Chichen Itza Snake
Defined by the Spanish as El Castillo (The Castle), this remarkable Pyramid was actually constructed between 8th and 12th centuries, nearly 900-1300 years ago, by the Maya. Its revered name pays homage to Kukulcan, their beloved feathered serpent deity.
Twice a year, individuals from around the world travel to Chichen Itza to witness an incredible phenomenon. Through precise alignment with the angle of the sun at both equinoxes, visitors can view Kukulcan’s shadow as it snakes up and down the Pyramid – a testament to Maya construction that still stands today!
.
.
Read Next:
The Aztecs revered the Feathered Serpent deity, Quetzacoatl, as a symbol of dualism. They believed that this creature embodied both sky and earth with its wings propelling it upwards while also slithering along the ground amongst other animals.
When you visit the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza in Mexico, you can experience a remarkable astronomical phenomenon that was intentionally designed by the architects who constructed El Castillo ages ago. This spectacle is known as ‘The Descent of Kukulcán’, or simply the feathered serpent!
While descending down the steps of El Castillo—more commonly referred to as The Kukulcán Pyramid—this majestic creature appears to have come straight from another world. Visiting Chichen Itza during the vernal and autumn equinoxes of 2022 promises an unforgettable experience.
On March 20th and September 22nd, precisely at 3:45PM all visitors can witness a unique phenomenon that lasts for days leading to each event. With our self-guided tour you’ll get a comprehensive look of this ancient city while being part of this incredible spectacle – don’t miss it!
Toltecs descended upon the Mayan Peninsula, leaving behind a trail of destruction and mayhem. Unprepared for war, the Itzaes had no choice but to surrender their city with very little opposition. Not long after this occupation, it became apparent why Toltec warriors were so determined: they believed that Quetzalcoatl – whom then Itzaes would come to call Kukulcán – was leading them on a sacred mission.
On the days of the equinox, thousands of people from all over the Mayan Peninsula gathered to witness their grand god, Kukulcán, descending Earth. One can only imagine how they felt as he descended down each step of his Pyramid- an experience made even more powerful by its acoustics and sound effects that were purposely designed to astound! To fully appreciate this incredible moment in time, you have to see it yourself – so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Read Next:
The Mayan architects were truly remarkable, not just for their knowledge of astronomical events but also for their ability to create a lasting impression with the design. Utilizing this expertise, they correctly placed the Pyramid in order to achieve a descending 10-story serpent effect. To give it further shape and dimension, they incorporated stairs that cast shadows, forming its body while adding a sculpted head at the bottom which aligned with its descent—talk about precision engineering!
.
.
The step pyramid, standing 30 meters tall (or 99 feet), is a breathtaking architectural achievement. This majestic structure consists of four stairways adorned with 91 steps each that lead up to the temple at its peak. An incredible feat? Absolutely – what’s more, all 365 steps represent the exact number of days within one Mayan Haab’ year! Truly remarkable in every aspect, this marvel stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human creativity and engineering prowess.
The Pyramid of Chichen Itza is an awe-inspiring relic, boasting a base width of 53.3 meters (175 feet) on each side – and Action Tour Guide can help you get there! This nine staged structure that has stairs on both sides represents the 18 months within the Mayan Calendar year, and many people predicted 2012 to be doomsday because of this very calendar. If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience without leaving Earth, visiting The Pyramid of Chichen Itza should definitely make it onto your list!
Contrary to popular belief, the Mayan calendar is not predicting that our world will end. Rather, it simply declares a new cycle starting when this one ends – and thankfully so! Furthermore, Kukulkan Pyramid stands at an intersection of four impressive cenotes: Sacred Cenote Chichen Itza (north), Xtoloc (south), Kanjiyum (east) and Holtún (west). These awe-inspiring sites are accessible throughout your Action Tour Guide self-guided journey.
