Guide To Chichen Itza Archaeological Park

About Chichen Itza

This is Mexico's most extensively restored archaeological park and the ancient city of Chichen Itza (with the accent the latter part of each word) is one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological places you are likely to visit.

The site takes up about 4 square miles and it will take you all day to see it properly. The temples are laid out in such a fashion that they represent time - like an enormous calendar.

Much of the Mayan and Toltec cultures are still a mystery. There is disagreement between scholars over how the Mayas arrived here and their relationships and interactions with the Toltecs. This doesn't take away from the immense feeling of size and greatness of this location; even when it is full with tourists, there is so much space that you can feel quite relaxed wandering around the temples.

Guides will take you on a tour and explain the history of the site and the Maya. Keep in mind the note above about the mystery and enigma which surrounds this place: some guides may be dressing up some of the detail for you.

This region of Mexico gets extremely hot during the peak daytime hours of noon until around 4 PM. Staying at a hotel nearby and starting your tour of the site early in the morning will significantly enhance your experience of Chichen Itza.

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Key Attractions

Chichen Itza has a wealth of features that will take you all day to experience properly. Listed here are a few of the highlights; consult a guide book for further details.

As you enter the site, your first glance will be towards the Piramide de Kukulkan, or Castillo (Castle) This pyramid has 365 steps, 52 panels and 18 terraces. If you visit during the spring or autumn equinox (March 21st and September 21st) you'll be in for a special treat: The sun's light touches the steps on the northern side - creating the shadow of a "moving serpent" which glides up the pyramid as the sun moves through the sky.

Juego de Pelota Principal (Principal Ball Court) is the main one of eight ball courts, and the largest games court in all of Mexico's archaeological sites. Here, you will see the famous stone hoops. It is believed that contestants of pelota (ball) needed to get a stone ball through them during the game.

To the southeast, you'll find the Templo de los Jaguares (Temple of the Jaguars) on which you'll see carved rattlesnakes and jaguars. The murals inside depict an ancient battle.

Tzompantli - Toltec meaning "Temple of Skulls" - is in between the Temple of Jaguars and the Castle. It was here where heads of those sacrificed were displayed for the gods.

El Caracol- ("The Snail" - named because of its circular structure and staircase) is actually an ancient observatory. This structure is an example of how the Maya were obsessed with time and astronomy. This building developed over time and was used by astronomers to accurately measure and record important days in the astronomical calendar, such as the spring and autumn equinox and the solstice.

Chichen Viejo - Literally meaning "old Chichen", is the oldest part of the city has some interesting structures which date to the pre-Toltec times. If you stay at the Mayaland Hotel, you can also arrange for a horseback tour through Chichen Viejo.

The Sounds and Lights Show is worth staying for; it starts at 8 pm (later in the summer months); the admission fee is included in the price of your entrance ticket to the site.

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Getting There & Around

By Air - The closest airports to Chichen Itza are Cancun or Merida. Many travelers to Cancun take a day trip here, although there are some good hotels nearby and if you stay overnight in the area, you'll see more and enjoy a better experience of the site and area surrounding it. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

Airport Shuttles: If you're arriving in Mexico by airplane, you can book your airport transfer in advance. Shuttle services are available from all of Mexico's key airports and offer the choice of either a Standard or VIP service level. Standard shuttles will transport up to ten people and their baggage in a modern and comfortable surburban van to/from local hotels; the VIP service provides transportation exclusively for your party, taking you and your belongings directly to/from your local hotel. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details and to reserve your Airport Shuttle in Mexico.

Buses - Depart frequently from Cancun and Merida to Chichen Itza, most often as part of organized tours to the ancient city. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car - You can take Highway 180 west from Cancun to get to Chichen Itza. Also see additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental: To explore the local area around Chichen Itza and Yucatan, consider renting a car locally. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

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Practical Information

Opening Days & Times: 7 Days a week; 8 am to 5 pm. Admission used to be free for everybody on Sundays, but this rule was changed in February 2003; now only Mexican Citizens and foreign residents (with proof of residency) can enter free. All children under 13 and those over 60 can still enter free of charge.

Better Overnight: Chichen Itza is a big tour-bus destination. Since it was nominated as a 'New Wonder of the World' in 2007, the center has become extremely busy during the daytime. If you want to miss the crowds and get the most out a visit to this spectacular archaeological park, stay for a night at one of the hotels situated next to the archaeological park. It's by far the best way to experience Chichen Itza. Find a Hotel in Chichen Itza.

Local Tours: Mexperience offers access to local tours and activities in the Yucatan region of Mexico, including day tours to Chichen Itza. Tours and activities are organized and run by well-established, professional and fully-insured operators. You can search for tours by location or category and make reservations online or by telephone. Buying tours in advance is more convenient and secure, and your spaces on the tour are guranteed. Connect to the Mexperience Travel center to browse and reserve Local Tours in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Photography & Video: A permit is required if you want to use a tripod to take photographs at the archaeological site. A small fee is made for the use of hand-held video equipment. Read the section on Mexperience Travel Essentials about Video & Photography at archaeological sites in Mexico.

Ideal Clothing & Footwear: You'll need a good, comfortable pair of walking shoes with a non-slip sole - Chichen Itza is an extensive archaeological site. Wear light clothes - it gets very hot and humid here. Insect repellent is also very useful as this site is located in the jungle. See 'climate', below.

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Nearby Places & Attractions

Major Cities: Mexico City (Closest)

Colonial Cities: Merida (State Capital of Yucatan), Campeche, Villahermosa, Oaxaca

Nearest Beaches/ Resorts: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres

Other Archaeological Sites: Palenque, Tulum, Coba, Uxmal

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Local Climate

The local climate is the same as that for Cancun - Hot and Humid. Be sure to keep yourself hydrated. The sun here is fierce - especially between midday and 4 pm.   Wear light clothes, sun cream, sun glasses and a hat.   Insect repellent is also useful to keep the mosquitoes at bay; carry and drink plenty of water at all times.

Live Weather Report: (Valladolid, Yucatan)

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