A drawing of how Chichen Itza is said to have looked upon "rediscovery." |
Chichen Itza is about a two hour drive from the Cancun hotel zone, and most tours of the site are full day excursions. But we didn't have a full day, and we weren't about to let that deter us! Our timeline gave us just less than two hours at the site before it closed, and apparently our driver was in a hurry to get us there. (Ha!)
Vendors inside the gates of Chichen Itza |
When we arrived to purchase our tickets, we were very glad we had brought someone along who spoke Spanish -- thank you SO much Kimmie! It made the entire situation so much more comfortable. We made the decision to hire a guide, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and he would tell us so much more than we would learn for ourselves. Kimmie negotiated with him, we paid for our admission (two different amounts at two different gates and you have to pay both, so don't be caught off guard by that), and the four of us were off.
The moment we stepped onto the grounds, we were greeted by rows of vendors with colorful wares -- beautiful table after table filled with trinkets, clothing, masks, art, bowls, musical instruments, and so much more. Most of them were families, complete with multiple generations, parents, grandparents and children working the stand. Being inside the hotel zone hadn't afforded us much of a look at this side of the culture, and part of me wanted to stop and look at each booth.
El Castillo |
Our first stop was the ball fields, and as we stepped into it, this amazing feeling came over us. It almost took my breath. For one, it was straight off the cover of one of my junior high social studies books. Secondly, you could just feel the history there. I could have sat there all day, quietly taking it all in and trying to process the centuries. Who knows, I could still be sitting there.
The Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza |
We all knew the stories of the gory things that happened in this area, but somehow, standing there in that court, you could feel in your soul the reason people would make that sacrifice. Words don't do the feeling justice, it is just this sense in your being that has to be experienced in person.
Tzompantli -- The Wall of Skulls |
Then our attention was turned to the best known construction of the site -- El Castillo. It is a steep-sided pyramid approximately 75 feet tall, built for astronomical purposes. It is also thought to have been used for agricultural rituals. During the vernal and autumnal equinoxes at mid-afternoon, sunlight bathes the pyramid's main stairway and forms the body of a serpent creeping downward to join the carving of a serpent's head at the bottom of the stairway.
The Observatory |
Closing time was announced by people with whistles, and just like that, the fun was over. The overall experience was nothing short of intense, and while it was difficult to see it end, we were so glad to have come! We made our way back past the vendors toward the exit, ushered by the park officials.
I want to note here that in a lot of the reviews I read, people were complaining that there were "too many" vendors. Wow, I could not agree more! The vendors added local color, gave a real sense of the culture, and they were just trying to feed their families, and I was honored to be able to help them where I could. They were very respectful (especially compared to other places I have been), and clearly the rules did not allow them to follow you, because they all kept to their own space. I really enjoyed having them there.
The gates were closing and we wanted time to browse the wares, so we shopped with the vendors outside the gates. We took all the time we pleased, and had a great time bartering for the items we chose. We were downright giddy when we returned to the taxi!
Tips? It's hot. And I mean HOT. Bring water and sunscreen, and wear a hat. Get a guide. It is well worth the cost. And while I'm sure the tour is great, don't let anyone tell you it is the ONLY option!
2012 or not, I would definitely call this one a must see. If the world ends in December, I suppose at least I got the opportunity to cross this one off my bucket list.
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