Chichen Itza
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.
Specialist Knowledge
Need some help with your trip? Paulo Veloso has travelled extensively across Mexico and can help with his knowledge and expertise of the attractions and services available.
Mirador Tour
14 Nights from £3,647 €3,293 $4,105
A land steeped in ancient history, colonial past and scattered with Mayan and Aztec pyramids. We include the stunning Chiapas region with villages nestled in mountains.
Cenote Tour
14 Nights from £2,596 €2,085 $2,634
Explore the austere and palatial pyramids of ancient Mayan civilisations, discover colonial cities, isolated Haciendas and unwind on beaches lapped by the turquoise clear ocea…
Palapa Tour
10 Nights from £1,669 €1,019 $1,336
Explore the Aztec remnants of the past, stepping back in time at Calakmul for the pyramids of mighty civilisations, small villages, the walled city of Campeche and colonial Me…
Sisal Tour
14 Nights from £5,031 €4,886 $6,044
The wealth of producing sisal is visible in the opulent country Haciendas, now converted into small luxury hotels for you to experience. Visit massive Mayan pyramids and exten…
Ninos Mayas Tour
13 Nights from £2,595 €2,084 $2,633
Experience the achievements of the ancient civilisation of the Mayas who built fortress cities with huge pyramids and were pioneers in the observation of the universe. After t…
Balam Tour
14 Nights from £2,737 €2,247 $2,832
Journey the backroads to discover seldom visited corners of the Yucatan. History unfolds in the colonial splendour of the cities and the half-forgotten pyramids of ancient ci…
Ambos Mundos Tour
12 Nights from £3,541 €3,172 $3,957
The proud, defiant traditions of Cuba contrast with impressive Mayan pyramids of the Yucatan, both sharing similar Spanish colonial heritage but very different modern history…
Zapotec Tour
21 Nights from £4,683 €4,485 $5,556
Mighty Aztec and Mayan civilisations built sprawling cities with fabulous pyramids. Visit the markets, admire the weaving, witness the colonial influences and enjoy modern lif…
Pacal Tour
15 Nights from £4,642 €4,438 $5,499
Visit Mayan villages, colourful weavers and the massive pyramids built by powerful civilisations that mysteriously abandoned their cities to the encoaching jungle.
All the arrangements you made worked perfectly and there was never a moment when we were unsure of what was happening next. All the agents in Mexico, Belize & Guatemala were extremely professional.
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