Mayan pyramids - where are the most famous and mysterious? Teotihuacan is an ancient city in Mexico where the largest Mexican pyramids are located.

Mexico country holding the largest number ancient ruins, many of which are the subject of permanent archaeological research to reveal to us, hidden for centuries under a dense cover of dense jungle. The provinces of Chiapas, Yucatán and Quintana Rú are known for their archaeological sites with the ruins of Mayan cities open to tourists.

Palenque

located in tropical forest province of Chiapas, near the Usumacinta River, the ruins of the city of Palenque impress with their size and splendor of the preserved buildings. For 15 sq. km found on this moment over a thousand buildings. The archaeological zone includes the "Temple of the Sun", the "Temple of the Cross", the "Temple of the Inscriptions", the ruins of the palace and many other buildings. The "Temple of the Inscriptions" stands out in particular, where a sarcophagus was found with the burial place of one of the greatest rulers of Palenque - Pakal. The bas-reliefs on the walls of the palace and the decoration of the ball field are striking. Palenque is considered the most beautiful and impressive museum under open sky in Mexico. Whether ancient symbols or examples of Mayan art, the ruins of Palenque will surely give you an idea of ​​the development of the Mayan civilization.

How to get there: it is not difficult to get to this archaeological zone. You can get by bus to the modern city of Palenque, and from there by another bus to the archaeological complex itself - 10 minutes. Or take advantage of a guided tour offered by your tour operator, which may be a little more expensive, but definitely more comfortable.

Yaxchilan

The ruins of the Mayan city of Yaxchilan are located 4 hours drive from Palenque, on the border with Guatemala in the heart of the jungle, on the banks of the Usumacinta River. Yaxchilan is a truly inexhaustible pantry of a huge number of monuments of architecture and writing of the Mayan people, a significant part of which is exhibited in National Museum Anthropology in Mexico City. Yaxchilan was considered one of the most influential cities of the Pachan kingdom and competed in influence with Palenque.

A trip to Yaxchilan will give an unforgettable experience to all connoisseurs ancient history- walls painted with hieroglyphs, reflecting the important events of the kingdom, altars and steles, ancient temples will not leave anyone indifferent. A untouched nature, surrounding the ruins, with incredible amount birds, reptiles and howler monkeys create a backdrop that will take your breath away.

How to get there: First by bus, then half an hour by boat along the Usumacinta River, which separates Mexico and Guatemala, to the archaeological zone of Yaxchilan.

Chichen Itza ​​

Chichen Itza attracts travelers from all over the world as one of the largest archaeological parks on the Yucatan Peninsula with famous pyramid Kukulkan, recognized as one of the seven wonders of the world in 2007. The complex is located on a plot of 2.5 square kilometers and is visited daily by about 10,000 tourists, mainly from the nearby seaside resort Cancun.

The most famous building is the Kukulkan pyramid, 24 m high, with 365 steps on four sides. Unfortunately, the ascent to the pyramid is closed. But on the other hand, there will be time to see: the Red House, the House of the Deer, the monastery and its annexes, the church, Akab Dzib, the Temple with three lintels and the Pali House, a huge field for playing ball, as well as a deep ritual well of the cenote, which was used for sacrifices to the god rain Tlaloc.

How to get there: from Cancun 195 km on a good road, travel time is about 2 hours.

Bonampak

Located in the state of Chiapas, former city Mayan Bonampak is popular for its preserved frescoes and Temple of Paintings. The frescoes are recognized as the best found in the Mayan world and for them we suggest visiting this archaeological zone, although it will seem small to you, compared to Yaxchilan.

How to get there: when traveling to Yaxchilan, as a rule, all excursions include a visit to Bonampak. We would not recommend getting there ourselves, unless we take local Indians who know their roads well as guides.

