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Featured Attractions:
Iguazu Falls - Brazil / Argentina
Iguazu Falls is almost always a very active waterfall, but is at its peak during the rainy season, which occurs from November through March each year. Much to the dismay of the Falls' fans, the waterfall completely dried up in 1978 and remained dry for a total of twenty -eight days. This was a phenomenon that had not occurred since 1934, and it is anyone's guess when it may happen again.
Seeing Iguazu Falls is no hard task, as there are helicopter rides available that will fly the curious right over the top of the Falls, and boat trips that can be taken to the base of the Falls. Incredibly, there is also an elevator that will take visitors to the top of Iguazu Falls, and catwalks available that allow one to walk out over the various cascades that make up the wondrous waterfalls. If you prefer to stay dry, rain suits are available.
If you wish to be lulled to sleep by the calming sounds of Iguazu Falls, there are numerous lodges located nearby that offer wonderful accommodations, as well as being close enough to the waterfalls to hear them as you nod off.
Iguazu Falls are part of a protected jungle ecosystem that is comprised of two different national parks; one in Brazil and the other in Argentina...read more »
Mayan Ruins - Costa Maya
There are five unique Mayan ruin sites in and around the Costa Maya.
The Dzibanche Ruins: Close to Majahual, the major seaport town in the Costa Maya, is nestled the Dzibanche ruin site. Dzibanche is a large ruin site and a favorite among ruin enthusiasts. Perhaps the most impressive sight at Dzibanche is the Temple of the Masks where large intricate sculptures are carved into stucco slabs. The wonderful thing about Dzibanche, at least for now, is that you'll be able to explore this ancient Mayan town with very few other tourists.
The Kinichna Ruins: Located near Dzibanche, Kinichna is one of the smaller ruin sites in the area. However, its main temple is enormous and offers an exciting climb to the top with a view that is stunning. Kinichna literally means "house of the sun" and was built somewhere between 200 and 600 AD. If you've traveled the Costa Maya in the past and visited some of the ruin sites, you may have missed Kinichna as it was just recently opened to the public.
The Kohunlich Ruins: The fact that this rather large ruin site wasn't officially 'discovered' until 1967 just goes to show just how natural and uninhabited the region is. Today in 2006, the Costa Maya offers the last remaining stretch of virgin Caribbean beachfront anywhere in the world. If you enjoy the Temple of the Masks at Dzibanche, you'll love the Pyramid of the Masks for which Kohunlich is best known.
The Oxtankah Ruins: Oxtankah is located south of the Costa Maya near Belize and is thought to have been a very important trading port. The years between 200 AD and 600 AD when Oxtankah was constructed were some of the most magnificent years of Mayan architecture. At Oxtankah you'll find temples, chultunes, and wells built by the ancient Mayans as well as a chapel and residential dwellings built by the Spaniards after their arrival... read more about Mayan Ruins - Costa Maya Mexico »
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