Chichen Itza in Latin America located on the Yucatan Peninsula. This is the real center of the Mayan civilization. It is located 120 km from Merida, there are many architectural monuments... UNESCO recognized Chichen Itza as an object of the world cultural heritage, now this city is extremely popular with tourists.

History

The history of Chichen Itza dates back to the 5-6 centuries. This city immediately becomes the center of Yucatan, with regards to culture, politics and religion. The number of inhabitants here reached 30 thousand, the city became a center of pilgrimage, merchants and wanderers came here. First, the Mayan tribes lived here, then Chichen Itza was captured by the Toltecs.

The rulers of the Maya tribes have always increased their power and influence, so the fact of the crushing of the empire seems strange. The inhabitants simply left the city. There was drought, crop problems, famine. But even this does not explain the collapse of civilization. In the chronicles of the Spaniards, the Mayans appear as a tribe with primitive foundations, so the conquerors very quickly managed to take the situation into their own hands.

In the 15th century, cattle were grazed here, although earlier the territory was populous and rich. In the middle of the 19th century, people began to show interest in the Mayan culture. Historians and cultural figures are very interested in the place. Excavations began here, and in the 20th century it was decided to restore the original appearance of this place.

sights

We present to your attention a description of the main attractions of the Mexican city. You can also appreciate the city of Chichen Itza in the photo.

The sights of Chichen Itza are not limited to this list. There are wonderful platforms, columns, places with stunning views. The ruins of 4 colonnades form a huge rectangle called the "Group of a Thousand Columns". There are well-preserved statues representing various deities. For those interested in history, the city becomes a real boon.

How to get there?

We sorted out where Chichen Itza is, now it remains to understand how to get there. You can go to these places as part of a tour group on an excursion. It can be ordered at any hotel. It will cost less than getting there on your own, there will be an opportunity to visit several places at once, see the sights. But in this case, you will be traveling with a large group of tourists, the time will be limited. You may not have time to pay due attention to details that are interesting to you. And you are unlikely to see a night light show with soundtrack. There is an option to hire a personal guide, the excursion can be individual.

Another option is to take the ADO bus to Chichen Itza. It can be done:

1) bus Cancun - Chichen Itza: ~ 3 hours on the way;

2) from Playa del Carmen, the road will take 4 hours;

3) from Merida can be reached in 1.5 hours.

Depending on the place of departure, tickets can cost 140-320 pesos, prices change regularly, so it is advisable to familiarize yourself with them in advance.

The third way to come to Chichen Itza is by renting a car. There are many sights to see along the way. If you go from Cancun, there will be 2 roads, paid and free.

You need to come to Chichen Itza as early as possible. The complex opens at 8 am and is only open until 5 pm. In the evening, there is a light show, which starts at 7 (winter) or 8 (summer) in the evening. Tickets are not cheap, but there really is a lot to see.

The ancient city of Chichen Itza, Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula) is a storehouse of information about the life of ancient tribes, their culture, traditions and customs. It is not for nothing that the pyramid has become a wonder of the world in the new list, adopted in 2007. This is a place worth visiting for everyone, especially if you are interested in history. And also - it's beautiful and very atmospheric!

History Central America knows several civilizations. But it was the Mayan culture that always attracted me. First of all, I was interested in how this civilization, which knew neither wheel nor iron, was able to achieve such a level of development of the exact sciences, primarily mathematics and astronomy. And what structures they left behind. Therefore, when the opportunity arose for another trip, I did not hesitate to choose Mexico, the country where Chichen Itza, the iconic Mayan city, whose photos have become the hallmark of Central.

History of Chichen Itza, the ancient Mayan city

The first question that interests every traveler who finds himself in this mysterious place is what ancient people built the city of Chichen Itza and when it happened. The city was founded in V-VI centuries by the Itza people, one of the tribes of the Mayan civilization. At this time, a stage began in the history of Chichen Itza, which in the pre-Columbian period is identified with the Maya period. The city was one of the most important cultural centers and flourished until the end of the 7th century, after which it fell into relative decline.

