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Chichen Itza, Cancún
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Chichen Itza, Cancún

Chichen Itza tips and photos posted by real travelers and Cancún locals.
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Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza
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  • gipper84
  • Updated By gipper84 on June 28, 2005
  • Cancún Page by gipper84
  • Chichen Itza - Cancún
    by gipper84
    If you have to pick a one day trip during your Cancun vacation then Chichen Itza has to be it. David's dad who managed all of our tours made sure we went to this place. It is three hour journey, but worth every minute. It takes you to the most breathtaking ruins in the Mayan world. A most do is the climb up El Castillo which will give you the most magnificent views over the surrounding miles of lush jungle. David's dad and mom really liked this destination of all the places we went. Anyways, inside the Mayan pyramid is the famous Chac Mool sculpture and the Jaguar Throne. However, El Castillo isn't the only interesting feature to be found at Chichen Itza. The Mayan Ballpark, the Temple of the Warriors, the Cenote of Sacrifice and the Observatory provide other spectacular scenes from a world long forgotten. Chichen Itza just offers so much for you to do that you can't leave Cancun without going here. I promise you that you will really regret not visiting Chichen Itza if you get the oppurtunity. Me and David thought it would be a boring trip and didn't want to get up so early, but it was worth every second of it. Just the Mayan ruins up close and personal give you a real understanding and appreciation of the history. The only problem with Chichen Itza is that it is far inland and you will find the temperature considerably hotter than normal. I would recommend you take plenty of water and sturdy footwear. Pay attention to the warning signs. The climb inside of the pyramid to see the statue of Chac Mool and the Temple of the Jaguars is also extremely steep and very hot . Outside of the main Chichen Itza complex you will find a typical Mayan village a short walk away. Here you will find some very cheap restaurants and I would recommend you stop off for an authentic Yucatan meal. Beware the mass of street sellers. A simple No will be enough for them to leave you alone, but the handicrafts they sell are authentic and cost next to nothing. I bought a few while I was there.

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    Chichen Itza: Chichen-Itza
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  • Kaspian
  • Updated By Kaspian on September 27, 2005
  • Cancún Page by Kaspian
  • Chichen-Itza (2002) - Cancún
    Chichen-Itza (2002)
    by Kaspian, 4 more photos
    If you can only do one tour during your stay in Cancun, this is the one. The grand-pappy of all must-sees! Any desk clerk at your hotel should be able to help you arrange a tour.
    The temples and pyramids at Chichen-Itza, which means "Mouth of the well of the Itzaes", are the Yucatan's best known monuments.
    This Mayan city was founded around 800 AD. The style of architecture later became heavily influenced by the Toltecs. Toltec influence is obvious in the many depictions of Kukulkan in the stone reliefs and the 75-foot pyramid named after him (the "Pyramid of Kukulcan" or "El Castillo").
    Try and arrange something where you get to spend as much time in the park as possible. Most tours are only there for 2 hours, so if you do this, you'll have to really hustle to see everything. But if it's all you can manage, even a short tour is worth the spectacle!
    Do not miss: Temple of the Warriors (hundreds of columns lined up with carvings of warriors along the walls); Observatory "El Caracol" (building with circular tower); Temple of the Skulls 'Tzompantli' (near the ballcourt - hundreds of carved skull reliefs); Sacred Cenote (where victims were drowned in sacrifice); El Castillo (don't worry, it's impossible to miss!).
    See my Chichen Itza Travelogues for more photos of Chichen Itza.

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  • Directions: Chichen-Itza is on the main highway (no. 180) between Merida and Cancun.
  • Website: http://www.mayayucatan.com.mx
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    Chichen Itza: Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza
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  • Danishchip
  • Updated By Danishchip on May 20, 2004
  • Cancún Page by Danishchip
  • Pyramid of Kukulkan (El Castillo) - Cancún
    Pyramid of Kukulkan (El
    Castillo)
    by Danishchip
    If Chichen Itza is not on your itinerary for your Cancun travels, make sure you put it there. It is a day trip that lasts about 12 hours, and is worth every minute.

