A Guided tour to Chichen Itza

For a map and great background info, we recommend visiting this webpage and download their map on your phone before going - we didn't have any signal on the premises. We didn't feel like using a guide as reading beforehand was as helpful as the bits and pieces we heard from guides when we passed the group..

What you need to know:

• Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Fee to enter Uxmal for foreigners is MXN 533
• The process of paying is split in two and you will receive two tickets: 450 MXN goes directly to the Yucatan state, MXN 80 is paid to the federal government (!you will have to pay these two prices separately, we were able to pay both by credit card) 

We advise to get up super early and be there right at opening. We did so and were super glad to see, that by 9 the premises were already super crowded. So at least we had an hour of less people to enjoy this incredible archeological site.

The first building to capture our attention when entering is El Castillo (Pyramid of Kukulcan), a pyramid-like structure with four staircases. The 365 steps represent a day in the solar year. The highlight would await during the equinox, when you can witness the illusion of a descending serpent formed by sunlight and shadows.

To the North of the Pyramid you find the Ball Court, Tzompantlian and the platform of eagles and jaguars:

• The Great Ball Court, a vast expanse that left us awestruck. We stood in the center, marveling at its immense size and the towering walls adorned with fascinating carvings. Whispering into the gallery, we experienced the remarkable acoustics that allowed our voices to carry across the court, just as the ancient Mayans did.
• Tzompantli, a platform adorned with haunting skull carvings serves as a chilling reminder of the Mayans' customs surrounding warfare. The sight evoked a mix of intrigue and reverence as we pondered the significance of this ancient structure.

East of the Pyramid of Kukulcan you will find the Temple of the Warriors and the group of thousand columns. Its stepped pyramid and columns carved in the likeness of fierce warriors exuded a sense of power and grandeur. 

To the South of the Pyramid you pass the ossuary and the temple of the deer and the red house to arrive at the Observatory, or El Caracol, its circular shape a testament to the Mayans' astronomical knowledge. 

We couldn't help but marvel at the Red House, its walls adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting scenes of ceremonies, mythology, and important figures. It was as if the vibrant colors had been preserved over centuries, allowing us a glimpse into the past.

Further South passing the El Caracol, you arrive at the Nunnery, where we admired the intricate stone carvings and the columns that connected the various buildings. The name "The Nunnery" seemed fitting, reminiscent of European convents, but it was the Mayan cultural expressions that truly captivated us.