Legend has it that in the heart of the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itzá, there lies a connection between the heavens and the earth.
Every year during the spring and autumn equinoxes, a fascinating event occurs at the Temple of Kukulcán. As the sun sets, the light and shadows create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps, symbolizing the Maya feathered serpent god, Kukulcán. Even though I wasn’t there for the equinox, if you stand in the right place you can see the serpent.
That was just one of the magical tales! Full of legend and history the magic of Chichen Itzá is palpable.
Exploring the Archaeological Site
We arrived early, just as the site was opening, which meant we could enjoy the peace and capture some lovely photos of the impressive Temple of Kukulcán before the crowds rolled in.
Our guide was wonderful, taking us on a journey through the entire site delighting us with stories of Mayan legends and history.
It was fascinating but hot! Bring plenty of water if you go!
Overall, a fantastic & highly recommended trip, especially if you love a bit of ancient history swathed in mystery!
Here’s some tips for exploring Chichén Itzá;
- First, get there early! Chichen Itzá is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Mexico, and the earlier you arrive, the fewer crowds you’ll have to compete with. You’ll also beat the heat, which can be intense as the day goes on.
- Second, I highly recommend hiring a guide. The history and legends woven into the stones of this ancient city are what make the visit truly special. A guide can explain the meaning behind the structures and share the stories that bring Chichen Itzá to life, far beyond what you’d learn by simply walking around on your own.
- Be wary of some tours, though. Many reviews warn that you’re taken to souvenir shops for long stretches, which eats into your time at the actual site. We wanted to spend our time soaking up the history, not shopping, so instead of a group tour, we hired a driver for the day. This gave us total flexibility, and we were able to spend over 2.5 hours exploring Chichen Itzá at our own pace.
If you’re considering this option, we booked Armando, an excellent driver, for 6000 pesos (about $330 USD), and it was worth every penny. With Armando, we had control over our itinerary and avoided the tourist traps, which made the experience much more personal. I’ll include a picture and his contact details below if you’re interested in doing the same!
Ik Cil Cenote
From there, we headed to the Ik Kil Cenote for a refreshing dip. (And boy was it refreshing!)
Cenotes are natural sinkholes thought to be formed by the same meteor impact that wiped out the dinosaurs! They were also sacred to the Mayans, & seen as gateways to the underworld.
You’ll only need 30-45 mins here for a quick dip to cool down. Be careful on the steps though, they’re slippery!
Xoximilco: A Night on the Canals
One of the highlights of our week was Xoximilco, a floating fiesta on the canals in Cancun.
This was a dinner party on a brightly decorated boat, with tequila flowing, troubadours serenading us, and a mariachi band playing lively tunes as we cruised along the river.
An evening full of laughter, music, and more than a bit of dancing—an absolute must if you’re ever in Cancun and looking for a really fun, very Mexican night out.
Speedboat Tour Through the Mangroves
