So you’re planning a trip to Mexico and wondering if you can climb Chichen Itza? While you’re no longer able to physically climb Chichen Itza’s pyramid, this shouldn’t stop you from visiting this fascinating Mayan site!
We have visited Chichen Itza several times, both when you could and couldn’t climb the pyramid, and we completely understand why it is considered one of the largest and best-preserved archaeological sites in the world!
In this post, we will outline 15 things for you to know before visiting this Wonder of the World.
1. Mayan Civilization and What Remains
As you’re probably aware, we aren’t the biggest history buffs. This being said, we’ll be the first ones to tell you that there is something so special about the culture and history in Mexico, centered around the Mayan Civilization. We were so captivated by the ruins and history behind the Yucatán Peninsula.
Experiencing the Mayan ruins today is drastically different than what it once was. Today, these ancient Mayan sites are popular tourist destinations. When entering, it feels like you are walking into a lost world that has just been discovered, which is kind of the case. With most of these sites, only about 10% have been discovered.
The first Mayan developments date back as far as 2000 BC with their highly developed writing system, art, architecture, math, calendar, astronomical system, and so much more!
The Mayan cities, more commonly known today, started to develop during the classic Mayan collapse in the 8th century. One of these cities, Coba, became popular due to its thriving agriculture and was considered one of the best cities to live in at the time. Funny enough, the demise of Coba came with the rise of Chichen Itza – Mayans began to migrate to the sacred city of Chichen Itza, and Coba began to decline in popularity.
For the purposes of this post, this is as much history as we’ll cover. If you are looking to learn more (which we highly recommend) get planning your trip to Mexico! Or, check out Chimu Adventures’ post on the fascinating history of the Chichen Itza.
2. How Old is Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza quickly became one of the most important cities in the northern Maya region and was a major focal point from 600AD until 1250AD. Chichen Itza was a significant economic power, and to this day, the political organization is still debated.
3. Quick Facts about Chichen Itza
- The name means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.”
- Since the northern Yucatan is very dry, there are four visible sinkholes (or cenotes) that provided water to Chichen Itza. We highly recommend visiting a nearby cenote!
- There are several other structures preserved in Chichen Itza, including Juego de Pelota (the Great Ball Court) and El Caracol (observatory).
- While you can’t climb Chichen Itza anymore, you can climb Coba and the ruins at Teotihuacan.
4. Chichen Itza Structures
As one of the largest Mayan cities, Chichen Itza is home to several impressive structures.
El Castillo (The Castle)
What most people know Chichen Itza for is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan – the pyramid structure located in the heart of the archaeological site.
But there is so much more to this structure than what initially meets the eye. The design of the pyramid is something to marvel at – there are 365 steps in total (the same as a non-leap calendar year), and each corner faces north, south, east, or west.
Kukulkan was a Mayan feathered serpent god. During the spring and fall equinoxes, the northwest corner of the pyramid casts a series of triangles that create a serpent effect, suggesting to be a representation of Kukulkan. It is also believed that this design was intentional to track the equinoxes.
Temple of the Warriors
This Temple of the Warriors is another large stepped pyramid with large columns in front, intended to depict warriors (hence the name Temple of Warriors).
The Great Ballcourt
While there are many versions of the Mayan ballgame, it is commonly believed to have been played within a large stone structure – a long, narrow field with two stone walls on either side. The rules of the game aren’t exactly known, but it is believed that the goal was to keep a rubber ball in the air without using hands or feet. Points were gained if the ball hit the opposite end wall, and points were lost if the ball touched the ground. In later years, very small stone rings were placed on either side; if the ball made it through the stone ring, that player was immediately declared the winner. These ballcourts are such integral pieces of Mayan history because they were also considered places of sacrifice (and that’s as much of the gory details that we’ll go into).
El Caracol (Observatory)
This round building with a square platform was used for stargazing. The Spanish name, el caracol, meaning snail, was given in reference to the circular structure and stone spiral stairs inside.
5. How Tall is Chichen Itza?
El Castillo, commonly known as the Pyramid, is 98 feet (30 meters) high, including the temple at the top.
6. How much does it cost to enter Chichen Itza?
The entrance fee to Chichen Itza is 614 MXN pesos. If you’re driving, expect to pay another 60 MXN pesos for parking. We did a tour and would recommend doing that to also skip any potential lines!
7. Bring Pesos
We recommend bringing Mexican pesos. There are also all kinds of different vendors inside, and you may want to purchase something to remember your visit to Chichen Itza!
8. Where is Chichen Itza Located?
Chichen Itza is located in the eastern part of the Yucatán state in Mexico. From Cancun, Chichen Itza is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive along Highway 180D. From Tulum, it’s about two hours along Highway 109.
9. Chichen Itza’s Hours of Operation
Chichen Itza is open to the public daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, year-round.
Note: The last entry is at 4pm.
10. What to Bring When Visiting Chichen Itza?
We recommend wearing comfortable outdoor attire. While the land is quite flat and accessible, you will likely find yourself doing a bit of walking. The distance from the entrance to El Castillo isn’t long, but if you’re on a tour, you will be walking around the site. There is also VERY little shade, and it can get VERY hot. Sunscreen and a hat are an absolute MUST. Consider bringing your own snacks and water as well!
11. Can You Climb Chichen Itza?
No, unfortunately, you can no longer climb Chichen Itza.
12. When Did Climbing Chichen Itza Stop?
In 2005, there was an unfortunate accident during a tourist’s descent down the pyramid’s steps, and since then, you are no longer able to climb Chichen Itza.
13. Can You Climb Any of the Mayan ruins?
Yes! While you can’t climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza (El Castillo), you can climb the ruins at Coba, Ek Belem, and Teotihuacan.
Can You Climb Teotihuacan?
Yes! You can still climb the ruins at Teotihuacan; however, these ruins are located closer to Mexico City, which is quite far from the Yucatan Peninsula and Mayan Riviera. So, if you’re only in Mexico for a short time, we recommend visiting Coba instead. If you have more time in Mexico, then a trip to Teotihuacan is worth it!
Can you Climb Ek Balam?
Yes! You can still climb the Acropolis pyramid at Ek Balam. Ek Balam is located northeast of Chichen Itza. There are 45 structures at Ek Balam, including the Acropolis, believed to contain the tomb of Ukit Kan Lek Tokʼ, an important ruler in Ek Balam.
Can You Climb Coba?
Yes! You can still climb the pyramid at Coba, and we highly recommend visiting, especially if you are staying in Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
Can You Climb the Tulum Ruins?
Unfortunately, you can’t climb on the physical ruins at Tulum; however, you can explore around and within them. We still recommend a trip to the Tulum ruins. We were able to go on a packaged tour of Tulum and Coba, which was perfect! Alternatively, if you are staying in the town of Tulum, it is worth the short trip to the ruins.
Read More
Coba Ruins Mexico | 13 Things You Need to Know
23 Informative Tulum Travel Tips
29 Instagrammable Spots in Tulum
14. Is Chichen Itza a Wonder of the World?
Yes! In 2007, Chichen Itza’s El Castillo pyramid was named one of the New 7 Wonders of the World based on a poll vote. Chichen Itza is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s no wonder that Chichen Itza has received these accolades based on how well-preserved this historic archaeological site is.
15. Chichen Itza Tours
We highly recommend doing a full-day tour. This package includes a guided tour of Chichen Itza (plus free time to explore the grounds on your own), followed by a delicious traditional lunch and swimming in a cenote. Because of Chichen Itza’s location, a packaged tour made transportation VERY easy!
Have you visited Chichen Itza? Do you think we’ve missed something? Let us know!
