How A Negative Review Led Us To Chichen Itza
We were traveling to Cancun for the first time in 2023 and we knew that Chichen Itza was an option as a day trip while we were there.
As I was perusing Google and figuring out if it was the right time for us to visit, one negative review stood out:
“Just another tourist trap.”
And that one simple phrase absolutely convinced me to visit Chichen Itza.
We always assume that negative reviews will turn people away BUT insome unique cases I would argue that negative reviews can hit your target audience in a way you never thought possible!
For Chichen Itza, the place SHOULD be a tourist trap!
It’s one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and is the reason thousands of people trek into the jungle to experience it every day.
So yeah, I expect it to be touristy but I WANT THAT in something is has survived for centuries.
Places (normally) become famous and well-known because of their tourist traps - and why in the world would I skip out on the TOP THING THAT MADE A PLACE FAMOUS?!
I wouldn’t, and you shouldn’t either.
7 lessons you’ll learn if you visit Chichen Itza
🛕Pyramid of Kukulkan: The iconic pyramid, El Castillo, demonstrates the Maya's advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. Did you know each side has 91 steps and, when combined with the temple at the top, equals 365? What has 365 days? A Mayan Solar Year! Spoiler alert: you can no longer climb the pyramid!
🗓️Mayan Calendar: I knew nothing about the Mayan Calendar and it is beyond insane! Remember in 2012 when everyone thought the world would end? This was due to the ending of the Mayan calendar - yeah, it was THAT accurate for thousands of years!
👉Sacrificial Rituals: The Mayans practiced human sacrifice, but did you know it was actually considered an honor by many? The Mayans had a deep respect for their gods and blood was an offering back to them for future prosperity.
📣Acoustic Engineering: If you clap beneath the Pyramid of Kukulkan, it clearly echoes to the top of the building. This was used by the Mayans to communicate from the top of the Pyramid to the bottom. It’s crazy to hear!
🌳Cultural Influences: Chichen Itza's architecture incorporates many animal elements. The jaguar was especially important to the Mayans and its image is carved onto many of their buildings. The merchants sell jaguar toys that make sounds so it feels like the jungle is surrounded with jaguars!
😮Site Abandonment: The site was abandoned for hundreds of years. In fact, no one knew it existed until it was “discovered” again in the 1800s! People believe it was hidden due to the fact that Spanish conquerors were moving through Mexico and destroying temples. By “hiding” it, this incredible site may have been saved from destruction!
👥Sustainable Tourism: 2.5 million people visit Chichen Itza every year! The site is one of the last remaining Mayan sites and it is so important to keep the history of their culture alive!
Prep For Your Visit
It is believed Chichen Itza was built around 550 AD and was the ceremonial centre for the Mayan Civilization.
🚗Unless you come with a tour group, you’ll probably have a car. Luckily, there is a parking lot and it’s very easy to access and affordable - only 30 pesos aka $2!
⏰Arrive early! Chichen Itza is a very busy place and there are hundreds of tour groups that visit daily.
🎟️Tickets are 524 pesos - $30 USD - and they do NOT accept foreign bills, pesos only!
🗺️If you don’t come with a tour group (we did), make sure you get a tour guide! There are plaques, but it is difficult to understand everything you’re looking at without an expert to help. We learned:
-the significance of the Temple of Kukulcan
-why you should clap at a certain point near the temple
-the importance of ritual human sacrifice in Mayan Culture
-the Great Ballcourt and the winning vs losing team
☀️It’s hot in Mexico (duh) and there is limited shade at the site. Make sure to wear sunscreen and/or grab an umbrella for added protection.
💵Brace yourself for the sales people. They are EVERYWHERE. And they all want to sell you very similar items, including a whistle that sounds like a jaguar that they all blow into constantly.
Whether it’s your first time or 5th time, Chichen Itza is absolutely worth the hype and a place that, if you haven’t already, should totally be added to your bucket list!
Until next time,
