Seeing Chichen Itza is a special experience in itself – so the added extras on this tour are just the icing on the cake. There'll be a tour of the ancient Maya ruins of Mexico's top archaeological site, a visit to the colonial city of Valladolid and a swim in a cenote, too. What's more, it's all topped with a buffet lunch. Benito, one of our local guides, says "what you hear is just as impressive as what you see in Chichen Itza. For example, El Caracol was an observatory used by Maya astronomers. You'll find out all about their precise calendars, which charted everything from fertility to harvests."
Clawed back from the jungle by archaeologists, Chichen Itza is a sight to behold. Its name means Mouth of the Well of the Water Wizards, inspired by its sacred cenotes. Everywhere, you'll see representations of Kukulkan, the plumed serpent that was the top Maya deity. The pyramid dedicated to him dominates the complex. Benito says, ‘The Temple of Kukulkan has four staircases of 91 steps plus the single step on the summit makes 365. The ancient Maya calculated everything.'
We'll then make our way to the Spanish-era colonial city of Valladolid. You'll also be able to explore its main square, shop for souvenirs, and see one of the first Catholic churches erected in Mexico. It's then time to swim in a cenote – huge underground sinkholes believed to be home to Xibalba, the Mayan god of the underworld. You'll round off with a tasty buffet lunch of regional classics before heading back to your hotel.
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