Day 20: Cozumel, Mexico

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We left VERY early this morning, as we had to tender to the island of Cozumel (absolutely beautiful beaches), then catch a ferry (45 minute ride) to Playa del Carmen, then travel by bus for three hours, to reach Chichen Itza, the Mayan ruins. Chichen Itza was one of the greatest Mayan centers of the Peninsula of Yucatan. Throughout its nearly 1,000 years history, different peoples left their mark on this city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their artistic works and stone monuments. Several buildings have survived. The Kukullkan's pyramid is one of the new seven wonders of the world. El Castillo (The Kukulkan Pyramid), is a square-based, stepped pyramid that is approximately 75 feet tall. Kukulkan Pyramid was built for astronomical purposes and during the vernal equinox (March 20) and the autumnal equinox (September 21) at about 3pm the sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid's main stairway. This causes 7 isosceles triangles to form imitating the body of a serpent roughly 37 yards long that creeps downwards until it joins the huge serpent's head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway. The pictures we've seen are very impressive.

There are many other buildings on the site, including the ball court, the cenote (water hole) where human sacrifices took place, the steam baths, the observatory, the building where human skulls were kept, the market area, etc. It is a very large area - perhaps 2 km by 3 km, and we saw and learned as much as we could, before the extreme heat did Nancy in, and we had to retreat to the shade of some buildings. It was a pleasure to return to the airconditioned coach for our return to the ship, although we feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit Chichen Itza. It truly is a remarkable place.

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Photos

From Ball Court
'Winner' lost his head