Chichen Itza
11-14-21
Like the cenotes, archaeological sites from the Aztecs and Mayans are abundant throughout Mexico. Chichen Itza is one of the most well-known pyramids in Mexico. I've visited Teotihuacan outside of Mexico City in previous trips to Mexico, but this was my first time going to Chichen Itza. I had planned to visit the site on this trip, but the day I went was owing to canceled plans at MUSA, and Chichen Itza became the alternative. From Cancun, I drove for two hours without encountering any traffic. It was mid-June, and there were butterflies everywhere. I'd never seen such large swarms of butterflies before, and it was something I had not expected to see.
Once I got to Chichen Itza, there was a line to get in, not too long but not very fast-moving either, and the ticket situation was confusing. I waited in line in the hot sun and bought two tickets at the counter. When I tried to redeem my ticket at the entrance, they told me that I needed to buy a second ticket for taxes. I waited in another line for this other ticket, and once I had finished, I was through the turnstiles without an issue. I'm not sure if I missed something when I was at the first counter. Or if this is a system I'm simply not familiar with.
I walked along a trail through a forested area that had souvenir vendors lining the way. I was soon at the clearing where the pyramid stands, and as soon as it was in sight, it began to downpour. People darted for cover under the trees. I saw that vendors were selling cheap plastic ponchos and got one. Luckily it was only a heavy shower, and the rain stopped after about fifteen minutes. The site here is pretty big with a lot of buildings to see. The pyramid is impressive, but you can't climb it like the one in Teotihuacan. There is a cool echo that happens when you clap your hands near the base of the pyramid. The echo you hear back from the pyramid resembles a bird's chirping. Something I noticed tour guides demonstrating to their groups.
I didn't get a guided tour, but it might be worth it. There is a lot to see here and a lot of history and information to learn. There are guides outside near the ticketing counters soliciting their services in a variety of languages. I'd come prepared to spend the good part of a day here, ensuring you will get to see everything there is and take it all in.
Know Before You Go
Entrance fee is approximately 27 USD, don't forget you will need two tickets to enter.There are tour guides at the entrance offering their services.Tour options are available on the official website toohttps://www.chichenitza.com/chichen-itza-booking