Chichen Ixta - Yucatan, Mexico
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The Mayan Ruins of Mexico
In July of 2010 we had the pleasure of visiting one of the "Seven Man Made Wonders of the World", Chichen Ixta. This trip was very special to us as it was our 30th wedding anniversary and one of the dreams on My Bucket List.
Chichen Ixta is the Mayan ruins located on the Yucatan Pennisula of Mexico.
Our tour guide was of Mayan descent and helped show us the beauty and mystery of Chichen Ixta. We also learned about the Mayan Calendar and what will happen in 2012 according to the Mayan beliefs.
Come with me as I take you with me in a photo journal of a tour of Chichen Ixta, the Mayan Ruins.
All photos on this page are my own work, please do not copy or use without permission.
Our trip through the Yucatan Pennisula from Cancun, Mexico
A view from my window seat of Mexico
As we left the rich resorts of the hotel district in Cancun and started the two and a half hour drive to the Mayan Ruins called Chichen Ixta (pronounced "cheecha neesta" according to our Mayan guide) from my window seat I caught glimpses of the Mexican culture and life.
The above photo just seemed to take me back in time, to a simpler place.. A bicycle and a hand cart stood in front of what was once a very ornately designed building. The building needing repairs but looked very much like it is still home to the bicycle owner, a place of comfort and rest.
We passed the above church, the steeple standing tall against the blue sky and the photo below of a cemetery with ornately decorated toombs and graves. I believe the culture of this part of Mexico from my glimpses to be a very religious people.
The graves though the cemetery was old, still had flowers and gifts for the honored ones who have passed from this world into the next. May they rest in peace.
Entering Chichen Izta
El Castillo or The Castle
As you enter the gates of Chichen Izta you see the most well known of all the Mayan ruins, it is a huge Pyramid that stands in the center of a large grassy area. It is "El Castillo" also known as "The Castle". They also call this Pyramid ""The Kulcatan with means "feathered serpent".
Incredibly, when you stand directly in front of the top photo as a group and clap once, you will hear the echo of an Eagle back. We had to do it several times just to prove to ourselves that something else wasn't making the Eagle noise, it definitely was in response to our group clap.
Photo © by Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved. This is the view as you enter the park.
The pyramid is 90 feet tall and 180 feet on a side, and it was built with nine succeeding platforms with four staircases. The stairs that run from the bottom t the top have railings with carved feathered serpents, the open-mouthed head of the serpent at the bottom and the tail with a rattle held high at the top.
Photo © by Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
In this photo you can see how they are excavating the back side of the Pyramid. Our Mayan Guide told us that the Castle is only the top layer, they believe there is a whole layer of buildings below.
A close up of the beginning of the excavation of Chichen Izta. Photo © by Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
Information about the solar, Toltec, and Maya calendars is carefully built into el Castillo. Each stairway has exactly 91 steps, times four is 364 plus the top platform equals 365, the days in the solar calendar. The pyramid has 52 panels in the nine terraces; 52 is the number of years in the Toltec cycle. Each of the nine terraced steps are divided in two: 18 for the months in the yearly Maya calendar.
Here you can see the back side of the pyramid, and how the ruins looked before they were restored. Photo © by Linda Hoxie, all rights reserved.
Though we were not there for it, it is told that during the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, the sun shining on the platform edges forms shadows on the balustrades of the north face that look like a writhing rattle snake.
The Mayan Ball Court at Chichen Itza
The Mayan Ball Court was our next stop on the tour
The Mayan ball court or Bull pen as our guide called it was really interesting.
(The outside of the Mayan Ball Court at Chichen Itza)
It was the first place we were able to get right up close to the carvings depicting the seven ball players on each team. The carvings are amazing, showing fine detail after thousands of years. You can see the elaborate headdress that each player wore, and even their shoes.
(A close up of two of the hieroglyphics of the Mayan Ball Players at Chichen Itza)
The ball game we were told played an important ceremonial role in the Mayan society. It seems that it was played to the death.
