Please arrive at Cancun one day before. This morning, our guide and the driver will greet you at your hotel lobby at the appointed pick-up time. Leave early in the morning to make the most of today. It takes approximately 2.5 hours from Cancun to Chichen Itza. Arrive at
Chichen Itza early this morning to beat the crowds and the heat. This impressive Mayan ruins site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico. Take a guided tour to see the iconic pyramid in the
Temple of Kukulcan (El Castillo), admiring its impressive size and symmetry. Then visit the
Temple of the Warriors appreciating its unique architectural style and intricate carvings. Next, learn more about the ball game and its rules in the
Great Ball Court, which is the largest and most well-preserved in Central America.
► Jaw-dropping Rules of Maya Sacrificial Ballgame The Great Ball Court was a sacred place where the Mayans held their ceremonial ball games, known as "pok-ta-pok". Legends say that the winning captain would present his head to the losing captain in the "pok-ta-pok" game, then being decapitated. Why should there be such a strange rule as it seems today? According to Mayan Cosmology, people have to go through the difficult journey across the 13 levels of the underworld so as to reach peaceful heaven. However, this act of the winner would be granted a direct ticket to heaven by avoiding the 13 steps. The Mayans even believed that the winning captain would be eternally honored by self-sacrificed, and would enjoy a special status in the afterlife, as they would have direct contact with Gods. This legend highlights the complex and deeply rooted beliefs of the Mayan civilization, revealing their unique cosmology.
After exploring Chichen Itza, we will drive to
Ik Kil Cenote, which is only 10 minutes away from the ruins. This natural swimming hole is a beautiful spot to cool off. The water is refreshing, and there are ropes and platforms for diving.
In the afternoon, head to Valladolid, a charming colonial town that's about a 30-minute drive from Ik Kil Cenote. We suggest you sample some local food like the Mexican sausage Longaniza as well as the hand-made "Nieve de garrafa" ice cream, and then stay overnight in Valladolid.
Accommodation: Posada San Juan, Valladolid (4 stars) or similar