Many Mayan ruin sites are scattered over the Yucatan Peninsula
and a definite must-see if you visit Mexico. I was lucky enough to visit
three - Chichen Itza,
Tulum and Coba. I couldn't get over the enormity of the ruins and the vast area
over which the ancient cities extended. To think that the hands of man built
these pyramids, temples and buildings, which date back as far as the 5th
century, truly astounds me.
Chichen Itza
This site is known worldwide as the most impressive,
stunning and well-preserved Mayan site. It's most famous pyramid, El Castillo,
will definitely take your breath away. At one time, tourists were permitted to
climb the very steep steps to the top, but too many visitors put a stop to
this. The extensive grounds include many other structures including temples, an
astronomical observatory, a steam bath and a ball court.
Helpful hints:
- Don't underestimate the time you will need to
explore this site, as rushing through won't allow you to savor the feeling of
the place.
- We spent 3 hours, which allowed us to take our
time and really appreciate our surroundings.
If possible, try to arrive as early in the day as possible.
We arrived at 9:30 am and beat the tour bus rush by a couple hours.
Tulum
The structures of the site are definitely not as impressive
as its location. The Tulum ruins are the only Mayan site located on the coast.
The ruins with the Caribbean Sea as the
backdrop definitely make for a pretty picture.
Helpful hints:
- There's a beach for swimming and exploring, so
make sure to get there early with your swimsuit to beat the rush.
- Gates open at 7am.
Coba
Coba's not as well restored and preserved as Chichen Itza or Tulum,
but I found it interesting to look at the ruins overgrown with trees and vines.
And since the site is less traveled, the peaceful atmosphere was a highlight.
And I can't forget to mention that climbing Coba's largest pyramid, Nohoch Mul,
allows for a splendid few of the area and its many lakes. It takes 120 very steep and narrow steps
(great thigh and butt workout) to reach the temple at the top of the 138 foot
pyramid, and definitely worth it. If you're
worried about balance, there's a large rope for you to hang onto.
Helpful hints:
- Like the other sites, arriving here early is
recommended to beat the heat of the day and the crowds.
- These ruins extend over quite a large area and
bicycles as well as rickshaws are available for hire.
- Stay on the marked paths and don't follow any
narrow paths into the jungle.
Uxmal
I was not able to visit this site because we ran out of
time, but Uxmal is well known for its intricate designs and elegant structures.
It's number one on my Must-See list for my next visit to the Yucatan.
Read more about Kim’s amazing adventures in Mexico:
Kim Bowerman,
Nomadik Personal Fitness Expert