chichen itza tour guide cost

How to Visit Chichén Itzá (Yucatan): The Definitive Guide

Chichen itza guide: everything you need to know ( 2024).

Chichen Itza is the most famous Mayan site in the world . It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World .

It is also the second most visited archaeological site in Mexico , after Teotihuacan near Mexico City .

That’s why it’s very important to plan your day to make the most of your visit!

In this complete guide to Chichen Itza in Yucatan , I will give you all the practical information you need to organize your trip.

You’ll discover all the top attractions in and around Chichén Itzá , how to get there, my tips for visiting on your own or with a group , and my recommendations for the best guided tours!

So, are you ready to explore Chichén Itzá, find out where to stay , and see what else you can do? Let’s go!

• Chichen Itza Guide: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Visiting Chichen Itza: Booking tickets

Short history of chichén itzá, 1. the great plaza, 2. the pyramid of kukulcan, 3. the venus platform, 4. the tzompantli, 5. the temple of the eagles and the jaguars, 6. the mayan ballcourt, 7. temple of the warriors and the thousand columns, 8. the observatory, 9. akab dzib, 10. the sacred cenote, 11. the ossuary, 12. the house of the deer, 13. the nunnery complex, 14. the red house or chichan chob, 15. the noches de kukulcan show, 16. buying souvenirs in chichen itza, 17. swim in the cenote ik kil, 18. explore the balankanché caves, hiring a local guide: is it worth it, visit chichén itzá on your own (without an agency), 2. visiting chichen itza with a tour, where to stay to visit chichén itzá, how much do the tickets to chichen itza cost.

• Which are the opening hours of Chichen Itza?

How long does it take to visit Chichén Itzá?

When is the best time to visit chichen itza, my tips for visiting chichén itzá, find the best flight deal to mexico, you’re traveling in mexico these articles will help you.

If you want to buy your tickets to visit Chichen Itza at the best price , without reading the article, (even though I suggest you read it for more insights and tips!), here is the summary table of the available tickets.

Click directly on the names of the tickets to book them:

Chichen Itza means “at the mouth of the well of the Itzaes” in Mayan. It was the name of the Itzaes who founded this city in the 6th century.

At the end of the 10th century, it was invaded by the Toltecs and then abandoned around 1250, for reasons that are still a mystery today.

But what we do know is that Chichén Itzá was the most powerful city in the whole Yucatán Peninsula!

It was so influential that even after its decline, it remained an important place of pilgrimage.

What to see and do in Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza is an important archaeological site where there are numerous buildings (temples, platforms, etc.), connected by sacbes , the Mayan roads.

Here are the best things to see and do in Chichen Itza :

The Great Plaza is the first thing you see and the ideal place to start your exploration of Chichen Itza.

Why? Because it’s the heart of the city!

That’s right, it’s where you can find the main buildings , with the impressive pyramid of Kukulcan towering in the center.

The Temple of Kukulcan , also known as El Castillo , is the most iconic pyramid of Chichen Itza and it’s in every picture!

It honors Kukulcan , a major Mayan god (the same as the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl ) who took the form of a feathered serpent.

It has a 9-level pyramid with 365 steps in total… Just like the 365 days of the year!

Its symbolism and accuracy make it one of the most amazing pyramids of the Mayan world .

A few years ago, a 66 ft deep cenote was found under the pyramid and more recently two hidden structures were discovered. It probably still hides many secrets!

The spring (March 20-21) and autumn (September 22-23) equinoxes draw lots of visitors, as a stunning display of light and shadow appears on the north staircase. It is said that it is the Serpent God who comes down to earth…

There are two structures known as the Venus Platform , but the more famous and significant one is in the Great Plaza , not far from the pyramid of Kukulcan.

It is also called the Temple of Venus because it has carvings of the planet Venus, or the Tomb of Chac Mool because of a statue that was found inside.

Both Venus platforms were used as public stages for ceremonies, rituals, dances and speeches.

One of the important monuments to see in Chichen Itza is the Tzompantli , in the Great Plaza, right next to the Temple of the Jaguar and the House of the Eagles .

The “wall of skulls” was an altar where the Maya displayed the heads of enemy warriors as offerings to the gods.

This was a common practice among many Mesoamerican people!

There are no human remains, but you can see the many skulls carved in low relief (there are more than 500!).

It is the smallest temple in the complex around the Great Plaza, located between the Tzompantli and the Temple of Venus.

