Tour Mayan Civilizations of Ancient Mexico
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Chichen Itza. The Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are among the most famous in Mexico. Allow a full day to visit Chichen Itza. The site is approximately 3 hours from Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort Riviera Maya. The most photographed ruin here is El Castillo, commonly referred to as Pyramid of Kukulkan. The massive structure was built to celebrate the Maya calendar and the architectural elements of the pyramid represent days, months, and years. Panoramic views of the Yucatan jungle and the ancient city below are the reward for climbing the 91 steep steps to the top of El Castillo. Wear sun protection and stay hydrated when visiting Chichen Itza. [Top]Uxmal. The ruins of Uxmal in northern Yucatan are distinct for their ornately carved facades. The ruins at Uxmal, which indicate great ceremonies, are considered among archeologists as complex due to their varied elevations. The Pyramid of the Magician’s temple doorway features intricate masks of what are believed to represent the rain god Chaac. Unlike neighboring Mayan cities, Uxmal did not have a cenote to provide water. Thus heavy emphasis was placed on appeasing the rain god. The Governor’s Palace is another favorite with its double-headed jaguar throne. [Top]
Tulum. The Tulum archeological site is marked by the towering Castillo cliff-side fortress/temple overlooking the crystalline Caribbean. Tulum served primarily as an ancient seaport and monitored the ocean trade route between Honduras and the Yucatan. Unlike many other native civilizations, Tulum remained inhabited long after the Spanish descended on Mexico. Temple of the Frescoes is another notable ruin of ancient Tulum. [Top]Coba. Still mostly covered thick jungle vegetation, it’s hard to believe that Coba was once one of the important cities in Mayan civilization. It is important to note that while Coba is impressive in size and mystery, it is rugged and the least reconstructed of other Maya sites in the region. The archeological site of Coba stretches roughly 26 square miles. Archeologists are working steadily to excavate and study more structures. Impressive ruins at Coba include the Temple of the Church and Pyramid of the Painted Lintel. [Top]
Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort Riviera Maya - Quintana Roo, Mexico (MX)
Carretera Cancun Tulum Km. 62,Playa del Carmen, Municipio de Solidaridad,
Quintana Roo 77710, Mexico
USA: 866-522-7673 Mexico: 01-800-831-1165
Hotel Direct: +52-984-877-4400
RCI Members Only: 1-800-835-2778
Reservations: reservationsrm@grandvelas.com
For Group Reservations: salesrm@grandvelas.com
Please visit our sister properties in:
Puerto Vallarta - Casa Velas | Velas Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta - Grand Velas
Carretera Cancun Tulum Km. 62,Playa del Carmen, Municipio de Solidaridad,
Quintana Roo 77710, Mexico
USA: 866-522-7673 Mexico: 01-800-831-1165
Hotel Direct: +52-984-877-4400
RCI Members Only: 1-800-835-2778
Reservations: reservationsrm@grandvelas.com
For Group Reservations: salesrm@grandvelas.com
Please visit our sister properties in:
Puerto Vallarta - Casa Velas | Velas Vallarta
Nuevo Vallarta - Grand Velas
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USA & Canada: 866-230-7221
UK: 0800-032-2394