New Wonder of the World?

Counting on Chichén Itzá

Mexico uses Seven Wonders of the World contest to garner international attentionLong before she stunned the nation with her come-from-behind victory, Ortega launched a campaign to help Chichén Itzá win. Now, she's appearing in TV commercials airing 10 times a day to urge Mexicans to log on and vote for the sake of the nation.

Meanwhile, Telmex, the national phone company, has printed 100,000 prepaid phone cards with a picture of Chichén Itzá and Coca-Cola has distributed 25 million cans urging people to cast ballots.

Ortega's eyes shine with excitement when she talks about the possibilities. An airport nearby. A new Maya museum. Perhaps even a fast train from a cruise ship pier in the neighboring state of Quintana Roo to Chichén Itzá.

“This could redefine Yucatán,” Ortega said. “But it is not isolated to Yucatán. This is a wonder for Mexico. We are ready to win.”