Chichen Itza is one of the most famous Mayan cities, and for good reason. For many hundreds of years after its founding around 600 AD, it was an epicenter of Mayan culture, religion, and power. During its peak period, the city supported an unusually diverse population, which in part accounts for the myriad architectural styles drawn upon to construct the large number of ancient structures still visible within its boundaries. Building this city was truly an enormous undertaking, especially for a pre-modern culture; today, just the task of viewing their creation is so overwhelming that a map and compass are essential tools. This guide will help you get a bead on some of the most visually and historically magnificent buildings at Chichen Itza, so that you can more effectively plan an excursion that will leave you awe-struck and breathless at the skill and creativity of the city's inhabitants " and not just because you've been walking in circles all day!
The largest and most impressive of the seven tlatchtli ball courts within the city's perimeter is the Great Ballcourt, found at the northwest corner. Although scientists aren't sure exactly how this game was played, it's considered likely that it was similar to the modern-day game of umal, which originates from western Mexico. Tlatchtli was played by a large number of cultures in Central America and evolved over many centuries. In many ways, the 150-meter-long court at Chichen Itza represents the pinnacle of this process; the huge audience stands that flank it, and the ornately carved goal hoops set high above the playing field lead archaeologists to suspect that only the most elite players competed in this arena " in ceremonial games which at least sometimes resulted in the ritual sacrifice of the losing team.
The Temple of Warriors
Built in the form of an enormous stepped pyramid, the Templo de los Guerreros (Temple of the Warriors) takes its name from the rows of statues depicting fierce combatants that flank and front the structure. The Temple was actually constructed around another, earlier temple called the Temple of Chac Mool; a Chac Mool statue, featuring a reclining human with a sideways-looking head, rests atop the pyramid, and is thought to have been used as a platform for ritual sacrifices. The Temple is currently undergoing restoration, which prevents visitors from climbing its stairs, but not from appreciating its grandeur.
The Snail
El Caracol, or "The Snail," is a round building constructed on top of a raised square platform. It takes its name from the spiral staircase located in the center of the dome. The construction of that kind of shape takes considerable skill and understanding of architectural principles and material properties; that it was built over a thousand years ago is a testament to the abilities and understanding possessed by the Maya on many levels. Not the least of their admirable traits on display at El Caracol is a now-famous interest in science and astronomy, as the shape of the building, coupled with the placement of its windows and doors (which appear designed to align with the movement certain astronomical bodies), suggests nothing so much as an observatory. If true, it would be one of the first ever constructed in the West, and one of the oldest that still exists today.
The Caves of Balanckanche
Close by the city lies the entrance to an extensive cave network. Known as the Caves of Balanckanche, the system of caverns contains a treasure trove of ancient pottery, carvings, and idols that date back many hundreds of years, spanning the entirety of the Mayan habitation of the Yucatn from the Pre-Classic era until after the Spanish conquest. The pottery and artifacts have been left exactly has they were when discovered, affording visitors an unprecedented look at an archaeological find undisturbed for millennia. Perhaps more fascinating is the size and shape of the cave system; its central limestone column and branching network of chambers is thought to represent the World Tree of Mayan mythology and folklore.
The Famous Light and Sound Show
Not everyone who visits Chichen Itza during the day realizes that it's equally as exciting at night! The same ticket that purchases park admission during daylight hours can also be used for admission to the light and sound show, which begins nightly after sunset and illuminates the great pyramid of El Castillo with colorful lights and lasers, accompanied by a stirring soundtrack. Lasting about an hour, the show is narrated in Spanish, although headsets can be obtained that provide the narration in a variety of languages.
Kukulcan's Descent
Occurring in late March, the Spring Equinox is a special time for Chichen Itza, and its passing is marked by a three-day festival of singing, dancing, music, and theater. The high point of the Spring festival is the so-called "Descent of Kukulcan" which happens at the El Castillo pyramid. During the late afternoon, you can see a series of triangular shadows appear on the western face of the pyramid (caused by the sun shining over the northwest corner); the shadows then appear to actually crawl down the side of El Castillo in a manner quite reminiscent of a large snake. Though no archaeologists have been able to confirm this was the intention of the builders, given that the pyramid itself was built in tribute of the feathered serpent god Kukulcan, many believe that the ingenious and astronomically-inclined Maya designed the structure to create this phenomenon on an especially significant day of the year.
