Top Things to do in Chichen Itza
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Things to do in Chichen Itza, Yucatan: The Best Historic Sites
While the ruins of pyramids such as El Castillo and Kukulcan are the primary reason to visit Chichen Itza, they are hardly all that’s on offer here. Otherworldly bird-watching and stargazing experiences can be found within the Maya Jungle Reserve and in Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge. Daytrips run from both Merida and Cancun.
Restaurants in Chichen Itza
1. Templo de Kukulkan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,178 reviews
This impressive pyramid dominates Chichén Itzá's landscape, standing an imposing 24 meters high.
Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia
Well, this is the main attraction of Chichen Itza and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It's enlisted in the new seven wonders of the world. It's full name is Temple of Kukulkan - a feather divine beast adorned by Maya which had supernatural powers. On El Castillo, Kukulkan is carved twisted on both sides of the northern stairway. It's so immaculately built that only twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun illuminates its entire length from top to bottom (amazing, see it on Youtube). Besides that there're more interesting facts - the pyramid has 9 levels plus the Temple on top. Each side's staircase has 91 stairs, which multiplied by 4 sides and the Temple on top makes the grand total of 365 (days in year).
2. Chichen Itza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,325 reviews
Reviewed By LegiaW67 - Massapequa Park, United States
Amazing and historical place Our Tour guide Sergio was fantastic explain all the history of Mayan culture One of seven wonders of the world Must see
3. Temple of the Warriors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 780 reviews
Reviewed By DelfinoEdward - Lucena, Brazil
The Temple of the Warriors is an impressive step pyramid fronted and flanked by stone columns that are carved with images of warriors. This Temple was excavated and restored in 1925-1928 by the Carnegie Institution. You can no longer climb the stairs, but at the top, there is a Chac Mool statue (a reclining figure supporting itself on its elbows with a bowl or a disk upon its stomach). Chac Mools were considered messengers of the Gods and used to hold religious offerings in the upraised flat plate area on the figure’s stomach. Some speculate this was where beating hearts of the sacrificial victims were placed, but probably was used for offerings of pulque (an alcoholic beverage).
4. The Red House Chichanchob
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By halbop33 - St. Catharines, Canada
Loved touring the Mayan Ruins, so much history and interesting facts to learn about this place. Stop and visit here!
5. Sacred Cenote
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,053 reviews
This natural well, spanning 60 meters in diameter and reaching a depth of 22 meters, was used by the Mayans as a sacrificial pit for virgins, warriors and even infants.
Reviewed By tomit138 - Novo Mesto, Slovenia
The Yucatán Peninsula is composed of carbonate and soluble rocks, mostly of limestone, although dolomite and evaporites are also present at different depths. The entire Yucatán Peninsula is an opaque, lying Karst region. Recessed sunken caves, locally known as cenotes, are a common occurrence in the northern lowlands of the peninsula. Cenote caves are karst caves that are completely or mostly flooded with water. Cenote can be an underground cave, an abyss or a cave. The name of the cenote is derived from the language of the ancient Mayans from the Yucatan Peninsula. Today, cenotes are important archeological sites, because in the civilization of the ancient Mayans, these sites were places where they threw gifts.
