Topics
- Activities (105)
- Culture (339)
- - Art (57)
- - Gastronomy (40)
- - Mayan Culture (54)
- - Traditions (34)
- Ecology (26)
- Living in Yucatán (83)
- Real Estate (79)
- - Beach Homes (12)
- - Building & Remodeling (13)
- - Buying in México (12)
- - Colonial Homes (12)
- - Vacation Rentals (14)
- Restaurant Reviews (53)
- Transportation (7)
- Travel Planning (31)
Chichen Itza
The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichén-Itzá are over 1500 years old and are located only 75 miles from Mérida. The name Chichén-Itzá is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the Itza tribe). Some believe people were occasionally thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers.
The site is divided into three sections. The North grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as "The Old Chichén." All three can be seen comfortably in one day.
As the most famous of the Mayan pyramids on the Yucatán peninsula, Chichén Itzá has been studied extensively and is the most popular Mayan ruin in México. Much has been written about it. Try to visit Chichén Itzá early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the sun can be punishing at midday.
The main attraction is the central pyramid, also known as El Castillo, this spectacular, massive Mesoamerican step-pyramid that dominates the Chichen Itza archaeological site in the Mexican state of Yucatan. Today El Castillo is one of the most popular and recognized tourist sites of Mexico and as of 07/07/07, it is one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. Built by the Maya sometime between the 1000 and 1200 AD, El Castillo served as a temple to the god Kukulkan and is believed to have served as a calendar. Each of the structures four stairways contains 91 steps. When counting the top platform as another step, in total El Castillo has 365 steps, one step for each day of the year. The structure is 24 meters tall (78 feet), plus an additional 6 m (20 feet) for the temple top for a total height of 30 meters (98 feet). The square base measures 55.3 meters (181 feet) across. Huge sculptures of plumed serpent’s heads sit at the base of the pyramid on the northern staircase. At sunset during the spring and autumn equinoxes triangle shadows are formed by the platforms making it appear as if a plumed serpent is descending the pyramid.
If you are up to the challenge, inside you will find a narrowly enclosed staircase that leads to a chac mool, an altar where offerings to the gods were placed. It is sometimes possible to visit the inside passageway of the pyramid, but we would encourage visitors who are claustrophobic to skip that part of the adventure. Climbing to the top of the pyramid is no longer allowed.
Just beyond El Castillo you will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok. Anthropologists believe that the object of the game was to hurl a ball through a ring that was mounted on a wall, seven meters above the ground.
Each team had six field players who would attempt to pass the ball - using any body part except their hands - to their captain who would attempt the shot using a racket of sorts. The captain of the team that made the first successful shot was then decapitated as a sacrifice to the gods. This was seen as an honor and guaranteed entrance into heaven.
There is a certain mystical energy about the ball court that begs to be experienced first-hand. One fact worth noting is the repetition of the number seven, which was sacred to the Mayans. There were seven players on a team, the rings were seven meters high and if you clap your hands or shout in the court, the sound will echo exactly seven times. There are carvings on the stone walls that depict the ball players (some of which are remarkably intact) and after the captain was beheaded, it is said that seven serpents grew out of his neck.
But the true mystery behind the ball court at Chichén-Itzá is the Mayan prophecy that on Dec. 22, 2012, the great warrior serpent Kukulkán will rise from the ground beneath the playing field and end the world for good. Even if you're not one to believe in predictions, it's still exhilarating and eerie to stand in the middle of the court, close your eyes, and imagine.
At the entrance to Chichén Itzá, there is an informative museum, a dining room, clean restrooms, a few gift shops, and vendor stands. If you didn't bring a hat, it's a good idea to buy one from one of the vendors outside before you go in.
NOT JUST A DAY TRIP
Most visitors to Mérida take a day tour to see the archaeological site, returning to Mérida the same day, an excellent option if your time is limited. But there is much more to Chichén Itzá than the incredible archeological site. Hacienda Chichén offers birding, eco-cultural experiences with the local Mayan community, and Mayan spa treatments (see contact info below). Yucatan Mayan Retreat offers Ecohotel & Camping services, in Yokdzonot village, 10 min. from Chichén Itzá (see contact info below).
You can travel to Chichén Itzá by daily travel agency tours (about $450 pesos), rental car, or public bus. If you drive yourself, parking is $10 pesos. You can easily do the trip and return to Mérida by the evening, or you can stay overnight. If you do stay, be sure to enjoy the wonderful Light & Sound Show that is held every evening. We recommend you read our article on Transportation in the Yucatan.
If you wish to take public transportation:
Autobuses ADO
CAME bus station
Calle 70 x 69, Centro.
Departures for Chichen Itza early morning, mid morning, and midday. Cost 100 pesos. Takes 1 hour 45 min.
