Rare songbird1329 Posted November 10, 2009 #1 Share Posted November 10, 2009 I've been reading up on the site, and it seems that most of it is pretty accessible. My concern is climbing....steep staircases throw me for a loop unless there's a rail to hang on to. It's just a phobia --I can climb a hill without holding onto anything, but not a steep staircase. am I going to have an issue climbing the ruins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare crewsweeper Posted November 10, 2009 #2 Share Posted November 10, 2009 The Mayans didn't believe in hand rails. The steps are not uniform and aren't regulation 6-8" heights. More like 18-24" heights. . But it's not taboo to crawl up the temples on all fours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare songbird1329 Posted November 11, 2009 Author #3 Share Posted November 11, 2009 it's not going up I fear...it's the trip down again. but if the stairs are super wide...I can lean on significant other and let him help me balance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SingingPixie Posted November 11, 2009 #4 Share Posted November 11, 2009 The stairs at Altun Ha that you climb actually aren't original to the ruin- they were built by archeologists during the excavation. They're not particularly steep, but the individual steps are large (both height-wise and width-wise), so they could be difficult for someone with mobility issues, but as far as your phobic issue you should feel pretty stable. I think I remember there being a wooden railing as well for at least part of the way up, but I could be wrong on that point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDSue Posted November 12, 2009 #5 Share Posted November 12, 2009 The stairs are a bit steep, but doable. The site is worth visiting, even if you don't choose to climb to the top. Many people enjoyed the views from the ground. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mississippian Posted November 15, 2009 #6 Share Posted November 15, 2009 When I visited Altun Ha the group of three of us were literally the only ones there (this was in 1990). I remember that climbing up the pyramid was easy, but getting down was scary. I think there was a ladder or something that I was able to use to get down. Whether you climb or not, it's worth a visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillside Posted November 15, 2009 #7 Share Posted November 15, 2009 We were on the Ryndam and in Belize Wed. Nov. 11. We took the Altun Ha tour through the ship and had a wonderful visit. The site was easy to walk around and I climbed the pyramid that had wooden railings. The steps were irregular and it was mildly strenuous for this in shape senior citizen. If you have difficulty walking or use a cane, I wouldn't climb. Other than that, the walkways were either dirt or grass. We felt we had a very informative tour with a knowledgeable guide named Jake. I think his last name was Martinez. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldMargaritaMama Posted November 19, 2009 #8 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Take the excursion, it was a great time! They have a handrail on one side for both stairwells. The steps are not uniform, however, it wasn't challenging. I took my time on the way down holding people up (I am 32 and have a slight phobia of climbing down stairs). Everyone is patient, the tour guides encourage slow movements for those who are worried. Don't have any tropical rum drinks for breakfast and you will be fine! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkjmt Posted November 19, 2009 #9 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I had a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot went through my heart and landed in both lungs) in July.....I still get short of breath, but I want to climb up and see too. My family is having a fit. They think it will be to much for me. If I start climbing and get "winded" can I just sit and rest and then continue....or would I be in the way??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare songbird1329 Posted November 20, 2009 Author #10 Share Posted November 20, 2009 If there are handrails I will be fine. I climb 3 flights of stairs every morning just to get out of the subway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenna00 Posted January 8, 2010 #11 Share Posted January 8, 2010 I had a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot went through my heart and landed in both lungs) in July.....I still get short of breath, but I want to climb up and see too. My family is having a fit. They think it will be to much for me. If I start climbing and get "winded" can I just sit and rest and then continue....or would I be in the way??? I'd be more concerend with long plane rides and bus rides than climbing stairs. For anyone who has had a DVT or PE, please talk to your doctor before taking long trips! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Froufie Posted January 8, 2010 #12 Share Posted January 8, 2010 ...and there is nothing wrong with going down sideways, backwards or on your bum! :D We found different 'descent' methods were being used depending on the person, their abilities, height, etc. When descending from 'Chichen itza' I did a one foot at a time, backwards descent - took a long time and my legs felt like jelly afterwards! Last climb was at Lamanai - wow - hard work and it was roasting in the hot sun! Happened to have a few 6 foot tall firefighters in our group - they literally just 'walked' up the steps normally - and I (who am vertically challenged at 5'1) had to take like 4 steps for their every one.... took me forever - and coming down was hard too but I did it. Will be visiting Altun Ha in a couple of weeks and hope to add that to the 'temples I have climbed' list! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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