In the 10th century, Chichen Itza conquered by the Toltec tribes and by the middle of the 11th century it became the capital of their state. In the 12th century, as a result of a conflict with neighboring city-states, the city was severely damaged, but after that it existed for some time and even developed. At the end of the 13th century, for unknown reasons, the city fell into decay and was completely abandoned by people. At the time of the invasion of the Spanish conquerors in the 15th-16th centuries, Chichen Itza was already completely abandoned and partially in ruins.

Since the conquistadors did not show interest in the history of local peoples, they even tried to destroy the traces of their ancient civilizations, no one was interested in the abandoned city for a long time.

Only in the 19th century, on the wave of national liberation movements, as well as an increased interest in science, the abandoned city attracted attention. At first, isolated private researchers, adventurers and fans of the occult sciences became interested in him. Then Chichen Itza began to attract tourists and people of art. And only in the middle of the XX century unique city became interested at the official level, and the Mexican government decided to partially restore the original appearance of Chichen Itza in order to attract tourists.

Major attractions

When you are lucky enough to visit this mysterious city, pay attention to the following sights:

Pyramid of Kukulkan in the city of Chichen Itza. A grandiose structure that had both ritual and astronomical significance. Dedicated to Kukulkan - a deity in the form of a feathered serpent with a human head, the patron saint of rain and wind. The pyramid is identified not only with Chichen Itza and, perhaps, with all the pre-Columbian civilizations of Central America.

It consists of nine steps, which are divided by stairs on each face of the pyramid, into two parts, which gives a purely 18 - the number of days in a month in the Mayan calendar. Each of the four stairs consists of 91 steps, i.e. in total 364, and together with the upper platform 365 - the number of days in a year. The faces of the pyramid are located strictly on the cardinal points, and each has 52 relief images, which corresponds to the number of years in the Mayan calendar cycle. At the foot of the northern staircase, the stone head of a snake is carved in such a way that the railing of the staircase is the body of the snake.

An interesting effect is observed on the days of the spring and autumn equinox. The shadow from the edge of the pyramid falls on the railing of the stairs in such a way that it creates the illusion of a giant snake moving. At the top of the pyramid is the very sanctuary of Kukulkan.

Not so long ago, scientists discovered another, more ancient pyramid under the pyramid of Kukulkan. It also has nine tiers, and inside it was the main symbol of the Mayan rulers - a stone throne known as the Jaguar Mat.

Since 2006, climbing the pyramid is prohibited, and the traveler can be content with close-up contemplation, which, believe me, is not so little.

Other attractions in Chichen Itza

• Temple of Mayan Warriors in the city of Chichen Itza... A structure located on a four-stage pyramid. The central staircase is crowned with stone human figures. At the top is the temple itself, at the entrance to which there are two columns in the form of snakes, images of Kukulkan. Four rows of columns with images of warriors are installed near the temple.
• Observatory... A round dome mounted on a square platform. Interestingly, the windows are arranged in such a way that they correspond to the position celestial bodies relative to the ground.
• Ball field... The area is 168x70 m, surrounded by a high (up to 8 m) wall. Installed high on the wall stone ring, into which the players had to throw a rubber ball. The foot of the walls is decorated with images of human sacrifices. Moreover, many researchers are inclined to believe that these are the players of the losing team.
• Jaguar Temple... Located on the east side of the ball court. It got its name from the many images of a jaguar on its facade. Perhaps the priests watched the ball game from here.
• Temple of the Bearded Man... Located north of the ball court. A relief depicting a man with a beard was found inside the temple, which is the reason for this name.
• Sacred Cenote, or Death Well... Natural karst depression with a diameter of up to 60 m and a depth of up to 50 m. Served for dropping the bodies of people sacrificed.
• Group of a thousand columns... Ruins of columns that form a giant rectangle.
• Pyramid Tomb of the High Priest... A ten-meter pyramid, on top of which there is a platform with tombstones. Perhaps it served for the burial of the nobility or spiritual leaders of the Maya, from where it got its name.

