[Mexico] Ancient Mayan temple pyramid "Chichen Itza"

Chichen Itza is an ancient ruin that represents the ancient Mayan civilization.

It is located about 2.5 to 3 hours by car or bus from the popular Mexican city of Cancun.

The most famous place in Chichen Itza is "El Castillo", also known as the "Temple of Kukulkan".

"Kukulkan" is the supreme god of fertility in the ancient Maya, and two pairs of his heads are decorated at the foot of the stairs.

The "Descent of Kukulkan" phenomenon is famous, where when the sunlight hits the stairs with these heads twice a year on the spring and autumn equinoxes, the shadow of the stairs reveals the torso of Kukulkan.

The day we visited was relatively close to the autumn equinox, but unfortunately it was cloudy. Unfortunately, no miracles happened.

Also, Chichen Itza is home to ruins with eerie legends, such as the platform for the Chac-Mool ritual, where the hearts of sacrificed people were offered, the ball court where the "ball game of death" was played, where the victorious leader was decapitated and sacrificed, and the cenote (sacred spring) where sacrifices were made to the gods.

It's a bit scary just to imagine it.

It's been more than 10 years since I visited here, and at that time there were a lot of stray dogs taking naps in the ruins.

But recently it seems to have become a den of iguanas.

It's rumored that there are a lot of tourists visiting on the spring and autumn equinoxes, so it's important to plan early.

#Overseas travel record #Mexico #Amazing view #Ancient ruins #World Heritage Site

Post by タビノモリ | Jan 12, 2025