Temple of Kukulcan or El Castillo

Located in Yucatan near Valledolid,  Chichen Itza has been a world heritage site since 1988 and has also been voted one of the world’s new seven wonders. The most dominant edifice at this archeological site is the Temple of Kukulcan, which happens to be the name of a maya feathered serpent  deity. One of the most interesting facts about this pyramid more commonly known as El Castillo is that it is a monument of cosmological symbolism existing during this era. There are four sides containing 365 steps depicting the solar year, 52 panels for each year in the Mayan century as well each week in the solar year and 18 terraces for 18 months in the Maya religious year. Additional information about this archeological site is included in the photo gallery below.

Platform of the Eagles and Jaguars. The balustrades of these steps represents ascending plumed serpents

This is a carving on the wall of the jaguars and serpents platform depicting both eagles and jaguars clutching a human heart indicating that human sacrifices may have been made here

Stone carvings of an eagle and jaguar clutching a human heart

The Temple de los Guerreros. This building owes its name to the rows of pillars displaying relief carvings of warriors

row of pillars surrounding the temple of Guerreros

The temple of skulls has walls with relief carvings of human skulls

Entrance to the juego de pelota which is an arena for sports

Inside the sports arena there was a playing field with hoops on each wall. Players had to throw or kick a ball through these hoops

The Platform of Venus with balustrades ending in serpents heads

In each corner of the venus platform there are glyphs associated with the planet venus

Vendors with souvenirs are conveniently located near all buildings.

A photo opp at the entrance of Chichen Itza

a closer look at el castillo