CHICHEN ITZA
It is located 100 km from Merida and 180 km from Cancun (about 2 hours drive). Chichen Itza is one of the largest and most fascinating sites in Mexico, and is famous worldwide for the phenomenon that occurs twice each year, at the spring and fall equinoxes in the structure known as “El Castillo” (the Castle). As the equinox sun sets, a play of light and shadow creates the appearance of a snake that gradually undulates down the stairway of the pyramid.
A brief description by the UNESCO states that "...this site is one of the most impressive testimonies to the Maya-Toltec civilization of the Yucatan (10th to 15th centuries). It contains some of the most outstanding examples of Central America architecture, combining Maya construction techniques and Toltec sculpted decoration."
Chichen Itza means "mouth of the well" and covers about 3 miles in area, built in the late Classic Period (800-1000 AD). During your trip to the Yucatan Peninsula, you cannot miss the chance to visit the gorgeous Maya Ruins of Chichen Itza.