Mayan Pyramids of Chichén Itzá

Ancient Mayan temples, graphic stone carvings and ruins that cover over 4 square miles in the south-central Yucatán state, Mexico. I guess you would expect no less when exploring one of the new seven wonders of the world.

This past year for Brandon and I’s birthdays (which are four days apart) we decided to go to Tulum, Mexico. Well…I kind of decided because it was the big 30 for me and I HAD to be near the ocean. So we landed on Tulum because of the ancient ruins that are scattered throughout the Yucatán Peninsula. Tulum is known for its beaches and well-preserved ruins of an ancient Mayan port city as well as the hundreds of Cenotes situated across the town. I’ll be talking more about that in another post…but today it’s all about Chichén Itzá.

Brandon and I LOVE to explore and had seen the ancient city on one of our favorite shows, EXPEDITION UNKNOWN with Josh Gates. If you haven’t seen it stop what you are doing and go watch it now. I won’t even be mad if you don’t finish reading my blog. So, we knew that exploring the ruins had to be a part of our trip.

So what is Chichén Itzá? The Maya name "Chichen Itza" means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza." This derives from chi', meaning "mouth" or "edge," and chʼen or chʼeʼen, meaning "well." Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage group that gained political and economic dominance of the northern peninsula. Chichen Itza is located in the eastern portion of Yucatán state in Mexico where there are four visible cenotes at each side of the massive city which scientists believe allowed the city to thrive. The most famous of these cenotes is the "Cenote Sagrado" or Sacred Cenote (also variously known as the Sacred Well or Well of Sacrifice).

The most recognizable temple in the city is called El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcan), which dominates the center of the archaeological site. Back in 2016 scientists actually found secondary temple under the structure after earlier excavations in the 1930s had already revealed one structure inside the pyramid containing a red jaguar throne studded with jade. This means that the temple that we see today is actually the third structure that has been built on that spot covering the previous two. The temple also sits directly on top of a cenote.

What to know when visiting

Pro Tip #1: Visit the ruins first thing in the morning.

It is scorching hot. I mean really really really hot. We arrived bright and early as soon as the park opened and we were melting by the end of our visit. When you first arrive you will see people selling hats everywhere. If you didn’t bring a hat BUY ONE. You’ll thank me later.

Pro Tip #2: Hire a private guide

You can absolutely visit the park without a tour guide but I don’t recommend it. First of all private guides are inexpensive. Our guide was wonderful and taught us more than we could have ever have hoped to figure out on our own. It made the experience much more meaningful in the end.

Pro Tip #3: Wear sunscreen and bring water

Remember how I said it was hot as hell…yep you will burn and get dehydrated pretty quickly if you don’t lather up before you arrive. We also went through several big bottles of water of the span of just a few hours if that gives you any indicator as to how quickly you sweat your water supply out.

Pro Tip #4: Don’t buy the chachki’s

Unfortunately the heritage site has become a mecca for tourists and honestly with all of the merchandise booths set up there were moments I felt like I was at a Mayan Disney world. Try to ignore all of that and focus on the ruins, the history of the buildings you’re surrounded by. If you really want a souvenir to take home, at least look for the vendors who are making hand craft items on site. Our guide told us that most of the other items were shipped in…in bulk…from China. There are some extremely talented artisans that have little roadside shops along the way that I would recommend buying from instead.

Pro Tip #5: Soak it all in

Enjoy your time at Chichén Itzá. It really is an incredible feat that the Mayans were able to create such massive structures. The mathematics alone to create such symmetrical structures and astrologically aligned road/water systems are mind blowing. So take a minute to explore the entire facility. There are some pretty cool buildings off of the main touristy path.