Ruins

Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá or “Mouth of the Well of the Itzaes” is one of the most famous and controversial metropolises still standing in the Mayan world. Once a prominent cultural and political center of the old Maya civilization, it was one of the extensive settlements of the northern central part of the Yucatán peninsula.

Towards the end of the X Century the city was invaded by a predominantly warlike tribe: the Toltecs. This invasion infused the culture with a new series of elements, not least of which is the representation of the snake-god Kukulkan. However, years later the city was abandoned for reasons which are still unknown.

During its splendor Chichén Itzá was the most powerful city in the Peninsula of Yucatán. Among its most remarkable buildings are the "Temple of Warriors", the Group of a "Thousand Columns", the "Platform of Venus", the "Tzompantli", the "Ball Court", the "Snail" or "Observatory", and the "Church".

The spectacular Pyramid of Kukulkan is breathtaking as it towers above its visitors. It is a four-sided pyramid, 30 meters high and crowned with a temple. The Pyramid actually has two distinct structures, each corresponding to a different era. The oldest is completely covered by the most recent. Inside lies the sculpture of a Chac Mool and a throne in the form of a red-painted jaguar.

It is believed that this pyramid represents the Mayan calendar: each step is one day of the year. There are 91 steps on each of the four sides, plus the one represented by the platform, a total of 365 days, the solar year to the day, giving rise to the belief that the monument was erected to honour the god of the sun.
The astronomical meaning of this building is obvious.

It is here where every year on March 21st, the spring equinox, an extraordinary natural light and shadow phenomenon takes place. It shows the descent of the great “Feathered Serpent”, Kukulcan, as it moves and slides down the pyramid. This event attracts thousands of visitors annually from all over the globe.

The sacred cenote was the heart of religious activities not only for the city itself, but for the entire Mayan region. As part of their reverence to the god of water, the Maya threw in ceremonial offerings consisting mainly of precious objects. Articles of gold, jade, copper, cloth and basketwork have been retrieved from its murky depths. So great was the city's power that for centuries after its decline it was occupied sporadically for religious ceremonies before being forgotten and left to be swallowed by the jungle.

And so the centuries passed until the arrival of the explorers, mesmerized by this glimpse into a mysterious past which the ancient relics promised. From the time they first began to rescue the buried city from among the trees and undergrowth, new discoveries continue to be made. Chichén Itzá is a marvelous, magical place to penetrate the intriguing, imposing and unforgettable world of the Maya, and to experience a first-hand view of this extraordinary culture.

Chichén Itzá is located in the east of the state of Yucatán along the highway to Cancun, 120 km from Mérida. It can be visited every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a spectacular light and sound show every night at 8 p.m. Simultaneous translation is available. This is an event definitely not to be missed.

Uxmal

Known as the “Three Times Built,” the architecture of Uxmal is among the most majestic in Yucatán. Its beauty is characterized by low, horizontal palaces placed around patios and quadrants richly decorated with detailed sculptures. Thousands of tiny stones, each polished and carefully positioned, form geometric mosaics that form perfection unequalled in the entire Mayan region.

Uxmal, enveloped by legends, myths and anecdotes, poetic by name and by nature, is situated within a series of hills known as the Puuc or “mountainous area” in Maya. The name was later given to describe the architectural style of the region. It is said that the city was founded by the tribe of the Xiues. During the Classic period between 600 and 900 AD the city flourished, with a population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants.

The surrounding land allowed the fabrication of the chultunes, cisterns ingeniously built by the Maya to store rainwater since cenotes don't exist in this area. Highly fertile terrain sustained the agricultural activity necessary to support the ancient settlers. Worship of water, the earth, the sun and Venus are all evident in the orientation and decoration of its structures.

The city is made of 15 groups of buildings in an extension of about 2 km. Among the most noteworthy are the "Pyramid of the Wizard, the "Plaza of the Birds", the "Nunnery", the "Ball Court", the "Governor's Palace", the "Great Pyramid", the "Old Woman's House", the "Cemetery" and the "Temple of the Phalli". The wide variety and quantity of buildings speak of the former social complexity and political, economic and religious activities.

The Governor's Palace is an excellent example of stone mosaic works, and probably involved the skill of thousands of masons and sculptors. The building holds many exquisite sculptures of the rain god Chaac, serpents and astrological symbols, and is considered the most beautiful construction in Mezoamerica for its style and imposing proportions.

Uxmal is located southwest of Mérida on the road to Campeche, 80 km from the city of Merida. It can be visited every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every night there is a spectacular light and sound show that narrates Mayan legends.

Ek Balam

The Sacred Kingdom of Talol, holder of a number of majestic structures hidden among the tall trees, has arisen from the past to reveal its secrets. Little was known of the Ek Balam site until recently, but investigations have shown that not only was it a large city, it was also considerably important. The site has many features common to Mayan culture, although others are unique.

Its story dates from approximately 300 years before Christ, until the arrival of the Spaniards. It was the capital of the Tah Empire, to whom the tribes from the eastern part of the state and along the coast paid tribute. This is evident in the many shells found that were given as offerings. It covered around 12 square kilometers and had a population of 12.000 to 18.000 inhabitants. It is said to have been founded by a lord named Ek Balam or Coch Cal Balam, who came from the east and ruled for the first 40 years.

Numerous large masks, friezes, and stone statues with allusions to jaguars and prominent citizens of the day have been revealed. The latter are mainly effigies of its governors, showing that the city was not part of the cult devoted to Kukulkan. Explorations have revealed part of the city's history, most notably the name of another of its governors and his descendents: Ukit.

The discovery of the tomb of King Ukit Kan Le'k Tok' constitutes an important archaeological find, and allows us to examine some of his personal effects. Left as offerings in the tomb itself were earrings made from conch and other shells, a large ceremonial knife made of obsidian, various objects made from bone and sea shells.

Ek Balam has 45 structures. It is surrounded by two concentric stone walls, with another that joins the central buildings. The walls were a line of defence and also helped to control access to the inner city. There is a ball court and a beautiful archway marking the entrance to the sacbe or sacred walk, which in ancient times connected Ek Balam to other Mayan cities. The stelas and so-called hieroglyphic serpents are beautifully carved monuments in blocks of stone. The structures unite various architectural styles, but some details Make them unique: the images of beings with wings, not unlike angels, for example.

The main site has been called "The Acropolis", an elevation measuring 158 m long, 68 m wide and 32 m high. It was built in several stages, one on top of the other, and a great number of vaulted rooms on different levels are connected by passages, similar to the secret passages of the castles of medieval Europe. A look under the straw-covered roofs that protect the façade attests to the intricate detail to art and symbolism incorporated in the sculptures, making this temple an artistic wonder.

The rest of the white buildings stand as mute witnesses to the importance and wealth of this ancient city with its well-preserved sculptures. The mystery that envelops it never fails to captivate visitors.

Ek Balam is located 26 km north of Valladolid and 186 km east of Mérida, along the Cancun highway. The archaeological zone is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance is free on Sundays and holidays for national and foreign visitors.

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