Mayan Warrior Temple

How to get there

To get to the Chichen Itza complex, you can:

• from the city of Merida, the journey by bus will take less than two hours and will cost $ 12 (first class) or $ 6.5 (second class);
• from Cancun, by bus for 2.5 hours and $ 16 (first class) or $ 12 (second class);

The most mysterious places on Earth: Maya. Chichen Itza - video

How did the Maya manage to create such an advanced culture that they predicted for our civilization, and why do thousands of people seeking spiritual enlightenment besiege these ruins every year? Could modern rituals reveal the secrets of Chichen Itza? You will learn about this by watching the video. Happy viewing!

• In 2007, the "New Seven Wonders of the World" competition was held, as a result of which the pyramids and the city of Chichen Itza in Mexico became the finalist of the project.
• UNESCO recognized the Chichen Itza complex as an object of material and cultural heritage of mankind.

A stay in the mysterious city of Chichen Itza leaves an ambivalent feeling. On the one hand, you understand that you have touched a huge and not fully explored layer of history. On the other hand, the ubiquitous images and stories of the guides about the human sacrifices carried out here are somewhat depressing.

Friends, who have any impressions of visiting this place? I look forward to your messages in the comments.

In which country is Chichen Itza located? Of course, in Mexico! Chichen Itza - one of the main ones. The ancient Mayan city, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, is known to everyone who comes to this magical land. The pyramids of the ancient Maya and Toltecs, numerous architectural monuments and proximity to - all this annually attracts millions of tourists from all over the world and makes Chichen Itza a real tourist capital of Mexico.

Pyramids and ancient city Chichen Itza in Mexico

Chichen Itza is an ancient city in northern Mexico, located on the Yucatan Peninsula. These places were inhabited by the ancient inhabitants of the Maya and Toltecs. At dawn, the population of the ancient city of Chichen Itza was 10 thousand, although some scientists believe that this number should be 2, or even 3 times more. It is now included in the UNESCO legacy. Ancient sites are carefully guarded.

The architecture of the city dates back to the period from the 6th to the 13th century. The Spaniards dismantled most of the ancient cities for building materials, but they did not touch Chechen Itza. You can admire the view at any time of the year. Unofficially, Chechen Itza is called the eighth wonder of the world. Working hours from 8.00 to 18.00. Entry costs 220 Mexican pesos, and guide services 750 pesos. Children under 12 do not need a ticket.

Chichen Itza is located in North America, country Mexico. On the map you need to find the Yucatan Peninsula, where the city is located. Neighbors of Chechen Itza are cities, Cancun and - these are also popular tourist places... To get to these places by plane, you need to fly to the nearest airport of international importance. Flights are made both from Europe and directly from the capital Russian Federation, Moscow.

The map also allows you to notice the main goal of many tourists - the pyramid of Kukulkan. On the left side of it, 100 meters away, there is the entrance to the city of Chechen Itza itself. There is also a parking lot nearby.

How to get from Cancun

To get to the city from Cancun, tourists and guests of the peninsula can use several available methods. For example:

1. The bus is the most practical means of transport. The journey will take a little more than 3 hours. Served by the carrier ADO. The ticket price is from 10 € to 16 €.
2. From 30 € to 40 € the transfer order will cost. The car can pick up immediately from the airport, or from another place of stay, for example from a hotel.
3. By renting a car, you can get there more comfortably and faster. The journey will take only 2 hours. To Chichen Itza you need to drive 200 km, which will take 16 liters of fuel. Gasoline will cost about 20 €.

Comfortable guided tour

Taking into account the cost of the transfer and tickets, the most profitable option to visit Chichen Itza is to order an excursion. For example, you can visit several attractions at once on a comfortable minibus with a Russian-speaking guide.

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How to get from other regions

There is the same bus from Merida as from Cancun, it costs 6 €. From Valladolid, you can comfortably get there by shuttle bus.

History of the city of Chichen Itza

The name has been widely used since the reign of the Mayan tribes. Translated from local languages, Chichen Itza can be translated as “At the mouth of the well of Itza”, or “The mouth of the well of the sorcerers of water”. A piece of Chi indicates a mouth or edge, chen means a source or well. Itza is an ancient people who ruled the entire region near the city. The word Itza itself is often translated as "sorcerer". If we split it into two parts, then Itz is a sorcerer, and ha is water.

