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Chichen Itza
 Chichen
Itza is a fascinating Mayan city whose name means “the city
of the water wizards”. Chichen Itiza is 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. Chichen itza 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.
Chichen Itza's 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 at Chichen Itza 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 to Chichen Itza 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.This archaeological city
of the state of Yucatan was founded by the Maya-Itzas who came led
by Itzamna after separating from Acalon. They arrived in the
Peninsula around the year 435-455 A.D.. Chichen was occupied twice.
The first occupation was from 495 to 692, and the second from 948 to
1204. The architecture of the first period is considered to be
authentically Maya, and the second is considered to have Toltec
influence, since it has certain elements in common with those found
in Tula, the ancient capital of the Toltec-Hueytlapalanecas.
The zone measures 3 kms from North to South and 2 kms from West to
East. This zone contains so many constructions that it gives us an
idea of how important this city was to the Maya. In general these
buildings can be divided into two groups, according to the era in
which they were built.
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