Chichen Itzá

Chichen Itzá is one of the most majestic and most heavily visited of ancient cities in the Mundo Maya of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is close to the Tren Maya station of the same name, although the modern town nearby is Pisté, a Yucatan town that provides all the necessities to visitors who stay longer than a few hours.

But visitors come for the ancient city. Founded between the 5th and 6th centuries CE, Chichén Itzá was an important center of political, economic, and religion for the entire region. The iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan towers over a city center that fascinates and bedevils visitors from near and far. The Temple of the Warriors, the giant Ball Court, the Observatory, and the Sacred Cenote all offer an in-depth look at the Maya cosmos, and an understanding of the universe and our place in it. The Sacred Cenote is some 60 meters in diameter, and surrounded by cliffs that drop to the surface of the water some 27 meters below.

The site is managed by the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History. They provide information at the site for anyone who wishes to learn more and the Gran Museo de Chichen Itzá offers a cool interior, and a wealth of information on the city, its history, culture, and people. 

The site is extremely important as an attraction for international (and domestic) visitors, but it is also a cultural experience. Certified guides are on hand to lead you to the best spots for photos, food, or community experiences that can teach you more about the living traditions of the people from the surrounding area. Visitors not on an organized tour can also return to Pisté for access to lodging, prepared foods and a variety of first-rate restaurants. 

On the Tren Maya, Chichen Itza is between three and four hours away from Cancun. You will need to pay for transit from the station to the archaeological site. The trip from Mérida is a bit shorter, at just about two hours. But until the Tren Maya is running at full steam, many guests will still arrive from points all over Quintana Roo and other points in Yucatan.