Koba

Coba is the second most visited ruins of the ancient Mayan city in the province of Quintana Rú (after Tulum). Access to the main pyramid of the city, 42 meters high, is still allowed, and if you want to enjoy climbing the pyramid under the scorching tropical sun, then you should come here!

However, the main vast territory of the Coba archaeological zone is immersed in the jungle, through which you can walk from one building to another or use tourist trains or rented bicycles. On this long walk you can see not only picturesque ruins but also admire the beautiful cenotes and the lush vegetation around them.

How to get there: From the resorts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya, excursions are offered, often combining visits to Coba and Tulum. Distance 173 km. Also go Shuttle Buses from the bus stations of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Tulum

Tulum is famous as the only known Mayan city built on the coast. caribbean. It is also the only Mayan city that is surrounded by a wall. Usually the Maya did not strengthen their city-states, did not build fortifications. The wall was built at the end of the city's existence as a defensive means against the attacks of nomadic peoples from the north, which were very common at that time.

Here you can not only get acquainted with the Temple of Frescoes and the pyramid of El Castillo covered with elegant stone carvings, but also enjoy magnificent views the ruins of the city against the backdrop of the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. This archaeological site ranks first among tourists in terms of attendance in the province of Quintana Rú and third in the whole country after Chichen Itza and Teotihuacan. Therefore, we recommend visiting it in the first hours after opening.

How to get there: Tulum is located 180 km from Cancun and only 60 km from the "capital" of the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen. From Cancun Airport, ADO buses leave 3 times a day for Tulum, and from there you can take a taxi to the archaeological area, the journey takes 2 hours. From resort town Playa del Carmen in Tulum can be reached by bus or collective (local minibus) in an hour.

USHMAL

Ruins of once huge city Maya of Uxmal are characterized by the splendor of architecture and are on a par with Chichen Itza and Tikal. This archaeological zone is relatively close to Chichen Itza and the city of Merida. The complex is spread over an area of ​​150 hectares.

Of interest is the inspection of the Pyramid of the Magus, which is unconventional in its design, the Square of the Monastery, Great Pyramid and "pigeons". The ruins of Uxmalae are characterized by a distinctive ornamental finish compared to the rest of the Maya ruins. Everywhere you can see well-preserved columns, complex ornamental patterns, figurines of birds and animals, and decorative elements. From the top of the Great Pyramid, a panoramic view of Uxmal and the lush jungle surrounding it opens up.

How to get there: From Merida to Uxmal can be reached by bus departing from the central bus station. Travel time 1 hour 10 minutes. The bus stops right next to the entrance to the complex.

• Wear comfortable shoes, because in most cases you will be walking through the jungle, in the interweaving of roots and vines, and you will also have to climb the stairs of the pyramids.
• In our ranking, we mentioned the possibility of getting to the ruins on our own, but we recommend the first time you visit mayan ruins do it with a guide, because he will tell interesting things about these archaeological sites, often not listed in guidebooks.
• Use mosquito repellents while being in the jungle.
• Do not forget sunscreen with good protection, after all, a walk in open areas, especially in Chichen Itza or Tulum, threatens to burn.

In the north Mexican Yucatan once located largest center Mayan people - Chichen Itza. The city in translation meaning approximately “The mouth of the well of the Itza tribe” was founded in the 7th century AD. In the 10th century, the Toltec army captured this city-state and formed its capital here. In 1178, the city was captured by neighboring city-states, and from 1194 it fell into complete disrepair. No one can now say what caused the residents to leave. The Spaniards who came here in the 16th century stumbled only on the ruins of Chichen Itza.

The excavations carried out in our time on the site of this ancient city made it possible to find many interesting architectural monuments from the culture of the time. One of the most famous was the temple of Kukulkan, which is a 9-step pyramid. Another interesting building is the temple of the Warriors on a 4-step pyramid, decorated with paintings. Stadiums for violent ball games, a 50-meter well for sacrifices, a sacred cenote, an observatory of the statue of local gods were also discovered.

