Is It Worth It Visiting Chichen Itza on Cruise

Published February 5, 2025

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Chichen Itza amazes countless visitors annually with its ancient ball courts, Mayan pyramids, and holy cenotes.

Rediscovered by nature following the Spanish takeover of Mexico, the temples and markets of Chichen Itza have been rejuvenated and excavated, enabling tourists to experience the splendor of this former mighty Mayan city.

So, is it worth it to visit Chichen Itza on a cruise? Keep reading to find out!

What is Chichen Itza?

Chichen Itza stands as an archaeological Mayan ruins spot in the Yucatan region of Mexico.

It was constructed about 800 AD and occupies 740 acres. It’s regarded as the finest Yucatan Mayan Ruins.

Chichen Itza is also recognized as part of the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’.

The site is rich in architectural wonders, ancient history, and cultural importance.

Is It Worth It Visiting Chichen Itza on Cruise?

Yes, it is worth it to pay a visit to Chichen Itza on a cruise.

Taking a cruise to this historic place is definitely worthwhile if you have an interest in Mayan culture and history.

With its famous holy cenotes and Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza presents an abundance of sights and experiences that appeal to diverse interests.

So, regardless of whether you’re a family in search of a meaningful getaway, an adventure lover, a history buff, or a nature enthusiast, Chichen Itza offers something unique for all.

The Temple of Kukulkan stands as the primary attraction at the site, notable for its remarkable height and its history as two pyramids, constructed atop each other.

This Temple is called El Castillo and is thought to have been constructed around 800 AD.

Recent studies indicate that it was constructed atop a cenote at Chichen Itza, reaching a depth of 20m, which may endanger the structure later.

Things To Do in Chichen Itza

Cenote Xtoloc

Inside the Mayan realm, numerous sacred cenotes exist, and Cenote Xtoloc is the second-biggest one to explore inside Chichen Itza.

Situated on the premises of the old city, Cenote Xtoloc is deemed sacred as it served as one of the primary freshwater sources in Chichen Itza.

It’s deep, and although you can peer over its edge inside the chasm, swimming is prohibited.

Also, Temple Xtoloc is adjacent to this cenote and named after it.

El Caracol

El Caracol also called the Astronomical Observatory, stands as a remarkable circular structure that functioned as an observatory for the Mayan civilization of ancient times.

The intentional design and accurate positioning of the windows there enabled the Mayan people to monitor the planets, stars, and various celestial objects’ movements.

Astronomy lovers, history aficionados, and individuals intrigued by old scientific accomplishments will find this Caracol a remarkably unique site.

Also, tourists fascinated by the ancient Mayan intellect and their astronomy grasp will find this structure intriguing.

Owing to the distinct acoustics in the observatory, any hand clap or whisper can create echoes that mimic the Quetzal bird's calls, enhancing the marvel of the visit.

Also, its deteriorating, round dome, featuring a spiral staircase, resembles a snail shell to some extent, though its name fails to truly reflect the Mayans' understanding of astronomy.

Mayan astronomers observed the stars and sun from this tower, which provided an elevated, clear perspective of the sky.

The Mayans highly valued the information gathered by astronomers, so El Caracol stands as an intriguing site to explore more about Mayan history and culture.

When going there, go in the late afternoon or early morning to evade the mid-day heat and crowds.

It is suggested to set aside approximately one hour to discover and enjoy this distinctive spot.

Temple of the Warriors

This ornate temple honored the Mayan fighters who battled throughout the Yucatan during Chichen Itza's peak.

It was initially unearthed around the 1920s, revealing intricately painted murals illustrating combat scenes, wars, and battles from the Mesoamerican realm.

The murals diminished when subjected to the elements, yet the temple’s striking architecture, carvings, and sculptures continue to endure.

This Temple is easily identifiable by its long columns that line the foundation of the building.

These columns shape the temple entrance with reliefs, carvings, and inscriptions depicting battles and warriors.

La Iglesia

La Iglesia's finely detailed, stone walls represent part of the earliest surviving instances of Chichen Itza Mayan architecture.

