There are places in the world that take your breath away—not just because of the scorching heat, but because of their sheer grandeur. Chichen Itza is one of them. The ancient Maya city, with its imposing pyramids, intricate carvings, and a history steeped in mystery, was once a thriving hub of astronomy, mathematics, and… human sacrifices.

But fear not, dear readers—Les Grumpies were not on the sacrificial list. Instead, we arrived armed with curiosity, SPF 50, and a strict no-climbing-the-pyramid policy (thank you, Mexican authorities, for making life easier for both us and our knees).

Stepping into History – Without Tripping Over It

El Castillo, the famous pyramid of Kukulcán, stood before us in all its glory. A masterpiece of mathematical precision, it perfectly aligns with the equinoxes, creating an illusion of a serpent slithering down its steps. Naturally, Mr. Grumpy was less interested in the cosmic alignment and more in the fact that he didn’t have to climb 91 steep stone steps to ‘appreciate the view.’

As we wandered through the ancient city, we marvelled at the Great Ball Court, where Maya athletes once competed in an ultra-high-stakes version of basketball (losing was quite literally fatal). “Just imagine,” I mused, “if modern footballers had to play under these conditions—no more fake injuries!” Mr. Grumpy, of course, remained unconvinced.

A No-Mishap Miracle

Shockingly, Les Grumpies managed to visit Chichen Itza without any major incidents. No accidental tumbles, no unexpected wildlife encounters, and no misinterpretations of ancient hieroglyphics leading to an impromptu Maya curse. A true travel triumph!

While many visitors might dream of climbing the iconic pyramid, I was delighted that it’s strictly forbidden. Not only does it protect the structure, but it also saves people from the inevitable ‘heroic climb meets undignified descent’ scenario.

All in all, Chichen Itza was everything we hoped for: breathtaking, historically rich, and refreshingly climb-free. A rare win for Les Grumpies—we’ll take it!

Grumpy Travel Tip:

Always bring water, wear a hat, and avoid midday visits unless you fancy experiencing what it feels like to be a roasted cacao bean.