Hard Monkey Productions

Exploring Culture, Humanity, Travel, History, Art, Mysteries and Politics through Visual Arts

Mayan Ruins: Chichén Itzá – Yucatan, Mexico

The legendary ruins may not be the only Mayan “must see” archeological site, but it is the only one with El Castillo – the Temple of Kukulcán

Tom Lonero
08/25/2021

Chichén Itzá

One of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

An Important Mayan Archaeological Site
The legendary archaeological site is located in the State of Yucatan smack between the resort town of Cancún and the City of Mérida. Both Mérida and Valladolid are worth visiting as are the beaches of Cancún.
While Chichén Itzá is by far not the only fantastic archaeological site in Mexico it is the only one that has El Castillo, aka the “Temple of Kukulcán”. It carries the distinction of being voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. The entire site has also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Archeologists who have been studying the area have discovered many different architectural styles, which leads them to believe that Chichén Itzá may have been a melting pot city for the Mayan empire. Different groups may have traveled there and exchanged ideas.

ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

A Little History
Although Chichén Itzá later on in history fell into complete abandonment as the jungle took back what was rightfully its to begin with, Chichén Itzá was never a lost city. It existed when the Spanish Conquistadors settled the region in 1519. At one point the Spanish even attempted to name Chichén Itzá a capital. Eventually the Maya pushed back against the Spanish but as we all know, the Spanish inevitably won out. As Spanish towns starting popping up throughout Yucatan and Mexico proper, the Maya started to abandon their old cities for the newer towns and cities that grew up around them. Some Mayan cities and buildings were even dismantled in areas as the stone was repurposed for newer construction of churches and other newer modern buildings. Those Mayan structures now lost forever.
Chichén Itzá means “At the mouth of the well Itza”. It’s well documented how the Maya held cenotes in high regard. It’s believed they held and still hold a spiritual significance. Artifacts and human remains found at various cenotes seem to confirm the notion that at least some cenotes are indeed sacred. It’s also been confirmed in recent years that El Castillo is built over one such sacred cenote. Yes... under that massive mound of stone is a sparkling pool of water.

ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

UNESCO and Archaeoastronomy
The reasons for Chichén Itzá‘s UNESCO designation are obvious. It’s simply magnificent. It receives over 2 million visitors a year. Ancestral Mayan are permitted to set up markets within the Archeological park. In some areas there are literally table after table of competing merchants. Sometimes selling the same thing. They will negotiate with the savvy.
The reasons why El Castillo was named a Seventh Wonder may not be immediately apparent. Its not only due to the overall magnificence of the pyramid but its also due to its secret archaeoastronomy. Every year at the spring and fall equinox a snake like shadow moves down the staircase of El Castille (Temple of Kukulcán) to meet with the giant foreboding snake heads at the bottom of the staircase. The snake represents the feathered serpent god that is completely embedded in mythology throughout Mesoamerica. The entire pyramid was build for the worship of the great-feathered serpent - Kukulcán.
The major pyramid is not the only structure on site that has elements of archaeoastronomy. El Caracol, also known as “the Observatory”, is another important location you should visit while at Chichén Itza. The observatory can pinpoint several astrological events including the location and alignment of Venus every 8 years.

ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

A Must See if Traveling to the Yucatan
If you are going to visit the Yucatan, then Chichén Itza would make a perfect addition to your visit. The 1000 Columns, Ball Court and Temple of the Warrior are awe-inspiring by themselves.
About 15 minutes from the site is the town of Vallidolid. It is often skipped over by the tourist buses from Cancun but it makes for a great stop afterwards to pick up lunch or dinner if you can find a way. The town square and the people are beautiful. The food is completely authentic and inexpensive. The exposure to the culture is obviously priceless.

ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

Iguazú/Iguaçu National Park

A Seventh Wonder of the Natural World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the power and beauty of Iguazú (Spanish) Iguaçu (Portugese) is unmatched

Tom Lonero
08/29/2021

Iguazu/Iguaçu National Park

A 7th Wonder of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

What hides in the jungle can be heard from miles away.
The legendary Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca became the first European to see the famed waterfalls in 1592 after he could hear the roar from several kilometers away. He had been exploring the area for some time but the falls had to be one of his greatest discoveries of his lifetime. That's would be saying something since he had been a renowned explorer of the New World for decades prior.

The falls became a UNESCO World heritage site in 1984 and was voted one of the Seven natural Wonders in 2011.