The largest and most impressive of the seven tlatchtli ball courts within the city's perimeter is the Great Ballcourt, found at the northwest corner. Although scientists aren't sure exactly how this game was played, it's considered likely that it was similar to the modern-day game of umal, which originates from western Mexico. Tlatchtli was played by a large number of cultures in Central America and evolved over many centuries. In many ways, the 150-meter-long court at Chichen Itza represents the pinnacle of this process; the huge audience stands that flank it, and the ornately carved goal hoops set high above the playing field lead archaeologists to suspect that only the most elite players competed in this arena " in ceremonial games which at least sometimes resulted in the ritual sacrifice of the losing team.
The Temple of Warriors
Built in the form of an enormous stepped pyramid, the Templo de los Guerreros (Temple of the Warriors) takes its name from the rows of statues depicting fierce combatants that flank and front the structure. The Temple was actually constructed around another, earlier temple called the Temple of Chac Mool; a Chac Mool statue, featuring a reclining human with a sideways-looking head, rests atop the pyramid, and is thought to have been used as a platform for ritual sacrifices. The Temple is currently undergoing restoration, which prevents visitors from climbing its stairs, but not from appreciating its grandeur.
The Snail
El Caracol, or "The Snail," is a round building constructed on top of a raised square platform. It takes its name from the spiral staircase located in the center of the dome. The construction of that kind of shape takes considerable skill and understanding of architectural principles and material properties; that it was built over a thousand years ago is a testament to the abilities and understanding possessed by the Maya on many levels. Not the least of their admirable traits on display at El Caracol is a now-famous interest in science and astronomy, as the shape of the building, coupled with the placement of its windows and doors (which appear designed to align with the movement certain astronomical bodies), suggests nothing so much as an observatory. If true, it would be one of the first ever constructed in the West, and one of the oldest that still exists today.
The Caves of Balanckanche
Close by the city lies the entrance to an extensive cave network. Known as the Caves of Balanckanche, the system of caverns contains a treasure trove of ancient pottery, carvings, and idols that date back many hundreds of years, spanning the entirety of the Mayan habitation of the Yucatn from the Pre-Classic era until after the Spanish conquest. The pottery and artifacts have been left exactly has they were when discovered, affording visitors an unprecedented look at an archaeological find undisturbed for millennia. Perhaps more fascinating is the size and shape of the cave system; its central limestone column and branching network of chambers is thought to represent the World Tree of Mayan mythology and folklore.
The Famous Light and Sound Show
Not everyone who visits Chichen Itza during the day realizes that it's equally as exciting at night! The same ticket that purchases park admission during daylight hours can also be used for admission to the light and sound show, which begins nightly after sunset and illuminates the great pyramid of El Castillo with colorful lights and lasers, accompanied by a stirring soundtrack. Lasting about an hour, the show is narrated in Spanish, although headsets can be obtained that provide the narration in a variety of languages.
Kukulcan's Descent
Occurring in late March, the Spring Equinox is a special time for Chichen Itza, and its passing is marked by a three-day festival of singing, dancing, music, and theater. The high point of the Spring festival is the so-called "Descent of Kukulcan" which happens at the El Castillo pyramid. During the late afternoon, you can see a series of triangular shadows appear on the western face of the pyramid (caused by the sun shining over the northwest corner); the shadows then appear to actually crawl down the side of El Castillo in a manner quite reminiscent of a large snake. Though no archaeologists have been able to confirm this was the intention of the builders, given that the pyramid itself was built in tribute of the feathered serpent god Kukulcan, many believe that the ingenious and astronomically-inclined Maya designed the structure to create this phenomenon on an especially significant day of the year.
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