Our Chichen Itza podcast was suggested by our viewer Justine and this archeological site in Mexico is really an amazing place. It is a collection of temples, pyramids and other stone structures from the time of the Mayan empire, AD 750 to 1200. Most famous is the El Castillo pyramid which was built along astronomical principles — for instance there are 365 steps to the top, representing the days of the solar year.
I kept wanting to call it “Chicken Itza”. But the name has nothing to do with chickens. It’s a Mayan term meaning “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.” The Itza is one of the groups of Mayans that lived in that area at the time.
Even though it’s a popular day trip, you may want to stay overnight in order to be there at opening time or to stay late to see the sound and light show offered every evening. Some say the show’s cheesy but even so, just being around the ruins after dark must be a treat.
Practical Info:
Getting there: Fly to Cancun or Merida, then take a bus or rent a car to Chichen Itza. It is only 75 miles away from Merida and 125 miles from Cancun. Many companies offer bus tours as well.
When to go: The ruins are open 365 days a year but since the sun is fierce you might be better off going in the fall and winter. At any rate, you’ll want to get there at opening time (8 a.m.) or in the late afternoon.
Cost: 177 pesos (around $14 U.S.) for non-Mexican nationals
By the way, the Mayans predicted the world will end on Dec. 22, 2012 so I’d say to hustle over to Chichen Itza now!
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Filed under: The Coolest Stuff on the Planet Tagged: chichen itza, mexico, travel
