Chichen Itza

The beeping of my alarm clock at 5 O’clock on Saturday morning was the start to a 20-hour day, the trip to the Chichen Itza ruins (one of the 7 wonders of the world). After a quick cab ride to the docks and a 30-minute, wavy boat ride we arrived on the mainland of Mexico, where we took a sleepy bus ride, which seemed like it took an eternity. Before getting to the Chichen Itza ruins we were greeted by our friendly guide Alberto, had a few pit stops and were able to talk to a local Mayan. He taught us about their calendar and numbers as well as some of their Mayan language!

Now arriving at the Chichen Itza ruins, we were told that you cannot bring in your own water, food and have to pay roughly 3$ to bring in a Gopro or camquarter. Once through the gate, our guide walked us through the flee market where the vendors tried selling their trinkets of the ruins and other cool things. After battling our way through the crowds and extreme heat we finally reached the back of the property where Alberto (our guide) explained how humans were “created” in the Mayan world. I personally couldn’t understand much of what our guide was saying, although it’s not too hard to piece it all together. Throughout the rest of our tour, we learned about the sacrifices, games and fascinating echoes that could be created at different areas in the ruins using claps, yells and whistles.

Before leaving the ruins we were able to bargain with a few of the vendors and managed to get four mini temples down from 45$ to 8$. After almost missing the bus, we were now on our way to the wonderful Cenote.

A refreshing water hole, only a couple minute drive away from Chichen Itza. Swimming and jumping off the rocks into the fresh, 10-meter deep water filled with little catfish was the perfect way to cool off after the long day. Our last stop was at an amazing buffet where we all stuffed ourselves with delicious food as we watched tap dancers balance bottles on their heads. All that was left was the travel home.

After doing some research I found out that the Mayan people constructed the city around 600 AD, and thrived until year 1221. It gained most of its importance between the years 900 and 1050 AD being a powerful capital that controlled northern and central Yucatan. It was one of the largest Mayan cities that covered over five square kilometers. El Castillo, is the name of the central temple which towers over the city at a height of 30m tall!

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