Chichen Itza

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

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

I have heard that tourist are allowed to climb the pyramid now. Is this true?

Hoping Chitzen Itza is open on Christmas Day??!

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!

Thanks Juanita! Also, is it open on January 1st, New Years Day?

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!

The Luz y Sonido functions normally on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.

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.

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.

Should we exchange dollars for pesos? I know in Cancun many vendors prefer dollars. Thank you.

Plan to exchange your dollars into pesos. The vendors may prefer dollars, but they all accept pesos, which is what everyone uses here.

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.

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.

Hola, the free entry on Sundays is only for Mexican citizens.

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.

The Dolores Alba (also in Merida) is a good and economic choice.

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.

Is parking seriosuly around $35 American? That seems really high...

i was looking at the bus fare price...duh. im sorry. thanks for answering though, a few dollars sounds more reasonable.

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?

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!

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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.

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.

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!

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.)

The cost is the same for both, 166 pesos foreigners, 116 pesos Mexican nationals, and it includes the Light and Sound Show. 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 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

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I was in Chichen Itza about 20 years ago and saw a large, paneled silver, engraved mural depicting, I think, one of the ball games. I wanted to buy it then but had no way to transport it. Do you know if anything like that is currently for sale in the gift shop? And if so, how would I contact the salespeople.

Gabby, I have not heard of that! The only light you will see is sunlight, moonlight, starlight, and the Sound and Light Show! :)

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One of our readers reports that this is possible! Apparently they will charge you a portion of the fee when you enter for the nighttime show, and the balance when you return the next morning. Just be sure to explain what your plan is.

Chichen Itza, meaning at the mouth of the well of the Itza, is a big pre-Columbian site belonging to the Maya civilization. Spreading in the northern center of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, it exhibited multiple architectural styles and was once the major hub in the northern Maya lowlands. On spring equinox, many visitors used to throng this site to see the Temple of Kukulcan wherein the feathered serpent god was seen to descend downwards to the side of the pyramid seen through the light-and-shadow effect. http://www.sacredvoyage.net/chichen-itza-mexico-sites-tourism.html

No, you cannot stay there, you have to leave at 5 and come back at 7 or 8 depending on whether it is the winter or summer schedule (see "Important Information" in the article above for schedule info). Most people go into the town of Piste to have a meal.

Unfortunately no, the pink flamingos (not pelicans) are all adjacent to the coastal areas. There is another option besides Rio Lagartos and Celestun, north of Merida and east of Progreso, in the view tower at Uaymitun, but this is also out of the way for your itinerary.

More info about flamingos: http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/flamingos

More info about cenotes:
http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/cenotes-underwater-sinkholes

Helpful map:
http://yucatantoday.com/en/maps/beaches-gulf

Mi esposo y yo pensamos visitar a Cancun a principios de mayo 2011. Quisiera saber: Es seguro actualmente rentar un carro he ir hasta Chichen Itza?, Cuanto tiempo toma llegar hasta allá?, Los alimentos todos son con pique?, Se puede conseguir agua con gas?

Hello,

Can anyone recommend a tour group that leaves early in the morning from Tulum to Chichen Itza? I heard that by the afternoon, it gets very busy and hot. Willing to wake up to get there at opening time at 8am if offered.

Thanks!

I know climbing the pyramid is no longer permitted but is there any wat (If I pay extra) to visit the altar inside the pyramid where Chac Mool is located?

Thanks.

Are there tours within the Temple of the Warriors at Chichen? I would really love to see the murals/frescoes inside. Most books only show a few of the images that give the temple its name, and others describe the frescoes without showing the actual images. Are you familiar with any books that display a comprehensive collection of images from within the Temple? Since I am traveling to the Yucatan in a week, going inside would be amazing.

Contact Catherwood Travels, they do very specialized tours. And check out the books at Amate.

Hi, I am travelling to riviera maya this month and I am wondering which tour is the best one? Also I have noticed that websites offer cheaper prices then what hotels are charging? Is it safe to purchase online? Websites like these: http://www.mycancuntours.com/affiliates/tour.asp?affid=1153&cve=chichenbasic. Is there any Mayan ruin that i could climb? I believe someone mentioned to me Copa however, i like the look of Chichen better. Also I wanted to do a combo tour of Chichen and extreme sports like ziplining, any suggestions for tour companies? I heard people have bribed staff to let them climb the Chichen is this true?

The vendors sell silver jewelry, stone carvings, wood carvings, musical instruments that make a sound like a jaguar's growl, painted leather squares, cloth items, pottery, etc. Pretty much whatever they think a tourist will buy. According to our Mayan tour guides, many items sold on-site were made in China or are not pure silver, and it's supposedly better to buy souvenirs in the outlying Mayan villages if you want something authentic. There are, however, a few young Mayan girls (and their accompanying moms) also walking around Chichen Itza who sell handkerchiefs they've decorated themselves with stitching. According to our guide, that is the only item that truly will cost you only $1. Those little girls & moms were also the most polite and quiet of the vendors I encountered.

Sorry for the delay in responding...you can contact www.mayanecotours.com for rappel tours in cenotes. You can climb some of the smaller pyramids, but definitely not Chichen Itza, a bribe won't help you! It is dangerous and the guides would get in trouble, so please respect the rules.

Mystical Places!.

Juanita, thank you for your answer and the information about the cenotes (sinkholes) of Yucatan. The video I was talking about is the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlZh2nwdRBY

As I wrote before, the last picture on that video is amazing!. I want to be there!.

