Chichen Itzá

Chichén Itzá is perhaps the most well preserved archaeological site in Mexico and also one of the most visited.  This sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatan peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya, Toltec and Iztec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works. The fusion of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico makes Chichen Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatan.  

The archaeological zone is divided into three sections; the North Group, with its most famous landmark El Castillo (the castle) pyramid and the Sacred Cenote or natural well; the Central Group, whose most famous structure is El Caracol, so-called because it resembles a giant conch shell; and the South Group containing the Temple of the Three Lintels. The Castle or El Castillo has Maya and Toltec influences and has a prominent and symbolic role. It is located on the Great Square and stands out from the other buildings due to its perfect dimensions and its height of more than 30 meters. The pyramid itself was built around 650 and 800 AD. Its four stairs are made of 91 steps and when multiplying the stairs by the steps plus the upper level of the pyramid it adds to 365, the days of a year. Due to its dimensions and its relationship with the sun calendar, it is believed that the pyramid worships the Sun. During the equinoxes, light and shadow form a series of triangles on the side of the north staircase that creates the illusion of a serpent gliding down the pyramid.

Chichen Itza has the largest and most impressive ball court in Mesoamerica. The court is flanked by temples at either end and bounded by towering parallel walls with stone rings cemented up high.