Chichen Itza
★ 4.8🇲🇽 Chichen ItzaSuggested visit 2-3 hoursBest season November to March, the dry season, with comfortable weather
World HeritageArchaeological siteHistoric site
The most famous Maya city, whose El Castillo pyramid casts a serpent-shaped shadow at the equinoxes.
Overview
In the northern Yucatán, Chichen Itza was one of the most important Maya cities, inscribed as World Heritage in 1988 and named one of the New Seven Wonders in 2007. The central El Castillo has 91 steps on each of four sides plus the top platform, making 365 in all, and at the equinoxes the shadow of the corners forms a descending serpent. The site also holds the Temple of the Warriors, a ball court and a cenote.
History
Settled from the 5th century AD and flourishing between the 9th and 12th, it was a major political and religious centre of the Maya postclassic period before being abandoned after the 13th century.
Highlights
- •The El Castillo pyramid
- •The equinox serpent shadow
- •The Temple of the Warriors and its columns
- •The Sacred Cenote
Practical tips
- •Midday is very hot with little shade — arrive at opening
- •Vendors are numerous; agree prices before buying
Practical information
- Best time
- November-March
- Tickets
- About MXN 650
- Opening hours
- 8:00-17:00
- Local food
- Tacos, cochinita pibil, tamales
- Getting around
- About 2.5 hours by car from Cancún, 1.5 from Mérida.
- Visa
- A visa is required; holders of a valid US, Canadian, Japanese, UK or Schengen visa may enter visa-free.
Traveller reviews
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