Can Tourist Climb The Mayan Temple Chichen Itza?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Did you used to be able to climb Chichen Itza?


You are no longer able to climb the ruins at Chichen Itza

and have not been able to for several years now. You are still able to climb Coba and Ek Balam, both of which are only partially excavated/restored and well worth visiting.

When did they stop allowing people to climb 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 the temple at Chichen Itza?


No you can’t go inside or up the stairs

. Children are allowed and there is a restaurant there.

Can you climb El Castillo Chichen?

El Castillo, the largest and most famous pyramid at Chichen Itza,

cannot be climbed

. However, Nohoch Mul, the largest pyramid in the Yucatan Peninsula, can be climbed at the nearby Coba ruins.

Why is Chichen Itza closed?

Federal authorities have decided to close the Chichén Itzá Maya ruin site in neighboring Yucatan state April 1-4

to avoid the spread of the coronavirus

. The sprawling temple complex is Mexico’s second-most-visited archaeological site, and it usually draws about 1.8 million visitors a year.

Are the Mayan ruins safe to visit?

Major ruin sites such as Chichen Itza, Tulum and Tikal do have security, are open only to those who have payed the fee and are nowhere near as dangerous as some of the large cities, but wise visitors still take simple precautions to reduce the chance of theft spoiling their trip.

Why are you not allowed to climb the pyramids?

Climbing the pyramids is also banned because

it’s exceedingly dangerous

, and typically anyone caught scaling the pyramids face up to three years in an Egyptian jail. This wasn’t Ciesielski’s first climbing stunt.

Can you climb the pyramids?

The short answer is no –

you are not legally allowed to climb the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Giza

. In fact, there are reportedly strict rules against scaling pyramids, and you can even be sent to prison for three years. The entire site is out of bounds after 5pm, with guards patrolling the area.

Can you climb pyramids Mexico?

Pyramids to Climb in Mexico

The pyramids and temples are common at most of the ancient Mayan sites around Yucatan and Quintana Roo but to prevent injury and damage to them many are roped off and

you can’t climb

. There are though 3 that you can climb. Coba, Uxmal and one in Izamal.

Can you climb the pyramid at Tulum?

By “climbing the ruins” what folks mean is that

you can climb one pyramid at Coba (the highest in the region) and at Ek Balam

. The rest are off limits, just like all the structures at Tulum and Chichen Itza. Back in the day you could climb all the structures at all the sites.

What’s inside the pyramid at Chichen Itza?

Further excavations revealed that it had

nine platforms, a single stairway, and a temple containing human remains, a jade-studded jaguar throne, and a so-called Chac Mool

. The Chac Mool is a type of Maya sculpture of an abstract male figure reclining and holding a bowl used as a receptacle for sacrifices.

Is it safe to visit Chichen Itza?


It’s safe to visit Chichen Itza

. It’s a fantastic place to see if you have never seen it before and you are interested in archeology and history. But keep in mind that you are not allowed to climb the pyramid or any other buildings. You are not even allowed to come close to the buildings.

Is Chichen Itza Open 2021?


Chichen Itza will reopen its doors on March 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

, in compliance with sanitary regulations. According to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Chichen Itza will be closed on March 20, 21 and 22 during Equinox 2021. The archaeological site will close its doors on these days.

Is Chichen Itza worth visiting?

Chichén Itzá is one of the new seven wonders of the world, and one of the most popular destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico.

The Mayan site is definitely worth a visit

, and although it can get horrendously busy, follow these tips and you’ll get the most out of your trip!

What are 5 interesting facts about Chichen Itza?

  • This famous Mayan site may not be entirely Mayan.
  • Chichen Itza gets its name from a cenote nearby.
  • The main pyramid nests multiple smaller pyramids inside it.
  • Monuments of Chichen Itza were astronomically aligned.
  • The Serpent God, Kukulkan descends on the pyramid twice every year.

How old are the ruins at Chichen Itza?

History Type Cultural Criteria i, ii, iii Designated

1988

(12th session)
Reference no. 483

Do you have to wear masks at Chichen Itza?


Yes

, you can still visit Chichén Itzá as long as you follow their COVID guidelines. This includes wearing a face mask inside the archeological zone and keeping six feet from others. Sadly, tourists not adhering to face mask rules have caused officials to close the site temporarily such as during Holy Week (April 1-4).

Is Chichen Itza open May 2021?


Chichen Itza will be closed during the 2021 Equinox

The spring is coming and a lot of sacred sites filled with tons of people that want to begin the new season in a special place such as Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Machu Picchu among others.

Is Chichen Itza open April 2021?


Chichen Itza remains closed during Easter Weekend

The site will reopen on April 5, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., following the sanitary protocols (sanitary measures, limited capacity, reduced groups, wearing a face mask, etc.) in order to guarantee the health of visitors and those who work in the archaeological zone.

What is the oldest Mayan ruin?

The oldest and largest known monument built by the Mayan civilisation has been found in Mexico. Called

Aguada Fénix

, it is a huge raised platform 1.4 kilometres long. Aguada Fénix was built around 1000 BC, centuries before the Maya began constructing their famous stepped pyramids.

Is Riviera Maya safe right now?

Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City, and Cabo San Lucas all

remain safe

so do not allow the current Mexico travel warning to scare you into not visiting Mexico.

Which is the best Mayan ruin to visit?

  1. Chichén Itzá El Castillo, Chichen Itza. …
  2. Tulum. Tulum ruins on the beach. …
  3. Coba. The Mayan Nohoch Mul pyramid in Coba. …
  4. Palenque. Temple of the Inscriptions, Palenque. …
  5. Calakmul. Calakmul. …
  6. Bonampak. Painted walls in Bonampak. …
  7. Ek’ Balam. Jaguar mouth on the Acropolis, Ek’ Balam. …
  8. Uxmal.

Why can’t you look at the rear of the Sphinx?

What is the punishment for climbing the pyramids?

Climbing the pyramids is also banned because it’s exceedingly dangerous, and typically anyone caught scaling the pyramids face

up to three years in an Egyptian jail

.

Are you allowed to touch the pyramids?


Yes, you can

. But it’s not as exciting as getting inside the tombs at the Valley of the Kings. Most guides will tell you that you need to pay extra to get inside the pyramids, but it’s only partially true. There is one pyramid that’s included in your ticket price.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.