Chichen Itza Debuts on Second Life

Ancient! Contemporary! Futuristic! SecondSecond Life software and follow the instructions. Once
LifeÂ(R)? Famed archaeological site and finalistthe user has entered, they must type into the search
towards becoming a new seventh world wonder,engine "Visit Mexico," where they will be automatically
Chichen-Itza, will be making its debut in the virtual world,tele-transported to the new site.
Second LifeÂ(R) (SL) on June 10, 2007 at 1:00Wonderful Chichen-Itza dazzles visitors
pm PTD, featuring a seven hour music showcase. SLIt is for good reason that Chichen-Itza, declared a
is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by itsUNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, is included in the
residents with the participation of more than sevenfinalist list for the new Seven World Wonders. The
million people from around the world.sacred site is considered to have been one of the
Virtual tourists will be able to enjoy an array ofgreatest Mayan centers of the Yucatan peninsula, and
interactive and life-like attractions at the Chichen-Itzatoday is one of the largest and most impressive
virtual site, where they can climb or fly over the greatarchaeological sites in Mexico.
pyramid El Castillo, dive and search for hiddenToday Chichen-Itza is the most visited archaeological
treasures in the sacred cenote (sink hole), and visit asite in the Yucatan Peninsula. Many tourists add a day
(traditional Mayan home). The area will also include atrip to their vacation to travel to the site, located
Mayan temazcal (sweat lodge), where the SLapproximately two hours away from Cancun and two
community will be able to enter and lie on a floatingand a half hours from Merida.
mat with visible steam and glowing lava rocks. TheThe site's main attractions include El Castillo, or the
mystical experience will allow the participant to seePyramid of the Serpent God Kukulkan, a magnificent
visions of stars, butterflies and images from the past.pyramid topped by a temple, to which thousands of
In addition, an audio tour of the area with relevantpeople from all over the globe flock every spring and
historical information aboutfall equinox to witness a shadow depicting the god
Chichen-Itza will be made available with its very ownslither down it. Visitors can also explore the sacbes,
transportation from the back of a Mayan butterfly. Awhite limestone pathways used by the ancient
gallery of images and a streaming video of theMayans.
equinox will also be on hand.Its immense ruins are surrounded by lush green
"We are proud to share with the world this Mexicanvegetation, underground rivers, natural wells and
landmark and heritage," said Francisco Lopez Mena,limestone that the Mayans used to construct their
CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board. "We are verymagnificent buildings.
excited to be promoting Chichen-Itza in this newAbout Chichen-Itza, the World Wonder
medium, and encourage everyone to visit the site andSwiss-based New7Wonders Foundation is revising the
cast their vote for Chichen-Itza as a new sevenoriginal seven ancient wonders of the world, and
wonder," he added.Mexico's Chichen-Itza in Yucatan State is one of 21
Voting kiosks will be placed throughout the site andfinalists to become a new Seven World Wonder.
across the virtual world in high-traffic areas, where youDeclared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998,
will be transported automatically to the "new7wonders"Chichen-Itza is considered to have been one of the
website to vote for Chichen-Itza, upon clicking. As agreatest Mayan centers of the Yucatan peninsula, and
token of appreciation, the Mexico Tourism Board willtoday is one of the largest and most impressive
be giving voters beautiful Mayan inspired clothing andarchaeological sites in Mexico. To vote for Chichen-Itza
jewelry to wear in their SL travels.as one of the new Seven World Wonders, visit the
To access the Chichen-Itza site, simply download the"new7wonders" website.