The Pyramid of the Magician at Uxmal
According to legend, this oval-shaped pyramid was built in one night by a dwarf magician named Itzamna who had been hatched from an egg.
Uxmal means “three times built.” This splendid site dramatically illustrates the elaborate decorations of the Puuc Style compared with other Mayan sites in the Yucatan. Here is where Chac the Rain God was the supreme ruler. At over 100 feet in height, the Pyramid of the Magician is the tallest building in the area.
The entire Uxmal complex is arranged in a way that references the positions of the planets at the time of construction. The orientation of the Pyramid of the Magician was designed so that its western stairway is aligned to the sun when it sets during the summer solstice times.
The El Castillo Pyramid at Chichen Itza
Perhaps the best known Maya pyramid, El Castillo stands not only as a monument to the genius of ancient mathematics, architecture and astronomy, but also as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.”
During the spring and autumn equinoxes, afternoon shadows create the illusion of a giant serpent slithering down the pyramid’s stones.
El Castillo (the castle) is the name the invading Spaniards gave to this monumental creation. To the indigenous people it was the temple of the Feathered Serpent God, Kukulkan, whom the Toltecs and Aztecs called Quetzalcoatl.
The pyramid is 90-feet tall and was constructed between the 11th and 13th centuries upon the foundations of even earlier shrines. The steps on its four sides, plus the platform at the top total 365, corresponding with the days in one year.
Caracol Observatory at Chichen Itza
Within view of El Castillo is El Caracol, the ancient Mayan observatory. Caracol translates as shaped like a spiral or snail, a reference to the staircase that winds within the tower in the center of the structure.
When it was constructed, the observation tower gave early Mayan astronomers a clear, 360 degree view of the sky above the lush jungle. It was here they could observe and track such events in the heavens as eclipses, equinoxes and solstices. There is also a viewing window believe to have been purposefully sited to permit watching the rising and falling of the planet Venus, which had a special significance in the world of the ancient Maya.
The Black Jaguar Temple of Ek Balam
When the Spanish conquered the Yucatan in the 16th century, they recorded a legend that a ruler named Ek’Balam founded the city. In the Mayan language, Ek Balam means “Black Jaguar.”
The impressive main temple of this site is a massive 500 feet long and 200 feet wide, an amazing accomplishment to have been constructed without the benefit of the wheel or iron.
Because its sculptures are so startlingly intricate and well-preserved, Ek Balam receives a large number of repeat visitors as well as newcomers.
One of the most dramatic details is a temple with an enormous “monster mouth” complete with teeth. It is believed that the Maya saw this as representing a doorway to the underworld. Evidence has been found that gruesome rituals were held that involved bloodletting, and human sacrifices may even have been performed.
Pirámide de los Cinco Pisos, Edzna
Edzna, located at the northern end of Mexico’s Campeche state, is noted for its unique blend of architectural features and forms, especially its large stone masks.
The name Edzna means “House of the Itzas”, suggesting this area was within the realm of the Itza Maya in addition to Chichen Itza.
Not to be missed is the main temple building, set on a 40 meter high platform that affords an excellent view over the surroundings. Also noteworthy is the ball court, comprised of two parallel structures that are believe to have once stored images of the gods, as well as the materials used for the ball play.
The Maya Palace at Sayil
Together with Uxmal, Sayil was incorporated in 1996 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most noted is Sayil’s Great Palace, with its 270-foot long facade that was build on a platform with twin terraces.
The translation of Sayil is “place of the ants, and when compared with other sites of the Maya such as Tulum and Chichen Itza, it is more serene and less spread out, yet it continues to be numbered among the best archaeological sites in Mexico.
First inhabited in about 600 AD, Sayil had a population of nearly 10,000 at its height about 1000 AD. In addition to its 85-room Grand Palace, the (now badly damaged) El Mirador temple pyramid is partially collapsed, and it regarded to be one of the oldest buildings on the site. Nearby is a somewhat notorious phallic sculpture, the date of which is not known.
Due to the widespread damage, some believe that Sayil was the victim of an ancient tsunami. The Great Flood?
Mayapan Archaeological Zone
Located south of Merida city, Mayapan is a hidden gem, not included in most tour itineraries. Its importance is largely due to the fact it was the final large Mayan civilization to be thriving prior to the Spanish invasion. Founded about 1000 AD, Mayapan was the political and cultural capital of the Yucatan region.
There are approximately 4,000 buildings within an area of four square kilometers that is enclosed by a giant wall. The primary buildings that have been reconstructed include an observatory and a large pyramid. At one time the city was inhabited by 12,000 to 17,000 residents. Within the grounds now may be seen numerous statues and scattered decaying pyramids as well as stucco reliefs and colourful murals.
New Spiritual Mayan Pyramid Tour Announced
A spiritual group tour has been organized to visit all seven of these “must-see” Mayan sites and more. Hosted by Cliff Dunning, producer and host of the popular “Earth Ancients” podcast, the “Journey to the Land of the Maya in Mexico” departs November 17, 2018 for eight days, finishing on November 24th.
Cliff Dunning describes this experience as “a tour that goes beyond the basics of travel and provides an opportunity to discover the people, culture, and spirituality of the Maya and their descendants.”
Along each portion of this journey, participants will be gently guided to open their hearts as while being bathed in the energies of each location and the frequency of the Earth.
Get more details about this tour from Body Mind Spirit Journeys.