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.
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We allow children from 4 years old to access ziplining. Minimum height 90 cm (3 ft), minimum weight 15 kg (33 lbs).
Live the thrill of flying through the trees.
Zip Line type Canopy
Equipment and lockers included.
Tour duration 1 hour 15 minutes approximately.
Live the experience of flying through the jungle
Are you a fan of extreme experiences, nature and adventures?
This activity is for you. Experience 10 lines and 2 hanging bridges of 15 and 30 meters long respectively. You will have the opportunity to feel like you're
flying as you slide through the treetops from one point to another on horizontal cables with the best safety measures and equipment.
This allows you to experience the feeling of flying and enjoy nature from a different perspective. Thanks to this experience, from the platforms high on the
trees, you will observe the flora and fauna of the region.
Our canopy Aktun Chen is designed so that it was accessible to people of all ages (4 to 70 years) and without the need of any special experience.
To carry out this activity we have professional equipment by Petzl. This is a prestigious professional mountaineering brand, which guarantees you will live
this experience with the greatest safety and confidence.
The duration of the circuit takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes (with equipment and instruction) always accompanied and guided by our friendly
and dynamic team of specialized guides.
The lightness of bird
Perhaps everyone as a child imagined himself a flying bird. Zipline in Aktun Chen Park gives you not only the opportunity to imagine yourself a bird, but
actually fly over the gorge. The cables are stretched at a height of 25 feet over the ground. Now the park provides 10 lines and 2 hanging bridges of 15 and
30 meters long, respectively. Be sure the flight will be a real adventure for you. When flying you can see monkeys in the jungle and toucan or parrot in
the sky. You can see them at arm's length. Real beauty will unfold also beneath you – you will see lush green crowns of trees and cozy paths of the park.
The tour lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. All the zip lining equipment is provided in the park for free.
History of cable flights
The park visitors now have a unique opportunity to see the park from a bird's eye view – this is an entertainment. But earlier such cableways were used
exclusively for practical purposes – they were the only way to deliver cargo to hard-to-reach areas. Let's give an inside to the history of this transport:
People began to practice zip lining in mountainous areas because they did not have any other means of cargo delivery. Such cable cars were used by the
residents of the Himalayas and the Alps.
Much later this
practice was adopted by climbers who began to cross the gorges in this way. Preparing for such a crossing took a few minutes. At first, such devices were
fairly simple and unsafe. Then people started to pay more attention to security.
Surprisingly,
even scientists use zipline to get to hard-to-reach places. Using it in combination with canopy allows them to see the most exotic animals in their usual habitat.
But over time, ziplining turned from a means of transportation and research into mass entertainment provided by some parks of the world.
How does a zipline work?
Although at first glance zipline may seem a rather complicated thing, but nevertheless its design is quite simple. It is just a set of mounts that allows you to
control the flight balancing your body. You fly only due to the inertia that is transmitted to your body at the moment of departure.
Is ziplining safe? The cable is strong enough and enables smooth glide. Surely our zipline is equipped with brakes. Our ropes are made of high-strength steel. But
there are weight limit and height limit you must comply with. For children the minimum weight is 15 kg and minimum height is 90 cm (3ft). In general zipline is open
for everyone between the ages of 4 and 70 years.
Now let's try to imagine a flight. First, you stand on a small platform. Then, slightly pushing off, you start the flight gradually gaining speed due to inertia.
The heavier you are, the faster you will gain speed. Your speed will also depend on the length of the rope. You absolutely do not need to fear because the creators of
the zipline have counted everything down to the smallest detail. So you will stop at the right moment. But if you fly too fast, you can always slow down. In addition,
the park provides all the necessary equipment. Our main partner is Petzl.
Here are the basic rules to follow when flying:
1. Your clothing must be appropriate
2. Use gloves that protect your hands from friction
3. Wear glasses in case of strong wind. They will protect your eyes from debris.
4. Make sure that your body weight meets the requirements.
5. Brake when approaching the platform
6. Even when you are already on the platform with both feet be careful
7. Listen to your instructor.
We wish you a pleasant flight that will undoubtedly be able to distract you from your daily activities and bring a little adrenaline into your life.
Order online now and save 15%. Adult - 33$, Child - 26$.
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Try snorkel in the underwater caves and purify your soul in an oasis of crystal clear water flowing from the inside of the Earth.
Don't forget to bring your towel.
Equipment, guide, locker room and lockers included.
Tour duration 1 hour 15 minutes approximately.
