For many, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is synonymous with white beaches, historic ruins and a rich cultural life. But if you have the sport at heart and the adventure in your blood, then there is much more to get here than just sunscreen and Mayan Pyramids. From diving in spectacular cenotes to exploring the jungle on two wheels and delving into the real history on foot, Yucatán offers a very special experience that goes far beyond a classic beach holiday.
This is a guide for those who see a vacation as an opportunity to try new sports and get close to nature – perhaps even while introducing the family to places and activities that speak to both the brain and heart. Remember, that the sports activities, mentioned in the article, might be dangerous, so be very cautious, be it physical health or the mental one. Any individual, who deals with athleticism knows, that there’s always wagering right next to it. Sports Betting Guide at the link can help the person to stay responsible while gambling on the most popular types of the games and have fun instead of chasing the profits.
Diving and Snorkeling in the Riviera Maya: a World Below Sea Level
Let’s start underwater. Yucatán has a rich marine life, and on dives around the well-known diving areas of Akumal and Cozumel you can meet everything from sea turtles to exotic fish. It is an experience that children and adults can share together – think of the joy that a teen will have to be able to boast of having swum side by side with a turtle. There are diving opportunities, and it is often possible to rent all the equipment you need.
Photo: Pexels – Melissa Sombrerero
Mayan Ruins and Hikes: the History Becomes a Fairy Tale
Walking through the ancient land of the Mayans provides a deeper understanding of the history of the region, while also getting your heart rate up and getting ample opportunity to enjoy nature.
Chichen Itza is perhaps the best known place and undoubtedly impressive, but it can also be a busy place, especially in high season. If you prefer a quieter experience, Uxmal and Coba can be ideal alternatives. In Coba it is even possible to rent bicycles so that you can explore the area on two wheels – a hit for both big and small adventurers in the family. Cycling also provides ample opportunity to experience Yucatán’s rich wildlife. And let’s be honest, what parent doesn’t dream of spending a day when the kids are actually enjoying something historical?
How To Survive The Adventure Fever
To avoid ending up like the over-geared dad who always has to prove that he can easily keep up with the teenagers, here are some pro tips:
– Plan your activities as if it were a football tournament – with plenty of time for both warm-up and recovery
– Remember that even Guillermo Ochoa does not start saving penalties on the first day of training
– Keep the fluid balance as was your local trainer on the neck – but with water, not sports drink
The Ultimate Upgrade
Yucatan is the place where even the most couch-sitting sports enthusiast finds his inner adventurer. It’s like switching from watching sports on TV to suddenly being the protagonist of your own action adventure. There is no VAR judge to check if you did it right, no scoreboard to keep track of points, and no one to yell offside when you move out of your comfort zone.
The area continues to develop, new adventure opportunities appear, and researchers still find traces of the Mayan sporting achievements. The only thing missing is you and your family, ready to write your own chapter in the history of the sport – just without replay and slow motion.
The post A Sports Lover’s Family Guide to the Yucatan Peninsula first appeared on The Yucatan Times.