Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá – Tour

Kukulkan Pyramid

Our Chichén Itzá Tour from the Tulum in Riviera Maya was well worth the 6 hour travel time.  A guided tour can easily be arranged at most major resorts along the Riviera Maya.  The pyramid and ruins at Chichén Itzá make Tulum look amateur.  In the past you could walk up the largest pyramid called the Temple of Kukulcan, but walking on it is no longer allowed.  The grounds are immense, but the major ruins are close together.  Highlights include the Temple of the Jaguar, the Temple of the Warriors, the Caracol Observatory and the Plaza of a Thousand Columns.  Ropes are used to prevent people from wandering into even more ruins still covered by the forest.  Chichén Itzá is truly deserving of status as one of the man-made wonders of the world.

Chichén Itzá – Local Vendors

Vendors, Chichén Itzá

The local vendors and souvenir sellers are allowed on the site.  They are allowed to sell among the ruins.  Some of the selling techniques are quite enjoyable:

“Come and see my junk”

“So cheap it’s almost free”

“Let me be the last one to rip you off today.”

Chichén Itzá Tour – Hubiku Cenote

Tim, Hubiku Cenote

Our Chichén Itzá Tour also stopped at the Hubiku Cenote.  The Hubiku Cenote is very large.  You enter the cavern from a side entrance and walk down steps to the large underground pool.  Freshwater was showering down on the pool from a hole in the ceiling limestone ceiling.  I could see small catfish at the edge of the pool and guppies in the clear water too.  You could see down at least 20 feet into the 100 foot deep waters.  The water temperature was quite cold.  Swimming in Hubiku Cenote was a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity of the Yucatan peninsula.  Tour buses come in steady droves, but there is often a lull between tours where you can have the place to yourself.

Chichén Itzá Tour – Valladolid

Carnaval, Valladolid

On the way back to Tulum in Riviera Maya, we made a surprise 10 minute stop in the central square in the town of Valladolid.  It was the last day of Carnaval and the square was full of performers and spectators.  Various groups performed to music at the edge of the square.  The atmosphere in the interior of the Yucatan peninsula was completely different than that on the string of tourist resorts along the coast of the Riviera Maya.