Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World — the greatest Mayan city, just 2.5 hours from Cancun
Explore Chichen Itza
Click any marker to find out more about each spot.
Things To Do at Chichen Itza
The greatest Mayan city and one of the world's most extraordinary archaeological sites.
El Castillo Pyramid
El Castillo — the Temple of Kukulcan — is the most iconic structure at Chichen Itza and one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. The 30-metre pyramid was built with extraordinary astronomical precision: on the spring and autumn equinoxes, the setting sun creates a shadow that appears to be a serpent descending the pyramid's staircase.
Great Ball Court
The Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza is the largest ancient ball court in the Americas — 168 metres long with walls 8 metres high. The acoustics are extraordinary: a whisper at one end can be heard clearly at the other. The stone rings through which players had to pass the rubber ball are still in place.
Sacred Cenote
The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza was used by the Maya for ritual offerings to the rain god Chaac. Gold, jade, pottery and human remains have been recovered from the cenote by archaeologists. The cenote is 60 metres in diameter and 14 metres deep — a dramatic natural feature at the heart of the ancient city.
Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of the Warriors is a large stepped pyramid surrounded by hundreds of columns carved with warriors, priests and deities. The temple is one of the most impressive structures at Chichen Itza and shows strong Toltec influence, suggesting contact between the Maya and the peoples of central Mexico.
Valladolid & Cenote Zaci
The colonial town of Valladolid, about 40 minutes from Chichen Itza, is one of the most beautiful in the Yucatan. The Cenote Zaci, in the heart of the town, is an extraordinary open cenote where you can swim. Most day trips from Cancun stop in Valladolid on the way to or from Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza Travel Guide
Chichen Itza is one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world — a vast ancient Mayan city that was one of the most powerful in the Americas between 600 and 1200 AD. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, and a visit is one of the most extraordinary experiences available from Cancun.
El Castillo — the Temple of Kukulcan — is the most iconic structure at Chichen Itza. The 30-metre pyramid was built with extraordinary astronomical precision: on the spring and autumn equinoxes, the setting sun creates a shadow that appears to be a serpent descending the pyramid's staircase. The effect draws thousands of visitors twice a year.
The Great Ball Court is the largest ancient ball court in the Americas — 168 metres long with walls 8 metres high. The acoustics are extraordinary: a whisper at one end can be heard clearly at the other. The stone rings through which players had to pass the rubber ball are still in place, 8 metres above the ground.
The Sacred Cenote was used by the Maya for ritual offerings to the rain god Chaac. Gold, jade, pottery and human remains have been recovered from the cenote by archaeologists. The cenote is 60 metres in diameter and 14 metres deep — a dramatic natural feature at the heart of the ancient city.
The site is best visited early morning, before the day-trip coaches arrive from Cancun. By 11am it can be very crowded and very hot. Bring plenty of water, sun cream and a hat.
Chichen Itza is about 2.5 hours from Cancun by road. Day trips are widely available from all hotels in the Hotel Zone, typically including transport, a guide and entrance fees.
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