It is a platform that gets its name from its amazing carvings of eagles and jaguars eating human hearts .

The Mesoamerican ballgame – Pok Ta Pok in Mayan – was a game played for over 3000 years in Mesoamerica that had ritual and political significance and served to settle different kinds of conflicts.

How was the game played?  The game involved hitting a ball (only with the calves, elbows and hips) to make it go through one of the rings on the court.

And it was very hard : the ball weighed almost 9 pounds, the rings were only 1 feet in diameter and were placed about 26 feet high.

The game could end in sacrifice to the gods, by burning, beheading or even removing the heart.

In Chichén Itzá there are 8 courts of this type, but the main one is considered the largest Mayan ball game court in Mesoamerica.

There are other ball courts at other archaeological sites – such as Edzná and Uxmal – but the one at Chichén Itzá is the best preserved I’ve seen!

The stone rings (where the ball had to go through), as well as the stands and players’ bench are in good condition, as are several carvings on the walls.

To the north of the court is the Temple of the Bearded Man where the elite watched the game.

The Temple of the Warriors , surrounded by “a thousand columns” is, in my opinion, the most stunning structure in Chichen Itza !

It is a pyramid-shaped structure where you can see – only from afar – a sculpture of Chac Mool and a table where human sacrifices were performed.

As for the “thousand” columns, there are actually only 200, but the name makes it sound more impressive 😉

El Caracol was Chichen Itza’s astronomical observatory , named for its shape (“the Snail”).

This structure, built around the year 900, was used to watch the sky and make important decisions for the city.

This observatory allowed the Maya to observe 29 astronomical phenomena (equinoxes, eclipses, etc.)

Behind the Caracol, you can find the Akab Dzib or Akabdzib , which means “The house of the mysterious writing” in Maya.

This was probably the home of the Chichén Itzá administrator Kokom Yahawal Cho’K’ak.

The structure is quite large, measuring 177 feet in length. It has a central building with two rooms at the ends and 18 other rooms attached to it.

This was a sacred place where the Maya honored Chaac , the rain god, with ceremonies and offerings.

They threw gold, jade, copper and human bones into the water, some of them from faraway lands like Central America and Colombia!

Today, this murky, green cenote (not very pretty or clean) doesn’t look like much. But despite its appearance, it was the hub of religious activities in the whole region!

Many people mix it up with the cenote Ik Kil , but they are very different.

The sacred cenote is inside the Chichen Itza site, linked by a long path to the Kukulcan pyramid, and you can’t swim in it.

Visit it if you want to see it from a historical point of view, but if you’re looking for a nice cenote to take photos , you can skip it – there are much better ones around!

The Ossuary, also called Tomb of the High Priest , looks like a smaller version of the Pyramid of Kukulcan , but with beautiful mythological carvings, such as the god Chaac and snake heads.

At the top of the pyramid, there is a vertical opening that goes down to 10 m underground.

It leads to a natural chamber where bones, shells and sculptures have been discovered!

This chamber might be connected to the cenote under the Pyramid of Kukulcan , but the passage is still blocked, so the mystery remains unsolved…

The House of the Deer is located south of the Ossuary. It gets its name from a painting of a deer that used to be inside the building, but has disappeared.

Unfortunately, there is not much left of the original structure.

The Spanish conquerors called this building the Nunnery because it reminded them of a convent.

But in fact, it would not have had any religious purpose, but rather served as the residence of someone important.

It is a Puuc style building – the same elaborate style that you can admire at Uxmal and Kabah – with many stone mosaics, amazing!

The Red House (Casa Colorada) gets its name from the traces of red paint found inside and Chichan Chob means “little holes” in reference to the holes in the upper part of the structure.

This small Puuc style temple is located in the Nunnery plaza, and it is one of the best preserved buildings in Chichen Itza .

It has a small ball court in the back.

Noches de Kukulcán (Nights of Kukulcan) is a night show of light and sound at the Chichen Itzá site.

The first part is an audio-guided tour (45 min) that takes you through the main illuminated structures.

Then, you sit in front of the pyramid of Kukulcan and watch the amazing projection show (25 min) that showcases the Mayan culture.

It’s a fantastic show, something you don’t want to miss in Chichen Itza!

• At 7 pm in summer and at 8 pm in winter
• You can buy your tickets online on the website (strongly recommended), or when you get to Chichen Itza, but you will have to wait in line.
• Important : if you don’t have a car, there are no buses at this time, so you will need to book a tour or take a taxi.

