Chichen Itza Ruins
CHICHÉN
ITZÁ
Chichén Itzá, translates to mean "mouth of the well of Itza", is
probably the best known and most visited of all the Mayan ruins, and with good reason.
Chichen is the best known, best restored, and arguably most impressive Mayan ruin.
Although it's due west of Playa del Carmen, you'll have to go north to Cancun to get the
main highway to Chichen-Itza. It's about a three hour ride, so leave early to give
yourself plenty of time to explore this fascinating site. We recommend you hire a guide,
or at least buy a booklet to better understand what you are seeing. |
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 The structures are enormous and awesome. The largest ballcourt in
mesoamerica, stone sculptures of gods associated with human sacrifice, steam baths for
ritual purification and the 98 foot tall El Castillo all reside here. Chichen had
two principal wells, or cenote: one sacred and the other profane. The profane well was
used for everyday needs. The sacred well, a largish 195 feet across by 120 feet deep, was
used in worship, and offerings were continually made to it. Divers have retrieved
skeletons and many ritual objects from its depths.
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