Chichen-Itza on the Yucatan Peninsular is Mexico's most extensively restored archaeological site and the ancient city of Chichen-Itza is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological places you are ever likely to visit.
The Chichen-Itza site takes up about 4 square miles and it will take you a full day to see it properly - we recommend two days! The Chichen-Itza temples are laid out in such a fashion that they represent an enormous Mayan calendar.
Much of the tribal Mayan and Toltec cultures are still a mystery. Scholars fail to agree how the Mayas arrived here and their relationships and interactions with the indigenous Toltecs. There is an immenseness and greatness about this location - even when it is thronging with tourists, there is so much space that you can feel quite relaxed wandering around the many temples.
There are local guides, if you didn't bring one, who will take you on a full tour and explain the history of the site and the Mayan peoples. Please bare in mind some guides may be "gilding the lilly" on some of the detail for you.
If you can, it is best to spend a night or two in the area at one of the nearby hotels. Besides the incredible experience of staying at a good hotel in the middle of the jungle and waking up to the sound of flocks of birds and wildlife. By doing this you'll be able to enjoy Chichen-Itza outside of the peak hours when the day-tripper buses arrive and in the evening you can even take in the "son et luminaries" - light and sound show at Chichen-Itza Itza which starts around dusk 20.00 or 2100 in the summer, the admission fee is included in the price of your entrance ticket to the site.
The Yucatan peninsular gets roasting hot during the peak daytime hours of noon until late afternoon. By staying at a local hotel and starting early in the morning will significantly enhance your experience of Chichen-Itza.
The key attractions of Chichen-Itza Itza listed below are a few of the highlights.
As you enter the main Chichen-Itza site, your first sight will be the Piramide de Kukulkan, or Castillo (Castle) This true pyramid has 365 steps (days in a year), 52 panels (weeks in a year) and 18 terraces. Visitors can accend the steps on one side of the Castle - If you visit during the spring or autumn equinox (21 Mar & 21 Sept) you'll be be able to see that the sun's light touches the steps on the northern side - casting the shadow of a "moving serpent" which appears to glide up the pyramid as the sun moves through the sky.
Tzompantli - Toltec meaning "Temple of Skulls" - is in between the Castle and the Temple of Jaguars. It was here where heads of those sacrificed were displayed for the Gods.
The Templo de los Jaguares (Temple of the Jaguars) on which you'll see carved rattlesnakes and jaguars. The murals inside depict an ancient battle.
Juego de Pelota Principal (Principal Ball Court) is the main one of eight ball courts, and the largest games court in all of Mexico's archaeological sites. Here, you will see the famous stone hoops. It is believed that contestants of pelota (ball) needed to get a stone ball through them during the game.
El Caracol ("The Snail" - named because of its circular structure and staircase) is actually an ancient Observatory. This structure is an example of how the Maya were obsessed with time and astronomy. Developing over time and was used by Mayan astronomers to accurately measure and record important days in their astronomical calendar, especially the spring and autumn equinox and the solstice.
The oldest part of the city is Chichen Viejo - Literally meaning "old Chichen", has some interesting structures which date to the pre-Toltec times.
From Cancun take (Toll) Highway 180 west from Cancun to get to Chichen-Itza.
Entrance to Chichen-Itza is 7 Days a week 0800 to 1700 but you may stay in the area for the sound and light show.
A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. An additional fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. You'll need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes with a non-slip sole, especially if you intend to climb up the Castle pyramid! - Chichen-Itza is an extensive site. Wear light clothes, sun glasses and a hat, use a high factor sun barrier cream and take plenty of water with you as it gets very hot and humid here.
extensively restored archaeological site and the ancient city of Chichen-Itza is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological places you are ever likely to visit.
eight ball courts, and the largest games court in all of Mexico's archaeological sites. Here, you will see the famous stone hoops. It is believed that contestants of pelota (ball) needed to get a stone ball through them during the game.
and staircase) is actually an ancient Observatory. This structure is an example of how the Maya were obsessed with time and astronomy. Developing over time and was used by Mayan astronomers to accurately measure and record important days in their astronomical calendar, especially the spring and autumn equinox and the solstice.