The decadent Mayan Centers didn’t reach North Yucatan until 150 years later in which the Puuc style was developed like in the cities of Uxmal, Sayil, Kabah and Chichén Itzá; However, these towns fell around the year 1000AD with the exception of Chichen Itza which began an age of power in all its splendor and culminated in the first centralized state of Mayan history. The architecture of the Mayan era was as special as the Greek, Roman or Gothic. It has its local touches but fundamentally its surrounded by its unique nature.]
In Chichen Itza’s architecture you can appreciate the fusion of two Mayan styles:
The Puuc and the Toltec. On each of its buildings we can observe the finesse and delicately sculpted figures that represented all of the most important Mayan gods: Chaac and Kukulkan among others. The equinox its a unique archeoastronomical phenomenom which occurs when the earth is illuminated by the sun equally on the northern and southern hemisphere.
At dusk of the 21st of March and 22nd of September, when the spring and fall equinoxes occur, one can observe on the northern castle stairs of Chichen- itza, a serpent like solar projection, consisting of seven inverted light triangles resulting in shade that generates on the nine plataforms on this building when the sun sets. Just as it happened more than 1,000 years ago, the equinox phenomenon of the Kukulkan temple in Chichen-itza, still reaches to the hearts of all its spectators.
In these times of year, the game of light and shade on the temple, creates this optical illusion: that a serpent is moving. Thousands of curious people and admireres of the Mayan gods and thousands of tourists reunite at Chichen Itza to live this unique and unforgettable experience.
This phenomenon lasts two minutes while the sun sets and the triangles disappear downward or upward depending on which equinox it is. (The serpent appears to leave the temple downward in the Spring and upward into the temple in the Fall). At sunset, see a spectacular show of sounds and light.
GENRAL INFORMATION OF CHICHEN ITZA
Climate The weather conditions are characteristically hot and dry. The rainy season is in the summer and we recommend that you use hats (straw hats are best) to protect yourself from the sun. The temperatures fluctuate between 20ºC and 40ºC with a yearly average of 34ºC. The months between October and March make for the most comfortable days.
WHEN TO TRAVEL A great time to travel to this fabulous destination and to visit distinct archeological sites is during the Spring Equinox when the sun reflects the oscillating serpent leaving the Kukulkan Temple. You do not want to miss this phenomenon of a lifetime that only occurs one day of the year. Its advisable to make your reservations early and to arrive early to avoid the large crowds and to ensure your space up front.
MONEY The form of money used in Mexico is the Mexican Peso but in many places they accept the US Dollar. You can exchange money or travelers cheques in the airport, Money Exchange Houses (Casas de Cambio), hotels or local banks.
MEALS You can delight yourself with local Mayan dishes or the mestizos (dishes from combined cultures), both known for their high quality of presentation and delicious flavor. La Cochinita Pibil is one of the favorites which is pork in an achiote (red spice) sauce cooked in an earthen pit.
Also the Sopa de Lima (Lime Soup) that is prepared with turkey and shredded fried tortilla is very popular. Other well known plates include Chaya (Mayan spinach) Crepes, Queso Relleno (stuffed cheese) and Huevos Mutuleños (eggs prepared in the Mayan tradition), all are excellent.
HOW TO GET THERE
Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, has an international airport which receives flights from cities all over the world. Also there is a highway with many roads inside the Mayan area on which you can easily and safely travel that connect all the most interesting Mayan cities and sites.
Easily from Merida to Cancun you can go directly to Chichen Itza by car or if you prefer by bus, both ways are very cost efficient. You can opt to go by the highway from Merida to Puerto Juarez that arrives to Cancun.
During your trip you can appreciate many Mayan towns and various cenotes of the area as well as buy beautiful handcrafts and indigenous clothing. Leaving from Cancun, the highway passes through Valladolid, which too can offer you various attractions along the way. Visiting days: Monday to Sunday
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00pm Trip length: 3 Hours Summertime suggestion: to use sunblock, hats and carry plenty of liquids Services: parking, turist flea market, museum, restaurant and bathrooms
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