Tucked away behind El Caracol, La Iglesia may not initially seem as striking, but if you take a moment to observe, the rain deity Chaac and the intricate designs of serpents will captivate you.

To learn more about it, you will require guides who can interpret the deteriorating Mayan hieroglyphs.

Sacred Cenote

Spanning 60m (197ft) wide and plunging to nearly 30m (98ft) beneath the surface, it's clear why the Chichen Itza residents regarded the city's principal cenote as an extremely holy site.

You cannot swim in this Sacred Cenote as you will in other nearby ones, but if you stand on a clifftop that overlooks the water, you'll feel as if you've traveled back one thousand years to the era when the people of Mayan conducted their religious ceremonies there.

Archaeological dredging there has earlier revealed ceremonial items like obsidian blades and jewelry, along with human skeletons grim collection.

Note that Chichen Itza has various sacred cenotes, which are real sinkholes that were essential for Mayan religious rituals.

The most renowned cenotes, Sac Actun and Ik Kil are not just breathtakingly lovely but also possess tremendous historical and cultural importance.

The Mayans viewed these cenotes as gateways to the netherworld and channels for contacting the deities.

Nature lovers, spiritual tourists, and anyone looking for an extraordinary and revitalizing adventure in Yucatan Peninsula's pristine waters will consider the cenotes a can't-miss destination.

In order to escape the crowds, schedule your trip to these cenotes in the early morning or late afternoon.

Moreover, using your own personal snorkeling equipment can improve your adventure, enabling you to see the freshwater fish and submerged rock structures residing in the cenotes.

A typical visit to every individual cenote may last approximately one to two hours, which accounts for discovering the area and swimming.

Ik Kil

Hiding 26m (85ft) beneath the surface is the fresh, refreshing Ik Kil waters.

Located only 3km (2 miles) from the major entrance of Chichen Itza, it is among the finest places to cool off after a day of exploring the warm, sandy ruins.

Lengthy vines hang from the hollow ceiling to the waters below, as sunlight filters through the openings and crevices in the roof of the cave.

In certain areas, the water attains a 197ft (60m) depth and is astonishingly clear despite this significant depth.

When you get there, no need to stress if you left your towel behind; you're free to rent a towel at the cenote's entrance, together with a life vest and a locker.

El Castillo

A spectacular and foremost sight that welcomes visitors as they stroll along the path into Chichen Itza is the magnificent, flawlessly symmetrical El Castillo pyramid.

Rising to 79ft (24m), El Castillo stands as a lasting symbol of the civilization of Mayan.

It served as a sacred pyramid functioning as the Temple of Kukulcan, which is the feathered serpent god of Mesoamerica.

So, begin your visit to Chichen Itza at this spot, from which the remainder of the town spreads outward.

This famous step pyramid symbolizes the calendar of the Mayans through its 52 panels, 18 terraces, and 365 steps.

Its design enabled it to serve as a calendar, as the shadow of the serpent deity Kukulcan moves down the steps in the autumn and spring equinoxes, giving the appearance of a snake slithering down this pyramid.

History buffs, culture lovers, and architecture fans will really be enthralled by its magnificence.

Also, photography lovers will discover this iconic building to be an intriguing spot for their pictures.

Even families having older kids can discover and gain knowledge about this extraordinary Mayan temple history.

When going there, arrive early to evade the heat and the crowds, then think about employing a guide to explain the temple's deep history and importance.

El Castillo operates every day from 8 am, and visiting in the early morning is ideal to steer clear of heat and tour groups.

Additionally, remember to bring water and sun protection since there is little shade near the pyramid.

The typical length of a visit is approximately one to two hours, allowing for exploration and photography.

There are specific locations where guests can find the best spots for photography lovers.

Casa Colorada

In order to discover one of Chichen Itza's ancient parts, check out Casa Colorada, which features a stone structure that is rectangular and adorned with intricate carvings on a high pedestal.

Casa Colorada with the nearby structures all originate from approximately the CE 9th century, but their exact function remains uncertain.

Here, steps ascend to the structure known as the Red House, a name given due to the red artwork and writings displayed on the walls.

Its paint has largely faded away, yet this enhances the aura of antiquity that this house radiates.