Best time to visit Cancun

Chichén Itzá in Cancun

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World reveals the secrets of Mayan culture

Best time: all year round

Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is a sacred place and one of the largest Mayan centers on the Yucatán peninsula. Its name means 'at the mouth of the well of Itza'. Itzá is the name of an ethnic group that had political dominance in the northern parts of the Yucatan peninsula. The city was a focal point for Mayan civilization from 600 to 1200 CE and is now the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico after Teotihuacan. The best time to visit Chichén Itzá is during a spring or autumn equinox.

The site exhibits traditional Mayan temples and buildings, covering an area of at least 5 square kilometers. Many of the stone buildings were originally painted in green, red, purple, and blue colors. All buildings were grouped into different architectonic sets separated by low walls. The best known of these complexes are the Great North Platform (including monuments of El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, and the Temple of Warriors), the Osario Group (with Osario Pyramid and the Temple of Xtoloc), and the Central Group (with Caracol, Las Monjas, and Akab Dzib).

Kukulkan Light and Sound Show

The most prominent structure—Kukulkan Pyramid, also known as 'El Castillo' (the castle)—was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Together with the upper platform, it reaches 78 feet (24 m) into the sky. Every night, after sunset, Kukulkan Pyramid hosts a spectacular sound and light show, which brings the archaeological site back to life with dramatic 3D mapping projections and sounds. The 30-minute show in Spanish is focused on history, Mayan culture, and mysticism. Tickets are available right on the site, starting from 3 pm.

Cenotes

Chichén Itzá area, located about 200 km from Cancun, is also famous for cenotes, water-filled sinkholes, with Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote) being the most popular. Archaeologists assume that Cenote Sagrado was used for religious rituals based on artifacts of gold, pottery incense, and human remains discovered in the cenote in the early 20th century.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit Chichén Itzá?

The ideal time to visit Chichén Itzá is during the spring or fall equinox. During this period, the temple casts a snake-shaped shadow believed to represent Kukulkan, a Mayan god. It's a rare spectacle that lures visitors from around the world. Show more

Where is Cenote Sagrado located?

Cenote Sagrado, also called Sacred Cenote, is located within Chichén Itzá. As one heads towards the north side of the historical site, they will find a 60-meter diameter sinkhole. The cenote, with a depth of 22 meters, was once of great importance to the Mayan people, who viewed the site as a portal to the spiritual world. The site has since become a popular destination for tourists. Show more

What is the significance of Cenote Sagrado to Mayan culture?

The Mayan culture held Cenote Sagrado in high regard as they believed it to be an entry point to the underworld and a sacred site. The cenote was a location for religious ceremonies and human sacrifices to please the gods. The cenote's many artifacts, including pottery and bone tools, serve as evidence of the religious events that took place there. Today, visitors to Chichén Itzá can witness the wonders of the cenote for themselves. Show more

What sets the Kukulkan Light and Sound Show apart from other archaeological site attractions?

Chichén Itzá's Kukulkan Light and Sound Show sets itself apart from other archaeological site attractions with its 3D projections, sound effects, and immersive atmosphere, telling the story of the site's history, culture, and mysticism. The evening program showcases Chichén Itzá's most prominent structure, the Kukulkan Pyramid. The unique light and sound display happens to be a perfect medium to learn about the site's significance, avoiding the crowds of visitors during the day. Show more

What other architectonic sets can be found in Chichén Itzá?

Apart from Great North Platform, Osario Group, and Central Group, several other architectonic sets are found at Chichén Itzá. The market, or El Mercado, boasts multiple buildings that served as trading posts and is situated near the site's entrance. The unusual structure, the Akab Dzib complex, is a likely former library. The High Priest's Grave, a smaller building, possibly served as a house of worship. These added architectonic sets grant tourists a comprehensive view of Mayan life at the historic city. Show more

Ask a question

Find hotels and airbnbs near Chichén Itzá (Map)

Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin