Witness the Spectacular Serpent Descend at Chichén Itzá’s Spring Equinox Extravaganza!

Chichén Itzá, one of the most renowned and frequently visited archaeological sites in the world, will temporarily close its doors to the public on March 21, 2025. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to this site to witness the spring equinox, a spectacular visual event that is unique to this location.

According to popular belief, visitors can recharge their energy during this time as they watch the feathered serpent descend the steps of the Kukulkán Pyramid. This phenomenon is created by an optical illusion of light and shadows as the sun moves across the sky, marking the onset of spring in March.

At around 3 in the afternoon, the sun casts seven triangles of light onto one side of the magnificent Kukulkán Pyramid. These shadows form the shape of a serpent that appears to descend the temple's steps, allowing spectators to witness one of the world's most beautiful phenomena.

Despite the temporary closure, the Director of the Archaeological Zone, Museum, and Catvi of Chichén Itzá, assures that only the museum will be closed on March 21, 2025. The archaeological site itself will remain open to the public, allowing visitors to admire the feathered serpent descending the Temple of Kukulkán during the spring equinox.

The entrance fees for Chichén Itzá in 2025 will be as follows: foreign tourists (13 and older) will be charged $648 Mexican pesos, children (3-12 years old) $100 MXN, Mexican citizens $290 MXN, and locals (with a Yucatecan ID) $100 Mexican pesos.

The Director also emphasizes that tourists will not be permitted to perform any rituals, ceremonies, or practices that might disrupt the order or space of the archaeological zone. As an area protected by the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the preservation and maintenance of Chichén Itzá is of utmost importance.