Chichen Itza, Mexico

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Chichen Itza (pronounced /t?i??t??n i??ts??/;[1] from Yucatec Maya: Chi'ch'èen Ìitsha',[2] "At the mouth of the well of the Itza") is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization located in the northern center of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the Yucatán state, present-day Mexico.

Chichen Itza was a major regional focal point in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic through the Terminal Classic and into the early portion of the Early Postclassic period. The site exhibits a multitude of architectural styles, from what is called “Mexicanized” and reminiscent of styles seen in central Mexico to the Puuc style found among the Puuc Maya of the northern lowlands. The presence of central Mexican styles was once thought to have been representative of direct migration or even conquest from central Mexico, but most contemporary interpretations view the presence of these non-Maya styles more as the result of cultural diffusion.

The ruins of Chichen Itza are federal property, and the site’s stewardship is maintained by Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, INAH). The land under the monuments, however, is privately-owned by the Barbachano family.[3]

Wikipedia

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Mexico: Rich with reminders of ancient civilisations, Mexico is a modern and vibrant nation. Cathedrals and temples contrast with futuristic buildings and modern beach resorts. Feasts and festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm, and the marketplaces in villages and towns are lively and colourful. Mexico has an extraordinary charm that will keep you coming back for more.