3 1/2 hours from Playa del Carmen is the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá (meaning 'at the mouth of the well of the Itza') which in its time of grandeur between 800 and 1200 A.D. was the centre of political, religious and military power in Yucatán. It's a World Heritage Site and the most visited of the Mayan archaeological sites.
The city is divided into two main areas - Chichén Viejo (Old Chichén) and Chichén Nuevo (New Chichén). Chichen Viejo was founded about 400 A.D. by the Maya and governed by priests. Here the architecture is characterised by representations of Chac, the Mayan rain god. Chichen Nuevo began about 850 A.D.and is characterised by images of the god Kukulcán, the feathered serpent. Chichén Itzá was abandoned suddenly around 1400 A.D. perhaps because of internal fighting or for lack of food. There are many theories but nobody knows for certain.
(Photo - Temple of Kukulcan or 'El Castillo' (the Castle))
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