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Chichen Itza is a world-famous Mayan archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. It is remarkably well-preserved.

Chichen Itza is the most visited of all the Mayan sites, and is probably the best kept. The principal architects were actually the Toltecs, who arrived in the Yucatan in the late 10th century and so many of the important buildings bear little evidence of classical Mayan refinements. The buildings were built on an impressive scale and the area has been well manicured for the ease of its visitors.

Twice a year, a startling phenomena occurs, which demonstrates both the startling ingenuity of the Mayan people and the importance of astronomical forces and the lunar calendar in their society. El Castillo is a huge pyramid in the centre of the archaeological site and the most photographed structure here. At sunset on each Spring and Autumn equinox, its perfectly designed steps cast shadowy triangles onto the side of the staircase, joining together to create the astonishing illusion of a huge snake (a sacred Maya animal) slithering downwards, until it connects with the large stone serpent head statue at the bottom.

Visitors to Chichen Itza can stay at one of the nearby hotels or haciendas, affording the opportunity to visit at quieter and cooler times of the day, or equally arrive by car from Merida or Playa del Carmen.

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Visitors explore the cliffside Mayan ruins of Tulum overlooking the turquoise Caribbean Sea in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

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Kabah Tour

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Cancun - Valladolid - Mérida - Playa del Carmen - Belize Mountain Pine Ridge - Ambergris Caye

Colonial Antigua

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Pacal Tour

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Mexico City - Palenque - Mérida - Chichen Itza - Belize - Tikal - Aguateca - Belize - Antigua - Chichicastenango - Lake Atitlan

Three traditional Mexican guitarists perform indoors, capturing the spirit and musical heritage of Mexico.

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Zocalo Tour

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Mexico City - Mérida - Chichen-Itza - Choice of Beach Resorts

Spacious interior of a luxury Mayan-style villa with palapa roof, canopy bed, and natural wood furnishings in Mexico.

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Kukulkan Tour

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Valladolid - Merida - Chichen Itza - Holbox Beach Village

Large flock of bright pink flamingos wading in the shallow waters of the Celestun Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan, Mexico.

mexico

Balam Tour

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Valladolid - Espita - Izamal - Merida - Celestun Reserve - Santa Rosa - Chichen Itza - Tulum Beach

Visitors swim in the natural waters of Cenote Ik Kil, surrounded by hanging vines and limestone walls in Yucatan, Mexico.

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Cenote Tour

14 Nights from £3,260

Cancun - Valladolid - Merida - Campeche - Chichen Itza - Beach Resort

Friendly vendor in San Miguel de Allende sits among sacks of grains and spices, under the gaze of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

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Mirador Tour

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The Temple of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza rises under a bright sky, showcasing ancient Mayan architectural brilliance.

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Zapotec Tour

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Mexico City - Oaxaca - Mérida - Chichén Itzá - Belize - Tikal - Chichicastenango Market - Lake Atitlán - Antigua

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