Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa are just a few steps to
the Ancient Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico

CHICHEN-ITZA FACTS:
A Majestic Maya Archaeological Site in Yucatan

         The Maya name "Chichen Itza" means " at the edge of the Itza's well." This derives from chi', meaning "mouth" or "edge", and ch'e'en, meaning "well." Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage group that dominated the northern peninsula of Yucatan, Mexico prior to the Spanish Conquest. It is believed that "Itza" derives from the Maya itz, meaning "magic," and (h)á, meaning "water;" Itzá means: "Water Magicians." Archaeologists today believe that this majestic Mayan city rose as a prominent power towards the end of the Mayan Early Classic Period (600 AD) and current scholastic data places Chichen Itza's fall around AD 1000. Chichen Itza was a major economic power in the northern Mayan region during its apogee. The city's impressive architecture and urban design still marvels visitors and has won Chichen Itza to be included in the new list of the seven wonders of the world, and is one of UNESCO's World Heritage sites. In July, 7, 2007, Chichen Itza's ancient Mayan pyramid: "Kukulcan" or "El Castillo" as it is known in Spanish, became one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  The Mayan pyramid Kukulcan is truly a majestic architectural achievement as a Solar Calendar and Ceremonial temple to the ancient Mayan people.  Today, you can marvel at the power and grace of the Mayan archaeological temple designs and urban design mastery by visiting Chichen Itza and staying at Hacienda Chichen Resort to enjoy the eco-cultural activities and beauty of Yucatan, Mexico.

Here are some detailed facts about Chichen Itza and the Maya Eco-Cultural World:

Chichen Itza's Archaeological Site and Mayan Pyramids: click photos for further info.

Chichen Itza Archeological Zone: The ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza has various clusters of Mayan pyramids and temples scattered in a large area, over 500 hectares.  The Maya pyramids and temples within the "visited zone" include the fabulous temple of Kukulkan (photo) and the Maya Observatory among the most prominent. Click here to have full detailed information about each area and temple found in Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza's Mayan Ceremonies and Maya Rituals:

Chichen Itza Maya Sacred Ceremonial Site: Ancient Maya rituals and Cosmo-vision sacred ceremonies are still performed by Maya Shamans (J-Men) and Wiseman in Chichen Itza within the Hacienda Chichen vast Maya Jungle Reserve. Check the Annual Maya Ceremonial Calendar of Events here for detailed info and participate in an authentic Maya ceremony during the year 2012.

Chichen Itza's Geological Wonders:

Chichen Itza Cenotes: The ancient city of Chichen Itza is located in Northern Yucatan, an arid region where underground fresh water ways run through it rather than rivers; such waterways form natural skink holes called cenotes in Spanish. There are two open cenotes in Chichen Itza's archaeological zone, the most famous is the Sacred Cenote, north of the Kukulkan Pyramid. Edward H. Thompson dredged El Cenote Sagrado, 1904 to 1910, and recovered artifacts of gold, jade, pottery, etc.

Chichen Itza's Wildlife - Flora and Fauna:

Chichen Itza Fauna embraces those travelers that overnight at Hacienda Chichen to fully enjoy all Chichen Itza has to offer, including incredible bird-watching and fauna sightseeing as you stroll the lush jungle like gardens of Hacienda Chichen and Yaxkin Spa. Bring a pair of bins to take a good look of various mammals, birds, reptiles, and many truly unique insects, specially butterflies.
 

Chichen Itza Flora is a fascinating feast of life, colors, and aromas; specially at Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa's vast Mayan Jungle Reserve, where guests can enjoy guided Mayan Botanical Tours, Bird-watching Tours, and sacred Mayan ceremonies to fully experience the Mayan cultural heritage of Yucatan's Maya people. Visit Yucatan Adventure Eco-Travel Guide to get detailed information about Chichen Itza's flora and the Green Awareness Conservation efforts of Hacienda Chichen.
 

