Chichén Itzá Tickets and Information
- Chichén Itzá Address: Tinum, Yucatán, 97757, Chichén Itzá
- Opening Hours: Daily: 08:30 - 17:00
Is Chichén Itzá Worth Visiting
- Chichén Itzá is one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World,' so we think so, yes!
What You See At Chichén Itzá
- One of the largest of the ancient Mayan cities.
- The pyramids, temples, cenotes & other buildings.
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About Chichén Itzá
As one of the largest Mayan cities, Chichén Itzá is steeped in history. The structures that remain have endured the test of time and provoke wonder, especially considering the technological limitations when they were built when compared to today.
It's believed the UNESCO World Heritage Site was constructed by the Maya around the 6th century and then thrived for around a thousand years under both Maya and Toltec rule. Its one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' with its remarkable stone structures like the 'Warrior's Temple,' 'El Castillo,' and 'El Caracol.'
What You Can See
- The Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo): The famous pyramid shows the Maya's astronomical knowledge as it aligns precisely with equinoxes and famously creates the illusion of a serpent (symbolising Kukulcan) slithering down the staircase. The pyramid was built with 365 steps, with each representing a day of the year, another link to the astronomical calendar.
- The Great Ball Court: A large and well-preserved ball court which was likely used for ceremonial games and also has exceptional acoustics where sound travels along its walls. You can stand at one end and whisper and another person can hear you from the other end! Its believed that the game involved players moving a ball through hoops using only certain body parts, which increased the challenge.
- Tzompantli (Platform of Skulls): An ancient platform covered with skulls which are believed to symbolise reverence for the deceased and is unique to Chichén Itzá.
- The Observatory (El Caracol): A circular structure which is believed to have served astronomical purposes and shows the Maya's intricate calendar system.
- The Temple of Warriors: Richly decorated with intricate carvings and statues, it was likely used for ceremonial rituals and features serpent columns that symbolise astronomical events.
- The Group of a Thousand Columns: Situated near the Temple of Warriors, the quadrangle of columns once supported a roof structure and is believed to represent feathered serpents.
- The Sacred Cenote: A natural sinkhole where its believed religious ceremonies took place which likely included sacrificial offerings and now recognized as a UNESCO "Patrimony of Humanity."
Preservation is paramount so there are certain restrictions in place to safeguard its cultural legacy for future generations. Please respect the rules during your visit.