Travel to Chichen Itza from Merida, about 75 miles away, by booking a tour, taking a public bus or renting a car and driving to the ruins. Three distinct sections make up the ruins and they can be seen in one day. The southern grouping is called “The Old Chichen” and the northern area is of the Toltec style. The central area seems to be the oldest ruins. Translation equipment can be rented in several languages for those who do not take a private tour. You’ll find a restaurant, museum, gift shops, vendor stands and restrooms located just outside the ruins.
Climb to the top of the Pyramid of Kukulkan which rises 80 feet above the ground. Once you get to the top, you’ll have a terrific view of all the other ruins. Walk over to the Great Ball Court and imagine the brutality of the game when you look over the carvings on the bottom part of the court. There are other ball courts at Chichen Itza and other Mayan sites, but this is the biggest court of all.
Make special arrangements beforehand to visit Chichén Viejo, because you can only enter this area after approval from the on-site archaeologists. This area is still being excavated and you’ll see interesting buildings with statues and features not seen at the public sites. Reserve a horseback riding tour of this part of the ruins by contacting the Mayaland Hotel. It includes a ride through the jungle that should not be missed (see Resources below).
Stay after dark and take in their spectacular light and sound show. Watch Mayan warriors play a ball game (it’s believed losers used to be sacrificed) and a serpent slithering on the ground. Not only is it a great show, it also imparts a sense of history.
Consider staying overnight at the nearby Hacienda Chichen Resort and Mayan Spa. This popular boutique hotel is a serene and eco-friendly spa retreat. Over 25 cottages and suites are named for members of the Carnegie Institute archaeologist team who first built some of the cabins, plus artists and historians of the Mayan culture. These cottages are all unique and vary in size; one cottage includes four guestrooms. Each cottage and suite features a private terrace, colonial tiles, air conditioning and a dehumidifier unit, ceiling fans, a private bathroom and hair dryer. Laundry service is provided for an extra fee. A spa menu includes treatments based on Mayan holistic traditions. A swimming pool, restaurant, lounge and library are also on the property. Activities include Mayan cooking classes, an in-house tour of the Merle Green Museum and Garden, and bird watching. Sacred Maya traditions are often celebrated here by the Maya Elders Association (see Resources below).
