What will we find in Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza, established around 525 A.D., was one of the main cities of the Mayan civilization and is nowadays a world-famous archaeological site for its incredible state of preservation, as well as for its imposing architecture.
Inside the complex, the main attraction is
The great pyramid of the Temple of Kukulkan (or El Castillo), erected in honor of the feathered snake god, the most important god worshiped by the Mayan civilization. In fact, during the sunsets of the equinoxes, you can appreciate how the shadows cast by the stairways give shape to a great snake; and this is not the only architectural prodigy of the pyramid of Kukulkan: the pyramid itself is a three-dimensional representation of the Mayan calendar.
Another highlight of the Chichen Itza tour includes The ball Court, the largest in Mesoamerica, where Pok Ta Pok was played in ancient times, a traditional ritual game in which players attempted to pass the ball, using any part of their bodies except their hands, through a stone hoop located at the height of 7 meters, and in which the members of the losing team were sacrificed.
In addition, we will visit the
Temple of the Warriors, the Temple of the Jaguars, the Temple of the Thousand Columns, and "El Caracol" (The Snail), the famous Observatory of Chichen Itza, a remnant of the fascination and mystery of the Mayan civilization in the area of astronomy.
What will we find in Valladolid?
It is not only its location, less than an hour's drive from Chichen Itzá, that makes Valladolid an almost obligatory stop on your trip through the state of Yucatán, but the city itself is a jewel of the colonial era.
Its relaxed streets, lined with colorful buildings, are steeped in history.
Founded by Spanish captain Don Francisco de Montejo "El Sobrino" in 1543, the city was a bastion of the Spanish conquest over the Cupul people, the Maya chiefdom that controlled the Yucatán region at the time of the conquest.
Today, the city is
one of Mexico's "pueblos mágicos" (magical towns) and perfectly combines the tranquil village vibe with the colonial air of its architecture.
Every tour of Valladolid begins in its main square,
Francisco Cantón Rosado Park, with its iconic central fountain, called "La Mestiza" in honor of the Yucatecan woman.
In the plaza, you will find two large structures built with the stones of a great Maya temple demolished by the conquistadors:
The church of San Servicio, erected in 1545 (although it was later demolished in 1705 and rebuilt a year later); and the Municipal Palace, built-in 1864, inside which you will see 4 large murals showing the history of Valladolid, created by the Yucatecan artist Manuel Lizama.
From the main square, walk along the traditional
"Calzada de Los Frailes" (the friar's road), which formerly connected the city of Valladolid (then just a village) with the Mayan town of Sisal, now the neighborhood of Sisal, where you will find The Convent of San Bernardino de Siena, founded by Franciscan monks in 1560, in front of Sisal Park.
Another point of interest in the city
The Donato Bates Herrera municipal market, is a vibrant and colorful space where you can experience the most traditional Yucatecan culture, whether through local handicrafts or, surely, through the palate and the smells of the local gastronomy.
Valladolid
Like all colonial cities, is also a city of museums. The "Casa de los Venados" (The Deer's House) a private museum that houses more than 3,000 pieces of Mexican folk art; The San Roque Museum, dedicated to the history of the region; and the Museum of Ethnic Clothing of Mexico (MUREM), where beautiful dresses and typical costumes of the different Mexican cultures are on display.
Finally, don't miss a visit to the
Zaci cenote,located right in the center of Valladolid! And, in any case, a few kilometers from the city you will find more options: the beautiful
cenotes Xkeken and Samula.
So, what do you say, are you coming with us to discover the mysteries, history, and glories of Valladolid and Chichen Itza?
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