| Chichen Itza - Best Restored Mayan Site |
| El Castillo |
| The Yucatan, Mexico |
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| If you can only visit one Mayan site, I believe it should be Chichen Itza, a triumph of Maya restoration and preservation. Also very educational as to aspects of Mayan culture we would both admire and be shocked at. The star of Chichen Itza is El Castillo (The Castle), a lovely pyramid that also performed astronomy. My best picture of El Castillo is on the highlights page, click Here . |
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| Here I stand in front of El Castillo delivering one of my many creative theories as to why the ancient Maya abandoned all their cities. Despite lack of any scientific support, these theories are a major thread in the video, offered at each site. Chichen Itza was deserted by the Maya in the 14th century. |
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| Climbing El Castillo should not be taken lightly. The Maya placed narrow steps on their pyramids, and even if you make it up, revel in the views, you still have to somehow make it back down to the ground. |
| Help is available, taking the form of a chain in the center of this picture looking up. The chain is placed inconveniently on top of the steps, where it cannot be lifted. Few people use the chain on the upward trip. Coming down is made safer and easier by hugging the chain, despite the required crouching position. El Castillo has the best views of any pyramid I climbed, which you will see on the next page. |
| If you have a high speed internet connection, watch the Intrepid Berkeley Explorer's free video of this trip to Central America and Mexico, "Mayavision", by clicking on AdventurePics.com . |
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