Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World — a magnificent ancient Mayan city dominated by the iconic El Castillo pyramid, deep in the heart of the Yucatan jungle
Explore Chichen Itza
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Things To See at Chichen Itza
The most spectacular structures and stories at one of the world's greatest ancient sites.
El Castillo — Temple of Kukulcan
El Castillo is the iconic pyramid of Chichen Itza and one of the most recognisable structures in the world. The pyramid is a masterpiece of Mayan architecture and astronomy — each of its four sides has 91 steps, which together with the top platform total 365, one for each day of the year. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the setting sun creates a spectacular shadow serpent effect on the pyramid's staircase.
Great Ball Court
The Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza is the largest and best-preserved Mayan ball court in Mexico — a vast, impressive structure where the ancient Mayan ball game was played. The court is 168 metres long and 70 metres wide, with stone rings set high on the walls through which players had to pass a rubber ball using only their hips, elbows and knees. The acoustics of the court are extraordinary.
Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of the Warriors is one of the most impressive structures at Chichen Itza — a magnificent temple complex with hundreds of carved columns depicting warriors and deities. The temple is topped by a Chac Mool statue and is surrounded by the Group of a Thousand Columns, a vast colonnade that once supported a roof. The carvings are extraordinarily detailed and well-preserved.
Sacred Cenote
The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza is a large natural sinkhole that was used for ritual offerings by the ancient Maya. Archaeological excavations have recovered gold, jade, pottery, incense and human remains from the cenote, suggesting it was used for sacrificial rituals. The cenote is about 60 metres in diameter and 20 metres deep, with steep limestone walls.
Getting to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, about 2.5 hours from Cancun and 2 hours from Playa del Carmen by road. Most visitors take a guided day trip from the resort areas. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds. The site is open daily from 8am to 5pm. The nearby town of Valladolid is worth visiting on the way back.
Chichen Itza Travel Guide
Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — a magnificent ancient Mayan city in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, dominated by the iconic El Castillo pyramid and one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico.
El Castillo is the iconic pyramid of Chichen Itza — a masterpiece of Mayan architecture and astronomy. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the setting sun creates a spectacular shadow serpent effect on the pyramid's staircase.
The Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza is the largest and best-preserved Mayan ball court in Mexico — a vast, impressive structure where the ancient Mayan ball game was played. The acoustics of the court are extraordinary.
The Temple of the Warriors is one of the most impressive structures at Chichen Itza — a magnificent temple complex with hundreds of carved columns depicting warriors and deities.
The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza is a large natural sinkhole that was used for ritual offerings by the ancient Maya. Archaeological excavations have recovered gold, jade, pottery and human remains from the cenote.
Chichen Itza is about 2.5 hours from Cancun and 2 hours from Playa del Carmen by road. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.
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