Plan tours, access to the most recondite places, as well as those chosen by all. Do not miss the opportunity to learn about the culture and life of Chichen Itza.
Here below, we show you the different activities and attractions to know this pleasant Chichen Itza, Mexico.
Attractions
The impressive structures of Chichen Itza have architectural and iconographic features that blend classic Maya design with elements from the Central Highlands (from Mexico City to Chihuahua), resulting in a unique style, not found anywhere else in the Mayan world.
The mysteries that surround the Mayan cities and their remains have been the source of intrigue for archaeologists for decades. Their complete story remains an enigma, although findings have revealed a lot about this interesting culture, their precise astronomical tracking and controversial religious rituals.
Temple of Kukulcan:
The Temple of Kukulcan, also known as 'El Castillo', is the most representative structure of the Maya, on the site. It was built between 300 and 450 A.D.
The Castle has 7 tiers and a staircase on each of its 4 sides, each with 91 steps equaling a total of 364 and including the chamber platform makes 365 for every day of the year. The Temple of Kukulcan was built with an astronomical precision that still bewilders modern day science.
A doorway at the base of the north stairway leads to a tunnel, from where one can climb the steps of the earlier version of “The Castle” inside the current one, up to the room on the top where you can see the throne for the Lord of Chichen Itza, a jaguar carved on stone and painted red with jade spots, an animal considered sacred by the Maya and which is facing forward probably to keep the king's retinue at a distance, while he was presiding over public meetings or ceremonies.
Kukulcan's Descent
Twice a year, on March 21st and September 22nd respectively, on the spring and fall equinoxes, when the day and night last exactly 12 hours each, you can witness a spectacular shadow effect that resembles a serpent slithering down to the bottom of the staircase.
This pyramid was built for astronomical purposes and during the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox, at about 3 P.M. sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid's main stairway. This causes seven isosceles triangles to form which imitate the body of a serpent 37 yards long creeping downwards until it joins the huge serpent's head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway.
Las Monjas
One of the more notable structures at Chichen Itza is a complex of Terminal Classic buildings constructed in the Puuc architectural style. The Spanish nicknamed this complex Las Monjas ("The Nuns" or "The Nunnery") but was actually a governmental palace. Just to the east is a small temple (nicknamed La Iglesia, "The Church") decorated with elaborate masks of the rain god Chaac.
A number of other structures are near the "Monjas" complex. These include:
"The Red House"
"The House of the Deer"
Observatory or Caracol
To the north of Las Monjas is a round building on a large square platform nicknamed El Caracol or "the snail" for the stone spiral staircase inside. Although most of the observation chamber has collapsed, it was so peculiarly built and positioned, that archaeologists surmise it was used for astronomical purposes.
The Caracol was probably an observatory, with its doors aligned to view the vernal equinox and the Moon's greatest northern and southern declinations as well as other astronomical events. The Maya tracked these events and it enabled them to make incredibly precise calculations that guided their planting and harvesting seasons.
Akab Dzib Located to the east of the Caracol, Akab Dzib means, in Maya, "The House of Mysterious Writing." An earlier name of the building, according to a translation of glyphs in the Casa Colorada, "the flat house with the excessive number of chambers,” and it was the home of the administrator of Chichén Itzá. INAH completed a restoration of the building in 2007. It is relatively short, only 6 meters high, and is 50 meters in length and 15 meters wide. The long, western-facing facade has seven doorways. The eastern facade has only four doorways, broken by a large staircase that leads to the roof. This apparently was the front of the structure, and looks out over what is today a steep, but dry, cenote. The southern end of the building has one entrance. The door opens into a small chamber and on the opposite wall is another doorway, above which on the lintel are intricately carved glyphs, the “mysterious” or “obscure” writing that gives the building its name today. Under the lintel in the door jamb is another carved panel of a seated figure surrounded by more glyphs. Inside one of the chambers, near the ceiling, is a painted hand print.
Sacred Cenote or Sinkhole
Cenote derives from the Mayan word dzonot, which means mouth of a well. Sinkholes are fresh water filled holes formed on limestone bedrock resembling a pot with vertical walls, they are fully or partially collapsed karst caves. One of the most impressive cenotes is the Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza with a mouth measuring 213 ft in diameter and 115 ft deep.
