Dzibilchaltun, Yucatan Penisula, Mexico

Dzibilchaltun is in the Mexican state of Yucatan and is about 10-15 miles from its state captial Merida. Merida is home of the famous sea that supposedly was the site of impact of the meteorite that killed the dinosaurs.  We on the other hand feel certain the flood destroyed the dinosaurs... oh, where you asking???



Dzibilchaltun also hosts the Temple of the Dolls, named for the seven dolls that were unearthed in the temple.  The doorways of the temple were built in exact solar alignment with the rising sun, such that the early rays pass through them on the Spring and Fall equinoxes, marking the beginning of planting season and the beginning of harvest season.   In addition, "Templo de las Siete Muñecas " has an alignment with the sun during equinox.  The temple is connected to the rest of the site by a sacbe, or "white road," so-called because it was originally coated with white limestone, built over stone-and-rubble fill.

Looking back down the sacbe from the Temple entrance ~



One reason the early inhabitants
chose this location has been attributed to the cenote.  The cenote is located in the center of the city's ruins.  Skeletal remains have been discovered in the cenote by divers and the asssumption is that this was a place of religious cult activity.  Modern day uses are more civil.  Local residents of the city and tourists are permitted to swim in the cenote. 

The ruins of a 16th century Spanish church built at the site after the Spanish colonial conquest is located in the current main courtyard.  The Mayans later adopted parts of Catholicism (most likely due to force... they were conquered afterall ~) 

Dzibilchaltun is known as one of the most ancient Mayan archaeological sites in the northern hemisphere.  At one time, it is thought to have had a population of over 40,000 inhabitants.  A little stroll around the courtyard and its surrounding areas will take you back in time mentally.  You will leave having been inspired by a culture that was so mathmatically advanced and was able to accomplish so much with so little.

Jude resting on steps inside Temple entrance ~

Once we left the ruins, we were on our way to our authentic Mexican feast and traditional Mexican entertainment.  Rancho Tierra Bonita is the home of the charros, their horses and the singers and dancers.  We were first treated to a meal featuring spices used in a traditional meal.  Chicken, black beans, rice and vegetables... delicioso! 

Later came the entertainment.  Los charros are commonly known as Mexican horseman or cowboys, typically one in elaborate traditional dress.  They would be similiar in name to a 'vaquero' known as a cowboy or a 'ranchero' known as a rancher.  However, they are very different in culture, clothing, traditions and social status... The dances were more of folkloric ballet (very colorful and very beautiful)





Los Charros saluting the crowd with their traditional tipping of their sombreros ~

Dressed in brightly colored fabrics, the dancers demonstrated their skills...

The Dancers ~



Roping a horse ~




We left the ranch after a fun-filled day of sight seeing, walking, eating, and relaxing... all we had left was a 20 dollar bill to which David traded in for a chair hammock... Only in Mexico!