The recurring motifs of serpent, corn, waves, and face-like masks with open mouths appear adorning all the structures. One such example is in the picture above, yet another of the early temples at Chichen Itza. And below, one can see the serpent heads so prominent in the architecture. Chichen Itza is the site of two different eras of settlement in the history of the Maya. Around the year 800 AD, a neighboring group, the Toltecs arrived at Chichen Itza and intermingled with the existing Maya.
Few people realize that the majority of the citizens of the Yucatan are still Mayan.
Their native language is generally one of the many indigenous Mayan dialects. They learn Spanish as a second language when they enter school. Some learn English as a third language, if they plan to enter the tourist trade.