Located deep within the jungles of Yucatán, 193km (120 miles) west of Cancún, lies Chichén Itzá, one of the most impressive sites of the mysterious Mayan civilisation. Chichén Itzá was the site of countless human sacrifices and flourished until about the year 1200, when it was suddenly abandoned. Today, the old road between Cancún and Mérida cuts through the middle of the site, creating two separate ruins, Chichén Viejo and Chichén Nuevo, which together form the most intact ruins from the Mayan period. Highlights at the complex, which covers an area of approximately 15 sq km (6 sq miles), include the Kukulcán Pyramid (also known as the Castle), the Ball Court (the largest Mayan ball court ever discovered), the Thousand Columns and the Tzompantli.

Secretária de Turismo de Mérida, Calle 59 #514 entre 62 y 64, Col. Centro, CP 97000 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Tel: (999) 924 9389

Air: Mexico City International Airport, Mérida Airport (domestic flights). Road: Coach: Public services. Car: Highway (Autopista) from Cancún or Mérida.

Mexico