El Caracol
El Caracol
4.5
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4.5
727 reviews
Excellent
470
Very good
208
Average
41
Poor
5
Terrible
3
BrakiWorldTraveler
Belgrade, Serbia19,452 contributions
Jan 2021
When finished with Castillo as the main attraction head right from it (southern direction) and when you pass a line of vendors you'll find this round semi ruined structure.
It's the Caracol, meaning snail, and it was the observatory from where the Mayans studied sun movements and changes. That probably enabled them to build such outstanding structures.
It's the Caracol, meaning snail, and it was the observatory from where the Mayans studied sun movements and changes. That probably enabled them to build such outstanding structures.
Written 9 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chech1965
St. John's, Canada1,001 contributions
Mar 2015 • Solo
The Observatory is also known as El Caracol which is Spanish for snail as a spiral staircase inside the ruins does resemble a snail’s shell. The structure was likely built around 906 CE. The building is believed to have been used for astronomical observations as many of the openings in the roof align with the Sun, Moon, Venus and other objects and/or events. The structure was built high enough so that it was above the level of the vegetation and could observe a wide expanse of the sky thanks to the flat topography of the surrounding region.
The Observatory is about a ten minute walk from the main section of Chichen Itza but worth the walk as there are other structures in the area. The trail is also lined with vendors, but if you get there early, they're still setting up (and I didn't find them aggressive at all).
The Observatory is about a ten minute walk from the main section of Chichen Itza but worth the walk as there are other structures in the area. The trail is also lined with vendors, but if you get there early, they're still setting up (and I didn't find them aggressive at all).
Written 26 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goal100Countries
Cheltenham, UK598 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
This is a lot more secluded than the teemingly busy El Castillo and makes for a great, unobscured photo. It is a must see, being just a few minutes walk from El Castillo.
Written 12 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jake23
New Jersey6,846 contributions
Dec 2017 • Couples
The observatory is one of the main structures in the archeological site. As you walk through Chichen Itza you will find it. It’s worth a quick photo stop.
Written 29 December 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich
San Diego, CA687 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
How did the Mayans know so much about astronomy? This was their observatory, and is still pretty well intact. Beautiful building.
Written 29 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne, Australia12,189 contributions
Jan 2018 • Friends
This is an amazing structure at Chichen Itza and he name means ‘snail’ in Spanish. Dated around AD906 it’s suggested that the building provided a way for the Mayan people to observe changes in the sky due to the flattened landscape.
This is another place st he historical Chichen Itza that you should seek out. And again, get s guide as they’ll be able to tell you more than a fuid book.
Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly.
This is another place st he historical Chichen Itza that you should seek out. And again, get s guide as they’ll be able to tell you more than a fuid book.
Wheelchair friendly. Kid friendly.
Written 11 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katie
Millington, TN82 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
This was beautiful at sunrise from the lodge. Absolutely amazing to see in person! If given the opportunity, you should definitely visit!
Written 10 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MJH1
Bedfordshire, UK6,785 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Take the time to visit Old Chichen in the woods adjacent to the "new" Chichen site
At the heart of old Chichen is El Caracol, the observatory
The steps lead up to a large platform and the small tower where the Mayans apparently watched the stars and planets - specifically Venus which allowed them to form the basis of their calendar etc
You can't access the ruins directly but apparently Caracol comes from the French word for snail and is down to the fact that's the steps inside the tower look like a snail shell
At the heart of old Chichen is El Caracol, the observatory
The steps lead up to a large platform and the small tower where the Mayans apparently watched the stars and planets - specifically Venus which allowed them to form the basis of their calendar etc
You can't access the ruins directly but apparently Caracol comes from the French word for snail and is down to the fact that's the steps inside the tower look like a snail shell
Written 30 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James R
Nashville, TN54 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
The experience here was amazing. Chichen itza is a place that must be seen on a trip to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, or even Cancun.
Written 28 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nelllang507
Grapevine, TX349 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
I have been to the ruins at Chichen Itza 3 times. I am always amazed at the level of technology these ancient people used. Mainly watching for hundreds and hundreds of years and making predictions and prophecies based on the events over those centuries. It is a must see when at the ruins.
Written 8 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Is this on the same site as the main Chichen Itza? Thanks
Written 27 November 2016
Yes. Only a short walk from the pyramid. It's the oldest part of the site I think.
Written 27 November 2016
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