All the best information on historical sites | Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza History
Chichen Itza came to regional prominence near the end of the Early Classic period (roughly 600 AD). It was, however, towards the end of the Late Classic and into the early part of the Terminal Classic that the historical site became a major regional capital, centralizing and dominating political, sociocultural, economic, and ideological life in the northern Maya lowlands. The ascension of Chichen Itza roughly correlates with the decline and fragmentation of the major centers of the southern Maya lowlands, such as Tikal.

Today belief trend in Maya scholarship is toward the more traditional model of the Maya kingdoms of the Classic southern lowlands.  Numerous archaeologists in late 1980s suggested that unlike previous Maya polities of the Early Classic, Chichen Itza may not have been governed by an individual ruler or a single dynastic lineage. Rather, the city’s political organization could have been structured by a “multepal” system, which is  rulership through council composed of members of elite ruling lineages.

Chichen Itza was a major economic power in the northern Maya lowlands during its time. Taking part in the water-borne circum-peninsular trade route through its port site of Isla Cerritos, Chichen Itza was able to obtain unavailable resources locally from distant areas.

Chichen Itza remained a place of pilgrimage for the Maya until it was defeated by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. About 1221 the Maya revolted against the rulers of Chichen Itza. The city was not desolate, but as political power shifted elsewhere it declined and no major new buildings were constructed.

While Chichén Itzá “collapsed, ” it does not appear to have been completely abandoned. According to post-Conquest sources, both Spanish and Maya, the Cenote Sagrado remained a place of pilgrimage. The structures of Chichen Itza were covered with jungle and slowly decayed until major archaeological projects began in the 1920s. Since then, more of the ancient structures have been cleared and restored attracting more tourist to visit and explore the area.

In 2007, Chichen Itza’s El Castillo was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World after a worldwide vote. The archaeological site brings many visitors from  Cancún, a poplular tourist resort.  From there one can make a day trip on tour buses.  A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chichen Itza, is the second-most visited of Mexico’s archaeological historical sites.

Chichen Itza Visitor Information
Chichen Itza is located 125 miles from Cancun and 75 miles from Merida. It can be visited as a day trip from either location, and there are also a few hotels nearby in case you would like to arrive the previous day and get an early start visiting the ruins before the heat of the day sets in and the crowds begin to arrive.

Chichen Itza is open 7 Days a week from 8 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free on Sundays for Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge. The admission fee for everyone else is 95 pesos per person.

A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment.

You’ll also need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes as Chichen Itza is an extensive archaeological site. Wear light clothes since it gets very hot and humid here. Insect repellent is also very useful as this site is located in the jungle.

Some of the things to see while visiting Chichen Itza include the following:

• Maya Archaeological Sites - Famous Maya temples not to miss include Castillo which was recently named one of the seven wonders of the world, the Great Myan Ball-Court, and the Thousand Columns Temple.
• Maya Jungle Eco-tours- A great way to enjoy the Yucatan’s wildlife. This also typically includes bird watching, learning about Maya herbal medicine as well as mother nature and Maya myths.
• Cenote Swimming- Cenotes are surface connections to subterranean water bodies. This is an excellent way to enjoy the natural fresh waters of the Yucatan and is very inexpensive.
• Spa Rituals - For spa lovers you can receive a unique Maya experience. Many places offer holistic rituals and Maya healing ceremonies that are based on ancient traditions.

Chichen Itza Conservation
Over the past several years, INAH, which manages the site, has been closing monuments to public access. While visitors can walk around them, they can no longer climb them or go inside their chambers. This is to help ensure the protection and conservation of the sites for future generations. In 2008, one million dollars was pledged to help conserve and preserve this historic sites. Work will include improved facilities and restoration projects.