The Chichen Itza pyramid stands out with its angled eastern and western sides that perfectly align with the sunrise and sunset. This precision allows it to act as a complex ancient diary, linking back to important Mesoamerican sites while correlating actual calendar events such as planting or harvesting. Its intricate design was so extraordinary that this Mayan archaeological site became designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
On the Spring Equinox at 3:45 PM on March 21, 2021, you can observe Kukulcán’s mesmerizing descent from atop the steps of El Castillo in Chichen Itza. As daylight fades away along with the sun’s path, its body will move down each step until all are shadow-filled – save for its head that shines brightly in sunlight until it too is shrouded by shadows. An enduring spectacle as seen through countless generations and still drawing crowds today – this event is one not to be missed! Make sure to add witnessing Kukulcán’s descent onto your bucket list!
Recognized and frequented internationally, the Mayan archaeological site in Mexico should not be overlooked during your travels! Allow Action Tour Guide’s self-guided tour to take you through this essential location while ensuring that you also get to experience all it has to offer.
Referred to as the El Caracol due to its impressive spiral staircase, you won’t want to miss viewing this notable Mayan calendar of Venus’ cycle.
The Mayan term ‘Chichen Itza’ translates to ‘mouth of the well,’ which is precisely what a cenote is – an all-natural well. This particular site was utilized for human sacrifices and offerings of great wealth! With all this history in tow, it’s no surprise that Chichen Itza has been added to the Seven Wonders of the World list. So if you’re looking for something wonderful yet ancient to explore on your travels, be sure you add Chichen Itza as must-see stop!
If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore Chichen Itza without being subjected to the hustle and bustle of a crowded guided tour, then our self-guided walking tour is perfect for you! Upon purchase, your tour will be accessible instantaneously and includes an offline map. With this option, you’ll have 30 days from your selected travel date in which to utilize it—so if plans happen to change or bumble around, you don’t need worry. Enjoy Kukulcán’s grandeur on your terms at a time that suits you – There simply isn’t another experience like it!
Read Next:
Defined by the Spanish as El Castillo (The Castle), this remarkable Pyramid was actually constructed between 8th and 12th centuries, nearly 900-1300 years ago, by the Maya. Its revered name pays homage to Kukulcan, their beloved feathered serpent deity.
Twice a year, individuals from around the world travel to Chichen Itza to witness an incredible phenomenon. Through precise alignment with the angle of the sun at both equinoxes, visitors can view Kukulcan’s shadow as it snakes up and down the Pyramid – a testament to Maya construction that still stands today!
Read Next:
The Aztecs revered the Feathered Serpent deity, Quetzacoatl, as a symbol of dualism. They believed that this creature embodied both sky and earth with its wings propelling it upwards while also slithering along the ground amongst other animals.
When you visit the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza in Mexico, you can experience a remarkable astronomical phenomenon that was intentionally designed by the architects who constructed El Castillo ages ago. This spectacle is known as ‘The Descent of Kukulcán’, or simply the feathered serpent!
While descending down the steps of El Castillo—more commonly referred to as The Kukulcán Pyramid—this majestic creature appears to have come straight from another world. Visiting Chichen Itza during the vernal and autumn equinoxes of 2022 promises an unforgettable experience. On March 20th and September 22nd, precisely at 3:45PM all visitors can witness a unique phenomenon that lasts for days leading to each event. With our self-guided tour you’ll get a comprehensive look of this ancient city while being part of this incredible spectacle – don’t miss it!
Toltecs descended upon the Mayan Peninsula, leaving behind a trail of destruction and mayhem. Unprepared for war, the Itzaes had no choice but to surrender their city with very little opposition. Not long after this occupation, it became apparent why Toltec warriors were so determined: they believed that Quetzalcoatl – whom then Itzaes would come to call Kukulcán – was leading them on a sacred mission.
