Chichen Itza Piste, Mx

Chich�n Itz�

The Mayans succeeded in an almost impossible mission with the completion of their structures at Chich�n Itz�. A poetic combination of form, style, function, religion, philosophy, mathematics and geometry. A true symbiosis of all of their intelligence and art in one location, to be studied and admired by all that visit.

By far the most impressive structure of the complex is the "Pyramid of Kukulcan" * (usually called "El Castillo"). This is a square-based, stepped pyramid approximately 30 meters tall (with the temple on top), constructed by the Mayans ca 1000-1200 AD, directly upon the multiple foundations of previous temples. It was mysteriously abandoned along with the surrounding city of Chichen Itza by
1400 AD.

The pyramid has special astronomical significance and layout. Each face of the pyramid has a stairway with ninety-one steps, which together with the shared step of the platform at the top, add up to 365, the number of days in a year. These stairways also divide the nine terraces of each side of the pyramid into eighteen segments, representing the eighteen months of the Mayan calendar.
The pyramid's design reflects the equinoxes and solstices of our solar year in a spectacular game of light and shadow. During the equinoxes, the setting sun casts a shadow of a serpent on the northern steps of the pyramid.

If you want to know more take a look here.

One of the local vender's packing in his wares.
















Now is this not beautiful?? Can you imagine being only about four feet tall and of very slim build and doing this kind of work??















This is so cool. Unfortunately your now not allowed to climb up the steps or get on any structures at all.















Notice the Iguana on this building. I told Chuck that this is a recantation of a Mayan Priest that did not want to give up its palace. OR, it could be a recantation of a warrior who came back....Either way, This iguana was guarding and living here.
















This is a jaguar head that you will see all over. People carve copies these on the streets (honestly, we have seen them) out of wood. Very impressive.















Once again the big house.















This is the house of a thousand pillars. These are standing pillars left. These were the remains of what was left. On top was perishable items so of course they were dissipated over time.















Another impressive building. See the figures on top.



































Vender's were lined up on almost every path through the park.















No! we did not climb it, though we would have if it was allowed.
















However, we both wanted pictures in front of it so we can prove we were here. OK, actually, I wanted the pictures of us in front of it.

















This is another courtyard and pillars
















Another beautiful building. Notice the pillars again.















A close up of the pillars Notice how wonderful uniform they are. They did not even have chalk lines!!



















Here are some shots of the "Pyramid of Kukulcan" . They are the only ones that came out good enough to post. The light show itself was really nice and very well done. The light show is included in the price of the day time admission but the parking is not. But hey! 10 pesos for parking ain't bad. You can also walk there from the town of Piste which is approximately 1 mile on a path.






















































































































































Chichen Itza light show.

OK, this is all there is. I put on a video (love potion #9) and I want to watch it, so I guess we will continue when I have my mind on what I am doing. See you all later.