Chichen Itza, Mexico
The first time I visited Chichen Itza over 15 years ago I was able to climb up the outside and the inside of this great pyramid (El Castillo). When I returned a year or two later, we were only allowed to climb to the top from the outside. This last time, I was only allowed to admire El Castillo from the outside. Was I disappointed? Not really. I know it is for the better. Plus, there are so many places to explore here that you quickly get over it. Still, I do feel fortunate to have made my way up the inside of El Castillo many years ago. I still remember clearly how damp, dark and steep it is in there.
Even though this was my third visit here, I was not bored at any time. In fact, I think I enjoyed this trip as much or maybe even more than my other trips. For starters, I was sharing this great experience with people that had never been here before. And, since I still remembered some of the history and geography of the place, I was able to share what I knew with my guests. If that was not enough, there was even more to explore than in my previous trips (new areas had been opened up to the public since my last trip).
Aside from El Castillo, which is hard to miss since it is right at the entrance, make sure you make time to see the Observatory and the huge ball court. Yes, there was a ball court at Coba but Chichen Itza’s ball court is much bigger and more elaborately decorated. Even the game was played differently than in Coba (you’ll notice that the hoops sit much higher in Chichen Itza. One other thing you should take notice of at the ball court and other places here are the amazing acoustics.
On this trip I learned that there is a hotel adjacent to or as part of the complex. I am seriously considering staying there the next time I come so I can enjoy the night’s Light and Sound Show.
You can easily spend an entire day here so try to get here early especially if you want to find a parking space (the place badly needs more parking spaces). It’s also a good idea to get here before the crowds and before it gets too hot.
Admission is still reasonably priced and you do get your money’s worth. And don’t worry about this placed being closed on Christmas or New Year’s Day – it is open 365 days a year.
From Cancun, it’s and easy two to two-and-a-half hour drive via the toll road. You can also take the free or “libre” road but it will take you a little longer and I would not recommend it late at night because of road hazards like “topes” (speed bumps).
There are tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza but the buses are slower and you will be at the mercy of the tour company’s schedule. I did this on my first visit to Chichen Itza and I feel like I only had enough time to see a small portion of this complex.