    Advertised price was $65 USD per person. Wal Mart's price $44 USD per person. As for us, we got the tour for $30 USD for both of us (had to sit through the time share spiel, but was worth the 90 minute ordeal).

    A van picked us up at our hotel at 7:30 AM and took us to the bus. We boarded a very comfortable tour bus, and were entertained by our host during the trip. We stopped at a souvenir shop about half way there that had bathrooms and a snack area. Arriving at Chichen Itza, we grouped up outside the entrance while our host obtained our tickets. $4 USD charge for the use of a video camera, but all other camera's were free. Outside the entrance there are several vendors with souvenirs of Chichen Itza. If you don't have a hat, you should get one before starting the tour, as the sun was intense. There are a couple of snack areas inside, where soda's and popsicles are a welcome treat.

    Once inside, we were again grouped together by language and introduced to our guide. Our guide took us around to almost all of the ruins, stopping to explain fully the history and purpose of the buildings, along with "sound" demonstrations. The guided tour lasted over an hour and a half, after which time we were allowed to wander around on our own.

    After reboarding the bus, we stopped for a buffet lunch at a wonderful little place. The food was excellent, and they entertained us with dancing. After lunch, we traveled to a cenote where (for an additional $6 USD) you could tour and swim in the underground cenote. We once again boarded the bus for the remaining trip home. The bus dropped us off at the front door of the hotel at around 7:15 PM.

    Remember to take a hat, sun screen, good walking shoes, your camera, some spending money, and an ear for history. This was one of the most fun and educational days of our vacation to Cancun.

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  • Address: Chichen Itza, Yucatan
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    Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza
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  • Amareyui
  • Updated By Amareyui on June 3, 2004
  • Cancún Page by Amareyui
  • El Castillo - Cancún
    El Castillo
    by Amareyui
    The best restored Mayan site in the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichen Itza was a four hours drive from Cancůn, making it a good day trip destination.

    Most archaelologists agreed that the first major settlement at Chichen Itza (Mouth of the Well of the Itzaes), during the Late Classic period, was pure Mayan. In about the 9th century, the city was largely abandoned for reasons unknown. It was resettled around the late 10th century, and shortly thereafter was invaded by the Toltecs, who had migrated from their central highlands capital of Tula, north of Mexico City. This fusion of highland central Mexican culture with the Mayan's architectural styles made Chichen Itza a unique genre among the Yucatan's ruins.

    Chichen Itza was opened 8 am to 6 pm daily; the interior passageway (which has nothing much to see, and very long lineups) in El Castillo is opened from 11 am to 1 pm and from 4 to 5 pm. Admission costed $8.25USD (free on Sunday and holidays and for children under 13).

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    Chichen Itza: ~ Chichen Itza Pyramid ~
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  • Heavens-Mirror
  • Updated By Heavens-Mirror on November 28, 2005
  • Cancún Page by Heavens-Mirror
  • Chichen Itza Pyramid of Mexico - Cancún
    Chichen Itza Pyramid of Mexico
    by Heavens-Mirror
    Chichen Itza was one of the most important cities to the Mayans. On this tour you visit the El Castillo Pyramid & the Sacred Well & also the ball court which was the centre of ceremonial sports & also you visit the temple of the warriors.

    I went to Chichen Itza in December 1999 when you were still allowed to climb to the top of pyramid, it was well worth going to the top & seeing the fabulous views.
    The tour costs around 50 Sterling pounds & includes an English speaking guide & also lunch.

    It was well worth going to see the pyramid but i must admit the tour guide did bore me abit as he did talk for too long.

    I have heard that the pyramid of Chichen Itza has some connection with the pyramids of Giza in Cairo Egypt. If anyone knows more about this please let me know.

