Chichen Itza
Located in the jungles of Yucatan Mexico are the most visited pyramids and temples. The main attraction is Kukulcan that stands approximately seventy-five feet high. This pyramid was built for astronomical purposes. During the spring and autumn equinox, “the sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid's main stairway. This causes seven isosceles triangles to form imitating the body of a serpent 37 yards long that creeps downwards until it joins the huge serpent's head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway.”
Tulum Ruins
Located right at the edge of Quintana Roo Mexico; Tulum acted as one of the major ports for Coba. Tulum is a place to enjoy a quiet beach and learn about Mayan archeological facts. The city has three walls and cliff, known as the, “Walled City.” They have three guard towers, a light house, and five entrances by foot. Each entry can only fit one individual at a time. The light house was designed to aid boats in entering the narrow opening for trading.
Xel-Ha
A small village next to the Xel-Ha Lagoon eco-park in Quintana Roo Mexico. It is on one of the largest coves, which is why they call it, “the place where the water is born.” This city was huge for the Coba trade. This port used canoes to trade with the native towns around to coast. The trade consisted of obsidian, jade, coconut, feathers, cotton, and textiles.
Xel-Ha has several small stone temples and two cenotes (place of sacrifice). The Lolthrop group of buildings has a unique building with a round stone structure. The use is unexplained and the only one located in Xel-Ha.
Mayapan
Mayapan
The buildings here resemble those of Chichen Itza. It is one of the last great capitols developed by the Mayans. Mayapan also known as, “Banner of the Mayas,” was the most important center. It was the capitol of Maya confederation. Similar to Tulum, Mayapan is a walled city due to the situations between other cities. This city has many observatories similar to the building below to observe the planets. The Mayans are known for their star gazing and developed the calendar that we use today. The city is in less of a condition compared to other archeological cities, but still posse’s great builds.
Coba
Coba is known as the, “waters stirred by wind,” because it is located around four natural lakes. These ruins are not reconstructed like the others in this brochure, but this makes them extremely unique. Coba comes equipped with the natural environment around them such as the vines, jungle vegetation, tropical trees, bird, and butterflies.
Coba has the tallest pyramid, Nohoch Mul, which stands twelve stories high and one hundred and twenty stairs to the top. Once you reach the top you are able to view the wonderful jungle and the tops of other ruins.