Inside the Aktun-Chen Natural Park, we have an oasis in the middle of the jungle; a spring full of peace and energy, where the magic sprinkles from the inside of the
Earth through crystal clear waters with an extension of more than 100 meters long.
Here, our visitors have the opportunity to dive and snorkel in its refreshing waters. You can also explore the underwater and underground photography basics.
The cenote is completely illuminated with underwater lamps and 3 Natural entrances of light, allowing to observe the incredible and wonderful natural formations of
stalactites, stalagmites and columns that took millions of years to form. Such underwater caves are perfect for diving. You see the bottom and have nothing to worry about.
The cenote of the Natural Park, due to its formation, allows you to contemplate what a speleologist diver observes, without the need to use oxygen tanks and without any risk,
since you only require snorkel equipment and safety belt.
All equipment is provided by the park at no additional cost.
We have dressing rooms, lockers, ecological bathrooms, an area with hammocks and rest swings for recreation and relaxation.
Just another wonder of the world
Many of us used to live in the same conditions. Our life is in many ways a routine. Every day we visit the same places and don’t suspect that there are many interesting places
on Earth that are very different from our habitat. They are very diverse and surprising in their own way. It is desirable that you visit each of them at least once in your life.
Just such an amazing place on Earth is Aktun Chen Park in Mexico not far from Cancun. One of its main attractions is underground caves. In them you can find exotic representatives of
flora and fauna plunging to the bottom with a snorkel. The length of the cave is more than 100 yards. It is one of the largest and oldest in Mexico.
Archaeologists suggest that the cave is 5 million years old. Lakes formed much later – only about 30,000 years ago. It all started at the end of the last Ice Age. When the level of
the ocean fell, it exposed coral reefs. This area became the surface of the Yucatan Peninsula. Then these voids began to be filled with water which came mainly from two sources –
precipitation and underground waters. So the water in the cenote is very clean. The cave itself, in which the lake is located, is also very beautiful – on the way to the lake you
will encounter numerous stalactites and stalagmites, which fancifully hang from the ceiling of the cave and protrude from the rock. Due to the fact that the ceiling of the cave has many
openings, the tunnel is quite bright – during the daytime sunlight constantly penetrates there. It is not surprising that Mayan Indians considered this place sacred and held their cults
here. In the cave, it was possible to take shelter from the rain and scorching heat. Now it thus saves many tourists who get tired of the sun walking in the park.
Entertainments in the grotto
1. As we said, the maximum depth of the lake is 10 feet. So it is perfect for snorkeling. For this the park provides all the necessary equipment. It is included in the price
of the tour. The equipment includes diving goggles, mask, and safety belt in case you start to drown for some reason. But as we said, the lake is rather shallow. So the underwater world of
the caves is very accessible – diving is available even to those who swim badly.
2. In the cave you can meet various representatives of flora and fauna. Here you will find both animals known to you and unusual inhabitants of the caves. Especially beautiful are
the fish which you can see through the clear water. To do this, you do not even need snorkel. At first glance, the lake may seem very gloomy and dark, but due to the fact that
sunlight is constantly penetrating into it, it is inhabited many living creatures. Surely you may have a desire to capture all this beauty. Underwater you can do photography. Our park
does not provide such cameras for this. But if you have one, it is not prohibited to use it.
3. In between dives you can walk through the cave. It is also very beautiful. Looking at these limestone walls you can trace the passage of time. Archaeologically they are very interesting
because they were formed several million years ago. Our guides can tell you the basics of the history of the cave.
In our park, time fly by because, besides the lake, you will find a lot of other entertainments. After an energy costly dive, you can relax in a restaurant where you will be served a
natural meal. After a tasty dinner, you can relax in the cozy hammocks, and then stroll through the jungle exploring local flora and fauna. So being in Cancun do not hesitate to visit
the park. Get ready to enjoy this virgin tropical nature!
Order online now and save 15%. Adult - 29$, Child - 23$.
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”The caves of Aktun Chen are considered by the National Geographic Society as the third most impressive underground walkIng path in the world, according
to their Top Ten”
Discover the longest dry cave in the state.
Equipment, guide and lockers included.
Tour duration 1 hour 15 minutes approximately.
Natural caves with ancient natural columns inside
Admire the spectacular cavern over. It is more than 5 million years old. Walk through its ancient columns composed by stalactites and stalagmites, the result of the work
of Mother Earth and the water that has worked on them for thousands of years.
