Discoverymundo Blog

Category: Equinox

  • Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza this 2017

    Spring Equinox at Chichen Itza this 2017

    On the sunset of May 21st 2017, it can be observed in the nort side of Chichen Itza Castle an incredible spectacle, that marks the beginning of spring equinox.

    The Calendar of solstices and equinoxes, the equinox of march 2017 takes place on the 20 at 10:29 UTC. This means that the right moment of the spring equinox in Mexico is on March 20, 2017 at 4:29.On the sunset of 21st 2017 is when the phenomenon of a snake solar projection is seen. Seven triangles of light, as a result of the shadow that project the nine platforms of that building, when the sun stares.

    To start, the first shadows of the top part of the pyramid start to project the form of a snake.

    In this magical moment Kukulkan serpent descents for the stairs of the pyramid of Chichen Itza castle.

    The pyramid has 4 stairs of 91 steps, each one to form a total of 364 steps! Step number 365 is considered the superior platform such as the days of a year. Thousands of people assist to this event when the serpent descends of the steps. This is a place that must be visited at least once in your life. The equinox can also be observed on the 19, 20 and 22 of March 2017, but it is not the official day.

    Tours for Chichen Itza with transportation included:

    Chichen Itza Regular:

    • – Round transportation with AC

    • – English/spanish speaking guide

    • – Entrance to the archaeological site

    • – Guided tour at the archaeological site

    • – Entrance to cenote

    • – Buffet lunch in a restaurant with typical food from the region

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    Chichen Itza light and sound:

    • – Roundtrip transportation

    • – Guided tour in Chichen Itza

    • – Buffet dinner with typical food from the region

    • – Free time at Chichen Itza

    • – Light and sound Show

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    Private Tour Chichen Itza:

    • – Buffet lunch with typical food from the region

    • – Drinks on the van

    • – Bilingual guide

    • – Entrance to the archaeological site

    • – Entrance to cenote

    • – Stop at valladolid

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    Chichen Itza limo:

    • – Continental breakfast

    • – Lunch,

    • – Drinks on board of bus

    • – English/spanish speaking guide

    • – Entrance to the arqueological site

    • – Cenote and panoramic visit of Valladolid

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  • Mysteries of Chichen Itza

    Mysteries of Chichen Itza

    Chichen Itza was built in the year 525 a.C. It is not possible to explain the dissapearance of the Mayan civilization. Some says for the Spaniards conquest, epidemics or droughts that left the city alone with an incredible history and structures. The main structure “Kukulkan” represent honor to Quetzalcóatl, the god of cultivation and land.

    There are hundreds of mysteries hidden in the city. Archaeologists from over the world travel all the way to Yucatan to explain how the Mayans built those pyramids, how they lived, their predictions and intelligence.
     
    There are many mysteries in Chichen Itza:
     
    1. The Equinox in Chichen Itza represents a snake in the pyramid of KukulkanChichen-Itza-Equinox
     During spring and fall, the equinoxes in the afternoon are ideal to admire at Chichen Itza. The sunset light transform the pyramid into a snake reflection descending from the pyramid. Click here to assist to the fall equinox in Chichen Itza
     
    2. There is a cenote located below the pyramid of KukulkanChichen-Itza-Cenote-below-pyramidThe Mayans constructed the pyramid over a cenote, which means they believed in religion. Many sacrifices, ceremonies and offerings where made in the sacred cenotes such as this and others located in the city.
     
    3. Human remains and valuable artifacts are found in the cenotes of Chichen ItzaChichen-Itza-Cenote
     Mayans used to make sacrifices into the cenotes. Explores found also relics that were burried many years ago, principally in the biggest one “Cenote Sagrado”. Some of these cenotes are closed for visitors, but there are many around the Yucatan Peninsula. Want to try swimming in a cenote? Click here to see what it feels to jump into these big hole of water!
     
    4. Mayans left us seven propheciesMayan-profecies
     Explorers found a message written in stone with seven prophecies that are going to happen these times that we live in. Some of them already happen and other where unreal. Mayans built the structure “El Caracol” to predict all the astronomical events like these. They predicted the “codex Dresde” that every 117 twists of Venus marked every time it appears in the same sky, the sun suffer strong alterations, big spots or eruptions of solar wind.
     
    5. Step and clap in front of Kukulkan pyramid to hear a bird chirpbird-chirp-chicen-itza
     When you step in front of Kukulkan on a certain distance you have to clap to hear the sound of a quetzal bird, a very pretty bird that forms part of the mayan culture.
     

  • Chichen Itza Spring Equinox 2016

    Chichen Itza Spring Equinox 2016

    Chichen Itza Spring Equinox 2016

    An equinox is an astronomical event that happens when the sun is positioned directly over the equator. The word “Equinox” has a meaning which is “Equal Night”.. that is because on the EQUINOX the night is EQUAL IN LENGHT TO THE DAY. It occurs twice a year, around march 20 and september 23. The day when the spring equinox happens mark the end of winter and beginning of spring.
    Each year thousands of pilgrims and curiosity seekers travel from all around the world to Yucatan to watch this phenomenon.

    How it works?Equinox-Chichen-1A man hold a crystal above his head as he and over 15 thousand people congregated in front of the famous pyramid at Chichen-Itza, Mexico to celebrate the arrival of the Equinox signaling the beginning of Spring. The famous Maya ruin is popular at the Equinox when the serpents back shows on the side of the stairway that leads to the top.
    At the exact time of the equinox a play of light and shadow creates the appearance of a snake descending in the Pyramid of Kukulkan or also named as “El Castillo”. This shadow snake is composed of seven or so triangular shadows. The sinking sun seems to give life to the shadow which takes a look like it is moving. CHICHEN-ITZA-QUINOX-2If you have a car you must take advantage to see the equinox light in Dzibilchaltún, another archaeological site, where the sun aligns directly with the main door of the Templo de las Siete Muñecas.

    Spring Equinox Tickets to Chichen Itza

    The days to see the equinox are on March 20, 21 and 22. To get your tickets to Chichen Itza on the Equinox you must buy a normal day tour, some of them include transportation and food. Here is a list with our tours available to see the equinox:

    Chichen Itza Regular: Roundtrip transportation from Cancun or Riviera Maya + tour + lunch.
    $64 USD adults and $43 USD infants.

    Chichen Itza Sky Luxury cruiser: Roundtrip transportation on a luxury bus from Cancun or Riviera Maya + breakfast on the bus & drinks + tour + lunch.
    $94 USD adults and $69 USD infants.