Chichen Itza, Mexico: Temple of Kukulkan and Sacred Cenote
Explore the archaeological complex of Chichen Itza on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula through this guided tour route. The journey covers the site's major structures including the Temple of Kukulkan, the Temple of the Large Tables, the Plaza of the Thousand Columns, the Market, and the sacred cenote, showcasing centuries of Mayan and Toltec architecture from the 5th to 13th centuries.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Temple of Kukulkan
- End
- Chichen Itza
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Temple of Kukulkan — Dominant pyramid in the northern sector of Chichen Itza, also called El Castillo, featuring symmetrical design and housing the older Temple of the Red Jaguar within its structure.
- Sacred Cenote — Ancient ceremonial well and pilgrimage destination dating to 5th-6th century AD, approximately 60 meters in diameter with 22 meters depth to water, where ritual offerings were…
- Chichen Itza — UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, featuring the iconic El Castillo pyramid and numerous Mayan temples spanning centuries of civilization.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Arrive late in the day to experience Chichen Itza with fewer crowds. Evening tickets start at 5 PM after day visitors are cleared out, at the same price (around $17 USD).
- Tip
- You cannot climb to the top of the Temple of Kukulkan (main pyramid), but climbing is permitted at other nearby Mayan ruins like Coba and Ek Balam.
- Tip
- The Sacred Cenote is a deep well approximately 60m in diameter with water 22m below ground level and 6-12m deep. It's a short walk from the main temple area.
- Tip
- The Yucatan Peninsula has numerous cenotes (underground lakes) throughout the region visible via roadside signs. Many are visitable and offer swimming opportunities with stalactites.
- Timing
- Plan to arrive with plenty of daylight remaining. Tickets stop being issued 30 minutes before closing, and you should plan your visit accordingly.
Video on this route
Tour of Chichen Itza Mayan Pyramids, Yucatan, Mexico