Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan
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Chichen ItzaThe
ruins of Chichen Itza are a large pre-Columbian archaeological site
built by the Maya civilization, located in the North of the Yucatán
Peninsula, about 3 hours drive away from Akumal. Chichen Itza means "At
the mouth of the well of the Itza" in Maya , which was probably a
reference to the three cenotes which provided plentiful water for the
settlement.The most popular with visitors is the "Cenote of Sacrifice"
which would draw worshipers of the Maya rain god Chaac. The
site contains many buildings in various states of preservation;
including temples, palaces, stages, markets, baths, and ballcourts.
Dominating the center of Chichén is the Temple of Kukulcan (the plumed
serpent god), often referred to as "El Castillo" (the castle).On the
Spring and Fall equinox, at the rising and setting of the sun, the
corner of the structure casts a shadow in the shape of a plumed serpent
along the side of the North staircase. |
TulumTulum
is located about 25 kilometers South of Akumal and is one of the most
visited arqueological site in the region, due in part to its proximity
to Cancun. Visitors are also attracted to the site's dramatic
oceanfront location. Tulum, or the walled city in Maya, was a
commercial fortress and a thriving port providing supplies to the
surrounding Maya settlements. It was built during the
decline of the Maya civilization and therefore was not as
architectonically extravagant as Coba or Chitzen Itza. The site is
smaller in size allowing for a visit to be completed in a couple of
hours. The ruins also have a gorgeous beach area where visitors can
cool off in the ocean. | |
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Muyil Muyil archaeological
site is located on the mainland side of a lagoon in the Sian Ka´an
Biosphere, about 25 kilometres South of the town of Tulum. Most
of the buildings on the site date back to 1100-1200 AD. It is believed
that Muyil was once an important trading post as it is ideally located
in the proximity of two lagoons: Muyil and Chunyaxche. The
site has a fabulous walkway through the jungle to the lagoons, where
you can hire a guide to take you on a boat tour around the mangrove
area in the Biosphere. The jungle portion ends with a chance to climb
up an observation tower to see the Sian Ka'an Biosphere from a fabulous
bird's eye view. |


