CHICHEN ITZA
With abundant history, Chichen Itza is a culture and history lover's dream day out! The archeological site of the prehispanic city of Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its iconic main pyramid, labeled one of the seven wonders of the modern world, but there are also many other interesting buildings and attractions within the site. Spend a day exploring the ancient ruins, including the famous El Castillo/Kukulkan Pyramid, The Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Jaguars, the Platform of Venus, El Caracol Observatory, and all of the other buildings that once made up this once thriving city.
You can visit Chichen Itza and do a self-guided tour, or get a guide to show you around the site so that you can learn about all the buildings and their uses, history, and architecture.
The Ruins of Chichen Itza
El Castillo/Kulkukan Pyramid
The pictures you have seen of Chichen Itza will often show its tallest and most famous pyramid, the Kukulkan Pyramid, also called El Castillo (The Castle). This pyramid is named after the Mayan god Kukulkan, who was worshiped as a feathered serpent, it is iconic and full of marvels with connections to the Mayan calendar, and the Mayan god throughout its structure. The pyramid stands at the center of the archeological site, 78 feet tall. The grand features of this four-sided pyramid are the first that you see when you enter the site of the ancient Mayan city with its two serpent heads at the base of the northern staircase, the construction of this pyramid is remarkable, during the spring and autumn equinox, a shadow appears on the side of the pyramid which looks like a snake slithering down it, connecting to the serpent’s head, representing the Mayan god. Also at the pyramid, on one side you can clap your hands and an echo comes back, this ‘chirping’ noise that is heard back is said to resemble the call of the quetzal bird. It is said that this method was used during ceremonies when Kukulkan was being called upon or worshipped, the echo that was heard back was said to be the voice of the god. Lastly, each of the four sides of El Castillo has a staircase, three with 91 steps, and the fourth with 92, in total there are 365 steps, the same number of days in a year in the Mayan calendar. In 1997 a cenote was discovered under the temple by researchers through tests, attempts to find an entrance were unsuccessful, as the ancient Mayans kept it hidden by tones, it is thought they did this as it would have been believed that the cenote was the entrance to the center of the world.
Platform of the Jaguars and Eagles
This Platform of the Jaguars and Eagles is a platform with stairs on each of its four sides, likely to have been used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The jaguars (the heads on the platform) and eagles (which are etched onto the walls) are said to represent the warriors who would have captured victims to sacrifice to the gods.
The Great Ball Court
Pok Ta Pok (the ancient Mayan Ball Game), would have been played or performed on The Great Ball Court. More of a ceremonial ritual than a game, you can see carvings of depictions of the game on the walls of the court, below the game’s hoops. Walking from El Castillo, you will enter The Great Ball Court from the southern end, passing the Temple of the Jaguars. It is said if someone speaks in the temple at the southern end of The Great Ball Court their voice can be heard in the opposite end of the court, as the sound echoes along the walls of the north temple.
Temple of the Jaguars
The Temple of the Jaguars is located on the east wall of The Great Ball Court, on its southern end. It would have been used for different ceremonies and rituals.
Platform of Skulls
The Tzompantli, or the Platform of Skulls is a low platform with skulls carved into the wall, giving it its name, where it is believed sacrifices were made, and the heads of those from the Ball Game, would have been displayed.
The Venus Platform or Temple of Venus
The Venus Platform is a square platform, with staircases on each of the sides. The platform would have likely been used for dances and ceremonies. The top of each of the staircases has two snakeheads on either side, as well as carvings, including that of the planet Venus.
Sacred Cenote
Unlike many of the region’s cenotes, the Sacred Cenote of Chichen Itza is not for swimming. It has a lot of vegetation under the stagnant water. This cenote is important, it was the ceremonial cenote for the city of Chichen Itza, and it was once used by the prehispanic Mayans to give offerings and sacrifices to the Chaak, the god of rain. At the same time, they asked for rain and good crops.
Temple of the Warriors
This 40-foot-high pyramid is an important structure at Chichen Itza. It is named as such due to the carved columns depicting warriors. At the top of the pyramid’s steps is a statue of Chac Mool (a messenger of the gods).
Group of a Thousand Columns
The Group of a Thousand Columns once would have supported a roof, which no longer exists. Despite its name, there are only about 200 columns, however, the name comes from the greatness and appearance of the columns. It is believed these would have once been meeting halls.
The Market
The Market is set on a platform standing at 266 feet long, and 49 feet wide, with pillars that once would have supported a roof. This area is known to have been used for commerce and trade.
The Ossuary
Also known as the High Priest’s Temple, The Ossuary is similar to the Kukulcan Pyramid with its four staircases and upper temple. The temple is built over a deep cavern, the entrance to which is at the top of the pyramid. Within the entrance to the cavern, tombs were found during excavations.
Temple of the Deer
Not a lot remains of the Temple of the Deer, this temple was named as such due to a painting of a deer in its interior, that can no longer be seen. The Temple of the Deer is similar in architecture to The Red House.
The Red House
Also known as Chichanchob, The Red House is named after a strip of red painted in the interior. It is located close to the Temple of the Deer.
El Caracol Observatory
Chichen Itza’s observatory, with a viewing tower that stands above the jungle surroundings, would have provided incredible views of the sky and its stars, eclipses, and equinoxes without obstructions. The building takes its name El Caracol (the snail) from the winding that goes up to the dome in the tower. This observatory is also believed to be designed to track the movements of Venus, which was considered a war god, and the sun’s twin.
The Church
Located in the southern part of the archeological site, The Church is a temple dedicated to the god of rain, Chaac. It is believed that due to the similarity of the temple to a chapel, the conquistadors would have named it ‘The Church’. The building is recognized with detailed carvings.
The Nun’s House
The Nunnery, or the Nun’s House is found in the southern part of the archeological close to The Church. The Nun’s House would have been named as such by the conquistadors who found similarities in this building to their convents.
House of the Hidden Writing
The Akab Dzib, or the House of the Hidden Writing would have been the home of the administrator of Chichen Itza.
Getting to Chichen Itza:
Valladolid is accessible from the cities of Merida and Cancun by Tren Maya®, the “Mayan Train”, both cities have international airports. If you are arriving in Mexico you may be arriving in Merida, Valladolid is only a short trip away. You can explore Merida, the capital of the state of Yucatan, with its colonial architecture, historic buildings, and interesting culture … a very similar, but much bigger version of Valladolid. Chichen Itza is also only one stop away from Valladolid, go for a day trip by train, and explore the ruins of this once-great, Mayan city. There are also some small towns and cities accessible on the Mayan Train from Valladolid, such as the Yellow City - Izamal. Or you can drive to towns such as Tizimin, Rio Lagartos, and Las Colaradas, these all make great day trips, but you can also stay to explore more of the culture of the Yucatan Peninsula. Another off-the-beaten-track town that you can explore is the town of El Cuyo, a small fishing village and coastal town only a two-hour drive away from Valladolid … truly a hidden gem. The boho island of Isla Holbox is also easily accessible via private transfer or bus from Valladolid.