Chichén Itzá is a complex of Mayan ruins in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It's one of the largest and best-preserved archaeological sites in the world. The place is known for its massive step pyramid, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, which is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's an essential example of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. Thus, if you are further planning to explore the place with family and wonder how to make this trip more educational and fun, Chichen Itza, the jewel of the Mayan world, is a straightforward place to travel with children, but it may not take you back in time. Thus, It is also one of the few Mayan Ruins in the area that has received the investment required to excavate and restore it properly.
History of Chichen Itza.
- The city thrived from around 600 AD to the 1200s
- The town was a pilgrimage center for the ancient Maya for over 1,000 years.
- The Spanish Conquistadors conquered the city in the 16th century
- The city was overgrown with jungle and slowly decayed until major archaeological projects began in the 1920s
Information about Chichen Itza.
Chichen Itza is a renowned archaeological site in Mexico, considered one of the country's most visited tourist destinations.
- Chichen Itza's major attraction is the "El Castillo" pyramid (also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan), which is renowned for the "descent of Kukulcan."
- The historical significance of this place is that Chichen Itza was a major Mayan city, serving as a religious and political center, with evidence of influences from other Mesoamerican cultures like the Toltecs.
- UNESCO recognizes Chichen Itza for its outstanding universal value.
- Another great thing about this place is that it is easily accessible from Cancun, a popular tourist hub in Mexico, with many tour operators offering day trips to the site.
Important things to consider while traveling to Chichen Itza.
You must know the following things while planning to travel to Chichen Itza. Go through the information mentioned below and get further updates with the following.
- Crowds: Expect large crowds, especially during peak seasons, due to its popularity.
- Guided tours: Hiring a guide can enhance your understanding of the site's history and significance.
- Weather: Consider visiting during cooler months to avoid extreme heat.
- Respectful behavior: Follow site rules and regulations, including not climbing on structures.
- Early arrival: Arriving early can help you avoid long lines and enjoy a less crowded experience.
Get educated from the Chichen Itza tour.
You can visit Chichen Itza with your family and educate your children about Mayan culture and architecture. This can be a fun and educational tour. Review the information mentioned and get further updates on what you can learn from this tour. Inform the child.
- The city's history: Chichen Itza was founded in the 7th century AD, peaked in the 10th century AD, and was abandoned in the 13th century AD.
- Mayan architecture: Admire the beauty of Mayan architecture, which is known for its pyramids, temples, and ceremonial plazas. The Maya used advanced engineering techniques to manage water and drainage, and their architecture reflects their religious beliefs and culture.
- Mayan rituals: Learn about the Maya's spiritual significance of cenotes, where they sacrificed young women to their rain god. The ritual also involves bloodletting practices where individuals, usually nobles, would pierce their tongues or genitals to offer blood to the gods, with animal and sometimes human sacrifices also being part of their religious ceremonies.
Things to learn about the Mayan architecture.
There are the following things that you can learn about Mayan architecture. Review the information below to learn more about the respectives and get further updated with the following.
- The Temple of Kukulcan is the most famous in Chichen Itza and is dedicated to the god Kukulcan.
- The Temple of the Warriors: The central columns of the Temple of the Warriors mark the summer and winter solstice.
- The Pyramid of Kukulcan: It is considered to be one of the Great Pyramids of Kukulkan. It was built over another smaller pyramid. The façade of the pyramid features serpents and jaguars of Toltec influence.
What are the major attractions at Chichen Itza?
There are several significant attractions at Chichen Itza; while heading to the destination, you must ensure that you visit the following: The major attractions at Chichen Itza include El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, the Grand Ball Court, and El Caracol. To learn more about them, focus on the points below and get further updated with the following.
- El Castillo: El Castillo, also known as the "Pyramid of Kukulcan," is a prominent Mayan step pyramid at the center of Mexico's Chichen Itza archaeological site. The iconic step pyramid represents the Mayan calendar. Thus, the shadow of the serpent god Kukulcan descends the steps during the equinoxes. It is also a popular subject for photographers.
