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The ruins at Chichén Itzá have most recently become one of the seven new wonders of the world.
The ancient Mayan capital is the most famous of the archaeological zones in the Yucatán. It lies 120 kilometres east of Mérida in the direction of Cancun. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Chichén Itzá will take you back in time to the pre-Hispanic era to discover what life was like during those days.
Pyramid of Kukulcan
Each year during the spring equinox a natural phenomenon occurs at El Castillo (also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan): the sunlight creates a shadow image of a plumed serpent descending down the pyramid's stairs. This unique experience draws hundreds of tourists from all over the world.
Although it is one of the most visited ruins in Mexico it remains a spectacular unique site — an ideal destination, not only for those who enjoy archaeology, but also for those who like history and the charming allure of ancient civilisations.
Due to the visitor numbers Audley recommends visiting the ruins as early in the day as is possible to avoid the crowds of day-trippers that arrive from Cancun.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Chich茅n Itz谩 by contacting one of our Mexico specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 670
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Suggested itineraries featuring Chich茅n Itz谩
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Chich茅n Itz谩, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
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![Diver in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula]()
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![Palenque, Mexico]()
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![Mayan pyramid in Tikal]()
In search of the Maya through Honduras, Belize, Guatemala & Mexico
Honduras, Belize, Guatemala and MexicoView this tour -
![El Castillo, Chich茅n Itz谩]()
Places near Chich茅n Itz谩
- Yucat谩n Peninsula 56 miles away
- 颁辞产谩 56 miles away
- 惭茅谤颈诲补 71 miles away
- 碍补产谩丑 76 miles away
- Tulum 81 miles away
- Uxmal 81 miles away
- The Mayan Riviera 98 miles away
- Playa del Carmen 98 miles away
- Isla Holbox 106 miles away
- Cancun 117 miles away
- Isla Mujeres 125 miles away
Photos of Chich茅n Itz谩
Our expert guides to exploring Chich茅n Itz谩
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Chich茅n Itz谩, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Chich茅n Itz谩 at its best.
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A first-timer's guide to Chichén Itzá ![Chich茅n Itz谩, Mexico]()
A first-timer's guide to Chich茅n Itz谩
A first-timer's guide to Chich茅n Itz谩
An ancient Mayan capital and the most famous of all the archaeological sites on the Yucat谩n Peninsula, Chich茅n Itz谩 is not to be missed on a trip to Mexico.
Read this guide -
Family holidays in Mexico ![Temple of the Warriors, Chich茅n Itz谩]()
Family holidays in Mexico
Family holidays in Mexico
Audley travel specialist Anna shares her tips for where to go and what to do on a Mexico family holiday. Focusing on the Yucat谩n Peninsula, she explains how you can combine beach time with wildlife watching and visiting ancient ruins.
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What to do in Mexico: our highlights guide ![Teotihuac谩n, Mexico]()
What to do in Mexico: our highlights guide
What to do in Mexico: our highlights guide
Mexico鈥檚 character is many-sided. From cosmopolitan colonial cities and vibrant markets to mountain wilderness, sleepy Caribbean islands, vast cacti-covered deserts and a wealth of intriguing ancient ruins, specialist Carolyn shares her highlights.
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Accommodation choices for Chich茅n Itz谩
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Chich茅n Itz谩. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Hacienda Chichen, Chich茅n Itz谩]()
Responsible ChoiceWe've hand-selected a range of tours and stays across the world that go above and beyond to be a force for good by supporting local businesses, educating staff, challenging local norms, or promoting conservation and biodiversity efforts. Your Responsible Choice helps increase the positive impact of your trip.Hacienda Chich茅n
Chich茅n Itz谩
Ideas for experiencing Chich茅n Itz谩
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Chich茅n Itz谩, and which use the best local guides.
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Chichén Itzá Excursion ![Chich茅n Itz谩, Mexico]()
Chich茅n Itz谩 Excursion
Chich茅n Itz谩 Excursion
The famous Mayan pyramids of Chich茅n Itz谩 are over 1,500 years old. The name Chich茅n Itz谩 is a Mayan word: CHI (mouth) CHEN (well) and ITZA (of the witch water). Some say this is because people were often thrown into the nearby cenote as sacrifices, and those who survived were believed to be seers.
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