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"Chac-Mool" (figure above) was first discovered in the late 1800's by French explorer Augustus LePlongeon at Chichen Itza, an ancient Mayan city in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. This reclining figure found throughout Mayan cities, is lying on his back with his knees up and his head turned to one side, with both hands holding a receptacle.

Chac-Mool, pronounced CHALK MOOL, was considered the messenger to the gods and the receptacle he holds served to receive the Mayan offerings. The most well known Chac-Mool sits atop the Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza.

At the entrance to the Temple of the Warriors, facing the Castillo, is one of fourteen examples of Chac-Mool sculptures found at Chichen Itza. It was used as a sacrificial stone. While not part of Maya artistic tradition, and thought to have been introduced by invading Mexican groups (such as the Toltecs) in the Post-Classic period, the Chac-Mool may have been based on Maya imagery of captives and sacrificial victims.

Our Progress to Become a Top Spanish School

In 1996 Instituto Chac-Mool Cuernavaca began offering students an innovative program for learning Spanish in Mexico. Cuernavaca was lacking in Spanish schools that were progressive in the art of teaching second languages, and ICM quickly became one of the top choices of students who were interested in an interactive approach to learning Spanish.

In 2001 Instituto Chac-Mool began offering classes all year long in Cuernavaca, with a Monday start date, to students of all levels from beginning to high advanced. Plus the very popular workshops for teachers were expanded.

In 2003 specialized semi-private courses for professionals were developed. Additional instructors began the 5-6 month training process so more students could be admitted to Instituto Chac-Mool.

In 2004 the number of children's instructors was increased, as the separate children's program began filling to capacity in the summer months.

In 2005 Instituto Chac-Mool in Cuernavaca proudly became accredited as a higher education institution offering students college transcripts. The special teen summer program was introduced, becoming an annual event.

In 2006 Instituto Chac-Mool celebrated their 10 year anniversary in Cuernavaca with a huge party in July for students and host families. Also a relationship was formed with California Lutheran University so that Professional Development Credits for teachers and Continuing Education Units for professionals could be earned while studying Spanish.

In 2007 Instituto Chac-Mool began offering a separate new Junior Spanish program developed for children who have had previous exposure to Spanish at home or in bilingual schools. The free workshops for teachers and educators continued to be a big success with summer participation better than ever. This year we welcomed more homeschool families than ever before.

In 2008 we revamped and improved programs for families with children, and the feedback rating from these students during the summer was the highest we've ever received. A larger number of students are requesting a college transcript for their Spanish studies at Instituto Chac-Mool. Winter "Young at heart" students have been registering in greater numbers than years before.

In 2009 the number of travelers to Mexico is down and many schools are scaling back their programs and some are closing their doors. But not Instituto Chac-Mool! We are happy to say we have many students of all age groups, and our Cuernavaca programs are not scaled back at all this year.

2010 left us optimistic that travelers are starting to return to central Mexico for their Spanish immersion studies. Instituto Chac-Mool did not increase rates again this year in order to make it an affordable learning vacation.

2011 announced a new Instituto Chac-Mool Spanish School located in Tulum, south of Cancun, Mexico. The Cuernavaca school is proud to now have a satellite school in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.