/tags/yucatan.rss en-us The Yucatan Peninsula is commonly considered and visited for the warm beaches around places like Cozumel, Cancun, and Playa del Carmen. They’re great getaways that draw the sun worshipers looking to unwind, relax and have some fun; but it’s not all about the sand and surf. Visitors to the area can also explore ancient city ruins of the once powerful Mayans: a civilization that ruled a large chunk of present-day Mexico and Central America for thousands of years. The most popular of these sites is the nearby Chichen Itza; but just a bit further down the road sits its impressive cousin: Uxmal (Oosh-mahl)— an interesting and less crowded experience. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Uxmal, which is Mayan for “built three times,” is believed to have been abandoned shortly before the Spanish arrived in the 15th century. Research and restoration work is still conducted to determine historical details, but it appears the area experienced initial construction as early as 850 BC. Uxmal, once a prominent location for the Mayans, diminished as other Toltec invaders and cultures moved in. Uxmal in Yucatan was once home to an estimated 25,000 people, but those crowds aren’t even remotely seen here today as Chichen Itza, the second most visited site in Mexico, tends to draw more visitors from the nearby beach resorts. What sets the Uxmal ruins apart is the Magician’s Pyramid, also known as the Pyramid of the Dwarf, which rises 115 feet (35 meters) above the surrounding structures. It is believed to be unique among Mayan constructions, with its rounded sides and height, and even gradient, as it towers over the sprawling 150-acre complex. The Magician’s Pyramid is adorned with beautiful temples and decorations, some being built as late as AD 1000. A number of other fascinating structures litter the grounds and are also worth experiencing. The Nunnery Quadrangle (a possible military academy) and the Governor’s Palace (both named by the Spanish) are two of the most important and worthwhile. Although elaborate carvings and adornments can be found around both buildings, of particular note is the 320-foot (97 meter) long mosaic facade on the Governor’s Palace. It is definitely worth closer inspection, as is the Jaguar Throne (an animal associated with Mayan kings) in the front of the structure. The ceremonial causeway that links Uxmal with Kabah, once a trading centre 11 miles (18 km) to the south, is definitely worthy of a visit. Some travellers today are attracted to the Mayan sites because of the 2012 apocalyptic predictions from the Mayan calendar. Many historians and scientists argue against the popular culture, saying that there is very little fact indicating such an occurrence. Nonetheless, revitalization in the interest of these places is happening. Now is a great time to take advantage of it and experience a fascinating and exotic place, close to the relaxing resort life, that once held great sway in the world. Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:31:11 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/uxmal http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/uxmal The ruins of Chichén Itzá take you back in time to an era of a vast and powerful Mayan empire, once the center of being for all of the Yucutan civilization ruling over politics, religion, and military. Today the ceremonial structures and various other buildings that were in their time of grandeur between 800 - 1200 A.D are in various states of preservation, and open for travelers to explore. Set in a clearing surrounded by jungle, the history of Chichén Itzá entails stories of humans sacrifices and ultimately a violent end spurred by a revolt against the reigning powers that shifted development away from Chichén Itzá. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and was recently declared one of the new 7 Wonders of the World. Exploring the secret rooms, passages, and summits at Chichén Itzá, make you feel like you are the first to delve into the mysteries that lay around each corner. The site has many fascinating stone buildings that are a must see when exploring this lost Mayan world. El Castillo also known as the temple of Kukulkan, will stop you in your tracks once you pass though the turnstile to enter into Chichén Itzá. This temple is particularly intriguing at the rising and setting of the sun during Spring and Fall Equinox, when the suns shadow casts the impression of a snake slithering down the North stairway. Another complex called the Temple of Warriors includes many large stepped pyramids scattered amongst many rows of carved columns that depict various warriors, and is adjacent to the Great Market. Las Monjas, also known as “The Nunnery” is one of the more captivating complexes built in Puuc architecture style, the structures here are believed to be living quarters for the elite Mayans and are covered in relief carvings. There are 7 ball courts, but the most notable is the Great Ball Court approximately 150 meters north west of El Castillo. These ball courts housed many games and festivities and at each end of the field is a raised temple in which you can envision Mayan Kings sitting in presiding over the activities. It is said that the captain of the winning team would present himself to the captain of the losing team to be decapitated. It might seem a bit backwards, but the Mayans believed this tradition to be the highest honor, granting them direct access to heaven versus the 13 steps Mayan culture believed they had to go through. Just east of the primary ruins is an underground world called Cenoté. To get into these underground caves with glowing cool water set against the backdrop of blood read stalagmites you must climb down steep vertical hole, with entry steps carved by the Mayans themselves thousands of years ago. Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:39:59 +0000 http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chichen-itza http://www.thecircumference.org/experiences/chichen-itza