Mayan Calendar ends on December 21 2012
The Mayan Calendar has been considered one of the most in the world and has accurately predicted a surge of natural disasters for over 5125 years. The Mayan Calendar ends on December 21 2012: is it the end of the world or just an end to a calendar?
2012
Much has been made of the date of December 21, 2012. Some scholars believe cataclysmic or transformative events will occur on that date, while others say it is simply when the Mesoamerican Long Count Calendar ends. Lots is being written and there are those who believe another meteor will crash into the earth ending life as we know it.
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.
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 a CNN story about Celebrating the year of the Mayans.
So is it the end of the world or the start of a new era?
Whether you are a skeptic or spiritually connected to the pulse of the Mayan calendar,join us in the center of the Mayan lands when the calendar starts counting down the hours and enjoy special offers that only occur every 5125 years!
In observance of this deeply significant day in the Mayan Calendar we are offering the night of December 21st Complimentary to you if you book 3 nights or more in December, 2012. To see a list of
To take advantage of this promotion, call (630-664-3904) or contact me with the dates you want to reserve which include 12/21/2012, and I will give you the best rates available, and December 21 free.
Stay with us in Playa del Carmen and enjoy what the Mayans have known for centuries. Contact Laura for your free night on December 21, 2012 as well as 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, right on or just off the beach, and offer transportation to UNESCO/Maya sites.
Restrictions: 3 night minimum stay required promotion cannot be applied with existing reservation or combined with any other promotion.