Chichén Itzá

What remains of ancient Maya civilization in the form of temples and other stone structures are impressive no matter what your age, and the Yucatan Peninsula has several such sites. The most famous of these is Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s approximately 120 miles from Cancun. It may be tempting to let your kids run around the ample grounds, but keep in mind, this is a sacred site. If you’re desperate for your kids to burn off energy, better to visit Coba, which (for now, at least) permits climbing. Careful, though; those narrow steps are treacherous.

It was hot and humid, but it always seems to be hot and humid along Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. I didn’t care, though; it was the spring equinox and I was there to see one of the most amazing archaeoastronomical phenomena in the world, the Descent of the Feathered Serpent. Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities and was built around the 9th century C.E. It is also one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations and was granted World Heritage status in 1988 by UNESCO. There are a lot of astronomical marvels at Chichen Itza, but one of the most exciting is the Descent of the Feathered Serpent. The central Pyramid of Kukulkan was built in such a way that, on the equinoxes, a shadow play is created where a serpent head statue transforms into a full creature through the shadows of the pyramid’s terraces. While the shadow effect began at 4:10, it took an hour for the full sight to be realized. Just as the sun hit a certain spot and immediately before the heat turned my brain to mush, I looked up and saw it. There it was: a massive snake descending the ancient pyramid. The head was a statue at the base of the pyramid’s stairs, and its back was comprised of seven triangles created through shadow, an engineering feat that boggles the mind. To see this amazing sight in person, plan your equinox trip well in advance, as people from around the world travel to the ancient pyramid for their own mystical encounter.

Well beyond the palmed coastline and Jaguar infested territories of the Yucatan lies the great Pyramid-Temple of Kukulkan, the “plumed serpent.” Signs of Kukulkan can be found all over Chichen Itza. Whats magical about the architecture here is the intertwined nature that’s been established with astronomical events. In one such case, on the Equinox, the pyramid is illuminated in a way to highlight the snaking form of Kukulkan within the shadows of the sun. That’s just a little badass. Southern Mexico and the surrounding countries cannot be missed!

We had one day to chose an excursion outside of Cancun and no hesitation we went to Chichen-itza! It’s the largest Mayan ruins on the Peninsula of Yucatan, and truly awe-inspiring. This place is so much fun if you are up for cultural sight-seeing. Everything is in these ruins: history, architecture, planning, myths. Make sure you get on a tour, this is the best way you will learn everything about the site-and this site is massive. It’s definitely a good few hours, and easy to wandering among all the different ruins. If you are staying in Cancun and have one day for an excursion, this should be a must-do!

An archaeological site, Chichen Itza is a pre-Columbian city built by the Maya civilization. Visitors on the steps of El Castillo, the Temple of Kukulkan, are mesmerized by the beauty of their surroundings in this historic place.

The Temple of the Warriors is one of the most impressive structures at Chichen-itza. Its south and west sides are flanked by 200 round and square columns as seen here.

A very popular day trip from Cozumel is an excursion to Chichén Itzá, one of Mexico’s most important Maya sites. Chichén Itzá was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, with UNESCO calling the sacred city “one of the greatest centers of the Yucatán Peninsula.” It was, in fact, an entire city, and it lasted for almost 1,000 years. Today, numerous temples and structures are intact, giving visitors a unique and comprehensive introduction to Maya history and culture.

October 16th, 1997 We decided to get married some place that we had never been, so we had a “pre-honeymoon”. We arrived in the Yucatan a week before the weeding and scoped out everything and took in the historical sites. At the time, you could still climb to the top of El Castillo and the view afforded is spectacular since the whole of the Yucatan is relatively low and flat.

Close to Chichen Itza are two amazing cenotes, fresh water sink holes that can take the heat out of your walk through the Mayan ruins. Cenotes are located throughout the Yucatan and Riviera Maya. These natural phenomenas have played a large part in the settlement of the Maya culture and continue to be a big part of the local culture. If you want to be pampered, experience authentic Yucatecan food, and revel in some interesting architecture, Restaurant Candel is unique but a bit pricey. This restaurant has Hacienda-style dining with some great folk art located within the restaurant and at their store. The buffet is costly, but the a la carte menu is reasonable. Ask the hostess if both options are available.

If you happen to be staying either in Cancun or at one of the hotels located near Chichen Itza, this site is well worth the visit. If you are staying in Cancun it is worth renting a car and driving out to Chichen Itza. Bring along a pair of snorkling fins because there are snorkling opportunities nearby. It has been years since I have been there, but it is worth a vist.