Top Things to do in Chichen Itza
What to do and see in Chichen Itza, Yucatan: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,178 reviews
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. Temple of the Big Tables
3. Chichen Itza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25,325 reviews
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
4. Gran Juego de Pelota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,483 reviews
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.
5. Temple of the Warriors
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 780 reviews
Reviewed By DelfinoEdward - Lucena, Brazil
The Temple of the Warriors is an impressive step pyramid fronted and flanked by stone columns that are carved with images of warriors. This Temple was excavated and restored in 1925-1928 by the Carnegie Institution. You can no longer climb the stairs, but at the top, there is a Chac Mool statue (a reclining figure supporting itself on its elbows with a bowl or a disk upon its stomach). Chac Mools were considered messengers of the Gods and used to hold religious offerings in the upraised flat plate area on the figure’s stomach. Some speculate this was where beating hearts of the sacrificial victims were placed, but probably was used for offerings of pulque (an alcoholic beverage).
6. The Red House Chichanchob
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
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!
7. Temple of the Bearded Man
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
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.
8. The Ossuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
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.
9. La Iglesia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
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.
10. Plataforma de Venus
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
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.
