Chichen Itza, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Chichen Itza is truly an extraordinary place to visit any time of year, but especially during the Fall Equinox.
On September 22, 2012, thousands will visit this ancient Mayan ruin site to witness a mysterious play of light on stone, as the sun makes a shadow in the shape of a serpent on the side of the stairs of the “El Castillo” pyramid, also known as Kukulcan, in Chichen Itza. The serpent shadow, which used to be the sign for the Mayas to start planting corn, begins to appear around 4 p.m. during the equinox on the north side of the pyramid and continues for an hour. El Castillo, which stands 105 feet high with staircases climbing its four faces, was built with such mathematical precision and aligned to catch the rays of the setting sun during the equinoxes.
Approximately 20,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event and many will dress in white, which is said to absorb the healing energy of the equinox. This year is one of the most historically significant times to visit during the Fall Equinox, as 2012 closes out the traditional Mayan calendar and welcomes a new era.
