Chichen Itza Pyramid: Understanding & Exploring the Mayan Masterpiece by a Backpacking Architect
- Jack Thompson
- Feb 8
- 7 min read
Updated: Feb 12
What is up explorers, step into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula, where ancient Mayan ingenuity rises above the jungle canopy. That 'Chichen Itza pyramid', is officially known as 'El Castillo' or the 'Temple of Kukulkan', it stands as a testament to the advanced Maya civilisation that blended architecture, astronomy, and spirituality in ways that continue to awe the modern world. But what makes this pyramid so special and one of the most visited Mayan sites in Mexico? Today we are going to unearth its secrets and go through how we can get there from Cancun. If it is your first time here, hey I'm a backpacking architect called Jack 👋🏻 I am here to help you explore the best architecture on planet earth offering tips and tricks and details on these architectural stunners. Lets goooooo find some culture explorers.
⏰ Opening Times
Chichen Itza is open from Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, last access 4:00 PM.
💸 Entrance Price (2025)
Entrance tickets currently cost $648 MXN for foreign tourists.
The Architectural Marvel of El Castillo the Chichen Itza Pyramid
Date of Construction and Purpose
Built between the 8th and 12th centuries, the Temple of Kukulkan (above) served as both a temple and a ceremonial calendar for the Maya civilisation. It’s thought to have been dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulkan, whose image is sculpted into the structure. The pyramid was part of a larger ceremonial complex and reflects the Maya’s obsession with the cosmos.
The pyramid is a step-pyramid with four sides and a central staircase on each face, leading to a temple at the summit. Its design embodies Mayan cosmology and mathematical precision:
Each staircase has 91 steps, adding up to 364 steps in total. When the temple platform at the top is included, the total equals 365; the number of days in a solar year!
Twice a year, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, a shadow appears along the staircase, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid. This phenomenon symbolises the descent of Kukulkan to the earth.
El Castillo rises 30 metres (98 feet) above the ground, including the temple on top, with a square base measuring 55.3 metres (181 feet) on each side. Its steep, terraced sides are made of limestone, and the pyramid was originally covered in a smooth layer of stucco, likely painted in vibrant red or other colours check out the images below from the Museo de Antropologia, these are a mock up of an aztec temple however the mayans will be very similar in design colouring and sculpture.
The pyramid’s nine terraces are thought to represent the nine levels of the Mayan underworld, while the four staircases symbolise the cardinal directions. This design reflects the Maya’s belief in the interconnectedness of the heavens, earth, and underworld.
The Role of Chichen Itza in Mayan Society
The Maya were master astronomers, and the Chichen Itza pyramid is essentially a giant astronomical calendar. Its alignment with the sun and stars allowed the Maya to track celestial events and guide their agricultural and religious practices.
Chichen Itza was more than just a pyramid; it was a thriving city and ceremonial centre that drew people from across the Mayan world. Surrounding the pyramid, you’ll find a variety of other structures, including:
The Great Ball Court: The largest of its kind in Mesoamerica, used for a ritualistic ball game that may have involved human sacrifice. Intricate carvings depict players in the sacred game, some showing scenes of ritual human sacrifice. Stand at one end and speak; you’ll hear an incredible acoustic echo travel across the court!
The Temple of the Warriors: This massive complex is home to Chac Mool statues (stone figures believed to hold offerings) and intricately carved columns depicting warriors. Once a grand meeting place, these ruins give a sense of the military power of the Itzá civilisation. Climbing is prohibited, but you can admire the details up close.
The Cenote Sagrado (Sacred Cenote): A huge natural sinkhole believed to have been used for ritual offerings and sacrifices. Archaeologists have found gold, jade, pottery, and even human remains in its depths. You can’t swim here, but the jungle surroundings make it a peaceful place to explore.
The Ossuary (Tomb of the High Priest): A smaller but equally fascinating pyramid that functions as an elite tomb. It features a steep staircase and carvings of jaguars and serpents, key Mayan symbols. Less crowded than El Castillo, offering a quieter spot to take in the atmosphere.
