Edward Herbert Thompson (1857-1935) bought and explored Chichen Itza during the early part of the 20th century. Little did I know that he was the subject of a children’s cartoon, including talking mice:

Part II:

Two weeks ago the state of Yucatan said it would delay a 77 percent price increase on tickets to Chichen Itza until Jan. 1, 2012, according to local newspapers. Then it went ahead and raised them anyway, effective Sept. 1 of this year.

Foreigners will soon be paying $166 (Mexican) to see the ruins of Chichen Itza, the equivalent of $13 (US). That’s an increase of $50 (Mexican) from the current ticket fee of $116.

Cultur, the state agency that oversees Chichen Itza, increased prices to generate new revenue to pay for loans to be used for the purchase of the archaeological zone of Chichen Itza earlier this year. The state purchased the site from a private owner whose family has owned the property since 1944.