Final answer:
Visitors to Olmec or Maya cities would see colossal statues and art, participate in religious ceremonies, and engage in local trade, reflecting the complexity and sophistication of these ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Experiences in Olmec and Maya Cities
If you were a visitor to an Olmec or Maya city, from the start of your stay to the end, you would likely encounter a number of awe-inspiring sights and experiences. Your visit could include marveling at the Olmec colossal heads carved from giant boulders and weighing up to fifty tons, as well as the intricate Mayan art like limestone stelae depicting rulers and historical narratives. You might witness, and possibly participate in, elaborate Mayan ceremonies held in grand pyramid complexes, designed to honor deities and rulers, or catch a glimpse of a ritual ball game, where the competition could end in human sacrifices for the losers. Engaging with the local economy through trade would showcase the rich network of commerce that featured items such as obsidian, pottery, and valuable shells. The cities themselves would reveal sophisticated urban planning with temples, plazas, housing, and water management systems, including aqueducts and reservoirs, all testament to the organized government and social classes that sustained these complex societies.