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Chichen Itza is
the most famous Mayan Ruins site in all of Mexico.
It has been designated as a UNESCO world heritage
site, and the main pyramid, El Castillo, was declared
as one of the 7 wonders of the world in 2006 after
a worldwide vote. El Castillo is, indeed,
perhaps the most recognizable structure in the entire
Mayan Empire. Chichen Itza is, understandably,
the most visited Mayan Ruins site in the Yucatan
peninsula of Mexico, and we offer you six exciting
ways to enjoy it's majesty. It is a long haul
from Cozumel, about a 14 hour day, but there is
only one Chichen Itza.
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Q: I'M ON A CRUISE SHIP - CAN I DO THESE
TOURS?
A: We do not recommend Chichen Itza for Cozumel cruise ship passengers.
If you're stopping in Progreso, you can do the ruins from there.
Otherwise, we recommend visiting either Tulum or Coba instead.
A very few cruise ships stay in port for as much as 12-14 hours.
If this is you, then the private Chichen Itza may work for you.
Q: WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CHICHEN ITZA?
A: Chichen Itza grew to power about 1,400 years ago. It
became a major regional capital of the Mayan empire, both politically
and economically. Then about 1,000 years ago, a civil war broke
out, and the city went into a drastic decline. The capital of
the area was shifted to Mayapan, and then in 1521, Spanish Conquistador
Francisco de Montejo claimed the city for Spain, intending it to become
the capital of Spanish Yucatan. The Mayans revolted, however,
and drove Montejo from the region.
Q: WHERE IS CHICHEN ITZA? IS IT IN
COZUMEL?
A: Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of
Mexico, about 2.5 to 3 hours north of Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
The closest major city to it is Merida, and the closest cruise port
is Progreso. To reach Chichen Itza from Cozumel, you'll just
ride the passenger ferry over to Playa del Carmen, where you can
meet your tour. See Ferry
Details.
Q: WHAT TEMPLES WILL I GET TO SEE ON THESE
TOURS?
A: The most famous temple at Chichen Itza is The Temple of Kukulkan,
often called El Castillo (The Castle), which dominates the landscape
at the center of the ruins site. Other famous and major temples
include the Temple of the Warriors, the Mayan Ball Court, the High Priest's
Temple, The Nunnery, The Snail, The House of Mysterious Writing and
the Sacred Cenote, where human sacrifices once took place.
