Ruinous - Chichen Itza

The main reason for my trip to Yucatan was a visit to Chichen Itza, the most famous Mayan ruins in the world. Accompanied by a sensational campaign, the 'New 7 Wonders of the World' were determined in the early 2000s. Chichen Itza was among the chosen sites. Definitely a highlight of my Mexico trip.

Yucatan was particularly popular with tourists. The Caribbean beaches attracted masses of visitors. For those seeking relaxation, Mayan ruins became a cultural side dish. Tour operators offered package tours to dream beaches, the famous sinkholes (cenotes), colonial cities like Merida, and Mayan sites ... all easily digestible.

Fortunately, there was a bus connection that could be used independently. Visiting the bus station, buying a ticket, and taking the two-and-a-half-hour ride through the countryside were, in my opinion, part of the visit to Chichen Itza. On the grounds itself, there was the full tourist experience, entrance fee of 568 pesos (about 25 euros, comparable places cost a quarter of that), a Starbucks in the entrance building, and endless stalls on the site. On the grounds around the great pyramid, the onlookers gathered. At other sites, such as the equally impressive observatory or the so-called church with its well-preserved decorations, there was no disturbance.

I was accompanied on this day by Nick from Texas, who decided to join me during breakfast. I had already met Nick and his girlfriend Paige in Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido. During dinner with the 27-year-old wedding photographer, we also touched on the topic of politics. With my experiences from California and New York, I couldn't score any points with Nick. Texas was the anti-California, similar in size, economically successful, mild climate, etc. - many similarities and yet diametrically different. But we still got along.

In my hostel bubble, I learned a lot, but not necessarily about Mexico. During the long bus rides, I immersed myself deeper into my travel guide. My time here was slowly coming to an end. This became especially clear to me in conversations with hostel guests who were starting their journey in Yucatan while I had been traversing the country from one end to the other for four weeks.