Chichen Itza Ruins Mexico

The Chichén-Itzá Archeological Ruins site in Mexico is a top tourist attraction across the globe. It is one of the 7 wonders of the world, so we did not want to miss it. Situated in the Yucatan State between Cancun and Merida, Chichén-Itzá is only about 2.5 hours from Cancun. However, for logistic reasons we had to depart from Playa del Carmen. Unfortunately, most of the tours did not arrive early enough for my photographer husband. He wants the best photographs possible, so he worked out the perfect plan.

The Chichen Itza Ruins of Mexico

*El Castillo/The Castle also called Pyramid of Kukulkan; Photo by Richard Bilow*

We were set to arrive at Chichén-Itzá right when the UNESCO site opened at 8 am. Rich had arranged an overnight stay at a mystical property named Hacienda Chichen and Yaxkin Spa. This allowed us to arrived early enough to catch the best light possible for optimal photography. In addition, we avoided the mid-day heat and the largest amounts of tourists.

Please note – The official spelling is Chichén Itzá however, SEO (search engine optimization) guidelines require no accents.

Instead of renting a car, we hopped on the ADO air conditioned bus for an easy but long 4 hour drive to the area. Rich had pre-purchased our tickets on Busbud a few nights prior to our stay. This avoided the long lines and chaos at the ADO bus station’s ticket office. When we arrived, the bus dropped us off right at the archeological site around 4pm. From there took a 5 minute $5 taxi ride to the Hacienda. Stay tuned for more info about the resort.

*Mayan Carving, Chichen Itza; photo by Richard Bilow*

The Chichen Itza Tour

I had done quite a bit of research on the history of the Mayan civilization. So I arrived armed with a list of structures that I had to see. We were scheduled to arrive when the site opened with a guide taking us on a brief tour. Photography is the # 1 top priority for my husband Rich. So, he pretty much left us right away and bolted past everyone to “catch the light” on the far side of El Castillo. I prefer to go slow, learn new facts, record reels for instagram and in this case shop at all the various local artisan booths. Vendors are pretty much everywhere and they will give you good deals, if you are will to bargain with them.

El Castillo

My guide Jez Padilla was fabulous. I told him what I wanted to see, but he also gave me some great suggestions. Since the ruins are all so spread out. We decided which spots to go to first on the tour. Our first stop was the most famous – El Castillo. This is the most photographed and popular pyramid in all of Chichen Itza. It was stunning. Jez explained how scientifically and astronomically advanced the Mayans were. The construction of this pyramid was designed with four staircases (91 steps for each), totaling 364 steps. After including the final step, it adds up to 365 steps representing the 365 days of the year. That’s pretty remarkable.

In previous years, the management of the site actually allowed people to walk up the stairs, but the wear on this legendary landmark proved to be too much. Access to climb the structure is now permanently closed. Another interesting fact: during the vernal equinox which happens at the beginning of Spring (3rd week of March), visitors can witness a miraculous sight. Due to the position of the sun, shadows on the sides of El Castillo create what resembles a descending serpent. It is a120 ft long snake slinking downwards with a serpent’s head at the bottom. You can also see this during the Autumnal Equinox (3rd week of Sept)

Templo los Guerreros

Across from El Castillo, we visited Templo los Guerreros/Temple of the Warriors. It stands roughly 40 feet high and 133 feet wide. The temple is adorned with motifs of warriors, eagles and jaguars devouring human hearts. This is considered to be one of the most important structures at Chichen Itza (see image above).

Grupo de las Mil Columnas

Chichen Itza Ruins Mexico — *Grupo de las Mil Columnas/Group of a Thousand Columns*

Next to the Temple of the Warriors is the Grupo de las Mil Columnas/Group of a Thousand Columns. Jez informed me that the columns held up a vaulted roof, long gone now. It was thought to be used for various meeting halls. Close by is the Mercado (marketplace) used by the Mayans. I love to look at the ruins, and imagine vendors selling their wares, why locals made purchases.

Grand Juego De Pelota

The Grand Juego De Pelota/The Great Ball Court was another favorite of mine. Jez explained that the actual game was not necessarily a sport, but much more of a ceremonial ritual. Once thrown onto the court, the ball could only be touched with the hips and thighs. The walls exhibited incredible carvings. Many were scenes depicting war and also sacrifices. You can experience an acoustic marvel here: if one speaks in the Temple at the Southern end, their voice can be heard at the opposite end, as the sound reverberates along the walls of the North Temple.

El Caracoal

I wanted to take it slow now, and do some shopping. I also needed to do more filming. So I decided to part with our guide at that point. He was a sweetheart and stressed the importance of visiting El Caracoal/The Observatory. He bid me farewell, and I headed towards El Caracoal. The cylindrical shape structure with a domed roof was set on a platform. I remembered what Jez had told me before he left. The Mayans built the Observatory, so that they could observe the stars. They were ahead of their time and studied the sun, the stars, the moon, as well as Venus, Mercury, and Mars.

Now there was some retail therapy to be had. Basically everywhere you look, you will find a vendor. I always enjoy searching for that perfect item to remember our trip. Personally, I suggest waiting until you have seen all the structures before shopping. Unless you see something that draws you in (like the silver dragon ring I bought for Rich, and also the gem filled silver turtle charm Rich gifted to me).

Las Monjas

Las Monjas/The Nuns House which is past the Observatory was my favorite of all the ruins. Yes, most people love El Castillo which was magnificent or El Caracoal. However I loved this entire area near Las Monjas with La Iglesia/the Church right next door. Plus the intimate Friezes were so pronounced on this structure. The design of this building features a Puuc influence as well as an additional Mayan-Toltec and Chenes style which is known to be classic Mayan.

Chicen Itza UNESCO Site — *Las Monjas (the Nuns House); photo by Kathy Leonardo*

ETG’s Top Five Chichen Itza Picks

1. El Castillo/The Castle also called Pyramid of Kukulkan
2. Las Monjas/The Nuns House
3. El Caracoal/The Observatory
4. Templo los Guerreros/Temple of the Warriors
5. Grupo de las Mil Columnas/Group of a Thousand Columns

Other highlights included: Plataforma de las Águilas y los Jaguares/The platform of the Eagles and Jaguars, Casa del Venado/House of the Deer, El Cenote Sagrado/The Sacred Cenote and also El Osario/The Ossuary.

I had an incredible time, and Rich got some very nice photos. When we finally met up, we were both ready to head back to the pool at the Hacienda Chichen Resort. It was blazing hot at the archeological site by 11am, and the crowds had arrived as we jumped in our taxi for the 5 minute $5 ride back “home.” The Hacienda felt like home the moment we arrived.

Visit ETG’s Instagram to see several reels featuring Chichen Itza. For more in depth information as well as ETG suggestions on how to travel to Chichen Itza see the article – Know before you Go: Chichen Itza Mexico.

If you love ruins, like me you will also want to read my article Exploring the Tulum Ruins in Mexico; Or see the ETG Tulum Ruins Mexico: Know Before You Go article; Or visit the ETG Mexico Page for additional reviews and articles.