Chitzen Itza – One of the New7Wonders of the World

Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only one still exists today, the Great Pyramid of Giza. In 2001, the New7Wonders of the World were chosen from a selection of 200 existing monuments through an online vote. One of those wonders is Chitzen Itza in the Yucatan of Mexico. If you are staying in Cancun or Playa del Carmen along the Mexican Riviera, Chitzen Itza is a must-do trip and easy to do with multiple tour companies available. 

The largest and most famous structure is the pyramid known by the name the Spanish gave it, El Castillo. Not only is it impressive to behold, but its symbology is amazing. At the base of one of the stairs are two large serpent heads. They represent the god Kukulkan, the plumed serpent god worshipped by the Mayans of the Yucatan Peninsula. “During the spring and fall equinoxes, the shadow cast by the angle of the sun and edges of the nine steps of the pyramid combined with the northern stairway and the stone serpent head carvings create the illusion of a massive serpent descending the pyramid.” (Wikipedia)

Human sacrifice was part of the Mayan religious practices. As in many Mayan cities, the ball court was one of the ritual ceremonies in which someone would end up as a sacrifice to the gods. The ball court at Chitzen Itza is perhaps the largest of the Mayan ball courts. These games were played out before the upper class. 

I was surprised to learn that the captain of the winning team would willingly offer himself up for sacrifice. It was believed to be an honor and bring good fortune from the gods to the whole community. On a wall in the ball court is a frieze depicting such a “winner” with blood gushing out of his neck from a severed head. At least this is the story our guide told us. 

On the way to the ball court, there is a low wall that has many skulls around it. Each one is different and was a person who was willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the Itza community during times of drought, for example, to bring rain from the gods. Again, this is the story our guide told us. 

We were lucky to have a great tour guide. I highly recommend Amstar DMC México tour company. I booked both this tour and one to the ruins of Tulum through them and they were excellent in every way. Be aware, that Chitzen Itza is very crowded with tourists (2,000,000 a year) and there are over two thousand vendors(!) you have to walk past coming and going from the ruins. They will try to scam you with lines like, “only one dollar, almost a dollar, almost free, and so on.” Just say no and/or walk on by unless you see something you want to buy. There really are some cool souvenirs there. Also, be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat as it is very open, sunny, and hot there. 

There is much more to see and learn about at Chitzen Itza. You will find Chitzen Itza a fascinating legacy of the ancient Mayan people.