Chichen Itza was recently voted one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Mentioned in the fine company of places like the Taj Mahal and Macchu Pichu.
Going to Chichen Itza felt a little bit like I was ticking something off some imaginary bucket list. Although that’s not exactly true because I’ve been to Chichen Itza before. I felt drawn to return. I pondered the reason for my visit for quite a long time. It would have been easy to skip it. I’m sure I would have been happy with that decision. I guess my whole journey has been about visiting the most amazing places on the planet. I just had to return.
In order to avoid the crowd as best as possible I arrived before opening time. I cycled past the closed gate that stopped all the tour buses and private vehicles. I entered with all the employees and locked my bicycle on the provided bicycle racks. Cycling has some advantages.
There were only about 6 people who entered Chichen Itza before me. Success, I had beaten the crowds. For someone who enjoys the solitude of exploring places without crowds I felt some moments of peace before the tour buses unloaded their passengers.
I felt a need to rush and get photos of the pyramid, called El Castillo, without having another human in frame. People flocked to the Pyramid quicker than a Seagull to a chip.
I spent the leisurely 1.5 hours wandering around taking photos and watching the hoards of trinket sellers setting up their displays. mostly alone. I’m glad I made the effort. I’m glad I arrived early and I’m glad that I stayed true to my journey to visit all the most amazing places on the planet. Put this place on your bucket list if you have one, but arrive early.
Next : Cancun to Atlanta
Mayan and Aztec Related Posts:
- Oaxaca – Monte Alban
- Yaxchilan – The Hidden Jewel in the Mayan Crown
- Bonompak – The Little visited Mayan site
- Palenque – Ruins in the Jungle
- Cycling to El Mirador
- El Zotz
- Tikal
- Teotihuacan
- Lamanai – Mayan Ruins in Belize
- Xpuhil – Becan – Chicanná – Balamku
- Calakmul
- Uxmal and Kabah
- Ek Balam Ruins and X’Canche Cenote
Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking Pages might like:
Bicycle Touring Gear List
Bicycle Touring Spares and Tool Kit
Cycling from Alaska to Argentina
Where to buy all the best gear for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking:
| |Amazon ||
| | | Snowys.com.au | MEC Canada -Bicycle Touring Gear | Wildfiresports.com.au
When do you leave for the Appalachian Trail? You should be getting close.
Mike M., Riverside, CA
Yes very close. I fly out of Mexico on Friday and start hiking on Sunday 16th April. I’m getting very excited about the hike.
Great pics. We were there last year about this time. There were tourists, but not hordes of them.
It’s coming up to Easter, the busiest holiday time in Mexico.