El Caracol in Mexico 2024-2025
This ancient observatory helped shape the knowledge of Mayan civilization
Best time: all year round
El Caracol is a unique structure regarding architecture and science. Located at the pre-Columbian Maya site of Chichen Itza, El Caracol was an ancient observatory where Mayan astronomers studied changes in the sky. The Mayan viewed special significance in solstices, eclipses, and equinoxes, creating a calendar and way of life which followed the stars.
The name El Caracol means 'snail' in Spanish. It was given because of the spiral staircase inside the tower. The observatory dates back to AD 906, the Late Classic period of Mesoamerican chronology. The viewing tower rises above the surrounding vegetation providing the ancient astronomers with 360 degrees view. The alignment of some viewing windows seems to be aimed mainly on Venus, which was also significant to the Mayans.
El Caracol is open for public and can be visited at any time of the year.
Practical info
When was El Caracol built and by whom?
El Caracol was constructed by an advanced civilization known for their mathematical prowess, astronomy, and architecture, during the Late Classic Period of Mesoamerican chronology. The building stands at the ancient site of Chichen Itza and dates back to around AD 906, an era when the Mayans were at the peak of their power.
Where is El Caracol located?
El Caracol is located in Mexico, in the state of Yucatan, at the archeological site of Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ranks among Mexico's top tourist destinations. It is easily accessible by car, bus, or guided tour from cities such as Cancun or Merida.
How did Mayan astronomers study the changes in sky using El Caracol?
El Caracol was a crucial instrument for Mayan astronomers who used it to study the sky and understand astronomical events such as eclipses, equinoxes, and solstices. Mayan astronomers could make observations of celestial bodies in impressive detail from the viewing tower and align views from the windows with different positions of the setting sun for their precision observations of celestial events such as the Venus cycle.
What is the importance of Venus in Mayan civilization?
Venus, the planet, held great cultural and religious significance for the Mayans. Apart from being associated with gods of war, farming, and fertility, the Mayans based their calendar on the planet's movement. By carefully observing the planet's movement, Mayan astronomers established a complex system of astronomical observations and created numerous glyphs and symbols that are today common in Mayan art. They used Venus to know the best time to plant crops or go to war.
Can visitors still see the spiral staircase inside the tower?
Inside El Caracol, there is a spiral staircase which is visible to visitors even if they can't climb it. Visitors can listen to licensed tour guides share interesting stories about the tower's construction and the Mayan civilization's impressive expertise in astronomy. It is an excellent way to learn about the history and culture of the ancient Mayans, and while at it take in some of the most spectacular views in Mexico.
