Chichen Itza aka: Chichenitza, Chichén Itzá

We didn’t hire a guide because we thought we’d find enough information on our own. Sadly, the plaques are not very informative, and we ended up reading about the ruins the next day in books we picked up in the bookshop. Would have been better to have a guide.

But still. AMAZING!

I agree with daydreamer that guides really make this place much better than it would be just walking around on your own. I think it would actually be a bit disappointing if I didn’t understand more about the history of the Mayan people and the significance of the ball courts, etc.

- what amazed me was how close you could get to the monuments, you can climb all over/up them (though I understand that climbing El Castillo (the huge step-pyramid) has now been banned after there was a death).

Also, found it very bizarre to see many other tourists there walking around in bikinis and high heels.

If you can, go round with one of the guides. The place really comes to life with their commentary.

chichen itza is take-your-breath-away amazing to see in person. everyone should visit. i was completely in awe of the ruins…even though it was yucky & rainy. but i’m so glad to have visited…definitely worth it!

really, really chill place. i was quite awed by the sight.

f-ing awesome!

Chichen Itza had been a dream of mine since I was a small child. My first experience with it was building a sand castle model of it when I was 10! I’ve been twice. If you love Central American history and culture, you will love Chichen Itza. I suggest a local-guided bus into the area if you’re staying on the coast. While driving yourself is interesting with many potential stops, a bus is safer and also, with the right tour guide, you hear much information not only about the history of the site, but the stories behind what you are seeing on the roadside- mud houses, grass shacks, and dozens of children. It’s a picture of local color like nowhere else I’ve been.

I suggest you bring a guidebook to Chichen Itza with you, even if you follow a tour leader. There is just too much to say during one tour. It is a magically haunting place that is so rich with stories, mystery, and, most importantly, human sacrifice! Don’t let them skip over the bloodlust that the ancient Mayans had- it is the most fascinating aspect of their culture, given their propensity for such great intellectual strides in astronomy and mathematics.

The best dates to visit are the solstices. But make your reservations far in advance!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. But remember, I’m a simple college student in mid-scholastic crisis who just really, really loves Chichen Itza, and I’ll try to say whatever else I can, but I’m not an endall source! Please enjoy your trip to the temple and surrounding city. It is truly a beautiful and moving experience.

for the Disney comic where the Scrooge family find the treasure in the sacrificial well

The day after my visit, this site made it into the new 7 wonders of the world (www.new7wonders.com) – it was very exciting for them at the time and very exciting to have it happen while we were there!

Chichén Itzá has been elected one of the new seven wonders of the world!!