a short historical trip to Mexico!

Pyramids often arouse our curiosity, we wonder how & why they are built. There are pyramids all over the world. Some pyramids are tombs, some are temples while the purpose for countless pyramids have been lost to time. There are pyramids said to map out the stars. Numerous pyramids hide in jungles standing as testaments to the technology of ancient civilisations and I’m sure there are pyramids yet to be discovered. 

We all know Giza Pyramid is in Egypt, and in Mexico, there is Chichén Itzá (El Castillo).

Pyramids often invite more questions than they answer, but that mystery is part of why they remain so compelling.

Chichén Itzá

Thousands of years ago Chichén Itzá was full of people. It was one of the most powerful cities of one of the most powerful ancient cultures – the Maya. But today, no one lives there. It is only a group of old buildings. However, people from around the world still come to see it. People come to learn about its ancient culture, the culture of the Maya people.

Chichén Itzá is a complex of Mayan ruins centrally located on the northern half of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Although it’s an important tourist attraction, Chichén Itzá also remains an active archeological site. New discoveries are still being unearthed in the area, providing even more insight into the culture and accomplishments of the Mayan people, who ruled much of present-day Mexico and Central America prior to the arrival of European colonists.

El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcan, the famed recognisable stepped pyramid is dominating the site’s centre. 

Chichén Itzá was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and, on the 7th July 2007, it was voted in a global survey as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Why was Chichén Itzá Built?

Chichén Itzá was one of the largest cities in the Yucatan in the pre-Columbian era. It was a major commercial centre and had sprawling residential complexes. Researchers suggest the city even had suburbs. Imagine hundreds of Mayans traveling to Chichén Itzá everyday for work and trade! Chichén Itzá saw the heights of prosperity around 600 AD.

Mayans were also clever in building Chichén Itzá at this location because of pure logistical reasons. The site was close to a huge cenote, also called the Sacred Cenote, that supplied the city with fresh underground water. Remember, we are back in 600 AD when fresh drinking water was still not available widely. The cenote could have played a major role in Chichén Itzá’s rise to prominence.

Maya Civilisation (The Mayans) 

The Mayan culture began almost 3,000 years ago. It grew in parts of Central America. Today we know this area as the countries of Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize.

The Mayans were skilled in many areas. Experts believe the Mayans were excellent farmers. They also believe that the Mayans created a complex written language. This may have been the first written language to come from the Americas. The Mayans were also very good at mathematics. Their number system included the number “zero.” Mathematics experts say that using the number zero was an amazing thing. Other ancient cultures of the time did not use this number.

However, people may know the Mayans best for their calendar. A calendar separates time into different lengths, like months, days and minutes. Making a very exact calendar is extremely difficult. But the Mayans used their knowledge of mathematics and their interest in the stars to build a calendar. They carefully observed the movements of the sun, moon, and planets. This knowledge helped them to create their calendar.

Some Interesting Facts about Chichén Itzá

• There are 2 pyramids under the main one.

El Castillo (30 meters in height) nests within itself two smaller pyramids (20 meters and 10 meters tall). Scientists have compared El Castillo (Kukulkan’s Pyramid) to the Russian nesting dolls.

• Monuments of Chichén Itzá were astronomically aligned.

The Mayans were strong believers and followers of astronomy. This is quite evident in how and why they built their monuments. At Chichén Itzá, you can see a round-shaped observatory, the El Caracol, which was specifically used to gauge the positions of planets and the sun.

Further, the most iconic landmark – the Pyramid of Kukulkan has 365 steps in total – 91 on each side and one at the top. This equals the number of days in a year. Each side represented one season and was used to figure out the best times for sowing seeds and harvesting crops. The huge pyramid, in fact, functioned as one big calendar.

• Tourists were allowed to climb El Castillo before 2006.

The pyramid was banned to climbers in January 2006 when a woman tumbled to death while descending the steps. It was an unfortunate incident. The pyramid has now been roped off and can only be adored from a distance. Well, I think this is better to protect the monument and for the safety of the tourists. 

• The rise & fall of Chichén Itzá.

The glory of Chichén Itzá declined and the city met a mysterious end in the 14th century. The residents moved out and never come back to the city again.

Historic accounts differ as to when Chichén Itzá was built and ultimately developed into a centre of political and economic power. Some accounts place the establishment of the city in the early 400s A.D., while others suggest construction started a few years later, in the middle part of the fifth century. After a few hundred years, the Maya had left their city. They did return later. 

Then about 1,000 years ago a group called the Toltecs invaded the Maya. They did not conquer the Maya. Instead, the two cultures lived together. They even began to combine parts of their religious ceremonies. The Toltecs ruled the city for about 300 years. But they left the city. No one knows why.

A little later, the Itzá invaded the city. The Itzá were invaders from a different area. The Itzá built new parts of the city. And they gave the city its name. The name “Chichén Itzá” means “mouth of the well of the Itzá”. However, the Itzá did not rule the city very long. They left Chichén Itzá after about 25 years. Again, no one knows why the Itzá left.

How to Get There?

The archaeological site of Chichén Itzá is located 2 km away from the town of Piste situated between Cancún and Merida.

Chichén Itzá is often done as a day trip from the neighbouring cities of Cancún (3 hours), Tulum (2 hours), Playa del Carmen (3 hours), Merida (1.45 hours) or the nearby colonial town of Valladolid (40 minutes).

• By Bus:

Public transport is the easiest and cheapest way to get to the site. First class ADO buses run daily at 0845 from Cancún to Chichén Itzá, with the travel time of 3 hours 5 minutes.

Ticket price is MXN 258 (USD 13).

