Is it disrespectful to climb Chichen Itza?

Unfortunately for visitors, no, Chichen Itza Pyramid is not allowed to climb. Luckily for all the locals and culture lovers, the main Mayan Building of Chichen Itza can’t be climbed. In this way, we contribute to preserving this sacred site. Years ago, the Chichen Itza Pyramid used to be claimed by tourists.

What is inside Castillo?

El Castillo is not unusual for having not one but two temple-pyramids inside of it—archaeologists have found earlier structures within several Mesoamerican pyramids. Once again using noninvasive imaging techniques, they found what they believe to be a cenote, or large sinkhole, below the base of El Castillo.

How many years old is Chichen Itza?

1,500 years old
The growth and development of Chichen Itza span several centuries. Most estimates put the city at well over 1,500 years old.

What was the Sacred Cenote of Chichen Itza used for in ancient times?

It’s believed that the Maya used some wells for water, taking sustenance for human life. But some, like the large Sacred Cenote at Chichén Itzá, may have been used as receptacles for treasure and human sacrifices.

Who died at Chichen Itza?

Indeed, nearby—and much better known—Chichén Itzá closed its pyramid climb in 2006 when a woman died after tumbling down on her descent. She slipped on one of the steps that had been smoothed over from thousands of visitor footsteps over the decades.

Can you go inside Chichen Itza?

No you can’t go inside or up the stairs. Children are allowed and there is a restaurant there.

Can you go inside El Castillo?

Upon entering Chichén Itzá, El Castillo (aka the Pyramid of Kukulcán) rises before you in all its grandeur. The entrance to El Túnel, the passage up to the throne, is at the base of El Castillo’s north side. You can’t go in, though.

Can you swim in the sacred cenote?

You CANNOT go up to the water or swimming in this cenote; there is no way in or out. In fact, the Mayans used to throw people in because then they couldn’t get out.

Do cenotes have dead bodies?

Certain cenotes contain a large number of human remains, including both males and females, and young children/infants. Evidence from Maya mythology suggests that many young victims (most aged 6 to 12) were male (de Anda, 2007).

Where did the people of the Itza Empire come from?

The Itza may have originated from the Classic Period city of Motul de San José near lake Peten Itza in Guatemala, migrating to Yucatán during the Maya collapse at the end of the Classic Period. From their capital at Chichén Itzá, Mexico they established a trade empire reaching as far south as Naco in Honduras.

What kind of people are the Chichen Itza?

The sacred cenote that gave its name to Chichen Itza. The Itza are a Guatemalan people of Maya affiliation. They inhabit the Petén department of Guatemala in and around the city of Flores on Lake Petén Itzá.

Who are the Itza people of the Yucatan Peninsula?

The Itza were descended from the Ah Itzá Yucatecan Maya lineage; historically they were an important Mesoamerican people who dominated the Yucatán peninsula in the Post-classic period.

Are there any fluent speakers of the Itza language?

According to the census of 2002, there are 1,983 ethnic Itza, who retain some aspects of their indigenous culture. However, the Itza language is now almost extinct. Data taken from the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) suggest there were only twelve fluent Itza speakers left in 1986 and 60 non-fluent speakers in 1991.