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Uxmal and the Pyramid of the MagicianArchaeological Sites in Mexico Uxmal was the greatest metropolitan and religious Mayan center in the Puuc hills of Yucatan during the late Classical period, flourishing between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Uxmal translates as 'thrice built' and, whatever the actual number, the numerous building phases are reflected in a variety of architectural styles. The city was abandoned in the 10th century after apparently coming under Toltec influence. The Pyramid of the Magician, soaring to 100 feet, is the tallest structure in Uxmal. According to ancient legend, a magician-god named Itzamna was supposed to have constructed the pyramid in one night. From archaeological excavation however, we know that the pyramid was constructed in five superimposed phases over a period of many years. The legendary association of the pyramid with a magician may be understood as an indication that the structure, and indeed the entire sacred part of the Uxmal complex, had ancient and ongoing use as a mystery school and ceremonial center. It is also interesting to note that the entire city is aligned with reference to the position of the planets then known, with Venus predominating, and that the pyramid of the magician is oriented so that its stairway on the west faces the setting sun at the time of summer solstice.
Photo: Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal
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Review by Photo by flickr user malias |
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Cave of Swallows BASE JumpExtreme Challenge in Mexico The only legal restrictions in BASE jumping are those attached to jumping from other people's property. So, instead of the Building, Antenna, Span part of the acronym, try the Earth option. Sotano de las Golandrinas is an awesomely beautiful place and belongs to nobody at all. it is a cave, 1,400 feet deep, buried beneath the lush Mexican rain forest and almost perfectly cylindrical. Trees cling to the tops of the inner walls around the dark cave mouth, and a base jump here on a bright morning sends you tumbling down a shaft of sunlight past shining white rock and circling swallows on their way out.
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Review by Photo by flickr user wayfaring stranger |
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Monarch Migration in MexicoWildlife in Mexico Set aside a day for this experience, as you hike up into the mountains of Michoacán to find the forest filled with orange and black butterflies. Trees turn into living organisms as the branches give way to millions of these delicate creatures and the air feels electric with the hum of millions of wings beating frantically. A good tour guide is key to finding these butterflies during their migration and only 2 of the 7 butterfly sites, El Rosario and Chincua, are open to the public. Tours can last up to 12 hours but it is worth the time and effort to see these living jewels dance through the air. The migration season starts in mid November and comes to an end in March.
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Review by Photo by flickr user James Jordan |
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Uxmal and the Pyramid of the MagicianArchaeological Sites in Mexico Uxmal was the greatest metropolitan and religious Mayan center in the Puuc hills of Yucatan during the late Classical period, flourishing between the 7th and 10th centuries AD. Uxmal translates as 'thrice built' and, whatever the actual number, the numerous building phases are reflected in a variety of architectural styles. The city was abandoned in the 10th century after apparently coming under Toltec influence. The Pyramid of the Magician, soaring to 100 feet, is the tallest structure in Uxmal. According to ancient legend, a magician-god named Itzamna was supposed to have constructed the pyramid in one night. From archaeological excavation however, we know that the pyramid was constructed in five superimposed phases over a period of many years. The legendary association of the pyramid with a magician may be understood as an indication that the structure, and indeed the entire sacred part of the Uxmal complex, had ancient and ongoing use as a mystery school and ceremonial center. It is also interesting to note that the entire city is aligned with reference to the position of the planets then known, with Venus predominating, and that the pyramid of the magician is oriented so that its stairway on the west faces the setting sun at the time of summer solstice.
Photo: Pyramid of the Magician, Uxmal
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Review by Photo by flickr user malias |
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Tepoztlan MarketMarkets in Mexico City, Mexico On Sundays the market place in Tepoztlan is a bedlam of colours, smells, people, free roaming donkeys and smoke. However this initial assault on the senses is only the beginning as this market is all about chillies, spice and all things hot. In this little town south of Mexico City, the steak is rubbed with chilli, the ice-cream is chilli flavour and both fresh and dried chillies are stacked on the stalls surrounding the whole place with a chilli dust that makes foreigners sneeze whilst nonchalant locals don’t even bat an eyelid. It’s a great place to try local specialities from the antojito stands. Vendors continually press and stack up fresh tortillas, grill quesadillos, steam tamales and fry fresh fish. You can also buy a bag of the Mexican speciality chapulines (grasshoppers) that are fried with chillies, garlic and lemon juice and served with lime wedges or chilli sauce. The food is good and cheap and the sights and sounds of the market more than enough entertainment while you eat.
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Review by Photo by flickr user rainy city |
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