South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east by the Atlantic Ocean; North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the northwest.
South America ranks fourth in area after Asia, Africa, and North America and fifth in population after Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.
A UNESCO World HeritageSite |
Where is Chichen Itza located? Chichen Itza is the most visited ancient mayan archaeological site because of its extraordinary architecture and its geographical location. The ruins at Chichen Itza cover an area of 6.5 sq km (2.5 sq miles) and can be toured in a day. This site is situated in south-central Yucatán state, Mexico. It is located about 90 miles (150 km) east-northeast of Uxmal and 75 miles (120 km) east-southeast of the modern city of Mérida. |
How to get to Chichen Itza?
The two international airports nearest to Chichen Itza are Cancun International Airport and Merida International Airport. Major international airlines as well as charter airlines have direct or connecting flights to Cancun every day. Cancun Airport International is easy accessible from almost every major city in the world. Chichen Itza is located one mile outside of the small town of Piste. Many tourists visit Chichen Itza as a day trip, especially from Cancun, more than 100 miles away or an hour and a half away from Merida, the capital of Yucatan. It is possible to visit Chichen Itza as a day trip from either location easily. Chichen Itza can be visited by travel agency daily tours, rental car, or public bus lines that leave about every hour.
Where to stay?
Chichen Itza history and construction
Merida |
Guided Tours
Chichen Itza from Riviera Maya - $108.99 Unlock the mysteries of the ancient Mayan culture on this fascinating full day sightseeing tour from Riviera Maya. Chichen Itza is a famous archaeological site of the mystical Maya-Toltec civilizations. Although excavations have been going on for many years, archaeologists can still only speculate about what happened here and why. Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring archaeological places you are ever likely to visit. Lunch, snacks and all entry fees are also included. |
Chichen Itza Day Trip from Cancun - $59.99 Spectacular Chichen Itza holds both mystery and magic. Explore the most important archaeological zone and ancient capital of the Mayan Empire on a full day guided tour from Cancun. Admire the majestic observatory, the sacred cenote, the ball court and the castle. Sample typical Mayan cuisine at a buffet lunch with folkloric dancers before beginning your tour of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. |
Chichen Itza: Light and Sound - $78.99 Visit the most important archaeological zone of the Mayan world, the ancient capital of the Mayan Empire on a full day guided tour. Witness the remnants of the once powerful Mayan people and visit the Sacred Cenote where sacrifices took place. You'll have the opportunity to see the Ball Court, where Mayan games of strength and skill were held, the Castle and Pyramid of Kukulkan. Recently declared as one of the 7 Modern Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is a must when visiting Mexico! |
Chichen Itza
History and Construction