Ancient documents available to us show that there are other variants of the name of the city. For example, this is evidenced by the data of the Chilam-Bilam code. At the same time, it is not the complete discovery of the ancient dialect that hinders the precise establishment of the name of the city before the arrival of Itza. Today, several long-standing names are known: Yuuk Yabnal, (Seven Great Houses), Yuuk Hab Nal (Seven Bushes), Yuukuabnal (Seven Great Rulers) and Uk Abnal (Seven Paths of Abnal).

Discovery history

The history can be divided into two periods. The first lasted from the 7th to the 10th century, when the city belonged to the Mayan tribe. The second began with the conquest of the area by the Toltecs in the 10th century. The 11th century was marked by the granting of the status of the capital of the Toltec lands. But the city on the throne did not last long. The Mayans decided to retake the city. Hunak Keel gathered a skilful army from the cities of Mayapan, Uxmal and Itzmal. He led a campaign against Chichen Itza, which led to success in 1178.

Later, due to unknown reasons, the city was completely destroyed and was in desolation. This happened in 1194. Although the Spaniards destroyed all the documents of the ancient tribes, historians found that the frequent attacks on the city weakened the people. The upper strata of society dispersed to other places. From Spanish records it was established that the Indians went on a pilgrimage to the ruins of the ancient city. Since the 15th century, the territory has been used for pastures for livestock. It is unknown why the city was deserted. Some researchers talk about a terrible famine, others about a bloody war.

There is also an opinion that a terrible epidemic has hit the residents and that the virus is still under the ruins of the city.

Be that as it may, everything changed with the arrival of the Spaniards. The 18th century was marked by various studies and archaeological excavations... Even then, many artists and photographers came to capture the unique wealth of the Maya. And since the middle of the last century, the government of Mexico issued a decree to globally restore the city of Chechen Itza to its original appearance. All possible work was carried out and now it is an extremely popular place.

Attractions Chichen Itza

The city of Chichen Itza has a huge number of places of interest for tourists. If you come here as part of an excursion program, an experienced guide will tell you in detail about each attraction. In this article, we will do short review major landmarks that you simply cannot miss.

There are many interesting things in the city, but the pyramid of Kukulkan stands alone among all famous places... The pyramid is one of the surviving ancients architectural structures ancient tribes. In Spanish there are such names: Pirámide de Kukulkán, Templo de Kukulkán, "El Castillo". This is the name of the ancient pyramid of the feathered serpent. Kukulkan is a god similar to Quetzaglioatl. The object is immersed in the time of the Mayan tribe. You can learn many exciting stories and retellings of how the worship of wondrous deities was carried out here. In their religion, blood was shed and brutal rites were performed to appease the objects of worship. In fact, the pyramid is a sacred temple.

The pyramid is located in the center large area the size of 18 hectares. The temple is surrounded by a wide parapet made of stones. The size of the building itself is also impressive. The height is 24 meters, and if we take the top, then all 30. The length of each side is 55 meters. All faces of the pyramid have 9 steps. Steep stairs are installed on each of the four sides, walking along which you can get to the top. The stairs are also oriented to the cardinal points. Each of them has 91 degrees, the total number of steps is 364. And if you add to this number the platform at the top, which unites 4 stairs, you get 365 - which means the number of days of the solar year.

The edges of the stairs are a stone fence in the form of a serpent, whose head is at the bottom and the body goes to the top. The size of the snake is 37 meters. An amazing show takes place here several days a year. When the autumn and spring equinox comes, the shadow of the steps falls on the stones of the balustrade. At the same time, it seems that the Feathered Serpent is not just a sculpture, but a real reptile moving along a course. In the spring in March, the impression is made that the kite is moving upward, and in the fall in September it is downward. This action lasts 3 hours and 22 minutes.

It is noteworthy that the stairs are cut in two, that is, the number of sections on each side of the pyramid is 18. This number is symbolic and indicates the same number of months in the calendar year of the Mayan tribes.

The temple has 9 ledges and this is no coincidence. The Toltecs had their own beliefs about the "nine heavens". Each wall of the temple has 52 stone reliefs, which means 52 years - the Toltec calendar cycle.

