About Chichen Itza
Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatán Peninsula approximately two and a half hours away from Cancun.
The word Chichen Itza in the Mayan language is translated as "At the mouth of the well of the water sorcerers." It was one of the most important Mayan cities of the post-classic period and was considered the center of power of the Yucatán Peninsula.
The most important archaeological construction found here is the Kukulkan Pyramid or "El Castillo" ("The Castle"). This construction consists of a four-sided pyramid crowned by a rectangular temple at the top. Each side has a staircase of 91 steps, which, multiplied by the 4 sides, gives a total of 364 steps. One more step leads to the top temple, representing the 365 days of the year.
A clear example of the Mayan culture's knowledge of astronomy is how they applied it to their architecture. This is confirmed by the light and shadow phenomenon of the Equinox that takes place on the Kukulkan Pyramid every spring and autumn equinox. A shadow falls on the pyramid in the shape of a serpent. As the sun sets, this shadowy snake descends the steps to eventually join a stone serpent head at the base of the great staircase.
We can find a variety of interesting constructions in Chichen Itza, such as:
The Ball Court: Where the winners of the ritual games were beheaded to honor their gods, a gesture of supreme honor. Here, players tried to hit a 12-pound (5.4-kilogram) rubber ball through stone scoring hoops set high on the court walls.
The Temple of the Warriors: One of the most impressive structures at Chichen Itza, which may be the only known late-classic Maya building large enough for truly large gatherings.
The Observatory or "El Caracol": It was dedicated to the study of astronomy and consists of a tower erected on two rectangular platforms. Its name is derived from the unusual interior staircase resembling a snail shell.
The Sacred Cenote: Dedicated to Chac, the Maya god of rain and lightning. Located 300 meters north of the Chichen Itza compound and connected to it by a causeway, this cenote (sinkhole) was central to the life of the city.
Useful Travel Information
- How to Get There: Chichen Itza is located two and a half hours from Cancun and under two hours from Mérida City. The collective bus service from both places can take about 4 hours due to stops in very small towns.
- When to Visit: The ruins are open daily. Chichen Itza's climate is consistently tropical, with average temperatures of 93ºF (34ºC). The spring and autumn equinoxes offer the chance to see the incredible shadow serpent of "El Castillo," but the site is absolutely packed at these times.
- How to Visit: We offer different types of tours for all preferences and budgets, such as the classic tour, express tour, deluxe tour, and the tour with the light and sound show. If you are traveling with a group of friends or family, we have the option of renting a van to make your own tour.
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