Souvenirs are more pricey here than elsewhere – they know tourists will buy them anyway!

If you really want a souvenir from Chichen Itza, try bargaining with the vendors when it’s almost closing time (around 4 pm).

Ik Kil is one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan ! and it’s only 4 km from Chichen Itza.

When you get to the site, you are greeted by an amazing natural sight: a blue cenote that lies 28 yards underground, surrounded by walls covered with plants and long vines.

Unfortunately, it is also one of the most touristy cenotes , so, to be honest, it’s hard to feel connected to nature with so many people around.

But on the bright side, it has a variety of services : gift shop, lockers, changing rooms and a large parking lot.

You can reach the cenote through a stone path, and then you can choose to jump into the water from a small platform or use the stairs.

The cenote is easy to access for the whole family and there are ropes in the water that you can hold on to if you need them.

• Entrance fee 180 pesos (with vest and locker), children 100 pesos, or with buffet lunch 400 pesos.
• How to get to cenote Ik Kil : from the entrance of Chichén Itzá you can take a taxi or colectivo (20 pesos). From Valladolid , the trip takes 40 minutes, by bus (33 pesos) or colectivo (40 pesos) from Calle 39.

If you don’t want to worry about transportation, I suggest this tour to Chichén Itzá with pick-up from your hotel , free time at  cenote Ik Kil and lunch-buffet.  Book it here:

My tip Near Chichen Itza there are also other cenotes less touristic and easy to access:

• Near Chichen Itza : Tsukan cenote, Yokdzonot cenote, Lol-Ha cenote, Xcajum cenote.
• In Valladolid : cenotes Dzitnup, Suytun, Zaci, San Lorenzo Oxman. Read My Article About The 21 Best Cenotes In Valladolid !
• In Cuzama (towards Mérida) : cenotes Chelentun, Bolonchoojol, Chacsinicche, Tzapakal
• In the Riviera Maya : you can read My Article About The 15 Most Beautiful Cenotes In Tulum and the 12 Best Cenotes In Playa del Carmen

The Balankanché grotto , which means “throne of the jaguar” in Maya, is a few kilometers from Chichén Itzá.

This grotto was an important ritual site during the Maya-Toltec period, as it was seen as the entrance to the underworld where several gods lived.

You can go down to 10 meters deep and explore the inside through a path of more than 1 km.

There are several caves with stalactites and stalagmites, offerings (ceramics, jewelry, etc.), and a small light and sound show that tells the story of the place.

It is a nice and educational activity that I recommend during your visit to Chichén Itzá, especially if you go with kids.

But if you want more adventure, you can check out other Yucatan caves such as Loltun, Kantun-Chi, Tzabnah or Calcehtok.

• The entrance fee is 146 pesos
• Tours every hour: in French (10 am), Spanish (9 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm) and English (11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm).
• Please note: inside the caves it is hot, humid and poorly ventilated, so the visit is not recommended for people with asthma or claustrophobia .
• How to get to the Balankanché Caves : You can take a bus or colectivo (Pista-Valladolid route). The bus drops you off at the entrance of highway 180 (350 meters from the entrance).

In my opinion, yes, it is totally worth it!

A guide will make your visit to Chichén Itzá more meaningful, as they can explain its historical importance.

There are many guides around, but watch out for the prices .

The official guides are inside (after the ticket booths) and they are cheaper than the ones outside.

It costs 900 pesos for a guide in Spanish or 1200 pesos for another language. The service is for up to 8 people, so you can join others to form a group.

How to get to Chichen Itza?

My advice Chichén Itzá is the most touristic site in Yucatán . Many buses of travelers arriving at the same time and forming long lines…Don’t waste your time waiting!

To avoid the long lines and crowds , you can book your tickets to Chichen Itza with skip-the-line access here:

Getting to Chichen Itza by bus

The cheapest way to get to Chichén Itzá is by ADO bus, the best bus company in Mexico.

Buses to Chichén Itzá depart daily from several cities in Yucatán , here are the details:

• Cancun to Chichen Itza (3h): departure at 8h45 return at 16h30. The bus stops in front of the entrance of the site and departs from the same place.
• From Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza (3h40), departure at 8h and return at 16h30
• From Tulum to Chichén Itzá (2h30): departures 6h30, 7h15, 8h15, 9h15, return 16h30
• From Merida to Chichen Itza (1h50): departures at 6h30, return at 16h30
• From Valladolid to Chichén Itzá (30 min): departures at 10h50 and 11h15, return at 16h30

Getting to Chichén Itzá with a rental car

Chichen Itza is located between Merida and Cancun , near the village of Pisté.

