VIDEO: Cenotes — Mexico's Subterranean Paradise

Giant sinkholes called cenotes offer unique places to swim in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. 

What would possess visitors to Mexico's Yucatan peninsula to descend into the depths of the earth? No, it's not some bizarre desire to become mole people. Climbing below the earth's surface is the only way to fully enjoy the cenotes, which are gigantic sinkholes that offer an otherworldly subterranean paradise for swimming and exploring. 





In this exclusive VIDEO, I'll take you on a tour of three gorgeous cenotes at Chunkanan, a site just outside of the city of Merida and not far from the famed Chichén Itzá site. Part of the fun of visiting these three sinkholes is getting there — aboard horse-drawn rail carts, originally designed to serve the hacienda that once existed here. 





The ancient Maya believed that cenotes were a gateway to another world. But as you'll see in this video, today they're a place to relax and enjoy — worlds away from the nearest hotel pool. 





(To see more about nearby Mérida, check out my photo feature, Paseo de Montejo: Architectural Treasures of Merida, Mexico. And subscribe to LatinFlyer so you won't miss any of the upcoming features!) 

The water at the Chunkanan cenotes is incredibly blue. 

Horse-drawn rail carts transport visitors to the cenotes at Chunkanan. 

Gearing Up for the 4th Annual Whale Shark Festival in Mexico

Whale sharks are the star guests at Isla Mujeres, Mexico, in July.

If you're looking for some excitement this summer, consider the 4th Annual Whale Shark Festival, which takes place July 15-17 in Isla Mujeres, Mexico. 





Last year several thousand people came to the island for this family-friendly event, which includes activities like swimming with whale sharks as well as attending traditional dance performances and local tours. 





As many as 1,400 whale sharks may make their way through the waters north of Isla Mujeres this summer, according to Dr. Robert Hueter, director of the Center for Shark Research at the Mote Marine Laboratory, who is a scheduled speaker at this year's event. 





Guests may swim with whale sharks and join an effort by Project Domino, a conservation program implemented by the Mexican government to protect these giant creatures, which are the largest fish in the ocean. 

MORE INFO: 2011 Whale Shark Festival, www.whalesharkfest.com or www.cevichetours.com. 

TO GET THERE: Fly to Cancun, then take a quick and scenic boat ride to Isla Mujeres. Check out discounted airfares and hotels:

The Whale Shark Festival is a family-friendly event.