About Chichen Itza, Mexico

Fascinating Mayan city whose name means "the city of the water wizards". Located in the south of Mérida in the state of Yucatán in the midst of fabulous natural surroundings where the deep blue skies contrast with the lush green vegetation. It is surrounded by underground rivers, natural wells and limestone that the Mayans used to construct their magnificent buildings and entire cities that are only just beginning to reveal the secrets of their founders¡¯ glorious past.



Chichén Itzá reached its peak between 700 and 1200 AD, although it was inhabited for over 2000 years. It controlled trade and unified the region as well as being the center of political, economic and military power in the area.



Its main attractions include El Castillo or the Pyramid of Kukulkán, a magnificent pyramid topped by a temple, while in the north of the archaeological zone stands the sacred Cenote, a silent witness to the numerous ceremonies performed by the Mayans. The Observatory or Giant Conch Snail is another of the buildings that is internationally renowned, since it was built to observe Venus, a planet that the Mayans identified with the God Kukulkán, the plumed serpent.



Visitors can also explore the sacbés, the white paths used by the ancient Mayans, and experience the magic of the past by watching the arrival of the God Kukulkán who, in a play of light and shadow, descends from his temple every year during the spring and autumn equinox, thereby imprinting his majestic presence on men¡¯s memory over the centuries.