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Chichen Itza Chichen Itza, recently voted as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' in 2007, is one of the best preserved Maya sites on the Yucatan Peninsula. Myths tell that the exiled Toltec god-king Quetzalcoatl (Kukulcan) settled at Chichen Itza. In its prime it supported over 35,000 people and served as a commercial, religious and military center lasting until around the 13th century.
Chichen Itza is located off Mexico 180, 40 km (25 miles) west of Valladolid, 2 1/2 hours from Cancun International Airport and 90 minutes from Merida International Airport. There are many Chichen Itza hotels near the ruins in Piste which is 2 miles from the archaeological site, and also hotels in Merida, Cancun and Valladolid. Hours are 8-5 daily. Sundays can be busy as there is no entrance charge for Mexican nationals. Bring lots of water as it can get very hot. Check rates for the Chichen Itza World Wonder tour departing from Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Merida.
March 21 and September 21. An optical illusion created by the ancient Maya can be seen when the sun casts a shadow on the north side of the castle (El Castillo) forming the image of a 'snake' which moves down the steps behind each of the two stone serpent heads at the base of the pyramid. This illusion takes place around 4 pm CST and best to arrive early to obtain a good spot to watch this amazing phenomenon. Unfortunately it has to be a sunny day to see the snake's shadow.
The Observatory The observatory at Chichen Itza is also called El Caracol (the snail) for its spiral staircase. This building was as astronomical observatory and the various slits in the walls correspond to the positions of certain celestial bodies on key dates in the Maya calendar.
Chichen Itza Tours & Reservations
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Campeche Travel Guide. Copyright © 2008 |
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Chichen
Itza, Mexico 
Chichen
Itza Equinox 
