Chichen Itza, Wonder of the World: One of the New Seven
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Chichen Itza was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World on July 7, 2007, after a global public vote. It was chosen for its monumental architecture, its astronomical precision and its importance to Maya civilization. The title is separate from its World Heritage listing in 1988.
Last checked: . The 2007 vote and the 1988 World Heritage listing are separate honors.
For help planning your visit, see the overview of Chichen Itza history.
Last updated 2026-11-11 · By the local guide team at Maya Explorer Tours
Is Chichen Itza a wonder of the world?
Chichen Itza is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was named on July 7, 2007, after a global public vote. The vote was a public campaign, separate from the World Heritage List.
What are the New Seven Wonders?
The New Seven Wonders are seven landmarks chosen in the 2007 public vote. They stand in seven different countries.
- Chichen Itza, Mexico
- Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
- The Colosseum, Italy
- The Great Wall, China
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Petra, Jordan
- The Taj Mahal, India
Why was Chichen Itza chosen?
Chichen Itza was chosen for its architecture, its link to the sky and its place in Maya civilization. Few ancient buildings align so precisely with the sun as El Castillo. Together with the ball court, the observatory and the Sacred Cenote, it represents a whole civilization's knowledge in one place.
How many wonders of the world are there?
The 2007 list names seven wonders, the same number as the ancient list. The original seven wonders came from the ancient Mediterranean world. Chichen Itza belongs to the newer list only.
How is the title different from World Heritage status?
The New Seven Wonders title and World Heritage status are different honors. Chichen Itza joined the World Heritage List in 1988. The 2007 title came from a separate public campaign.
What else do visitors ask about the New Seven Wonders?
Is Chichen Itza one of the original seven wonders?
Chichen Itza is not one of the original seven wonders. That ancient list covered monuments of the Mediterranean world. Chichen Itza is on the New Seven Wonders list, chosen by a public vote in 2007. It has also been on the World Heritage List since 1988.
Which buildings made Chichen Itza a wonder?
El Castillo is the building most tied to the title, because it lines up so closely with the sun. The Great Ball Court, the El Caracol observatory and the Sacred Cenote add to the story of the site. You can see all four from the visitor paths on a day visit.