Chichén Itzá was one of the greatest Mayan centers and a mythical wonder of the Yucatán Peninsula. There is strong evidence that the cities influence extended throughout the Mayan empire and north into central México. This ancient city was one of the largest of Mesoamerica and likely to have been one of its great mythical cities “or Tollan” (pronounced Toyan) that thrived between the 9th and the 13th centuries.
This ancient site is in the Tinúm Municipality of the Yucatán State of México, not far outside of Valladolid and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. El Castillo (pronounced kä-STĒ-yō), the main pyramid of Chichén Itzá, was named one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World” after a worldwide vote in 2007. This sparked an increase in the site’s tourism, nearly doubling the visitors by 2012. Only ten years later, in 2017, the site hosted an astonishing 2.6 million visitors.
During the pandemic in 2020, Chichén Itzá surpassed Teotihuacan as the most visited archeological site in México. The site hosted roughly 100,000 more visitors than its Aztec counterpart from the north. However, in 2019 Teotihuacan saw around one million more visitors than Chichén Itzá, making it unlikely for them to keep the title after the pandemic.
The city of Chichén Itzá was once a massive sprawling urban center of more than 300 hectares (or 740 acres). This site is especially important for its blend of art and architecture from both the Mayan and Toltec civilizations. The Mayan and Toltec vision of the world and universe are depicted in the stone monuments, along with any surviving works of art.
The integration of Mayan construction techniques, along with the new elements from central Mexico, make this one of the most important examples of cultural fusion in the Yucatán region. It demonstrates the intricate relationship between the Mayan and Toltec civilizations within the peninsula. It also illustrates the reach of the Chichén empire and how far it extended during its peak.
Chichén Itzá was established during the Classic Period near four surface cenotes that define the name “Chichén Itzá” meaning “At the edge of the well of the Itzá.” However, to complicate matters, there is plenty of evidence that the Itzá did not move into the region until the 13th century.
This part of the Yucatán was a major focal point in the Northern Mayan Lowlands from the Late Classic Period (600-900 AD) to the Terminal Classic Period (800-900 AD) and into the early portion of the Post Classic Period (900-1200 AD). The sites core was developed during the earlier phases of occupation, with evidence of the final layout being developed in the middle phases.
During the 10th century, Chichén Itzá became a regional capital, controlling from central Yucatán to the north coast with its power extending through both the east and west coasts of the peninsula. The multitude of architectural styles are testimony to the reach of this civilization.
It has long been believed that this blend of styles was due to direct migration or even conquest. However, today it is commonly believed to be from cultural diffusion. It is even believed that Chichén Itzá may have had the most diverse populations in the Mayan world.
Temple of the Feathered Serpent
Upon arrival in the 16th century, the Spanish Conquistadors renamed the main pyramid El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán. The imposing pyramid makes up the heart of the city and means “The Castle” in Spanish. This magnificent structure has four sides, each adorned with 91 steps, add the top step, to enter the temple, and the total steps equals 365, the same the number of days in a calendar year.
Dominating the center of the site, El Castillo sits at a cool 24-meters (78-feet) tall excluding the temple at the top. Add another 6-meters (20-feet) for a total of 30-meters (98-feet) in height. The square base measures in at 55.3-meters (181-feet) across on each side. Until 2006, the steep pyramid was still open to the public to climb, however that quickly changed after a California woman tumbled down the stairs to her death. Over the years most of the monuments and structures have been closed to the public to help cut down on erosion.
The sacred pyramid saw its first phases of construction between the 8th and 12th centuries AD and was originally a temple for the deity of Kukulcán. Kukulcán was the Yucatec Mayan feathered serpent deity, who is closely related to Quetzsalcoatl, an Aztec deity. Archeologists have discovered a substructure that is believed to have been constructed several centuries earlier and was probably used for the same purpose.
Around both the spring and autumn equinoxes, the late afternoon strikes off the northwest corner of El Castillo, casting a series of triangular shadows against the northwest balustrade. This reflection gives the illusion that a feathered serpent is crawling down the side of the pyramid, culminating at the statue of the serpent’s head at the base of the staircase.
