Chichen Itza – This is your opportunity to know Chichen Itza Mayan ruins, which after 1500 years, had just been declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in 2007.
Chichen Itza pyramids rise majestically in the middle of the spectacular natural environment in the Yucatan Peninsula, offering a splendid taste of the great ancient Maya civilization. Whether you are staying in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, you can visit magnificent temples such as the Kukulcan Pyramid and the Ball Game Court and bear witness to the Maya culture. The Castle or Pyramid of Kukulcan is the most impressive temple in Chichen Itza, renowned for the number of tombs found there and the impeccable architecture that stands out by a stone feathered serpent.
Chichen Itza means “mouth of the well of Itzae”, in Maya. This names comes from the great cenote, a natural sinkhole that was used by the “Itzae” for ceremonies carried out honoring the god of rain “Chaac”, during the classic period (250-900 a.d) and post classic period (900-1500 a.d).
Chichen Itza became the most important religious center of the region and dominated political, socio-cultural, economic, and ideological life in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, reaching the top of its splendour during the Classic Period. The itzae origins are still discussed. According to the Mayan Civilization books “Chilam Balam”, they arrived from Central America around the Usumascinta Basin in the year 435 a.d, entering by Bacalar and going up North and West, they settled in Chichen Itza from 555 to 692 a.d, the Chilam Balam also tells in detail the long pilgrimage of the itzae through the peninsula, starting at Pole (Xcaret). Due to political, economic and cultural reasons they left to Chakam Putum, where they lived more than two hundred years up to 928 a.d. When Tutul Xiues arrived to the Yucatan Peninsula, the Itzae were displaced from Chakán Putum and started a pilgrimage of 40 years back to Chichén Itzá where they received a great influence from the Toltec-culture due to the arrival of Kukulcán from the highlands.
