Chichen Itza: A Wonder of the Ancient World

Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is an extraordinary archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization. Nestled in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases a stunning mix of architectural styles and monumental structures, all rich in history, astronomy, and religious significance.

Chichen Itza was founded in the 5th century AD, gradually developing into one of the most significant cities of the Mayan civilization. It served as a political, religious, and cultural center, drawing people from far and wide. Chichen Itza became especially influential between the 10th and 12th centuries, when it was considered one of the largest and most powerful cities in the region.

However, by the 13th century, the city’s influence began to wane. Historians and archaeologists attribute this decline to various factors, including political upheaval, shifts in trade routes, and changing environmental conditions.

Where History and Mystery Meet

As we made our way to the main entrance, the path was lined with vendors selling colorful souvenirs—woven blankets, intricate wooden carvings, and masks painted with bold colors, all reflecting the vibrant culture of the Maya. Once you pass through the entryway, a lush path lined with tropical trees and greenery leads you toward the heart of Chichen Itza.

Planning a trip to Chichen Itza:

If you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, you can reach the site by car, bus, or even join a guided tour for ease and added insights along the way.

Starting with the drive—it’s about a two-hour ride from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The main highway is well-marked, and you can simply follow the signs for “Chichen Itza” along the way. Renting a car is convenient since it allows flexibility to stop at cenotes or charming small towns nearby, like Valladolid, which is a gem on its own.

If you prefer public transportation, buses run daily from Cancun and Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza. ADO buses, Mexico’s main bus line, offer air-conditioned, comfortable rides directly to the archaeological site. The buses depart from major terminals, and you can check schedules and book tickets in advance. The journey takes about two to three hours, depending on your starting point, but it’s a relaxing ride, perfect for reading up on Chichen Itza’s fascinating history.

For a hassle-free experience, guided tours are a popular option. Many tour companies in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum offer day trips to Chichen Itza, often including extras like visits to nearby cenotes, lunch, and even stops in Valladolid. This option is ideal if you’re looking to learn a bit more along the way since guides provide historical insights and stories, which make exploring the site even more rewarding.

Echoes of the Past, Wonders of Today

The ball court at Chichén Itzá, known as the Great Ballcourt, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved structures from the ancient Maya civilization. It’s the largest ball court in Mesoamerica, measuring 168 meters (551 feet) in length and 70 meters (230 feet) in width. The game played here, often referred to as pok-ta-pok by the Maya and tlachtli by the Aztecs, was a significant aspect of Mayan culture, with deep religious and societal implications.

This massive court is bordered by high walls, and at the center of each wall, there is a stone ring mounted high up. The objective of the game was to pass a heavy rubber ball through these rings using only the hips, knees, or elbows—a challenging feat! The gameplay was not only a sport but also a ritual that could involve human sacrifice, particularly for the captain of the losing team, linking it directly to themes of death and rebirth, which were prevalent in Maya cosmology.

Step Closer to the Stars with Chichen Itza

Unlock the Secrets of the Maya

One of the more macabre elements of Chichen Itza is the Tzompantli, or Platform of Skulls, which features carvings of rows of skulls. This platform was used to display the heads of sacrificial victims, which served as a warning and symbol of power. Tzompantli sheds light on the darker side of Mayan rituals and the role of human sacrifice in their religious practices.

The Platform of Skulls may seem gruesome by modern standards, but for the Maya, it was a deeply significant structure that represented devotion, respect for the gods, and the importance of maintaining balance within the universe.

Feel the Power of Ancient Civilization

Stand Where Time Stands Still

Adjacent to the Temple of the Warriors, The Colonnade of a Thousand Columns, or simply the Temple of the Thousand Columns, is one of the most impressive and expansive structures in Chichen Itza. This grand colonnade is thought to have served as a bustling hub or marketplace, where people gathered for social, political, or even commercial activities. 

Journey to the Realm of Kukulcán

El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcán, is a spectacular pyramid that dominates the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. This iconic structure is a testament to the Maya’s astronomical knowledge and architectural genius.

El Castillo serves as a calendar in stone. Each of its four sides has 91 steps which, when added to the single step of the temple at the top, total 365—the number of days in a year. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, an amazing phenomenon occurs: the setting sun casts shadows on the pyramid that create the appearance of a serpent slithering down the steps. This illusion, which culminates in the stone head of the serpent Kukulcán at the base of the staircase, attracts visitors from around the world.

We had a lovely quick visit to Valladolid, a charming colonial city located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Often referred to as the “Sultan of the East,” the city was established in 1543 by Spanish conquistadors atop a pre-existing Maya town named Zací, which was dismantled to reuse the stones to build the Spanish town. The city center is dominated by the San Gervasio Cathedral, which provides an excellent example of the Spanish colonial architecture.