Sunday, April 12, 2009

An Exciting Getaway Idea, Chichen Itza

By Ricardo d Argence

If you are searching for an exciting getaway that is rich in history and packed with fun, your search is over. The destination that will meet your needs is Chichen Itza. This amazing historic location is considered to be one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Your memories of this site will live remain with you throughout your lifetime since it is absolutely unforgettable.

You could also include a fun trip to Cancun while visiting you are visiting Chichen Itza since it a short trip that can be taken by bus or car. If you are already planning to visit Cancun a day trip to Chichen Itza would be a perfect way to take a break from the exciting atmosphere of Cancun and spend some time in more peaceful atmosphere that holds its own unique type of excitement. A day trip to Chichen Itza will make it possible for your to experience the full culture of Mexico and its many sides.

The archeological site of Chichen Itza blends the styles of the Puuc and the Toltec. The buildings display an architectural style that is delicately styled and laid out and feature detailed sculptures that represent Mayan gods.

The earliest findings here have been from 1 AD to 250 AD. It is located right near a large well that helped to make it a Mayan center of activity. Chichen Itza rose to prominence as a social center. Its location right off the coast made it the perfect spot for those coming in off the sea.

It is believed that Itza warriors were the first to inhabit Chichen Itza. The city was named for the well, with its name meaning "Mouth of the Well of the Itza" This settlement allowed the Itza people to rule the Yucatan peninsula.

The best time to visit Chichen Itza is during the spring equinox. The spring equinox is an archeoastronmical phenomenon. It occurs on March 21st when the sun shines on the Northern and Southern hemispheres equally. At this time, it is possible to see a serpent projection from the sun. This happens when the sun sets.

This event is a tradition here at Chichen Itza. It is something people flock to see. The serpent projection appears to move about the temple and create a great illusion. This lasts for about 2 minutes, but it is time well spent. This is an unexplainable phenomenon that words can not do justice. The only way to truly appreciate it is to see it yourself.

Chichen Itza is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. People from all over have voted on this site because of its fame as a Mayan temple city. It was important to the Mayan people and continues to be an important historic spot.

The various areas within the site, such as the Hall of the Thousand Pillars, The Kukulkan Pyramid and the Chac Mool Temple are truly gems. The structures that are still standing are nothing short of amazing. They make it possible for visitors to fully respect this fallen city of long ago and allows to the charm of the area.

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