COOL PLACES TO VISIT BEFORE END OF THE WORLD…NOT!

If the whole “End of the World according to the Maya (not!)” thing intrigues, I’m told that there are five very cool places to visit before…you know, the world doesn’t happen.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a sacred place along Mexico's southern Yucatan peninsula. Dating back to the 5^th century, the settlement merges Maya and Toltec architectural styles. Interesting to note that the war-like Toltec from the Mexican plateau compelled the barbaric ritual sacrifices that took place at Chichen Itza.

Spread over a large area, the site has many monuments including Kukulkan, the stepped pyramid temple, and a Great Ball Court, where vicious, bloody ball games were played. Chichen Itza has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tulum

Also in the Yucatan peninsula, Tulum is a cliff top site that overlooks blue-green Caribbean Sea. It is a favorite spot for photographers attempting to capture its picturesque beauty and stunning vista. It is often recommended as a quick stop for tourists.

Palenque

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palenque is located deep in the jungle in Chiapas, Mexico. The site features numerous temples, usually surrounded by mist and mystery. Again, a tourist will find stepped pyramids, among them the fabled Temple of Inscriptions where Pakal the Great, the 7^th century ruler of Palenque, is buried.

Tikal

It is believed that Tikal dates back to 600 BC and at one time in its history was home to 90,000 people. Located in Guatemala’s ecological reserve, Tikal’s ruins include palaces, temples and public squares. In the surrounding jungle are many other ruins to explore, although it is prudent to move through the area carefully since it is home to many protected species of fauna and flora.

Copan

Copan, located in Honduras, may date back to four thousand years. While it was abandoned long ago, the Spanish explorer Diego Garcia de Palacio discovered its ruins in 1570. Copan features a veritable maze of ball courts, temples, plazas and altar complexes. Among its most fascinating features is the Hieroglyphic Stairway Plaza, a 100-meter-wide stairway that holds a lengthy Mayan inscription comprised many glyphs.

Now, wouldn’t visiting these five cool places be much, much better than obsessing about the end of the world that ain’t goin’ happen?