Temple of the Warriors

The basics

Built in the 10th century, the Temple of the Warriors stands at 40 feet (12 meters) high and 133 feet (40 meters) wide. While you can no longer climb the 4-sided temple, you can view its intricate carved pillars and terraces from below. Numerous tours of Chichen Itza are available, often departing from Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen. Most tours include stops at multiple attractions, such as the city of Valladolid and Cenote Noolha.

Things to know before you go

• As the terrain is uneven, wearing comfortable walking shoes is a must.

• Be sure to protect yourself from the strong sun: pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

• Be aware that climbing the pyramid is no longer permitted.

How to get there

Chichen Itza is located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, around 120 miles (200 kilometers) west of Cancun, which is about a 2.5-hour drive. The journey from both Playa del Carmen and Tulum is around two hours by car. Many travelers prefer to avoid the hassle of driving by booking a tour with round-trip transportation included.

When to get there

Chichen Itza is open to visitors every day year-round, typically from early morning until late afternoon. Visiting early in the morning allows you to beat the biggest crowds and avoid the strong midday heat—look out for tours with early-morning hotel pickup. Note that on Sundays the site is free to visit for Mexican citizens and those with residency, so it’s typically very busy then.

Spring equinox

Chichen Itza is one of the most popular spots in Mexico to witness the spring equinox. On the equinox as the sun begins to set, the light and shadows cast on the pyramid’s northern staircase create the illusion of a snake slithering down the steps until it meets the carved stone head of Kukulcan at the base of the pyramid.