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Indiana Joneses

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     Yesterday we went on a field trip to an archaeological site that has many un-restored pyramids in the area surrounding the site that is open to visitors. We were able to go and visit one of these sites that, from the road looks like a small mountain. That is the first indicator that there is something special because there are very few natural hills in Yucatan, let alone mountains! To arrive to the base of the location, we drove down a rough dirt road and then got out  to follow three señores and our guides who were opening a path for us through the forest with machetes. After about a forty-minute trek and a detour to observe the ruins of a mayan house, we finally arrived at the base of the "castle." Another trek to the top and we were rewarded with an incredible view! At the bottom once again, we shared the traditional mid-day snack of pozole, which is slightly cooked cornmeal that you dissolve in water and drink with salt and chile. It's still made daily by many folks who get up early to work outside to hold them over until the afternoon meal. After bushwacking through the underbrush, we were able to visit the site that is open for tourists and appreciate it with new eyes, having seen the pile of rocks covered in spiny succulents and trees that is the starting material for the reconstruction of breathtaking Mayan structures. After walking around the archaeological site, we were invited to the home of one of the señores to eat and chat. 
Into the forest



One of the prickly plants that we had to avoid along the way

Taking a break on the ruins of a Mayan house

The cornerstone of the house

View from the top of the pyramid, the "highest point in Yucatan"

Going from an un-restored archaeological site to one open to the public 
Outside the "labyrinth"






Stones with the numbers from the research and reconstruction

The perfect lunch after a long day 
The group!
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