Day 3 - Ya'axche
"Today was a very very hot day. We started off at Ya’axche (pronounced yash-Kay). This is another non government organization that is non profit and focuses on conservation.
While there we went on a nature hike where we hiking we recorded the numbers and species of birds and mammals that we saw or heard. We also learned about the types of palm plants used for thatching roofs. They last about 6-8 years and the shape of the leaves form a channel that’s directs water away so it doesn’t leak! The kids even got to help split the frond of one leaf."
Our tour guide at Ya'axche
The map of hiking trails at Ya'axche.
Splitting a palm branch as part of the roofing process
"After we went to an archaeological site of a Mayan ruins. Thankfully this part of our day was shady! The ruins were fascinating. We learned that there are some Mayan tribes trying to keep the culture alive with their practices of many ancient Mayan customs.
We have moved to our next hotel, Joyful Inn. We will be here for 3 nights. The accommodations have been good so far. The rooms have AC.. it’s ok… not perfect but definitely good enough to take the edge off the heat and humidity. **Reminder, we are in a third world country, so we knew going in that our accommodations wouldn't be as we're accustomed to in the US.
I’m looking forward to an early bedtime tonight (I hope)… tomorrow is another busy day. We’ll be going to a sustainable farm and experiencing Mayan cultural activities (dance lessons, basket weaving, and making traditional tortillas!)."
Maya Ballgame court. This is an ancient game, whose loser was sacrificed to the gods.
Stelae still on the Mayan ruins site. (Some of the carved Stelae are preserved in a museum at the archeological site, shown in picture above)
Burial site of Mayan royals.
Mayan women sold their wares outside of the site.