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Chichen Itza Archaeology:
The archaeological zone is divided into three sections; the North
Group, with El Castillo 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 Pyramid of Kukulcán, the Chamber of the Jaguar and
the entire archaeological complex, including the cenotes is fascinating.
Fascinating Mayan city whose name means “the city of the water
wizards”. 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. It 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.
Its 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 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 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.
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El Caracol
Inside there is a spiral staircase, also known as the Observatory,
since it was built for astronomical purposes. It has small windows in the
walls facing the points of the compass. |
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El Castillo or the Pyramid of Kukulkán-
Largest structure on the site. During the equinoxes, the shadow reflected
on one of its sides creates the illusion of a serpent gliding down the
pyramid. The spectacular Jaguar Chamber is inside the structure. |
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The Ball Game-
Once the largest in Mesoamerica, this ball court has two walls with rings
for scoring, and panels with scenes of decapitation associated with the
game. |
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The Sacred Cenote-
This represented access to the gods, such as Chaac, the god of rain, in
which the Mayans performed ceremonies and sacrificed jaguars. |
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The Temple of the Warriors-
Decorated with panels sculpted with animal figures and deities. The upper
temple contains a Chac Mool with columns of plumed serpents. |
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Playa del Carmen Archaeology:
On the outskirts of Playa del Carmen, on the Mexican Caribbean
coast, stands one of the main archaeological zones of Quintana Roo, just 63
km away from the city. Known as Tulum, it contains the Templo de El Castillo
and the Templo de los Frescos where you can admire the wonderful paintings
of the Mayan world.
The capital of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, evolved from a
small village of Mayan pilgrims to a lively, cosmopolitan city with the
highest urban growth in the country. Its natural features, beauty and long
beaches, its enviable geographical location and its blend of sea and jungle
make this destination on the Mexican Caribbean a magnet for both Mexicans
and visitors from other parts of the world.
In this city, activities and imagination go hand in hand: the coast
lends itself to all kinds of water sports. There are diving facilities both
inland and in the sea, the deep waters separating it from Cozumel are idea
for sport fishing, the jungle invites you to explore its lush, magical world
while trips to nearby archaeological sites are extremely gratifying. The
evening offers a number of options such as places to dance and shake off the
insomnia caused by Caribbean nights, popular fiestas on the beaches and
lively bars.
Playa del Carmen is also an ideal spot for visiting one of the most
beautiful parks in Mexico: Xcaret, which is also the place where ferries set
off to the Island of Cozumel. It is also near the natural well area of
Puerto Aventuras while the largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Há, is
just forty-five minutes away.
The pace of life in Playa del Carmen varies considerably. At times
it reflects the gentle waves that bathe its shores with their warm, white
sands, and at others, it mirrors the rhythm of Quinta Avenida, with its
improvised artists, and dozens of languages blended into a single murmur.
Everything about Playa is surprising. Grand hotels and resorts rub shoulders
with small, traditional hostels, while dozens of snack-bars and cafés jockey
for space with elegant, first-class restaurants. Life in Playa del Carmen is
characterized by variety and diversity.
Until recently, Xaman-Há, a meeting point for the Mayans to attend
their ceremonial appointment with the goddess Ixchel on the neighboring
island of Cozumel, was a small fishing village. It is now the second most
important tourist destination in the Mexican Caribbean
Playa del Carmen lies halfway between Cancún and Tulúm on a coastal
strip that combines jungle, mangrove swamps and white sandy beaches. It is
characterized by its diversity; the porous soil of the Peninsula creates a
variety of features such as natural wells surrounded by jungle, bays where
underground rivers blend with the sea and extensive mangrove swamps.
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Cobá
This Mayan city was built in the fauna-rich jungle next to freshwater
lakes about 2,200 years ago. Today, four sections of this complex –Coba,
Chumuc Mul, Macanxoc and Nohoch mul- that contain buildings, sacbés, or
roads, platforms, foundations, pyramids and patios have been partially
preserved. |
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Tulum
Archaeological zone, 132 km from Cancún, whose location on the edge of a
cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea makes it one of the most spectacular
in the Mayan World. |
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Xcaret
Here you can swim with dolphins, dive in the nearby coral reef or just
swim in the most transparent waters in the world. Archaeological zones,
underground rives, aquariums that reproduce the Mayan reef, botanical
gardens and an aviary for reproducing endangered species. The bay
provides refuge for thousands of species of brightly-colored fish. |
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Xel-Há
The park 115 km outside Cancún features underwater rivers, lagoons,
limestone sinkholes, virtually unspoiled forest and archaeological
remains. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling. |
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