Chichén-Itzá is one of
the largest and most impressive archaeological sites in Mexico, located two
hours by bus from Cancun. It is two cities: one was ruled by the Mayans from
the 6th to the10th century A.D. and the other was a Toltec-Mayan city that
emerged in 1000 A.D.
The site combines Toltec and Mayan influences and is ripe with cosmological
symbolism. Its four sides contain 365 steps, 52 panels and 18 terraces (for the
18 months of the religious year). The site also contains a cenote
(limestone sacred well or sinkhole) and an observatory.