Check www.ticketbus.com.mx for current schedules.
- Climbing to the top of the pyramid is no longer allowed.
- The site is open 365 days a year.
- Light and Sound Show (approx. 45 min. to 1 hour) is at 7:00 pm every night during Fall and Winter and 8:00 pm during Spring and Summer. Note: The day the schedule changes is the day the time changes. So, in 2010, the 8 pm start time begins on Sunday, Apr. 4. And the 7 pm start time begins on Sunday, Oct. 31.
- Open from 8 am to 5 pm.
- Entrance fees: ADULTS: $116.00 pesos and it includes the Light and Sound Show. CHILDREN UNDER 13 YEARS: 5 pesos. TEACHERS AND STUDENTS (Mexican) with current valid ID receive a discount Monday-Saturday. SENIORS with valid INAPAM card free every day. MEXICAN NATIONALS free on Sunday.
- Head-phones for translations are available for 39 pesos.
- Lockers for bags and suitcases are available at the entrance.
- New Seven Wonders of the World
ownership
At one time the land was
equinox "appearance" of Kukulkán at equinox
I read that on the quinox the sunlight casts a shadow on the pyramid that appears like Kukulkán, does anyone know if that is true, and if so, what day? I would love to catch it! thank you, Mary
equinox
Yes it is true! Read our article here: http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/equinox
Chichen Itza Pyramid
Can anyone provide the overall width and heighth of the pyramid? Also, even though general public cannot climb it anymore, is it known if there is openings or tunnels inside the pyramid? Thank you for any information, Tina
Chichen Itza Pyramid
Hola Tina, thanks for the question, we have added this info in the article above. Please read.
David
I need to contact a private contract guide at Chichen Itza. He gave us a tour and it is very important that I contact him. He said he was the only guide named "David". Please try to contact him and get some information (e-mail, cell number, address, anything). I know this is a task, but to me this is very important! Thank you!
David
I read your comment about David. I also work in Chichén-Itzá and know David. If you want me to give him a message, send me an email. David doesn't have an emailaddress. Thanks.
David
My family visited Chichen Itza7 last summer and David was our tour guide. He said he grew up in the local area. I have an important question for him. I have tried to call his company by cell phone and no luck. Please contact him and have him e-mail me. If he doesn't have an e-mail address, maybe he can find a local internet cafe and e-mail me at
douglas_19756@msn.com.
He would need to check this site or another for my reply/ question.
Thank you for replying at this site!
Douglas Bass
David
Hello Douglas,
I've sent an email to the emailaddress you gave me, but I didn't receive a reaccion. I asked David today if you phoned him but he says you didn't. Did you receive the mail I sent you? Did you try to contact him? Thanks for your answer.
climbing the chichen itza
I have heard that tourist are allowed to climb the pyramid now. Is this true?
climbing
No, it is not allowed.
Hoping Chitzen Itza is open
Hoping Chitzen Itza is open on Christmas Day??!
christmas
Yes it is open 365 days a year.
David
Merry Christmas to your family!
Chichen Itza Tour
Can someone please recommend a tour company that offers day trips from Merida to Chichen Itza. It would be great if the tour also includes a visit to a mayan village. Thanks!
tours
Hi, just about all the tour companies in Merida have this service...read this article for a list with contact info: http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/tours-yucatan
Happy travels!
Chichen Itza
Thanks Juanita! Also, is it open on January 1st, New Years Day?
January 1
Yes it is! 365 days a year. Have fun.
Personal Tour Guide at Chichen Itza
Initially, I thought we would go through a tour company for Chichen Itza, but now, we prefer to hire a personal guide when we arrive there. Any suggestions on how we should go about making arrangements, and how much should the guide charge? Thanks!
tour guide
Here is just who you are looking for!!!
Renée Tijsma Chichen Tour Guide
rubenrenee@hotmail.com
light and sound for new years
The Luz y Sonido functions normally on Dec. 31, 2009, and Jan. 1, 2010.
Climbing the ruins
I visited Chichen Itza back in 2002 and was able to climb the ruins. What caused the change in rules?
re. climbing
It was a combination of things...all the people going up and down was causing more disintegration and erosion of the structure...thereby making it ever riskier to climb, creating a real safety hazard.
Climbing the ruins
We visited the grounds a few weeks ago and our guide told us an elderly lady fell down the steps and died, hence they closed the temple to all climbers.
climbing
Hello, I have heard this too, I am not sure whether it is true, but it could be...either way, very wise to no longer permit climbing there.
Cost of a tour
Will we be saving money if we hitch on a tour from our hotel or take the bus to the ruins and pay our entrance?
What is the best way to visit the ruins?
