LDS Tours Cancun
LDS Tours in Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is famously known for being one of the Seven Wonders of the modern world. Visiting Chichen Itza is a must while in Cancun, Tulum, or Yucatan. LDS Tours Cancun by Alma is a great option to learn about the history of the Mayan culture that once lived in the majestic city of Chichen Itza. Immerse yourself in the Mesoamerican cultures with a guided tour by Alma’s LDS Tours to learn more about the Mayan civilization in Mexico.
The sacred city of Chichen Itza was one of the most prominent cities in the pre-Hispanic era. It rapidly became the center of the Yucatan Peninsula and greatly influenced other emerging civilizations in Mesoamerica. The Mayans established Chichen Itza close to two cenotes or sinkholes, which gave the city its name.
Chichen Itza means “at the mouth of the well of the Itzaes,” and is located in the state of Yucatan. The archaeological site of Chichen Itza covers an area of at least 1.9 sq. miles, where residential architecture extends throughout the site. Many stone buildings have been restored, and it has been found that the structures encompass several styles that vary from the Puuc, Chenes, and Toltec styles. The three most popular complexes are the Temple of Kukulkan (El Castillo), the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of the Warriors.
The Temple of Kukulkan
Also known as El Castillo, the temple dedicated to the deity Kukulkan, the Feathered Serpent, was built by the Mayan Itzaes in the capital of Yucatan. The structure consists of a series of square terraces that form the stairways up on each of the temple’s four sides. The Mayan used the temple of Kukulkan or the Feathered Serpent to get help from the god to predict the rains and sweep the earth clean. During the Spring and Autumn equinoxes, a phenomenon can be observed on the northwest side of the temple, which creates a series of triangular shades that simulate the shape of a serpent descending from the top of the pyramid. Scholars suggest that this is a representation of Kukulkan.
The Ball Court
The Mayan culture used this court to play Pok ta’Pok, the Mayan ballgame, an ancient sport played since the pre-Columbian time. The game had an essential meaning to the people, as the Mayan would play it to promote the movement of the stars and other aspects related to war, astronomy, or even fertility. The Great Ball Court represented a place of transition between life and the great beyond. Although there is evidence that people used this court for social events and performances, many scholars have discovered that it was a place to perform human sacrifices.
Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of the Warriors is a complex fronted by rows of columns depicting warriors in battle scenes. This pyramid has a corridor that leads to an altar of Chac-Mool. It is believed that this complex was the headquarters for the military leaders. Our team of professional tour guides will take you to explore this and more of the archaeological sites located in the Peninsula of Yucatan.
Alma’s LDS Tours offers
a great variety of tours where you can keep learning more about the history of
this and more Mayan culture.
Here is a list of our most popular tours:
