The Mayan Ruins + A Yucutan Meal

Today, we took a break from the resort and the beach to explore a part of history: the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 World Wonders, along with the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Christ Redeemer, Machu Picchu, Colosseum, and Petra.

The tour lasted all day and was included in our awesome excursions deal.

After a 3 hour bus ride, we stopped for some shopping and enjoyed a traditional Yucutan lunch.

Mayan Hieroglyphics

Tequilaaaaaa

We ate with several other tour groups under a huge hut

I loaded up on some veggies, an amazing cheese, pepper, and onion dish, carrots, black beans, tortilla strips, a pork taco, and orange slices.

These tacos are real authentic tacos, made with tortillas and pulled pork. I ate these all the time when I studied abroad because my host family loved them.

I went back for seconds. Three cheers for buffets .

Finally, it was time to visit the archaeological site!

Fun Fact: Do you know what “Yucutan” means?

It means “I don’t know what you are saying.” When the Spanish conquistadors came over, they kept asking the natives what the location was called. The Mayans had now idea what they were saying so they said “yucutan yucutan.” Thus the Spaniards reported the location’s name as Yucutan.

Miguel Gomez, our tour guide, informed us about a lot of the history as well as the math that went into building the pyramids. Everything from the number of steps, to the panels, to the angle of the corners were related to the calendar and the sun.

Amazing!

Chichen Itza was discovered in the 1800s and was reported to look like this–covered in vegetation.

After the tour, we walked around + shopped for a little bit. The grounds were flooded with vendors selling beautiful hand crafted gifts and souvenirs.

I loved these bowls!!!

I got a medium one and a small one with fruit painted on the inside. I’m not sure if I can or should eat out of them but I don’t really care!

Chichen Itza is only 30-40% excavated. They are still excavating, as you can see below.

I had the opportunity to visit (and CLIMB) much bigger pyramids when I studied abroad, but those tours were done in Spanish so I didn’t catch as much information back then .

I love that we’ve been able to enjoy the beach AND learn some history too, all in one vacation. Mexico is cool like that.

Tell me: Have you visited any of the New World Wonders?

I’ve now visited 2 of the New World Wonders (Chichen Itza and the Colisseum). My parents have visited 3!

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We’ve got another busy day tomorrow. Our vacation is about half way through now. Every second is precious .