We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 11 Chichen Itza Attractions »

El Castillo

Chichen Itza, Chichen Itza 97751, Mexico
4.5 of 5 stars 118 Reviews
Type: Ancient Ruins
Activities: Hiking
Description: A spectacular 75-foot high pyramid in the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá.
Update attraction details
Write a Review

118 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    79
    29
    8
    2
    0
Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2012 NEW

The ruines are nice, good historical place. Looks like a market place now, everybody wants to sell you a sh!t and you cant enjoy it completely. Souvenirs are cheaper there than in Cancun though. The night show is not worth it for non-spanish speaking people. The lights and sounds are not impressive, and no english version. Very disappointing. The show... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
British Columbia, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2012 NEW

On my first visit to Cancun we went to Chichen Itza with a bus tour. I personally think it was worth going on a organized tour as it was quite a drive from Cancun and would be even farther from the Playa del Carmen area! If you go to the Tulum ruins I would just do a self tour as... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
slovakia
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

if I compare total atmosphere at Uxmal, Chichen itzá is one noisy market with souveniers and historical artefacts are on the second place. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
YORKSHIRE
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

This site has great history so pick a good guide to take you round, Tip: arrive as early as possible to avoid the heat and the large groups. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Manchester
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2012

Now tourists are not allowed to climb the steps due to vandalism! Such a shame as this Castillo is truly magnificent, so much detail went into this building and on certain days of the year at certain times you can see an illusion as though snakes are sliding down the steps. The Mayans were truly amazing architects. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Wiesbaden, Germany
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 8, 2012

Chichen Itzá (accent on the last letter) is truly a world wonder. If you can only visit one mayan city, choose this one. It´s divided in two distinct areas, about a 3 hour visit. Choose a good guide and tell him/her, what it is that you want to see and at what depth. I visited with 2 small children and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
mission hills, ca
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2012

My family went to Cancun because of Chichen Itza! To our great disappointment, we couldn't climb it anymore. It is still grand and w/ great history. There are a lot of peddlers on the streets w/c we didn't mind. Just know how to haggle for a good price. Don't forget a cool drink, a good hat, a great camera, comfortable... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

Having been to a number of key Mayan ruins in the last couple of weeks, I would have to say my preference would leant to Palenque or Monte Alban, but Chichen Itza is till amazing. Yes, there are many stalls / vendors asking you to buy but I did not find them too persistent. The place is very crowded with... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
bellevue
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2012

This is the second time we visited Chichen Itza, the first with a tour bus and guide, this time by driving without guide. Since the last, you can't climb the pyramid, bring a tripod, walk amongst the columns, and the number of touts has increased exponentially, but the park is larger with more ruins on display. Taking advice from this... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
63 helpful votes 63 helpful votes
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

While we visited the "Instituto Nacional de Antropología y Historia" in Mexico DF, we were very lucky to run into a group of students from the university, who were on a field trip with their professor, Hendrik. A Polish guy who simply was a great expert regarding the old cultures in Mexico. We moved along the group from 1 pm.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes

Travelers who viewed El Castillo also viewed

Kukulcan Pyramid
5 of 5 stars 83 Reviews
Chichen Itza, Yucatan
Maya Transfers Chichen Itza Ruins Day Tour
4.5 of 5 stars 1,029 Reviews
Chichen Itza, Yucatan
 
Gran Juego de Pelota
4.5 of 5 stars 32 Reviews
Chichen Itza, Yucatan
Sacred Cenote
4 of 5 stars 31 Reviews
Chichen Itza, Yucatan
 

Been to El Castillo? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage El Castillo, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »