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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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Tourists enjoy a horse-drawn cart ride in Sisal through lush agave fields at a traditional Mexican hacienda.

mexico

Sisal Tour

14 Nights from £3,924

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

Sunset over the sandy beaches and palm trees of Holbox Island, Yucatan, Mexico, with dramatic evening sky.

mexico

Cholola Tour

17 Nights from £5,160

Mexico City - Palenque - Campeche - Uxmal - Merida - Chichen Itza - Beach Resort at Holbox or Riviera Maya

Woman with arms raised overlooking Machu Picchu and the Andes Mountains Peru.

mexico, peru

Castillo Tour

18 Nights from £5,660

Lima - Lake Titicaca/Puno - The Sacred Valley - Machu Picchu - Cusco - Mexico City - Merida - Chichen-Itza - Tulum - Beach

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

mexico

Cenote Tour

14 Nights from £3,260

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

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

mexico

Kukulkan Tour

14 Nights from £3,828

Valladolid - Merida - Chichen Itza - Holbox Beach Village

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

mexico

Zocalo Tour

12 Nights from £3,082

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

Sweeping view of Cancun's turquoise waters and white-sand beach lined with sun loungers and umbrellas.

mexico

Mayaland Tour

13 Nights from £4,364

Valladolid - Merida - Campeche - Chicken Itza - Beach Resort, Riviera Maya

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

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Kabah Tour

14 Nights from £7,461

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

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