With recent advancements in technology, researchers have discovered a fifth cenote completely submerged under the Chichén Itzá site, below El Castillo. This fifth cenote is at the intersection of the other four and separated by a 16-foot layer of limestone. The location of this cenote correlates with the significance of the 1000-year-old temple above, accurately reflecting the Mayan concept of “Axis Mundi” meaning “The Center of the World.”
There have been 13 different ball courts identified within Chichén Itzá, however, the Great Ball Court is by and large the most impressive. The Ball Court sites across from El Castillo, only 150 meters (490 feet) northwest of the imposing structure. It is also the largest and best-preserved ball court in Mesoamerica. This colossal court measures at an astonishing 168 meters long by 70 meters wide (551 feet by 230 feet).
The main playing area is flanked by parallel platforms on each side, both of which are 95 meters (312 feet) long, with the walls standing at 8 meters (26 feet) high. Elevated rings center each wall and are carved with intertwined feathered serpents. Teams of ballplayers are depicted at the base of the high interior walls that double as slanted benches. One of these panels depicts a member of the team being decapitated and emitting a stream of blood in the form of wriggling snakes.
This site is extensive with some of the best architectural detail in the Mayan world. After it’s designation as a New World Wonder, it’s no secret that this incredible site is so often visited. It’s easily accessible, with daily tours from every major city in the area, extending from as far as Tulum and Campeche.
Entrance Fees & How to Get Here:
Entrance into Chichén Itzá will cost visitors 453 MXN, along with a state tax of 80 MXN, for a total of 533 MXN (or roughly $26.50). To eliminate confusion for tourists, both fees are charged at the same time. The site opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm, 365 days of the year, with the last visitors being allowed to enter at 4 pm. Visiting here is easiest from the nearby colonial city of Valladolid but is also possible from both Mérida and Cancún. There are four ways to get to Chichén Itzá from Valladolid:
- Collectivo – A collectivo is generally a white minibus that is used all over the country. Collectivos depart from the small station on Calle 46 between 37 and 39. These cost 40 MXN with the first one leaving at 7 am. If you can’t get the first collectivo, then I recommend to take the next option.
- ADO bus – Taking the ADO bus costs the same as the collectivo minibuses at 40 MXN. However, they run consistently instead of filling up with passengers before departure. The first bus leaves at 730 am and runs every half hour after.
- Take a Taxi – It’s up for debate on which will be cheaper, this or a rental car. If you have a group of four or can get a group together, then rent the taxi for the morning. This will save you money rather than going solo. However, it is probably the least recommended of the options.
- Rent a Car – Renting a car gives flexibility. Flexibility allows visitors to plan the day with what they want to do. This option might be on the pricier side, however having the ability to drive over to Ek’ Balam or a few Cenotes allows one to take advantage of the entire day.
If there is one thing to take away from this article it is this, ARRIVE EARLY! Crowds start piling in when the tourist busses land around 930 am. However, the site opens at 8 am. Leaving a full hour and half before filling up. The other major advantage to being early is the temperature. The sun quickly becomes an incinerator around 1030 am. Depending on how long it takes to explore, with an early arrival, it is possible to leave by noon, when the temperature ascends and the crowds swarm.
I absolutely loved this site. As previously mentioned, the architecture is incredible. Combined with the artwork, I left feeling like I was given a peek into the past. However, it wasn’t my favorite archeological site in the Yucatán. The entire site is extremely touristy, with merchants lining every walkway in the complex. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, vendors multiplied by the dozens, eclipsed only by the seemingly endless stream of tourists. Other sites, such as Uxmal and Calakmul, are more intimate with increased authenticity and a better layout in comparison.
Don’t get me wrong, I would recommend this sacred place to anyone! There’s a good reason it was named one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World”. The magnitude and magnificence of the stonework are unrivaled, along with the influence of Mayan culture that is still impacting the region today. I would be happy to return. Although next time, I’d probably take a tour so I could get a deeper understanding of everything that’s been discovered while taking a walk backwards in time.
Quick Notes:
- Entrance Fee 453 MXN + 80 MXN = 533 MXN
- Hours of operation: 8 am to 5 pm 365 days of the year (last entrance for the day is 4 pm)
- Collectivo (one-way) 40 MXN
- ADO bus (one-way) 40 MXN
