Chichen Itza, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

Chichen Itza, was a large pre-Columbian city, built by the Maya people, of the Terminal Classic period. The archeological site, is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico.

Chichen Itza, was a major focal point in the Northern Maya Lowlands, from the Late Classic (AD 600–900) through the Terminal Classic, ( AD 800–900) and into the early portion of, the Postclassic period (AD 900–1200). The site, exhibits a multitude of architectural styles, reminiscent of styles, seen in central Mexico, and of the Puuc, and Chenes styles, of the Northern Maya lowlands. The presence of central Mexican styles, was once thought to have been representative of, direct migration or even conquest, from central Mexico, but most contemporary interpretations, view the presence of these, non-Maya styles more as, the result of cultural diffusion.

Chichen Itza, was one of the largest Maya cities, and it was likely to have been, one of the mythical great cities, or Tollans, referred to in later Mesoamerican literature. The city, may have had the most, diverse population, in the Maya world, a factor that could have contributed, to the variety of architectural styles, at the site.

The ruins of Chichen Itza, are federal property, and the site's stewardship, is maintained by Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia, (National Institute of Anthropology and History). The land under the monuments, had been privately owned until 29 March 2010, when it was purchased by the state of Yucatán.

Chichen Itza, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2007, Chichen Itza's Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo), was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, after a worldwide vote. It is one of the most visited, archeological sites in Mexico, with over 2.6 million tourists, in 2017.