Chichen Itza Tickets
Chichén Itzá

Temple of Kukulkan

Timings

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Chichén Itzá pyramid in Cancún, Mexico, with tourists exploring the ancient Mayan site.
























































Temple of Kukulkan – The Feathered Serpent Pyramid of Chichén Itzá

The Temple of Kukulkan, or El Castillo, stands as the most striking monument of Chichén Itzá. It's a step-pyramid that reflects the astronomical and architectural mastery of the Maya civilization. This sacred temple is both a religious icon and a celestial marvel, symbolizing the connection between the heavens, earth, and underworld.

Where is it located?

At the heart of Chichén Itzá in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, forming the focal point of the ancient ceremonial city.

How to access?

Access to the Temple of Kukulkan is included in all standard Chichén Itzá entry tickets. It’s one of the first landmarks you’ll encounter on the Main Circuit route from the site’s central plaza.

Things to know before booking Temple of Kukulkan tickets

  • Access to the Temple of Kukulkan, also known as the El Castillo, is included in all tickets to Chichén Itzá. This means you get to see this iconic structure no matter how you decide to visit the site.
  • If self-paced exploration is your cup of tea, the skip-the-line tickets to the site are your best option. With all local taxes and fees included, you can simply glide past the long queues and explore the site on your own.
  • Looking forward to insights from a local expert? Booking a guided tour is a great option. It gives you the flexibility to choose one during sunrise for early access to the site or a walking tour of the site with no more than 15 people per group.
  • Got a whole day to spend? Why not go on a day trip that takes you to the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichén Itzá along with other sites such as Ek' Balam, Valladolid, or a cenote for a refreshing mid-day dip? These tours are available from multiple starting points, including Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, giving you plenty of flexibility.

Why visit the Temple of Kukulkan

Crowd gathered at Chichen Itza during equinox, observing serpent shadow on pyramid.

Must-see highlights: The 30-meter-tall pyramid features 365 steps, one for each day of the solar year, and is aligned with the sun to produce a serpent-like shadow on the equinoxes.

Current use: A ceremonial and archaeological landmark attracting scholars and travelers from around the world.

Unique fact: The pyramid conceals two older temples within, each representing different phases of Mayan civilization.

Exploring inside the Temple of Kukulkan

Stone steps and red murals inside the Jaguar Palace, Teotihuacan, Mexico.
Chichén Itzá pyramid in Cancún, Mexico, with tourists exploring the ancient Mayan site.
Chichen Itza's El Castillo pyramid in Yucatán, Mexico, with serpent sculpture in foreground.
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The hidden inner pyramid

Archaeologists uncovered two inner structures beneath the main temple, revealing the layered evolution of architecture and culture at Chichén Itzá.

The phenomenon of the serpentine shadow

On the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight creates a mesmerizing serpent-shadow slithering down the northern stairway—symbolizing the god Kukulkan descending to Earth.

Sacred symbolism and alignment

Every design element, from the pyramid’s terraces to its cardinal alignment, showcases Mayan expertise in mathematics and astronomy, marking seasonal cycles and agricultural rituals.

Architectural highlights of the Temple of Kukulkan

Chichen Itza pyramid under a clear blue sky in Mexico.

The structure of the step-pyramid

Built between the 9th and 12th centuries, the pyramid combines Mayan and Toltec styles. Each of its four stairways has 91 steps along with the the platform, making a total of 365.

Pyramid of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza, Mexico, under a clear blue sky.

Astronomical precision

The temple’s orientation captures solar events with breathtaking accuracy, reinforcing the importance of astronomy in Mayan religious life. More specifically, the spring and autumn equinoxes reveal the shadow of a serpent making its way to pyramid's base.

Kukulkan pyramid maintenance work at Chichén Itzá, Yucatan, Mexico.

Layered construction

The discovery of inner temples confirms that Kukulkan was built atop earlier iterations, symbolizing renewal and continuity in Mayan cosmology.

Historical and cultural significance of the Temple of Kukulkan

Constructed in honor of the feathered serpent deity Kukulkan, the temple served as both a religious sanctuary and a cosmic calendar. Its dual Mayan-Toltec design reflects a period of cultural fusion and expansion during the 10th century. Chichén Itzá was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, and El Castillo was declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

History of Chichén Itzá

Know before you go to the Temple of Kukulkan

Aerial view of Chichen Itza with El Castillo pyramid surrounded by lush greenery.

Timings: The timings to see the Temple of Kukulkan are the same as those of Chichén Itzá, which is between 8am and 5pm. Last entry is at 4pm.

Location: The Temple of Kukulkan is located within Chichén Itzá. It's address is 97751 Yucatan, Mexico | Find on Google Maps

Rules:

  • Climbing the pyramid is strictly prohibited.
  • You're not allowed to litter the site, or use tripods or selfie sticks to photograph it.
Plan your visit to Chichén Itzá
Tourists with guide in front of Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico.
  • If you want your trip to Chichén Itzá and the Temple of Kukulkan to be one for the memory books, you should aim to visit during the spring (21 March) and autumn (23 September) equinoxes. This is when the shadows formed by the structure and its play with the setting sun reveal the serpent slithering down the pyramid’s steps. 
  • If you’ve booked skip-the-line tickets to the site, the best route that covers the El Castillo at the very beginning is the Main Circuit. Our map page also gives you a breakdown of the three different circuits you can follow to cover the site’s major highlights.
  • Carry adequate cash, including smaller denominations in the Mexican Peso to account for tips, food, and & drinks, or any souvenirs you buy. 
  • Got a backpack with you, but don’t want to carry it around? You’ll find lockers near the entrance that you can rent for $40 MXN for the duration of your visit. 

Frequently asked questions about the Temple of Kukulkan

What is special about the Temple of Kukulkan?

The key highlight of the Temple of Kukulkan, or the El Castillo, is its alignment with the setting sun during the spring and fall equinoxes. The play of light casts a serpentine shadow coming down the northern staircase, symbolizing Kukulkan descending to Earth.

How many stairs does the Temple of Kukulkan have?

The Temple of Kukulkan has a total of 365 stairs, with 91 on each side. This symbolizes the total number of days in a solar year.

When was the Temple of Kukulkan built?

The Temple of Kukulkan was built between the 9th and 12th centuries, combining both the Mayan and Toltec styles. This makes it nearly 1,000 years old.

When was the Temple of Kukulkan designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World?

The Temple of Kukulkan was designated one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007. However, the entire site is revered for its architectural genius and cultural value, as a result of which it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1988.

Which is the best time to visit the Temple of Kukulkan?

You should aim to visit the Temple of Kukulkan in Chichén Itzá during the spring or fall equinoxes (21 March or 23 September). This is when the serpentine shadow is clearly visible and is among the most iconic highlights at the site.

Can you climb the stairs at the Temple of Kukulkan?

No, climbing the stairs at the temple is strictly prohibited to help protect the structure. Similarly, littering the site is not allowed.

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