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A Walking Tour of Chichén Itzá

By , About.com Guide

Chichén Itzá, one of best known archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, has a split personality. The site is located in the northern Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, about 90 miles from the coast. The south half of the site, called Old Chichén, was constructed beginning about 700 AD, by Maya emigres from the Puuc region of southern Yucatan. The Itza built temples and palaces at Chichén Itzá including the Red House (Casa Colorada) and the Nunnery (Casa de las Monejas). The Toltec component of Chichén Itzá arrived from Tula and their influence can be seen in the the Osario (the High Priest's Grave), and the Eagle and Jaguar Platforms. Most interestingly, a cosmopolitan blending of the two created the Observatory (the Caracol) and the Temple of the Warriors.

Photographers for this project include Jim Gateley, Ben Smith, Dolan Halbrook, Oscar Anton, and Leonardo Palotta

A list of references used for this project is available for further reading on Chichén Itzá.
Images 13-20 of 20
Sweat Bath Interior, Chichen Itza, MexicoSweat Bath InteriorColonnade, Temple of the Warriors, Chichen Itza, MexicoColonnade at the Temple of the WarriorsJaguar Throne, Chichen Itza, MexicoJaguar ThroneEl Castillo (Kukulcan or the Castle), Chichen Itza, MexicoEl Castillo (Kukulcan or the Castle)
El Castillo (Kukulcan or the Castle), Chichen Itza, MexicoEl Castillo (Kukulkan or the Castle)The Nunnery Annex at Chichen Itza, MexicoThe Nunnery AnnexSacred Well (Cenote), Chichen Itza, MexicoSacred Cenote (Well of the Sacrifices)Sacred Cenote (Well of the Sacrifices), Chichen Itza, MexicoThe Sacred Cenote - Well of the Sacrifices
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