Monday, November 3, 2008

LDS Shore Excursions - Chichen Itza





Recently voted as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World Chichen Itza is all you have hoped for in a Mayan ruin and more. If you are visiting by cruise ship it takes about 2 hours by bus to get to the ruins. We start off leaving the port of Progreso by local shuttle and going to the city center where we meet our local LDS guide Helaman and then we transfer to a tour bus for the longer ride to the site. The ride is comfortable and is also a learning experience as Helaman tells us about the church in Mexico and gives a brief explanation of the people that built Chichen Itza. Once we arrive at the parking lot it is just a short walk into the ruins. Beautifully restored, the ruins stretch out over a large area giving you a feel for the city as it must have been in its prime. The center piece is the large pyramid, El Castillo, standing guard in the middle of a grassy plaza.



Climbing the pyramid is an on-again and off-again proposition with the current situation restricting climbing, but you will still be in awe of the structure as it towers above you. The adjacent ball court is unique as compared with most ball courts that you see at other ruins. I found it much bigger with the hoops much higher than other places I have visited. The engravings on the wall tell the story of this sporting event including the beheading of the winning team's captain, or at least the guides like to tell you it was an honor for the winning captain to give his life.







The observatory is in beautiful condition and you will learn the people of Chichen Itza were very advanced in mathematics and astrology.



Other structures of interest include the Warrior's Temple




and the Nunnery. In the complex you will find a museum that is worth a visit and a shop that makes Mayan calendars on parchment. Just outside the gates of Chichen Itza you will find many shops set up by the locals with handicrafts and clothing. Be sure and stop by and bring your best bargaining skills along because everything is on sale for the best price you can get!





When given the opportunity don't miss the chance to visit Chichen Itza!

2 comments:

Biesinger Bunch said...

Awesome! Can't wait to join you!
Book us some rooms for 2010.

Nona said...

How long do these shore excursions take? We port in cozumel from 10a-6pm. Would we be able to do one of these LDS guided tours?