(A view of the Mayan Ball court, one wonders if the seven echos you hear may come from the way it seems to curve inward)
The acoustics are just incredible and a bit spooky. When you stand by the hoops in the middle and clap, the echo of a clap will sound seven times (Remember there were seven players on each team). It is said you can hear a whisper from one end to another, over 500 feet away.
(A close up of the ring that is believed was a type of basket for the Mayan Ball game, they had to get the ball up an through that hoop)
Near the Ball Court, we saw the Lower Temple of the Jaguars, as you can see from the photos their jaguar etching in the stone have an eerie human like faces.
(A close up of the jaguar hieroglyphics on the Jaguars on the Lower Temple of the Jaguars at Chichen Itza)
It is told that "The sound waves are unaffected by wind direction or time of day/night. Archaeologists engaged in the reconstruction noted that the sound transmission became stronger and clearer as they proceeded. In 1931 Leopold Stokowski spent 4 days at the site to determine the acoustic principals that could be applied to an open-air concert theater he was designing. Stokowski failed to learn the secret. To this day it has not been explained."
(Quoted from: knowledgerush)
“Tip:
If Visiting Chichen Ixta
Bring your own cold water and lots of it when you visit!”
The Temple of the Skulls
Hieroglyphics of Human skulls carved into each stone
The Temple of the Skulls, covered with carvings of human skulls. This platform shaped structure is believed to have been used to display the heads of captured warriors and human sacrifices.
Our guide told us that their were remains of human skeletons found inside it.
Mayan Adventure
Are your ready to go on your own Mayan Adventure?
Mayan Adventure
Leave the resorts of Cancun behind and explore the authentic Yucatan. From sunny beaches and lush jungles to the highlands of Chiapas, journey through Belize, Guatemala and southern Mexico on this incredible 22-day adventure. Explore the amazing ruins of Chichen Itza, Palenque and Tikal and walk the cobblestone streets of colonial San Cristobal de las Casas and Antigua. Snorkel with stingrays or just get into the reggae pace of life on sunny Caribbean beaches. Experience a journey that introduces you to local culture and offers insight into the history of the Mayan heartland.
Mayan Adventure
Day 1 Cancún
Arrive at any time.
Day 2-3 Chichén Itzá/Mérida
Guided tour of Chichén Itzá ruins and orientation walk around Mérida. Options to visit ruins of Uxmal or swim in three nearby cenotes (underground pools).
Day 4-5 Palenque
Guided tour of Mayan ruins of Palenque. Option to explore the surrounding jungle on a guided hike.
Day 6-7 San Cristóbal de las Casas
En route, visit the Agua Azul and Misol-Ha waterfalls. Orientation walk around San Cristóbal de las Casas. Option to visit nearby Mayan villages to see unique day-to-day life or journey to beautiful Sumidero Canyon for a relaxing boat ride.
Day 8-9 Panajachel, Guatemala (L)
Boat tour around Lake Atitlán to local indigenous villages including a local lunch in a Mayan community. Included visit to Chichicastenango Sunday market, option to go paragliding.
Day 10-12 Antigua
Orientation walk around Antigua. Option to explore Antigua on a city tour, take salsa dancing classes or relax with a massage.
Day 13-14 Flores/Tikal
Guided tour of Mayan ruins of Tikal.
Day 15-16 San Ignacio, Belize
Option to visit sacred Mayan cave Actun Tunichil Muknal, explore the Mountain Pine Ridge area or see the little visited Mayan ruins of Xunantunich.
Day 17-19 Caye Caulker
Option to snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks at Hol Chan Marine Reserve.
Day 20-21 Playa del Carmen
Optional excursions to Mayan ruins of Tulúm or the diving mecca of Cozumel.
Day 22 Playa del Carmen
Depart at any time.
