Tourist Places to Visit in Chichen Itza, Mexico, America
Chichen Itza is an archeological site situated in Tinum municipality in Yucatan state of Mexico. It was a famous pre-Columbian city founded by the Maya civilization and was a main central point in northern Maya lowlands from Late Classic period to the beginning of the early post-classic period.
Chichen Itza is visited by around 1.2 million tourists every year and with this estimation, Chichen Itza is considered as one of the most visited Mexico’s archeological sites. Chichen Itza was added to World Heritage Site list in 1988 by the UNESCO.
Geography of Chichen Itza:
Chichen Itza is located between latitude 20°40′58.44″ in the north and longitude 88°34′7.14″ in the west.
Etymology of Chichen Itza:
Chichen Itza derives its name from the three different Maya language words such as Chi, Chen and Itza. The literal meaning of Chichen Itza is ‘at the mouth of the well of the Itza’.
How to reach Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is located around 130 km from the state capital Merida and 1400 km from Mexico City. Chichen Itza International Airport is situated 20 km away from the heart of Chichen Itza.
ADO is the major bus operator between Chichen Itza and its nearby cities. It takes around 3 hours from Cancun to Chichen Itza by faster bus costing 202 pesos and slower bus takes 4 hour costing 122 pesos. Adventure Life, Tours Aldebaran and Chichen Services are other tour operators.
Food and Shopping in Chichen Itza:
Hacienda Chichen is the prominent food corner in Chichen Itza offering traditional and international vegetarian dishes and also tourists can taste very fresh and sweet fruits here at affordable cost.
To purchase Maya craft, textiles and jewelry, it is recommended for tourists to visit Toh Boutique and The Maya Hut. Random Vendors is also another same kind of shopping centre offering statues and paintings of Mayan gods.
Things to do in Chichen Itza:
- Birdwatching
- The Descent of Kukulcan
- Yaxkin Spa
- Cenotes
- Shopping
Places of interest in Chichen Itza:
El Castillo:
El Castillo (Pyramid of Kukulcan) is a must see site as well as the major landmark of Chichen Itza. This temple-pyramid is devoted to Kukulcan, Feathered Serpent God.
Temple of the Jaguars:
Temple of the Jaguars adjoins ballcourt complex featuring stone jaguar and murals.
El Caracol:
El Caracol is a round shaped temple devoted to Kukulcan and is also used as an astronomical observatory.
Great Ballcourt:
Great Ball court is one of the 7 ball courts of Chichen Itza and was one of the largest ball courts in ancient Mesoamerica.
Other places of interest in Chichen Itza include:
- Interior Temple
- Temple of the Warriors
- The Great Market
- Sweat baths
- Platform of the Skulls
- High Priest’s Grave
- The Nunnery Complex
- The Red House
- House of Deer
- Temple of the Wall Panels
- Xtoloc Cenote
- Temple of the Phalli
- Caves of Balankanche
Best time to visit Chichen Itza:
The months of winter season will be the best season to holiday Chichen Itza.
Accommodation options in Chichen Itza:
There are many top end and mid range hotels sited around Chichen Itza ruins offering facilities of swimming pools, tennis courts, billiards and restaurants. The prices range from US$35-225 and it may vary on the facilities provided by the hotels. The prominent hotels around the Chichen Itza ruins are as follows:
- Hacienda Chichen & Yaxkin Spa
- Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland
- Hotel Oka’an
- BEST WESTERN Hotel
- Hotel Dolores Alba Chichen
- Piramide Inn
- Felix Inn
- Hotel Grand Mayab
- Villas Arqueologicas
- Hostal Chichen
- Lemurian Embassy Eco Retreat
- The Lodge at Chichen Itza