arches rising from the dark are all yours to explore!
We provide our visitors with all necessary swimming equipment including snorkels, goggles, flippers, and safety belts.
Even if you don’t like snorkeling, plunging into the chilly water of the cenote after a tiring walk through the heated jungle will be rather refreshing!
Swim around the grotto or have fun diving from the rocks. The lake isn’t very deep; you can always grab onto the porous surface of the protruding stones and
find support for your feet to rest up. That makes the Aktun-Chen cenote perfectly safe even for those who don’t swim well.
The underground realm might seem gloomy and unfriendly to you, but it is crawling with life! Our cave is full of tropical fauna, from regular
bats to bizarre fishes that have never seen the light of the sun. You can observe them swarming in the transparent depth of the cenote and even capture amazing
scenes of cave life on camera. If you plan to shoot underwater, note that we neither rent photography gear, nor teach our guests the basics of using it. That’s up to you.
The dry area of the Aktun-Chen cave is just as incredible as its underwater scenery. Take a break between the baths to walk around the grotto and
gaze at the fabulous shapes of limestone cut by the nimble hand of time. Our guide will take you on a grand tour of the cave covering its key spots. You will learn
about the formation of the grotto, the species living here and of course its captivating history. Take it as a pleasant bonus of visiting our underwater caves!
Diving is prohibited in the Aktun-Chen cenote since it isn’t deep enough for submersion with a scuba. But you will hardly miss it! With all the walking, listening
and swimming to do, you’ll just have no time to think of any other entertainments! Our fantastic cave tour is full of discoveries and adventures!
What else can we say? See the wonders of the Aktun-Chen cave with your own eyes and take a unique snorkeling trip meters underground in a pristine
tropical forest! Our park also features many other attractions, including bicycle tours in the jungle, seeing wild animals at arm’s length, zip lining 25 feet in the
air and savoring traditional Mexican food in a lovely ethnic-style restaurant. If you are tired, you can take a nap in a cozy hammock, lulled by the rustle of palm
leaves and merry chirping of exotic birds. We are always happy to greet new guests and show you the beauty of virgin nature that we so often disregard. So what are
you waiting for? Pack your stuff and catch the nearest plane that will carry you right to our amazing park!
Order online now and save 15%. Adult - 29$, Child - 23$.
When ordering, use coupon 15OFF
Come and see why we are the number 3 Top Ten Underground Walk according to NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC enjoy
THE LARGEST DRY CAVE in the state.
Free lockers.
Aktun-Chen: A Thrilling Cave Quest
The call of mystery
During its existence, mankind has applied great effort to explore every kilometer of our planet, from its highest peaks to its deepest caves. And
although most of our world has already been put on the map, we still have this spirit of adventure inside us. If you want to make your life
more versatile and make a few discoveries of your own, there one thing you can’t miss and it’s called caving. What is it and what do you need to pursue
this activity?
As you can guess from the name, it is somehow connected with caves. Simply put, it’s about exploring various sorts of caves, from tiny grottos to huge
underground complexes extending for many miles. For some people, caving is just an entertainment allowing them to take a break from daily routine and
see the side of the world they had no idea about. Other people take it quite seriously, though. They consider caving to be a kind of sport that requires a lot of time,
courage and persistence. Experienced cavists can spend days, weeks and even months underground, away from sunlight and fresh air. They devote their life
to investigating the winding stone tunnels, their geology and formations, mysterious cave flora and fauna. Quite often, that results in amazing discoveries.
Of course, such a cave quest is also a challenge to one’s physical limits, endurance and willpower. After all, it’s not that easy to cast aside your needs
and habits and switch to an entirely different biorhythm.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to go through all this in Aktun-Chen! What we offer is an exciting yet totally safe and comfortable excursion across
one of the oldest caves in the Riviera Maya that has been around since the dawn of time! But before we venture inside, let’s learn more about this
amazing geological phenomenon.
The pearl of the Aktun-Chen park
We rarely wonder how old some parts of our world actually are. All around us, things constantly change and it’s hard to imagine that there can be formations
on earth dating back thousands and even millions of years ago. Just think of it, that’s older than the entire human civilization! But some
of them did survive until our time. One of such natural wonders happens to be located in our park.
The Aktun-Chen grotto is estimated to have formed approximately 5 million years ago. For a long time, it was part of the huge coral reef. During the ice
age, the sea levels decreased and the reef rose to the surface forming a limestone platform for the Yucatan Peninsula. When the coral died, it was
overgrown with jungle. However, the soil was highly porous and sensitive to acid. Over the centuries, it has been dissolved by acidic tropical rainfall
resulting in a formation of stalactites and stalagmites. Eventually, many of the caverns collapsed and were flooded when the ice age came to an end around
18,000 years ago and the glaciers melted. Covered with an intricate tracery of limestone formations, shimmering mysteriously in the dusk, the Aktun-Chen
cave is a place you can wander about for hours. It is a sizeable underground complex extending for nearly 700 yard. But don’t be afraid to get lost, our guide
will be with you every step of the way. Pay special attention to signs warning visitors to stay away from certain parts of the grotto where the
rock mass is unstable and may pose a danger to your life. Although you are free to have a look around on your own, it’s always safer to stick to the guide
and avoid any dangerous-looking tunnels.
Types of formations in Aktun-Chen
· Stalactites
As you walk underground, you see a vast panorama of stalactites hanging from the ceiling. This stone icicles form out of minerals dissolved in water. When rainfalls
seep through the cracks in the rock, they get rich in different minerals and carries them inside the cave. Once the water contacts the air, minerals
solidify again in the shape of icicles. This process may take decades and even centuries. Over this time, stalactites grow in size. Some of them are much older than
you may think. Near big cracks, you can see what geologists call curtains – thin calcite formations resembling flowing water that froze in motion.
· Stalagmites
Just like stalactites, stalagmites are minerals that were dissolved in water and dripped from the stalactites to the floor where they solidified. The only
difference is that they point upwards. You can often observe stalactites and stalagmites in pairs. It happens that they even join into columns edging the
passageway. Is it any wonder the ancient Maya considered caves to be sacred places inhabited by spirits?
· Cascades
There is one more type of underground formations called cascades. These are reliefs formed on the walls around large leaks where water was flowing rather than dripping
creating a recognizable wavy pattern on the surface of the limestone. In Aktun-Chen, you can observe immense areas covered with cascades of various shapes.
They resemble sophisticated ancient reliefs carefully sculpted by the deft hands of nature.
An underground adventure you should go for!
Sounds interesting? That’s just a beginning! You’ll get a full tour of the grotto that covers all main places of interest. Our guide will tell you the exciting story
of this underground complex, from its formation to the time when it was discovered by the ancient Mayas who considered it to be a sanctuary of rain spirits allegedly
living in the Aktun-Chen cenote. They used to descend into the dusk of the grotto to perform their enigmatic rituals and invoke rain god Chaac. Because the Mayas
resided in a very dry area, fresh water from cenotes was often the only to be found in the vicinity. That explains the vital role played by cenotes in the life of
this ancient civilization. By the way, you will also get a chance to swim and snorkel in this amazing underground lake opening right into the tropical forest. Although
the world of caves seems to be dark and gloomy, it is full of life. In its murky tunnels, you will see plenty of exotic animals including bats, coatis, and even blind
fishes with transparent bodies. The Aktun-Chen grotto is definitely one of the most spectacular and memorable places in the entire Mexico! A cave quest
in our natural park guarantees you a great time spent out in the open and unforgettable impressions! We are always glad to welcome new visitors and show them the
wonderful treasures of the Aktun-Chen reserve!
