The New 7 Wonders: Guide to Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza, which means ‘at the mouth of the well of Itza,’ is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This now derelict city was reportedly established by the Maya people and was a thriving political and economic powerhouse of the Late Classic and Terminal Classic Period 600-900 AD. Its well-preserved ruins are home to one of the largest and most famous Mayan archaeological sites in the world, featuring ancient pyramids, palaces, temples, an enormous ball court, as well as an array of striking sculptures.

From the hallowed waters of the Cenote Sagrado, where sacrificed treasures are preserved in its mossy depths, to the bloody Ball Court, where players were decapitated for losing and the Toltec Plaza that is littered with astonishing sculptures; there is so much to see and explore at Chichen Itza. The buildings to the north are dominated by the imposing presence of El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, which is a stone representation of the Maya calendar. Three hundred and sixty-five steps on four sides represent the solar year, and the pyramid is designed to cast a shadowy illusion of a serpent sliding down the monument during the spring and autumn equinoxes.

Avoid the crowds and the intense heat of the midday sun with a trip to Chichen Itza early morning. On our Mexico small group tours, we explore the ruins during quieter times to allow you more time to soak up the feel and ambience of this magical setting.