The Serpents of Chichen Itza
The Serpents of Chichen Itza
The Serpents reside all over the great city of Chichen Itza. There is one building that has carvings of a person with multiple arms that are serpents.
Note: if you want to look at any of these photos in a larger size, follow the link to flickr and you can bring them up huge and really enjoy looking at the details.
This serpents has rattles on it's tail
The Temple of the Warriors
with its famous Chac Mool statue by the Group of the Thousand Columns
The Temple of the Warriors with a closer view of the famous Chac Mool statue
Here you can see part of the temple alongside the Group of the Thousand Columns
When you stand directly facing this temple from a distance, you can clap and listen to the unique echo from it. It sounded to me like a woman's shriek.
Slideshow of my photos of Chichen Itza and Yucatan
Slideshow of my photos of Chichen Itza and Yucatan
The Observatory at Chichen Itza
also called El Caracol
The Observatory, also called El Caracol.
The building is named after the Spanish word for conch, due to its interior winding staircase leading up to the top. They believe this building was actually used as; an Observatory, go figure! Stones could be removed from the dome, enabling the Mayans to better isolate and study the stars.
The Nunnery at Chichen Itza
(Casa de las Monjas)
The Nunnery at Chichen Itza
The large sculptures on each corner have to do with the rain god Chac.
Next to the Nunnery is Akab-Dzib, which is believed to be the oldest building in Chichén Itzá.
Adventure Trips through Mexico and the Yucatan
from my affiliate
Mexico Colonial Adventure
Reconfirm your suspicions that chocolate isnt just meant for dessert and feel the beating heart of historic Mexico on a trip that is sure to have your eyeballs and tastebuds pulsing. Mexico City is bursting with street hustle and both stunning Teotihuacan and historic Puebla entice nearby. Oaxacabeautiful is an understatementoffers villages famed for timeless weaving. Youll encounter a vibrant contemporary art scene and sample MezcalTequilas more boisterous brother. Break out of the museum rut and experience culture living and breathing in Central Mexico.
Mexico Colonial Adventure
Mexico Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
One of the great festivals of the world, the Day of the Dead is at once a celebration of ancestors and a huge party. From candy skulls and colourful parades to family picnics in historic cemeteries, the Day of the Dead is a party like no other and this tour is your backstage pass. If youre culturally curious or slightly ghoulish, join us in OaxacaMexicos artistic heartlandfor a truly different perspective of the country at its most exciting. And with incredible ruins and fantastic landscapes all around, you dont need to be Wednesday Addams to get into the macabre spirit of this incredible celebration.
Mexico Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
Mexico & Guatemala Explorer
The ultimate Mayan adventure for those who want the complete experience but prefer a more comfortable optionleave the resorts behind and discover a more authentic side of the region. The Mayan world straddles several modern-day countries, but a shared culture and history give it an identity beyond borders. Marvel at Mayan achievements in Chichen Itza, Palenque and Tikal and meet locals from the rural towns along the way for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. Our experienced CEO will lead the way and eliminate the hassle so you're free to live the adventure!
Mexico & Guatemala Explorer
Mayan Discovery
Mayan ruins peeking out from verdant jungle, street vendors hawking their wares on colonial streets, pristine white-sand beaches sparkling under the Caribbean sunnow this is the real Yucatan! On this unique 15-day journey, youll tour the ruins at Chichen Itza and Palenque, and head deep into the jungle of Guatemala to experience the ruins of Tikal. You're free to choose your own adventure! So escape the resort packages and witness all the incredible wilderness, wildlife and Mayan culturepast and presentthat you can imagine.
Mayan Discovery
Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail
For the nature lover who also appreciates cultural luminescence, this limited-edition butterfly adventure captures the brightest colours of Mexico in just ten days. From the historic streets of Mexico City, you'll travel through stunning national parks, colonial towns and beautiful countryside as you follow the migration of the monarch butterfly. Wander through flutters of butterflies in the reserves of El Rosario and Sierra Chincua. Off the beaten path, this quirky adventure will give you a unique insight into the people and mariposas of Mexico.
