The awe-inspiring Maya city of Chichen Itza offers the best example of Puuc style architecture (a Maya style influenced by the Toltecs). The magnificence of its buildings and mathematical order of its architectural lines make Chichen Itza one of the most interesting architectural sites in the Yucatan Peninsula.
El Castillo, Chichen Itza's most prominent structure, stands 100' feet high. 365 steps (representing each day of the year) lead up to its crown. Chichen Itza is most famous for the display of light and shadow that occurs every spring and autumn equinox. As the sun strikes the pyramid, a serpent of light appears and seems to descend from the crown of the temple to the base where the enormous head of the serpent rests. The serpent withdraws during the course of the day. It is said that this is the cyclical return of the God Kulkulcan who fulfills the annual prophecy to return to visit each year.
Open every day from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, entrance guides available. Admission, $36.00 or $615 pesos per person.
