The Ancient Maya city of Chichén Itzá

Just an hour’s drive south from Mexico’s Caribbean coastline lie the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá. These ruins along the Yucatán Peninsula hold the secrets of one of the most powerful and sophisticated city states from the pre-Columbian Americas. 

Chichén Itzá is a popular tourist attraction with thousands flocking to North America to visit it. The park spans over about 2 square miles but when the city was at its peak it reached up to 10 square miles. That’s a lot of uncovered territory.  

A large portion of the ruins have not yet been excavated and dense forest has naturally hidden the rest of this mysterious ancient world. Nearby is the Sacred Cenote, a sinkhole once used to offer up sacrifices to the gods.

The Mayans had an advanced understanding of mathematics and astronomy, seen on the imprints of their structures. 

Chichén Itzá was a vibrant cosmopolitan city filled with monuments from various architectural influences. The types of architecture give us an idea of the city’s economic wealth, with styles ranging from local Yucatecan to prominent Mesoamerican cultural groups.