Chichen Itza is a grandiose center of the Mayan Toltec civilization that has absorbed the knowledge, beliefs and representations of these peoples about the universe and the surrounding world. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Kukulkan pyramid is declared one of the new seven wonders of the world.

Entrance to the territory - 160 pesos, parking - 10 pesos, guide services - 500-600 pesos. Video shooting - 45 pesos. Access is open from 8.00 to 18.00 (until 17.30 in the winter).

History and culture

The history of the city can be conditionally divided into two periods: the first one lasted from the 7th to the 10th century, when it belonged to the Maya, the second came in the 10th century after the capture of the territory by the Toltecs. In the middle of the 11th century Chichen Itza became the capital of the Toltec state, and in 1178 it was routed by the united army of the rebellious Maya tribe from three cities: Mayapan, Uchmal and Itzmal. For the reason that remained an undisclosed mystery, at the end of the 12th century the city was finally emptied. The buildings of Chichen Itza were gradually covered with a continuous carpet of thickets of tropical plants, until archeological and restoration work began here in 1920.

The Toltecs worshiped a deity named Quetzacoatl or Kukulkan in the Maya language, which means "feathered serpent," whose images are next to the god of rain Chuck.

At present, Chichen Itza is the most fully and qualitatively restored Mayan city, attracting a huge number of tourists every year.

Where is and how to get to Chichen Itza

From Merida for 1 hour 45 minutes and 80 pesos you will take a first class bus. The second class will cost 52 pesos, the travel time is 2, 5 hours. From Cancun it will be, respectively, 140 pesos and 2, 5 hours for the first class and 80 pesos and 4, 5 hours for the second.

Shopping

On the territory of the complex there are a large number of merchants offering various souvenirs and handicrafts. Be careful: besides that they are intrusive and will try to attract attention in any way, their goods are often of very low quality.

There are also several shops where you can buy souvenirs, clothes and ornaments.

Excursions, entertainment and attractions Chichen-Itza

Unfortunately, since the beginning of 2006, climbing to structures is prohibited, except for a few specially designated places. Do not forget the headdress and sunglasses - in the daytime there is almost no shadow. And, of course, without comfortable shoes can not do.

In the evening, the city is illuminated by the lights of a light and sound show, during which there is a fairy tale in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, you can rent a player and headphones for 25 pesos and listen in English. The night landscape leaves an unforgettable impression, but be prepared for the fact that you will have to return in complete darkness - it will not be superfluous to have a lantern with you. The ticket for the show costs 30 pesos.

The complex also has a small but fascinating museum.

Pyramids and temples of Chichen Itza

The pyramid of Kukulkan, or El Castillo is a nine-step pyramid of 25-meter height, in fact - a huge calendar: each of the steps is divided into 2 parts, forming 18 terraces, symbolizing 18 twenty-day months of the year.

In the days of the spring (March 21-22) and autumn (September 21-22) equinox, the play of sunlight and shade creates on the western balustrade of the main staircase the illusion of the body of a snake "creeping" as the sun moves to its head carved at the bottom of the staircase.

El Caracol - a round temple located on a square platform served as an observatory. The windows of the dome are framed with images of various celestial bodies on certain dates. A large field for playing ball (there are seven in total on the territory of the complex) is the largest of all the Maya created, its length is 135 meters. And the Sacred Senot is a natural well about 50 meters deep.

The temple of soldiers (located on a low four-stage pyramid) is decorated with images of sacred animals carved out of stone. The top is crowned with the figure of the god of rain. Nearby are the ruins of bathhouses, which had mystical significance in Maya life, as a way to cleanse the body and soul.

Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza at sunset

Guardian, Chichen Itza

The ruins of the observatory, Chichen Itza

Relief, Chichen Itza

Reviews Chichen Itza (6)

Estimate 10

The scorching sun, attracted by the pyramids August 26, 2014

Ghoul

was here in June 2014

When you go to the pyramid of Kukulkan, grab a hat, a baseball cap or tie a wet handkerchief on your head. It seems that you can burn in the sun alive! As if the pyramid attracts the sun's rays to itself. Take water with you, too, since there is nowhere to buy it. The place is somehow immense. Here sounds are completely distorted. To understand this, shout something or clap your hands, then you will understand what I'm talking about. In this place, the weather can sharply change. We arrived there when the luminary ... Read the whole review

Estimate 10

for Lady'n'Tramp July 06, 2014

Stella

was here in July 2014

You are probably the name of the resorts mixed up, so they were in Mexico. Judging by your recall - the beaches of Turkey - the best that you can appreciate in its dignity.

Estimate 10

Visit Mexico - is to open a new world July 06, 2014

Stella

was here in September 2013

It is necessary to visit Chichen Itza, Kobe and other interesting places. I will definitely return to Mexico. History, archeology, culture, attitude towards death and imprinting draw you back. Egypt is resting. Clever and inquisitive here will be interesting.

Estimate 3

Do not waste time! February 20, 2014

Lady'n'Tramp

was here in May 2012

Chichen-Itza was not surprised, but shocked. The first question that broke out at the entrance to the archaeological zone: "And to what idiot got into the head to include all this here in the new list of wonders of the world? "Everything is blocked completely, you can not even approach to one structure, not that to touch. And the fences are set at such a respectful distance that you can only look at the details and details with the help of zoom, if you are allowed the technical characteristics of your camera. Do not waste time, ... Read the whole review

Estimate 10

A colorful trip to the ruins 24 November 2013

OlenkaChe

was here in January 2013

It was an independent journey on a rented car from the Riviera Maya. Not a tiresome road gave pleasure, not counting the numerous "lying policemen" in the settlements (they are huge) and police posts with submachine gunners. We did not have a navigator, but with the orientation on the terrain there were no difficulties - it is impossible to get lost on intelligent pointers. In total the journey took about two hours. Parking is right on the complex and costs a little money ... Read the whole review

Estimate 10

October 29, 2013

Author of Feedback

was here in December 2012

If you are lucky enough to visit Mexico, then, of course, you can not visit the famous pyramids of Chichen Itza.
Many hotels offer wonderful excursions for different periods of time - from half-day to a full-day trip and include additional visits to interesting places in the area.

We took a full tour and did not regret it. In addition to the beautiful and reserved place where there was a unique city of ancient Maya, we additionally called in and bathed in natural wells with fresh water, which ... Read the whole review