Chichen Itza Ruins

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What would be a trip to the Yucatan without visiting the mouth of the wall of the itzaes?  Chichen Itza is controversial and one of the most visited Mayan ruins.

We were the second group to show up at the site, well before it opened.  Hords of tourists visit the ruins all over Mexico, and by 11am you can kiss your hope of a picture without them goodbye.  Your best to show up right at the opening time for a more pleasant experience.

The Early Bird Gets the Worm

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Historical records of the ancient society of the Mayan that used live here are pretty much non-existant.  The ruins are massive: impressive and amazing. This site would serve as an entire city with temples, a staduim, a market, a spa, and homes for the elite class.  Other people likely lived in the lush juungle surrounding the runis.  A walk through Chichen-Itza transports you hundres of years back in time if only for a moment to imagine the lifestyle of this civilization.  The biggest question we all have is where did all the people go?  There are no mass graves, no records of disease or exodus, and no way of knowing.

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There must have been 100 vendors, all selling blankets, dresses, bowls, sculptures and more.  Maya and Toddy found some great bowls here.

There are several cenotes within the ruins.  A cenote is a lot like a sink hole, filled with fresh water. The cenotes in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo vary in uses.  For example, Dos Ojos near Tulum is supposed to be a superb diving spot, with amazing caverns and water as clear as air (unfortunately, we didn´t have time to do the PADI cavern certification, so we didn´t dive THIS time).  Others are filled with crocodiles.  The cenote at Chichen Itza was used for something different - to offer children, virgins and young women to the gods.  They had the cenote excavated and found the remnants of many - their jewelry & bones to prove it.  According to one of the tour guides, it is believed that the people who offered their lives did so willingly but were heavily drugged and dressed in fine clothing and jewelry before succumbing to their fate.

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With this in mind, comes the 4 silly travelers.   Brian and Todd decided to make their own sacrifice and make an offering to the gods just like the Mayans.  I´ll let them tell you all about it in person.  :)

A mad props to Brian, as he was feeling ill but managed to walk all around the entire from Chichen Itza to Isla Mujeres.