Chichén Itzá - In the Footsteps of the Maya

Before breakfast, I leave the hostel to make my way to Chichén Itzá. I want to arrive before the many other visitors who are being herded by various tour operators. I was recommended to take a 'colectivo' for the journey there. These are cars or minibuses that only leave when all seats are occupied. The 10 seats of our van were quickly taken and so it set off with 9 French people and one German.

The Maya ruins of Chichén Itzá are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Particularly impressive is the well-preserved step pyramid in the center of the square.

On the grounds is also the 'Cenote Sagrado'. Cenotes are underground watercourses in caves that emerge at some points to the surface. The Maya considered these openings to be entrances to the underworld and used them as cult sites.