The information you need to visit Chichén Itzá

What is Chichen Itzá? 

Here we give you all the information about Chichen Itza.

Chichén Itzá is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico. This Mayan city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and a modern Wonder of the World since 2007.

Chichén Itzá means “mouth of the well of the itzaes” in allusion to the sacred cenote located north of the Kukulkán pyramid that reaches 60 meters in diameter and 15 meters deep.

The pyramid of Kukulkán is the main temple of this Mayan city. This pyramid contains all the knowledge of the Mayas about mathematics, astrology, and geometry, and its symmetry contains the Mayan calendar.

Why is Chichen Itza important?

It is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and has a history of almost 2000 years.

It was founded between 325 and 550 by the Mayas, but in the year 800 Chichen Itza was invaded by the Toltecs and, because of this, both cultures mixed. Thanks to this event, this city gained importance to such an extent that it became the most important city in the entire peninsula. To this day it is still the most important Mayan city.

What to see in Chichén Itzá?

As we know, when you say ‘Chichén Itzá,’ the first thing that comes to your mind is ‘pyramid,’ but in this wonderful place, there are many more things to see.

                       What to see?                          Temple of the warriors      Plaza of the thousand columns      The great ball game      The snail      Pyramid of Kukulkan      

here is all the information about the places of Chichen Itza:

Temple of the Warriors: 

This temple was influenced by Toltec architecture. It measures 40 meters on each side and has a stepped pyramidal shape with four bodies. At the top of the pyramid is the figure of Chac Mool.

Plaza of the Thousand Columns: 

Actually, “The thousand columns” is another temple. It is connected to the Temple of the Warriors and is formed by 200 columns and piles.

It is the perfect place to get lost for a while and take a picture.

The great ball game: 

It is the largest court in Mesoamerica; it measures around 120 by 30 meters. Is formed by two walls in the center of which are embedded two stone rings, which are the markers of the ball game.

The snail (observatory): 

This place had the function of observing the stars. It is located on two rectangular platforms with different orientations. In this way, it was possible to observe the sky and study it.

Pyramid of Kukulkan: 

It is the most important pyramid of Chichén Itzá; it stands out for its great size and symmetry. Has a platform of 55.5 meters and has a height of 24 meters.

The emblematic figure of the pyramid is the feathered serpent.

At the base of the temple, there are two serpent heads, referring to the mythology of the region.

Kukulkan means snake, and this is a divine representation of the Maya.

Special event in Chichén Itzá:

In the evenings, in summer hours at 8:00 pm, and in winter at 7:00 pm, the light and sound show takes place, where you can see the pyramid of Kukulkan illuminated with different colors and figures while listening to jungle-like sounds, it is an unforgettable experience.

Nearby recommendations: 

information of places near Chichen Itza

Cenote Yokdozonot

It is an open cenote of crystalline waters managed by women of the Yokdzonot community. You can swim and enjoy the typical food of the region that they offer you in the place.

Other nearby cenotes you can visit:

 
• Cenote Na Yah, Pixyah
 
• Cenote Kankirixche, Mukuyche, Abalá
 
• Cenote Noh-Mozón, Pyxia
 
• Cenote Palomitas, Yalcobá
 
• Cenote X’Batun

Community of Yaxunah 

Twenty-five minutes from Chichén Itzá is the village of Yaxunah, where you can learn all the history of corn and learn and raise awareness about the planting and cultivation.

Also, you can have a small gastronomic workshop with the Mayan cooperative.

If you are interested in Chichen Itza and want to hire a tour, contact Rutopía and we will help you.

COVID-19 Restrictions

Chichen Itzá was closed for some time due to the pandemic situation. Now that it has reopened, there are certain restrictions on access:

 
• The authorized capacity is 3,000 visitors per day.
 
• The group of people must have 10, including guides and operators.
 
• The recommended schedule is from 11:00 to 14:00 hours.
 
• Use of masks is mandatory.

General information about Chichén Itzá

The general information about Chichén Itzá: 

It is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 16:00. The ticket office closes at 16:00.

Prices: 

Mexicans: $200, approximately 10 dollars.

Foreigners: $481, approximately 24 dollars.

Free admission: Seniors over 60 years old, retirees, pensioners, teachers, students, children under 13 years old, and handicapped persons.

On Sundays, the entrance is free for Mexicans with ID.

If you want to avoid tourists, we recommend going early on weekdays, this way you will be able to enjoy the place better, and you will have more opportunities to take pictures without tourists behind you.

Recommendations

Wear comfortable shoes so you can walk around the place without getting tired.            

We recommend you to bring a bottle of frozen water to stay hydrated during your trip.              

Use sunscreen.            

Wear a hat or cap to protect you from the sun, also include sunglasses.            

Wear light clothing to keep you cool.

Where is Chichén Itzá? 

Chichén Itzá is located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, right in the middle of Cancún and Mérida.

The archaeological site is located 45 minutes from Valladolid, 1:15 Merida, and 2:15 minutes from Cancun. 

From the three regions you can arrive by car or by bus, just keep in mind that if you go by bus, you depend on the schedules and on the other hand by car you can go whenever you want.

Interested in this destination? At Rutopia we can put together an itinerary depending on your interests. Tell us your trip ideas