Overview
Chichén Itzá was one of the largest Maya cities, flourishing from roughly the 9th to the 12th centuries. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Its stepped pyramid, El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulcán), is aligned so that around the equinoxes a serpent-like shadow appears on its staircase. Climbing the monuments is not allowed.
Best time to visit
November to March is drier and less hot. Arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and the tour-bus crowds from Cancún.
Highlights
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1
El Castillo
The stepped pyramid at the centre of the site.
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2
Great Ball Court
The largest ball court in Mesoamerica, with carved reliefs.
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3
Temple of the Warriors
A temple fronted by rows of carved columns.
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4
Sacred Cenote
A large natural sinkhole used for offerings.
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5
El Caracol
A round building thought to have been used as an observatory.
Getting there
Chichén Itzá is about 2.5 hours by road from Cancún and about 1.5–2 hours from Mérida; ADO buses and tours run there. The nearby town of Valladolid makes a good base.
Practical tips
- Opening & tickets
- Opening times, ticket rules and any visitor limits change, so check the official information before you go.
- Time needed
- Three to four hours.
Official information: UNESCO: Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
Map
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