If the time doesn’t work for you, another option is to first take the bus to the town of Valladolid, since there are many more departures throughout the day, and get another bus from there to Chichén Itzá, same for the return after your visit.

• By Car:

Most international tourists arrive in Cancún, and the distance from Cancún to Chichén Itzá is around 197 km, with the driving time of about 2.5 hours. The drive to Chichén Itzá is very straight forward, with GPS and navigation app on your cellphone you are good to go.

Renting a car can be a great way to get around during your visit to Mexico. The vast majority of people who rent a car in Mexico find it to be an enjoyable experience that allows them to explore the area they’re visiting on their own timeline without having to wait for buses or rely on others to get them where they need to go.

You will find many car rentals at the airport as well as in the city centre of Cancún. I rented a 4-seater Volkswagen at about USD100 for 48 hours, the price includes Amendments, Theft Protection, Collision Damage Waiver, Local Taxes & Unlimited free kilometres. The gas is not cheap in Cancún, per litre is about USD 1. Make sure you also purchase an insurance, just to avoid any unnecessary hassles in case anything happen, especially in a country where you don’t speak their language. The total price I paid for my car together with the insurance was around USD 160.

Be very careful when you are driving into the hotel zone in Cancún though, there are too many traffic lights, you are very likely to overlook one and run a red light. I got pulled over by traffic police because of that, it doesn’t make sense to me that the traffic lights are so close to one another as if they are arranged in such a way to trap you. Anyway, I tried my best to explain myself and apologise for the mistake but I wasn’t given any chance but a ticket of around USD 30, if I remember well. That was the only bad experience I had during my trip.

Drivers are usually required to be at least 25 years of age in order to rent a car in Mexico. Your current driver’s license from your home country is accepted for driving in Mexico (make sure it’s still valid before your trip). You will need a credit card to make a security deposit on the vehicle. 

Note: If you’re driving in Mexico with the idea of fewer traffic laws and more relaxed enforcement, you’re in for a surprise. Between unexpected road conditions and a different legal philosophy, running a red light or exceeding the speed limit could turn into the adventure you’ll share at parties for years to come. If you find yourself pulled over by Federals, remember that Mexican law is Napoleonic – you’re assumed guilty until proven innocent, and the arresting officer is your prosecutor, judge and jury. He might impound your car and put you in jail if you’re uninsured, show attitude or act suspiciously.

• By Tour:

Taking an organised tour is very convenient, you can book online or from your hotel in Cancún. On the day, you will be picked up on a bus at your hotel in the morning, along with your group and then headed to Chichén Itzá, you will have a guided tour on the site.

Most tours include a visit to a nearby cenote for a quick dip either before or after visiting the archaeological site, as well as a buffet lunch somewhere along the way. Although this option is easy and convenient, but you may be squeezed into a vehicle at its maximum capacity for the hours long drive, which may be made longer as the vehicle goes around to various hotels to pick up people in the morning and drop them off at the end of the day. You’ll also arrive at Chichén Itzá at the time when it’s the most crowded.

So, think about which option suits you best.

You may check out chichenitza.com if you are looking for organised tours to visit the archaeological site.

“ A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.  ”

– Marcus Garvey

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Chichén Itzá is early in the morning when the crowds are sparse. Tour buses start to arrive late morning to midday. Sundays are very crowded because the entrance is free for the local people.

During the year, winter season is the best time to visit Chichén Itzá because of pleasant temperatures. The shoulder months of November to March are also good because of fewer tourists. The temperatures are not that bad. And you can get some good deals on accommodation. 

The Opening Hours & Ticket

Chichén Itzá opens daily from 0800 – 1700.

As of 2019, the government of Yucatán increased the cost to enter the archaeological zone from MXN 242 (USD 12) to MXN 533 (USD 27) for foreign tourists, it’s more than double.

Free admission on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreigners with residence in Mexico, ID is required.

Cenote Ik-Kil

After spending a few hours at Chichén Itzá, exposing under the hot sun, it’s really nice to take a dip & cool yourself at arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico.

Cenote Ik-Kil is located at a close distance to the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, on the highway to Valladolid, it is only about 5 minutes by car. 

The walls of Cenote Ik-Kil are covered with green leafs and vines hanging down over 20 meters from the top of the cenote, giving it the dramatic look.

In order to reach the water you have to walk 26 meters down the stairs. The fresh water is 40 meters deep while its diameter is 60 meters.

Compared to other cenotes found in Mexico, Ik-Kil has many facilities for visitors such as lockers, shower and a restaurant on site, there are even cottages within walking distance where one can spend a few relaxing days.

• Opening Hours: 0900 – 1700
• Admission Fee: MXN 70 (USD 4) for adults, MXN 35 (USD 1.80) for children. You can also buy a package at MXN 150 (USD 7.50), including a general admission with a life jacket and a locker.

Looking for some adrenaline rush? You can jump into the water from the 2 jumping platforms slightly different in height, 3 meters and 6 meters.

It’s so much FUN!!!

Where to Stay? 

You can book your accommodation in Cancún and make a day trip to Chichén Itzá and Cenote Ik-Kil.

Or you can also book 1-2 nights around Chichén Itzá or at the laid-back city of Valladolid, where it is located in an area rich with cenotes that you can enjoy.

Check in booking.com and AirBnB, there are plenty of accommodation choices from affordable to luxury. 

In Cancún, you should consider booking your accommodation in Hotel Zone, where you will get direct access to the beach, with restaurants and bars nearby. Enjoy the nightlife in Cancún and meet new friends!

It was a short trip for me but definitely a rich one, discovering the culture and history of the Mayans. 

I hope you enjoy reading. If you have been to Cancún and Chichén Itzá, do share with me the interesting places or things you have done.