Chichen Itza and its Sacred Cenote

Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people. It sits in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán, Mexico.

The site was a major focal point from 600 AD into 1200 AD. It exhibits central Mexican styles.

The Temple of Kukulcán stands about 30 meters high. It has nine square terraces. Kukulcán is a Maya feathered serpent deity.

In 2015, scientists determined a hidden cenote exists under the temple. The Yucatán Peninsula has no rivers or streams.

A hidden cenote lies beneath the pyramid.

The Sacred Cenote is 60 meters in diameter. Sheer cliffs drop 27 meters to the water table.

Edward Herbert Thompson dredged the cenote from 1904 to 1910. An aggressive approach to pond maintenance.

Over 2.6 million tourists visited in 2017. The state bought the land on 29 March 2010.