Chichen Itza Mayan Holistic Spa and Mayan Healing Traditions:

Chichen Itza Maya Spa: Yaxkin Spa is in fact a true Holistic Mayan Spa Wellness Center where you will experience Mayan healing traditions, sacred holistic healing rituals, and a deep sense of connection with Mother Nature.  We recommend you take the time and indulge your soul, mind and body with an ancient Mayan holistic experience at Yaxkin Maya Spa., where Mayan healers use only fresh organic grown herbs and plants, oils, and skin care.  This Spa is within Hacienda Chichen.

 
2012 Maya Calendar System, Cycles and Facts

For detailed information about 2012 and the Maya Calendar System, Cycles and Facts, please read the article The Maya Calendar System, a brief introduction and facts about the amazing multiple Maya Calendar systems based on the Sun, Moon, Venus, and our Planetary system in relationship with the Cosmos.

Chichen Itza Facts: Maya Pyramids and Temples -
Some of Chichen Itza's Mayan Architectural Wonders.

Chichen Itza's Urban Design: The urban design found in Chichén Itza is highly impressive and well planned with many Mayan Temples grouped in a series of architectonic sets, including the New Seven Wonders majestic Maya pyramid of Kukulkan. The four well known clusters of Mayan pyramids and temples in Chichen Itza; three are open to the public:

• The Great North Platform, which includes Kukulkan Pyramid, known as
  El Castillo; plus the Temple of Warriors and the Great Ball Court.

• The Ossario Group, which includes the Ossario pyramid,the Xtoloc temple,
  and the cenote of the Xtoloc.

• The Central Group, includes the Observatory or El Caracol, the group of Las Monjas and La Iglesia, plus the lovely Mayan temple of Akab Dzib.

• Old Chichen or Chichen Viejo is  located at the far south end of Chichen Itza visited zone.  Old Chichen is not opened to the public,  among the Mayan temples found within it are the Group of Initial Series and Lintels.

Great Ball Court is also within the Great North Platform series of Mayan temples in Chichen Itza. It is known as Pok-Ta-Pok in Maya, and El Juego de Pelota in Spanish; there are several smaller Ball Courts in this archaeological site but the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, is the most impressive and larger in ancient Mesoamerica, measuring 166 X 68 meters in length and two long 12 meter high walls holding the two stone carved ball rings representing the feather serpent. Read here a  real good article about the Maya ballgame and its mythological roots.

Kukulkan Pyramid also known as El Castillo dominates the Great North Platform Series; this Mayan temple is in harmony with the Mayan Solar Calendar in its numeric set of steps, platforms, and geometric design. The Kukulkan Pyramid is a masterpiece of ancient Mayan Cosmovision, the pyramid has a ground plan of square terraces with central stairways decorated with two feather serpents tails up and their heads resting at the ground. Only two of the four sides of Mayan temple have been restored by Mayan archaeologists. the north side of the pyramid is where the amazing "light and shadow" coming of Kukulkan (symbolized by the feather serpents) descends during an equinox sunrise and sunset each year. Yaxkin Spa offers guests a holistic Mayan experience: KukulKan Ceremony based on ancient Mayan Cosmovision.

Temple of the Warriors and the Group of the Thousand Columns The archeological expedition and restoration of these building was conducted by the Carnegie Institute from 1925-1928, with Earl H. Morris as one of the key members of the restoration. Chichen Itza's Temple of the Warriors features sculpted feather serpent columns at its top platform framing an impressive sculpture of the Chac Mool used in ancient times as an altar for sacrifices; the temples has an inner chamber covered with painted stucco Mayan frescos (not opened to the public nowadays).  The Group of the Thousand Columns connects with the Main Market complex, both part of the Great North Platfom series which has many other Mayan temples and platforms for visitors to enjoy during their visit to Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico.

The Ossario is a mid-size step-style pyramid within the Ossario Group complex of Mayan temples found just south of the Kukulkan pyramid series. In the late 1800s Edward H. Thompson excavated the Ossario pyramid and its cave in the late 1800s and found jade, pottery, human bones, and ancient Mayan artifacts.
 

