Mayapan Archeological Zone
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NileGuide Expert tip:
After visiting Mayapan, go see other Mayan ruins at Uxmal, Sayil, Kabáh, Labná, and Xlapak.Description:
Mayapán dominated Post-Classic Yucatan for two centuries, almost until the arrival of the Spanish. The feathered serpent god Kukulcán founded Mayapán in 1007 AD. A civil war between the city and Chichén Itzá in 1221 resulted in the defeat of the Itza and the establishment of a new capital city here.Mayapán, or "Standard of the Maya People," covered almost 10 square km and was the sophisticated home of 17,000 people. The largest defensive wall in Meso-America surrounds Mayapán but did not protect it from destruction in 1450 AD.
Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo de Kukulcán)
Located at the rim of a cenote, the Temple of Kukulcán is a perfect, slightly smaller version of El Castillo at Chichén Itza. Head to Mayapán on the Spring and Fall equinoxes and witness the shadow of the feathered serpent descending the pyramid – just as at Chichén Itza, but minus the enormous crowds.
Observatory (El Observatorio)
Round buildings are scarce in Mayan cities and are generally assumed to be dedicated to Ehecatl, the wind god. A stone solar disk found in Mayapán's observatory recorded four transits of Venus and two solar eclipses during the 14th century.
After visiting Mayapan, go see other Mayan ruins at Uxmal, Sayil, Kabáh, Labná, and Xlapak.
Location: Mayapán is located on Highway 18, 40 km southeast of Mérida and 100 km west of Chichén Itzá, just south of the town of Telchaquillo, CP 97820.
Hours of Operation: Open Daily, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Admission: MX$27. (Free on Sundays to Mexican citizens and permanent foreign residents). Cash only.
Services: Parking, restrooms