Being 650 meters long, this cave is formed by magnificent illuminated vaults to highlight its beauty and illuminate the path that facilitates access and the entire
route, without affecting the environment and its natural state.
The caving tour will show you around this wonderful geological formation with a spectacular entrance, three vents to the jungle and a different exit.
The cave quest is very fresh and ventilated. It is accessible to people of all ages who can move on their own and in someone's arms.
During the tour you will also pass aside of two small cenotes, admiring and enjoying one of the most important customs that the ancient Maya did in the caves of the Yucatan
Peninsula.
In the last cavern, there is the impressive cenote of Aktun Сhen with its depth of 12 meters. It is illuminated by a beautiful set of lights that highlight its crystal
clear waters and the beauty of its formation.
If you wish to visit this space, and practice some caving sport like swimming in the underground river, the tour lasts an hour and fifteen minutes. A specialized guide
will explain the origins and the formation of the caverns, as well as the customs and attitude of the ancient Mayan civilization concerning the caves.
Serpentarium and Wild Animal area
Get in touch with the wonders and treasures of nature
There are more than 12 species of reptiles in the region.
We also have a breeding area for mammals and wild birds.
Here you can also find the White-Tailed Deer, Spider Monkeys, Peccaries, Agoutis, Martuchas, Parrots, Toucans and Turkeys.
There are other species that make part of the Program for Reproduction of Species in danger of extinction of Aktun Chen and can be observed while walking around this place.
Restaurant
Here you can take a short break and rest while enjoying snacks from our small but delicious menu to alleviate hunger or thirst with delicious refreshing drinks after activities at really low prices.
Underground World
Man always wanted to get into the most unexplored corners of our planet, which are the caves. If you consider yourself to be a real traveler, you like extreme
rest and are not averse to discovering something new, this cave is exactly for you. Being one of the most popular locations of the park the caves represent a bizarre
underworld. For many people this is just an entertainment, but some find genuine excitement in caving. For them, this is a real sport. Like any other sport,caving sport
requires certain skills, training and special equipment. Those who love to climb in the caves can spend several days in a cave without seeing the sun. For people who
have never been to a cave this cave quest can seem pretty weird. But nevertheless, caves also have its own flora and fauna,albeit not so rich as on the surface. This is
why it is more interesting to meet new life forms and to learn how living organisms can adapt to life in the absence of sunlight.The cave world is still very little studied
and scientists are discovering some new organisms that adapted to life in these conditions. Since the caves of Aktun Chen are located in a warm climate they are completely
adapted for life. The temperature in the cave is comfortable all year round. Besides there are many holes in the ceiling, through which sunlight penetrates. And in these
places the flora is especially rich. Every cave tour begins with an entrance that is very spectacular as well as the exit which is located right in the jungle. The cave tour
will give you only pleasant emotions because the atmosphere in the cave is very comfortable – since the voids are always ventilated the air in them is fresh besides during
the day the cave is illuminated by natural lights.
Treasure of the park
People always wanted to know what was before us on Earth, how it looked many years ago, and caves give answers to these questions. It is there that the oldest rocks on Earth
have been preserved. In addition, the ancient people used them as a shelter from the inclement weather, they conducted various cults there. Therefore, they are so interesting
from the archaeological and historical points of view. Just Imagine that these caves appear long before the first man walked on the earth. And our park is truly proud of its caves.
They are truly unique. According to experts, the cave in the Park Aktun Chen is 5 million years old. It is believed that before it was a coral reef. When the sea level fell this
place got covered with rainforest. Then due to acidity the wood decomposed. The acids also penetrated to a great depth, destroyed the rock resulting in the voids which were then
filled with water.
The cave is a whole underground complex which extends 700 yards in depth. But it is fully equipped for tourists. Firstly, warning signs that are installed throughout the cave will
warn you about dangerous places where there is a possibility of rock collapse. And also you can always take a guide who will tell you a lot of interesting information about the
cave. Be sure in the cave you can make amazing photos.
Of course, stalactitesand stalagmites deserve special attention. Stalactites are fancy icicles hanging from the ceiling formed by the minerals dissolved in water. Stalagmites
on the contrary stick out of the bottom. Often you can see a pair of stalactites and stalagmites opposite each other. It sometimes happens that they grow together forming a single
column. In the cave, you can also find cascades of various shapes and sizes.
It is no wonder that Maya chose this place to worship their Gods. When you talk in the cave, a strange echo is heard, so the Indians thought they were talking to spirits.
After visiting the cave, you can relax in our restaurant and wildlife zoo at the exit of the cave.
