Chichen Itza is one of the unique tourist sites and the most famous archaeological site in Mexico.
It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the World’s New Seven Wonders.
You are in for a great day of exploration and learning at Chichen Itza; its structure has fascinating tales of Mayan civilization, history, and culture.
But its obvious highlight is the El Castillo or the Temple Of Kukulkan, which is in its central part.
The Mayans ruins Chichen Itza is dedicated to the feathered snake god Kukulkan, and it has many exciting stories.
And you can read about it in El Castillo and learn about its significance, architecture, and Mayan expertise in astronomy.
But this is not to say that the temple is the only fascinating attraction; Chichen Itza is a fairly large site with many different structures and buildings. Learn what else to expect.
From the ominous Wall of skulls depicting the heads of sacrificial victims to the Platform of Eagle and Jaguar warriors and the Platform of Venus, there are plenty things to see.
Read Chichen Itza facts to learn more about other fascinating aspects of Chichen Itza.
The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins location is deep within the jungle. Hence, you should consider getting Transfer tours for avoiding unnecessary traveling hassle.
The Chichen Itza Mayan ruins Mexico have several zones with multiple attractions.
Learn a little about the three most significant and bigger interests within the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.
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The Temple of Warriors
The Temple of Warriors at Chichen Itza ruins is a large temple complex and part of the three Great North platforms.
The other two are the temple of Kukulkan and the Great Ball Court.
It is 40 feet high and 133 feet wide and has fascinating statues of Mayan warriors.
It owes its name to the numerous carved stone warrior figures decorating its walls and pillars.
Located next to the Great Ball Court, the Temple of Warriors Chichen Itza ruins is a rectangular structure with four entrances.
And two giant carved stone warriors flank each entrance at the temple.
The Temple of Warriors has stone blocks with carvings of various figures, including warriors, gods, and mythical creatures.
The temple is a testament to the Mayan mastery of astronomy and architectural skills manifesting in this artistically beautiful temple.
The temple has plenty of rooms and corridors leading to a central chamber.
Archaeologists speculate that the Mayans used this for religious ceremonies.
The central room has carvings of snakes and other mythical creatures and a depiction of the Mayan god of war, Hunaphu.
The temple was integral back in the heydays of the Mayan Civilization. During the heydays of the Mayan Civilization, the temple hosted military ceremonies.
The Temple of Warriors Chichen Itza ruins were connected to Mayan culture and warfare.
Do you want to know more about this and other fascinating details? Then, grab a Chichen Itza Mayan ruins tour to visit this spectacular place.
Enjoy a tour of Chichen Itza Mayan ruins Cancun with lunch to explore and eat delicious local food!
The Great Ball Court
The Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza Mayan ruins is on the north side of the Great Plaza or the temple of Kukulkan.
It is a large, open-air field used for a ball game played by the Mayans, a vital part of their culture and religion.
The Great Ball Court at Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza is rectangular, measuring over 150 meters (500 feet) in length and almost 50 meters (165 feet) in width.
Tall walls surround the structure with openings at each end. At each end, there are two vertical stone rings.
The rings are on the walls of the ball court near the top. Experts say the Mayas used them as goalposts.
The walls of the ball court have intricate carvings and multiple sculptures depicting scenes from Mayan mythology and history.
The ball game is a group game divided into two teams of four players. The Great Ball Court is so big as to be the largest ballcourt in Mesoamerica.
Apart from the obvious intent of entertainment and socializing, the Great Ball Court is also closely tied to religious beliefs and rituals.
Remember to read Chichen Itza timing and the best time to visit Chichen Itza to plan a smooth visit!
The Sacred Cenote
The Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza Mayan ruins is a relatively sizeable natural sinkhole.
It measures about 60 meters (200 feet) in diameter and is about 30 meters (100 feet) deep.
Apart from providing water to the ancient city of Chichen Itza, it also has a deep religious connection.
The Mayans used the Sacred Cenote for various purposes, including as a place for sacrificial offerings to the gods.
Experts argue that Mayans threw valuable objects such as gold and jade into the Cenote as offerings.
The Mayans also used it for purification rituals, believing water had special powers.
It is also a hotspot for paranormal activities. So if you want to see something spooky, getting a Chichen Itza tour with Cenote Spring will be perfect.
Chichen Itza has other significant structures with more fascinating stories, such as the truly marvelous Observatory showcasing the Mayans’ mastery of astronomy.
When visiting Chichen Itza, it is not just about the ancient ruined city, Chichen Itza; there are plenty more things you can do.
For instance, you can visit the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza Mayan ruins together.
Or, add a bit of thrill to the usual Chichen Itza visit by getting a Chichen Itza & Izamal ATV extreme adventure ticket.
El Caracol
The El Caracol at Chichen Itza Mayan ruins or The Observatory is another unique structure.
It is an essential example of Maya architecture and engineering.
The name, El Caracol, means “snail” in Spanish due to its resemblance to the spiral staircase inside the structure.
The El Caracol Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza is made of stone and have a circular shape with a circular base and a round dome.
The structure has four doors, each facing a different cardinal direction. It also has a series of windows that allow light to enter the building.
Inside has a spiral staircase taking you to the top of the dome.
Experts believe that El Caracol at Chichen Itza Mayan ruins was used to watch the sky and track the movement of celestial bodies.
This was to predict celestial events such as eclipses and solstices. Maya people used the observatory to study astronomy.
NOTE:
– To fully comprehend and understand the rich history and regale in the fascinating stories of the past Mayan structures, you can get a guided walking tour without entrance or with entrance included as well.
– Or, you can get an engaging audio-narration map guide of Chichen Itza.
– And if you are truly looking to experience something absolutely amazing then experiencing Chichen Itza at night is perfect for you. It includes a cave adventure and dinner.
– Read about the Chichen Itza Night Show and the Light and Sound show to get an idea about the absolutely magical experience of Chichen Itza at night.
FAQs
What is the story of the Chichen Itza ruins?
Chichen Itza Mayan ruins is an Archaeological site and an ancient religious ceremonial center full of pyramids and temples of the Mayan civilization.
It was built in the 6th century AD and peaked around the 10th-11th century before being abandoned in the 13th century for reasons that can’t be said conclusively.
Chichen Itza was later rediscovered in 1841 by two explorers, John Stephens and Fredrick Catherwood.
What ruins are in Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is a ruined Mayan city spread over 4 square miles or 10 square km. It comprises numerous small and big structures.
At the center of the Chichen Itza ruins is a large pyramid called the El Castillo or The Great Castle, a temple dedicated to the deity Kukulkan.
Other noteworthy structures include The Great Ball Court, Temple of Warriors, and El Caracol.
What is the main ruin of Chichen Itza?
The main attraction or structure for which Chichen Itza is popular is the El Castillo.
It is Spanish for The Great Castle and is a large pyramid. It is a temple dedicated to the Mayan god Kukulkan.
Read Chichen Itza facts to learn about the various interesting stories.
Apart from this, there are plenty of other significant structures in the ruins, The Great Ball Court, Temple of Warriors, and El Caracol.
Featured Image: Chichenitza.com