Visit Yucatan Peninsula
The ruins at Chichén Itzá, have most recently become one of the 7 new wonders of the World. The ancient Mayan capital is the most famous of the archaeological zones in the Yucatan. It lies 120 kilometres east of Merida in the direction of Cancun. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Chichén Itzá will take you back in time to the pre-Hispanic era to discover what life was like during those days.
Each year during the spring equinox a natural phenomenon occurs at El Castillo (also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan): the sunlight creates a shadow image of a plumed serpent descending down the pyramid's stairs. This unique experience draws hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
Although it is one of the most visited ruins in Mexico it remains a spectacular unique site - an ideal destination, not only for those who enjoy archaeology, but also for those who like history and the charming allure of ancient civilizations. Due to the visitor numbers Audley recommends visiting the ruins as early in the day as is possible to avoid the crowds of day-trippers that arrive from Cancun.