• From Highway 307 , which runs along the Riviera Maya , you have to take Highway 180D .
• The parking is 80 pesos.

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Yucatan and make the most of your stay!

To rent a car, personally, I always use Rentalcars.com, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Rentalcars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies , so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

Chichén Itzá is one of the main tourist attractions in Yucatán , so there are many agencies that offer tours to Chichén Itzá from different cities.

You have various options to choose from and to help you pick the best one , let me show you my 5 favorite tours to Chichen Itza :

• Chichén Itzá + Cenote Ik Kil + lunch

This guided tour to Chichen Itza is a great option that includes pick-up at your hotel in the Riviera Maya.

You will start with a guided visit to Chichén Itzá , then you will go to Cenote Ik Kil , a beautiful natural pool where you can swim and refresh yourself.

After that, you will enjoy a buffet lunch with delicious local dishes and drinks.

To end the day, the tour will take you to Valladolid , a charming colonial city with colorful buildings and a cozy atmosphere.

Book the tour here:

• Early access to Chichén Itzá (with no crowds)

Chichén Itzá is a popular destination, so it can get very crowded with tour buses during the day.

The best way to enjoy and take good pictures is to arrive as early as possible.

This morning tour is perfect for that, as it includes a transfer from the Riviera Maya to be among the first to enter and explore Chichén Itzá!

You will have a privileged visit to this amazing ancient site and learn about the Maya culture and history.

It also includes buffet lunch to regain strength before returning to the hotel in the afternoon!

Book the early access tour here :

• Mayan tour: Chichén Itzá and Cobá

This one-day excursion will let you explore two of the most important Mayan sites in Mexico: Chichen Itza and Coba .

The tour begins with a transfer from your hotel in Cancun or Playa del Carmen in an air-conditioned van.

You will enjoy the guided tours in Chichen Itza and Coba which is hidden in the jungle.

You will also have the chance to swim in the refreshing waters of a cenote and end the tour with a buffet lunch .

Book this tour for a small group here:

• Combo Maya Lands: Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba

To make sure you don’t miss anything during your trip to Yucatan, here is a very complete tour that takes you to see the three most important Maya sites in Mexico: Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba!

Th is full day tour includes pick-up at your hotel, guided tour in small group of Tulum, Coba and Chichen Itza , with swimming in a cenote and buffet lunch. Book it here:

You have the option of sleeping near Chichén Itzá , or in Valladolid o Merida depending on your itinerary.

Sleeping in Chichén Itzá

The advantage of sleeping near the site is that you can visit it from the moment it opens .

Here is a list of my recommendations, the best hotels near Chichen Itza , for all budgets:

• La Casa de las Lunas : located in the village of Pisté, this is a small charming hotel that offers the best value for money in its category. Spacious rooms with kingsize bed, swimming pool and small garden, from only 40 usd per night!
• Mayan Bungalow : small Mayan style bungalows in a beautiful tropical garden, very clean, excellent welcome from Luis the owner, delicious homemade breakfast included , from 7 9 usd per night!
• El Encanto Villas Ecofriendly : rooms with 360 degrees views over the surrounding nature, offering great privacy, outdoor pool, good breakfast. From 135 usd per night!

Sleep in Valladolid

• Candelaria Hostel : The best budget option in Valladolid! A colorful hostel that is very well located in the centre, with a garden, access to the kitchen, and a bike rental. Good breakfast options are also included, from 17 $usd for a bed in a shared dorm or 38 $usd for a private room.
• Real Haciendas : A small, charming, yet very quiet hotel with a swimming pool , clean rooms with comfortable king size bed, and a very good welcome. Starting f rom 57 $usd per night.
• IMIX Hotel : A typical colonial house in the centre of Valladolid on the beautiful Calzada de los Frailes , nicely decorated with spacious rooms. Breakfast included, starting from 127 $usd per night.
• Le Muuch Hotel : A hotel located 5 minutes away from the main park Francisco Canton Rosado . Excellent service, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools with hammocks, rooms with garden view, air conditioning, and a bar and restaurant. A la carte breakfast included, starting from 140 $usd per night.
• Hotel Zentik Project : This is definitely one of my favorite hotels in Mexico and the best hotel in Valladolid ! Beautiful Mayan-style cabanas with murals done by local and international artists. There’s a restaurant and bar, an outdoor pool with hammocks, and a saltwater pool in an underground cave . Very good breakfast included, starting from 380 $usd per night.

