Chichen Itza
The 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.