Holiday in Chichen Itza

About Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and the most famous archaeological site in Mexico, attracting over two million visitors from around the globe each year. The impressive Kukulkan Pyramid (El Castillo) is an astronomical masterpiece of the Maya – during the spring and autumn equinox, a brilliant play of light creates the illusion of a serpent's body slithering down the steps to the stone serpent head at the base of the pyramid. The 30-meter high step pyramid with its exactly 365 steps symbolizes the Maya calendar and demonstrates the outstanding astronomical knowledge of this high culture. The expansive site includes, in addition to El Castillo, numerous other impressive structures: the largest ball court in Mesoamerica with unique acoustics, the observatory El Caracol, the Temple of the Warriors with its thousand columns, and the sacred cenote, where the Maya made offerings to the rain gods. Archaeologists have recovered jade, gold, and ceramics from across the Mesoamerican region there. Chichen Itza is centrally located on the Yucatan Peninsula, about two hours from Cancun and 90 minutes from Merida. An early arrival right at opening time at 8 AM is highly recommended, as the site becomes very crowded by noon and the tropical heat increases. Nearby, there are notable cenotes like Ik Kil and the charming colonial town of Valladolid – ideal for a combination on the way back.