Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site situated in Yucatan, Mexico. Considered as one of the largest ancient Mayan cities which is used for commercial and trading purposes. According to historians and scholars, it was a major hub for economics and politics in the northern Maya region, especially during 600 to 900 AD, the terminal classic period.
Once you finish the glimpse of its history you should take a look at its architecture, its famous EI Castillo pyramid, also called the temple of Kukulcan. It was used as an observatory to measure astronomy and mathematics during the time of Mayan civilization. Also EI Castillo helps to understand movements of the sun to create visual effects during the equinoxes.
Moreover, it is a city where Maya people make their daily activities like trade and cultural activities, with the influence from other Mesoamerican civilizations like Toltecs. It is a place where we can see combinations of architectural marvels and ancient cultural significance in one place.
Due to its cultural values, architectural marvels and Mayan peoples historical significances, the site is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site and in 2007, designated as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. One of the important ancient archaeological sites in Mexico, welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world who are eager to indulge its ruins and history of Maya people and civilization.
History of Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is an ancient archaeological site in Yucatan, Mexico, built by the Maya civilization. Mayan first occupied the Chichen Itza site around 600 AD, but the city gained more popularity after the 7th to the 10th century AD. After the 10th century, the city became popular just by its impressive architecture and significance in Mayan culture. The city is also a regional capital of Mayan. City began to decline somewhere around 1100 AD.
During the mid-16th century Spanish conquistadors arrived here, and began to colonies the city. At the end of the 16th century they took complete control over the Chichen Itza and Yucatan.
Once the Europeans entered the city, they started to explore the city more, Explorer and photographers like Desire Charnay, Augustus Le Plongeon and Alfred Maudslay are famous among them. In the beginning of the 19th century, this ancient site entered the popular imagination.
First excavation made in the 20th century by the famous American archaeologist. All the excavated things were shipped back to the Harvard’s Peabody museums. Finally in 1920 onwards Mexican and American both took full attention to restore this site.
Today the city represents the center of political, economic, and religious activity in the region, with structures like the El Castillo pyramid, Temple of the Warriors, and Great Ball Court showcasing the advanced knowledge and skills of the Mayan people.
Chichen Itza majorly declined after the fall of the Maya civilization and was eventually abandoned in the pages of history. Today, this ancient site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and 7 wonders of the world. 21st century popular tourist destination, offering insights into the fascinating history and culture of the ancient Mayan civilization.
Meaning of Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza means in Mayan language “at the mouth of the well of the Itza”. Here chi means ‘mouth’ or ‘edge’ and Chen means ‘well’.
Age
As we said earlier, Chichen Itza is over 1,500 years old. But Archaeology is still determining when exactly its work began. But some historians believe the city was in its early stage of development starting around 600-750 A.D.
Why is Chichen Itza one of the 7 wonders of the world?
If you look at what are the new 7 wonders of the world, you will go through one of those, Chichen Itza. Such a remarkable Archaeological ancient site located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is a symbol of ancient Mayan civilization and a testament of human integrity.
A well preserved site has 1,500 years of historical background which exhibits the glimpse of lives of the Mayan peoples and their way of lives. It shows the background of the Mayan people along with their daily life activities like craftspeople, artisans, and scholars activities, along with rich stories about past civilization.
Chichen Itza is one of the architectural marvels that challenge present architecture and society, which says that human dedication and determination is infinity. Therefore it was listed in the new 7 wonders of the world by the New 7 Wonders foundation in 2007.
You can also go deeper to know the reason for listed in world wonder while reading its facts.
Most Elegant and famous hotels in Tulum, Mexico.
Chichen Itza Facts
- According to some estimates, Chichen Itza is around 1,500 years old. It passed from major growth and developments several centuries ago.
- Chichen Itza was founded by the Maya, an ancient tribal people inhabiting the Yucatan peninsula. Mayan peoples cultures and architectural styles differ from area to area.
