As someone born and raised in Mexico, visiting Chichén Itzá wasn’t just another family vacation. It felt like a homecoming. 

We planned the trip over a school break, partly to do something special together, but mostly because I had always dreamed of standing in front of the ruins I’d only ever seen in textbooks and documentaries. When I finally stood before El Castillo, the towering pyramid at the heart of the site, I felt an unexpected wave of pride. In that moment, the ancient world of the Mayans didn’t feel like distant history. It felt like part of me.

The first thing that hits you at Chichén Itzá is the scale. El Castillo rises sharply from the earth, striking against the bright blue Yucatán sky. The sun bakes the pale limestone, and its heat radiates in every direction. You hear the chatter of tour guides switching between languages, the rustle of jungle trees in the distance, and the occasional cry of a bird circling overhead. 

From the edges of the site, the smell of grilled corn and spices drifts in from food vendors, mixing with the scent of warm stone and earth. It all feels surreal like walking into a place suspended between past and present.

We wandered through the ruins for hours, sometimes listening to a guide and sometimes just exploring on our own. One of the most impressive places was the great ball court. It is hard to believe that games were once played in such a large space.

Another thing that I really enjoyed was examining the detailed carvings on the temples, but my favorite moment was when I stopped in front of the Temple of Kukulkan. Even with all the tourists around, I felt completely calm, as if the pyramid were quietly alive, breathing with the past.

Even though Chichén Itzá is an old city with great historical significance, my visit was more than just a factual experience. Chichén Itzá was a center for trade, religion, and politics. It is thought that the Temple of Kukulkan, also called El Castillo, was utilized for ceremonial occasions and astrological purposes. Chichén Itzá was named One of the Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. 
Representing a blend of Mayan and Toltec cultures, it is still one of Mexico's most popular archaeological sites, according to UNESCO.

Details

You may get to Chichén Itzá by bus, automobile, or guided tour, and it takes roughly two hours from Cancun. Although there is a sizable parking lot, by mid-morning it may be congested. As of 2024, admission costs around 614 pesos, or $35 USD for foreigners. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. 

The majority of the site is level and pedestrian, although there is not much cover from trees, and it may get extremely hot. It is no longer permitted to climb the pyramid. Visitors should be considerate, pack drinks, and wear sunscreen.

Even though it was hot and crowded, the trip left a lasting impression on me. In the greatest way possible, Chichén Itzá made me feel small. I left with a deeper sense of inspiration, humility and I felt more connected to my Mexican roots than I had ever experienced. I will always carry with me the sense of belonging to something timeless.

 
Yovani Bello is currently a freshman at Utah Valley University, majoring in Hospitality Management. Originally from Guerrero, Mexico, he enjoys playing soccer and taking his dogs on walks in his free time.