El Castillo

9 Best Pyramids to Visit in Mexico

"At Chichén Itzá I was struck by the spectacular nine-stepped pyramid El Castillo, an engineering and astronomical marvel designed so that sunlight on the equinoxes creates the shadowy illusion of a snake descending the steps; expect huge crowds and a very enthusiastic atmosphere during the equinoxes. The roads to Chichén Itzá are well-maintained, and most tourists come on day trips from Cancún or the Riviera Maya with many tour companies offering round-trip transportation and guided tours, though you can also drive yourself as the roads are safe and well-marked." - Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger Meagan Drillinger left New York City for a life on the road. She has spent the majority of her career traveling and living in Mexico, and is passionate about seeing destinations in a slow-paced, immersive manner. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines