Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is a symbol of the lost Mayan civilization. Until the 12th century, the Mayan people built opulent temples and palaces here. The dominant feature in the city, which covered 25 square kilometres in its heyday, was El Castillo, the spectacular central pyramid. From the top visitors have a marvellous view over the flat state of Yucatán. The pyramid is 25 meters tall, and climbing its steep steps is hot and sweaty work. El Castillo served as a temple to the god Kukulcán, a sky and creator god, the patron of fallen warriors and sacrificial victims.