A Mayan Pyramid to be precise. Nohoch Mul, one of the last pyramids in the world that you can still climb. But not for much longer. And it is easy to see why. The steps are shiny and slippery as a consequence of so many derrières being dragged across their surface. It is an accident waiting to happen. There have already been some broken bones but no deaths unlike Chichen Itza (one of the seven wonders of the world) which was closed following a woman falling to her death. It is also of great archeological importance so needs to be preserved. Not helped when thousands of visitors climb it every year.

So I am fortunate that I can tick it off my bucket list.

The pyramid is steep. It is 42 metres high with 120, fairly uneven, steps. I scrambled up on all fours. It brought back memories of my mountain adventures. Except this time the warm sun was on my back. On a couple of occasions I had to stop to consider where to place my foot due to craginess of the steps. But it was a fairly easy ascent. I’m not sure how long it took. I’ve read that it can take about ten minutes but I would go for five.

At the top my husband had to sit down to catch his breath. He wasn’t alone. A number of fellow climbers were gasping along side him. But I felt good. A week lazing in the Mexican sun, overindulging on the food and alcohol had not impacted on my fitness level. I wish I could say the same for my body fat which has visibly increased over the course of eleven days. Back to it when the plane lands in Gatwick.

But to the pyramid. The reward for climbing the 120 steps is an amazing view across the jungle. Like a carpet due to its density. Photos don’t do it justice. It was spectacular.

And then to the descent where the derrière comes into play. The easiest way is bumping down. Standing upright is precarious so very few do. My husband tried but soon gave up. So the descent took longer than the climb up.

Another tick on my bucket list was swimming in a Cenote. Just to note my bucket list is often added to in retrospect. Experiences present themselves which just have to be embraced.

A Cenote is an subterranean chamber that contains permanent water. The Choo-Ha Cenote is reached by a spiral staircase down a 3 to 4 metre shaft that open up into a cave. The cave boasts impressive stalactites and crystal clear water. It is humid. This was very welcome. I’d have been less keen if it was cold. Swimming is off a large platform with steps to ease yourself in. The water is refreshing but not cold. And deep. Just the way I like it. No risk of slamming my toe on a jagged rock. I wish I had taken my goggles as there is an abundance of fish and the occasional turtle. Just beautiful.

A day well spent.