SUMMER 2019, PART 1-B: CHICHÉN-ITZÁ

Because while staying in Merida the idea was to visit different places in Yucatán and perhaps Quintana Roo, I rented a car. With it, we were able to move around the state at our leisure.

Our first trip was to the City of Chichén-Itzá, located 122 km (that's 75 miles) from Merida, which translates to about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. 

Chichén-Itzá was one of the largest Maya cities and it was likely to have been one of the mythical great cities, or Tollans, (capitals) referred to in later Mesoamerican literature.

The main attraction in Chichén-Itzá is, of course, the great pyramid known 

as "El Castillo" (The Castle). And it is thanks to this pyramid that 

Chichén-Itzá has become one of the wonders of the world.

Miguel and I spent about three hours in this archeological site. While 

El Castillo is the main attraction, there so much more to see, like a 

soccer field where the Maya people play their "Juego de Pelota." 

The fascinating thing about this soccer field is that on both sides of it, the 

lower walls are decorated with stone carvings depicting champions, 

chiefs, and warriors. 

Another attraction in Chichén-Itzá is the famous observatory known as

"el caracol" (the seashell for its shape). 

There are also temples to a variety of deities and also small pyramid 

tombs to many of the Maya emperors. 

I could tell you more about Chichén-Itzá but I'm sure you can research it 

and find out. Let's just say it was incredibly breathtaking and very humid. 

We were completely soaked. Luckily, as soon as we were done with

the site, I drove to a cenote (underground water hole) called Xtoloc. 

Technically, this cenote is not underground but to reach it, you do need

to climb down for a very long time. Half of it is underground though.

NEXT: PROGRESO