Chichén Itzá★★★
Täglich 8:00–16:00 Uhr
614 MXN (ca. 33€)
Chichén Itzá is Mexico's most famous archaeological site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Maya city experienced its heyday between 600 and 1200 AD and was one of the most powerful centers of the Maya world.
The Highlights
- El Castillo (Kukulkán Pyramid): The iconic 30-m pyramid with 365 steps (one for each day of the year). At the equinox (March 21 and September 22), sunlight creates the shadow of a descending serpent on the north staircase — a brilliant astronomical calculation by the Maya. Climbing the pyramid is no longer allowed.
- Gran Juego de Pelota (Ball Court): The largest ball court in Mesoamerica (168×70 m). The acoustics are astonishing: A clap at one end is clearly heard at the other end 150 m away.
- Cenote Sagrado: The "Sacred Cenote" (60 m in diameter, 35 m deep), into which the Maya threw offerings and — according to legend — also people. Archaeologists retrieved gold, jade, and skeletons.
- El Caracol (Observatory): The round tower that served as an astronomical observatory. The window openings are precisely aligned with Venus positions.
- Templo de los Guerreros (Temple of the Warriors): Impressive hall of columns with the famous Chac-Mool figure.
Practical Information
- Admission: 614 MXN (approx. 33€) — including 252 MXN federal fee + 362 MXN Yucatán fee. Free for Mexicans on Sundays (busier!).
- Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last entry). The site is cleared at 5:00 p.m.
- Getting There: 200 km from Cancún (2.5h), 120 km from Mérida (1.5h). ADO bus or rental car.
💡 Tipp
Be there at 8:00 a.m. when it opens! The site is still relatively empty until 10:00 a.m. From 11:00 a.m., the busloads from Cancún arrive. Alternatively: In the afternoon from 2:00 p.m., when the groups leave again.
Achtung
No shade, extreme heat (especially April–August). At least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, and a hat are mandatory. Those who can't tolerate heat should only visit in the early morning hours.
