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Chichen Itza, Yucatan
Region
El Castillo
El
Castillo •The
Temple of the Warriors• The
Observatory• The
Nunnery• The
Ball Court• Cenote
 The
massive Kukulcán pyramid called "El Castillo" (the
castle) is roughly at the center of the site. Climbing it is quite a
challenge and those who make it are rewarded with a spectacular view
of the city and surrounding country side. A trip inside the pyramid
is quite the opposite. The dark, unbearably humid corridors and chambers
are too much for some people.
Early morning,
before the onslaught of tourists, Chichén Itzá is a
magical place. I had the opportunity to wander around the site for
two hours before the gates were opened one day. Watching the massive
pyramid take shape through the lifting fog is an experience I will
not soon forget
The
construction of the Kukulcán Pyramid at Chichén Itzá
was planned so that each Vernal Equinox the dying sun would cast a
shadow of a serpent writhing down the steps of the pyramid. Every
year over 40,000 people make the trek to the great pyramid to watch
in awe as the snakes diamond backed body slowly appears.
If you stand
facing the foot of the temple and shout the echo comes back as a piercing
shriek. Also, a person standing on the top step can speak in a normal
voice and be heard by those at ground level for some distance. This
quality is also shared by another Mayan pyramid at Tikal.
Onward
to the
Temple of the Warriors
El
Castillo •The
Temple of the Warriors• The
Observatory• The
Nunnery• The
Ball Court• Cenote
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