Discover the Secrets of Chichen Itza: Insider Tips from Abbey del Sol

Here at Abbey del Sol, we love to share more than what you’ll find in the glossy tourist brochures.
Let’s dive deeper into the secrets and hidden gems of this ancient wonder so you can explore it like an insider!

A woman dressed in traditional Maya clothing sits on a bench near the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza while a young child plays with a colorful cloth in front of her. The iconic pyramid rises in the background against a clear blue sky.

If you’re planning a visit to Chichen Itza during your stay with us, you’ve probably already heard about the iconic El Castillo pyramid and the impressive Great Ball Court.

The Pyramids Inside the Pyramid

You’ve probably marveled at El Castillo’s grand exterior, but here’s something you won’t hear on most tours:

A cutaway view of the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza, showing three nested pyramids inside one another. The largest outer pyramid is intact, while the interior reveals two smaller, earlier pyramids, each with its own stepped structure. The surrounding area includes jungle vegetation, and small figures are visible near the pyramid for scale.

This iconic pyramid isn’t just one structure—inside, it hides two smaller pyramids, built one inside the other, like ancient Russian nesting dolls. The Maya often built over existing structures to preserve the sanctity of the site, making El Castillo a fascinating multi-layered monument.

A collage of three close-up images showcasing details of the Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza. The left image features a stone serpent head carved into the structure. The middle image highlights the upper part of the pyramid's stairs with the moon visible in the background. The right image displays intricate stone carvings on the pyramid’s side wall, featuring geometric patterns and weathered details.

Each layer represents different periods in Chichen Itza’s history, with the innermost pyramid dating back to the city’s earliest days. When you stand before this grand pyramid, you’re not just looking at one marvel, but layers of history.

The Famous Clapping Echo – and a Whisper Few Know About

You may have heard that clapping your hands at the base of El Castillo produces an echo that sounds like the call of the quetzal bird, a creature sacred to the Maya.

A vibrant quetzal bird in flight, displaying its striking green and red feathers. The bird's long, flowing tail and wings are spread, with a blurred natural background of green and brown, highlighting the bird's bright colors and graceful movement.

This acoustic phenomenon amazes visitors, but here’s something even fewer people know:
Chichen Itza also has a “Whispering Wall.”

A wide panoramic view of the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza, with towering stone walls on either side and stone hoops visible high up on the walls. The court stretches into the distance under a clear blue sky, surrounded by greenery and trees at the far end, highlighting the expansive and impressive scale of the ancient structure.

If you visit the Great Ball Court, try whispering at one end, and someone standing all the way at the other end will be able to hear you perfectly. (150m/500ft distance!)

A close-up of a stone serpent head sculpture at the Great Ball Court in Chichen Itza, with the wall and one of the stone rings visible in the background. The serpent head is weathered but well-defined, adding to the mysterious atmosphere of this ancient Maya sporting arena.

This acoustic trick wasn’t an accident—the Maya were master architects who incorporated sound into their designs, creating a city where not just sight but also sound played a key role in religious and political life.

At Abbey del Sol, we love sharing these insights with our guests because we believe every visit is an opportunity to truly connect with the history and culture of the Yucatan. Just like we take care of the details when it comes to providing the perfect vacation rental, we’re equally dedicated to ensuring you have a rich and meaningful experience when exploring this incredible part of the world.

A smiling woman with long wavy hair wearing a headset, engaged in a conversation. She is dressed in a white shirt and appears to be working in a customer service or support role. The background is softly blurred with warm lighting, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

We’re happy to help you find the right tour operators and offer insider tips so you can discover even more hidden gems while you’re here. Let us take care of your stay so you can focus on making memories—and maybe even bring home a few secrets of your own from Chichen Itza.

Ready to explore? Let’s plan your adventure today!