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El Castillo

Chichen Itza, Chichen Itza 97751, Mexico
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Ranked #5 of 13 attractions in Chichen Itza
Type: Ancient Ruins
Activities: Hiking
Description: A spectacular 75-foot high pyramid in the ancient Mayan city of Chichén Itzá.
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173 reviews from our community

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SanAntonio&BC
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

I visited Chichen Itza 11 years ago and again on my recent trip in April. I was stunned to find out you couldn't climb - so know that going in. Also know that there are a TON of souvenir tables and ladies selling embroidery so expect to be called out to (just ignore them). These tables and sellers do ruin... More

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sydney
Top Contributor
101 reviews 101 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
32 helpful votes 32 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 February 2013

This is an amazing structure. It is a calendar, a sun dial and many more. Make sure you get a good guide who can talk you through the wonders of this pyramid!

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See 4 more reviews by iskoolboy for Chichen Itza
New York, NY
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2013

If you've never been to Chichen Itza, you have to go. If you've already been there, skip it. I was first in Chichen Itza in 2006 and went again in 2013 because I was traveling with someone who hadn't been there. The structures are impressive, but the crowds and hundreds of vendors are distracting. This was also the most expensive... More

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Ajijic. Jalisco
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 November 2012

This structure is also no off limits to climb due to the damage that has been caused by the public to its faces. But even though it is damaged in a lot of places, it still is the most famous of all structures in Chichen Itza.

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See 4 more reviews by Marito0326 for Chichen Itza
Montpellier, France
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 November 2012

I like the complexity of the building. And fact that it standing allone, without any structure near the building. I disliked the fact that you could not climbe it any more.

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See 2 more reviews by jelle f for Chichen Itza
NJ
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 October 2012

It is a beautiful structure. I highly recommend taking a tour to see it. If you come from Riviera Maya on a tour, be aware that it is an all day event, but it is amazing & well worth it. It is better to see it with a guide than on your own, as you will miss out on alot... More

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Redwood City, California
Top Contributor
73 reviews 73 reviews
48 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 October 2012

Although not on the scale of the Giza or Saqqara pyramids in Egypt, this is one impressive structure. I've been wanting to see the inside chamber since I was a boy and was disappointed to learn visitors are no longer allowed inside. Preservation is more important than tourism.

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See 2 more reviews by paneb for Chichen Itza
Wellington, New Zealand
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
73 helpful votes 73 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 September 2012

I'd seen many photos of it, as well as images of Catherwood's lithograph, but nothing was as good as seeing it in person. It is amazing.

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Edmonton, Canada
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 August 2012

We decided to do this tour with our hotel (Transat holidays). It is honestly a full day so be prepared. You leave @ 9 a.m. Bring your runners & some water bottles because you'll be walking a lot in this heat. We went in July 2012. The guide took us around to all of the main ruins & gave us... More

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Roslyn, New York, United States
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 July 2012

Should be very interesting and enjoyable for viewers looking forward traveling to Quintana Roo or Chichén Itzá. You'll learn about its ancient history, ruins and about the ancient Mayans. I visited Cancun in July 2010 and flew Continental Airlines from EWR.

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