One of the biggest draws in Mexico is without a doubt the iconic Chichen Itza, the remains of a big Maya city. Impressive enough as it is, only twice a year you can witness a truly awe-inspiring event.
What you didn’t know
Chichen Itza was the most important Mayan city on the Peninsula from 750 until 1200, when the city was suddenly abandoned. The reason is unknown. Researchers debate that an extended drought and sociopolitical instability as possible reasons.
The site stayed pretty much unnoticed until it was re-discovered by a U.S. historian, and then 1900 purchased by the U.S. Consul General Edward Thompson, who took most of the treasures to be exhibited at the Peabody Museum of Harvard. When the Mexican government eventually realized what was going on, he had to return all the artwork.
Why you should visit Chichen Itza anyway
Declared a World Heritage in 1988, and added to one of the 7 World Wonders in 2007, Chichen Itza is a testimony of the sophisticated and prolific city it was. There are several observatory structures on the site, that speak of the accuracy and importance of the Mayan astrology. For example, they could exactly predict solar eclipses!
The famous Kukulkán Pyramid
By far the most impressive building in Chichen Itza is its main structure, the pyramid Kukulkán, also called “El Castillo”. The structure has exactly 365 steps – one for each day of the year (91 per side, plus the platform on the top). Just like a Russian nesting doll, it has another 2 pyramids within. The second of which was just recently discovered and could unveil important information about the early Mayan period. Underneath the structure lies a cenote, a natural sinking hole, which might have had deep religious significance to the Mayan culture.
The ruins are sacred, cosmic locations where the priests were in contact with the spiritual world. Kukulkán is named after the Mayan snake deity, a feathered serpent that grew up in a cave and emerged during an earthquake.
The most awe-inspiring event – only twice a year
You can virtually meet this snake deity every spring and autumn equinox! The pyramid is built to align with the sun in a way that during these days you can witness a most impressive spectacle: when shadows fall on the pyramid in the shape of a serpent that, as the sun sets, seems to slowly creep down the steps, until it joins a stone serpent at the base of the building. Symbolically the serpent joins heaven, earth and the underworld, the day and the night. The effects begin at late afternoon, and it takes the snake about an hour to slither down the Kukulkän pyramid.
The equinoxes are always around March 20 and September 23. This year spring equinox is on March 20, 2017, and autumn equinox is on September 22, 2017. Guests of Playa Palms Beach Hotel can book quality tours to Chichen Itza with our concierge or at the front desk.