Ruins of Chac-Mul in the north (Chacmools)

This landmark in Chichen Itza includes sculptures that will impress you. Altars, Atlantean statues and stone paintings can be seen. The architecture amazes the eye of the visitor.

Temple of the Warriors

This is also a unique building. It has been remarkably preserved. The visit encourages you to admire the ancient people, their approach to business. The atmosphere allows you to feel yourself in the distant past. This is never forgotten.

The Hall of the Thousand Columns

In ancient times, this alley was a trade street. In the market, clever tribes even built a roof so that the weather would not interfere with trade. Previously, the building had a large hall. There were rows of iron and pottery items. You could also buy simple household items. He was near a large market.

Wall of Skulls (Tzompantli)

Although the name emanates from some kind of mysticism and horror, the picture of this object shows the opposite. That rock painting which is unique here. Picturesque patterns and beautiful composition are of great interest. At the same time, it is not fully known how the ancient people used the Wall of Skulls.

Stadium (The Ball Courts)

Many people do not even know that even before the invention of football by the British, the ancient Mayans used a similar ball game with might and main. The stadium was built over 3000 years ago. Of course, the purpose is very different from modern sports facilities. Then at the stadium people performed religious rituals. And the losing football team immediately lost its life. They were executed and sacrificed to deities. A terrible picture is that the height of the walls did not allow the players to escape from the sad fate. And the leaders watched this picture from above. It is also creepy that a skull was used instead of a ball.

Chichen Itza has 7 sports facilities. The largest stadium is called "Huego de Pelota" (translated as "Large field for the ball game"). The length of this field is 135 meters.

After visiting amazing sites of ancient culture, stadiums seem like a rather boring place.

Temple of the Jaguars

This is not to say that this temple is something really unusual. The building is rather small. Most worth seeing is the jaguar sculpture that stands in front of the temple. This is the most significant attraction of the temple, except for it in the Jaguar Temple there are no other features.

Pyramid Old Chichén

The name Old Chichen was not given for nothing - this building is one of the oldest in the city. The appearance of the pyramid is also amazing. She is decapitated. Nature has contributed to this. During the ancient hurricane, the top was destroyed. The restored steps are striking in their beauty. Tourists would even like to climb a small pyramid, but this is not provided.

Observatory (Caracol)

Awesome building. I would like to consider it in detail from different angles. There is a tower near the observatory, which is certainly an interesting object. You won't be able to walk up the steps here either.

Church (Nunnery)

This is an amazing building. At least according to the Mayan Chenes style. And this is the most picturesque style of the ancient Mayan tribes. Ornaments are striking in their sophistication. For a tourist, this place should be obligatory place visits.

Sacred Cenote

The sacred cenote is located right within the old city of Chechen Itza. You need to work hard to find such a desired object .. First you need to find the Chichen Itza park. Next, you need to leave behind the pyramid of Kukulkan and to the left of the Platforma de Venus ruins there will be a sign to the cenote. It is important to look carefully at the signs indicating the way. The cenote is a natural well. The depth is approximately 50 m. It was used for sacrifice purposes. Girls and children were thrown there, as well as various cult objects, asking the gods for rain.

Cenote Ik-Kil

The cenote is located just 5 kilometers from the city. You can get there along the highway 180. This very a nice place, worth it to travel separately. Mexico can be proud of such facilities.

Shops and shopping near Chichen Itza

The nearest shops to Chichen Itza are in Piste. Several grocery stores, butchers, restaurants and savings banks can be found here. Shops and addresses of their location on Dsitas-Piste street:

• Bootix de los mayas - handicraft supplies;
• Taller la escondida - at the intersection with 5th street;
• Las sobrinas de la tia - a restaurant at the intersection with street 5-A;
• Pollaria Suemi - grocery store closer to the 7th street junction;
• Banco Azteca - between 7th and 9th streets;
• El Panal - at the intersection with 11th Street;
• Novedades Y Regalos El Arca is a gift shop at 12th Street and 180th Highway.

Along Route 180 Costera del Golfo there are 4 Mexican restaurants, Marthas Pizzeria at 22nd Street and Tecate Six beer shop closer to 18th Street.

