Visit Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is steeped in Mayan mystery and mathematical precision. El Castillo (the main pyramid) was built as a calendar - 365 steps, and during the spring and fall equinoxes, shadows create a serpent slithering down the stairs. The acoustic engineering is equally wild: clap your hands and the pyramid returns a sound like a quetzal bird's chirp.

The site covers about 6.5 square kilometers with several major structures beyond the famous pyramid, including the largest ball court in Mesoamerica, the Temple of Warriors, and the Sacred Cenote (a natural sinkhole used for offerings).

It's about 2 hours from Cancún or Mérida, making it an easy day trip from Yucatán beach towns. Go early - tour buses from the coast arrive around 11am and the site gets packed.

Pro tip: Arrive when gates open at 8am to beat both crowds and heat. Bring water (it gets hot) and cash for vendors outside. Nearby cenotes like Ik Kil make perfect afternoon swimming stops after visiting the ruins.