Chichen Itza Debuts on Second Life

Virtual tourists are encouraged to cast their voteChichen-Itza site, simply download the Second Life
for the archaeological site Ancient! Contemporary!software and follow the instructions. Once the
Futuristic! Second LifeÂ(R)? Fameduser has entered, they must type into the search
archaeological site and finalist towards becoming aengine "Visit Mexico," where they will be
new seventh world wonder, Chichen-Itza, will beautomatically tele-transported to the new site.
making its debut in the virtual world, SecondWonderful Chichen-Itza dazzles visitors It is for
LifeÂ(R) (SL) on June 10, 2007 at 1:00 pmgood reason that Chichen-Itza, declared a
PTD, featuring a seven hour music showcase. SLUNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, is included in
is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned bythe finalist list for the new Seven World Wonders.
its residents with the participation of more thanThe sacred site is considered to have been one
seven million people from around the world. Virtualof the greatest Mayan centers of the Yucatan
tourists will be able to enjoy an array ofpeninsula, and today is one of the largest and
interactive and life-like attractions at themost impressive archaeological sites in Mexico.
Chichen-Itza virtual site, where they can climb orToday Chichen-Itza is the most visited
fly over the great pyramid El Castillo, dive andarchaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. Many
search for hidden treasures in the sacred cenotetourists add a day trip to their vacation to travel
(sink hole), and visit a (traditional Mayan home).to the site, located approximately two hours
The area will also include a Mayan temazcalaway from Cancun and two and a half hours
(sweat lodge), where the SL community will befrom Merida. The site's main attractions include El
able to enter and lie on a floating mat with visibleCastillo, or the Pyramid of the Serpent God
steam and glowing lava rocks. The mysticalKukulkan, a magnificent pyramid topped by a
experience will allow the participant to see visionstemple, to which thousands of people from all
of stars, butterflies and images from the past. Inover the globe flock every spring and fall equinox
addition, an audio tour of the area with relevantto witness a shadow depicting the god slither
historical information about Chichen-Itza will bedown it. Visitors can also explore the sacbes,
made available with its very own transportationwhite limestone pathways used by the ancient
from the back of a Mayan butterfly. A gallery ofMayans. Its immense ruins are surrounded by lush
images and a streaming video of the equinox willgreen vegetation, underground rivers, natural wells
also be on hand. "We are proud to share with theand limestone that the Mayans used to construct
world this Mexican landmark and heritage," saidtheir magnificent buildings. About Chichen-Itza, the
Francisco Lopez Mena, CEO of the MexicoWorld Wonder Swiss-based New7Wonders
Tourism Board. "We are very excited to beFoundation is revising the original seven ancient
promoting Chichen-Itza in this new medium, andwonders of the world, and Mexico's Chichen-Itza
encourage everyone to visit the site and castin Yucatan State is one of 21 finalists to become
their vote for Chichen-Itza as a new sevena new Seven World Wonder. Declared a UNESCO
wonder," he added. Voting kiosks will be placedWorld Heritage Site in 1998, Chichen-Itza is
throughout the site and across the virtual world inconsidered to have been one of the greatest
high-traffic areas, where you will be transportedMayan centers of the Yucatan peninsula, and
automatically to the "new7wonders" website totoday is one of the largest and most impressive
vote for Chichen-Itza, upon clicking. As a token ofarchaeological sites in Mexico. To vote for
appreciation, the Mexico Tourism Board will beChichen-Itza as one of the new Seven World
giving voters beautiful Mayan inspired clothing andWonders, visit the "new7wonders" website.
jewelry to wear in their SL travels. To access the