About Carlos

Stone arch access to Chichén Viejo. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Only 15 spaces are available for the Nov 8 tour, so if you are interested, please act fast by emailing Yesica at [email protected]

A special zone within Chichén Itzá that requires special reservations, Chichén Viejo offers visitors a completely different experience. You’ll find it tranquil and free of hoards of tourists and vendors. Our small-group tour will give you the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable site at an easy pace!

View of the Owl Temple in Chichén Viejo. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Unlike the main access to Chichén Itzá, the road to Chichén Viejo follows a winding path framed by lush vegetation and the remains yet to be restored ancient ruins. The walking path to the site is just under one mile but it is very pleasant and a great opportunity to spot birds.

As access to Chichén Viejo is at 9:00 a.m. and it will be November the weather should be quite pleasant, but please remember to bring along good walking shoes. Water will be provided. Photo:_ Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Once in Chichén Viejo we will be treated by its massive stone archway and begin exploring its wonders, including the famous turtle platform, the temple of La Serie Inicial, the Monkey Temple, and the Temple of Phaluses.

Chichén Viejo’s architecture is an interesting fusion of Maya influences of the late classical period with a distinct Toltec flavor: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

After the guided tour, attendees will have the chance to explore the site for themselves before we head back to the van on our way to Izamál. At Izamal we will enjoy a lovely Yucatecan lunch (vegetarian options are available) at Restaurante Zamná. After the meal, we will make some time to explore some of the archaeological wonders of Izamál, including the Kinich Kakmó (the largest pyramid in volume in Yucatán) as well as some hidden gems like the often overlooked architectural complex of Chaltún Há.

One of the most eye-catching structures is a circular altar with a turtle’s head on each side, one facing to the west, and another to the east, sporting a solar medallion. Photo: Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

The all-inclusive, tour costs 2500 pesos and includes transportation, entrance fees, the services of Carlos Rosado van der Gracht (as tour guide), lunch at Zamná in Izámal, as well as water and snacks.

For bookings please contact Yesica at: [email protected]

Departure information

The tour will kick-off at Mérida’s La Mejorada Park at 6:30 a.m on November 8. We should be back roughly by 5 p.m. at the same location. Hope to see you there!

Like on all Yucatán Magazine tours, the guide will be Carlos Rosado van der Gracht, the long-time senior editor of Yucatán Magazine, a fourth-generation SECTUR/INAH certified guide, and a PhD Candidate in the field of Heritage Studies.

Contact: [email protected]