So you’ve decided to visit Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. As you walk around the ancient Mayan city, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the massive step pyramid called El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid of Kukulcan.
At nearly 100 feet high, with 91 steps on each of its four sides, climbing to the top seems like a must-do to get those iconic shots for your Instagram. But before you start scrambling up those steep stairs, you may want to know the truth about whether it is actually allowed to climb the iconic Chichen Itza pyramid.
The History of Climbing Chichen Itza's Famous Pyramid
The iconic Pyramid of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza was open for climbing for decades, with tourists eagerly scaling the 91 steps of each of its four sides to reach the top platform.
Can you climb Chichen Itza Kukulkan pyramid?
No, since 2008 climbing the pyramid has been prohibited in order to preserve the ancient structure.
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Pyramid of Kukulcan sees over 2 million visitors each year. According to INAH, the pyramid’s limestone steps were being eroded and damaged over time by the thousands of visitors climbing it each year. Cracks were appearing, and parts of the stone were crumbling. To preserve this Maya masterpiece for future generations, Mexican officials made the tough but necessary call to prohibit climbing.
While some visitors are disappointed they can no longer climb to the top of this Wonder of the World, the sacrifice of this experience is worth preserving Chichen Itza’s historic legacy. There are still many other areas of the archeological site that remain open for exploration and will allow you to connect with the grandeur and mysticism of the Maya.
So if climbing Chichen Itza’s pyramid is on your bucket list, you’ll have to live vicariously through photos and videos from before the ban. But with an up-close view from the ground, you can still appreciate the impressive scale, geometry, and symbolic significance of this ancient masterpiece.
Don’t climb Chichen Itza structures. Preservation comes first!
While some tourists complain about the rule, safeguarding Chichen Itza’s architectural and cultural heritage must come before recreation. The pyramids were not built for climbing in the first place – they were sacred religious structures. Scaling the 91 steep steps can be dangerous too, especially in the heat and humidity of the Yucatan.
Instead of risking a fall or fine, you can fully appreciate the Pyramid of Kukulcan from the ground. Take in its immense size, symmetrical geometry and symbolic details. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, you can even see an amazing “snake” shadow descend the northern staircase. Now that’s a wonder worth witnessing!
Though you may never reach its summit, the Pyramid of Kukulcan still inspires awe and stirs the imagination. By protecting it from further wear and tear, Mexico has ensured that the beauty and mysteries of this Maya masterpiece will endure for generations to come.
What You Can Do Instead of Climbing at Chichen Itza
Instead of climbing the Pyramid of Kukulcan, there are other interesting things you can experience at Chichen Itza.
Explore the Other Structures
Chichen Itza contains many other structures beyond just the pyramid. Check out the Ball Court, the largest in Mesoamerica. See the Skull Platform, showing the importance of human sacrifice in Mayan culture. The High Priests’ Grave and the Nunnery are also fascinating to explore.
The Sacred Cenote is a natural sinkhole the Mayans believed was a portal to the underworld. Sacrifices and offerings were thrown into the cenote during Mayan times. Today you can walk down a winding path to a viewing platform to peer into the cenote’s murky blue-green waters. It’s an eerie yet captivating sight.
Check Out the Light Show
At night, Chichen Itza hosts a light night show that illuminates the monuments. Watch as the pyramid and ball court are bathed in vibrant colors that bring the ruins to life. The show is a spectacular way to see the site in a whole new light, so to speak.
Tour Ek Balam Instead
If climbing a pyramid is a must, head to Ek Balam, about an hour from Chichen Itza. Ek Balam also has well-preserved ruins, including a massive pyramid you’re allowed to climb. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360° view of the dense Yucatan jungle. The smaller crowds at Ek Balam also mean you can take your time exploring without being rushed.
There are so many amazing things to experience at Chichen Itza beyond just climbing the pyramid. Take your time exploring all the ruins, cenotes and shows this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. You won’t regret it!
So, while you may be tempted to scale the steps of the Pyramid of Kukulkan, resist the urge. The pyramid is off limits for climbing to preserve this ancient wonder and ensure it lasts for future generations. Instead, admire it from afar and reflect on the engineering marvels of the Maya. Though you can’t climb it, the Pyramid of Kukulkan remains an awe-inspiring sight and a glimpse into a mysterious ancient civilization. If you make the journey to Chichen Itza, appreciate this pyramid and its secrets from the ground. Some mysteries are best left unsolved, and this is one wonder of the world better observed than conquered.