The Observatory temple or El Caracol, as it is called in Spanish, is located at Chichen Itza's Central Temples Group.  A fascinating Mayan architectural design, shaped similar to a modern Observatory structure. The central cone building features doors and windows are aligned to various astronomical events and for the observation of the stars and planets movement; Mayan astronomers had a detailed understanding of Venus, the Sun, and the Moon as they traverses the heavens.

For detailed information about 2012 and the Maya Calendar System, Cycles and Facts, please read the article The Maya Calendar System, a brief introduction and facts about the amazing multiple Maya Calendar systems based on the Sun, Moon, Venus, and our Planetary system in relationship with the Cosmos.

Las Monjas (Nunnery) is one of the most notable Puuc style Mayan-temple structure at Chichen Itza; Las Monjas complex represents the Terminal Classic buildings constructed in the Puuc architectural fashion within Chichen Itza, similar to the designs found in Kabah, and Uxmal, Yucatan, Mexico.  Early explorer August Le Plongeon revealed an older structure within this temple. the Anexo Este building constructed annex to this temple has a highly Chenes Style decorated with many masks of Chac the Rain God and serpents.

Akab Dzib (Temple of the Obscure Writing) constructed to the east of the Nunnery, showcases Mayan glyphs which gave it is current "yet to be deciphered" name.  Trace of original red chac wall paint colors are still observed in this Maya ruin that may be the oldest building at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico.

Old Chichen Complex or Chichen Viejo is only opened to archaeologists and is located inside the Hacienda Chichen private Mayan Jungle Reserve in the south region of Chichen Itza. Many of Old Chichen temples feature the Maya Puuc architectural design.  The past ten years, Dr. Merle Greene has dedicated many summers to work recording many of the Mayan stone-carvings in these Mayan temples; a lovely collection of her original "rubbings"  can be seen by Hacienda Chichen guests at the hotel's Merle Greene's Museum.
 

The Mayan Calendar Systems:

Ancient Maya time-keepers designed a highly advance way of keeping time interlocking three calendars or space/time cycles; together these Mayan calendars form a truly amazing understanding of the Cosmic bodies inter-relationships and our Universe of the Moon orbiting the Earth, planet Earth orbiting our solar planet, and our solar planet's own path in our galaxy the Milky Way. Some Maya Calendar facts:

Tzolkin Maya Moon Calendar has a cycle unit every 13 lunar unit of 20 days.

Haab  Mayan Solar Calendar has a cycle of 365 days divided into 18 months of 20 days, plus a period of 5 days left over at the end of the year. This short 5 day month is called “Uayeb,” the resting of the year.
 
The Sacred or Long Count Calendar Together they blend with the larger Mayan calendar to create a complete 52-Haab unites of 18,980 days that record the solar system's own space/time cycle

The most important calendar cycle for the Maya is Tzolkin, a ritual calendar of 260 days also known as the Sacred Almanac and J'Men Elder Mayan Priests (Shamans) continue using its count to celebrate their Mayan sacred rituals and ceremonies.  It is composed of 13 months, each with 20 days. Every day in the 260 day calendar has a unique corresponding position in time as well as in the “Haab” or the solar 360 + 5 day Maya calendar.  Each day’s position in the calendars only repeats itself every 52 solar years.

 Learn more about the exact time/space calculations and observations of ancient Mayan people, the.Mayan Calendars and Mayan Cosmovision.

 

  Recommended Places and Visits near Hacienda Chichen and Yaxkin Spa:

Balankanche Caves - located just 6 Km. from the Hacienda Chichen on the rural road to Xcalacoop.  An ancient Maya ceremonial site is a natural underground caves system filled with domes and beautiful limestone formations.  Visitors comfortably can stroll in lighted passages leading deep into the ceremonial caverns to a grant cave vault where a huge stalagmite, resembling a Ceiba tree, is the central feature of natural altar within the enormous natural stone vault.  This geological formation was honored as the "tree of wisdom" by ancient Maya and many ceremonial ancient vessels and offerings to the Gods are still in view. Balankanche caves passages end facing a waterway where purification rites were performed. Visitors can enjoy the English narrated history of the caves and their sacred ceremonial use.

