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Chichén Itzá is the largest of the archaeological cities of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. It is one of Mexico's most visited tourist destinations. It was granted World Heritage Site status in 1988 by UNESCO World Heritage Site and was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
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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.).
The Maya would often build newer bigger temple-pyramids atop older ones. Archaeologists have constructed tunnels allowing a view of the earlier temple of Kukulcan inside the later one. Go in the door at the foot of the north stairway, and you can go up a steep interior stairway up to the room on the top where you can see King Kukulcan's Jaguar Throne, carved of stone and painted red with jade spots. It is an impressive sight, but the climb up the narrow interior passageway may be too much for those with some claustrophobia. Since 2006, you cannot climb the steps to the top of the most of the monuments. These areas have been roped off due to erosion and destruction of some of the sacred monuments.
(Since January 2006, you cannot climb the Temple of the Warriors)
there are 7 courts for playing the Mesoamerican ballgame at Chichen Itza. This one is by far the largest and most impressive, not just at the site but in all of ancient Mesoamerica.
Attached to the ballcourt complex, with stone jaguar, feathered serpent columns, and murals inside.
there are many Zumbul che structures found in both Chichen Itza and Old Chichen sites. These Maya sweatbaths played an important rule in ancient Maya spiritual traditions as places to purify the mind, body, and emotions, thus getting in touch with one´s pure spiritual energy.
circular temple on a rectangular platform, also sacred to Kukulcan, served as an astronomical observatory. .
a smaller version of the "Castillo" served as a tomb for one of the city's rulers.
Chichen Itza's royal palace back before the arrival of the Toltecs
palace with hieroglyphic inscriptions.
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:
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.
At night starting at eight there is a light show projecting a video onto El Castillo. The show is free, but you should register for it before in one of the Yucatan municipals and then order and print your ticket online. Otherwise you'll have the risk to not get a place or at least stanf in line a long time. It takes places in the center of the ruins. There's a light show while a video is projected onto El Castillo and a narrative in Spanish (headsets for other languages are available for a small fee (M$25 in August 2008)). The show lasts around an hour (half hour getting seated, half hour show) and while it may not be the most exciting (to some), on a nice night it is a pleasant way to relax, watch the stars and see the ruins lit up. They tell a great tale, which is very well done. If you can plan to be there at a "full moon" or a clear night with all the stars, it will be worth the effort, add to the experience and photographic results.
Hacienda Chichen hotel
Offers holistic beauty rituals based on ancient Maya traditions.
Offers regional, international and vegetarian dishes, in a 16th-century colonial terrace built with Maya carved stones (appropriated from the archaeological site by Spanish conquerors) overlooking lush tropical gardens. Some of the vegetables and fruits are organically grown by the owners in the south end of the gardens.
KM 122 Mérida-Cancún, Free Road (180), 100 rooms, pool, convenient parking, downtown. Be sure to check out both pools - one is based on natural limestone formations and really quite spectacular!
Boutique Colonial hotel 16th-century hacienda, eco-friendly with land dedicated to the protection of local flora and fauna. Maya Nature Reserve and Bird Refuge. Dr. Merle Greene's "Rubbing Collection," Gallery and Yaxkin Spa are open to site visitors.
Rooms ranging from standard hotel rooms to suites or bungalows with jacuzzi or loft. With its own entrance to the ruins. (They own the park, but the government owns the ruins.)
By train
Mexico's Tren Maya intercity railway is a 1,525 km loop through the Yucatan Peninsula connecting major cities, airports, archaeological sites, and other destinations.
At the site you get around on foot. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes; consider that you may want to try climbing rough stone stairs in them. Sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat may be good ideas too.
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