Stadium ball ring

Interestingly, the land with these structures until 2010 was in private hands. But competent actions of the government allowed it to be returned to the state for $17.8 million. The ancient Mayan city is very popular among tourists. A monument of this magnitude, of course, was taken under the control of UNESCO. And in 2007 he was awarded the title of one of the new wonders of the world.

Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza

Main interesting architectural buildings in Chichen Itza were built in the so-called Mexican period - the time after the capture of the city by the Toltecs. Then it was built main temple Maya city - Temple of Kukulkan. The temple was dedicated to the Toltec god Kukulkan, whom they called the Feathered Serpent.

The temple, due to its expressiveness and popularity, has become a symbol of all of Mexico. Any inhabitant of our planet has seen this 24-meter nine-step pyramid at least once in his life.

The building has a square plan, massive appearance. It is not surprising that the Spaniards who came here called it a castle. The temple is set on a huge terrace (18 hectares) along with many others famous buildings Chichen Itzi. On the right is the temple of the Warriors, on the left is the temple of the Jaguars.

Four staircases lead to the top of the temple, oriented to the cardinal points. The stairs are accompanied by a balustrade starting with a snake's head. On the days of the equinox, the lighting creates an interesting effect: it seems that the Serpent Kukulkan begins to crawl out of its lair.

Serpent head

In addition to its orientation to the cardinal points, the temple is also distinguished by other astronomical details. There are 91 steps on each staircase, which gives a total of 364. And if we add the upper platform to this number, we get the total number of days in a year - 365. The nine main steps of the pyramid are separated by a staircase, which actually doubles them to 18. With the number 18 in the Maya is associated with the number of months in a year. Each wall depicts 52 reliefs - the number of years in the calendar cycle.

On top of this great pyramid the temple itself is located with four entrances. Main entrance the sanctuary is in the north. There are two columns depicting snakes. Inside are two more pairs of the same. In the old days, it was here that terrible human sacrifices were made.

Temple of Kukulkan

An interesting fact there will be another similar nine-step pyramid in main pyramid. The entrance was found relatively recently, and it was here that the symbol of Mayan power, the Jaguar Mat, was hidden.

Jaguar Throne

The Jaguar mat is the ruler's throne, carved from stone, resembling the figure of a jaguar. The throne is inlaid with 73 jade disks in the form of jaguar spots. They are filled with the eyes of the beast. The first owners of the throne include Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, the founder of the Toltecs.

Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza

Another famous temple The city of Chichen Itza is located to the right of the pyramid of Kukulkan. The Temple of the Warriors is also located on the pyramid, the approaches to which are guarded by a detachment of patterned columns.

This building completely copies the temple of Quetzalcoatl in Tollan. The Toltec leader Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, before uniting the tribes and making major conquests, lost this city. So that in the new place he would be reminded of the past glory, a copy of this temple was built.

In front of the stairs of the temple there are 60 patterned columns 2.6 meters high, arranged in four rows. Previously, these columns had a roof, from which, alas, nothing remains now. Everywhere in the temple there are images of warriors - hence its name. As well as in all the temples of the Toltecs, human sacrifices were made here.

The pyramid of this temple is smaller - only 11.5 meters and consists of five steps. Balustrades of the central staircase are decorated with stone male figures. The top is decorated with the actual temple, which consists of two rooms - the front hall and the sanctuary itself. The entrance to the sanctuary is decorated with columns with snakes already familiar to us. In the sanctuary there is an altar for sacrifices supported by figures of people. Nearby stands an idol of the demon Chak-Mool, holding a dish on which the priests threw people's hearts. There are not so cruel assumptions of researchers on this idol. Some also believe that the dish serves as an offering in the form of intoxicating drinks, and the idol itself is a rain god or guardian of the temple.

