#chichen itza mayan ruins

[alltrips]

Are you planning a trip to Cancun and looking for a more personalized private tours

Alltrips is a reputable tour company that specializes in creating customized itineraries for visitors to Cancun tours. Their private tours allow you to experience the best of Cancun without the crowds and hustle and bustle of typical group tours.

One of the biggest advantages of a private tour is the flexibility it offers. You can tailor the tour to your interests and preferences, and there is no need to adhere to a strict schedule or itinerary. Whether you want to explore the city’s historical landmarks, enjoy the stunning beaches, or indulge in some authentic Mexican cuisine, Alltrips can create a tour that meets your specific needs.

Another benefit of a private tours in Cancun is the opportunity to interact with a knowledgeable and experienced local guide. Alltrips’ guides are passionate about sharing their love of Cancun and its rich culture with visitors. They can offer insights into the city’s history and culture that you might not get from a guidebook.

Alltrips offers a variety of private tour options to choose from. Some of their most popular tours include a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza tour, a boat tour of Isla Mujeres, and a snorkeling excursion in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. All of their tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about navigating Cancun’s busy streets.

If you’re looking for a more personalized and intimate way to explore Cancun, consider booking a private tour with Alltrips. With their knowledgeable guides and flexible itineraries, you’re sure to have a memorable and unforgettable experience in this beautiful city.

Visit: https://alltrips.mx/

SOURCE BLOG: Are you planning a trip to Cancun and looking for a more personalized and intimate way to explore the city? Private tours offered by All trips may be just what you need. – Alltrips (wordpress.com)

[heavenskiriot]

Chichén Itzá // Yucatán, México

Tumblr | Instagram | Society6

[jadeseadragon]

Adela Breton (British, 1849-1923), Ruins at Chichen Itza, Yucatan Mexico (East facade of Monjas), 1902, watercolor.

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[thefreedomchasers]

Finding the Best Mayan Ruins in Mexico

Many of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico are found in the Yucatan Mexico tucked into the jungle and along the coast. We love learning about the history and culture of the places we travel. If you are traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, we highly recommend taking the time to visit some of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico. While you likely think of lazy beach days…

[sapphire--art]

Happy birthday to this gal! 🎉💙 (And yes, June’s birthday is in June 😂)

[techdriveplay]

10 Top Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula: Must-See Attractions and Activities

Nestled in the southeastern region of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula is a world to discover. I have lived in Cancun for many years and want to share all my favorite spots and must-visit places for first-time explorers of this spectacular region of Mexico. I will cover majestic hidden beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, mystical cenotes, and practical tips on how to move around and travel…

[actiontourguide]

Visiting Chichen Itza is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In order to get the most out of your visit, it’s essential to know what to do and what not to do!

Take a self-guided tour of Chichen Itza and explore these ancient Mayan ruins at your own pace.

[oimodaisuki05]

[4worldsexpeditions]

Experience Mexico’s unique culture and storied history with a semi-private guided tour. Explore the seaside ruins at Tulum, wander through the iconic shrines and pyramids at Chichen Itza, and swim in the clear waters of Mexico’s famous cenotes.

[tropic-havens]

Ruins of Tulum, state of Quintana Roo, Mexico

Tulum is the site of a pre-Columbian Mayan walled city which served as a major port for Coba, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The ruins are situated on 12-meter (39 ft) tall cliffs along the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya; it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Old World diseases brought by the Spanish settlers appear to have resulted in very high fatalities, disrupting the society and eventually causing the city to be abandoned. One of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites, Tulum is today a popular site for tourists.

The site might have been called Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise. Tulum stands on a bluff facing east toward the Caribbean Sea. Tulúm is also the Yucatán Mayan word for fence, wall or trench. The walls surrounding the site allowed the Tulum fort to be defended against invasions. Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub, especially for obsidian. From numerous depictions in murals and other works around the site, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending god.

Tulum was first mentioned by Juan Díaz, a member of Juan de Grijalva's Spanish expedition of 1518, the first Europeans to spot Tulum. The first detailed description of the ruins was published by John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood in 1843 in the book Incidents of Travel in Yucatan. As they arrived from the sea, Stephens and Catherwood first saw a tall building that impressed them greatly, most likely the great Castillo of the site. They made accurate maps of the site's walls, and Catherwood made sketches of the Castillo and several other buildings. Stephens and Catherwood also reported an early classic stele at the site, with an inscribed date of AD 564 (now in the British Museum's collection). This has been interpreted as meaning that the stele was likely built elsewhere and brought to Tulum to be reused.

