Located only three hours from Cancun, Chichen Itza is the most visited site on the Yucatan. It is one of the most monumental of the Mayan ruins that dot the peninsula, offering its visitors grand architecture, rich history, and insight into one of the great civilizations of the past. If you are going to visit Chichen Itza it's best to get there as close to the 8 am opening time as possible because it is nearly always crowded with visitors anxious to enjoy its mysterious atmosphere.
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While Europe was still mired in the Dark Ages the Mayan empire was flourishing on the other side of the world. The Mayans were great mathematicians and astronomers, mapping the heavens and creating a calendar which is the basis for the one we still use today. Without metal tools, pack animals, or even the wheel the Mayans built grand and architecturally perfect pyramids and temples to glorify their gods and expand their empire.
That empire began to decline inexplicably as they were reaching the pinnacle of their achievements. Perhaps this decline was due to drought and famine or political strife. Today all that remains of their great empire are ruins such as Chichen Itza. Descendants of the Mayans still live in the Yucatan; in fact, most Mexicans are of Mayan descent.
Chichen Itza is probably most famous for the Pyramid of Kukulkan, an imposing structure that rises seventy-nine feet from the desert floor. The steps on two sides of the pyramid have been restored while the other two sets have been left in their pre-restoration state. The Mayans designed these steps so that on the days of the Spring and Fall equinoxes the shadows of the sun would play along them, resembling giant snakes slithering down the sides of the pyramid.
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