Greetings from Belfast!. Dilan.

A few years ago we had a tour guide to see the ruins. He is now a retired gentleman, went to college in California, and living in Mexico again. He was so well informed about the Mayan's and Mayan culture that we would like to find him to do another tour. Do you know his name?

We are not staying at a resort, renting a small apartment instead and arrive on the 26th of July.

How do we find out about the bus schedule and our options to go about it on our own if we choose?

This will be both of our first time in Nexico and this and the whale shark excursion is on our list of things we want to do.

Thanks

What an informative website! Hoping you can help: My friend and I have planned a vacation in which we initially stay in Playa del Carmen, then have allocated 2 days (Saturday AM to Sunday PM) to spend in the Yucatan, then spend the remainder of our vacation in Cancun. Do you know of a tour operator or driving service that would pick us up from PDC, take us to the Yucatan--where we would like to see CI, and particularly see the nightime light show, and other worthwhile sites/activities, then return us to Cancun? Thanks in advance for your help

Drove from Riviera Maya, past agave fields, through villages, stopped at the sinkhole, bought my silver pendant with my initials in gold, and finally reached the ruins! Walking past the vendors - being approached and seeing all the goodies they had for sale was a blast! Beautiful people! Seeing the "pyramid" up close was magical, spiritual even. The ball court gave me chills as did Choc Mool... So far the greatest experience of my life! I love Mexico - Central America period! The history and culture is beautiful!

Yes it is true you can not go into or ontop of any ruin. Plus they now charge 115 peso adult and childern are 5 peso then you need to pay another fee of 10 dollars u.s.a. to get into the park. Taxi Cabs charge 150.00-180.00 USA dolars to get there, and it is a 2 1/2 drive from progreso.......

I heard about an event that is happening there on December 21 2012 but I can not find out any inforamtion can you help?

How many visitors came in the year 2011
Plz tell me as I have an assignment

Not that we know of.

A car rental would give you tremendous flexibility and save you time. The roads are excellent and driving here is safe and easy. However, drop off charges could be significant if it is a one-way rental. Here is our list of car rental agencies and an article about driving in Yucatan: http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/car-rentals
http://yucatantoday.com/en/topics/driving-tips
There is a second class bus from Merida to Uxmal which departs from the TAME terminal at the corner of 69 and 70 in Centro (not the CAME terminal which is across the street). Departures at 6 am, 9 am, 10.40 am, 12 pm, and 5 pm. Cost is 45 pesos and it takes about 1.5 hrs. From Uxmal to Chichen is a bit tricky...whether driving or bussing, your best bet is to return to Merida and go from there. There are departures from Merida CAME at 6.30am, 9.15 am, and 12.40 pm, takes 1 hr. 45 min. and costs 114 pesos. The schedule is here: http://www.ado.com.mx
From Chichen to PDC: 2.35 pm and 4.30 pm, 256 pesos, 3.5 hrs. Same website. Happy travels!

One more thing...the ADO website usually only publishes schedules for up to a month in advance, so you will need to check again in March.

We will be visiting and want to bring our father to see the ruins. He has very bad knees and can't walk far. Is there anywhere to rent a wheelchair or motorized scooter or anything of that sort?

Is it accurate that Chichen to Tulum is approx. 1.5 hours via bus? That might be a better use of time than 3.5 hours to Playa Carmen? What is your opinion?

We want to do weekend in Merida because it sounds like there are nice weekend events. Then to Uxmal, I guess back to Merida in order to get to Chichen which is awkward, then to the beach. So perhaps Tulum is a better choice? Thanks much!

This is a great place to go for a vacation, do you have listings on how much would it cost to go there? Thanks for posting this.

I can tell you who you should not use for a tour. I booked a tour through LASTMINUTE.COM for my daughter and son-in-law. The tour was handled through TOURICO HOLIDAY, Inc. in Florida; who used ENDLESSTOURS.COM in Cancun. Everything came back confirmed and that the agency picks up from all major Cancun hotels. After that I thought to use the agency for airport transportation but did not see the hotel we were using listed on their website. No answer when I called the Cancun agency. So I booked that with another company. That lead me to be really about the Chichen Itza tour. I emailed lastminute.com and was told the agency they use was a very reputable firm and lastminute had never had any problems with them. I again contacted them to confirm that they would indeed be picked up at the hotel, and was reassured yes and given a time. On the day of the tour, my daughter arrived early, waited for over an hour because the hotel told her many of the tours were running late, then called me. After many calls, I was told the driver had confirmed they picked her up; which was obviously impossible since we were calling to find out where they were. I asked that they get a shuttle to take them to the tour (its only 1 1/2 hrs away) and they could met up with them. NO ONE EVEN BOTHERED TO CALL BACK - I KEEP CALLING THEM AND NEVER GOT ANYTHING ACCOMPLISHED. IT WAS MY DAUGHTER'S LAST DAY IN CANCUN TOO!

I would like to know how much is the entrance fee to chichen Itza and to Ik-Kil? Also, how much is the parking? I am renting a car and will also like to know how much are the toll roads one way. I am staying close to the Hotel Zone. thank you.

Mayan Culture RULES!!

Does anyone know what time Chichen Itza opens on Sundays?? Im taking ADO there, where exactly do they drop you off and pick you up back to Merida?

How can I find out about event scheduled this year? concerts? special ceremonies? etc