- Temple of the Warriors: The Temple of the Warriors is a pyramid-shaped temple in Chichen Itza, Mexico, built between 750 and 900 AD. It's considered one of the most important structures at Chichen Itza. It is dedicated to the Mayan warriors who fought in the Yucatan. The temple features murals depicting battles and wars and is known for its extensive columns at the base.
- Gran Juego de Pelota: The grand ball court, the largest and most impressive in Mexico, is only one of the city's eight courts, indicating the importance of the games held here. It is considered the largest of several ball courts at Chichen Itza. Thus, this is a testament to the ancient Mayans' love of ball games.
- El Caracol: El Caracol, the Observatory, is a unique structure at the pre-Columbian Maya civilization site of Chichen Itza. El Caracol, which means 'snail' in Spanish, appears to be aligned with the motions of Venus and is a top attraction for astronomy enthusiasts. The structure's circular design and spiral staircase inspired its name.
- Cenote Ik Kil: This natural sinkhole has been sacred to the Mayan people, as it was the site for human sacrifices to their rain god, Chaac. It is a freshwater sinkhole surrounded by lush vegetation. It is also home to monkeys, toucans, parrots, fish, and turtles. It is further considered a sacred site where they sacrificed to the rain god, Chaac.
What is the best time to visit Chichen Itza?
While planning to visit Chichen Itza, you must choose to travel to the destination during the best time. Therefore, the best time to visit Chichen Itza is during the dry season, which is from November to April; during that period, the weather is cooler, and there is expected to be less rain. Thus, the ideal months are February and March to balance good weather with smaller crowds for the least crowded experience. You must try to arrive early in the morning when the site opens to avoid the midday rush of tour groups.
December and January can be very busy with tourists, so consider the shoulder months (November, February, March) for a better balance; thus, Arriving as soon as the site opens is recommended to avoid large crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
How can a family trip to Chichen Itza be fun and educational?
While planning a trip to Chichen Itza, which is one of the world's best-preserved ancient cities and a New 7 Wonder of the World, if you are looking forward to making this trip full of fun and educational for the children and family, you are traveling alone, then you can go through the points mentioned below and get further updates with the following.
- Early arrival: You must visit early to beat the crowds and heat by driving when the site opens.
- Hire a tour guide: While exploring the place, it is essential to educate yourself and the people around you. Learn about the history and culture of the site from a park guide.
- Bring a guidebook or audio tour: Carry the following stiff with you. It provides kid-friendly explanations and stories, which helps children become aware of the site and its history.
- Plan activities: Consider a scavenger hunt or quiz about the Mayan culture and how you and the family, along with the kids, will learn about the Mayan history.
- Explore the ball court: Learn about the bloody sacrifices in the pyramid.
- Witness a natural phenomenon: During the spring equinox, sunlight creates a shadow of a plumed serpent descending the pyramid's stairs.
What are the things that you must carry while traveling to Chichen Itza?
While visiting Chichen Itza, you must carry the following essentials with you: As the site can be very hot and involves a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, consider bringing a light jacket for cooler evenings and a small umbrella for shade if needed. The other essential things that you must have are mentioned below.
- Pack snacks and water: It can get hot, and there aren't many places to buy food and drinks on site. Also, bring multiple bottles of water as there may not be readily available drinking water at the site.
- Get sun protected: Apply high SPF sunscreen liberally, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to stay protected from the highly heated rays of the sun directly on you.
- Bring a stroller or child carrier. Some areas are uneven or have steep staircases. Come prepared so you do not have to face any other circumstances.
- Comfortable footwear: Choose sturdy, comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Avoid wearing uncomfortable footwear, as you will be walking a lot there.
- Casual clothing: You should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes appropriate for hot weather. As the weather is usually not that pleasant.
- Carry some cash: While some vendors may accept cards, it's best to have money for souvenirs and snacks.
- Bug spray: When you are heading to Chichen Itza, especially during the rainy season, you must carry bug spray along with you, as there are a lot of them there.
- Small backpack or daypack: While traveling, you must carry a small backpack or daypack to carry essentials like water bottles, snacks, cameras, and other necessary belongings.
- First-aid kit: You might cause an injury there, so carry a first-aid kit while traveling. You must also have essential medicines and ornaments.