Chichen Itza was at one time not only the greatest and most powerful city in Yucatan, but it was a sacred city as well, to which people flocked from every part of the peninsula and also from foreign countries to make offerings of gold, incense, copper, precious stones even and human sacrifices. At the heart of Chichen Itza¡ is the Sacred Cenote, dedicated to the Chac God, the Maya God of rain and lightening, and this cenote was central to their religious practices. Research carried out throughout the years to determine if there were human sacrifices in the cenote, has revealed that the remains found at the bottom of the cenote were largely children, whom might have fallen in accidentally. However, human remains found between 1904 and 1907 show clear evidence of violence, which has led scholars to infer that those who had been thrown into the cenote had been used in religious rituals.
Chichen Itza has many other interesting structures such as the Venus Platform, The Nunnery, and the Group of a Thousand Columns. Come and explore this amazing magical site, which was once the most important ceremonial center in the Mayan world.
The Ball Game Court
The length of the playing field of the Chichen Itza Ball Court is 545 ft with two 26-foot high walls running alongside which were probably used as the bleachers for spectators. The eastern side supports the Temple of the Jaguars and the opposite side supports the Temple of the Tigers, which defines the limits of the court and probably served as a box for the lord and high ranking officials and priests to watch the game.
Temple of the Warriors
The Temple of the Warriors complex consists of a large stepped pyramid fronted and flanked by rows of carved columns depicting warriors. This complex is analogous to Temple B at the Toltec capital of Tula, and indicates some form of cultural contact between the two regions. The one at Chichen Itza, however, was constructed on a larger scale. At the top of the stairway on the pyramid’s summit (and leading towards the entrance of the pyramid’s temple) is a Chac Mool.
Near the Warriors Temple is a large square surrounded by pillars called "The Great Market”.
Old Chichen "Old Chichen" is the nickname for a group of structures to the south of the central site. It includes the Initial Series Group, the Phallic Temple, the Platform of the Great Turtle, the Temple of the Owls, and the Temple of the Monkeys.
Shopping
Handicrafts are a very important to the Maya, not only because the techniques used in the making of these have been passed on from father to son for generations, but also because of the meaning of each form and shape captured in every piece. Personal perceptions about the cosmos and mythical figures representing ancient gods are the most important sources of inspiration for the artists, and the most common to be found in their work.
Mayan gods are painted on leather, carved in wood and engraved on stone. Necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings, and bracelets are made of Jade, Amber and Obsidian, all precious materials that the ancient Mayas commonly used as personal ornaments, currency and as offerings to their gods.
Regional costumes are another way Mayan beliefs are better understood and shared with visitors, with every design being based around important figures of their culture, such as snakes, diamonds, flowers, frogs, and corncobs. Some other designs are reproductions of the friezes found on the main constructions of the archeological zones. Each figure has a meaning and a reason to appear on the garment, depending on what the garment is going to be used for.
Hats and baskets, pottery and hammock making are some of the other customs inherited from the ancient Mayas.
At the entrance of the archeological site, you'll find dozens of little stands and some stores displaying beautiful handicrafts made by these mystical artists who are sometimes even inspired by visions they had in dreams.
Nightlife
After visiting the archeological site and learning a lot about the beliefs of the Maya and the mysteries that surround this interesting civilization. However when the sun goes down get ready begin the magical light and sound show.
When night falls, people gather at the entrance of the archeological site and wait until it is time to enter. While waiting, take the chance to get some special headphones that will allow you to have the narration in your native language, in case you don't speak Spanish. Once you have entered, you'll be guided to your seats.
With your special headphones and having chosen your seat, get ready to enjoy the show. It's an amazing journey into the past that will unleash your imagination, allowing you to experience every sound, color and idea about the Maya, and providing you with a better understanding of this ancient culture, who were full of wisdom and knowledge.
The most beautiful and representative buildings are lit up one at the time while the storyteller recites passages from the Popol Vuh, the Maya equivalent of the Bible, which tells the story of the creation of man.
Feel, at least for a moment, part of this culture. Take a closer look at their lives while admiring the magnificence of their constructions.
The light and sound show at Chichen Itza is an unforgettable experience.
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Plan tours, access to the most recondite places, as well as those chosen by all. Do not miss the opportunity to learn about the culture and life of Chichen Itza. 
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