Value excursion to Chichen Itza

Many travellers try to do everything themselves. I take a balanced approach … today’s excursion to Chichen Itza cost MXP350 (NZD35) which sounds expensive. It would have cost MXP240 do it by public transport. The difference is easily justified by the inclusions (eg. big buffet lunch, good guide, transport to a swimming hole) and of course the convenience.

Chichen Itza (2h away from Merida) is the most famous of Mexico’s ruins because it is the best restored. The complex dates back to 800AD, built by the Mayans who were obsessed and talented with astronomy and measuring time. Various angles in the pyramids and other buildings line up with the sunlight on solstices and equinoxes.

Sadly, Chichen Itza is over-touristed with up to 45,000 visitors a day. The reality is that even the most impressive pyramid here (the Kukulkan) doesn’t compare with Teotihuacan (near Mexico City) in terms of size/height (25m vs 70m) and age (about 9 Centuries newer).

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: The Kukulkan pyramid.

: Hordes of visitors, up to 45,000 visit Chichen Itza each day.

: The left side is fully restored while the right is less so.

: Too many souvenir stalls at Chichen Itza.

: Too many souvenir stalls at Chichen Itza.

: The observatory at Chichen Itza isn’t any more of an observatory than all the other buildings. It’s just a name given by the Conquistadors.

Having worked up a sweat, we were driven to Ik Kil Cenote which is a huge pool located in a limestone cave with a natural skylight. The setting was delightful … you can swim in the clear green waters and look up at the sky through the leafy-edged skylight. Water and roots drip down from the ceiling as well.

We finished the day with a buffet lunch at around 1500 … you could call it dinner instead as it is the last main meal for many Mexicans … they typically have a big breakfast, a big lunch/dinner and a light supper. We were initially quite surprised to see many restaurants close at 1800.