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The Magnificent History Of Ancient Chichen Itza Awaits You

Located in Yucatan State, Mexico, Chichen Itza’s modern history began when John Lloyd Stephens wrote about its fascinating presence in his book recounting his travels to the Yucatan. Chichen Itza was a sprawling city built by the Mayans in the centuries before the arrival of Columbus. Its name means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza people” and it is a shining example of the mighty civilization that once thrived in the region.

Dominating the Chichen Itza site is El Castillo, or Temple of the Kukulcan. Standing at a total of 99 feet high it has exactly 365 steps. El Castillo was built around the 19th and 12th century CE as a temple to Kukulcan, the Feathered Serpent Deity. If you plan your visit around the equinoxes in spring and autumn (mid-March and mid-September respectively), you are sure to catch a glimpse of the illusion of a feathered serpent slithering down the steps of the temple! On its own, it is well worth the Chichen Itza entrance fee of roughly USD 13, often included with a Chichen Itza tour.

Other notable Chichen Itza pyramids, temples and structures include:
• The Platform Of Venus – actually two separate platforms for offerings to the gods; one found in the Great Plaza and the other near to the Grave of the High Priest
• The Upper and Lower Temples of the Jaguar showing intricate details of carvings, some of which still have the original paint on them
• The Skull Platform – decorated all around with skulls, eagles and snakes
• The Temple of the Warriors – an imposing structure with numerous carved columns adjoining it
• El Caracol Observatory which is thought to have been built specifically to observe the path of the planet Venus as it moves across the heavens
• Cenote Ik Kil de Chichen Itza – one of many sinkholes found in the Yucatan region. This beautiful gem is a popular stop for bus tours to the area. A highlight of any Chichen Itza tour, visitors get the chance to swim in Ik Kil whose surface is about 85 ft. below ground level.

At its height, Chichen Itza was one of the mythical great cities in Maya history and also one of the largest. It hosted a diverse mix of cultures which is reflected in the remnants of the city even today. Certainly, these many different peoples would have gathered at any of the 13 ballcourts at Chichen Itza. The most impressive one, by far, is the Great Ball Court just west to El Castillo.

If you wish to visit the beautifully preserved Mayan ruin, Cancun is the perfect place to start your tour which is sure to feature some exciting Cancun activities as well. How about an ATV and speed boat tour of the exotic Maroma Beach? You can also go snorkeling in an underground river or in the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cancun.

If you’re looking to fit Chichen Itza into your relaxing Cancun vacation, you’re probably wondering how far is Chichen Itza from Cancun? It’s a lush and scenic 2 and a quarter hours away. Join a day trip to the ruins and you will be taken there in maximum comfort and style. Many of the wonderful multi-day Mexico vacation package that take you from Cancun to Chichen Itza also go to other famous sites and locations.

These include:
• The White City of Merida
• the town and ruins of Palenque
• San Cristobal de las Casas and its unique blend of indigenous cultures
• Lake Atitlán and the town of Panajachel in Guatemala
• San Ignacio in Belize