The following shops and establishments are located along the 180th highway:

• Maxicarne - meat products, at 15-A street;
• Neveria Basulto - at the intersection with 8th Street;
• Balam House - pizzeria at the intersection with street 6;
• Fruiteria Dorcy - food market, between 4th and 6th streets;
• Taller Mecanico “El Chino” - grocery store. Azteca - between 7th and 9th streets.

There are also museums, hotels and small hotels in Piste. Here you can buy everything you need for more affordable prices than in smaller resort towns. It is more profitable to buy souvenirs and food products in larger cities. From Chichen Itza to Piste, the distance is about two kilometers, so shopping is not a drudgery and will not take much time, even if you take a walk along the Merida-Valladorit highway. At a distance of 4 km on the opposite side of Piste, there is the town of X-Kalakoop. There are several grocery stores, a bar, a restaurant and a home furnishings store.

Also, on the way, you can call in Libre Union, Tsitas, Tunkas, or more Big City Valladolite, where a selection of groceries, shops and other goods will help you make more varied and profitable purchases.

Book an excursion to Chichen Itza

World interest in the heritage of the lost Mayan civilization continues to this day. Numerous religious and cult mysteries, gloomy predictions, accurate calendars, gigantic ruined cities, among which the most famous is Chichen Itza, invariably attract crowds of tourists and curious. The magical ancient ruins have been explored continuously for hundreds of years.

History of the ancient Mayan city - Chichen Itza

Based on archaeological data and scraps of ancient chronicles, the researchers concluded that famous city Maya was founded in the 5-6th centuries AD. It immediately became the center of the Yucatan territory: political, religious, cultural.

All statements regarding Chichen Itza are not confirmed and are hypotheses that require proof that are almost impossible to find. According to some reports, the city had a permanent population of 20 to 30 thousand inhabitants. Countless pilgrims and wanderers, merchants and money changers visited this settlement every year.

In the 10th century, the Maya were conquered by the Toltecs, Chichen Itza was partially plundered, and most of population left the city. But life did not leave him. The decline falls on the 13th century from the birth of Christ. Buildings collapsed, people left Chichen Itza.

Ancient city in the modern world

For a long time, no one showed interest in the majestic and ominous ruins. From the middle of the 19th century, a passion for culture, astrology, and most importantly, the legendary riches of the Maya began. Numerous excavations and studies began on the territory, artists and photographers from all over the world came to capture the bizarre buildings and mysterious temples.

In the 1950s, the Mexican government decided to restore (as far as possible) the original appearance of Chichen Itza. Soon this place became a Mecca for tourists.

In 2007, the ancient city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and named one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

Guided tour of Chichen Itza

The area of ​​the city is about 6 km. sq. The surviving architectural complexes are numerous and if you study them in detail, consider each relief and column, then one day to visit will not be enough. Unfortunately, excursions organized from Cancun are only one-day. There is nowhere to spend the night in Chichen Itza, and even creepy.

A professional guide will lead the group along the paved roads, perfectly preserved for a dozen and a half centuries, and will tell you about all places of worship cities. The most significant and huge of them is the "Feathered Serpent" pyramid - Kukulkan. The guide will tell the legends about bloody sacrifices, cruelty and religious beliefs of the ancient tribe.

The Temple of Warriors will amaze you with its realistic reliefs and sculptures; it is easy to get lost in the group of "a thousand columns". The "ball court" will surprise you with the size of its territory and will give you goosebumps with images of severed heads.

The excursion includes a visit to the sacred cenote - a natural reservoir, the diameter of which is 60 m. There is evidence that the Maya threw girls and children into this "lake", as well as numerous religious objects, asking their deities for rain. The variety of impressions and special energy of the place will not leave anyone indifferent!

Information for tourists

Chichen Itza coordinates: 20.6842849, -88.5677826.

Distances from cities: from Merida - 115 km; from Cancun - 200 km.

Open to the public: daily from 8:00 to 17:00.

In addition to the most famous monuments of the Mayan civilization, Cancun is also interesting for the island of Cozumel, which is ideal for those who wish to soak up the beaches or go diving and surfing.