Temple of Kukulcán
Chichen Itza located about 2 hours from Cancun Mexico is a must visit. This great architectural structure was built by the Mayan people getting over 2 million visits per year. We got very lucky this day as the park was not full. The reason, the President of Mexico was there. Temple of Kukulcán is the main focal point of Chichen Itza. At one time you could climb the the 91 steps but after many falls and one woman dying in 2006 they roped it off. On this day with the President being there we did see some officers coming down.
Temple of Warriors(Templo de los Guerreros)
The temple of warriors was built in 1200 AD it was not a Mayan but was built by the Toltec. It has 4 platforms and over 400 columns. The carvings of warriors and murals of war and everyday life can be seen around the building.
The observatory temple (“El Caracol”)
The observation temple “El Caracol” was thought to be used for astronomical events. El Caracol meaning the snail got its name for the spiral stairs inside the building. I was going for a explorer pose in this photo, nailed it!
Traditional Mayan Hut
This is what a traditional Mayan hut would look like. Mud covering wood walls. Lets be honest, I am sure they were built well.
Platform of the Tombs
Well I am going to be very real when I say, I didn’t know what this structure was when I stuck my head in there. Yes this is the Structure of the Tombs. Meaning there were bones, teeth, arrowheads and many other things found in here. No, I would not have stuck my head in there had I known.
Platform of Venus and Round Platform
So this building is confusing to me but none the less here is what they say. In the center on the panels in the Serpent Bird Man which is to be Quetzalcoatl. Quetzalcoatl is an Aztec God of wind, air and learning. There is also a symbol of the morning star which represents power. The corners the symbol can be seen as knotting of the years with the planet Venus. And where it gets crazy is the skull of a decapitated man was found in one of the stairways. They also say it was used as a podium for ceremonies, rites or dances.
Chichen Itza Ball Courts
This is one of many ball courts within the grounds. It is said to be where games as well as other ceremonies would take place.
I had such a great day with my friend Brian. Next adventure Tulum. See you there.