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.
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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
⏰ Best Times to Visit
🤫 Top Tips for Your Visit
Where to Stay Near Chichen Itza
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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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