Chichén Itzá“At the mouth of the well of the Itzá.”
A UK visitor's guide to the great Maya city — its pyramids, legends and everything you need to know before you go.
One of the most important city-states in pre-Hispanic America
Founded around 500 CE and flourishing between the 9th and 12th centuries, Chichén Itzá was a political, religious and economic capital of the Maya world. Today its stone pyramids, ball courts and observatory draw millions of travellers to Yucatán every year.
El Castillo & the serpent of Kukulkan
Twice a year, the setting sun creates a slithering shadow down the pyramid's steps — an astronomical illusion built in stone.
A thousand years of Maya civilisation
From its founding to conquest and rediscovery — the long story of a city that shaped Mesoamerica.
Getting there from Cancún or Mérida
Opening hours, ticket prices in £ GBP, the best time of day to arrive and what to pack for the heat.
A full UK-friendly guide to your day at Chichén Itzá
Prices in £ GBP, travel from Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Mérida, opening hours and the truth about climbing the pyramid.