The truth about this site is there is so much more to explore beyond El Castillo, have a look at our interactive map at the bottom of this blog to find a bit about each iconic site you should check out whilst at the site of Chichen Itza.
Visiting Chichen Itza: What You Need to Know
🚗 How to get There
Chichen Itza is located about 200 km (125 miles) west of Cancun and can be reached in several ways:
Option 01 By Car
Rent a car in Cancun for a 2.5-hour drive along the well-maintained Carretera 180D (Cancun-Kantunil Highway).
There are a lot of cars to be had in Cancun - Tip - stick with Localiza or Entaprise for a good rental experience. You can pick up rental cars from as little as $20 per day, check prices now!
Guided Tours
Book a day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Tours include a visit to Chichen Itza, the nearby Ik Kil Cenote, and Valladolid, this is the best option for those wanting to just turn up, not worry about anything and get better insights to the architecture and area and maybe even make some friends. This is my personal recommendation for a great way to spend a day.
Public Transportation
Buses run from Cancun’s ADO terminal to Chichen Itza, but they’re slower and less convenient than other options. The best option here is to get up early and go, check Via Bus Bud for the last ticket home or stop in Valladolid for a night from our recommendations above ⬆️ and don't worry about the return ticket.
⏰ Best Times to Visit
Early Morning: Arrive when the site opens (around 8 AM) to avoid the crowds and midday heat.
Spring/Autumn Equinoxes: If possible, visit during the equinoxes (March 21 or September 22) to witness the serpent-shadow effect.
🤫 Top Tips for Your Visit
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The site is sprawling, so be prepared to walk a lot.
Bring Sun Protection: The Yucatan sun can be intense; pack sunscreen, a hat, and water.
Hire a Guide: A local guide can provide fascinating insights into the history and architecture of Chichen Itza.
Where to Stay Near Chichen Itza
🎒 For Backpackers
Hostel Candelaria, Valladolid: A charming, budget-friendly hostel located in Valladolid. Offers dorms and private rooms in a relaxed setting, the perfect spot to meet some people to explore Chichen Itza with.
🏨 For Mid Range Budgets
Casa Pakal Valladolid: Right in the heart of Valladolid and at an excellent price point Casa Pakal will give you a comfortable stay and with a bit of extra cash in your pocket to spend on mojitos and in the restaurants.
Hotel Zentik Project & Saline Cave
A very good value for money spa hotel in Valladolid you can turn up here and simply relax. The perfect place to come back to and unwind after a full day of exploring the town and Mayan archaeology.
🏛️ For Luxury Budgets
Olbil Hotel Boutique: This boutique hotel offers luxurious rooms, a pool, and a very intimate setting, all within walking distance of Chichen Itza. Its a clean and safe stay that will leave you, well not wanting to leave Valladolid.
So Why Does Chichen Itza Deserves a Spot on Your Mexico Travel List?
If you are thinking of getting some Mexican sun by flying into Cancun then you are in the perfect position to find a plethora of historic and cultural spots that will enrich your journey. For architecture and history lovers the clash of mayan and Spanish architecture is a joy for your eyes and your mind. Valladolid is a treat of a little town showcasing the baroque style that would replace the mayan architecture and whilst the Spanish dismantled a lot of Mayan and Aztec sites Chichen Itza stands tall. Not only does it stand tall it stands in tact, remarkably well preserved.
Yes all trips to Cancun should be accompanied with a beach, a swim and a cocktail in hand as you watch a sunset drop over the ocean horizon; but a day trip to Chichen Itza and Valladolid will leave you feeling culturally enriched. After all we only get one shot at life so why not take a day to explore the stories and architecture of the Yucatan. If you fancy doing this there are specialist tours that pick you up from Cancun take you to the sites with a guide and even fit in a cenote as an added extra, I cannot recommend this enough book now to reserve your spot and pay later. 👉Cancun to Chichen Itza👈
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