Things to do in Yokdzonot

Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most beautiful of the natural wells that stud the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tour the incredible Mayan ruins of nearby Chichén Itzá and then cool off with a dip in these vibrant turquoise waters. Get a sense of why the Mayans considered the cenotes to be sacred places.

El Castillo is known by a variety of names, including the "Pyramid of Kukulkan” and the "Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl." Whatever you decide to call it, it is clear that this is one of the most famous Mayan structures in the world, if not the most famous. Find this remarkable, well-preserved stepped pyramid in Chichén Itzá, the huge Mayan archaeological site that draws countless visitors to the Yucatán Peninsula each year.

Cenote Sagrado, or the Sacred Cenote, is a tranquil natural pool with a fascinating and disturbing history. Come here as part of a trip to Chichén Itzá, the ancient Mayan archaeological site located close by.

Be sure to spend some time exploring the impressive Group of the Thousand Columns during your visit to Chichén Itzá. Of all the remarkable structures that make this vast Mayan ruin one of the world’s most famous archeological wonders, the Group of the Thousand Columns is among the most instantly recognizable. Wander between the 200 pillars that give it its poetic name and imagine what this place looked like when it was first built more than 1,000 years ago.

Visit El Caracol to gain some insight into how the ancient Mayans developed such an incredibly advanced understanding of the stars. Although parts of its roof have collapsed, this beautiful building is still in very good condition. It remains one of the most famous features of the spectacular Chichén Itzá archeological site, probably the world’s best-known Mayan ruin. El Caracol is widely believed to have been an observatory of a sort, helping provide the Mayans with the astronomical knowledge that helped them structure so many of their buildings.

Gran Juego de Pelota, or the Grand Ball Court, is the largest of several impressive playing fields at Chichén Itzá that prove how much the ancient Mayans loved ball games. Walk the length of this extraordinary structure and imagine the crowds of thousands who looked on when games were played here as much as 1,000 years ago. Consider how high the stakes were for the players, who often faced brutal consequences for losing.