The Global Heritage Fund has named 2012 “The Year of the Maya,” — the Maya calendar points to December 2012 as the dawn of a new age.
London (CNN) — The year 2012 is a significant one in the Maya calendar. No it’s not the end of the world.
The ancient long count calendar of the Maya, a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished across Mexico and Central America from 2000 BC to the time of the Spanish Conquistadores, states that on the 12th December, 2012, the sun will be aligned with the center of the Milky Way for the first time in approximately 26,000 years.
And 21 December, 2012, is said to mark the end of the 13th Maya Calendar, a 144,000-day cycle or “b’ak’tun” since the mythical Maya day of creation 5,200 years ago.
Though popularly interpreted as signifying the “end of the world as we know it,” scholars stress that the end of the “b’ak’tun” does not mean apocalypse.
2012 is the year of the Mayan
While few Maya people still follow the long count calendar, the Global Heritage Fund is celebrating the event by naming 2012 “The Year of the Maya,” with members of the Fund greeting the winter solstice on top of La Danta pyramid at the El Mirador site in Guatemala. Truly, 2012 is the year of the Mayan
“Experiencing the Winter Solstice on the summit of La Danta is thought to be one of the greatest opportunities to experience the end of the 13th Maya calendar and dawn of a new age,” said Jeff Morgan, Executive Director of the Global Heritage Fund.
But their celebrations have a serious side: the Global Heritage Fund is highlighting the dangers to Mayan sites such as El Mirador, which are threatened by looting and deforestation, and hoping to secure the investment to turn these neglected spots into thriving and sustainable tourist destinations.
CNN’s World’s Treasures asked Morgan to compile a list of key Maya sites across Mexico for Maya-enthusiasts keen to ring in the dawn of a new era sitting on the monumental steps of a temple or at the summit of an ancient pyramid. Here are the key sites:
Chichen Itza
One of the most famous and treasured Mayan archeological site
The site of Chichen Itza is a key sacred spot in Mexico’s southern Yucatan peninsula — the settlement is believed to date back to the 5th century AD.
Its architecture is a blend of Maya and Toltec styles. It was the Toltec — warrior peoples from the Mexican plateau — who imposed the practice of ritual sacrifice at the site.
Covering a huge surface area, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is rich in monuments, chief of which is the stepped pyramid temple of Kukulkan, as well as a Great Ball Court, where visitors can picture deadly ball games taking place.
Tulum
Visitors are allowed much more access in Tulum than in Chichen Itza and it's much closer to Playa del Carmen
Though not extensive, this clifftop site in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is certainly picturesque, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
A photo-friendly beauty spot, Tulum is a relaxed pit-stop on the itinerary. A dip in the sea should revive any temple-weary travelers.
Palenque
Palenque offers the famous Temple of Inscriptions
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palenque, in Chiapas, Mexico, is nestled deep in the jungle, the tops of its many temples often wreathed in mist.
The site boasts stepped pyramids, including the impressive Temple of Inscriptions, carved stone walls and even the burial site of Pakal the Great, Palenque’s 7th-century ruler.
For additional worldwide Maya sites, read the CNN story about Celebrating the year of the Mayans
Stay in nearby Playa del Carmen and do day trips to the above sites. Contact Laura at drlauraleli@gmail.com for rates and availability at El Taj Ocean, Porto Playa, Maya Villa, El Taj Beach, and Villas Sacbe, or call 630-664-3904. All properties are 4 & 5 star, on or just off the beach, and offer transportation to the UNESCO/Maya sites.
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