Chichen Itza, Mexico’s most visited Mayan site, was the principal ceremonial center of the Yucatán. The Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen-Itza, also known as “El Castillo” (the castle), is one of the new seven wonders of the world.
The Maya name “Chichen Itza” means “At the mouth of the well of the Itza.” Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage group that gained political and economic dominance of the northern peninsula. The earliest development in Chichen Itza started between 750-900 AD and the coming century saw this city emerge as a regional capital controlling a vast area in Yucatan. The city grew in prominence in the coming centuries and became a major center of the political, religious and social life of the Mayan Culture.
The decline of Chichen Itza came in the 13th century after it was conquered by Hunac Ceel, the ruler of Mayapan. Though the city declined in importance, it was not abandoned completely and when the Spaniards arrived in the city in 1534, it was a thriving city with a large population. However as it happened with most of South America, the Spaniards saw to it that Chichen Itza was reduced to become a cattle ranch by 1588.
|Timing||Site||9:00 AM to 5:00 PM|
|Light and Sound show||Winter||7:00 PM|
|Entrance Fee||Foreigners||177 pesos|
|Mexican Citizens||125 pesos|
|Children <12 years, Seniors and INAPAM card holders||FREE|
|Light and Sound Show Fee||Foreigners||72 pesos|
|Mexican Citizens||46 pesos|
|Children <12 years||FREE|
|Other Details||Audio Guides||39 pesos|
|Vehicle Parking||22 pesos|
|Bus Parking||33 pesos|
|Video Camera + Tripod||Chargeable|
Photo Courtesy: Sarah C
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