Chichén Itzá, a Mayan archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula, served as the political and economic center of the Mayan civilization between 750 and 1200 A.D. Its stunning buildings which remain standing today are demonstrative of the Mayas' extraordinary commitment to architectural space and composition, as well as their vast astronomical knowledge. Chichén Itzá was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. It has been selected as one of the New 7 World Wonders.
Some not-to-be-missed features of Chichén Itzá:
- El Castillo
This is one of the most striking buildings in Chichen Itza. It is dedicated to Kukulkan, the Plumed Serpent. Every year on the fall and spring equinox the sun strikes the side of the building making a play of light and shadow which appears as a snake along the steps of the building.
- Temple of the Warriors
Hundreds of columns surround a massive temple structure carved with reliefs. Square columns remain that once held up the roof of the temple. These columns are carved on all four sides with figures of feather-bedecked warriors. - Great Ballcourt
This is the largest known ballcourt in Mesoamerica, at 545 feet in length and 225 feet in width. Each end has a raised temple area. The acoustics of the ballcourt are remarkable: a whisper from one end can be clearly heard at the other. - Sacred Cenote
This sink-hole was the recipient of a great many sacrificial objects.
View a map of Chichén Itzá (PDF file).
Chichen Itza is located 125 miles from Cancun and 75 miles from Merida. It can be visited as a day trip from either location, and there are also a few hotels nearby in case you would like to arrive the previous day and get an early start visiting the ruins before the heat of the day sets in and the crowds begin to arrive.
The site is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. Time spent visiting the site generally ranges from 3 hours to a full day.
The admission fee for Chichén Itzá archaeological site is 95 pesos per person, free for children 12 and under. There is an extra charge for use of video camera or tripod on the site.
Dress appropriately: natural fiber clothing that will protect you from the sun and comfortable walking shoes. Use sunblock and take water with you.
If you visit Chichen Itza as part of an organized day trip from Cancun you will find that it makes for a long day, and you'll arrive at the hottest time of day. Another option is to rent a car and either make an earlier start or arrive the afternoon before and stay overnight at one of the nearby hotels.
Take a bathing suit and towel to enjoy a refreshing dip at the nearby Ik-Kil cenote after your tour of Chichén Itzá (open 8 am to 5 pm).
- Mayan Civilization
- Mayan Sites of the Yucatan Peninsula
- Tips for Visiting Mexican Archaeological Sites
- Chichen Itza Walking Tour
- Climbing the Pyramid: Rediscovering Maya Mysteries from Chichen Itza's Great Pyramid, by Victoria Thomas