Exchanging money
Should we exchange dollars for pesos? I know in Cancun many vendors prefer dollars. Thank you.
re. cost of a tour
You would save money by taking the bus and paying the entrance yourselves. But I recommend a tour...so much better to have an experienced guide who will also give you info about the sights you pass along the route.
Juanita Stein, Yucatan Today Editor
re. exchanging money
Plan to exchange your dollars into pesos. The vendors may prefer dollars, but they all accept pesos, which is what everyone uses here.
I was at the ruins this
I was at the ruins this month and I saw that they were digging around the large temple. I didn't catch why they were doing this and have they discovered something new there? Thanks!
Digging next to pyramid
Archeologists found a huge platform underneath the present one. The platform on which the pyramid, the big ballcourt, the group of the 1000 columns etc stand, has been raised by the Mayas at least 10 feet in hundreds of years. Several skulls and an entire skeleton have been found, also jade, ceramic and obsidian objects.
Tour Guide
We are planning a trip in March. Can you pay a tour guide at the door? if so, how much? Tours from the Hotel seem to be too expensive... $60 for adults and $40 for kids. I have two kids one adult. It would be cheaper to ride a bus there then get a guide...Can you do that?
re. tour guide
Yes you can save $$ by doing it yourself. See updated bus info in article above. Contact Renee Tijsma at http://www.tourguidechichenitza.com/ for a reliable tour guide. There are also guides at the gate but there is no set price, you have to negotiate.
Costs
Buenos Dias Juanita,
I will be visiting Chichen Itza in March. I'd like to see the Light & Sound Show as well as tour the ruins. If I arrive on Sunday will my FM3 Visa get me in for free to both attractions?
Muchas Gracias
re. costs
Hola, the free entry on Sundays is only for Mexican citizens.
Cuesta
Gracias para su repuesta!
Hasta luego!
vendor
I person I know visited Chitzen Itza and said that a vendor was selling a black ball for $2,000.00 US. Just wondering what this could have possibly been. Thanks.
re. vendor
That is a very good question! The only thing I can think of would be onyx. Of course, depending on the size, this would be VERY heavy!
Yucatan Today Editor
Accomodations at Piste
The Dolores Alba (also in Merida) is a good and economic choice.
Tours
Are there tours from Cancun or other beach areas? We are thinking of renting a condo on the beach and want to take an overnight trip to Chichen Itza.
Disgusting disappointment
How this is the 7th wonder of the world, I simply cannot understand.
If the pyramid was just there without the insulting vendors, which are EVERYWHERE, then it would be pretty impressive. But the whole experience was ruined because every minute, and I mean that, we were accosted by people trying to sell us things. I don't mind that so much, but when they take the mickey out of you and insult you as well, it kind of takes the fun out of a family day sightseeing, right?
I would highly recommend you visit Uxmal instead of this. It is bigger, more impressive and there are no vendors INSIDE the tourist attraction.
Makes me sick.
chizen itza
I had the priviledge of climbing the pyramid back in the 90's. Fantastic view of the site. It does need to be preserved for future generations. Yes there are vendors everywhere. Just say NO. Sounds a bit harsh but it has come in handy even in Europe and large cities in the states. NO.
Parking?
Is parking seriosuly around $35 American? That seems really high...
No, parking is only a couple
No, parking is only a couple of dollars. Who told you $35.00 usd? Maybe they were saying 35 pesos? That is the only explanation I can think of....
i was looking at the bus
i was looking at the bus fare price...duh. im sorry. thanks for answering though, a few dollars sounds more reasonable.
no problem, something I
no problem, something I would have done... when are you going? we were just there in March.
My wife and I are traveling
My wife and I are traveling there on our honeymoon next week. we leave tomorrow. We are actually going to cancun and renting a car and driving to the ruins sometime next week. any tips or suggestions for us?
re. my wife and i are traveling
Here are five articles you must read. You will find some amazing ideas for your honeymoon:
Several musts:
http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/must-do-s-yucatan
Stay here, eat here, or have a drink here:
http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/rosas-xocolate
Stay here or eat here:
http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/hacienda-xcanatun
Swim here (near Chichen Itza):
http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/yokdzonot-eco-touristic-cenote
Eat here:
http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/restaurant-review-hacienda-teya
Congratulations! We went to
Congratulations! We went to Playa del Carmen and stayed at an All-Inclusive in March. It was fantastic. We actually live in Mexico so we were kind of using Chichen as a stop-over on our way to the beaches! My husband isn't crazy about doing the ruins and all that but it was o.k. Some of his co-workers had told us you could spend days touring around Chichen but it took us about 2 hours! We were ready to head to the beach, food and alcoholic beverages!
