What to do and see in Chichen Itza, Yucatan: The Best Ancient Ruins

December 11, 2021 Randal Brittian

While the ruins of pyramids such as El Castillo and Kukulcan are the primary reason to visit Chichen Itza, they are hardly all that’s on offer here. Otherworldly bird-watching and stargazing experiences can be found within the Maya Jungle Reserve and in Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge. Daytrips run from both Merida and Cancun.
Restaurants in Chichen Itza

1. Templo de Kukulkan

Piste Yucatan, Chichen Itza 97751 Mexico +52 998 283 0423
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5.0 based on 4,178 reviews

Templo de Kukulkan

This impressive pyramid dominates Chichén Itzá's landscape, standing an imposing 24 meters high.

Reviewed By B1714D - Belgrade, Serbia

Well, this is the main attraction of Chichen Itza and one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It's enlisted in the new seven wonders of the world. It's full name is Temple of Kukulkan - a feather divine beast adorned by Maya which had supernatural powers. On El Castillo, Kukulkan is carved twisted on both sides of the northern stairway. It's so immaculately built that only twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun illuminates its entire length from top to bottom (amazing, see it on Youtube). Besides that there're more interesting facts - the pyramid has 9 levels plus the Temple on top. Each side's staircase has 91 stairs, which multiplied by 4 sides and the Temple on top makes the grand total of 365 (days in year).

2. Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza Mexico +52 985 851 0137 [email protected] http://www.chichenitza.inah.gob.mx/
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4.5 based on 25,325 reviews

Chichen Itza

Reviewed By LegiaW67 - Massapequa Park, United States

Amazing and historical place Our Tour guide Sergio was fantastic explain all the history of Mayan culture One of seven wonders of the world Must see

3. Gran Juego de Pelota

Carretera Costera del Golfo s/n, Chichen Itza 97751 Mexico http://www.chichenitza.com
Excellent
69%
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4.5 based on 1,483 reviews

Gran Juego de Pelota

Reviewed By DelfinoEdward - Lucena, Brazil

The Great Ball Court of Chichen Itza is the largest ball court in Mesoamerica. The rings where players would score a goal are set 30 feet (9 meters) above the playing alley. There were actually 13 ballcourts at Chichen Itza, but this one is the biggest: it measures 551 x 230 feet (168 x 70 meters). It is also very well-preserved. The game they played was called “Pok-a-tok” or “pok-ta-pok” and was played with a solid rubber ball. There is a Temple (the Temple of the Bearded Man) that overlooks the court and royal spectators probably viewed the games from this vantage point. You can explore this area yourself or with a guide who will give you some interesting facts about the ancient structure. It is very impressive and worth seeing.

4. Temple of the Big Tables

Chichen Itza Mexico
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Temple of the Big Tables

5. The Red House Chichanchob

Chichen Itza Mexico +52 1 985 108 2687
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4.5 based on 243 reviews

The Red House Chichanchob

Reviewed By halbop33 - St. Catharines, Canada

Loved touring the Mayan Ruins, so much history and interesting facts to learn about this place. Stop and visit here!

6. Temple of the Bearded Man

Chichen Itza Mexico
Excellent
33%
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4.5 based on 27 reviews

Temple of the Bearded Man

Reviewed By DelfinoEdward - Lucena, Brazil

This structure sits on the north side of the Great Ballcourt of Chichen Itza. Rather than a temple, it was most likely used as a viewing point for Mayan nobility to watch the games played below. It gets its name from a depiction of a slender bearded man, much different than most Mayan portrayals of human figures. In fact, the whole back wall is covered with various carvings. This well-preserved ancient structure is certainly worth seeing while visiting Chichen Itza.

7. The Ossuary

Chichen Itza Mexico
Excellent
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4.5 based on 27 reviews

The Ossuary

Reviewed By STAN49_12 - Powell River, Canada

Chichen Itza The Tomb of the High Priest is also known as the Ossuary or Osario, meaning burial place. Reflecting the styles of El Castillo, the Tomb of the High Priest has a combined elements of both Toltec and Puuc influences. The pyramid stands ten meters (30 feet) high and has four staircases leading up to the top temple. Carved feathered serpents adorn the sides if the stairwells and the pillars also reflect the serpent-God. It has stucco reliefs of mythological characters. In between the two pillars is an entry port 10 meters (36 feet) down via a cut stone shaft to a natural cave. When it was excavated, numerous bones and funeral offerings were found at the cave; shell, copper bells, jade.

8. La Iglesia

Chichen Itza Mexico
Excellent
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4.5 based on 28 reviews

La Iglesia

Reviewed By msa23_2000 - Chino Hills, United States

We had a Mayan guide who interpreted the Mayan hieroglyphics for us. We were the only people there as most people don’t walk over here. It’s by the observatory. Great stone carvings.

9. Plataforma de Venus

Chichen Itza Mexico
Excellent
46%
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4.5 based on 35 reviews

Plataforma de Venus

Reviewed By AnitaS484 - Ocala, United States

On the areas within the park that is fascinating, our guide pointed out Jaguar, Snake and Eagle heads along with the symbolism. Take your time to walk the lesser traveled paths to see all the wonders that are in this one place.

10. Las Monjas

Chichen Itza Mexico
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4.5 based on 19 reviews

Las Monjas

Reviewed By RoverPete - Chalfont St Peter, United Kingdom

Few tourists make it this far, so is quieter and those that do make it are the one's interested in history and architecture. I learnt that this group of buildings were more government palace and have some of the best stone hieroglyphics texts on the site that you stand only a few feet away from. The buildings called The Nunnery and The Church have many mosaic face masks.

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