Work conducted at Tulum continued with that of Sylvanus Morley and George P. Howe, beginning in 1913. They worked to restore and open the public beaches. The work was continued by the Carnegie Institution from 1916 to 1922, Samuel Lothrop in 1924 who also mapped the site, Miguel Ángel Fernández in the late 1930s and early 1940s, William Sanders in 1956, and then later in the 1970s by Arthur G. Miller. Through these later investigations done by Sanders and Miller, it has been determined that Tulum was occupied during the late Postclassic period around AD 1200. The site continued to be occupied until contact with the Spanish was made in the early 16th century. By the end of the 16th century, the site was abandoned completely.

Tulum has architecture typical of Maya sites on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. This architecture is recognized by a step running around the base of the building which sits on a low substructure. Doorways of this type are usually narrow with columns used as support if the building is big enough. As the walls flare out there are usually two sets of molding near the top. The room usually contains one or two small windows with an altar at the back wall, roofed by either a beam-and-rubble ceiling or being vaulted. This type of architecture resembles what can be found in the nearby Chichen Itza, just on a much smaller scale.

Tulum was protected on one side by steep sea cliffs and on the landward side by a wall that averaged about 3–5 meters (9.8–16.4 ft) in height. The wall also was about 8 m (26 ft) thick and 400 m (1,300 ft) long on the side parallel to the sea. The part of the wall that ran the width of the site was slightly shorter and only about 170 meters (560 ft) on both sides. Constructing this massive wall would have taken an enormous amount of energy and time, which shows how important defense was to the Maya when they chose this site. On the southwest and northwest corners there are small structures that have been identified as watch towers, showing again how well defended the city was. There are five narrow gateways in the wall with two each on the north and south sides and one on the west. Near the northern side of the wall a small cenote provided the city with fresh water. It is this impressive wall that makes Tulum one of the most well-known fortified sites of the Maya.

There are three major structures of interest at the Tulum archaeological site. El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes, and the Temple of the Descending God.

Among the more spectacular buildings here is the Temple of the Frescoes that included a lower gallery and a smaller second story gallery. The Temple of the Frescoes was used as an observatory for tracking the movements of the sun. Niched figurines of the Maya “diving god” or Venus deity decorate the facade of the temple. This “diving god” is also depicted in the Temple of the Diving God in the central precinct of the site. Above the entrance in the western wall a stucco figure of the “diving god” is still preserved, giving the temple its name. A mural can still be seen on the eastern wall that resembles that of a style that originated in highland Mexico, called the Mixteca-Puebla style, though visitors are no longer permitted to enter.

The Temple of the Descending God consists of a single room with a door to the west and a narrow staircase that was built on top of another temple that served as its base.

In the niche located at the top of the door stands a sculpture that’s found throughout Tulum. He has wings, a headdress and holds an object in his hands.

Also in the central precinct is the Castillo, which is 7.5 m (25 ft) tall. The Castillo was built on a previous building that was colonnaded and had a beam and mortar roof. The lintels in the upper rooms have serpent motifs carved into them. The construction of the Castillo appears to have taken place in stages. A small shrine appears to have been used as a beacon for incoming canoes. This shrine marks a break in the barrier reef that is opposite the site. Here there is a cove and landing beach in a break in the sea cliffs that would have been perfect for trading canoes coming in. This characteristic of the site may be one of the reasons the Maya founded the city of Tulum exactly here, as Tulum later became a prominent trading port during the late Postclassic.