Sleep in Mérida

• Nomadas : the best hostel in Merida with a very nice atmosphere, located in the center of Merida. It has a swimming pool surrounded by hammocks and plants, possibility of classes (yoga, cooking classes, etc.). Starting at only 18$usd per night!
• El Gran Hotel : ideally located in the very center of Merida, right next to the cathedral. It is a very charming hotel, where time seems to have stopped with its colonial look and beautiful woodwork. There’s a restaurant, the rooms are spacious and the wifi works well. Good value for money, starting at only 59$usd per night!
• Hotel Hacienda Merida VIP : this small, luxurious hotel is the ideal place to spend a few romantic days in Merida . Located in the historic center, it is an elegant hacienda-style building, illuminated by candlelight at nightfall. Here you will find a charming swimming pool, comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a bar. Starting at 165 $usd per night
• Hotel Boutique Mérida Santiago : this is a small, comfortable hotel with a colorful hacienda look, modern and with a traditional Mexican touch. There’s a swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas. With excellent homemade breakfasts and spacious rooms, it is the ideal hotel if you are looking for comfort without falling into luxury. Starting at 197 $usd per night

Practical information about Chichen Itzá

• For foreigners : the total price is 614 pesos (you have to pay 2 fees: one for CULTUR and one for INAH. Keep your two tickets safe because you might have to show them in case of control). The entrance fee for foreign children up to 13 years old is 90 pesos.
• 268 pesos for nationals , free on Sundays for Mexicans with INE.
• Locker rental 200 pesos.

There is an ATM to get money, but I suggest having the pesos ready in advance.

Which are the opening hours of Chichen Itza ?

From 8 am to 5 pm, but access is closed after 4 pm.

The light and sound show is from 8 pm to 9 pm in winter, and from 7 pm to 8 pm in summer.

It depends on your pace and interest, but you can tour it in 2h-3h .

A guide will take 1h30-2h to show you around.

An organized tour will give you 1h-1h30 of guided tour plus 1h of free time. In total, you should plan about 6h-8h for a tour from the Riviera Maya (with transportation, visit, etc.)

On my first visit to Chichen Itza, I made the mistake of arriving around 12 noon with all the tour buses and under a scorching heat: never again!

For a pleasant visit, I recommend going in the morning at opening time , before 10 am, or after 3 pm when it is cooler and the groups have left.

You will enjoy the site more and take better photos without the crowds. You will also avoid the sunburn and dehydration that can ruin your day. Trust me, it’s worth getting up early to see this amazing ancient site and learn about the Maya culture. 😊

• Get the early access tour to Chichen Itza here!
• Be careful of the heat : the temperature can go up to 86-104F. The sun is strong and there are no shady areas , so wear sunscreen, a hat, light clothes and drink water!
• Check what is included in the tour you are interested in: always read the details of what is included (e.g.: free or guided tour, optional activities, etc.) to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• Don’t go on Sunday : it’s the free day for Mexicans and the place is packed (even more than usual!!!). If you can, better go during the week .
• Remember that if you go on your own, the best thing to do is to buy these tickets with fast-track access to Chichen Itza you will save time and energy!

To find a cheap flight ticket to Mexico or a domestic flight , you can use our flight comparator, in collaboration with Skyscanner: it’s the guarantee to pay the best price!

Discover all my articles about Mexico : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico
• Yucatan Peninsula : Top 20 things to Do and See
• Riviera Maya : The 35 Epic Things to Do!
• Cancun : the 35 Best Things to Discover
• Playa del Carmen : Top 30 Things to Do and See!
• Tulum: 21 Best Things to Do + All My Best Tips!
• Izamal : 11 Best Things to Do in Yucatan’s Yellow City
• Mérida : 20 Best Things to Do and Must-See Attractions
• Valladolid : the 25 Best Places to Visit!
• Uxmal (Mérida) : the Definitive Guide + tips
• Itinerary : 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Mexico   – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla , Oaxaca , Chiapas, Campeche , Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary : 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico : The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month
• Itinerary : 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary : 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary : 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary : 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary : 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan : The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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I have created this blog to give you all my best tips to plan your next trip to Mexico, regardless of your budget. I share detailed itineraries, advice about places to visit as well as recommendations for transportation, hotels and restaurants. I hope I will also help you to discover amazing off the beaten path destinations in Mexico!

