Chichen Itza is an archaeological site located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It was once a major city of the ancient Mayan civilization and is now a popular tourist destination.
The city was established around 600 AD and flourished until the 13th century. It was a center of political, economic, and religious activity, with a population estimated to have been between 50,000 and 100,000 people at its peak.
Chichen Itza is best known for its iconic pyramid-shaped temple called El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan. This temple is often referred to as the "Mayan calendar" due to its architectural features that align with celestial movements and create dramatic shadow effects during solstices.
Other notable structures in the city include the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ballcourt, and the Sacred Cenote (a natural sinkhole once used for sacrificial offerings). Chichen Itza also has several well-preserved murals and carvings that depict Mayan mythology and everyday life.
In 1988, Chichen Itza was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and in 2007 it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It continues to attract visitors from around the globe who come to explore its ancient ruins and learn about Mayan culture.