Chichen Itza is far more than its pyramid. The site holds dozens of structures that reveal the splendor of the Mayan civilization. Here are the must-sees.
The Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo)
The heart of the site and its most iconic building. Full detail in the pyramid guide.
The Great Ball Court
The largest in Mesoamerica: 168 meters long, with astonishing acoustics.
The Temple of the Warriors and Thousand Columns
An imposing temple surrounded by hundreds of carved columns that once held a great roof.
El Caracol, the observatory
A round building used for astronomical observation: the Mayan astronomers' dome.
The Sacred Cenote
A huge natural sinkhole linked to rituals and offerings.
The Nunnery and the Ossuary
Examples of the Puuc style and of Old Chichen's architecture, richly carved.
How to tour them
The site is large; bring comfortable shoes, water and sun protection. A guide adds a lot. Check how to get there and tickets and price.
FAQ
How many structures are there? Dozens; the main ones are El Castillo, the Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol and the Sacred Cenote.
How long does it take? With a guide, the site visit usually takes an hour and a half to two hours.
Can you climb any of them? Not the Kukulcan Pyramid. The visit is on foot around the site.
Book your visit
See Chichen Itza tours from Cancun.