Chuck Mool

Inside the temple, outwardly, everything is calmer and does not remind of a cruel past. There are many sculptures and frescoes, familiar images of snakes, jaguars, eagles. The warriors on the reliefs of the temple depict typical Indians of that time. They move in a march or stand majestically in place. The frescoes depict the history of the Mayan capture by the Toltecs, as well as the peaceful life of the inhabitants of this place. Temple of the Warriors is undoubtedly one of the interesting buildings to study the Maya-Toltec culture.

And although after the defeat the city fell into decay, the rudiments of a great civilization retained their cultural heritage and passed it on to their descendants. Chichen Itza in Mexico is indeed one of the the most unique places our planet.

Video about Chichen Itza

The Mayan prophecy about the end of the world in 2012 made a lot of noise at the time. We successfully survived it and now we can, without worrying, study architectural masterpieces- the pyramids that were built by these same Mayans in Mexico. Each of the surviving pyramids carries a meaning and shows us how highly developed the exact sciences were among this people. Studying the buildings of the Mayan pyramids, you can puzzle over a bunch of questions, the main one of which will be: “How so?”.

Where are the Mayan pyramids located?

"In which city to look for the Mayan pyramids?" - Surely you have already had such a question? In fact, there are several cities. Let's start with the most significant and interesting monuments.

Another one interesting feature this building was seen in the XX century. Twice a year, crowds of people gather near the pyramid to observe this miracle. Due to the play of light and shadow on the steps of the pyramid, you can see a huge writhing snake with an open evil mouth, sliding from the bottom up. This spectacle lasts a little over 3 hours. And what is noteworthy is that if the ancient builders had moved at least one of the objects that created this illusion, at least a couple of centimeters, we would not have seen the snake. Can you imagine what a colossal work has been done, and what great minds have calculated all this construction?

An interesting fact is also that the entire pyramid complex is a huge resonator. Walking inside, instead of your steps and voice, you can hear the voice of the kaztel, a bird that the Mayans considered sacred. In this we also see the painstaking work of the ancients. To create such an effect, someone had to carefully work on calculating the thickness of the walls. Another one interesting find from the category of acoustics and sounds was discovered on a ball court located among the pyramids. People who are on this site in different temples (and this distance is about 150 meters) hear each other perfectly and can communicate, but at the same time, nearby neighbors will not be heard at all.

Bypassing the territory of the city, you can see another miracle - a real natural well. Its dimensions are quite impressive. The well is 60 meters in diameter. But its depth is still unknown.

Now you can imagine what a huge number of secrets and mysteries will open before you if you decide to visit Mexico. So, make out and arm yourself with a camera and go on this mysterious journey.

The Mayan tribes are ancient people who lived in Mexico and Central America about 3 thousand years ago. Despite the fact that they lived for a long time, they are not forgotten about as an interesting and mysterious population even now. Remember only 2012 and the Mayan predictions about the end of the world or the well-known Mayan calendar, which was used not only ancient tribe, but also by other peoples, he is still amazed by researchers and scientists around the world.

The Mayan pyramids are the pride and at the same time the mystery of America. Their unique and precise designs are simply amazing. The buildings more than once had to be defended from the attacks of militant tribes who wanted to plunder and destroy them. Today it is a treasure ancient era, they are cared for and cherished so that they can please our descendants for a long time. Thousands of tourists come to see the pyramids of America every year to see the legendary buildings with their own eyes.

Mayan ancient cities

Many famous scientists and architects were interested in the Maya population, its history, religion and life views. The best way to tell about the customs and way of life of this people was their cities, where they lived several hundred years ago. Unfortunately, the ancient settlements have almost not survived to our times, but unique structures have remained - the Mayan pyramids, which delight us even now.

Chichen Itza is probably the only city of antiquity that has not been completely destroyed. It can be found on the island of Yuka-Tan, the city of Cancun, which is located 200 meters from the settlement, can serve as an orientation. The city of Water Sorcerers (second name) was quite large and occupied an area of ​​about three thousand hectares. It was erected around 500 BC. and it stood for almost 2000 years.

