Chichén Itzá is a famous Mayan ruin about 3 hours west of Cancun. One of the seven wonders of the modern world. A huge stepped pyramid, known as El Castillo, dominates the old city, which prospered from about 600 AD to the 13th century.
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- This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protected by international treaty for its historic significance.
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- If you clap at the bottom of the stairs, the sound that echoes back is the call of the quetzal, a bird symbolizing freedom and wealth to the Mayans.
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- On the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, the sun creeps down the length of the snake, which seems (to the thousands of spectators) to move.
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- Each of the four sides has 91 steps, for a total of 364. The platform at the top makes 365.
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- The cemetery surrounded by faces, each unique.
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- Iguanas love the climate here.
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- A huge court held games that required players to pass a 9lb. rubber ball through a high stone hoop using only their elbows, knees and head.
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- The “winner” of the game had the honor of being beheaded on the court, as depicted here with blood spouting from the neck.
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- Seems appropriate to end with a shot of the many Dia de Los Muertos skulls that were for sale.
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