[theamazingplaces]

History buffs and travel enthusiasts, this one's for you! Have you ever dreamt of walking through ancient cities or marvelling at age-old structures? Well, you don't have to embark on an Indiana Jones-style expedition to experience the thrill of archaeology. Here are 5 incredible archaeological sites that are surprisingly accessible: Pompeii, Italy: Travel back to 79 AD and explore the frozen-in-time Roman city of Pompeii. Witness the everyday lives of its inhabitants preserved by volcanic ash, from homes and shops to haunting body casts. Numerous tours are available, and Pompeii is easily reached by train or car from Naples or Rome. Acropolis, Athens, Greece: Ascend the sacred hill that housed the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Explore the ruins of other significant structures like the Propylaea gateway and the Erechtheion temple. Athens is a well-connected city with a robust tourist infrastructure, making the Acropolis a breeze. Chichen Itza, Mexico: Immerse yourself in the Mayan civilization at Chichen Itza, a sprawling complex featuring the iconic pyramid-temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo). Explore other structures like the Temple of Warriors and the Ball Court, all remnants of a powerful Mayan city. Chichen Itza is close to popular tourist destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, making it a convenient stop. Colosseum, Rome, Italy: Step into the gladiatorial arena of the Roman Empire at the Colosseum. This awe-inspiring amphitheatre is a testament to Roman engineering and entertainment. Guided tours provide a glimpse into the history of gladiatorial combats and public spectacles. The Colosseum is a must-see for any visitor with its central location in Rome. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado, USA: Journey back to the cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloan people at Mesa Verde National Park. Explore cliff houses and villages built into the canyon walls, offering a sense of the ingenuity and lifestyle of this ancient civilization. The park offers tours and ranger-led programs and is easily accessible by car.

[alltrips]

Chichen itza mayan ruins | Alltrips

About the Maya ruins

Chichen Itza, one of the largest Maya cities, is synonymous with the Maya civilization. The city is located in the present-day Mexican state of Yucatan. The Maya city reached its height around 600 AD. After that, the city was abandoned. The city was rediscovered by the Spanish in the 16th century. The city has since been a source of fascination for historians and archaeologists. Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities. The site of Chichen Itza is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The chichen Itza Mayan ruins of the city are a popular tourist destination. Tourists can explore the ruins of temples and palaces. They can also learn about the Maya civilization at the on-site museum.

Chichen Itza pyramid

Chichen Itza is a Mayan ruin located in Mexico. The Chichen Itza pyramid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mayan ruin of Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The site is about 2 hours from Cancun and about 3 hours from Merida. Chichen Itza was a major city of the Maya civilization. The Maya civilization was one of the most advanced civilizations in the ancient world. The Maya were experts in astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. The pyramid at Chichen Itza is the most famous structure at the site. The pyramid is also known as the Temple of Kukulcan. The pyramid is about 24 meters tall. The pyramid has stairs on all four sides. The stairs on the north side of the pyramid are the widest. The north side of the pyramid also has a carved image of a snake. Chichen Itza was a major city of the Maya civilization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are a must-see for anyone visiting the chichen Itza tour from Tulum area. The Alltrips blog provides a great overview of what to expect on a tour of the ruins and highlights some of the most interesting aspects of the site. If you're looking for a comprehensive and informative guide to the Chichen Itza ruins, be sure to check out the Alltrips blog.

[s10127470]

Sonic’s Latin American Adventure (Part 1)

Most of you are probably familiar with Sonic Adventure.

While not being Sonic’s first, it was his first big successful jump into the world of 3D.

And although it has aged in terms of graphic and especially voice-acting, it’s gameplay and story is still fondly remembered by many.

But one element that I want to take about are the levels.

Sonic Adventure has some of the most iconic levels in the Sonic franchise.

But what some of you may not know were the real-world inspirations behind them.

Ever since the Genesis days, Sonic has drawn influence from our world for reference.

Carnival Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was inspired by the local carnivals that Sonic Team saw in San Francisco.

Casino Night Zone from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was inspired by Las Vegas, which Sonic Team took a trip to during its production.

And undoubtedly the most recognizable (and widely hated) level in the entire franchise Green Hill Zone from the game that start it all, was inspired by the rolling green hills and blue skies of California.

But when it was time to develop Sonic Adventure, Sonic Team wanted to go bigger than ever before and create more realistic worlds than before, thanks to the greater capabilities of the Sega Dreamcast.

One of the kind of new environments they wanted to do for Sonic Adventure were jungles with ancient ruins.

When creating levels for the games during the Genesis days, while Sonic Team did draw some influence from the real world, they mostly drew inspiration from movies and tv shows.

None of the team had ever seen any genuine ruins or jungles before, and tools like the Internet were way too primitive at the time for help.