Chichen Itza was originally intended for sacrifices, which were obligatory according to ancient religion. Over time, the city expanded more and more, and the ancient builders erected new buildings. Conventionally, the settlement was divided into two regions, new and old. The 13-meter-high building of Karakol and the 10-meter castle for nuns have survived to this day.

Here we can see the notorious pyramid of Kukulkan, which proudly rises above the rest of the buildings.

American Pyramid Building Secrets

Although outwardly the Mayan pyramids are similar to Egyptian pyramids, their design and purpose are somewhat different. For example, the pyramids in Egypt were created only for the burial of the pharaohs, the buildings of Mexico were also used as a building for sacrificing people. There are many hypotheses and assumptions about the reasons for the emergence and construction of the pyramids. Many associate their origin with the desire of Indian tribes to study astronomy. It is believed that on the tops of the pyramids it was convenient for the priests to explore the stars, the moon or the sun.

The pyramid of Kukulkan was built according to all the laws of the Mayan tribe. It was a building 25 meters high, made in the form of nine large ledges ascending upwards. On each of the four sides there are wide stairs, the sum of all the steps of the stairs is equal to the number 364, exactly how many days there are in a year. The spans that separate the rises correspond to the number of months, according to the Indian calendar there were 18 of them.

There is one very interesting detail, each of the sides looks directly at four parts of the world: east, west, north and south side. The pyramid has 9 platforms, which correspond to the Mayan ideas about the afterlife. In the north of the pyramid there are two high columns in the form of a snake and one of the stairs has 2 heads of this animal. The Maya worshiped reptiles and the pyramid of Kukulkan, which means feathered serpent, was built in their honor.

Nearby is another four-level pyramid. This is a square building, the side of which is 40 meters. The well, which is located nearby, was used by the Indians for human sacrifice, for which it is called the well of death.

A very interesting building is located in Guatemala, the ancient city of Palenca. This pyramid is interesting in that it has thousands of inscriptions and images that have not been deciphered to this day. A variety of drawings and hieroglyphs carved on the camps of the pyramid haunt the researchers of these places. It was here, in the upper part of the pyramid, that a sarcophagus with human remains was found. Later, the restorers of the building discovered a place for sacrifices, which was located in the middle of the pyramid, where there were the remains of dozens of Indians. There was also a second tomb. On the heavy cover there was a bizarre image, according to one of the researchers - it was an alien ship.

There is another, unfortunately little preserved ancient city- Ushmal. Within its line are two pyramids, the dimensions of which are somewhat smaller when compared with previous buildings. More famous Pyramid The Wizard, which outwardly, like the rest of the pyramids of America, has a shape in the form of ascending steps.

How old are the Mayan pyramids?

No one knows the true age of the ancient buildings. Approximately it can be assumed that they are about 3 thousand years old. The pyramids were made of stones, due, probably, to imperfect technologies, unevenly hewn. Stone blocks were fastened with a special mortar, which was so strong that they have survived to our time. Interestingly, the built pyramid was not a finished version. For example, the pyramid of the city of Chichen Itza, as soon as a period of 52 years passed, was completed, which meant for the Indians the renewal of the world.

Many versions are put forward about who built the pyramids. One of them is better perceived by common sense, they were created by very literate people, both in the field of construction, and in the exact and astrological sciences. Another hypothesis speaks of attracting representatives of another galaxy to the construction, which also takes place.

Tour operator site, organizes trips to different parts of the world, including to famous buildings antiquities. Fascinating excursions, discovery of secrets ancient world, unforgettable vacation at a low price - this is what we guarantee our customers. On the site, the site is always added and updated information about the best resorts and sights of the whole world, and you can order a ticket without even leaving your home.!

Palenque, a Mayan city in the state of Chiapas.

