Chichen Itza to Campeche

Sun 18th September

The Chichen Itza Mayaland Lodge & Bungalows where we ended up last night was the most expensive in town.

Our room (if we hadn't arrived in the dark we would have looked for somewhere a little more modest).

The ubiquitous golf cart was there anticipating our every need!

The hotel was on the edge of the temple complex. A short walk through the grounds took us directly into the Mayan site, so neither bikes nor more importantly, bike gear were required. Worth paying a bit extra for in these temperatures.

Chichen Itza has apparently been elevated to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World (who decides these things?)

Between 600 & 1250 AD the city was the centre of political, economic, religious and military power not only in the Yucatan but also in the entire southeastern part of Mesoamerica. An estimated 50,000 inhabitants lived in the city at its height.

Terry standing by the cenote (sacred well) where sacrifices were made, including human. If you survived you were considered to be able to prophesise the future!

The main temple (pyramid)

Another one to tick off the list.

Mmm.... not a pretty sight. Note the strategically placed arms hiding the excesses of the past week or so.

Leaving our luxury accommodation for Campeche. Tonight it's back to economy travel with three in a bed for £10 a night.

I think we are all agreed that it is good to be back on the road after spending more time in hotels than on the bikes this past few weeks. Our revised plan is to visit San Christobel and the Chiapas area before dropping down into Guatemala later in the week.