Chichén Itzá

A Maya ruined city named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The 365 steps of the Kukulcán Pyramid correspond to the calendar, and at the equinoxes a shadow of the feathered serpent appears.

Chichén Itzá is in the state of Yucatán, about 200 km from Cancún (2.5 to 3 hours by car). It was one of the most powerful Maya city-states between AD 600 and 1200, blending Maya and Toltec styles. It was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1988 and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. Highlights: ① El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán), a nine-tiered stepped pyramid about 30 m high. Each of its four sides has 91 steps, which together with the top platform makes 365, corresponding to the solar calendar. On the afternoons of the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight casts a row of triangular shadows along the edge of the north staircase, connecting to the feathered serpent head sculpture at the base, so it looks as if the feathered serpent god is descending the stairs. Clapping in front of the pyramid produces an echo similar to the call of a quetzal. ② The Great Ball Court, about 168 m long, the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. Its stone rings sit 8 m above the ground, and the reliefs depict the beheading of the losing team. ③ The Temple of the Warriors and the Group of a Thousand Columns, where reclining Chac Mool statues sit on top. ④ The Sacred Cenote, from which archaeologists recovered many offerings of jade, gold, and human bones. ⑤ The observatory El Caracol, the Snail Tower. Admission is about 650 Mexican pesos (including both federal and state fees). Licensed guides are available (about 1 to 1.5 hours). Climbing the pyramid has been banned since 2008. The site is open 08:00 to 17:00. It's best to arrive right at opening to avoid the day-tour buses that arrive after 11 a.m. There is very little shade on site, so bring a hat and plenty of water. You can combine it with the Ik Kil cenote 3 km away and the colonial town of Valladolid for a day trip. In the evening, the Kukulcán Night light show is held (separate ticket required).

Chichén Itzá

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