TULUM
This ancient city was, in its time, a thriving civilization and the primary location for the Maya’s extensive trade network with both maritime and land routes converging here. It was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Tulum is one of the very few walled cities build by the Maya. The walls are located on three sides of the settlement as the ocean protects the eastern borders. The protecting wall is three to 5 meters (about 16 feet) high and 8 meters (about 26 feet) thick. The Castillo, is the tallest building within the city of Tulum and served as a lighthouse to show a safe way through the reef. |
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities and is one of the new 7 World Wonders. The most famous building is the temple of Kukulkan. It is one of the highest buildings constructed by the Mayans and it is believed that the Mayans were communicating on top of the pyramids with smoke signals between the cities of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba. The base of the north side of the temple of Kukulkan is watched over by two gigantic snake heads, representing the god who is known as the feathered serpent. On every equinox (in March and September when day and night are of equal length), the sun of the late afternoon creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase. |