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Visiting Chichen Itza Mexico
Holding the title as one of the new seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza is the most well-known and frequently visited Mayan ruins site in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico. The pre-Hispanic city in Yucatan and UNESCO World Heritage Site has a challenging 1000-year-old history. The most famous attraction of Chichen Itza is the Temple and Pyramid of Kukulcan, known also as El Castillo.
Although I generally tend to prefer exploring lesser-visited places that are situated a little further off the main tourist path, Chichen Itza is a magnificent place and it is definitely a site worth visiting when travelling to Mexico.
Chichen Itza has a very central location in the Yucatan Peninsula. The Mayan ruins are extensive and cover 300 hectares but many sections have still never been excavated. Due to its location, you can visit the historical place from many cities in Yucatan like Cancun, Merida or Playa del Carmen but the best option is staying in the colonial city of Valladolid (less than an hour drive away)!
We visited Chichen Itza on the 24th of December which was the most exciting thing I have ever done on this day! The weather was perfect and there were not many people (at least till 9:30 a.m.). We stayed in Valladolid for 3 days from where we travelled to Chichen Itza in the early morning on the first day of our stay. Despite its popularity, Chichen Itza is one of those must-see places that everybody should visit at least once in a lifetime!
A Very Brief History Of Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is the largest and most visited archaeological ruin built by the Mayans in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula around 400 AD. Chichen Itza flourished during the period of classic Mayan civilization which is the period from 250 BC to 850 AD.
Chichen Itza was a major focal point of Mayans’ life between 800-1200 AD and the largest city in those times. Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Nowadays you can visit some of the remained structures: El Castillo (the main pyramid of the city), The Temple of the Warriors, Caracol and the very famous Great Ball Court. Each structure was designed and constructed with techniques far beyond their time.
Chichen Itza means “mouth of the well of Itza” in the local Maya language. One of the many possible translations of Itza is “enchanted water.” The Yucatan is covered in cenotes. Cenotes are distinctive limestone sinkholes that form natural pools. The natural pools had not only a deep spiritual significance for the Maya people but also were the focal point of living – they provided people with fresh water.
What you actually see inside Chichen Itza
El Castillo
El Castillo is the big main pyramid of Chichen Itza which is also known as the pyramid of Kukulkan. Kukulkan is a feathered snake deity in the Mayan religion.
The pyramid is 30 m tall, which makes it not as large as the pyramids of Giza, but is still very impressive! At 8 a.m. after entering the ruins site, Kukulkan Temple was the first building we saw. There were almost no people there and I had a great time making some good photos of the pyramid.
The structure of Kukulkan is impressive – it has a perfect pyramid shape, with each side having the same size. Each staircase along the four sides has 91 steps. All 4 sides of the pyramid (364 steps) plus the platform at the top of the pyramid make a total of 365 steps which is the number of days in one year! There are also nine terraces which probably symbolize the Maya belief in the nine-level heaven.
Great Ballcourt
The Ballcourt in Chichen Itza (Juego de Pelota) is the largest ballcourt not only in Mesoamerica but also in the whole world. You can find the Great Ballcourt on the left side of the main pyramid.
Maya played a ball game where the rubber ball (represented the sun) had to be put into a small stone circle perched very high on a wall, without using your hands or feet. The Mayan game is more than 3.500 years old, which makes it the very first organized game in the history of sports. This ball game ended in the sacrifice of one of the teams, but it is still not sure if the winning or the losing team was the sacrificed team.
Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of Warriors (Los Guerreros) in Chichen Itza is also known as the Hall of the Thousand Columns. There are more than 1000 columns around the big temple. Some researchers believe the columns have been supporting a roof and that this area was used as a meeting hall or an indoor market. Nowadays a lot of vendors try to sell their overpriced souvenirs here.
Cenote De Los Sacrificios
The Cenote de los Sacrificios is also known as the Sacred Cenote is the place where Mayan worshippers tried to soothe Chac – the God of Rain – by sacrificing special items, animals and people. Over the years, researchers have found thousands of artefacts made of gold, jade and copper as well as numerous human skeletons.
Things to Know Before You Go, Chichen Itza
When to visit Chichen Itza weather-wise: The best months of the year to visit Chichen Itza are the months between November and March. It is cooler than during the summer months, it is raining less but you will probably find more crowds. We went on the 24th of December, the temperature was about 27° and it was firstly crowded at 10 a.m.
When to visit Chichen Itza: The best time of the day to visit Chichen Itza is in the early morning or in the late afternoon. We arrived at 7:30 and waited till 8:00. During the first hour, there were almost no people there and the temperature was about 22°. It was absolutely lovely having almost the entire ruins site to ourselves! The only way to avoid the crowds and beat the vendors is to arrive at the ruins as early as possible and close to their opening time of 8 am. Many of the tour buses make their way from places like Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen in the morning and arrive at Chichen Itza around 10 a.m. The busiest and the hottest time to visit Chichen Itza is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Getting to Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza is located in the centre of the Yucatan Peninsula and is situated 45 km west of Valladolid (45-minute drive), 119 km east of Merida (1.5-hour drive), 197 km west of Cancun (2.5-hour drive), 181 km west of Playa del Carmen (2 hours drive).
Opening Hours: Chichen Itza is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday all Mexicans can visit the historical place for free so it can get more crowded.
Entrance Fee: The government of Mexico has doubled the ticket prices for visiting Chichen Itza for foreigners. The price is now at 480 MXN which is about 22.50 € (instead of $242 MXN).
Light & sound show: The show starts at 7 p.m. in the autumn and winter and at 8 p.m. in the spring and summer. It’s included in the price of admission.
It is no more allowed for tourists to climb to the top of the Kukulkan Pyramid.
