Chichen-Itza

The famous Mayan pyramids of Chichen-Itza are over 1500 years old and are located only 75 miles from Merida. The name Chichen-Itza is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the Itza tribe). Some believe people were occasionally thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers.

A rainbow arches over El Castillo, the main pyramid at Chichen Itza

The site is divided into three sections. The North grouping of structures is distinctly Toltec in style. The central group appears to be from the early period. The southern group is known as "The Old Chichen." All three can be seen comfortably in one day.

As the most famous of the Mayan pyramids on the Yucatan peninsula, Chichen Itza has been studied extensively and is the most popular Mayan ruin in Mexico. Much has been written about it.

Serpent head sculptures at
Chichen Itza

Try to visit Chichen Itza early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the sun can be punishing at midday. The main attraction is the central pyramid, El Castillo del Serpiente Emplumado, which means "Castle of the Plumed Serpent," and is pictured at the top. The plumed serpent is a popular deity in various Mesoamerican cultures.

The famous Chac Mool statue that used to be inside El Castillo, now in the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City.

Among other names, the Mayans called this god Kukulkán. It is sometimes possible to visit the inside passageway of the pyramid, but we would encourage visitors who are claustrophobic to skip that part of the adventure.

If you are up to the challenge, inside you will find a narrowly enclosed staircase that leads to a chac mool, an altar where offerings to the gods were placed. Climbing to the top of the pyramid is no longer allowed.

Just beyond El Castillo you will find a large ball court where Mayan men played a game called pok ta pok. Anthropologists believe that the object of the game was to hurl a ball through a ring that was mounted on a wall, seven meters above the ground.

The ballcourt at Chichen Itza

Each team had six field players who would attempt to pass the ball - using any body part except their hands - to their captain who would attempt the shot using a racket of sorts. The captain of the team that made the first successful shot was then decapitated as a sacrifice to the gods. This was seen as an honor and guaranteed entrance into heaven.

There is a certain mystical energy about the ball court that begs to be experienced first-hand. One fact worth noting is the repetition of the number seven, which was sacred to the Mayans. There were seven players on a team, the rings were seven meters high and if you clap your hands or shout in the court, the sound will echo exactly seven times. There are carvings on the stone walls that depict the ball players (some of which are remarkably intact) and after the captain is beheaded, seven serpents grow out of his neck.

At the entrance to Chichen Itza, there is an informative museum, a dining room, clean restrooms, a few giftshops and vendor stands. If you didn't bring a hat, it's a good idea to buy one from one of the vendors outside before you go in.

But the true mystery behind the ball court at Chichen-Itza is the Mayan prophecy that on Dec. 22, 2012, the great warrior serpent Kukulkán will rise from the ground beneath the playing field and end the world for good. Even if you're not one to believe in predictions, it's still exhilarating and eerie to stand in the middle of the court, close your eyes and imagine.

Important Information
Climbing to the top of the pyramid is no longer allowed.
The site is open 365 days a year.
Light and Sound Show is at 7:00 pm every night during Fall and Winter and 8:00 pm during Spring and Summer.
Open from 9 am to 5pm
Entrance fee $98.00 pesos and it includes the Light and Sound Show.
Head-phones for translations are available for $25 pesos.
Lockers for bags and suitcases are available at the entrance.

How to get to Chichen Itza
You can travel to Chichen-Itza by daily travel agency tours (about $400 pesos), rental car, or public bus lines that leave approximately every hour. If you drive yourself, parking is $10 pesos. You can easily do the trip and return to Merida by the evening, or you can stay overnight. If you do stay, be sure to enjoy the wonderful Light & Sound Show that is held every evening. We recommend you read our article on Transportation in the Yucatan.
If you wish to take public transportation:
Autobuses de Oriente
Tel. 928 6230
Calle 50 x 67
Frequency: evey hour
Price one way for Piste: $55
Price one way for Chichen Itza: $58

Hotels
Hotels in heart of Chichen Itza that share a back entrance to the ruins, which allows their guests continuous access without lines:
 Hacienda Chichen
   www.haciendachichen.com
 Mayaland
   www.mayaland.com

Hotel in Piste, a village one mile beyond the ruins:
 Hotel Chichen Itza
   www.mayaland.com

Hotels in Valladolid, a colonial town 25 miles east of Chichen Itza:
 Hacienda Sanchez
   www.haciendasanchez.com.mx
 Maria de la Luz
   www.mariadelaluzhotel.com
 Zaci
   www.hotelzaci.com
 Casa Quetzal
   www.casa-quetzal.com

To read in Spanish click here

Visit our maps
 Map of Yucatan Peninsula
 Map of Chichen Itza
 Map of Valladolid

Recommended reading
 New Seven Wonders of the World
 Spas in Yucatan
 Achaeology
 Transportation in the Yucatan
 Travel agencies
 Tours

Events & Activities Calendar
Click Here for a complete description of the activites, events and attractions in the Yucatan.

Special deals for the season

Transfers & Tours -$100 pesos
Yucatan Connection Do you need a transfer from Merida to Chichen Itza, Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum or Campeche? We provide the service for up to 5 pax with luggage, in AC vans. Tel. (9991) 634-224 or info@yucatan-connection.com Receive a $100 pesos discount when mentioning Yucatan Today – valid Summer '08.
www.yucatan-connection.com  

October 4th 2008
Placido Domingo at
Chichen Itza

When: Saturday, October 4, 2008
Where: Chichen Itza – the Temple of the Warriors
Tickets: Not on sale yet. When they do go on sale, it will be through:     www.ticketmaster.com
Prices: VIP Gold $7,500 pesos, green area $5,000 pesos; yellow area $3,500; purble area $1,500, and orange area $500 pesos.
Here is part of Placido Domingo’s biography from his official authorized website. www.placidodomingo.com
Nearby lodging:  www.haciendachichen.com
www.mayaland.com