Chichen Itza : Explore this great ancient city

Chichen Itza was one of the greatest ancient cities built by the Maya. It was a city with people from various cultures which is also reflected in its different architectural styles. Today it’s one of the most impressive ruins and archaeological sites of the world with El Castillo (the pyramid) being its main attraction.

Chichen Itza archaeological site

Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatan region of Mexico. The word Chichen Itza means “at the mouth of the well of Itza”. Itza was a particular tribe amongst the Maya people and the well here refers to the Sacred Cenote where a lot of rituals took place to please Chaac, the Maya god of rain.

Chichen Itza became a prominent economic hub in the 600 AD but went into decline by 1200s. The site we see today is a result of the restoration that took place in the 1920s. Interestingly it was a private owned property until 2010 when the Government took over.

Today it’s not only a UNSECO World Heritage Site but also one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Let’s explore some important sites of this great ancient city.

El Castillo or the Pyramid

I read about Chichen Itza in detail in 2012 (remember the famous rumour that the Mayans predicted the world is going to end) but before that I always thought that the pyramid itself is called Chichen Itza. It’s only after reading in detail I realized that Chichen Itza is a city and the pyramid is one of its site (and the most famous one).

The Pyramid is actually a temple dedicated to serpent god Kukulcan and hence it’s also called Temple of Kukulcan or El Castillo (the castle). El Castillo is built over a cenote which were very sacred to the Maya. Infact, they found a statue of Chaac and jaguar shaped throne inside the pyramid confirming this structure was a place of worship.

Read more about what are cenotes and how are they formed

One of the most interesting facts about El Castillo is the number of stairs that run along its 4 sides. There are 91 stairs each on the 4 sides and including the final platform on the top it totals to 365 – the number of days in a year! The base of the pyramid is flanked by two serpent heads on both sides of the stairs and during the equinoxes the shadows create such an effect that it seems that the Kukulcan is descending down.

Once could climb the pyramid until 2006 when a woman slipped during the descent and died. You can still climb the pyramids at Ek Balam and Coba.

The Great Ball Court

Imagine a game of volleyball with a ball weighing 8-10 pounds and you cannot use your hands to keep the ball in play but only your hips and shoulders. Welcome to ball game of the Mayans. The game was a huge part of their culture and plenty of ball courts have been found across the region (but this one is the largest one). There were hoops on the side wall and if the ball went through the hoops, the match would end instantly. Once the match was over, a sacrifice would be made. The losing team was either decapitated or their hearts were removed.

Tzompantli

Tzompantli is a skull rack where numerous skulls were kept on display. In most of the regions the skulls used to be of the enemies who were captured during a war. But at Chichen Itza, the skulls displayed were of the losing team from the ball game. The decapitation is also clearly displayed on the walls.

Platform of Eagles and Jaguars

This platform is dedicated to the two warrior sects – Eagle Knights and Jaguar Knights. The Eagle Knights attacked the enemies with bow and arrows while the Jaguar Knights used knives and brought back enemies for sacrifice. The platform has a wall carving of Eagle and Jaguar clutching the hearts.

Temple of Osario

The Temple of Osario is a smaller version of El Castillo but on the top is a hole which leads to a cave 12 metre below.

El Caracol or The Observatory

The observatory helped Mayans track equinoxes and solstices and also the movement of Venus. Movements of Venus were tracked to plan the opportune time for battles. The observatory is constructed in such a way that the diagonal connecting the north east and south west corners actually aligns with the summer solistice sunrise and winter solistice sunset.

Sacred Cenote

The bottom of the Sacred Cenote or Sacred Well was considered to be the home of rain god Chaac. The Mayans believed that the only way to the underworld would be through sacrifices, Hence, they offered not only humans but goods such pots, gold etc as well.

Once cannot jump into this cenote (you wouldn’t want to even if it was allowed). But don’t worry; there are plenty of other beautiful cenotes with stunning blue waters around the Yucatan and Quintana Roo for you to jump.

Read about the pristine blue waters of Cenote Azul and Gran Cenote.

Photos of other sites

Chichen Itza timings

Chichen Itza is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday with last entry allowed at 4:00 pm. I strongly recommend reaching early by 8:00 – 8:30 am to beat the crowd and the heat.

There is a special light show that happens in the night where lights are projected on El Castillo depicting various stories. Tickets need to be purchased separately and it’s recommended to purchase them online to reserve your seats in advance. You can check the timetable and book the tickets on this website.

Chichen Itza tickets price

The ticket price is on a higher side (but completely worth it). The price is 480 pesos per person (25 USD). Do carry cash as card machines may not work.

Guides at Chichen Itza

You need a guide to enjoy the numerous stories about Chichen Itza. You will find guides right after you purchase your tickets. Guides are available for a variety of languages. The cost is 1000 pesos for a tour of 2-3 hours. The best way is to find another group with whom you can club and split the cost. The optimal group size according to me is 8 which will bring your cost down to 125 pesos per person.

How to reach Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza from Valladolid

Valladolid should be your base if you want to make it early to Chichen Itza by 8:00 am. And it shouldn’t be treated just as a base; it’s a vibrant town with excellent food and plenty of stunning cenotes nearby to explore. Valladolid is just 50 kms from Chichen Itza. The best way to travel is via colectivos. Colectivo are shared vans which run extensively between all the popular spots in Yucatan. They are frequent, cheap and convenient (most of them have ACs). One way charge from Valladolid to Chichen Itza is 35 Mexican Pesos per person. The earliest colectivos depart by 7:00 am from Calle 39, which will ensure you make to the site by 8:00 am.

You can also a rent a car or board an ADO bus. The bus cost 120 Mexican Pesos per person and takes around 50 minutes. You can check the timetable and prices here

From Cancun

Cancun to Chichen Itza is 200 kms. There is one ADO bus that departs at 8:45 am and reaches Chichen Itza by 12:00 pm. Although it is one of the possible ways, you will reach right when the other tour groups arrive. Also, don’t forget the heat.

Many people pre-book a group tour from Cancun. The transport, guide, a trip to cenote Ik Kil and lunch is included. You can also rent a car. There are plenty of parking spots available at the site.

From Tulum

Tulum to Chichen Itza is 150 kms. The options available are exactly the same as above (of course different ADO bus timings). Again, the best possible way is by renting a car or booking a trip.

Buying Souvenirs

Once done with your tour, leave aside some time for buying souvenirs. There are plenty of items to choose from – Mayan Calendar, Mayan masks etc. There are thousands of people selling this and that means you can get a good deal. The initial quoted prices are quite high but you can easily bargain. Don’t be scared when you hear a strange noise from these sellers. It’s a Jaguar whistle which they use to get your attention. A shop keeper shouted Amitabh Bachchan (one of the famous Indian movie star) to gain my attention and to be honest it did work. I ended up buying a good number of souvenirs from him.

Sincera Tip

• I cannot emphasize the importance of leaving early. Hence, strongly recommend to stay in Valladolid to reach Chichen Itza by 8:00 am by colectivos.
• Do carry a hat, sun glasses, energy bars and water. It gets really hot during the day. Plus you will atleast spend 2-3 hrs around the site so you will need plenty of water.
• The famous Ik Kil cenote is very nearby and you should stop there before going back to your origin town. Don’t forget to pack your swimming trunks/costumes. I will be publishing a post on Ik Kil shortly.
• Every year on 20^th March and 23^rd September (the dates can vary by a day or two given it’s a leap or not), people gather in numbers to witness Kukulcan descend from El Castillo. Plan your trip accordingly but be ready to expect a massive crowd.

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