Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is considered the largest political and trade center of the Maya civilization and was dedicated to the god Kukulcán. Since 1988, this former trade center of the Maya has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The undisputed crowd puller is undoubtedly the 24-meter high Great Pyramid of Kukulcán, which was referred to as "El Castillo" (meaning: the Castle) by Spanish conquerors. The Maya named the pyramid after the god of resurrection and reincarnation, who is depicted as a feathered serpent. Besides the Great Pyramid, visitors can admire the Observatory, the Ball Court (Juego de Pelota), the Temple of the Warriors, the Temple of a Thousand Columns, and many other buildings from the era of the Maya.

The Maya people, who are already known for their calendar artistry, are said to have constructed a calendar with the great pyramid. Together, the four staircases have 365 steps, which are believed to reflect the days of the year. However, the staircases have been restored, making it hard to say whether this feature was originally planned by the Maya. Also, whether the Maya actually predicted an apocalypse is pure speculation.

What is particularly amazing about Chichén Itzá is the so-called spectacle of the feathered serpent. Twice a year, at the equinoxes, when day and night are equal in length, a special event occurs at the Great Pyramid, marking the astronomical beginning of spring (March 20/21) and autumn (September 22/23). One side of the pyramid almost completely sinks into the shadow at sunset, with only the staircase illuminated. The stepped and slightly slanted edges of the pyramid then cast shadows for a short time on the stone structure, down to the ground where two sculptures in the shape of serpent heads are located.

The shadow slithers down the pyramid wall in such a way that it appears as if a snake is winding down the pyramid. To this day, it is uncertain whether this effect was planned by the Maya and whether they were indeed able to accurately calculate astronomical events and build the pyramids according to exact plans. However, the stone serpent heads are only located at the end of the northern staircase, nowhere else - an indication of the conscious approach and intelligence of the Maya. I find this thought simply fascinating!

Another phenomenon of this wonder of the world is the echoes that occur in Chichén Itzá. For example, if you stand in front of one side of the pyramid and clap your hands, the sound is reflected back and amplified several hundred meters away, making it sound like a gunshot. The footsteps of a person at the top of the stairs sound at the bottom of the stairs like falling raindrops, and the echo that occurs when you clap your hands in the ball court sounds like the roar of a jaguar.

Whether this is really true or if you only hear these sounds in a spiritual frenzy, you can find out for yourself there. However, you should note that the Great Pyramid can no longer be climbed.

How much does a visit to Chichén Itzá cost? Considering what is offered, the entrance fee to the Maya city is really very low, as for only 57 Mexican Pesos, which is approximately $2.40, you can visit the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 AM to 5 PM. Additionally, you can book private tours to learn more about the structures.

A special highlight you can experience in Chichén Itzá at night: A light show takes place daily in the northern part of the site, wrapping the ancient structures in colorful light. Accompanied by music, the history of the Maya is narrated. Therefore, it's definitely worth a short stay in one of the nearby hotels to enjoy the show at leisure and embark early the next morning to explore the ruins uninterrupted.

I believe the history of the Maya and their calendar artistry definitely has something mystical, right? No wonder this site is among the wonders of the world. You can easily combine a cultural trip to Chichén Itzá with a dreamy beach vacation in Tulum or Cancún and discover even more in this diverse country. The Yucatán Peninsula has a lot to offer and has exciting activities that you can experience in a short time. Have you ever swum in a cenote, a naturally occurring freshwater pool in the jungle? If not, now is the time! You can read in my travel magazine which cities and beaches in Yucatán are particularly worth it. If versatility sounds as perfect to you as it does to me, then don't wait to start your Mexico vacation: Vamos a México!