Chichen Itza


A three hour journey, but worth every minute, takes you to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

The most breathtaking ruins of the Mayan civilization, Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is located in the neighboring state of Yucatan amongst lush tropical rain forest and is approximately 2 and a half hours from Cancun by road.

Taking a Chichen Itza tour is probably the best way of seeing the famous site and we offer different tour options to suit all pockets.

One of the most famous phenomena in the world occurs at Chichen Itza twice a year. During the Spring and Autumn Equinox the sun is in exactly the correct position to cast a shadow which resembles a snake descending to the ground. The shadow joins up perfectly with the carved stone snakes head at the base of the pyramid.

If you can't make it during the equinox don't worry as this is recreated nightly in the awesome sound and light show after dusk.

Chichen Itza
Pyramid Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza All Inclusive
Cenote at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza was built around 600AD which is almost 1,500 years ago! The main pyramid El Castillo has 91 steps on each of it's four side leading to the throne room at the top making a total of 365. The pyramid was actually built on top of a smaller pyramid and this was only discovered as recently as the 1930's and contained a Chac Mool statue and a temple in the shape of a Jaguar.

At the present time you are no longer allowed to climb El Castillo, often this is attributed to structural damage from Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but of course Chichen Itza survived Wilma just as it has survived other hurricanes for thousands of years. Sadly, the true reasons are erosion from thousands of feet on the steps, graffiti carved into the temple at the summit and accidents where people have either accidentally fallen or deliberately jumped from the top.

Observatory Chichen Itza
Mayan Pyramid Chichen Itza
Temple of the Warriors Chichen Itza
View of Chichen Itza

El Castillo isn't the only interesting feature to be found at Chichen Itza. The Mayan Ballpark, the Temple of the Warriors, the Cenote of Sacrifice and the Observatory provide other spectacular scenes from a world long forgotten.

Beware, Chichen Itza is far inland and you will find the temperature considerably hotter than your beach side hotel. Take plenty of water and sturdy footwear is a must.

Outside of the main Chichen Itza complex you will find a typical Mayan village a short walk away. Here you will find some very cheap restaurants, why not stop off for an authentic Yucatan meal? Beware the mass of street sellers, many barely old enough to talk. A simple No Gracias should be enough to dissuade them from bothering you, but the handicrafts they sell (often crafted by their own mothers and fathers) are authentic and cost next to nothing.

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