Guide to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visited: Mar 2011, Sept 2012, Apr 2013, Oct 2013
Site Type: Cultural
Inscribed: 1997
Background and Opinion:
Changdeokgung was built in the early 1400s (like 1411 or 12, I forget) as a secondary palace to my absolute favorite place in all of Korea, Gyeongbok Palace. It was totally a back-up place to stuff the in-laws when the king was just not having it or was in a generally bad mood. Read more
Visited: Jan 3 and 6, 2011
Site Type: Cultural
Inscribed: 1988
Chichen Itza one of the largest and most important cities in the ancient Mayan Civilization. While it had definitely declined by the time of the Spanish conquest, there was still a large local population by the 16-17th centuries, disproving that the Maya were ‘lost.’ Thousands of people gather during the spring and autumn equinox to view the fantastic ‘serpent’ event that happens on the central pyramid known as “El Castillo.”
The Great Feathered Serpent
The light of the sun first strikes the top of the pyramid. Because of the geometric shape, shadows in the form of triangles appear on the side of the steps. These triangles resemble the diamond-back of the feathered snake, an ancient Mayan god, giving the illusion that the serpent is slithering down the pyramid as the sun begins to set.
Are The Goods Authentic?
One of the most interesting things I noticed were the souvenirs being sold within the complex. Mexico was once an artist wonderland with Guanajuato city alone boasting over 1600 arts and crafts shops. Today, only four remain due to an intense flooding of much cheaper Chinese replica goods.
I became really suspicious about the source of the crafts being sold. I was interested in buying a shirt or a mask, but did eventually work up the nerve to ask, “How do I know that mask wasn’t made in China?” The guy handling the shop just smiled at me, and then broke into a laughter when he realized I was serious. I couldn’t imagine that things would be so cheap if they were indeed made in Mexico. He stood up, and pointed at his brother a few feet away. I was so caught up in everything, that I hadn’t noticed the people carving away right in front of me.
Mayans Live On
The shopkeepers claim lineage to the Mayans of long ago. While this isn’t too surprising to Mexicans (as we are a very mixed people), foreigners are increasingly amazed that they still exist. Indeed, native peoples were not wiped out like in the US, but they have had over four centuries of change and adaptation, so don’t expect them to do any ritual dances or sacrifices.
1) Completeness and Originality (13 out of 15): It is as preserved as you might expect something that is 1000 years old to be. However, due to centuries of neglect, some parts are definitely forever lost.
2) Extensiveness of the Site (9 out of 15): I would say that a good 4-6 hours is enough to explore the whole thing, but that really depends on you. I became mesmerized by the ball game stadium and stayed longer than most.
3) Cultural Significance (23 out of 25): Chichen Itza encompasses everything about the Maya who influenced the Americas for centuries. They were the great scientists of the New World and a testament on how humanity’s curiosity was not limited to the Old World.
4) Personal Impact (14 out of 15): The setting and geometry is a tradition the Mexican government continued. As you step into the archaeological site, it feels like a deep forest with trees preventing you from seeing far away. Suddenly, there is a clearing and BAM, “El Castillo” is staring you down in all of its glory.
5) Logistics (7 out of 10): Much like other sites in Mexico, this is definitely difficult to judge since I am Mexican and fluent in Spanish. From my research, getting here from Cancun is quite easy the overpriced way, but a bit trickier the local way. Getting here from Merida took some exploring of two different bus stations, but I didn’t see many foreigners take this route. The ticket in was about $5, but the guided tours are $30.
6) Uniqueness (13 out of 20): There are other a dozen Mayan sites in the region, each more impressive than the last. With that said, it hasn’t been named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World for nothing. Furthermore, the “Cenote Sagrado” is a truly unique natural wonder indigenous to this region of Mexico.
Is this a good score? Find out how it compares with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in our rankings.
Curious how the scores are derived? Check out the scoring criteria.