Unique pyramids in mexico are a true architectural marvel. They are big, majestic and very beautiful. Millions of travelers from different corners of the world come to America only for one thing - to see the legendary buildings that were built hundreds and even thousands of years ago. Mexico also attracts our compatriots, anyone can order what they are interested in sightseeing tour right now.

Palenque is an ancient Mayan city, its inspection is included in the 5-day itinerary.

Top facts about the pyramids

There are many legends associated with the Mexican pyramids. Often, architectural structures did not serve as tombs and tombs of local rulers, but served as a place where the most important religious rites were held. Here, on the altar, large sacrifices were often made, in which not only animals, but also people became victims.

The first to build such structures were the mistletoe tribes - representatives of the first major civilization in the territory ancient mexico. Giant heads and jadeite masks were designed by them. Later, only a couple of centuries later, the era of the dawn of the Mayan civilization began. Some bright masterpieces ancient architecture survived to our time. Popular among tourists are majestic abandoned cities. Architectural style mayan pyramids practically has no analogues.

Tulum - seaport Mayan.

Famous scientists tried to unravel the secrets of the ancient inhabitants of the modern Central America. It has not been possible to do this completely. Travelers listen with delight to various amazing legends.
Where are the Mayan pyramids in Mexico? Throughout the country there are several hundred such buildings, but only a few of them can be touched by everyone. Some cultural monuments are still hidden in dense jungle.

Most Popular Pyramids

• Teotikuan

This ancient "City of the Gods" (this is how the word "Teotikuan" is translated) can really be found 50 kilometers from largest metropolis in Mexico City. The first stones were laid around the beginning of the first millennium. Already in the 5th century AD, more than 200,000 people lived here. chief cultural monument The settlement is considered to be the Pyramid of the Sun. This name was invented by the Aztecs, who saw the abandoned city in the XIII century. They believed that here the gods fed on the energy of the cosmos. Travelers have a unique opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful view. This pyramid is the third highest in the world. Anyone can climb to its top.

• Chichen Itza

Pyramids in the Yucatan are also very popular with tourists. The ancient city of Chichen Itza is located about 200 kilometers from the resort of Cancun. This village was founded in the 6th century, and after a while it became a real cultural and political center. Before the eyes of tourists, several architectural monuments open at once, which were found as a result of archaeological sites. This city included in the list of new seven wonders of the world. the most famous pyramid in Yucatan is considered the temple building of Kulkan, the height of the building is 24 meters, at the top is located special place for various rituals. In ancient times, the building also served as a calendar.

The descent of the serpent's shadow at Chichen Itza is only visible on the equinoxes.

Features of the best excursion programs

Mexico - This amazing edge where while traveling on Yucatan or to another region of the country, you will see how pyramids, and enjoy the unique local culture. The following tourist routes are very popular:

1. Mexico City and Teotihuacan Pyramids.

During the tour, you will visit the multi-million dollar capital of Mexico, and then go to the archaeological zone of Teotihuacan. For those who come to Mexico City for just a couple of days, this is an ideal option. The whole program will take only 8 hours.

1. "Bold Tour" in Mexico.

The duration of this adventure is two days. Tourists will enjoy the ancient city Chichen Itza, observe the life of animals in biosphere reserve Rio Lagartos, visit the colonial city of Merida and swim in the cool waters of Ik-Kil.

1. Joint Program Chichen Itza.

This tour allows tourists to see the ancient cities Mayan, find out what Mexico from the inside, as well as see the most popular attractions. You will visit the most Famous places on the Yucatan Peninsula. Among them are Chichen Itza, the lost village of Kobu, the port of Tulum and underground lake Ik Keel. This trip only takes one day!

Useful information for tourists

You can book your favorite tour at any convenient time. Be sure to come to Mexico and visit our pyramids. You can ask any questions you are interested in and clarify all necessary information Online. Excursions are held weekly, book a place and go to meet amazing adventures!

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