Chichén Itzá Archaeological Zone
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YUCATAN, MEXICO
While cruising the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Chichén Itzá is a wonderful place to discover when cruising Yucatan, Mexico. Chichén Itzá was established during the Classic period approximately 415-455 depending on which manuscript account you believe. The name of the town is derived from “At the edge of the well of the Itzaes” which is the cenotes and chines that are natural cavities of underground waters located in that area. |
The second settlement of Chichen Itza and the most important, was during the 10th century. Its directly correlated to the migration of Toltec warriors from Mexico to the south. After the conquest of Yucatan, both styles of symbolism from the Maya and Toltec traditions were combined to form the new culture. The Chichen Itza monuments are the Great Ball Court, the Temple of Kukulkan, and the Temple of the Warriors.
These masterpiece architectural ruins are a beauty to withhold. This is by far the most important archaeological tribute to the Maya-Toltec civilization. During the 15th century, Chichen Itza experienced a gradual deterioration. Some of the earliest excavations at the site occurred more than a century ago. That being said, the most of the materials and building techniques the Maya used, would be preserved through the centuries. There are however some parts of the infrastructure that continue to deteriorate so they are constantly being monitored in order to avoid negative progression.
One of the most famous claims to fame of Chichen Itza is its world famous play of light and shadow that is seen on the steps of the pyramid base. As the sun rises over the horizon, it illuminates the western side of the base which creates triangles of light and shadow that appear to look like a serpents head in the railing. Due to the Mayans great knowledge of astronomy and architecture, they were able to achieve this amazing display. For this reason, the Mayans remain one of the most studied regions and cultures in civilization.
These masterpiece architectural ruins are a beauty to withhold. This is by far the most important archaeological tribute to the Maya-Toltec civilization. During the 15th century, Chichen Itza experienced a gradual deterioration. Some of the earliest excavations at the site occurred more than a century ago. That being said, the most of the materials and building techniques the Maya used, would be preserved through the centuries. There are however some parts of the infrastructure that continue to deteriorate so they are constantly being monitored in order to avoid negative progression.
One of the most famous claims to fame of Chichen Itza is its world famous play of light and shadow that is seen on the steps of the pyramid base. As the sun rises over the horizon, it illuminates the western side of the base which creates triangles of light and shadow that appear to look like a serpents head in the railing. Due to the Mayans great knowledge of astronomy and architecture, they were able to achieve this amazing display. For this reason, the Mayans remain one of the most studied regions and cultures in civilization.
- OPEN DAILY -
- Monday - Sunday | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm -
- Please check website for more information -
- Monday - Sunday | 8:00 am - 4:00 pm -
- Please check website for more information -
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Learn more about Chichén Itzá by visiting their website.
Address: Instituto Nacional de Antropología E Historia, Mexico! N q, I Zona Arqueológica Chichen Itza Zona Arqueológica Chichen Itza, 97751, Pisté, Yuc., Mexico
Phone: 01 (985) 8 51 01 37
Address: Instituto Nacional de Antropología E Historia, Mexico! N q, I Zona Arqueológica Chichen Itza Zona Arqueológica Chichen Itza, 97751, Pisté, Yuc., Mexico
Phone: 01 (985) 8 51 01 37
Updated 10/16/20 - lls