There’s just something very moving about taking a trip to a famous landmark Chichen Itza. One that excites the senses and invites the explorer in us.
The incredible Yucatan Peninsula is a wonder unto itself, but nothing can compare to its famous resident, the Chichen Itza. Honored in 1988 by the UNESCO World Heritage Site as a New Seven Wonders of the World, the Chichen Itza (meaning “the mouth at the well of Itza”) is an incredible feat of architecture. No trip to the Mexican Peninsula would be complete without it.
But first, a bit of history! This is a significant piece of Mayan culture, and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention its origins. Most people have just seen the single glorious pyramid in pictures (The Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo), but Chichen Itza is an entire city, with several structures and temples.
Its humble beginnings started around the year 400AD and were slowly built over the next 200 hundred years. It soon became one of the most important cities in the region – a center for trade – and its residents consisted of brilliant people, such as mathematicians and engineers. The town thrived until its collapse around the year 1200. By 1540, the Spanish took over, but most of the locals were gone by then. About 150 years ago, explorers began to restore the city to the wonder it is today, and scientists continue to study it.
How to Visit Chichen Itza
General Facts and Tips
The complex is open every day from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Tickets are about USD 25 or 481 pesos, and if paying admission at the site, only pesos are taken as payment. An ATM is close by for your convenience. Please bring your camera; however no tripods or drones are allowed inside the complex.
Don’t forget! Mexico is a tropical climate, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of drinking water! You will thank yourself for it. Chichen Itza can be explored on your own, but for an in-depth look into this magnificent place, having an expert guide can be a great way to spend the day here.
You can read more in the official web page of Chichen Itza, get more information before you go, you will be amaized.
Interesting Facts
- There are 18 points of interest to be enjoyed all around the complex. A map of the area will be provided.
- The Temple of Kukulkan is truly immense, with each and every aspect of it having a meaning. Having a guide to explain all of its intricacies makes for a richer experience.
- During the Spring and Autumn Equinox (the 20th of March and 22nd of September, respectively), sunrays create an amazing shadow across the Kukulkan Pyramid, giving the appearance of a serpent slithering down a staircase.
- There is a platform on the northern side of the Kukulkan Pyramid that is dedicated to the planet Venus. As the Mayans were expert astronomers, the movement of Venus had special meaning them and profoundly influenced the architecture of the entire city.
Explore Chichen Itza with Us! Our certified and knowledgeable guide will make your excursion to Chichen Itza very memorable. Round-trip transfers and even a buffet lunch are provided by us! Then end your day by cooling off in the waters of the cenote. Book now Online our Chichen Itza Tour!
You can also visit Chichen Itza when you take our complete holiday Tour No. 1 Viva Mexico Tour – 11 Days
