Chichen Itza Guide

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the country, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Chichen Itza was a major center of Mayan civilization from the 6th to the 13th century CE, and it contains a number of impressive ruins and structures. Some of the most notable attractions at the site include:

El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulcan): This pyramid stands at over 30 meters tall and has 365 steps, one for each day of the year. During the spring and fall equinoxes, the shadows cast by the pyramid resemble a serpent descending the stairs, an impressive display of the ancient Mayans’ astronomical knowledge.

The Great Ball Court: This is the largest and most impressive ball court in Mesoamerica. The court is 168 meters long and 70 meters wide, and the walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting various sporting events and sacrifices.

The Temple of the Warriors: This impressive structure is adorned with hundreds of columns and carvings depicting warriors and gods. It is believed to have served as a royal palace or administrative center.

The Sacred Cenote: This natural sinkhole was considered a sacred site by the Mayans, who used it for religious ceremonies and sacrifices. It was also an important source of freshwater for the city’s inhabitants.

Other notable structures at Chichen Itza include the Group of the Thousand Columns, the Temple of the Jaguars, and the Tzompantli (a platform used for displaying the skulls of sacrificed warriors).

Visitors to Chichen Itza can take guided tours of the site or explore on their own. The site can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times. Be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, as the site is quite extensive and there is a lot of walking involved.