Iguazú!
Ultimately, why most people visit Iguazú (Spanish) Iguaçu (Portuguese), is for the falls. Depending on the list you look at either Iguazú or Victoria falls in Africa are part of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site… all for good reason. There’s nowhere else in the world like it. When compared against other mega falls like Niagara and Victoria, they are the largest amongst them in width hold the record in annual flow rate. They are simply breathtaking. Niagara can’t come close in their majesty and I have yet to visit Victoria at the time of this writing.
On the Argentinean side, the National Park is more laid back with a feeling of more freedom to do your own thing. You have options to walk the trails to the falls or take tours. I usually don’t opt for tours but in this case it was a lifetime opportunity.
I had purchased our tickets online to take a boat tour to the cataracts as well as the park pass we’d need to enter the park. We had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know if the trip would be a fairly standard boat trip where maybe you get a little wet and simply get to see some great sites or if the trip would be more adventurous than that. The bottom line… do this if you can. Nothing could have prepared us for how fantastic the experience was. The falls along the canyon feel prehistoric. You can feel the power they wield as the specially designed boat takes you up river and through the rapids to ultimately visit Devils Throat. It’s her where you feel how alive the falls are and how insignificant you are. The world becomes bigger at this moment when you realize how fantastic it really is outside of those mundane days spent inside an office performing some task that can never be as big or powerful as that moment right then, right now.
Enjoy it, take it all in. Hope the next person gets out of the experience as much as you will.

From Argentina

ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

From Brazil

ALL PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

Argentina, Puerto Iguazú – Las Tres Fronteras

Puerto Iguazú is the perfect jumping off point for access to one of Seven Wonders of the Natural World, Iguazú Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Las Tres Fronteras

Puerto Iguazú, ARGENTINA

A rich history and a little about the first European to see the falls
In the northern most point of the Misiones district of Argentina, the northeastern point of the country, sits a town with a lot of character. Puerto Aguirre was founded in 1901. Today it goes by the name Puerto Iguazú.
The area, known for perhaps what some consider the greatest waterfalls in the world, was first brought to the attention of the Europeans by Spanish explorer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1542.
prior to winding up in South America, Cabeza de Vaca had become famous for his exploration of the Gulf Coast of Florida, Texas and Mexico in years back. His exploits included getting captured and held by hostile Indians for a number of years but after his escape it’s said he became somewhat of an advocate for New World natives. He even went as far as performing the first ever surgery in what would become the State of Texas by extracting a large arrow point from a Native Americans chest that had become embedded close to his heart. Because of this feat he became endeared by local natives and highly respected. In 1915 a group of surgeons formed the Texas Surgical Society and accepted Cabeza de Vaca as the patron saint of the organization. His exploits gave him enough fame to raise money and carry on his passion for exploration in South America. It’s believed he had developed a good relationship with the native Guarani natives who inhabited the Iguazú area. Cabeza de Vaca had stumbled upon the Iguazú Falls after hearing their roar from several kilometers away. Unfortunately, for Cabeza de Vaca, in later years he found himself arrested after a stint as Governor in the region. It’s believed his preference toward treating natives with high regard was his political downfall. He was returned to Spain where he was jailed and put on trial and even though he was exonerated, he never returned to the Americas and died penniless in Seville, Spain around 1560.
It would be my guess that Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca's amazingly full life made him richer than most by the time of his death. Not everything can be measured with a dollar.

Guïra Oga Animal Shelter and Wildlife Center
If I’m to be honest, visiting animals in cages is no longer tops on my things to do but Guïra Oga is a different kind of "zoo' for the region and should be respected as such. Plus, it was right next to where we were staying. Kids will always enjoy these types of activities obviously and it’s always an opportunity to learn about endangered animals and the efforts to reintroduce them back into their natural habitats.
Through the efforts of a few, the self-funded sanctuary implements several important practices.
·      They focus on healing injured wildlife
·      Reintroduces wildlife back into historic environments and ranges
·      When animals are seized from illegal traffickers they reintroduce those animals back into the wild
·      Other zoo or circus animals go to Giïra Oga to also be reintroduced eventually
·      If an animal is just too sick or weak then it is simply taken care of
·      The sanctuary has also begun breeding programs for endangered wildlife
If you have a spare half-day to visit and support the sanctuary, know that you are ultimately doing a good thing. It is opened year round. Understand that when you go, the animals do not have the greatest amount of room. We were taken aback since we envisioned a pristine environment for the animals if it’s considered a “sanctuary”. You have to keep in mind the park survives solely on donations and entrance fees. No government agencies help them with funding.
So simply breathe in the air and enjoy your experience while you’re there. You’re walking through rain forest after all in a park run by people with nobel intentions.

Iguazú!
Ultimately, why most people visit Iguazú, is for the Falls. Depending on the list you look at, either Iguazú or Victoria falls in Africa are part of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site… all for good reason. There’s nowhere else in the world like it. When compared against other mega falls like Niagara and Victoria, they are the largest amongst them in width hold the record in annual flow rate. They are simply breathtaking. Niagara can’t come close in their majesty and I have yet to visit Victoria at the time of this writing.
On the Argentinean side, the National Park is more laid back with a feeling of more freedom to do your own thing. You have options to walk the trails to view the falls or take tours. I usually don’t opt for tours but in this case it was a lifetime opportunity.
I had purchased our tickets online to take a boat tour to the cataracts as well as the park pass we’d need to enter the National Park. We had no idea what to expect. I didn’t know if the trip would be a fairly standard boat trip where maybe you get a little wet and simply get to see some great sites or if the trip would be more adventurous than that. The bottom line… do this if you can. Nothing could have prepared us for how fantastic the experience was. The falls along the canyon feel prehistoric. You can feel the power they wield as the specially designed boat takes you up river and through the rapids to ultimately visit Devils Throat. It’s here where you feel how alive the falls are and how insignificant you are. The world becomes bigger at this moment when you realize how fantastic it really is outside of those mundane days spent inside an office performing some task that can never be as big or powerful as that moment right then and there.
Enjoy it, take it all in. Hope the next person gets out of the experience as much as you will.

