A trip to Mexico often takes the Western traveler to the tourist hotspot of Cancun. While there are those who will happily while away a holiday on the beach and in the bars, only a short journey away by bus is the pre-Hispanic city of Chichen Itza.
Offering a glimpse into life for the indigenous Mayan people who lived in Mexico over 1,500 years ago, this UNESCO world heritage site has some spectacular sights for anyone who has an interest in this fascinating time in human history.
The first thing you’ll see on arrival at the site from the main entrance to complex is El Castillo, a 98 ft (30 m) high step-pyramid built in honor of the feathered serpent god Kukulcan. On the spring and autumn equinoxes, the late afternoon sunlight casts a shadow down the north-west corner of the pyramid to the carved serpent head at the bottom, lending it the appearance of a serpent slithering down the steps. [Read more…]