  • Address: Chichen Itza
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    Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza
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  • GinGinCoo
  • Updated By GinGinCoo on March 1, 2004
  • Cancún Page by GinGinCoo
  • The Castle at Chichen Itza - Cancún
    The Castle at Chichen Itza
    by GinGinCoo
    Another Cancun Attraction you shouldnt miss! It is also a whole Day Trip. You will experience the Old Mayan World with centuries old Architecture. The pyramid climb (The Castle) is a must do even for the weak hearted like me! I had to get all my nerves just go climb that thing and it still took me about 30 minutes. Dan in the other hand probably took less than 5 minutes to go up and down. Take your time to go to each ruin and take lots of pictures. Listen to your tourguide if you have one since he will give you a lot of good information about this place.

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    Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza
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  • rmlopez74
  • By rmlopez74 on April 20, 2006
  • Cancún Page by rmlopez74
  • Temple steps - Cancún
    Temple steps
    by rmlopez74,
    3 more photos
    Chichen Itza is about a 2-1/2 to 3 hour bus trip from Cancun. More than a few people avoid the excursion, because it sucks up pretty much and entire day. But it is more than worth the drive! This place is incredible! You get a sense for how advanced the Mayan culture must have been as your guide tells you some of the interesting facts about the temples and how they align for certain celestial events.

    Ask you hotel front desk about a day excursion. It's cheap. (I think ours was $40). Make sure to take a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Chichen Itza is in the middle of the jungle. And let me tell you, the temperature difference between here and the coast is VERY significant. Especially when you start hiking around. But be prepared, and you will be fine.

  • Address: Chichen Itza
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    Chichen Itza: Marvel at Chichen Itza but better not go up!
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  • jumpingnorman
  • Updated By jumpingnorman on April 26, 2009
  • Cancún Page by jumpingnorman
  • The twins at the Chichen Itza, Cancun, Mexico - Cancún
    The twins at the Chichen Itza,
    Cancun, Mexico
    by jumpingnorman
    Dominating the center of Chichén is the Temple of Kukulkan (the Maya name for Quetzalcoatl), often referred to as "El Castillo" (the castle).

    The pyramid was closed for "going up" during the time that we went and I think they should just close it all the time. It would be better so that they can preserve this structure for future generations. Beside, the steps are so steep and anybody can fall and have an injury. The pictures look best anyway when you are photographing the whole pyramid itself...

    This step pyramid has a ground plan of square terraces with stairways up each of the four sides to the temple on top. On the Spring and Autumn equinox, at the rising and setting of the sun, the corner of the structure casts a shadow in the shape of a plumed serpent - Kukulcan, or Quetzalcoatl - along the side of the North staircase. On these two days, the shadows from the corner tiers slither down the northern side of the pyramid with the sun's movement.

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    Chichen Itza: Home of the Mayas
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  • jag17
  • Updated By jag17 on June 26, 2004
  • Cancún Page by jag17
  • 365 Steps - Cancún
    365 Steps
    by jag17
    Chichen Itza translates to: Mouth of the well of the Itza (Warrior). The Mayas built many palaces, temples, and monuments at this site. They were Warriors, but they also studied the stars and left a written record in carved glyphs. The Mayas originated in the Yucatan area around 2600 BC. Archaeologists do not know why the Mayas left their city. When visiting, check out the 75' pyramid of Kukulcan, the temple of the Warriors, the observatory and the Sacred well. It is HOT here! Don't forget to wear a hat, cool clothes, and drink plenty of water.

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    Chichen Itza: Chichen Itza
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  • Gipp
  • Updated By Gipp on July 30, 2003
  • Cancún Page by Gipp
  • Chichen Itza - Cancún
    Chichen Itza
    by Gipp
    Chichen Itza is a huge site of mayan and Tolteic ruins. El Castillo (as the Spanish called it) is the main pyramid that dominates the site. It's actually a temple to a mayan god It's extremely steep, so take care going up as people have been injured going up and down it. I'm afraid I didn't go up as I'm not keen on heights and unstable feeling structures!

    Other places in the site include the ball court where a strange game was played where players wore padding and propelled a ball around without using their hands or feet. Also there are natural sinkholes which used to be the site of human sacrifice, nice!

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  • Directions: It's possible to visit Chichen Itza as a day trip from Cancun, we did and spent about 4 hours getting there and back on an organised tour
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