Chichén Itzá and Tulum News

The famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum may be ancient, but they are still making news.  New discoveries, new activities and age-old experiences continue to attract thousands of visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula each year.

In exciting archaeological news, divers have recently discovered ancient human remains in a “cenote” (natural limestone sinkhole) near Tulum called “Las Calaveras”.  Nearly 120 skeletons have been found and explorers expect to find more, perhaps has many as 200.  The remains are apparently perfectly preserved and archaeologists speculate that they date from 125-236 AD, making them nearly 2000 years old!  The expedition has revealed that the cenote was most likely a burial ground, the skeletons were found with pottery and animal remains, offerings normally associated with burial or sacrifice.  The remains offer scientists an opportunity to study genetics and anthropology of the period.  This is one of the largest discoveries of human remains in the Maya world, a chance for the world to know more about this ancient civilization.

Bringing an ancient event to modern times, the spring equinox at Chichén Itzá is one of the most anticipated events of the year.  The Mayan stone masons built the pyramid with absolute precision, in perfect alignment with the stars, moon and sun.  On the days of the equinox, thousands flock to the site to witness the play of light on stone as the setting sun projects an image of a serpent descending the stairs of the pyramid.  March 20 and 21st are the zenith of this astronomical event, people claim their spot on the grounds in early morning in anticipation of the evening spectacle. The demand for tickets for these special days is high, book now to avoid disappointment, from Cancun to Chichén Itzá or from the Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá, from $69 USD!  A small price to pay to experience the wonders of this mysterious event in a magical place.

Jumping to modern day news, Chichén Itzá once again will be the site of a phenomenal musical event.  Following the success of concerts by Sarah Brightman and Placido Domingo, Sir Elton John will be gracing the stage beside the Kukulkan pyramid on Saturday April 3, 2010.  The acoustics of the ancient city and the incredible voice of this super star promise to make this a night to remember.  Elton John tickets are available through Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from 1000 pesos to 10000 pesos.  Guests of the concert may choose to stay at the lovely Mayaland Hotel on the grounds of Chichén Itzá, a place of nature, peace and history or in the nearby town of Pisté at the Hotel Chichén Itzá.  The Yucatan Peninsula welcomes Sir Elton John, bienvenido!

We hope you are able to join us for one of these very special events, let Dtraveller be your guide to the ancient and the modern of the Yucatan Peninsula.  We’re passionate about our paradise and bring you local, expert knowledge on the region.  Happy trip planning!

Chichén Itza Fall Equinox- The Mystery of the Serpent

One of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Chichén Itza are a spectacular place to visit any time of year, but there is no more exciting time than during a spring or fall equinox. On September 20, 21 and 22, thousands will flock to this ancient Mayan ruin to witness a mysterious play of light on stone, when a shadowy serpent makes its way down the steps of the main Kukulcán pyramid.

While Mayan ruins are found in many locations in Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras in addition to several states in Mexico, Chichén Itza stands as one of the most famous and most significant ruin sites in the world. Located in the state of Yucatan, Chichén Itza is easily accessible from Cancun and the Riviera Maya and is a popular day trip or overnight excursion. Considered to be the center of the Mayan civilization, the ancient city covers roughly 15 square kilometers. There are about 30 excavated buildings, with perhaps hundreds more left to be discovered buried in the surrounding jungle. The most impressive structure is “El Castillo”, also known as the Kukulcán pyramid, 32 meters high with staircases reaching up on all four sides. The pyramid is adorned with intricate carvings and art, with various representations of the snake and the jaguar. During the spring and fall equinox periods, the sun plays on the stone structure in such a way that it appears that the body of a rattlesnake is descending the stairs to join the sculpture of a snake’s head at the bottom. It is a mystery just how the Mayans were able to accomplish this cosmic engineering feat, a mystery that continues to draw tourists, historians, astronomers and scientists from all over the world to the Chichén Itza equinox celebrations.

Join Dtraveller for the fall equinox at Chichén Itza, an experience you will never forget. Touch history and feel the magic of this astronomical event. Tours include transportation, bilingual guides, admission to the site, a buffet lunch and a visit to a nearby cenote. Comfortable footwear, sun protection and mosquito repellant are recommended. Contact us now to book your Chichén Itza Classic tour for only $77 USD per person, Chichen Itza Mayaland for $110 USD or Chichen Itza Overnight Deluxe for $210 USD per person including accommodations.