Chichen Itza had long been on my "Must See" list.
When you first enter into the complex, immediately you are met with El Castillo, the most photographed buildings in Chichen Itza. Unlike Machu Pichu, you are not allowed to climb the steps of any ruins to view the astrological and sacrificial rooms at the top. But even from the ground, the grandness of it all is still captivating.
When you first enter into the complex, immediately you are met with El Castillo, the most photographed buildings in Chichen Itza. Unlike Machu Pichu, you are not allowed to climb the steps of any ruins to view the astrological and sacrificial rooms at the top. But even from the ground, the grandness of it all is still captivating.
When you first enter into the complex, immediately you are met with El Castillo, the most photographed buildings in Chichen Itza. Unlike Machu Pichu, you are not allowed to climb the steps of any ruins to view the astrological and sacrificial rooms at the top. But even from the ground, the grandness of it all is still captivating.
Most tourists congregate around the popular sites leaving other areas open for exploration in a little peace and quiet. Winding down dirt paths filled with vendors and souvenirs, you begin to stumble upon hidden areas of countless pillars and run down stone buildings.
When you first enter into the complex, immediately you are met with El Castillo, the most photographed buildings in Chichen Itza. Unlike Machu Pichu, you are not allowed to climb the steps of any ruins to view the astrological and sacrificial rooms at the top. But even from the ground, the grandness of it all is still captivating.
When you first enter into the complex, immediately you are met with El Castillo, the most photographed buildings in Chichen Itza. Unlike Machu Pichu, you are not allowed to climb the steps of any ruins to view the astrological and sacrificial rooms at the top. But even from the ground, the grandness of it all is still captivating.
Most tourists congregate around the popular sites leaving other areas open for exploration in a little peace and quiet. Winding down dirt paths filled with vendors and souvenirs, you begin to stumble upon hidden areas of countless pillars and run down stone buildings.
Most tourists congregate around the popular sites leaving other areas open for exploration in a little peace and quiet. Winding down dirt paths filled with vendors and souvenirs, you begin to stumble upon hidden areas of countless pillars and run down stone buildings.
One of the most unexpected structures is without a doubt, the ball court. I came to learn that it is the largest known ball court of its kind in the whole of the Americas. Everyone came to watch the games including the Mayan royals who sat on either end of the court. There is a picture of the court below as well as a snapshot of one of the ball hoops on the side of the wall. Players had to pass the ball through the hoop in order to win. Legend has it that those that lost were put to death.
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A WALK THROUGH CHICHEN ITZA
Chichen Itza had long been on my "Must See" list. This pre-historic Mayan city is home to numerous stepped pyramids, columned arcades, and temples. This site was sacred to the Mayans during the reign of their empire (a.D. 750 to 1200). Although, many other ruin sites can be found on the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza is the gem of Mexico. It once was a thriving urban center and the heart of the Mayan empire.
Here are photos taken while exploring the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza...
