No trip through Mexico is complete without a visit to the breathtaking Chichén Itzá. It is one of the Seven Wonders and indeed a very impressive Mayan city in the heart of the Yucatan area. What a beauty!
During our road trip through the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Holbox, Valladolid, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen), we visited one of the Seven Wonders of the World; Chichén Itzá. And we´ll tell you everything you need to know!
A brief history of Chichen Itza
Chichén Itzá was one of the most important cities of the Mayan people and the largest in the Yucatan Peninsula. It was not founded until the 10th century AD and had its own civilization. The pyramid of Kukulcán, El Castillo, is the largest and best-known sanctuary in the complex. It served as a temple to the god Kukulcán.
The square temple has stairs on all four sides to the top temple. Each staircase consists of 91 steps, which amounts to a total of 365 steps. It is no coincidence that this is as many as the days of the year; the pyramid was most likely used as a calendar. In addition, the pyramid consists of 18 levels, and a Mayan year has 18 months. The pyramid also has 52 faces on the sides that represent a Mayan century of 52 years.
You can observe a special phenomenon on the first day of spring or autumn. The position of the sun makes the shadows on the steps look like snakes crawling. Amazing! That again refers to Kukulcán, because that means feathered snake. At the bottom of the stairs, you will see snakeheads and on several buildings in the city, you will see snake sculptures or images.
When you stand at the bottom center of one of the steps of the pyramid and clap your hands, the pyramid will respond with an echo very similar to the call of the tropical bird the quetzal. Very cool right?!
The pyramid is in mint condition on two sides and two sides are in less good condition. Nowadays you are no longer allowed to climb the pyramid for safety reasons. You are also not allowed to bring your drone, keep this in mind when planning your visit.
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The pyramid of Chichén Itzá is by far the most famous of the whole complex, but as you read above it is a complete Mayan city. There is a playing field where the ball game Pelote was played, and it looks like a big arena with huge walls on either side. Players were required to “throw” a ball through a small ring but only use their elbows, hips, or thighs for it. Sounds almost impossible! And if you won, you had the honor of being sacrificed to the gods… Next to this ancient arena, you will find a large structure with more than 2,000 (not real) skulls. Quite intense to see!
On the complex, you will also find El Caracol, a predecessor of the current observatories. The Maya were already far in their knowledge of astronomy! There is also a tomb, a market, other pyramids, and two cenotes, of which in the large cenote human sacrifices took place to the rain gods.
All in all, there is a lot to see, learn and explore in this extraordinary ancient Mayan city.
Inspired to also see this bucket list location? Book a hotel near Chichen Itza and make dreams come true!
Tourist trap?!
When we arrived early in the morning at the ancient Mayan city, we saw a long line of locals at another entrance, all carrying big plastic boxes and shelves. We were very curious about what that was. And we soon found out…
Spread out in long rows of tables throughout the complex, there are at least two hundred stalls with all kinds of souvenirs. We were amazed at how many salespeople there were! They try to lure you with slogans like “only one dollar”, “almost free for you”, and funny and wild jaguar sounds they produce with a wooden toy. When you bite, prepare to negotiate, because the souvenirs are not “one dollar”.
And yes, there are actually big black jaguars rooming around Chichen Itza and in the Yucatan Peninsula, but it is very rare to see them, especially in daylight.
Insiders tips for your visit
It is the most visited site in all of Mexico, thus it can get crowded. Here are some insider tips to make the best out of your visit.
>> On Sundays, the Mexicans can go to Chichén Itzá for free, so it will be a busy day. Thus don't go on a Sunday.
>> A rental car is the easiest and probably the cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza. You will be more flexible with times coming in and leaving whenever you feel like.
>> Most tour buses arrive around 10-11 am. If you want to take pictures of this wonder of the world without too many tourists in the frame or enjoy it in peace, it is best to come a little before opening time and then join the small queue, at 8 am. So, be smart, and book a hotel near Chichen Itza!
>> We have visited Chichén Itzá without a guide, but have thoroughly studied the history in advance. If you still want a guide, know that there are enough guides at the entrance waiting for you to be booked.
>> Don't forget your sunscreen because it is almost always warm and sunny in Mexico. There is little shade at the Chichén Itzá complex. Even early in the morning, we found it quite warm!
>> Following on from the previous tip, bring your own drinks and snacks. As with any tourist attraction, getting food and drink is a lot more expensive. And when it is busy, you will be waiting in the queue at the small restaurants.
>> Like everywhere in Mexico, cash is king. Paying with bankcards at the cash register does not always work in Mexico, so bring enough cash.
Plan your visit to the Chichén Itzá
As said before, Chichén Itzá is the most visited attraction in all of Mexico, thus come well prepared with our practical tips and it is fun to know the history in advance to recognize fun facts as you wander through this millennia-old Maya city. We spend an amazing 4 hours at Chichén Itzá, but on average people spend around 2,5 hours there.
Opening hours: Sun-Sat 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets:
Parking ticket $80 pesos
Please note that you buy 2 tickets at 2 ticket offices in a row. The first ticket is the cultural ticket and costs $481 pesos per person. And the second ticket you buy is $80 pesos per person and is a federal fee.
Prices do not include a guide or transport. If you want a guided and/or touring car experience, prices will be more expensive and will vary depending on the offer and company.
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Inspired to also see this bucket list location? Get a decent rental car and book a hotel near Chichen Itza and make dreams come true!
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