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In this ultimate Chichen Itza guide, I will unlock the secrets to visiting Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is one of the most visited archaeological sites in Mexico and in the world. To make the most of your trip, I’ll explore a few transport options from Cancun to Chichen Itza. I’ll share my tips on the best way to visit Chichen Itza and where to stay. So, without further ado, here is the ultimate guide for exploring Chichen Itza like a pro.
Where is Chichen Itza?
Chichen Itza is located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, in the northern part of the state of Yucatán. The peninsula is known for its rich cultural history, ancient Mayan ruins and popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Merida. Chichen Itza is situated about 124 miles (200 kilometers) west of Cancun and approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) east of the city of Merida. Note Cancun (Quintana Roo) is one hour ahead of Chichen Itza (Yucatan). It’s also a perfect day trip from Riviera Maya which is one of the 10 best places to visit in December.
How to get to Chichen Itza
How to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun
- By Car. By far, the most recommended way to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun is by renting a car. It’s a straightforward 2.5h drive. If you’re in the Hotel Zone area, head towards the airport and join the Federal Highway Cancun – Kantunil 180D. It’s signposted as Merida / Chichen-Itza. It’s a reasonably well maintained toll road costing 385 pesos (just over US$20) (as of Nov 2023). Make sure to have some cash as they don’t accept credit card. Then, take the YUC 79 exit towards the town of Pisté. From there, about 10 minutes drive. While driving through towns, you may encounter some speed bumps, so make sure to slow down. Although I have not personally experienced it, there have been reports of instances where the police may pull you over and request a bribe. In such situation, refuse to pay and ask for an official ticket and report it.
- ADO Bus. If you don’t fancy driving or are on a budget, taking the ADO bus is a great option. The bus departs daily from the downtown ADO bus terminal at 08:45 (a 15-minute drive from the Hotel Zone) and takes you directly to the entrance of Chichen Itza. The journey takes about three hours. It’s clean with air conditioning and a bathroom, and the cost is about 400 pesos one way (approximately US$23). For a return journey, the bus leaves at 16:00. You can buy a ticket online in advance.
- Group/Private Tour. Of course, you can arrange your own group or private tour. There are numerous tour operators found in Cancun. They take care of you everything, from picking up from your hotel, arranging a guide, providing lunch, and dropping you back at your hotel. Many tours also stop at other sites such as Valladolid or a cenote. Simply inquire with the concierge at your hotel or explore one of the many tour operators. They can offer insights, recommendations, and help tailor your visit to make the most of your Chichen Itza experience.
What is Chichen Itza?
Constructed sometime between the 6th and the 10th centuries, Chichen Itza is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site. It was a significant political and economic center during the Maya Classic period before becoming a hub for the Toltec civilization. It is now a major tourist attraction, with about 2 million visitors each year.
The site is known for its impressive architectural structures, including the Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo), which is a large step pyramid that served as a temple to the Maya feathered serpent god, Kukulcan. The pyramid is renowned for its precise alignment with the sun, resulting in a phenomenon known as the “Equinox phenomenon,” where shadows create the illusion of a serpent descending the pyramid during the spring and fall equinoxes.
Chichen Itza also features other interesting structures, such as the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Group of the Thousand Columns, and the Observatory (El Caracol). In 1988, Chichen Itza was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was later declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
Chichen Itza: The Basics
- Opening Hours; Daily 8am – 5 pm. The last admission is at 4pm.
- Tickets; As of Nov 2023, 614 Pesos (90 Pesos to the site plus 524 Pesos to the state), which is approximately US$35. You can buy the tickets at the entrance on the day of your visit. But if you’d like to buy the tickets in advance, they are available through various tour operators.
- How long to spend; How long it takes to explore Chichen Itza depends on your interest, weather, and fitness level. Generally, the guided tour takes 3 hours. As a family with a little one, we spent almost 4 hours walking around slowly. And I felt we have not seen all. You can also leave and reenter the site if you need a break.
How to explore Chichen Itza; Pro tips
- First and foremost, it’s crucial to arrive early in the morning. Chichen Itza’s popularity draws large crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons (Christmas and Spring Break). By getting there early, you will have the advantage of exploring the site when it’s less crowded. This means you can take your time to appreciate the ancient ruins and fully immerse yourself in the history.
- Another advice is to bring plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. The site is vast, and you’ll be walking a lot as you navigate through the different structures and areas. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the hot Mexican climate. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.
- You should also take advantage of local guides. Although exploring Chichen Itza on your own can be enjoyable, having a knowledgeable guide can truly enhance your visit. These guides have a deep understanding of the site’s history and can provide valuable insights and stories. You can hire one at the entrance. I think we paid about 800 pesos. It was well worth it as she explained the history and answered all our questions. They can also take photos of you.
Kukulkán Nights Light Show
The ancient Mayan complex comes alive at “Kukulkán Nights” with colorful lights, images, and sounds. The experience starts with a guided tour of Chichen Itza. During the 30-minute show at the Pyramid of Kukulkan, you’ll here the histories of Mayan civilization. I found the show itself okay, but the real benefit was being able to walk around the site at night without many people.
You’ll need separate tickets which you can purchase online from the official site. The price is 708 pesos. The door opens at 7:00 pm in the winter and at 8:00 pm in the summer.
Where to stay when visiting Chichen Itza
Many people visit Chichen Itza as a day trip from Cancun or Tulum. But there are certain benefits of staying near Chichen Itza. You can get in the site before the crowds and leisurely enjoy the Kukulkán Nights Light Show. You will also have easy access to other archaeological sites such as Ek Balam, and cenotes in the area.
We stayed at Mayaland Resort & Bungalows which is actually located within the Chichen Itza site. It has with its own separate entrance to the site allowing you to beat the crowds. And it was a wonderful stay with beautiful property and great views. However, unfortunately it is currently closed due to some legal disputes and seizure.
The other place near Chichen Itza is Hacienda Chichen & Yaxkin Spa. (Disclaimer; I have not stayed here). It’s located within a walking distance to Chichen Itza. The pool and the spa seem very nice, and the colonial style yellow cottages look very charming. There are a few other hotels nearby, but if you cannot walk to Chichen Itza, you might as well stay in Valladolid. It’s a beautiful town with plenty of hotels and restaurants.
Finally
Your journey to Chichen Itza is not just a tick on the list. Weather you’re visiting from Cancun as a day trip or staying on site to fully immerse yourself with the ancient civilization, the experience will be amazing. It’s a journey not a destination, and this journey will take you back to the Mayan civilization! Safe travel.