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One Day in a City > Destinations > Central & South America > Mexico > Visiting the Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza, Mexico

Visiting the Kukulkan Pyramid in Chichen Itza, Mexico

November 2, 2020 By Gina
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The Kukulkan Pyramid: Chichen Itza’s Greatest Landmark

Chichen Itza is what’s left of a Mayan civilization. The remains are located about an hour from Tulum, Mexico, and are well-preserved. The most notable characteristic of visiting here is seeing the Chichen Itza Pyramid: the Kukulkan Pyramid, also referred to in Mexico as “El Castillo”. 

This pyramid became one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007 and it’s no wonder why: the pyramid has some remarkable aspects.

For starters, its many steps and crevices are still intact.

Kukulkan Pyriamid at Chichen Itza
Kukulkan Pyriamid at Chichen Itza: One of the new 7 wonders of the world.

There are some unique nature qualities incorporated into the structure, such as this one which makes a bird noise:

Chichen Itza Kukulkan Pyramid Bird Noise: See that face up there? That's a bird and when you clap it chirps and sounds just like a bird. Seriously.
See that face up there? That’s a bird and when you clap it chirps and sounds just like a bird. Seriously.

And let’s not forget what happens on the solstice here. The snake components of Kukulkan Pyramid wriggles.

Ok, not really, but the way the sun shines on the pyramid on the solstice results in the steps leading above the snake head to look like it is moving.

The "scales" going up along Kukulkan Pyramid from the snake's head look like they're slithering down at the solstice. I have a feeling Chichen Itza is super crowded on that day...
The “scales” going up along Kukulkan Pyramid from the snake’s head look like they’re slithering down at the solstice. I have a feeling Chichen Itza is super crowded on that day…

Many other building and artifacts are on display in Chichen Itza, but Kukulkan Pyramid stand out due to its size and mystique. Those Mayans were quite ingenious. Sadly, we’ll probably never know everything about their amazing, ancient civilization.

Kukulkan Pyramid incognito
Kukulkan Pyramid incognito

 

 

About Gina

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

Comments

  1. Gina says

    November 7, 2012 at

    Carla, so glad it brought back great memories! I would love to go back, too. 🙂

  2. Carla says

    October 30, 2012 at

    My very first trip abroad was to Mexico and to Chichen Itza. This brings back great memories and makes me want to go back. Love your pictures!

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