So in order to make the environments of the game feel authentic as possible, Sonic Team took a nearly 3-month long trip through Central and South America.

They traveled to Mexico (specifically around the Yucatán Peninsula), Guatemala, and Peru.

And they not only took inspiration from the environments of those locations, but also the culture, history, and possibly even religion.

So today, I want to go into depth on the real-world inspirations for some of the levels and elements of Sonic Adventure.

So grab your adventure gear and some snacks, cause we’re going on a Latin American adventure!

Coming up first we have the very first level of the game, Emerald Coast.

When taking in the tropical beach environment, the seagrass thatched umbrellas scattered all over the place, forested cove and the resort at the beginning of the level, it’s safe to say that Emerald Coast was inspired by popular vacation spots such as Cancún and Tulum.

Next we come to the Mystic Ruins and Lost World.

These two locations are definitely the strongest examples of the Latin American influence.

They’re both clearly inspired by the ancient ruins of Mayan cities such as Chichen Itza, Tikal, Uaxactun, and San Gervasio, along with the jungles surrounding them.

Within the Lost World level, there’s a bit of a snake theme going on. From the torches, to the entrances, and there even being a giant stone snake moving around in the water section.

In Mayan culture, the snake was one of the most important animals, alongside the jaguar and the quetzal.

Snakes were seen as the vehicles by which celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, crossed the heavens on. The shedding of their skin made them a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

And although there were many sculptures of snakes, most of them found on pyramids, they were often used to represent an important deity in Mayan mythology.

But I’m gonna touch on that a bit later.

The history of the Mystic Ruins is also pretty accurate to the history of most of the Mayan cities.

As most of you probably know, the Mystic Ruins was originally the home of the Knuckles Clan.

But after it was abandoned for thousands of years, it eventually became overgrown with jungle.

That was basically the same thing that happened to the real-life Mayan cities.

After they were abandoned, the surrounding wilderness essentially claimed them.

For example, this illustration shows what Tikal might’ve looked like during the time of the Mayans.

And this photograph shows what it was like back in 1881.

Next we move on the second level of the game, Windy Valley.

When taking in the mountainous landscape and the stone structures (plus their appearance), it’s pretty clear that this level is a loose adaptation of famous Inca city Machu Picchu.

As for the next two levels, finding their inspiration was admittedly a bit tricky when considering the locations Sonic Team traveled to.

But after a lot of research, I think I found them.

Icecap from Sonic 3 returns as the fourth level in the game.

Although it’s inspiration is a tad tricky, I believe that it was inspired from the various snowy-peaked mountains of the Andes.

And for the final level, we come to Red Mountain.

This was probably the hardest level for me for find any possible inspirations for.

Admittedly, for the longest time I thought it was inspired by the tepuis of Venezuela.

And at first glance, you can definitely see the comparison.

Unfortunately, the only place that Sonic Team traveled to was Peru.

But then I remembered that Red Mountain had a bit of canyon look as well.

And after doing some research, I've come to two possible inspirations for the level.

These inspirations are Colca Canyon and Rio Marañón, two canyons located which not only have similar appearances to some of the geological features of Red Mountain, but also just so happen to be located in Peru.

Next we have is Sand Hill, and funnily enough, the history of the level actually involves its inspiration.

During the trip, one of Sonic Team's stop was the city of Ica. During their visit, they discovered the sport of sandboarding. It amazed them so much that they decided to include it as a mini-game for Tails.

As you could already tell, the location was inspired by Ica itself.

Well that's all I can share for now!

I've already reached the 30 image limit, so I can't show any more photos for this post.

So this is gonna be a two-parter. Along with that, it's gonna be much shorter than this one since I'll be covering that the last bit of info I wanted to share.

So stay-in tune for the second and final part of Sonic's Latin American Adventure!

[weditchthemap]

Best Beaches of Mexico To Visit in 2023

Are you looking for an unforgettable beach vacation in Mexico next year?

With its pristine white sand, crystal-clear water, and tropical climate, Mexico is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches.

From secluded coves to bustling party spots, here are some of the best beaches in Mexico to visit in 2023.

Playa Sisal

Located on the Yucatan peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, this breathtaking beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and other water sports.

As well, Playa Sisal has turquoise waters that are crystal clear and pristine white sand that stretches up to two kilometers along the shoreline. It has numerous reefs that offer excellent spots for scuba diving and fishing.

