Agua Azul, Misol-Ha & Palenque

In the Mexican Jungle

Fully embracing our inner tourists we booked a package trip from San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico to 
the ruins in Paleque via Agua Azul and Misol-Ha (all in Chiapas).  Before departing the city, the driver/tour guide strongly encouraged us to take Dramamine... and yes it was needed.

Agua Azul

Misol-Ha

Palenque Ruins

The Palenque ruins date back to 226 BC.  Palenque is smaller than Tikal, but contains some of the finest architecture and sculpture produced by the Mayas.

Howler monkeys could be seen and heard throughout the ruins as well as in the vicinity of our jungle accommodations.

Our Chilean amigo Hector. We met Hector in San Cristobal de Las Casas and traveled with us to Palenque....then we convinced him to join us in Tikal.  We miss him. 

After a few exhausting days in the jungle in Mexico we take a bus to the Mexican border.  After clearing immigration in Mexico we take a boat up river to officially enter Guatemala. 

Here's the link to all of our Palenque pics:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ersjt1w7tzj0o0b/DJ5F1i3AFl

A little around Xela

Quetzaltenango (or Xela)

We spent about a month studying Spanish in Guatemala's 2nd largest city.  From this city we were able to visit many places in Guatemala  including Laguna Chicabal, the colorful church in San Andres, Volcano Tajumulco, natural hot steam baths (so close we visited on several different occasions), and others.  We also found a great place to practice yoga which made the city even more attractive.

A great hike from the city, with great views is El Baul.

The image of this church goes everywhere with us... it's on the cover of our Lonely Planet Guide to Guatemala.  It's a short trip from Xela, but unfortunately it was closed fro the afternoon when we arrived.

Philip receiving a less on from Elena on how to fry plantains.

Laguana Chicabal

This crater lake is a sacred place to the Mayan Mam people.  It is surrounded by a "mystic"cloud forest which was so mystic on our visit that at times we couldn't see the other side of this small lake. From the town  we hiked for two hours to reach the lake.  After a walk around the lake we climbed 615 steps to the mirador. 

San Cristobal de Las Casas - Chiapas, Mexico

San Cristobal de Las Casas

the town square

Eventually, we will return here... the city is beautiful, the temperature is perfect and the markets are excellent!!!

A few of the churches of San Cristobal de Las Casas

 

Cañon del Sumidero

Link to all pictures from San Cristobal and the Cañon.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8w7n3wefbl4oma1/WPHkOKMxgA

Links to videos of the cañon:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/w1yy2i52uat06dg/2013-05-15%2009.58.12.3gp

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y6fdsty7mei2xiq/2013-05-15%2010.14.08.3gp

Nuevas Frutas...

"Rambutan"

Straight out of a Dr. Seuss book - but the fruit doesn´t really have much flavor . . .

Clockwise from top left:
¨Bananos morados¨ - basically the same flavor as a good 'ol banana . . .
 ¨Zapote¨
¨Nances¨ (aka chacunga or craboo) - a foul taste, despite the innocent appearance...
¨Ciruelas¨ - mini plums - pretty good . . .

The zapote´s consistency is similar to an avocado.  Almost too sweet - might be better in a pie . . .