Mexico Monarch Butterfly Trail
Adventures through Mexico
I love the sound of these adventure trips
Mayan Trail
Leave the resorts of Cancun behind and embark on an authentic adventure that will take you from spectacular Mayan ruins, over the cobblestone streets of colonial towns and deep into the jungle of Mexico. Explore the ancient ruins at Chichen Itza and Palenque and meet the descendants of those who built them in the vibrant streets and colourful markets of picturesque Mayan towns. Get your camera outyou're going to need it!
Mayan Trail
Yucatan Quest
Leave the resort behind and discover a more authentic Yucatan. Climb ancient temples, discover lost cities, relax on beautiful beaches, snorkel the vibrant reefs of the Caribbean and soak up the culture of the Yucatan's capital, Merida. With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace, youll have time to shop the markets or swim in the region's incredible underground cenotes. Hotel and transport are arranged by our expert CEOsso you can concentrate on enjoying yourself. Climb the heights of an ancient Mayan ruin or chill out on the beachthe adventure is yours to choose!
Yucatan Quest
Great Mexico & Central American Journey
If you want to soak up the colours and culture of this incredible region, this is the ultimate expedition. From the Panama Canal to the magic of Mexico City, you won't miss a thing on this epic adventure that spans seven countries over two months. Explore unreal pyramids, lush cloud forests and the pristine beaches of Central America. Chill to reggae beats and feel the pulse of life in Mayan towns for an immersive experience that few travellers get to know. Our expert CEOs will take the hassle out of planningso you can concentrate on choosing your own adventure!
Great Mexico & Central American Journey
Mexico Ancient Civilizations
From the ruins at Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world, to the hustle of modern Mexico City, which preserves its magic from centuries gone by, this adventure takes in the cultural and historical highlights. Its perfect for travellers on a tight budget looking to see as much as possible of this diverse region. Explore Mexico's incredible history with others who share your appetite for adventure. Get a suntan on the white sand of the Mayan Riviera beaches then explore the country's ruins and pueblos.
Mexico Ancient Civilizations
Mayan Sun
Trek though jungle backdrops to Mayan ruins and chill out on white sand under the Caribbean sun. Check out Mexico, Belize and Guatemala and experience the regions diversity. Wander colonial Antiguas cobblestone streets and shop for treasures before experiencing the natural beauty of Lake Atitlan, its indigenous Mayan villages and striking volcanoes. Snap a picture and impress the folks. One of our most popular trips, this adventure offers natural wonders, excitement and culture with enough time to socialize and do your own thing.
Mayan Sun
Thank you!
I hope you enjoyed your tour of Chichen Itza.
Please leave your carvings below so that I know who stopped by.
Linda
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Tipi
May 20, 2012 @ 6:58 am | delete
- This an amazing lens, Linda. Thank you for putting it together. Blessed!
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Dec 2, 2010 @ 10:48 pm | delete
- Wow nice pictures of the mayan ruins! Have you heard of the legend of the crystal skulls? I recommend you check that out...I did a post about it on my blog if your interested its here -> Nibiru
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barbara
Nov 14, 2010 @ 3:19 am | delete
- lovely photos, been to other myan ruins but not Chichen Itza. I am going back in 2012 so will visit then. Just wish I could live in the Yucatana just a dream.
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chris
Oct 28, 2010 @ 10:24 am | delete
- We are headed over there next week. Thanks for the wonderful preview. This is a place that I have always wanted to visit and now my dream is being realized
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kiwisoutback Sep 19, 2010 @ 8:36 am | delete
- This place looks amazing. Nice work, and excellent photos you've included.
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by ArtByLinda
Hello, my name is Linda I live in the beautiful state of Idaho and I love to write lenses about the things that are near and dear to my heart. Most of... more »
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