Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
Location: Yucatan Mexico
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza is one of the most famous and well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. It was a major political, economic, and religious center of the Maya civilization between the 7th and 13th centuries AD. It was voted as one of the New 7 wonders of the world in 2007.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Chichen-Itza include:
History: Chichen-Itza was founded in the 7th century AD by the Maya people and became a major center of the Maya civilization. The site was abandoned by the 15th century and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by explorers in the 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Chichen-Itza offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The Mayan astronomers at Chichen-Itza were able to predict eclipses with remarkable accuracy. The Temple of the Sun is positioned in such a way that on the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow that creates the illusion of a snake slithering down the side of the pyramid.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Chichen-Itza varies depending on the type of ticket and whether or not you hire a guide.
The basic entrance fee for Mexican citizens is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD), while the fee for foreign visitors is 481 pesos (approximately $24 USD).
There are additional fees for using cameras or video equipment, as well as for hiring a guide.
How to reach it: Chichen-Itza is located approximately 125 miles from Cancun and 75 miles from Merida, and there are several public transportation options available for visitors. Buses run regularly from both Cancun and Merida to Chichen-Itza, and there are also shared taxis and private transfers available. It is also possible to rent a car and drive to the site.
From Merida:
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available near Chichen-Itza, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The nearby town of Piste is a popular place to stay, as it is located just a few miles from the archaeological site. There are also a number of eco-lodges and resorts located in the surrounding jungle.
Next Stop: Sian Ka'an Roughly 160km (100miles) to the southeast
Year of Inscription: 1988
Criteria: (i)to represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;
(ii)to exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design;
(iii)to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared;
Overview: The Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza is one of the most famous and well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico. It was a major political, economic, and religious center of the Maya civilization between the 7th and 13th centuries AD. It was voted as one of the New 7 wonders of the world in 2007.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of Chichen-Itza include:
- The Pyramid of Kukulcan, also known as El Castillo, which is a 98-foot tall stepped pyramid with a temple at the top
- The Great Ball Court, which is the largest and best-preserved ball court in Mesoamerica, measuring 554 feet long and 231 feet wide
- The Temple of the Warriors, which is a large complex of buildings with columns and carvings depicting warriors and other important figures
- The Observatory, which is a unique circular building with windows and doors aligned to astronomical events
- The Sacred Cenote, which is a large natural sinkhole that was used for religious ceremonies and human sacrifices
History: Chichen-Itza was founded in the 7th century AD by the Maya people and became a major center of the Maya civilization. The site was abandoned by the 15th century and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by explorers in the 19th century.
Family-Friendly Activities: Chichen-Itza offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Guided tours of the site, which offer insights into the history and culture of the Maya people
- Visiting the nearby Ik Kil Cenote, which is a popular spot for swimming and diving
- Watching the sound and light show, which brings the site to life after dark
- Shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts at the local market
Fun Fact: The Mayan astronomers at Chichen-Itza were able to predict eclipses with remarkable accuracy. The Temple of the Sun is positioned in such a way that on the spring and fall equinoxes, the sun casts a shadow that creates the illusion of a snake slithering down the side of the pyramid.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for Chichen-Itza varies depending on the type of ticket and whether or not you hire a guide.
The basic entrance fee for Mexican citizens is 80 pesos (approximately $4 USD), while the fee for foreign visitors is 481 pesos (approximately $24 USD).
There are additional fees for using cameras or video equipment, as well as for hiring a guide.
How to reach it: Chichen-Itza is located approximately 125 miles from Cancun and 75 miles from Merida, and there are several public transportation options available for visitors. Buses run regularly from both Cancun and Merida to Chichen-Itza, and there are also shared taxis and private transfers available. It is also possible to rent a car and drive to the site.
From Merida:
- By Car: Chichen-Itza is located approximately 120 km (75 miles) east of Merida and can be reached by car via Highway 180. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- By Bus: Buses depart from the Merida bus station, located in the city center, to Chichen-Itza regularly throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, and tickets can be purchased at the station or online in advance.
- By Car: Chichen-Itza is located approximately 200 km (124 miles) west of Cancun and can be reached by car via Highway 180. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- By Bus: Buses depart from the Cancun bus station, located in the city center, to Chichen-Itza regularly throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, and tickets can be purchased at the station or online in advance.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available near Chichen-Itza, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. The nearby town of Piste is a popular place to stay, as it is located just a few miles from the archaeological site. There are also a number of eco-lodges and resorts located in the surrounding jungle.
Next Stop: Sian Ka'an Roughly 160km (100miles) to the southeast