Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is perhaps the Mayan world’s most visited and famous “attraction” – with good reason. The central temple – the Temple of Kukulcan, often known simply as El Castillo, or Castle – is a pyramid staircase where the stairs go up from all four sides. The great serpent sculptures there, nestle down the northern staircase, and creates fabulous shadows in the equinox sun. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also been included in the new seven wonders of the world following a world wide vote.

To get to Chichen Itza from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen is normally a coach ride or car drive away although some “cash rich, time poor” people do fly there. The journey is around 200 kilometres and because it is so flat and straight is a fairly monotonous journey. The jungle that side the road soon becomes boring! Have a look at our selection of Mexico trips and tours.

It was the practice in the Mayan world to build a temple on top of the previous. It is said that the old pyramid – the inner – represents the lunar calendar, while the new – the current exterior – represents the solar calendar.

Chichen Itzas huge Mayas pyramids is really an experience not to be missed, they are among the best preserved pyramids that remain. You can climb to the top of the largest of them, El Castillo. From there, you have a view over the large Chichen Itza site, and tens of kilometres into the jungle. During the vernal equinox and autumnal equinox (21 March and 22 September) the sun makes shadows on the steps of El Castillo, which resembles a snake climbing down the pyramid stairs.

Chichen Itza was built sometime after 400-800 BC and was abandoned in the 1200s. We do not know why the city was abandoned. When rediscovered, the city was completely buried in the jungle. In 1531 the Spaniards conquered the city and tried to declare it as the capital of their Spanish Yucatan province. Initially the Spaniards were forced to flee by a Mayan-revolution, but afterwards the Spaniards managed to defeat the last fighting Maya.