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another group of buildings and temples a few minutes walk from the center of the site. Old Chichen is clustered within the private property of Hacienda Chichen and not open to public visits. This Maya archaeological site is south of the commonly visited Maya ruins. It is part of the Maya Jungle Reserve and Nature Trails and open only to the Hacienda Chichen guests and visitors for birdwatching and horseback-riding tours. A few Maya temples are under reconstruction by INAH, they include:
El Castillo
The most famous landmark of Chichen Itza. This was a temple-pyramid dedicated to the Feathered Serpent God, Kukulcan. It is nicknamed "The Castle". Sculptures of the Feathered Serpents run down the sides of the northern staircase, and are set off by shadows from the corner tiers on the Spring and Fall equinox. (Since 2006, you can not climb El Castillo.).
circular temple on a rectangular platform, also sacred to Kukulcan, served as an astronomical observatory. .
palace with hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Where a large selection of ancient pottery and idols may be seen still in the positions where they were left in Pre-Columbian times.
Beautiful cenote where you can jump from the "cliff" into the sparkling waters. Changing rooms, showers, lockers available. About 3 km from the archaeological site.