The roads around Cancun are good and the road to Chichen is great (there is a toll of about 300 or so pesos so just have that ready each way). Are you staying near the ruins? I would recommend just doing a day trip unless you are ruins-junkies. It can be easily done. The only advantage to staying overnight would be to wake up really early and get to the ruins first thing before the tour buses and the heat. Don't forget to check out the cenotes. There is one at the ruins and there is another down the road across from the Dolores Alba Hotel (we stayed there). I can't remember the name of the cenote but it is part of another hotel. You have to pay to get in but it is kind of cool. I'll look up the name if you're interested. My brain has turned to mush since living here, information over-load!
recommendations for driver/guide...
We will be staying in Valladolid at the end of June and I am wondering if someone can recommend a reliable guide/driver to spend the day with us (family of 4) and drive us around to see the sites in and around Chichen and Valldolid. Also, to guide us through the archeological sites and the light and sound show at Chichen.
Thank you -- Lilia
Re. driver/guide
Lawson Driving Service
William Lawson
lawson_william@hotmail.com
If no climbing is allowed
Why did I see a group of people climb El Castillo? Yes they were escorted by staff of the site. So who do I contact and how much? Better yet who do I need to know? This took place June2009, and I have pics of the group with staff climbing El Castillo.
re. if no climbing is allowed
From YT Editor: I have no explanation! Perhaps it was a group of archaeologists. You would need to contact INAH and CULTUR directly, the federal and state bodies which regulate the site to find out why this group was permitted to do so. But for the general public, it is not allowed.
Tour Guides from Riviera Maya
We are going to be at the Mayan Palace Riviera Maya in August and would like to take a trip to Chichen Itza. Can you recommend a good tour company that offers transportation and a tour guide at the ruins -- the hotel is charging $110 USD per person for the tour which seems expensive.
Tour Guides from Riviera Maya
Contiunation of "IF no climbing is Allowed"
Believe me it wasn't a group of archaeologists. I know professionals would not have acted as this group did.
Thank you for your time and reply; very informative.
Contiunation of "IF no climbing is Allowed"
I believe you and its a very sad situation. Feel free to send photos of this situation with a letter to info@yucatantoday.com and we will share it with CULTUR and INAH. We cant promise you to solve it, but we will sure make a statement.
Chichen Itza management
Hello!
I am currently working on a paper about managing archaeological sites. My priority was to write about Chichen Itza - how many visitors come every year/day? what are the price variations? Where does the funding comes from? What are the impacts of so many tourists coming to the site? etc.. I am really struglling in finding any of this information. If there are people actualy working at the site and could provide (or know where to get) any information I would be very gratefull!
Thank you in advance
re. Chichen Itza management
From the YT editor: This is a challenging task! The 2 bodies which fund and manage the archaeological sites in Yucatan are the federal INAH (they manage all sites in Mexico. Their website is http://www.inah.gob.mx/ ) and the state CULTUR (they share management of the sites located in Yucatan with INAH. Their website is http://www.culturyucatan.com/ ) Admission fees are charged which is partly where they get their revenue. Entry fees are here: http://www.mayayucatan.com.mx/es/
I don't know what else I can suggest...it sounds fascinating!
Thank you, Juanita very
Thank you, Juanita very much! Now I at least can reference the prices! I've looked up the INAH and CULTUR websites before and either my spanish is not very good or they haven't got any marketing and management plans posted online...I really wish I knew who to contact to receive any kind of reports regarding Chichen Itza economic performance.
But nethertheless, thank you very much again for taking time and responding to me!
I am fascinated by the maya culture and hope to work there one day.
Not disgusted
I made the mistake of going to market 28 before I visited Chichen Itza. One thing you have to understand is that as you are coming into the area, check out how these people live. Most of the masks are hand made on site and are made by Mayan descendants. I did not feel accosted or even intimidated at all, because a simple shake of the head and they said nothing else.
I would love to visit again and go to a different site. Not because of the vendors but simply to see something new. If you think these people bother you, take a trip to Market 28 for 10 minutes and you will understand what pressure really is. (Yucatan Today Editor's Note: Mercado 28 is in Cancun.)
Chichen-itza VS Uxmal
I would like to know the price to enter to both places???
In wich one is beetr to go visit.
thank you so much for all your help.
re. Chichen-itza VS Uxmal
The cost is the same for both, 116 pesos. Read about Uxmal here: http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/uxmal Many people prefer Chichen, as it is a Mayan icon and now one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. But it can be crowded, and has lots of vendors, so many people like Uxmal better for that reason...fewer crowds and vendors.
I heard about some woman
I heard about some woman going swimming at chichen itza and was cured from constant migraines... could this be true or possible? Have you heard anything like this before?
re. swimming at chichen itza
I don't think you can swim at Chichen Itza, the cenote there is not open to the public. For more about cenotes read this article: http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/cenotes-underwater-sinkholes
Post new comment