The Pyramid of Kukulkan

Given that I was nine at the time of my visit I didn’t learn much of Chichen Itza’s history, nor did I truly care to learn. I have never been fond of hot destinations and I was content to hide in what meager shade I could find until my parents dragged me up the Pyramid of Kukulcan. I’m glad they did, for one because tourists aren’t allowed to climb it anymore, and for another because standing on top of that temple is one of the most vivid memories I have.

It’s been well over a decade since I was there, but I can still feel the heat on my skin, see the endless jungle, and feel the sense of unearthliness about it all. Somehow, standing on top of that pyramid gave me the sensation that this was as far from home as it was possible to be. It’s easy to feel like a stranger there.

If you go during the spring or autumn equinox you can see ‘the descent of Kukulkan’, the feathered serpent on the side of the pyramid. Thousands of people visit it during this time, so be prepared for a crowd. If that isn’t your thing, you can still see an albeit skewed version of Kukulkan on most days as he slithers his way down his pyramid. It’s a wonder of mathematical, astrological, and human ingenuity, so if you truly want to appreciate the pyramid, do a bit of reading up on it before you go.

There are other features of Chich’en Itza that shouldn’t be ignored, including the Temple of the Warriors, cenotes (sink holes), and the Great Ballcourt. Each piece of architecture has it’s own story to share, but if you only have time to see one thing, go see, and marvel, at the Pyramid of Kukulkan.

Have you ever been to a place where you felt like a complete stranger? Leave a comment!