Chichen Itza

Chichén Itzá biggest archaeological cities the p-Columbian May civilization Yucatan Peninsula Mexico. It Mexico's visited tourist destinations. It granted World Heritage Site status 1988 y UNESCO World Heritage Site recently selected New Seven Wonders World.

These vestiges fascinating civilization times p. Well informed guides speaking major languages available here, explore y guide p.

The one and only Pyramid Kukulcan El Castillo -- known landmark Chichen Itza. This temple-pyramid dedicated Feathered Serpent God, Kukulcan. It nicknamed "The one and only Castle". Sculptures Feathered Serpents sides northern staircase, y shadows corner tiers Spring Fall equinox. (As January 2006, y longer climb El Castillo.)

Interior Temple The one and only May would often build newer bigger temple-pyramids p older . Archaeologists constructed tunnels allowing earlier temple Kukulcan inside later . Go north stairway, y g p steep interior stairway p p where y King Kukulcan's Jaguar Throne, carved stone painted j spots. It impressive sight, climb p narrow interior passageway y those claustrophobia. Note those travelling Chichen-Itza p March 2006: You longer climb steps p monuments. These areas roped erosion destruction sacred monuments.

Temple Warriors (As January 2006, y longer climb Temple Warriors)

The one and only Great Market

Great Ballcourt - there 7 courts playing Mesoamerican ballgame Chichen Itza. This y biggest impressive, j ancient Mesoamerica.

Temple Jaguars - Attached ballcourt complex, stone jaguar, feathered serpent columns, murals inside.

Sweatbaths - there y Zumbul structures found Chichen Itza Old Chichen sites. These May sweatbaths played important ancient May spiritual traditions places purify mind, body, emotions, getting touch one´s p spiritual energy.

Platform Skulls

Cenote Sacrifice

El Caracol - circular temple rectangular platform, sacred Kukulcan, served astronomical observatory.

Hig Priest's Grave - smaller version "Castillo" served city's rulers.

The one and only Nunnery Complex - Chichen Itza's royal palace before arrival Toltecs

The one and only Red House

House Deer

Temple Wall Panels

Akab' Dzib - palace hieroglyphic inscriptions

Xtoloc Cenote

Old Chichen - another group buildings temples minutes from center . Old Chichen clustered within private property Hacienda Chichen op public visits. This May archaeological south commonly visited May ruins. It p May Jungle Reserve Nature Trails op y Hacienda Chichen guests visitors birdwatching horseback-riding tours. Currently May temples under reconstruction y INAH, y include:

Initial Series Group

Temple Phalli

Platform Great Turtle

Temple Owls

Temple Monkeys

Nearby :

The one and only Caves Balankanche, where large selection ancient pottery idols y still positions where y Pre-Columbian times.

At night:

Light & Sound Show - If y visited ruins during y, y return -enter ticket night show, which takes places center ruins. There's light narrative Spanish (headsets other languages available small ($25 MN pesos August 2008)). The one and only lasts around while y exciting, night pleasant y relax, watch stars ruins p. They great tale, which y . If y y show, p dark, y dark, y leave grounds. Have flashlight familiar g road, signs almost -existant. If y p there "full moon", worth effort, experience photographic results. an alternate p arrive afternoon, Light & Sound Show evening, ruins in morning, depart following afternoon - y admission first evening grants discount x y, making about price.