Basically, the ancient city of Tulum is located just north of Playa Sisal and offers a glimpse into Mayan culture and history through its amazing archaeological sites and structures.

Tips: The best part about Playa Sisal is its incredible seafood. From grilled shrimp to fresh ceviche, you can enjoy mouthwatering meals right by the beach!

Cancun

Cancun is not just any barrier island off the southeast coast of Mexico; it's an absolute paradise packed with rich history and jaw-dropping beauty.

From the moment you step onto its beaches, you'll be entranced by the breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea and golden sands that stretch for miles. But there's more to Cancun than just its beaches.

We highly recommend the tranquil and less crowded Playa Chac Mool for families or couples seeking solitude. Meanwhile, Playa Delfines offers the best opportunity to spot playful dolphins in crystal-clear waters.

But that's not all - you can also explore the underwater museum at Isla Mujeres, where you'll be mesmerized by the unique and awe-inspiring sculptures.

Playa Carrizalillo (Puerto Escondido)

Of course, you might want to escape the crowds and find a secluded and serene place to relax. Playa Carrizalillo is the perfect spot for that. 

Tucked away in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, this crescent-shaped beach boasts turquoise waters and breathtaking views.

To reach Playa Carrizalillo, you must walk down and then back up around 155 stairs, but the journey is worth it. Once you arrive, you can relax on the soft sands and enjoy the beautiful views. 

Tips: Playa Carrizalillo isn't just a beach for regular beachgoers; it's also a popular place for beginners and intermediate surfers to go surfing. Surfboards can be rented from one of the many surf shacks on the beach for 150 MXN per hour. You can rent shortboards, longboards, and bodyboards when you arrive.

Playa del Carmen beaches

Playa del Carmen is a beach town that has gained popularity recently for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history.

As you walk along the palm-lined beaches, you can't help but feel the cool breeze coming from the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The city was once a Mayan fishing village known as Xaman Ha, which means "waters of the North." It was a significant trading center and religious site for the ancient Mayan civilization. Today, you can explore the remnants of this ancient culture by visiting the Mayan ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza.

Tips: The fastest way to travel from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen is via ferry, which will take 35 minutes to reach your destination.

Costa Maya

Costa Maya, located on Mexico's east coast, used to be undeveloped until a large pier was built, attracting a lot of beachgoers.

The region maintains a beautiful balance between traditional Mayan identity and modernity, making it a recommended beach for tourists.

Tourists can experience costumed Mayan entertainers, Mayan architecture, luxury shopping, beach clubs, and restaurants.

Divers should go to the underwater wonderland of Banco Chinchorro, and history buffs should check out Dzibanch, Kinich-Na, and Kohunlich, three underrated Mayan ruins in the area.

Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit

Punta Mita is a luxurious paradise located in the Mexican Riviera Nayarit, just a short drive away from Sayulita

What sets Punta Mita apart from other beach destinations in Mexico is the abundance of five-star hotels, luxury vacation rentals, and world-class golf courses.

Whether you prefer modern, minimalist, tropical, or rustic lodging, Punta Mita offers upscale oceanfront views that take your breath away.

Punta Mita Ocean Sports allows you to go sport fishing, kayaking, whale watching, surfing, paddleboarding, sailing, diving, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, and more.

Aside from the beach activities, Punta Mita has a bird sanctuary nearby. You can also explore recreational trails that abound in the landscape.

Playa Balandra (La Paz)

Playa Balandra is an stunning beach in Baja California Sur State, about one hour from La Paz, Mexico. Its crystal clear waters and brilliant white sandy beaches make it a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking.

One of the most iconic features that make Playa Balandra unique is the "mushroom rock" on the beach's north side – it's a must-see!

Tips: due to its growing popularity on social media, it's essential to arrive early to secure a spot at the beach. Both the parking lots and the beach itself tend to fill up quickly,

Sayulita

This secluded beach is rarely crowded, so it's a great place to get away from the busyness of Playa Sayulita.

We all know it's also a great spot to catch the sunset, but be sure to have a secure way to get back to town after dark.

Sayulita is a sleepy beach village about 26 miles northwest of Puerto Vallarta, known for its world-class beaches and water activities.