Yaxunah Mayan Site - located 20 Km to the south of Hacienda Chichen, passing the rural road 180 to Piste you will find the sign.  This archeological site features one of the largest found ancient Maya stone-paved roads to Coba.  Yaxunah in Maya means "Turquoise House."  Explore the beauty of its original carvings and under-explored site.  Yaxuna Maya temples are among the highest pyramids of ancient Maya cities in the Yucatan.

Ex Balam - 60 Km from Hacienda Chichen taking the rural road 180 to Valladolid, you will find this newly reconstructed Mayan site.  Ek Balam has an impressive architectural features, some of them remade by modern archaeologists, specially those found in the Mayor Pyramid, Tomb of Ukit Kan Le'k Tok', this is the largest structure known as the "Acropolis". This pyramid features a 5 meter tall Jaguar's mouth carved in stone and many winged Mayan Lords with various Maya script and glyphs; from the top, you can clearly see Chichen Itza.  Ek Balam is a Mayan name that could mean both "Black Jaguar" and "Star Jaguar" or "the Jaguar of the Night" the most common English name used in Wikipedia is "Black Jaguar." 

Maya Cultural Experiences we highly recommend you not miss!

Yaxkin Spa: a Maya Holistic Wellness Center and Eco-Spa Healing Destination.  Come to Hacienda Chichen and experience authentic Mayan cultural traditions, sacred rituals celebrated by Mayan Wiseman and genuine Maya healing practices.  Visit our Zumpul-che Mayan Purification Cave (sweat-bath) and sacred Mayan ceremonial garden.  Explore Mother Nature and local cultural experiences.

Chichen Itza Facts: the impressive Kukulkan Mayan Pyramid, an ancient Mayan temple became part of the 2007 Seven Wonders of the World. This ancient Mayan city has been the most famous of all Mayan archaeological zones in Yucatan, Mexico.  Today, Chichen Itza offers many Mayan eco-cultural traditions:

We highly recommend you to stay at least two night at Hacienda Chichen to enjoy and explore this eco-friendly Spa resort's  various eco-cultural activities , including the nightly Light and Sound Show at Chichen Itza after a short "siesta" in your room or cottage terrace over viewing our Maya Jungle gardens.  Visit our private Merle Greene Museum and Yaxkin Spa unique Mayan  Natural Cave, a purification ancient Mayan ceremonial site, an original natural holistic sweat-bath and cleansing Zumpul-che ceremony, within Hacienda Chichen ritual garden.

REMEMBER: As a guest at  Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa, you have the unique opportunity to enjoy natural purification Spa treatments rooted in Mayan holistic healing traditions as you discover our Mayan Cultural traditions, and explore many fascinating ancient Mayan temples and ruins in Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico.  Don't miss Hacienda Chichen's Vacation Offers this 2011

SPRING 2012 EQUINOX: March 21, 2012 at 10AM the Mayan J-Men Senior Healers and Shamans will celebrate their Spring Equinox Mayan Ceremony at Hacienda Chichen's Sacred Mayan Ceremonial Site, participation is "free", for further information view Yucatan Adventure's Mayan Ceremonies and Rituals Calendar after the open to the public free Mayan Equinox Ceremony, J-Men Mayan Healer and J-Men (Shaman) will be offering the Zumpul-che mystical rituals and Mayan Holistic Purification Ceremonies (3  sessions) to small groups of participants, for further information, booking, and price per person registration, click here.

Yucatan Adventure
Maya Culture and Civilization, Gods and Deities, Mayan People, Mayan Calendars, Maya Holistic Healing Traditions, Sacred Mayan Ceremonies and Rituals, Maya Cosmovision, Elder Mayan Shamans J-Men Healers, Free Maya Cuisine and Gourmet Recipes, and many other cultural articles plus famous XX Century Archaeologists Biographies. Yucatan eco-wonders, Cenotes, and much more...