49 Cancun - Chithen Itza

4. May 2007

Cancun is a rip off sort of place – very expensive. And not very attractive. I meant to stay for 3 nights, but soon realized, that there were plenty of other places I would rather spend some time.

I decided to fly to Chichen Itzy, the famous Mayan ruins. It was only on my way form Corpus Christy to Cancun, that I realized, that there is an airport there.

Friday morning I got a taxi to the airport (now paying 30 dollars), and after filing a VFR flight plan, I departed for Chitchen Itzy.

30 miles out I called the tower, and just before getting to airport, I asked for permission to fly to the ruins, and circle a couple of times there. The permission was granted.

After taking a few photos there from he air, I returned to the airport for a long final to runway 10. After arrival I was given a lift by the operations manager to the hotel (paying 30 dollars for it) – but it was not until after some armed Mexican soldiers had searched my luggage – that we got going.

I guess I am in drug smuggling country?

Getting to the hotel Mayaland by noon, it was time to see the ruins, which are right by the hotel. The hotel by the way, is such a nice change from the scene in Cancun.