One of the most intriguing places in the world is the ruins of Chichen Itza in Mexico, offering an incredible glimpse into Mayan culture.
At the heart of the ruins is the hundred-foot tall pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo. So significant is Chichen Itza and this temple, it was named a World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
But did you know you're actually getting more than you bargained for?
In this fascinating video from the Science Channel, we come to find out that the Mayans were not only brilliant at architectural wonders, but practical - El Castillo was built over the top of an existing pyramid.
Rather than tear down the original, the Mayans used it as a base structure to construct El Castillo.
What you see outside is the magnificent temple with its 365 steps. Each of the El Castillo's four sides has 91 steps, and the top platform makes the 365th to honor the Mayan calendar. Inside, the existing pyramid is about half the size of the outside pyramid and helps support the larger structure.
Take a peek at this incredible video:
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
