Chichén Itzá Overview

Overview

Chichen Itza has the biggest Maya temple in Mexico, second in the world only to the one in Tikal in Guatemala . It is a very impressive sight and even more impressive if you dream away and think about all the rituals that were performed on the top of that temple by Maya priests.

The site is just a few short hours from Akumal. Chichen Itza is one of the largest ancient Mayan cities in the north-central Yucatan. The first large- scale archaeologial investigations began in 1924 and were conducted for 20 years by the Carnegie Institution. Chichen Itza means "opening of the wells of the Itza". Chichen Itza has many elaborate structures, the most impressive being "El Castillo", the Great Ball Court, Temple of the Warriors and The Caracol. Plan to spend the day at this site. Wear your hiking boots and go early in the morning, as it can get very hot and humid later in the day.

Climbing the Great Pyramid is a favorite of many visitors, however, if you are afraid of heights, this activity is highly unrecommended, due to the height of the pyramid and lack of railings. None of the site has been made handicapped-accesible. Small children should be watched very carefully or not brought at all.

There is also a second, smaller pyramid located inside the Great Pyramid. It is possible to climb up it and see some jade statues that are the biggest ever found in North America. This activity is unrecommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia and fear of the dark. The stone steps are steep, narrow, and slippery.

It is possible to stay in Chichen Itza, Piste or Valladolid. Opening times: Archaeological: 0800-1700 Museum:0800-1700 Light and Sound Show: Winter 1900, Summer 2000