Chichen Itza

Travel tips you can trust

Why
Chichen Itza
is special

Chichen Itza is the best preserved of the many Mayan ruins in Mexico and Central America.

Top 5
must-see
Chichen Itza
attractions

El Castillo

This structure (see photo above) is by far the tourism star of Chicken Itza. This high pyramid temple dominates the entire site and has become the visual symbol of Chichen Itza. The name El Castillo (the castle) was bestowed by the 16th century Spanish conquistadores. The ancient name is Kukulcan.

Temple of the Warriors

A striking forest of stone columns surround this large structure. It is decorated with relief carvings of warriors

Ball Court

Without using their hands or feet, players had to fling a ball through one of the stone rings attached high on the wall. Pictorial evidence suggests that the team captain was sometimes beheaded, but doesn't indicate whether he led the winning or losing team.

Cenote

A cenote is a sinkhole. The one named Sacred Cenote in Chichen Itza is remarkably wide and deep. This circular pit served as a water source for the population. Treasures (and perhaps humans) were tossed into the cenote's pool to win the goodwill of the gods

El Caracol

An astronomical observatory with a circular tower. Its functions included identifying the precise time of the equinoxes for religious and agricultural purposes. I will also remember waking up early one morning and seeing El Caracol dramatically framed by my hotel-room window.

Runners-up

Other worthy Chichen Itza must-sees include the Nunnery, High Priest's Tomb, and Temple of the Jaguars.