Visited: Jun. 2013
Site Type: Cultural
Inscribed: 1983
Background and Opinion
Cuzco, was one of the two most important cities in the Americas prior to the Spanish conquest, the other being Tenochtitlan (the Aztec capital). It was the center of the empire of the Inka, a word meaning ‘king.’
What people think of as the “Inca Empire” (also misspelled) was actually a multicultural state of dozens, if not hundreds of different ethnicities. The ruling people are called ‘Quechua,’ one of the many things I learned while visiting Machu Picchu. They are also more than one ethnic group, but are tied together by the use of the same language (also called ‘Quechua’). Needless to say, the Spanish conquistadors were not too interested in a history lesson when they came in pillaging and thrashing about. Read more
Visited: Mar. 2014
Site Type: Cultural
Inscribed: 1987
Background an Opinion:
Mesa Verde National Park has the fame of being the only NP in the US to be strictly set apart for its cultural significance. While the nature is pretty, it is definitely the cliff dwellings and other Pueblo Indian ruins that make this one, a magnificent site.
The Pueblo Native Americans have had organized towns for over a thousand years in places like Mesa Verde, Taos, and the great meeting place of Chaco Canyon. It was actually their town based society that led to them being named “Pueblo” by Spaniards in the 1700s. They are mainly centered around New Mexico, but spilled into what is now Arizona, Colorado, Utah and even Texas.
Mesa Verde is one of the best preserved pueblo sites because they are located on cliffs where accessibility was quite difficult for early explorers. As early as the turn of the 20th century, adventurers were so fascinated with these dwellings, that they would take a multi-day trip on horseback from Durango, CO simply to see these sites.
The thing I found most fascinating is how an entire town could be made on the side of a cliff. It reminded me much of the Eloi dwellings in The Time Machine novel. The Cliff Palace and Long House only open seasonally, but the Spruce Tree House is quite a spectacle and is open year around.
To get the best possible scope of the whole thing, do the drive up the two southernmost loops and stop to see these cliff houses form a distance. It will just blow your mind.
Evaluation
1) Completeness and Originality (12 out of 15): While not everything is original, it is impressive that it is in such good condition.
2) Extensiveness of the Site (8 out of 15): Personally, I was in and out in five hours. Due to the elevation though, the Cliff Palace part of the park is closed most of the year. Those hikes would take a while longer. Nonetheless, you can still see them from a distance on the lower loop drives.
3) Cultural Significance (8 out of 25): This site was inhabited for a hundred years more than Chaco Culture. However, it has less of an impact on its surrounding neighbors.
4) Personal Impact (12.5 out of 15): Definitely pleasantly surprised. I guess I didn’t have any definite expectations, but I also didn’t expect it to be this awesome.
5) Logistics (7 out of 10): It would definitely get 10/10 if everything was open year round. However, since the main hike of the Cliff House only opens in the summer, I can’t justify a perfect score. The price is $10, you can drive to pretty much any trail head and view point without trouble, and yet, it is not that crowded.
6) Uniqueness (16.5 out of 20): I must say that I have never seen or heard of anything similar. While many Pueblo remains exist, this one is definitely unique.
Is this a good score? Find out how it compares with other UNESCO World Heritage Sites in our rankings.
Curious how the scores are derived? Check out the scoring criteria.
Visited: Mar. 2014
Site Type: Cultural
Inscribed: 1987
Background and Opinion:
Visiting the Chaco Culture National Historical Park is probably not the first UNESCO World Heritage Site that comes to mind. Do you know how I know? Only one hundred and twenty three of you guys bothered to come. That is correct 123!
Okay, it is time to start making some sense. Chaco Culture NHP gets, on average, a miniscule 123 visitors per day, one of the lowest for a National Park Service land and World Heritage Site which prompted National Geographic to rank it in its Top 10 Underappreciated National Parks. I must say that its lack of people definitely contribute to the wonderful experience that comes with visiting this amazing place.
What Exactly is Chaco Culture? Read more