"Magnificent Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza" Ruinas Chichén-Itzá by windsorgirl

Ruinas Chichén-Itzá Travel Guide: 508 reviews and 1,089 photos

El Castillo, Chichen Itza - Ruinas Chichén-Itzá

Many people will make a daytrip to the Chichen Itza Ruins from Cancun, or Isla Mujeres. I recommend staying overnight if possible. That way, you can avoid the hottest time of the day and also the busloads of tourists. You can also stay late and enjoy the evening light show.

Regardless of how long you can stay, you should make the effort to see these fantastic structures that were built between 500 and 800 AD and have been abandoned since 1461. They are very well preserved and equally impressive.

Last visit to Ruinas Chichén-Itzá: Feb 2001
Intro Updated Aug 8, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (8)

The Chichen Itza Light Show Things to Do (7)

If you are staying overnight near the ruins, it is worth catching the evening light show. Not only is El Castillo lit in... more travel advice

Ik Kil Cenote Things to Do (7)

There are many cenotes in this area. Apparantly that is why the Mayans chose to locate here back in 500 AD. Although the... more travel advice

colourful Mexican flora - Ruinas Chichén-Itzá

Stay near the ruins Hotels (1)

I recommend staying overnight near the Chichen Itza ruins. This way you can enjoy the evening light show and also spend... more travel advice

Mayan Basketball Things to Do (7)

The Mayans had their own version of basketball and there is a well preserved court here at Chichen Itza. They called it... more travel advice

Comments (5)

Sandi-2004 Dec 4, 2004 at 2:03 PM Report Abuse

Great photos. We saw C. Itza early in the day. Now have my photos on VT under Merida, where we spent the most time. You have thorough pgs & gr8 color in your photos. Did you use a filter to get that intense blue sky?
Bwana_Brown Oct 25, 2004 at 8:21 PM Report Abuse

A very interesting page on Chichen-Itza! Your opening photo is marvelous with its mixture of sun and shadows!! Interesting to see the 1000 columns up close, off limits when I was there!
Maria_75 Sep 20, 2004 at 5:27 PM Report Abuse

nice pages. i'm going there next month, and am really looking forward to it...
Ken_Weaver Aug 7, 2004 at 8:28 AM Report Abuse

Nice page...the Mayas have always intrigued me!
850prc Mar 20, 2004 at 3:10 PM Report Abuse

Good advice about staying overnight and enjoying the cooler temps and light show. And that basketball comment gives new meaning to the term "March Madness". : )