Chichen
Itza has mystified people for hundreds of years. If you
have to pick one day trip during your Cancun vacation
then Chichen Itza has to be it. A three hour journey,
stopping off at the Spanish colonial town of Valladolid
on the way, takes you to the most breathtaking ruins in
the Maya world. The climb up the famous pyramid named
El Castillo will afford you the most magnificent views
over the surrounding miles of lush jungle and across what
was a thriving city over twelve hundred years ago.
Twice
a year one of the most famous phenomena in the world occurs
at Chichen Itza. During the Autumn Solstice and Spring
Equinox the sun is in exactly the correct position to
cast a shadow which resembles a snake descending to the
ground. This is recreated nightly in the awesome sound
and light show after dusk. The night show commentary is
available in several languages via a special headset.
Full
range of Chichen Itza tour options:
Inside
the Mayan pyramid is the famous Chac Mool sculpture and
the Jaguar Throne. However, El Castillo isn't the only
interesting feature to be found at Chichen Itza. The Mayan
Ballpark with its unique echoes, the Temple of the Warriors,
the Cenote of Sacrifice and the Observatory provide other
spectacular scenes from a world long forgotten.
Beware,
Chichen Itza is far inland and you will find the temperature
considerably hotter than your beach side hotel. Take plenty
of water and sturdy footwear is a must. Pay heed to the
warning signs. The climb inside of the pyramid to see
the statue of Chac Mool and the Temple of the Jaguars
is also extremely steep, claustrophobic and very hot and
humid. The climb up the pyramid is not for the feint hearted
or those who have a fear of heights.
Outside
of the main Chichen Itza complex you will find a typical
Mayan village a short walk away. Here you will find some
very cheap restaurants, why not stop off for an authentic
Yucatan meal? You may encounter street sellers, many barely
old enough to talk. A simple "No Gracias" with
a smile will be enough to send them on their way, but
the handicrafts they sell (often crafted by their own
mothers and fathers) are authentic and cost next to nothing.
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