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Stories by Soumya

The Travel Blog of a Culture Addict

8 Best Chichen Itza Tours Worth Your Time And Money

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Soumya

Are you searching for the best Chichen Itza tours ? Keen to dig deeper into Mayan history with a certified tour guide? Wondering which Chichen Itza excursion is perfect for you especially with so many options in the market?

Happy to tell you that I have just the perfect guide for you.

Ruins are my thing. I simply love them. Visiting Chichen Itza was one of the best things that happened to me. No doubt I went crazy researching all the amazing Chichen Itza tours and weird facts before my trip. So that I knew exactly what I wanted to see when I got to Chichen Itza.

Guided tours are a great way to see the best of Chichen Itza ruins. I like them for 2 big reasons. First, I don’t have to bother about getting from one place to another (waiting for colectivos to fill up can be boring and time consuming). Second, I get the company of a local guide who knows much more about the site that I can ever glean from the internet.

But there are always so many of them – sunrise tours, cenote tours, private tours, small group tours! How do you know which Chichen Itza tour is the best for you?

Well, I am here to help. I have created this comprehensive post where you’ll find everything you need to plan the an awesome Chichen Itza trip for yourself.

Whether you wish to combine Chichen Itza with a cenote or pair it with a trip to the colonial town of Valladolid , you’ll find everything listed down in this post. I also have a section on planning a self-guided tour of Chichen Itza if you decide to one.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!

Table of Contents

Chichen Itza sunrise/early-access tours

Visiting Chichen Itza early in the morning is a surreal experience. Technically, it is not possible to see the sunrise at Chichen Itza because the gates open at 8:00am and the sun rises around 6:30am in this area. But some tours like this one can get you in early.

And you can always do an early-access tour and be the first one to enter the gates. Without the crowds and sweltering Yucatan heat, you will be able to see a very different Chichen Itza and truly imagine how the ancient city would have looked and felt ages ago. 

Sunrise tour

On this highly-recommended Chichen Itza sunrise tour , you will arrive really early at the archaeological site and see the Temple of Kukulkan by the rays of the rising sun . Next, you will tour the site with an expert guide who will take you back thousands of years with historic details. Then, you will stop at Cenote Ik Kil for a swim.

Imagine visiting both Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote without the crowds and getting an opportunity to click some pristine photographs. The sunrise tour makes it possible. And that’s why, I this is one of the best Chichen Itza tours from Cancun .

The tour has some of the most amazing reviews on Viator (145/148 5-stars and 3/148 4-stars) . No doubt, they have earned Viator’s Badge of Excellence . Check more reviews on Tripadvisor here .

Early-access tour

This GetYourGuide exclusive early access tour of Chichen Itza has got rave reviews and a meticulously-planned itinerary.

You will be the the first one to arrive in Chichen Itza and have the entire place to yourself. An expert guide will take you through the ruins of Chichen Itza while you get a chance to click pictures of this world wonder without any heads bobbing around.

End the tour with a buffet lunch at a family-run restaurant. You can also upgrade to include a cenote swim and Valladolid.

The base package of this early-access tour is priced at $44+ which, in my opinion, is good value for money. This is definitely one of the most reasonably priced Chichen Itza tours from Cancun.

Best Chichen Itza and Cenote tours

The most popular Chichen Itza tours are the ones that combine the ruins with a cenote swim .

Even though the history buff in me would silently resent that, I know the water-lover in me would jump at the opportunity of cooling down in a cenote after a few hours of exploring Chichen Itza in the sultry weather of the Yucatan Peninsula . I am sure you will love that too.

So, here are 2 of the highest-rated Chichen Itza and cenote tours in the market.

Chichen Itza + Valladolid + Cenote

This full-day, eco-certified tour is one of the most highest-rated Chichen Itza tours. And definitely one of the best Cancun pyramids tours . It combines 3 essential Yucatan attractions – the pyramid of Chichen Itza, colonial town of Valladolid, and a large, open-air sinkhole called Cenote Saamal. All this with a very knowledgeable tour guide.

You’ll begin your day at the Kukulkan pyramid in Chichen Itza which is a treasure trove of mysteries and quirky facts and take a walk through the ancient Mayan city. Then, you’ll swim in the underground cenote of Saamal. Head next to the colorful town of Valladolid where you’ll enjoy seeing the city’s well-preserved colonial architecture. Includes a buffet lunch too.

