Chichen Itza was the capital of Mayan civilization for over 1,000 years. Its architecture remains an important example of the fusion of Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán, which can be seen in the Caracol circular stellar observatory and in El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulkan), a widely-recognized Mesoamerican step-pyramid. The site is on the highway between Merida and Cancun, and can be visited by day trip from both cities, although an overnight is recommended.