Chichen was founded by the Maya civilization in 400 AD and it is located in the north central, north of Yucatan Peninsula now called Mexico. Chichen has a history that is 1500 years old and is located 75 miles from Merida. It is said to have been the main regional point for different ceremonies.
During the earlier days & time, it was governed by priests. Chichen means “At the mouth of the well of Itza”. The word Chi stands for ‘mouth’, Chen for ‘well’ and Itza for ‘the Itza tribe’. The main belief is that people were thrown from the top as a sacrifice to make their god happy and the ones who could survive were the ones who were believed to be seers.
The site predominantly contains many buildings of stone in various stages of thier preservation and has been stored properly. The site is built in different architectural styles. It has a very clear cultural mix and difference of the Mayan and non Mayan civilization.
The Chichen site has in total three divisions: the north, central & and the south group. Where one group is in the Toltec style and the other gives an idea about the early period and the old Chichen culture. Since this is the most famous Mayan Pyramids, it has been thoroughly researched by private agencies.
It is now a federal property and it is maintained by the Mexico’s nation Institute of Anthropology and History. The best time for site seeing is either early morning or late in the afternoon.
Chichen Itza Tour Prices & Bookings
Featured Chichen Itza Tours
An Experience of a Lifetime – Chichen Itza Tour Review
As a lover of history and culture, I had long been fascinated by the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza. So when I found myself in Mexico, I knew that a visit to this iconic site was an absolute must. I signed up for a tour of Chichen Itza, eager to experience the wonders of this incredible place up close.
The day of the tour began early, with a comfortable air-conditioned bus picking us up from our hotel in Cancun. As we drove through the lush Yucatan jungle, our guide regaled us with stories and legends of the Mayan people and their incredible achievements. I was mesmerized by the tales of the great pyramids, the astronomical observatories, and the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorned the temples and plazas.
As we approached the site, I could feel my excitement building. I had seen countless photos of Chichen Itza, but nothing could have prepared me for the majesty of the place in person. The towering pyramids, the sprawling plazas, and the intricate stone carvings took my breath away. Our guide led us through the site, explaining the history and significance of each structure and pointing out the intricate details that made them so special.
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to the famous El Castillo pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan. This iconic structure is a true marvel of engineering, with each of its four sides featuring 91 steps leading up to a platform at the top. Our guide demonstrated the acoustic phenomenon of the pyramid by clapping his hands at the base of the structure, causing a sound that echoed through the entire site.
Another incredible moment was visiting the Ball Court, the largest and most well-preserved of its kind in the Americas. The court was used for the ancient Mesoamerican ballgame, a high-stakes sport that often ended in human sacrifice. The sheer size of the court, and the intricate carvings that adorned its walls, were awe-inspiring.
As the tour drew to a close, I found myself feeling humbled by the sheer scale and majesty of Chichen Itza. It was truly an unforgettable experience, one that I will cherish for years to come. I highly recommend a visit to Chichen Itza to anyone with an interest in history, culture, or architecture – it is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.