Informed tour guides + delicious food at the lunch buffet + well-timed activities is what makes this tour stand out from others.

The tour begins at 8:00am in the morning with options of hotel pickup in Cancun or pickup from a common meeting point. It doesn’t include admission to Chichen Itza.

Full-day tour of Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote

If you would like to spend more time at the ruins and the cenote, opt for this Chichen Itza and Ik Kil full-day tour .

Available in small group or private tour versions, this full-day tour starts early in the morning, gets you early access to the ruins, and lets you wander on your own after an insightful tour with your guide. Then, you’ll head to the charming village of Piste and the popular Cenote Ik Kil where you can take a quick dip and click pictures.

The tour is available in both English and Spanish. However, it does not include admission fees but is quite budget-friendly, otherwise. Therefore, the tour and the entrance tickets combination doesn’t really burn a hole in your pocket.

Jaqueline was a great guide and the tour is an absolute “must see” for every Yucatan traveler!! Jens from Austria .

Which cenote to pair with Chichen Itza?

There are a couple of cenotes near Chichen Itza.

• Cenote Ik Kil is the closest one (just 10 mins away) and is usually the most crowded one too.
• Cenote Saamal is about 40 minutes away and closer to Valladolid. So, if you are doing Valladolid with Chichen Itza, Saamal makes sense.
• Hubiku cenote is about 30 minutes to the north of Valladolid. Makes sense if you plan to do Chichen Itza and Ek Balam on the same day .

Best Chichen Itza private tours

If you are looking for privacy and safe social distancing, then private tours of Chichen Itza are the way to go. Usually a little more expensive than the group ones, private tours give you flexibility to plan your own itinerary (sometimes for a minimal extra cost) and ample time with your tour guide.

VIP Chichen Itza private tour

With all 5-star reviews and a Viator Badge of Excellence, this VIP tour of Chichen Itza takes you to the pyramid early in the morning followed by a trip to the lesser-known San Lorenzo Oxman cenote. Next, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant in Valladolid and spend some time admiring the town’s colonial architecture.

This tour has 357 5-star reviews to its credit out of a total of 359 reviews. That makes it one of the highest-rated Chichen Itza tours in town.

Guests love the fact that the tour features excellent guides. Terrific, knowledgeable, funny, easy-to-talk-to, professional, friendly, thoughtful are some of the adjectives travelers commonly use for the guides at the VIP Chichen Itza tour .

Wonderful experience with Manuel! Very easy, stress free and safe. Manuel was a excellent guide and very knowledgeable regarding the ruins. Andrea

Private tour of Chichen Itza & cenote

Yet another highly-recommended Chichen Itza tour is this private, 7-hour tour that includes a hidden cenote.

On this private excursion, you’ll explore the archaeological site of Chichen Itza with a certified tour guide and then take a refreshing dip at the non-touristy Hacienda Chukum which only recently opened to the public . You’ll end the day at the beautiful town of Valladolid.

I feel stopping at the cenote at Hacienda Chukum makes this tour even more special. Chukum Ha, as it is commonly known, is a 130-feet cavernous cenote that features turquoise waters and several stalactites and stalagmites.

While booking your tour, you can choose from several pick up times which means you can plan your day exactly how you like it.

Chichen Itza combo tours

Tulum + Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza or Tulum? Confused? I suggest you read our comprehensive guide on Chichen Itza vs Tulum and find your perfect fit. In my opinion, it is ideal to visit both on different days so that you can spend quality time at each.

However, if you are short on time and wish to see both on the same day, you can still do it with a guided tour.

Here’s an exclusive 3-in-1 private tour that covers 3 important Mayan cities – Chichen Itza, Coba, and Tulum. Over 12-13 hours, you will visit the important landmarks of Chichen Itza, swim in Ik Kil Cenote, explore the ruins of Coba hidden away in lush Yucatan jungles, and see the picturesque archaeological site of Tulum by the sea. The tour also includes buffet lunch and the services of a knowledgeable local guide.

In fact, what makes this private combo tour so special is the local guide who is absolutely well-informed and enthusiastic about Mayan history and culture. History and archaeology fans will love this trip.

Must do for archaeology tourists. Seeing Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza all in one day is a “marathon” but it is possible and absolutely worth it. Adrienne

Ek Balam + