Chichen Itza
As expected, I could not spend a week in the Yucatan exploring Mayan ruins and not visit Chichen Itza. Prior to 7/7/07, it was already a pretty popular attraction drawing about a million tourists a year, but since that date when it joined the exclusive list of new 7 world wonders, the crowds have doubled, as have the vendors and quite sensibly, the restrictions imposed to protect the site from its own popularity. All structures are now roped off, any kind of climbing is strictly forbidden and many of the important sculptures and carving have been removed to museums throughout the world. It is enough to make me selfishly bittersweet.
On one hand, I am happy that unlike other sites (ie Machu Pichu), there is a proactive effort at preservation going on. On the other hand, the experience here can not compare with that at Uxmal and Kabah, where one feels like they have an entire site to themselves, free to wander and explore, Indiana Jones-style, free from salesmen peddling fake silver or Mayan tchotchkes and wandering tourist herds wearing sombreros. It brought into sharp relief the common sentiment from locals, that Chichen Itza was somewhere one ought to visit, but that x site was much preferable. Palenque was one recommendations that came up frequently, along with Guatemala's Tikal, both places I have now added to my list for future travels. I just hope to do it before the word gets out and the sombrero gangs invade.
Of the many things I am grateful for, not being forced to wear a ridiculous sombrero like this tour group has got to be near the top of the list.
The Temple of Kukulkan.
This monument is known as the Temple of the Skulls or Tzompantli ...
and is thought to represent the heads of defeated enemies and sacrafices.
In the area of the Ball Court are more depictions of acts of human sacrafice.
Platform of Venus with a
Chac Mool
in the foreground.
The Sacred Cenote was a site of offerings and sacrafices.
At times Chichen Itza seems like Mayan mall first, archaelogical site second.
Side of the temple that has been restored...
And side that has not.
A temple named "the Church" by the Spaniards.
El Caracol or the snail, this is believed to have been an astronomical observatory.
On one hand, I am happy that unlike other sites (ie Machu Pichu), there is a proactive effort at preservation going on. On the other hand, the experience here can not compare with that at Uxmal and Kabah, where one feels like they have an entire site to themselves, free to wander and explore, Indiana Jones-style, free from salesmen peddling fake silver or Mayan tchotchkes and wandering tourist herds wearing sombreros. It brought into sharp relief the common sentiment from locals, that Chichen Itza was somewhere one ought to visit, but that x site was much preferable. Palenque was one recommendations that came up frequently, along with Guatemala's Tikal, both places I have now added to my list for future travels. I just hope to do it before the word gets out and the sombrero gangs invade.
Of the many things I am grateful for, not being forced to wear a ridiculous sombrero like this tour group has got to be near the top of the list.
The Temple of Kukulkan.
This monument is known as the Temple of the Skulls or Tzompantli ...
and is thought to represent the heads of defeated enemies and sacrafices.
In the area of the Ball Court are more depictions of acts of human sacrafice.
Platform of Venus with a
Chac Mool
in the foreground.
The Sacred Cenote was a site of offerings and sacrafices.
At times Chichen Itza seems like Mayan mall first, archaelogical site second.
Side of the temple that has been restored...
And side that has not.
A temple named "the Church" by the Spaniards.
El Caracol or the snail, this is believed to have been an astronomical observatory.
I thought you liked those sombreros. I could picture you riding a burrito with a sarape and a sombrero :)
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