One of the most popular tourist attractions in Mexico, Chichen Itza exceeded one and a half million visitors in the first semester of 2023. Reported by the Board of Cultural and Tourist Services Units of the State of Yucatan.
The ancient Mayan ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Serving as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. Both underline its significance as well as its popularity.
Drawing many to the unique history and architectural wonders of the ancient Mayan location. Those interested in the paranormal can find plenty to explore.
Legends, spirits, and even sprites keeping the city alive today.
History of the Mayan City
Chichen Itza is a site of two cities. Built by the Mayans and later captured by the Toltecs. History notes that the Mayans first occupied the site around the year 600 AD. Rising to prominence in the 10th century and eventually declining around 1100 AD.
National Geographic points out that Chichen Itza “was more than a religious and ceremonial site”. It was a prominent hub of regional trade as well as a sophisticated urban center.
The city thrived for centuries. Though it leaves a sense of mystery in regard to its abandonment, taking place in the 1400s.
While there’s no record left as to why, scholars have suggested a variety of potential reasons for the downfall of the Mayan civilization. From environmental degradation to a shift in trade routes or perhaps drought.
Kukulkan the Deity
Legends and myths are an integral part of the ancient Mayan culture. Like Kukulkan… a feathered serpent deity believed to play “a central role in the creation of the world.”
The Chichen Itza website explains the Mayan legend consists of Kukulkan descending on the city to teach various arts and sciences (including agriculture and astronomy).
It’s noted that El Castillo is known as the Temple of Kukulkan. As the architectural structure is said, “to be a representation of the god himself,” along with the precise design that aligns with celestial events.
Today, Chichen Itza features several noteworthy architectural landmarks left behind by the Mayan people. Each of which invoke curiosity and draw visitors from all over the globe.
One of the most prominent is El Castillo – a pyramid once used for religious and astronomical purposes. The picturesque temple is identified by distinctive stairs on all four sides. Although it’s impossible to climb them today.
The temple is believed to have been used for sacrifices.
Other structures, like the Great Ball Court, today serve as popular tourist attractions.
Ancient Traditions & Dark History
The legends and traditions found in Mayan culture set the stage for why paranormal activity may be found at the ancient site today.
In addition to serving as the center for political and economic activity, Chichen Itza was deeply connected to religion as well.
Death played a significant role! One 2012 National Geographic article by Andrew Evans details the ancient Mayan tradition in which a ball game resulted in the losers getting sacrificed. The exact rules of the game are unclear, but it was performed as a ceremony “to commemorate the creation story and the ultimate triumph of good over evil”.
The general idea of the game … two teams wore protective gear and players weren’t permitted to use their hands to hit the ball. Please note losers weren’t sacrificed all the time. The more likely scenario states sacrifice, “was only performed after special games specified for a rite”.
Human sacrifice was significant in the Mayan culture, as exploration of the site has uncovered a number of human remains.
Who are the Sacrifices
Research published in 2024 in the journal Nature, unveils details about human sacrifice at Chichen Itza.
It was believed skeletal remains belonged to young women and girls. Though genetic results of the remains demonstrated the opposite, each individual was male.
Analysis uncovered that half of those sacrificed were between the ages of 3 and 6 years old. While research uncovered there were two pairs of identical twins in the Chultún (cistern built for drinking water).
Led researchers to believe twins were selected for sacrifices with the article noting that twins and sacrifice are central themes in the Mayan Book (the Popol Vuh).
“Where the Hero Twins Hunahpú and Xbalanqué outwit the gods of the underworld and avenge their murdered father and his brother (who were also twins).”
~ Popol Vuh
Paranormal Encounters
Due to the storied and rich history around the ancient Mayan people, it’s easier to understand why Chichen Itza is a paranormal hotspot.
Joshua J. Mark reminisces on his journey to Chichen Itza as well as his encounters with sprites and spirits among the ruins in a World History Encyclopedia article published in 2019.
Mark discusses the mysterious Akab Dzib, which translates to ‘House of the Mysterious Writing’. Due to untranslatable glyphs that found inside the building.
“The oldest building at Chichen Itza intrigued me since I’d first read about it years ago!”
~ Joshua J. Mark
Mark noted he read about it in the past, about how Akab Dzib was said to be inhabited by spirits.
Mark’s guide, Isidro, advised against going into Akab Dzib. “You don’t want to go in there,” he told Mark. “It is protected by the Ushmals.”
Ushmals (also called Aluxoob or Duendes), or sprites, are explained to be powerful beings appearing in the form of miniature people. Should one say their name, the sprites may, “follow you home and inhabit a person’s mind,” Mark notes of Isidro’s explanation.
An article from the YouTube channel Amy’s Crypt sheds more light on the sightings at Chichen Itza. With details of hauntings taking multiple forms.
For example, many have reported…
- Sightings of shadow figures within the pyramids.
- Apparitions of ancient spirits roaming the grounds.
“Many believe that these may be the souls of human sacrifice victims trapped and cursed to walk the site, unable to cross over.”
~ From a 2018 Amy’s Crypt article explains
Other instances of paranormal activity have been reported. Experiences including…
- The feeling of a presence standing nearby.
- Drops in temperature.
- Disembodied voices and sounds
- Spiritual attachments from visitors bringing home ‘unlikely souvenirs’.
Chichen Itza is an immensely popular tourist destination in the Yucatan Peninsula. With architectural wonders like El Castillo and the Great Ball Court.
It’s important to remember the site is home to a long, rich, and storied history from the mysterious Mayan civilization. With traditions like sacrifice, there’s no question why many claim it’s haunted.
~ Jane Sandwood