A round building in a city of pyramids
Among Chichén Itzá's square-based pyramids, one round building stands out. Mexico's INAH describes it on two rectangular platforms with different orientations, a detail that has fueled astronomical theories.
Why it's called the Snail
Its popular name comes from an interior spiral staircase that recalls a snail's shell.
An observatory?
INAH's official guide labels it an observatory on its map of the main groups. However, the site record notes that this is a probable interpretation: there's no consensus that would let us assign it an exclusively astronomical role with certainty.
Astronomy at Chichén Itzá
That the Maya watched the sky is well documented. INAH's Gran Museo de Chichén Itzá devotes part of its exhibits to astronomy and mathematics, and archaeoastronomy studies how architecture, horizon and solar cycles relate across the city, as with the serpent of light on El Castillo.
Tips for seeing it
- It's a bit apart from the main plaza; allow time to walk there.
- Look at the two platforms: their different orientation is visible.
- Ask your guide which alignments are attributed to it and which are debated.
From Mérida
El Caracol is part of the archaeological site you explore on the Chichén Itzá trips. Mary Tours offers two guided options: the Chichén Itzá, Izamal, Selva Maya cenote and Valladolid trip by van, and Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and magical town, which rides the train to Izamal. If you'd rather go on your own, there's a private transfer to Chichén Itzá. The office is at Calle 61 #518-B in Mérida's historic center; schedules and prices are in the booking section.
Fun facts
- El Caracol is one of the few round buildings at Chichén Itzá.
- Its two platforms face different directions.
- Its spiral staircase gave it its name.
Related tours
Archaeology · 11 h
Chichén Itzá, Izamal and Valladolid
Four stops in one day, and none of them rushed
from $1,200 MXN per person
See itinerary
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
- 9:00 AM San Antonio de Padua Convent — The story of the 16th-century Franciscan convent told in its atrium, then free time to walk the yellow town.
- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
- 1:45 PM Regional lunch in Kaua — Buffet of Yucatecan dishes: cochinita, relleno negro, lime soup and meat-free options.
- 3:00 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim lands exactly when the sun is at its worst. Changing rooms and showers on site.
- 4:20 PM Valladolid — Francisco Cantón Rosado park with its original railings, the church of San Servacio and the murals in the town hall.
- 8:00 PM Back in Mérida — We drop you off where the day started.
Included: Air-conditioned transport, General culture guide, Regional buffet lunch
Not included: Chichén Itzá entrance, Cenote entrance, Drinks
Archaeology · 11 h
Maya Train, Chichén Itzá and Izamal
The Mérida–Izamal leg by train, the rest by road
from $1,600 MXN per person
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8:00 AM – 7:00 PM · daily
- 8:00 AM Transfer to the station — From the office to the Maya Train station in Mérida.
- 9:18 AM Maya Train ride — Forty minutes from Mérida to Izamal. Ticket included.
- 10:15 AM Izamal — The yellow town, the three-tier Baroque altarpiece and free time on the main square.
- 12:30 PM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Sacred Cenote, the Temple of Kukulkán, the Jaguars and Eagles platform and the Ball Court.
- 2:30 PM Lunch in Kaua — Buffet of typical regional dishes.
- 3:45 PM Selva Maya cenote — The swim of the day, with the heat already easing off.
- 5:00 PM Back to Mérida — Two hours on the road back.
Included: Transport, General culture guide, Maya Train ticket Mérida–Izamal, Midday meal
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Four stops, your own pace and the van waiting
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Coupon −$300 MXN per personCaribbean · 14 h
Tulum and the Casa Tortuga cenotes
The only Maya city built facing the Caribbean
from $2,500 MXN per person
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6:00 AM – 8:00 PM · daily
- 6:00 AM Boarding — We leave from the downtown office. If your accommodation is on the way, we collect you there — agreed beforehand on WhatsApp.
- 6:30 AM Motorway to the rest stop — An hour and three quarters, with fifteen minutes for toilets and something light.
- 8:30 AM On to Tulum — An hour and a half more to the Quintana Roo coast.
- 10:00 AM Tulum archaeological site — Guided visit to the walled city: El Castillo, the Temple of the Frescoes and the Temple of the Descending God, with the sea behind.
- 12:15 PM Casa Tortuga cenotes and lunch — Four cenotes of different kinds, with a guided route, trails and changing rooms. Lunch is on site.
- 4:00 PM Back to Mérida — Four hours back, with a stop halfway.
Included: Guide accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, Round-trip transport, Lunch, Cenote entry
Not included: Tulum archaeological site entrance, Drinks
Frequently asked questions
What is El Caracol at Chichén Itzá?
A round building on two platforms, considered a probable observatory.
Why is it called El Caracol?
Because of its interior spiral staircase.
Is it proven to be an observatory?
Not conclusively; it's a probable interpretation.
Did the Maya study the stars?
Yes; astronomy and mathematics are central themes at the Gran Museo de Chichén Itzá.
