January 2000 Spotlight Features

Actun Chen Cave January 2000 Spotlight Riviera Maya, Mexico

Located 5 kilometers south of Akumal and deep into the jungle is the magical Actun Chen cave. In an area world famous for its spectacular underwater caves, Actun Chen is a unique opportunity for non-scuba divers to witness the dazzling beauty that lies beneath the emerald jungle of Quintana Roo. Thousands of stalactites and stalagmites surround visitors as they are guided through the maze of passageways that eventually ends in an iridescent underground lake room. Truly an amazing trip!

Actun Chen also has monkeys, reptiles and nature trails. Open Daily. This is an Eco-friendly day destination.

Local Artist

In the spotlight this month is Juan Jimenez, a very talented artist and long time friend of the loco gringos. Kay first met Juan 6 years ago while working at the old Diamond all-inclusive resort in Playacar. Juan is a maestro of Mayan sculpture, with an incredible eye for detail in his stone carvings as well as his work in leather and miniature paintings.

Jose caught up with Juan at Casa Cenote restaurant in Tankah where he is usually working on his carvings and has numerous pieces for sale.

Juan was born in Planck, Chiapas in June of 1959. At 17 he discovered stone carving via a government-subsidized studio for the unemployed. There he learned to cut and sand stones for others, eventually graduating to work on his own pieces after 8 months of apprenticeship.

He was then taken under the wing of David Morales, a talented artist who coached Juan in the finer points of stone carving. That was 24 years ago and Juan still feels indebted to David for his guidance in what would become a life's passion for Juan, stone carving and art.

Eventually Juan came to the Tulum area, living with an artist who taught him to paint. He has been painting small landscapes and working in leather now for 5 years.

Juan is a very friendly and personable man whose talent is a cut above the rest. We highly recommend his work. Juan can be found daily at Casa Cenote restaurant in Tankah between 10 am and 5 pm.