Car Hire Chichén Itzá - Mini guide to Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is a famous archaeological site located in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. This amazing area is the most visited archeological zone in the peninsula, due to its extraordinary architectural beauty and its superb geographic location.

The mystifying temples and pyramids of the Mayans can be found nestled in the jungles of Mexico and Guatemala, and extending into the limestone shelf of the Yucatan peninsula. The temples are laid out in such a fashion that they represent time, like an enormous calendar, and can take an entire day to see.

The Pyramid of Kukulcan (the Castle) is where both theology and astronomy come together to produce a stunning manifestation twice a year, when the shadows projected over the architectonic elements of the building resemble a serpent descending to the ground. The pyramid known as known as El Castillo is also of interest.

Juego de Pelota Principal (Principal Ball Court) is the main one of eight ball courts, and the largest games court in all of Mexico's archaeological sites. To the southeast is the Templo de los Jaguares (Temple of the Jaguars) on which you'll see carved rattlesnakes and jaguars. Tzompantli (Temple of Skulls) is in between the Temple of Jaguars and the Castle, and is where heads of those sacrificed were displayed for the Gods.

El Caracol (The Snail), named for its circular structure, is an ancient observatory and a good example of how the Maya were obsessed with time and astronomy. Chichén Viejo (old Chichén) is the oldest part of the city. The Sounds and Lights Show is worth staying for, and starts at 20:00.

There is plenty to see in the surrounding areas, including the metropolis of Mexico City and the colonial cities of Meridia, Campeche, Villahermosa and Oaxaca. You can also sun yourself at the nearby resorts of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres. Other archaeological sites include: Palenque, Tulum, Coba and Uxmal.

The drive to Chichén Itzá from Merida via federal highway 180 is just 120kms. Many charter flights fly into Merida, or travellers can take a four-hour bus ride from Cancun. Visitors can also reach Chichén Itzá from Merida using public bus lines that depart approximately every hour. You can stay at Chichén Itzá, Piste (1.6kms beyond the ruins) or Valladolid (40kms beyond the ruins).