Duration: Approx 8 hours
Departure:   9:00 am
Price: 55 US.

Includes
Transportation with air conditioning
Entrance to the archaeological site
Lunch
Bilingual guide
Soft drinks
Bottle of water

Visit the most famous ancient Mayan archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. Located only 75 miles from Mérida City, Chichen Itzá grew to become an important Mayan power center from the 10th through the 12th centuries. The Stunning architecture remains a must-see for visitors of the area.

The name Chichen-Itza is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the Itza tribe). Some believe people were occasionally thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers.

Your English-speaking guide will explain the history of this important site, which actually enjoyed two periods of greatness: first under the Mayans from 600 to 900 A.D., then again with the arrival of the warlike toltecs in the 10th century. This is why there are two distinct architectural styles in evidence.

The major structures include El Castillo, El Caracol Observatory and the Ball Court (the largest in Mesoamerica, it features amazing acoustic ). The temple of Warriors contains pilarters with warriors and priests carved into them while jaguars, eagles, and coyotes devouring hearts adorn the temple’s flanks in low relief.

Enjoy approximately two hours of guided explorations in this magnificent city, then proceed to a nearby restaurant with a lush garden to enjoy a sampling of Yucatecan cuisine and hospitality.

After lunch, it is time to depart Chichen Itzá to return to Mérida City.