On the days of the equinox, thousands of people from all over the Mayan Peninsula gathered to witness their grand god, Kukulcán, descending Earth. One can only imagine how they felt as he descended down each step of his Pyramid- an experience made even more powerful by its acoustics and sound effects that were purposely designed to astound! To fully appreciate this incredible moment in time, you have to see it yourself – so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
The Mayan architects were truly remarkable, not just for their knowledge of astronomical events but also for their ability to create a lasting impression with the design. Utilizing this expertise, they correctly placed the Pyramid in order to achieve a descending 10-story serpent effect. To give it further shape and dimension, they incorporated stairs that cast shadows, forming its body while adding a sculpted head at the bottom which aligned with its descent—talk about precision engineering!
The step pyramid, standing 30 meters tall (or 99 feet), is a breathtaking architectural achievement. This majestic structure consists of four stairways adorned with 91 steps each that lead up to the temple at its peak. An incredible feat? Absolutely – what’s more, all 365 steps represent the exact number of days within one Mayan Haab’ year! Truly remarkable in every aspect, this marvel stands as an awe-inspiring testament to human creativity and engineering prowess.
The Pyramid of Chichen Itza is an awe-inspiring relic, boasting a base width of 53.3 meters (175 feet) on each side – and Action Tour Guide can help you get there! This nine staged structure that has stairs on both sides represents the 18 months within the Mayan Calendar year, and many people predicted 2012 to be doomsday because of this very calendar. If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience without leaving Earth, visiting The Pyramid of Chichen Itza should definitely make it onto your list!
Contrary to popular belief, the Mayan calendar is not predicting that our world will end. Rather, it simply declares a new cycle starting when this one ends – and thankfully so! Furthermore, Kukulkan Pyramid stands at an intersection of four impressive cenotes: Sacred Cenote Chichen Itza (north), Xtoloc (south), Kanjiyum (east) and Holtún (west). These awe-inspiring sites are accessible throughout your Action Tour Guide self-guided journey.
The Chichen Itza pyramid stands out with its angled eastern and western sides that perfectly align with the sunrise and sunset. This precision allows it to act as a complex ancient diary, linking back to important Mesoamerican sites while correlating actual calendar events such as planting or harvesting. Its intricate design was so extraordinary that this Mayan archaeological site became designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
On the Spring Equinox at 3:45 PM on March 21, 2021, you can observe Kukulcán’s mesmerizing descent from atop the steps of El Castillo in Chichen Itza. As daylight fades away along with the sun’s path, its body will move down each step until all are shadow-filled – save for its head that shines brightly in sunlight until it too is shrouded by shadows. An enduring spectacle as seen through countless generations and still drawing crowds today – this event is one not to be missed! Make sure to add witnessing Kukulcán’s descent onto your bucket list!
Recognized and frequented internationally, the Mayan archaeological site in Mexico should not be overlooked during your travels! Allow Action Tour Guide’s self-guided tour to take you through this essential location while ensuring that you also get to experience all it has to offer.
Referred to as the El Caracol due to its impressive spiral staircase, you won’t want to miss viewing this notable Mayan calendar of Venus’ cycle.
The Mayan term ‘Chichen Itza’ translates to ‘mouth of the well,’ which is precisely what a cenote is – an all-natural well. This particular site was utilized for human sacrifices and offerings of great wealth! With all this history in tow, it’s no surprise that Chichen Itza has been added to the Seven Wonders of the World list. So if you’re looking for something wonderful yet ancient to explore on your travels, be sure you add Chichen Itza as must-see stop!
If you’re looking for an affordable way to explore Chichen Itza without being subjected to the hustle and bustle of a crowded guided tour, then our self-guided walking tour is perfect for you! Upon purchase, your tour will be accessible instantaneously and includes an offline map. With this option, you’ll have 30 days from your selected travel date in which to utilize it—so if plans happen to change or bumble around, you don’t need worry. Enjoy Kukulcán’s grandeur on your terms at a time that suits you – There simply isn’t another experience like it!
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
© SmartXpat All Rights Reserved 2022
