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If you are planning what to see in Mexico, the archaeological zone of Chichen Itza should be a must-see on your list of places to visit. In this section, we tell you where is Chichen Itza, what to see there and how long you need to visit it. Don’t miss it!
What is Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is one of the main archaeological places in the Yucatan Peninsula and it used to be a Mayan city or ceremonial centre.
In 1988 it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and in 2007, its famous Pyramid of Kukulcan and representative image of Chichen Itza was recognized as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
Where is Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is located in the east of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the municipality of Tinum and very close to the city of Valladolid.
It is 120 km from the city of Merida and 197 km from the city of Cancun. And a total of 1423 km from the country’s capital, Mexico City.
What to see in Chichen Itza
Thanks to the fact that Chichen Itza has gone through various construction periods, today the park holds more than 15 archaeological ruins that demonstrate its importance. Among these, the following stand out:
The Kukulcan Pyramid
The Pyramid of Kukulcan, named after the most important God of the Mayas, is also known as the Castle and is one of the most paradigmatic buildings of the Mayan world’s architecture.
The height of the pyramid is 25 meters and it is the most important construction of Chichen Itza and is also considered one of the new wonders of the contemporary world.
During the Chichen Itza sunrise tour, you will be able to witness the first rays of sun on the pyramid as well as see it at the calmest moment of the day and without too many people.
The Sacred Cenote
The Sacred Cenote is an open-air cenote 60 meters in diameter with vertical walls 15 meters above water level and 13 meters deep.
It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Mayan culture and where both objects, thrown as offerings to the gods, and human remains have been found since many sacrifices were made here.
And although you can’t swim in this cenote, if you take the Chichen Itza and Sacred Cenote tour, you can visit Chichen Itza and have the opportunity to bathe in a Mayan cenote with crystalline waters, an unforgettable experience!
The Great Ball Game
The Great Ball Game was a sport with ritual connotations played by the pre-Columbian peoples of Mesoamerica.
This specific court rests on a platform where the Kukulcan Pyramid is also found and shows the arrival and development of the Itzaes, the evolution of religious ideas and the style called “Yucatecan Maya”.
The Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of the Warriors is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved buildings in Chichen Itza.
It is influenced by the architecture of the Toltecs and has a pyramidal structure of 4 heights and 40 meters on each side. Although it is not accessible, you can see in the portico the figures of two giant rattlesnakes, which support the lintel.
How much time do you need to see Chichen Itza
To discover all the curiosities that Chichen Itza hides it is important to visit the park calmly and above all with plenty of time since it can take around 4 or 5 hours to see everything.
The Chichen Itza site opens at 8 am so it is advisable to arrive around that time because it is when there are fewer tourists and therefore when you can visit the ruins more quietly.
Now that you know a little more about Chichen Itza, have you added it to the list of places to visit in Mexico? We are sure you have, you can’t miss it!