The Mayan Pyramid Of Kukulcan

The Mayan pyramid of Kukulcan is one of the most imposing historical constructs in the world. The pyramid was constructed in homage to the Mayan snake deity Kukulcan translated as plumed serpent. The pyramid has a haunting presence what with its long history stretching back over 1000 years.
The pyramid serves as a huge calendar. The pyramid is made up of 9 levels faced with a total of 52 panels – the number of years in the Mayan Toltec cycle. Each aspect of the pyramid has 365 steps including the square platform at the summit which gives you 365 steps a step for every day of the year. The Mayan architects achieved an extraordinary feat in their design of this building which you can witness during the Spring and Autumn equinoxes. Amazingly the sun casts a shadow upon the Northern staircase which results in the appearance of a shadow which looks like a lengthy snake creeping downwards along the building eventually joining the stone plumed Serpent's head down at the bottom of the staircase.

Within Kukulcan is an even older pyramid. You can enter this older pyramid via a minute door which leads to a narrow passage which runs up what was once the outside of the original structure. This will take to the original sanctuary of the construct. Here you can see the huge chac-mool lying back with its head up tilted to one side along with a throne shaped into a jaguar which are both together entombed for eternity.

The first hour of the day is the best time to visit the pyramid which opens to tourists at 8.30 a.m. At this time you should be able to view the pyramid free of crowds. If you climb to the summit of the pyramid the entire site appears encircled by multitudes of green trees which stretch far off over the horizon. These legions of trees are only separated by other less preserved ruins and the open grassed ceremonial area. One of the other ruins which make up the ceremonial area of Chichen Itza, is the Temple of Warriors. This construct is enveloped by beautifully carved stone pillars and headed with a reclining chac mool. Unfortunately due to safety concerns tourists can no longer climb this wonderful structure but you can still get a great view of it when you peer down upon it from Kukulcans summit.

Check out the ancient ball court to get a feel for the ancient past times of the Mayan people. One intricate game played here consisted of two sides attempting to shoot a rubber ball into a stone hoop which was cast high up on the wall but the hardest rule of this game was that both teams were only allowed to use their elbows knees and hip to achieve this feat. Here you can catch a view of the pyramid from most of the surrounding structures, this give you the chance to appreciate every beautiful aspect of the construct.

A must for any visitor is the sound and light demonstration at the complex, brilliantly this is all inclusive in the ticket price. The show is best seen on nights when there is a full moon as if you wait a while you will be afforded a gorgeous view of Kukulcans pyramid illuminated in the glowing light of the moon.

Get Cheap Flights to the closest airport to Chichen Itza, Cancun, this site is accessible by bus or car hire. You should get off by the park gate of the complex and walk around the entire complex. I would advise you stay overnight in the area so that you will be able to view the pyramids in the morning or afternoons when the site is far less crowded. Unfortunately the Kukulcans internal rooms open only during the middle of the day meaning you must soldier through the droves of crowds once at the minimum.

About the Author:
Cathal Doorley - I was a travel consultant for 3 years before taking 2 years out to travel the world. Now back in the same agancy looking after our websites. For ideas on travel, tours and more all over the world, visit http://wwwtravel247.ie . Also visit my blog at www.blog.travel247.ie for tips, advice and recommendations on travel.

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