- Pyramid of Kukulkan or EI Castillo, considered as the tallest structure here. Standing at 30 meters or 98 feet tall, it was built around the 9th century.
- Recognized as one of the new 7 wonders of the world. Due to its ancient man-made wonders and large cultural significance, it is listed in the top spot during international voting.
- Chichen Itza name taken from the cenotes. Yes, caves and sinkholes in limestone formations, known as “Cenotes”. Chi means ‘mouths’ and chen means ‘wells’.
- The Equinox at Chichen Itza is so special, like the spring and autumn equinoxes. During these days the light of the sun hits the earth directly on the equator, therefore the length of the day and night are more or less equal.
- You will spot a large serpent or snake on the top of the Pyramid. It shows us Quetzalcoatl- known Maya as Kukulcan. Quetzalli means ‘bird’ and coatl means ‘snake’.
- They built observatory. Mayan people are basically craftspeople, artisans, or scholars, but they are seeking and curious about science, math’s and astronomy. Therefore they built EI Caracol as an observatory.
- Built by diverse materials like mica. Historians believed that buildings and structures built in diverse materials and even these materials not only from the local itself. At some point, materials borrowed 2,000 miles long without using vehicles.
- Chichen Itza has the largest Mayan Ballcourt. Known as Mesoamerica or Mayan Ballgame, it seems to be a game for rituals in nature and a game associated with human sacrifice.
How to Visit
Chichen Itza is located in the midst of the Merida and Cancun on Ruta, just 180 km west of Valladolid. You can reach either through public transportation like the bus, running regularly from all three major cities and it took a couple of hours to reach. Organized day trips and tours are little popular here, available from everywhere on the Yucatan to Chichen Itza.
Best time to go
We recommend packing your backpack to Chichen Itza during November to mid-April. It is ideal time to visit here, even to visit the rest of the destinations in Mexico. During these months you can expect no rain and the coolest atmospheres here in Chichen.
Moreover, it is always better to reach the site before 8 am, open at exactly the same time and you should arrive at the gate point. Then the probability of getting a ticket first instead of facing very crowd and rush while in lines. Also if you are a photographer, you will be free to take captures of nearby birds and nature with little’s traffic.
Height of the Chichen Itza
It is 30 m or 98 ft. tall with the temple included. Temple includes itself 6 meter height or 200 feet tall.
Without the temple it is 24 m or 79 ft. tall.
Its basement is 55.3 meters or 181 ft. long.
Chichen Itza Entry Tickets/ Entrance Fees
1. For General admissions;
- For Adults (Above 13 years of age)- $614 MXN
- For Mexican Citizen- $272 MXN
- For Locals (Yucatan ID)- $90 MXN
Remember ID is mandatory to those foreigners with residence in Mexico and free admission on Sunday for local Mexican citizens.
2. Kukulan Nights;
Enjoy more fascinating nights filled with colorful lights and sounds, which show more colorful images and Mayan representation. Show began at 7:00 pm, where you can enjoy 15 hours of long fun.
- From Sunday to Saturday
General Admission- $708 MXN
- On Sunday
General Admission- $450 MXN
Opening Hour
A UNESCO World Heritage site is accessible by the visitors from Monday to Sunday,
From 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and the last entry for tickets closes at 4:00 pm.
Remember prices are valid only if you are purchased at the box office.
Q: When was the Chichen Itza built?
A: There is no specific data about, when Chichen Itza was built. According to some historians it built around 600-750 AD. In simple, Chichen Itza is around 1,500 years old one.
Q: Chichen Itza is located in which country?
A: Chichen Itza located in the eastern side of Yucatan state in Mexico.
Q: Who built Chichen Itza?
A: Built by the Maya peoples of Yucatan Peninsula during Mayan civilization.
Q: Why was Chichen Itza built?
A: Mayan people built Chichen Itza to know calendars and for ritual activities. Moreover, light of the sun hits the earth directly on the equator, therefore the length of the day and night are more or less equal.