Food: Take your own food, have a good breakfast before visiting Chichen Itza or have a good lunch afterwards – the on-site food is expensive and not good.
Souvenirs: All souvenirs sold inside the park of Chichen Itza are much more expensive than anywhere else in Yucatan. You can find the same handicrafts and typical Mexican souvenirs anywhere you go, so it is better to save your money for something else! The vendors are, let’s say – arduous. If you have no intention of purchasing anything, it is best to simply ignore the vendors and keep walking.
Where to stay when visiting Chichen Itza: For me, the best place to stay when you want to visit Chichen Itza, explore the best cenotes in Yucatan and visit other interesting ruins is Valladolid! Valladolid is a colourful and peaceful colonial city with a relaxed atmosphere. The journey by car is only 40 minutes, so you don’t have to wake up at 4 a.m. in order to get as early as possible at Chichen Itza.
Swimming in cenotes Nearby: You cannot swim in the Cenote de los Sacrificios at Chichen Itza, where numerous human skeletons were found but there are numerous cenotes nearby where you can. The closest and most famous one is the Ik Kil cenote, which is a pretty but very busy one. I recommend Cenote Zaci, Cenote Dzitnup, Cenote Suytun, and Cenote Xkeken – here you will find a more authentic experience!
Recommended Length of Visit: 2.5 to 3 hours.
Parking: There is a large parking lot at Chichen Itza. The cost of parking is about 3 €.
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Where to Stay near Chichen Itza, Mexico
As you would expect from a major travel destination, Seychelles has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.
Best Luxury Hotels
- Hacienda Kaan Ac: This luxury hotel is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century hacienda, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The spacious and elegantly designed rooms feature high-end amenities, and guests can enjoy a pool, lush gardens, a spa, and a gourmet restaurant serving regional cuisine. The hotel’s serene atmosphere provides a perfect retreat in Valladolid.
- El Mesón del Marqués: Housed in a historic 17th-century mansion, El Mesón del Marqués is a luxurious hotel that captures the essence of Valladolid’s colonial charm. The rooms are tastefully decorated, blending modern comforts with traditional elements. The hotel boasts a beautiful courtyard, a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant serving regional dishes, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.
- Casa Quetzal Boutique Hotel: Nestled in a quiet corner of Valladolid’s historic center, Casa Quetzal offers an intimate and refined experience. The hotel features elegantly decorated rooms with attention to detail and personalized service. Guests can relax in the courtyard garden, take a dip in the outdoor pool, and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. The hotel’s location provides easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Best Mid-Range Hotelsi Valladolid
- Hotel Zaci: Conveniently located near the city center, Hotel Zaci offers comfortable accommodations at a mid-range price. The rooms are well-appointed and feature modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, a restaurant serving traditional Yucatecan cuisine, and a garden area for relaxation. The hotel’s friendly staff provides attentive service to ensure a pleasant stay.
- Hotel Posada San Juan: Set in a charming colonial-style building, Hotel Posada San Juan offers cozy and affordable accommodations. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, featuring traditional Mexican decor. The hotel features a courtyard with a swimming pool, a restaurant serving regional cuisine, and a terrace where guests can unwind. Its central location allows for easy exploration of Valladolid’s attractions.
- Ecotel Quinta Regia: Situated in a tranquil neighborhood, Ecotel Quinta Regia provides comfortable and affordable accommodations. The rooms are spacious and equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool, a garden area, and a restaurant offering a variety of dishes. The hotel’s friendly staff is available to assist with any needs or inquiries.
Best Hostels
- Hostal Tunich Naj: Located in the heart of Valladolid’s historic center, Hostal Tunich Naj offers budget-friendly accommodation with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The hostel provides dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, all equipped with basic amenities. Guests can enjoy a communal kitchen, a common lounge area, and a rooftop terrace with views of the city. The hostel is a great option for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.
- Hostal Gayser: Situated in a peaceful neighborhood, Hostal Gayser provides a comfortable and affordable stay. The hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms, all featuring simple furnishings and necessary amenities. Guests can relax in the outdoor garden area, socialize in the common lounge, and make use of the shared kitchen facilities. The hostel’s relaxed atmosphere and helpful staff ensure a pleasant stay.
- Hostel Candelaria: Located near the city center, Hostel Candelaria provides affordable accommodation with a laid-back atmosphere. The hostel offers dormitory rooms and private rooms, all featuring comfortable beds and basic amenities. Guests can socialize in the communal areas, prepare meals in the shared kitchen, and relax in the outdoor patio. The hostel’s friendly staff is available to assist with any inquiries or travel arrangements.
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico here (Booking.com)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico here (Tripadvisor)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico here (Agoda)
Discover affordable hostels in Mexico here (Hostelworld)
Easily compare prices and book hotels in Mexico here (Hotellook)
Planning a trip to Mexico?
Mexico Accommodation
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico here (Booking.com)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico (Tripadvisor)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Mexico (Agoda)
- Discover affordable hostels in Mexico (Hostelworld)
- Easily compare prices and book hotels in Mexico (Hotellook)
Mexico Flights
Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Mexico.
Private Airport Transfers
Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi, you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Rental Car in Mexico
Looking to rent a car in Mexico? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Mexico to find you the best price possible.
Mexico Tours
If you enjoy guided tours, here you can find a wide variety of options to suit every preference. Discover and join fascinating guided tours across Mexico.
Travel Insurance
When it comes to travel insurance, we understand the importance of finding reliable coverage that suits your needs. That’s why we highly recommend Safety Wing – a trusted provider offering comprehensive travel insurance plans even for digital nomads. Safeguard your travels and gain peace of mind by exploring the excellent coverage options provided by Safety Wing.
Enjoy the day!
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