Chichen Itza

Birding

Chichen Itza is a great location to combine sight-seeing with birding. It is one of the best known and most spectacular location for Mayan ruins. Plan on staying the night somewhere near the ruins - some good hotels are listed below. The ruins open at 8 a.m., so get an early start and beat the crowds.

The road leading to the ruins is great for birding in the early morning. The sidewalks are broad enough to walk on and the birding can be quite good. The surroundings of the hotels are also very good for birding. The grounds and area around Hacienda Chichen and Villa Arqueologica can be quite productive. Some birds that you might see are Turquoise-browed Motmot, Groove-billed Ani, Social Flycatcher, Black-headed Saltator, and Melodius Blackbird.

>> A PDF checklist of the birds found at Chicken Itza. ...link Chichen Itza pyramid

Sightseeing

A Guide to Chichen Itza Archaeological Park with good general information for tourists. ...link
Detailed descriptions and photographs of the archeological features of the ruins. ...link
A nice layout map of the Archaeological Park. ...link

Lodging

Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa - Green boutique hotel and spa resort committed to sustainable tourism.
Hotel Mayaland
Club Med Villas (Villa Arqueologica)