Chichen Itza

Photo by Arqueología Mexicana.

Chichen Itza is one of the largest archaeological sites in Mexico, and it’s rich with legends and treasures. When the Spanish first saw the Templo de Kukulcan, they named this pyramid El Castillo (The Castle). When you see it, you'll understand why. Inside, there's a jaguar of red stone, with green jade eyes. There's a mystery here that's never been solved. You see, there's no jade like this in Mexico - but there is in China. How did those ancient people get it?

If you're lucky enough to visit during the fall equinox or spring equinox, and the weather is cooperative, the sun and shadow will create a "serpent" body along the edge of the pyramid that lines up with the carved stone serpent head at the bottom.

Other fascinating structures at the site include the astronomical Observatory, and the reclining Chac Mool figure - which is a form of classic Mayan sculpture believed to have served as an altar for sacrifices.

The ball court (the largest ever discovered) is lined with elaborate stone carvings that show you the details of the sacred ball game. One even shows the captain of one team being beheaded!

There's also a deep and eerie cenote - a sacred well. Some of the sacrificial offerings - including beautiful jewelry - that were thrown into it have been recovered by archaeologists.

The Cenote

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