Kukulcan’s Descent in Chichen Itzá

Kukulcan´s Descent in Chichen Itzá

Twice a year, on March 21st and September 22nd respectively, on the spring and fall equinoxes, when the day and night last exactly 12 hours each, you can witness a spectacular shadow effect that resembles a serpent slithering down to the bottom of the staircase.

This pyramid was built for astronomical purposes and during the vernal equinox and the autumnal equinox; at about 3 P.M. sunlight bathes the western balustrade of the pyramid´s main stairway. This causes seven isosceles triangles to form, which imitate the body of a serpent 37 yards long creeping downwards until it joins the huge serpent´s head carved in stone at the bottom of the stairway.

• Chichen Itzá
  • Hotels in Chichen Itzá
  • Tours in Chichen Itzá
    • Temple of Kukulcan / Chichen Itzá
    • The Ball Game Court in Chichen Itzá
    • Sacred Cenote or Sinkhole in Chichen Itzá
    • Old Chichen in Chichen Itzá
    • Crafts in Chichen Itzá
    • Las Monjas in Chichen Itzá
    • Kukulcan’s Descent in Chichen Itzá
    • Observatory or Caracol in Chichen Itzá
    • The Ball Game / Chichen Itzá
    • Temple of Kukulcan in Chichen Itzá
    • Akab Dzib in Chichen Itzá
    • Gastronomy in Chichen Itzá
    • Temple of the Warriors in Chichen Itzá
  • Chichen Itzá Tourist Attractions
    • Light and Sound Spectacle / Chichen Itzá

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