The archaeological site of Chichén Itzá is one of the absolute must-sees on your visit to the Riviera Maya, and las Noches de Kukulkán – a chance to visit the Temple of Kukulkán by night – add a whole new dimension to the experience.
The Chichén Itzá archaeological complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and one of the New Seven Wonder of the World in 2007, contains one of the most impressive architectural achievements of Mayan civilisation, the Temple of Kukulkán, dedicated to the Mayan’s principal deity. Twice a year, during the spring and fall equinox, the magical interplay of light and shade as the sun strikes this ingeniously-designed step pyramid creates the image of a serpent, which slowly wriggles down one of the staircases, a representation of the divine feathered serpent.
Today, this pyramid is the setting for the stunning Noches de Kukulkán, a show that creatively combines all the elements of Mayan cosmology, exploring their meaning and sharing their grandeur with visitors. If you’ve already been impressed by the energy of the site, you’re ready to enjoy a nocturnal spectacle designed to give a contemporary vision of the splendor of an ancient culture whose mystical spirit is still alive, using all the hi-tech resources of the modern era to make the hidden mysteries of the site shine out again.
The show takes place at 7 pm in winter and 8 pm in summer. It begins with a tour of the archaeological complex, taking in the principal structures in a 45-minute visit, followed by projection mapping on the pyramid.
It’s recommended to wear comfortable footwear and clothing, and to bring a bottle of water. Photography is permitted during the tour of the site, but visitors are asked not to use flashes during the projection mapping on the pyramid.
