"Our trip to Chichen Itza" Ruinas Chichén-Itzá by cet128

Here we are in front of El Castillo in Chichen Itza. We climbed to the top. The view and experience was fantastic. After we had looked around we started to come down. That was the challenge. It is very steep and the steps are very short. By short I mean barely long enough to put your foot on. It was much harder on the way down because there really wasn't enough space on the step to step down onto from that angle. There was also the fear of falling forward because it was so steep. I had our youngest by the back of her shorts on the way down so she wouldn't fall. We sort of crawled on all fours backwards down the steps. My wife and oldest daughter came down the steps sitting on each one as they went. They were very slow and careful on the way down but they got down safely. We weren't the only ones being careful but we didn't care how we looked. This was definitely not a place to fall and break an arm or something. Considering the whole experience I would do it again.

Here we are on the lower steps.

We boarded a bus at our hotel. Our tour guide was very good at his job. he gave us a very interesting look into the history and the lives of the natives that lived here. It was a hot day under the sun. We were happy to have shade whenever we could find it. The ruins were fascinating. The main temple was awe inspiring but the smaller structures had their special points also. If you have a chance to visit Chichen Itza you must do it. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You might consider taking an umbrella for shade. Our guide did and he knew what he was doing.

It is steeper than this picture looks.

I just wanted to prove the steps were steep. This picture was taken from the ground next to the bottom step. The first third wasn't too bad but near the top you can see people on all fours. The tiny steps get a little scary near the top as it is a long way down if you have one little stumble. The three girls in the picture are my niece on the left and my daughters in the middle and on the right. Take note that my sister and her family had been here before and climbed to the top of the temple. They didn't do it this time though. (chickens...)

• Pros:I will never forget this experince and glad we went.
• Cons:Long day to and from the ruins (but worth it).
• In a nutshell:Don't miss an opportunity to see Chichen Itza.