Today we visited Chichen Itza, the most well-known and most visited Mayan ruins site in Mexico. By staying overnight in nearby Piste, we could explore this archaeological wonder before the sun became too hot and before the day-trippers from Cancun arrived.

Beating the Crowds at Chichen Itza

With over a million visitors per year, the ruins of Chichen Itza are always crowded. The only chance to beat the insanely large crowds is to arrive as early as possible when the site opens at 8:00 AM.

And it worked! We arrived at the ruins shortly before they opened. After paying our admission fee (254 pesos per person, about $14 USD), we were among the first to pass the main gate and explore one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The feeling of being nearly alone to discover this expansive site was incredible. We saw the ruins as only few could experience them. Over 3,500 tourists would invade the serenity of Chichen Itza later that same day!

Temple of Kukulkan: El Castillo

After entering the ruins, the first structure we encountered was the 30-meter-tall Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo (the castle). This famous landmark is the pyramid illustrated in every photograph of Chichen Itza. Built in the heart of the ancient city, the breathtaking structure is the star of the show - doubtless the reason why Chichen Itza became a Wonder of the World.

The Mayas were incredibly advanced in mathematics, astronomy, and had already mastered time. For example, each staircase along the four sides of the Temple of Kukulkan is made of 91 stone steps. Adding them together plus the platform at the top gives a total of 365 - the number of days in a year.

After soaking up the incredible architectural design of this Maya jewel, we moved on to explore more Mayan ruins.

The Great Ball Court (Juego de Pelota)

Chichen Itza contains the largest ball court of any discovered Mayan site. Bounded by tall walls, the 150-meter long court is longer than any modern-day football field. The ancient players would throw a small rubber ball through the opposing team's ring using only their knees, hips, elbows and heads - hands were not allowed! It's still debated whether the winners or losers were sacrificed after the game!

Plaza of a Thousand Columns

We wandered amongst the exquisitely restored and impressive structures, enjoying every minute. The buildings are the legacy of thousands of very skilled Mayan craftsmen including sculptors, weavers, jewellers and potters.

Exploring Beyond the Main Attractions

By 9:40 AM, vendors had arrived. "Hola amigo, un dollar, un dollar". "Good price, good price". They can be persistent and they're everywhere. The crowds were also getting gradually bigger. Therefore, we ventured into the less popular sections of the site where we found El Caracol (the Observatory). Tour buses don't have time to explore these sections. Once again, we could enjoy Chichen Itza in a peaceful and more relaxed atmosphere.

Temple of the Skulls (Tzompantli)

The Temple of the Skulls features intricate carvings depicting rows of human skulls. This platform was used in ceremonies and serves as a reminder of the Maya civilization's complex rituals and beliefs.

Osario Temple (Tomb of the High Priest)

The Osario Temple is another impressive pyramid structure. While smaller than El Castillo, it features similar architectural elements and offers insight into the sacred burial practices of Maya nobility.

Our Chichen Itza Experience

Chichen Itza is a magnificent and exceptional ruins site. The site is absolutely worth visiting, but avoiding the crowds makes it even more spectacular. That would be our best advice: spend a night in Piste. The small village is quiet and has limited entertainment, but it gives you a critical head start to appreciate this New Wonder of the World in peace.

Don't stick only to the main buildings like El Castillo. Explore every section and you'll be amazed by structures like the Temple of the Skulls or the detailed carvings of La Iglesia.

Have you visited Chichen Itza? Did you arrive early to beat the crowds? Which structure impressed you the most - El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, or perhaps El Caracol? Did you visit the nearby Cenote Ik Kil for a swim? Leave us your comments below. We would love to hear from you.

Chichen Itza truly deserves its status as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The architectural achievements of the Maya civilization are breathtaking. Our strategy of staying in Piste and arriving at opening time made all the difference - we experienced the majesty of El Castillo and the Great Ball Court in peaceful tranquility. If you visit Chichen Itza, make the effort to arrive early. It's absolutely worth it!