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Mayan Ruins Of The Yucatan Pennisula |
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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 Kulkulkan, the Chamber of the Jaguar and
the entire archaeological complex, including the cenotes is
fascinating.
This fascinating Mayan city, is
located southeast of Merida in the state of Yucatan in the midst of
fabulous natural surroundings. 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.
Chichen Itza reached its peak between 750
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 Kulkulkan 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
Kulkulkan the plumed serpent.
Visitors can also
explore the sacbes the white paths used by the ancient Mayans, and
experience the magic of the past by watching the arrival of the God
Kulkulkan 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.
Video Tour: Chichen-Itza
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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
Kulkulkan
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 Chaak, 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-Ha 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 cafes jockey for
space with elegant, first-class restaurants. Life in Playa del Carmen is
characterized by variety and diversity.
Until recently,
Xaman-Ha 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 Cancun and Tulum 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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Coba
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, sacbes or roads, platforms,
foundations, pyramids and patios have been partially preserved.
Video Tour: Coba
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Tulum
Archaeological zone, 132 km from
Cancun ?hose location on the edge of a cliff overlooking the
Caribbean Sea makes it one of the most spectacular in the Mayan
World.
Video Tour: Tulum
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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-Ha
The park 115 km outside
Cancun features underwater rivers, lagoons, limestone sinkholes,
virtually unspoiled forest and archaeological remains. Ideal for
swimming and snorkeling. |
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