January 17, 2010

Thousands travel for shadows

Check this out:



Thousands of people flock to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza to witness the shadow play upon the Castillo each year. I have heard estimates that put the number of visitors around 40,000. My question: why? Quetzil Castaneda's 1996 book In the Museum of Maya Culture: Touring Chichen Itza explores that very question, and it details some of the issues that pervade tourism at this site. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who is interested in the culture and politics of tourism in Mexico and elsewhere.

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