Discover Chichén Itzá, Yucatan
Did you know that Chichén Itzá is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO? This archaeological zone is enlisted in 1988 and receives millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
The Pyramid of Kukulcan
The pyramid of Chichén Itzá is the biggest calendar in the world. Each side has 91 steps, plus one atop to enter the superior temple, for a total of 365 steps. At the north face takes place twice a year the descent of the Feathered Serpent. This light and shadows phenomenon is famous for its precision. Also, this iconic building is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World since 2007.
The Ballgame Court
The ballgame was a significant ritual in dozens of pre-Hispanic cultures, especially in Mexico and Central America. The Ballgame Court at Chichén Itzá is the largest in Mesoamerica, with tall walls and a surprising acoustic effect that contributes to its legend.
The Caracol Building
This iconic Chichén Itzá building was an astronomical observatory. The stars movement was assential for the ancient inhabitants in many areas, including architecture. El Caracol has a rectangular platform and an open dome where astronomers watched the Venus translation throughout the year.
The Sacred Cenote
It is an open cenote that has almost 200 ft (60 m) width and was considered the main entrance to the underworld, called Xibalbá. There is archaeological evidence of sacrifices performed in here since the discovery of pottery pieces, human bones, and gold pieces.
The Temple of the Warriors and the Thousand Columns Complex
They are next to the Pyramid of Kukulcan. The Temple of the Warriors has atop the famous Chac Mool statue. The Thousand Columns Complex has hundreds of carved in stone structures that held an enormous roof with a system to capture rainwater.
How to get to Chichén Itzá?
Chichén Itzá is 124 mi (200 km) from Cancun while Playa del Carmen is 115 mi (185 km) away. You can get by car, but it is more comfortable to take a tour to Chichén Itzá. Choose between Xichén Deluxe and Xichén Clásico to visit this majestic archaeological site in Yucatan, Mexico.