Chichen Itza, Maya archaeological site in Yucatán, Mexico
Chichen Itza is a sprawling archaeological complex in Yucatán state, consisting of multiple large stone structures including temples, residential buildings, and an observatory spread across several square kilometers. The central pyramid rises from a square foundation with staircases on each side leading to an upper platform with a temple building, while the ball court is framed by tall walls with stone rings and multiple colonnaded halls and carved stelae surround the grounds.
The first settlement began around the year 600, when groups from central Yucatán moved into the area and erected initial buildings. During the 9th century, the Itzá took control and expanded the complex considerably, bringing in influences from central Mexico, before its importance declined from the 12th century onward and residents gradually left the area.
Traditional Maya rituals and ceremonies still take place during the equinoxes, when thousands of visitors and local communities gather to witness the serpent shadow effect on the main pyramid. Indigenous vendors offer handcrafted textiles, wood carvings, and other artisan goods along the entrance pathways, while Maya musicians and dancers occasionally perform near the ruins to keep cultural traditions alive and share them with visitors.
A visit is best planned between November and March, when temperatures are milder and visitor numbers are lower. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are advisable, as the grounds are extensive and a typical tour takes three to four hours, while guided tours in multiple languages and audio guides are available on site.
Clapping hands directly beneath the central pyramid produces an echo that resembles the call of the quetzal bird, suggesting intentional architectural design. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a fully encased earlier structure within the current pyramid, showing that builders constructed over older buildings without demolishing them.
Location: Yucatán
Inception: 455
Address: 97751 Yucatan, Mexico
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 08:00-16:30
Phone: +529858510137
Website: https://chichenitza.com
GPS coordinates: 20.68306,-88.56861
Latest update: December 2, 2025 21:08
These archaeological sites document the development of human civilizations across thousands of years. They range from the earliest known temple structures like Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, dated to around 9500 BCE, to the preserved remains of Pompeii, frozen in time by a volcanic eruption in 79 CE. Each location offers insights into the technical abilities, religious beliefs, and social structures of past cultures. The collection includes monuments such as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, standing for over 4,500 years, and Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes, a 15th-century Inca stronghold at 7,970 feet (2,430 meters). In China, the Terracotta Army guards the tomb of the first emperor with thousands of life-size soldiers, while Angkor Wat in Cambodia represents the largest religious complex in the world. European sites like Stonehenge in England and the Acropolis in Athens demonstrate prehistoric engineering and classical Greek architecture. These places connect visitors to the societies that built them centuries or millennia ago.
This collection encompasses ancient stone monuments and sacred sites from across the globe, ranging from the Easter Island Moai to the Great Wall of China. The structures represent millennia of human engineering and include religious temples, fortifications, burial sites, and astronomical installations. Many of these locations retain cultural significance for local communities today. Examples include prehistoric sites such as Göbekli Tepe in Turkey and Skara Brae in the Orkney Islands, alongside monumental constructions like the Parthenon in Athens, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The collection also features lesser known treasures including the Megalithic Temples of Malta, Nan Madol in Micronesia, and Great Zimbabwe. These sites provide insight into ancient cultures, religious practices, and architectural achievements that continue to draw visitors from around the world.
In 2007, the New Seven Wonders Foundation, led by Swiss businessman Bernard Weber in cooperation with the marketing company Deureka, organized a global vote, the results of which were announced on July 7 in Lisbon. This project, which was especially successful in India and China, enabled the designation of seven monuments representing different civilizations and eras, from antiquity to the 20th century. UNESCO stated in a release that it was not involved in this event, contrary to what many voters believed. The final selection includes sites across all continents: the Great Wall of China, a fortification system built over several centuries; Petra in Jordan, a Nabataean city from the 4th century BC carved into rose-colored rock; the Colosseum in Rome, a 1st-century amphitheater capable of holding 50,000 spectators; Chichen Itza in Mexico, a Maya site demonstrating the astronomical knowledge of this civilization; Machu Picchu in Peru, an Inca city from the 15th century located at 2,430 meters above sea level; the Taj Mahal in India, a white marble mausoleum built between 1631 and 1643; and the Christ Rédempteur statue in Rio de Janeiro, a 38-meter-tall monument inaugurated in 1931. The Khufu pyramid, the only remaining ancient wonder still standing, was removed from the voting list and designated an honorary wonder. The 21 candidate sites were selected by a commission of architects from five continents, chaired by Federico Mayor, former UNESCO Director-General. The criteria included aesthetics, architectural achievement, and historical significance. Each monument had to be constructed by humans, completed before 2000, and in acceptable preservation condition. This collection lists all monuments and allows users to view their locations and photos via individual records.
Coba
90.5 km
Sacred Cenote
527 m
Ik Kil
3.2 km
Temple of Kukulcan
19 m
Ek' Balam
50.6 km
El Caracol, Chichen Itza
481 m
Ring of cenotes
78.7 km
Cenote Suytún
46.3 km
Balankanche
4.5 km
Yaxuna
18.6 km
Culuba
89.2 km
Cenote Xkeken
34 km
Choo-Ha
86.8 km
Cenote Zací
38.7 km
Catholic church of Saint Joseph
45.4 km
Cobá
89.4 km
Ticum (Tixkokob)
85.9 km
Cenote Santa Barbara
76.4 km
Kanichén
87.2 km
Cenote Dzitnup
34 km
Cenote Noh-Mozon
85.2 km
Teatro del Ex Telar La Aurora
38.1 km
Cenote Samula
33.8 km
Cenote Pool Uinic
76.3 km
Dzilam de Bravo Lighthouse
85.8 km
Cenote Xcanche
51.9 km
Convento San Antonio de Padua
54.4 km
Cenote Santa Cruz
73 kmReviews
Real people, real opinions — but not verified.
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Impressive! Do not hesitate to contact the agencies to visit the site with a guide who tells you all about the history of this historical monument!
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes