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Sacred Sites - Mayan Ruins
Once in the Mexican Caribbean you will have the opportunity
to immerse yourself in the Mayan culture, which developed in
this land some three thousand years ago. Many of the architectural
sites in the Yucatan were at their peak about 900 years ago.
At this point the Mayans mapped the heavens, and created the
calendar that we still use today. They build huge cities, temples
and cultural centers. A trip to one or more of these sites is
a must.
Temple of
the Warriors
Chichen Itza is among the most important Mayan
archeological sites in the Yucatan. It is about a two hour
drive from Tropical Evergreens on good roads (watch for the
Topas - speed bumps). The name most likely refers to the famous
sacred well of which so much is written. (Chichen-itze meaning
"mouth", "well" and "Itza Tribe" or "well of the Itza". Others
say that it translates into "the city of water sorcerers".
All of this just adds to the mystery of the city and we have
only begun with the name.
Location
Take Highway 305 to Tulum, then head west toward Coba
and follow the signs.
Tulum "City
of Dawn" - The Castle
Tulum
is the only Mayan city on the coast of the Caribbean. It is
spectacularly poised on a cliff overlooking the sea. The city
is surrounded on three sides by a rock wall, some 5 meters
high, distinguishing the ceremonial and administrative zone
from the residential areas. Because of the location Tulum
is often the most memorable of the ancient Mayan Cities.
Location
On Highway 305 Tulum is about 4 miles from Tropical Evergreens.
Coba - Pyramid
Coba
is a city surrounded by jungle The nucleus of Coba is formed
by five groups of large pyramids and temples. Many of the
structures are yet to be unearthed. Coba is remarkable because
of it's 5 lakes and numerous scabes or "white stone roads".
The surrounding jungle shelters many species of birds, reptiles
and mammals.
Location
Take Highway 305 to Tulum, then head west for 42kilometers/25
miles.
Muyil
Temple 8
Muyil Quintana Roo, Mexico
is an ancient Maya site located 20 km south of Tulum on Highway
305. The only area open to the public is Muyil A. the main
architectural remains visible today are the Entrance Plaza
Group, The Castillo, part of Sacbe 1, and Temple 8, as well
as some platforms, chapels, and dry-laid stone walls. You
can also take a nice walk through the jungle to the lagoon.
Location
Take Highway 305 20 km south of Tulum.
Ek'Balam is an ancient Mayan city located 190 km (119 miles)
east of Merida and
160 km (100 miles) west of Cancun.
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