Surfing is a popular activity among locals, with Playa Carricitos being the mecca for experienced surfers and surf schools available for beginners.

Tips: To get to Playa Sayulita, you can take a taxi, rent a car, or book a private transfer from the airport.

La Lancha

Visitors to Playa La Lancha are greeted with an idyllic paradise of white sands and clear waters. It's the ideal spot for an adventure-filled getaway, offering both surfboard rentals and lessons and incredible photography opportunities.

Basically, the waves here are perfect for surfing but can be too strong for swimming. There's even a tree that provides a shady spot for photos.

Those looking to explore further can take a hike down from the highway, but do so with caution - the beach is located near swamps which can be home to crocodiles during certain times of the year.

Tips : Getting there is easy; visitors can take a bus or Uber straight to the OXXO convenience store nearby, park in the lot across the highway, and make their way over on foot.

Wrap Up

Now that you are familiar with some of the best beaches Mexico offers, it's time to start planning your 2023 vacation! Taking a trip to a beach paradise can be just what you need for a mid-year reset.

Whether you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or spend some quality time with friends and family in a tropical paradise, these best Mexican beaches will make your journey memorable.

[tours2go]

Enjoy your day ashore with this small group tour that will delight you with the famous Mayan ruins, pyramids, ball courts and much more to explore.  Snacks through the tour are included on this 7 hour memorable experience. #Tours2Go #ToursToGo

[timetravelergal24]

Chichen Itza, (1520s)

Chichen Itza Map, “Chichen Itza Maps: Where Is Chichen Itza: Mayan Ruins.” Chichen Itza, www.chichenitza.com/maps. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

"Sacred Cenote in Chichen Itza" Tomasas. “Sacred Cenote in Chichén Itzá.” Places To See In Your Lifetime, 19 Mar. 2014, www.pandotrip.com/sacred-cenote-in-chichen-itza-2455/.

Chichen Itza truly made me feel like I was in the heart of the Mayan world. The beauty of towering pyramids, structural marvels, intricate artwork, carefully carved stone pillars and that familiar humid air struck me as soon as my time machine landed here. Humans and nature were delicately balanced here. The monumental "El Castillo" pyramid loomed over the city, centered in the middle. The first thing i explored was the grand ball court near my landing spot, which was bustling with laughter and the sounds of the balls thudding. Near there I noticed the temples near where lined with Mayan people playing their drums. The rhythmic drumming intermingled with the chachalaca birds screeching high above the towering monuments and structures. The marketplace was full of conversation and a strong smell of roasted maize. They sold many things there, but many sellers carried cacao and fruit varieties.

In this marketplace I overheard men discussing offering their recent harvests to the gods at the temple. They spoke about the importance of their ritual aligning with the cycles of nature so that they could ensure a balance and peace with the gods, it was fascinating!

The importance of Chichen Itza during this time seemed to be incredibly astronomical, something the Mayans were very advanced in. It was also a significant political city, full of sites of worship. As the sun began to set behind the impossibly tall "El Castillo", the Mayans around me began discussing the pyramid's allignment with the equinoxes. They had an incredible understanding of the cosmos for the time! Priests and nobles here were decorated with even more elaborate and decorated ceremonial wear than the common Mayan men. There was a sacred fire lit in the center of a plaza, where priests with face paint chanted together and performed a ritual with offerings to the gods, similar to what I witnessed nearby in Tulum. The feeling of devotion and worship was palpable. Their society's faith truly propelled them.

Tulum and Chichen Itza had their similarities, but served different purposes. In Chichen Itza, there were cenotes, natural freshwater sinkholes, that served as the setting for various rituals. They were sacred and the site of precious offerings to the gods, as well as human sacrifices particularly in the Sacred Cenote in the north of the city, still visited today. They were also great agricultural sources. I was blown away by the natural beauty of these cenotes, and I couldn't help but admire them for longer than what I had scheduled on my trip initially!

Overall, Chichen Itza blew me away. I'd recommend this time and location especially for those must-see cenotes, and the amazing atmosphere. It weighs on my heart that the innocent children of the Maya I saw playing here will soon be struck by colonialism.

Thanks for tuning in! Join me next time as we travel back to the exact moment Hernan Cortes came to the Yucatan Peninsula, and begin to unpack colonialism!

XOXO,

time-travel-gal24