Chichen Itzá is in the eastern region of Yucatan, it is an archaeological Mayan zone and now it is one of the 7 new wonders of the World too. Chichen Itza is a great destination for those who enjoy archaeology, but also for those who like history and the charming allure of ancient civilizations.
While you are in Chichen Itza you have to go to Pyramid of Kukulcan also known as The Castle, this place is great to visit during the spring equinox beacause the sunlight creates a shadow image of a plumed serpent going down the pyramid’s stairs, this natural phenomenon occurs each year in Chichen Itza and it is visited by hundreds of mexican people and tourists too. After visiting The Castle you can go to the Juego de Pelota (Ball game), the Snail or Observatory. Chichen Itza is a big and beautiful place to visit, was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
About Sinkhole, Chichen Itza has the Sacred sinkhole (Cenote Sagrado) it was used to do offering to Chaac (mayan rain god) so in the bottom there can be found jewelry and young women bones.
ACTIVITIES AT CHICHEN ITZA
Ecotourism and Adventure
– Ecotourism
Knowledge and cultura
- Archaeology
- Party
- Gastronomy
- Museums
- Arts
- Handicraft
Hobby
-Shopping
- Recreation
- Night Show
- Sports
- Night Life
PLACES TO VISIT
Firstable you have to visit Chichen Itza, you can go by car. There you can enjoy the architecture and learn about the history of Chichen Itza by visiting the museum and the light and sound show. Then you can visit the Sacred Sinkhole and later (about 6km ahead) you will find The Balamkanche Caverns, this place was an old Mayan Ceremonial Center. At this place you can find the remains of countless offerings and an altar called the Throne of Balam.
If you continue by the 180 highway will find Valladolid, this is the second oldest city in Yucatan, you can’t forget to visit Candelaria, one of the most picturesque neighborhoods. Among the city’s most impressive edifices is the Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena, San Gervasio Church, San Juan de Dios Temple and the Palacio Municipal. After Valladolid you can go to Ek Balam and Zaci Sinkhole, just some kilometers from Valladolid. Ek Balam is another archaeological zone which has 45 majestic constructions, among them the Ball Court and a beautiful arch encircled by two concentric stone walls. Cenote Zaci (Zaci Sinkhole), which has a natural pool and a unique restaurant. The colorful city is also full of leather and henequen goods, hammocks, rattan fabrics and stone sculptures.
Another place near Chichen Itza is Izamal, this is a magical town because is an ancient Mayan Ceremonial Grounds, it is also known as the City of Three Cultures, at this place, seven pyramids were constructed. You can tour the gorgeous city in horse-drawn carriages, visiting the plazas, parks and historic suburbs. The Pyramid of Itzamatul is the second most important structure in Izamal. You can’t miss the show with the Voices and Magic of Izamal, which is a popular tourist attraction that explains Mayan cosmovision.
If you are looking for crocodiles and pink flamingoes or mountain bike exploration you have to go to Lagartos River, El Cuyo and Las Coloradas.
SERVICES AND TOURISM
Chichen Itza is connected to Cancun and Merida by the highway 180. If you decide to go to Merida you can find bus lines Super Expreso and Autotransportes de Oriente (a second-class bus) both go to Merida-Chichen Itza. If you are traveling by air, you have to arrive to Merida first on airlines such as Aerocaribe, Aeromexico, Aviacsa and Mexicana.
Local Airport is located at Km 132.2 off the Merida-Cancun Highway, Kawua-Yucatan, in Chichen Itza. Phone number (985) 851-0408
Cancun International Airport is located off the Cancun-Tulum Highway. The airport has taxi and bus services to Cancun, the hotel zone and Playa del Carmen.
Manuel Crescencio Rejon Airport is located at Km 4.5 off the Merida-Uman Highway. Phone number (999) 946-1340
Bus Terminal is located on Calle 39, at Calle 46, in Valladolid.
INTERESTING AND EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Valladolid Tourism Office. (985) 856-1865
Emergency. 060
Red Cross. (985) 856-2413
Green Angels (emergency highway road service). 078
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