The spring equinox at Dzibilchaltun takes place on March 21 at 5 AM.
This
Mayan city is located 20 kilometers north of
Merida. This archeological site doesn't have the giant pyramids of the better known sites of
Chichen-Itza and
Uxmal, but is does have its own special claims to fame. These include the equinoxes and solstices, the well done "Museum of the Village" Museo Del Pueblo, the refreshing cenote where you can take a swim and the Franciscan chapel building at the entrance that blends in with the ruins.
Dzibilchaltun, translates into "the place where there is writing on the flat stones" is known for having the longest history of unbroken occupation of any Mayan site, extending a over 2,000 years from around 500 BC to shortly before the Conquest. It is believed that up-to 20,000 people lived here around the year 800.
On
March 21 you can witness the incredible accuracy of
Mayan astronomy as it was integrated into architecture. The Mayan used the sun to plan their lives which centered on the sewing and harvesting of their crops. With the spring equinox they planted, with the fall one they harvested. The Mayan built complex structures using advanced geometry and astronomy to map the cycles of the sun.
The
Dzibilchaltun equinox takes place at sunrise so it is imperative that you get there early. The equinox at Chichen-Itza is at sunset, so you can actually see both in one day. The equinox takes place at the
Temple of the Seven Dolls when the sunrise aligns with the two windows of this pyramid. This is an event of international importance, so do keep this in mind as you will have to deal with parking, walking and many people. This is a sacred time for many, so please be respectful of those who are meditating and the Mayan who are doing their ceremonies.
To get there if you have a car, head north on the
Merida to Progreso highway, about 10 miles, then turn right at the sign to Dzibilchaltun and travel another 3 miles to the site.
By public transportation go to the "Autoprogreso" bus station located on Calle 62 by 65 and 67 (San Juan Park), and take the Sac-Nicte and Chablekal bus, it will drop you off at Dzibilchaltun.