Las Tres Fronteras
There’s so much to do in the region. After all, you sit at the border of three countries. Brazil and Paraguay are just a short drive away. Prior to arriving we had lost a day due to a day long ‘strike’ by our Argentinean airline (Crazy stuff can happen in other countries with transportation). We had fully intended to pay the Visa fee to enter Paraguay but in the end decided the $100 dollars per person fee to simply walk into the country was too steep to only spend a few hours so we focused heavily on Brazil and the Argentinean side instead. We found the Argentinean side to be the most quaint and warming of the two sides. The restaurants were great, the atmosphere was warm and the walking around felt safe. The Brazil side was fine. We definitely enjoyed the time we spent over there and I’ll provide information on Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil in another article. Our preference was simply the Argentinean side. It felt more familiar. We had become somewhat familiar with some limited Spanish at this point but once you cross over the border, the language is Portuguese so another learning curve begins.
Still, there’s not too much cooler than the street venders at the park Hito Tres Fronteras in Puerto Iguazú. There you can visit various venders selling their wares like unusual handmade jewelry as well as more traditional souvenirs. You can also stand at the lookouts at the park and view both Paraguay and Brazil from across the Paraná and Iguazú rivers.rs.
One of the best times we had was the simplest. Everyone is always looking for "where the locals go to eat" when you travel. Well in Puerto Iguazú look no further than Salus Restaurant, which sits across from a lovely park called Paseo La Identidad. The food was so inexpensive and with the live entertainment, we felt like we were stealing. The locals sitting along side us at the other outside tables appeared to be having a great time. OK… so the pizza we go wasn’t five-star but it was still pretty good and completely perfect for the moment. It was exactly the type of place we wanted to be at.

I could absolutely spend a lot more time in laid back Puerto Iguazú.

PHOTOS BY: Angela Erdmann and Thomas Lonero

Grand Canyon National Park

Flying into and landing at the bottom of the canyon may have been one of the more exhilarating experiences I’ve had.

Grand Canyon, USA

Landing a Helicopter Below the Rim

PHOTOS BY: Thomas Lonero

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour

First Time for Everything

We headed about an hour outside of Vegas to a little airport that was close to Lake Meade. This would be my first time on a helicopter. I was obviously a little nervous. I had booked it with an old friend and of course I couldn't show him I was nervous so I made sure I was all smiles. Flying doesn't generally bother me... crashing bothers me. I had read on the internet that there were several accidents that had happened on these particular trips over the years.

This promised to be a unique trip. Anyone can fly over the Canyon, but this trip flies over and then below the rim of the Canyon. The National Park didn't allow flying below the rim because they said it was an unnecessary risk. I mean - who doesn't like a little unnecessary risk once in a while. I assured the guy I booked it with it was perfectly safe.

How it was meant to be seen

How the helicopter touring company gets around the no flying below the rim rule is they have an agreement with a local Indian tribe who controls the part of the Canyon we would be flying into. Seemed like a solid approach to ignore federal government guidelines and get over on the man. Plus, some of the money obviously goes to the tribe with the licensing agreement they have with the touring company and I for one like seeing the tribe get the extra money.
Upon meeting our Pilot we felt way more comfortable. She was a very experienced pilot and had significantly more flying time than the other pilot we just seen taken off. Good luck to that other crew. God rest their souls. Just kidding - they were fine. I think...

Our journey took us over Lake Meade, which was beautiful in and of itself. You get a real feel for how large the reservoir is. You also gain an greater understanding of the vastness of the desert. You don't see much in the way of greenery flying towards the Colorado River and the Canyon.
How the helicopter touring company gets around the no flying below the rim rule is they have an agreement with a local Indian tribe who controls the part of the Canyon we would be flying into. Seemed like a solid approach to ignore federal government guidelines and get over on the man. Plus, some of the money obviously goes to the tribe with the licensing agreement they have with the touring company.Upon meeting our Pilot we felt way more comfortable. She was a very experienced pilot and had significantly more flying time than the other pilot we just seen taken off. Good luck to that other crew. Go rest their souls. Just kidding - they were fine. I think...d

Exhilarating

Flying through and below the rim of the Canyon is not an experience you forget easily. The view is simply incredible. The Grand Canyon is not only a UNESCO world heritage site, its obviously one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It's awe inspiring. It took millions of years for this ancient river to cut through this landscape. The essence of time and how I was just a tiny blip over that course of time is both provoking and humbling.
The landing inside the Canyon went smoothly. We stayed about 45 min I think? Give or take. The tour company provided a simple lunch. We could see additional choppers (typed in my best Schwarzenegger impression) landing in the distance. They also provided a boat tour along the river which we opted out of. We came for the view and the coolness of landing inside the Grand Canyon in a chopper!
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