El Castillo (Pyramid of Kukulkán)

The basics

Explore Chichen Itza and El Castillo on a guided tour that offers insight into Maya history, as well as the landmark structure’s astronomical significance. Day trips from Cancun and Merida often include round-trip transportation, entry tickets, and expert commentary. You can also opt for a sunrise tour to avoid the crowds, or an evening tour to see the site come alive with dramatic light displays at night. Along with El Castillo, highlights of Chichen Itza include structures such as the Great Ball Court and the Temple of the Warriors.

Things to know before you go

• Chichen Itza covers a lot of ground with uneven terrain, so be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.

• Visitors are prohibited from climbing on the structures within the site.

• Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, since the area offers little shade.

How to get there

To visit El Castillo at Chichen Itza, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, you can travel by car from Cancun, which is about a 2.5-hour drive. From Merida to the west, it’s about 1.5 hours. Because the buses tend to run infrequently, be sure to buy tickets in advance and check the schedule. Guided tours are available from major cities and typically include round-trip transportation, making for a hassle-free experience.

When to get there

The best time to visit El Castillo is during the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. Also, consider visiting during the spring or fall equinox, when the sun creates a serpent-like shadow on the pyramid’s staircase; this effect can usually be seen for about a week.

Observing the cosmos at El Castillo

Every year, during the spring and fall equinoxes, visitors head to Chichen Itza to view “the snake" that appears to slither down the stairs of El Castillo, thanks to the placement of shadows. This phenomenon underscores the Mayans' advanced understanding of astronomy. It’s believed that the effect was created deliberately in honor of the god Kukulkán, the feathered serpent. Also note that the pyramid has 365 steps—the number of days in a year.