1.
El Castillo, known as the Temple of Kukulcán, is a Mesoamerican step-pyramid that dominates the center of the Chichen Itza archaeological site in the Mexican state of Yucatán. The pyramid building is more formally designated by archaeologists as Chichen Itza Structure 5B18.
Note: This 4.5+ mile-long tour covers the essentials of Mayan Ruins in 7-8 hours.
15 minutes
2.
Tzompantli which means skull rack is otherwise known as the Platform of Skulls. Chichen Itza is home to a Toltec structure where the heads of the sacrificial victims were placed - whew!
10 minutes
3. Cenote Ik kil
The Sacred Cenote or Sacred Well is one of the most venerable spots on the Chichen Itza. Otherwise known as the Well of Sacrifice, this spot combines the very essence of Mayan beliefs and fears. The cenotes are bodies of water formed by the limestone plain which covers most of the Yucatán Peninsula. The cenotes manifest themselves as rivers, pools or streams beneath the limestone terrain.
10 minutes
4. Temple of the Warriors
Much like an expensive wedding cake, the Temple of Warriors has three, thick tiers at the bottom with a small temple on top. Look at the base of the stairway, there are about 200 columns, each with Toltec warriors placed in varying scenes carved into every side.
10 minutes
5. The Ossuary
Between the plazas, platforms and a cenote stands a pyramid that is related to the dynasty of the Lords of Chichen Itza.
El Osario- otherwise known as the Ossuary - was given its name due to the numerous human and animal bones found on site. It is also known as the High Priest’s Grave.
El Osario is a smaller rendition of El Castillo. It has four staircases and is around 9 meters high. Designs similar to the ones on the Temple of Warriors and on the Venus Platforms are carved into this structure.
10 minutes
6. El Caracol
El Caracol is one of the more interesting buildings of Chichen Itza. On top of this structure, you can see the remains of what was originally a cylindrically shaped observatory.
The Mayans had a particular love for the heavens for they believed that they could record the will and actions of God if they look closely enough.
10 minutes
7. Las Monjas
The imposing structure on your right is Las Monjas or the Nunnery and it is quite possibly one of the largest buildings in Chichen Itza. It has been rebuilt over and over again, therefore it houses more chambers and flats than other structures.
A distinctive feature of the Las Monjas complex is the sheer number of texts that almost completely cover the place.
10 minutes
8. Tulum Archaeological Site
Tulum Ruins, Tulum Walls and Cenote, House of Columns
20 minutes
9. Casa Cenote
Don’t let the beautiful ocean view distract you from this fascinating structure. It consists of two rooms, one of which can be accessed from the entrance. The other room branches out from the western offshoot within the wall’s construction.
10 minutes
10.
The Temple of the Wind is a one of the most interesting structures. The Temple sits on top of the cliff with its single doorway facing north and overlooking a group of small shrines on the hillside.
The round platforms seen here indicate that this is a temple to the Wind God.
10 minutes
11.
The largest structure, featured in Tulum is the 40 feet Pyramid structure of The Castle (El Castillo) which stands on a rocky bluff of the same height. This structure followed the same pattern as of other renowned Mayan architecture with the building being built in multiple phases.
10 minutes
12.
Welcome to the Temple of Frescoes. This two storiedbuilding with its unassuming proportions has tremendous archeological significance. It is the most richly decorated and elaborately painted structure on this site.
10 minutes
13. Tulum Beach
The ruins are hugged by a rugged coastline featuring a breathtaking view of turquoise waters and sandy beach by the sea. The vista of cliffs on which the ruins stand have a spellbinding effect on the visitors. The picturesque walk down to the beach via the stairs from El Castillo shows a mass of twisted limestone covered with plants. Check out this view from up close as it promises to linger in the memory of the place.
10 minutes
14. Ek Balam Village
Several more attractions to see...
- Welcome
- Civilization
- Visitors Centre
- History
- Spanish Conquest
- Sacbe
- Defensive Wall
- Entrance Arch
- Mayan Ballgame
- Ballcourt
- Architecture
- Ceremonial Circular Steam Bath
- Religion
- The Acropolis
- Hieroglyphic Serpents
- The Tomb
- Top of the Pyramid
- South Plaza
- Today
- Farewell
15.
Several More stop to see
- Welcome to Coba's Mayan Ruins
- Rise & Fall
- Ancient Trees of Coba
- Ball Court
- La Iglesia Pyramid
- Crossroads Pyramid & Architecture
- Bicycle Rental
- The Ancient Streets of Coba & Mayan Civilization
- Macanxoc Lagoon
- Stelae
- Stela 1
- The Pyramid of the Painted Lintel
- Religion
- The Ball Court 2
- Calendar
- Xaibe Lookout Tower
- Stela 20 of Ruler D
- Nohoch Mul Pyramid
- Mayans Today, Cenotes, and Farewell
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