Chichen Itza
On the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza, one of the most well-known archaeological sites on Earth, was once a vibrant pre-Hispanic metropolis. It was destroyed in 1221 when Mayapan became the new capital after the Mayans had constructed it about 600 AD. Highlights include the Temple of Kukulkan, a massive stone pyramid with 365 steps for every day of the year and four staircases that depict a compass. The equinoxes in spring or fall are the greatest times to visit since the sun illuminates the pyramid's staircases.
The Temple of the Warriors, the Maya Ball Court, the Wall of Skulls, and the Sacred Cenote, where human sacrifice used to take place, are a few other must-see locations. Chichen Itza is best visited in the early morning or right before closing because it is constantly packed. One of the biggest Maya cities, Chichen Itza was probably one of the legendary great cities, or Tollans, that were mentioned in later Mesoamerican literature. The city may have possessed the most ethnically and racially diversified population in the Maya civilization, which may have led to the site's diversity of architectural styles. Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archeological sites in Mexico with over 2.6 million tourists in 2017.
Location: Yucatán, Mexico
