“The mouth of the well of the Itzáes,” the translation of one of the Mayan World’s most famous and impressive sites continues to amaze all who visit; Chichen Itzá was an important cultural and political center of the ancient Mayan civilization and was one of the largest settlements in the central-north part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Today, Chichen Itzá is considered to be one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. After, we take you to discover a beautiful cenote.
** Departure from your hotel at 9 am
** Transportation with A/C
** Visit to an impressive cenote with a specialized guide
** Snorkel equipment and life jacket
** Traditional food
** Return to hotel at 5 PM
Not included:
** Entrance to the archaeological site
** Drinks in the restaurant
Recommendations:
Wear your bathing suit under your clothes, bring a towel and camera
Price per person: $750.00 Pesos
Minimum 4 people required for this tour however contact us for availability.
Chichen Itzá
Chichen Itzá or “Mouth of the Well Itzáes” is one of
the most famous and controversial metropolis’ still standing
in the Mayan world. Once a prominent cultural and political center
of the old Maya civilization, it was one of the most extensive settlements
during the end of the tenth century when the city was invaded by
a predominantly warlike tribe; the Toltecs. This invasion infused
the culture with a new series of elements, not least of which is
the representation of the snake-god Kukulcan. However, years later
the city was abandoned for reasons which are still unknown.
During this splendour Chichen Itzá was the most powerful city in
the Peninsula of Yucatan. Among its most remarkable buildings is
the Temple of Warriors, the group of Thousands of Columns, the Platform
of Venus, the Tzompantli, the Ball Court, the Snail or Observatory
in the Church.
The spectacular Pyramid of Kukulcan in Chichen Itzá is breathtaking
as it towers above its visitors. It is a four-sided pyramid, 30
meters high and crowned with a temple. The Pyramid actually has
two distinct structures, each correspond to a different era. The
oldest is completely covered by the most recent. Inside lies the
sculpture of a Chac Mool and a throne in the form of a red-painted
jaguar. It is believed that this pyramid represents the Mayan calendar:
each step is one day of the year. There are 91 steps on each of
the four sides, plus the one represented by the platform, a total
of 365 days, the solar year to the day, giving rise to the belief
that the monument was erected to honour the god of the sun.
The astronomical meaning of this building is obvious in Chichen
Itzá. It is here that the “Feathered Serpent” descends
punctually every equinox, in a light and shadow phenomenon that
attracts thousands of visitors annually from all over the globe.
The sacred cenote of Chichen Itzá was the heart of religious activities
not only for the city itself, but for the entire Mayan region. As
part of their reverence to the god of water, the Maya threw in ceremonial
offerings consisting mainly of precious objects. Articles of gold,
jade, copper, cloth and basketwork have been retrieved from its
murky depths. So great was the city’s power that for centuries
after its declines it was occupied sporadically for religious ceremonies
before being forgotten and left to be swallowed by the jungle.
And so the centuries passed until the arrival of the explorers,
ancient relics promised. From among the trees and undergrowth, new
discoveries continue to be made.
Chichen Itzá is a marvellous, magical place to penetrate the intriguing,
imposing an unforgettable world of the Maya, and to experience a
firsthand view of this extraordinary culture.
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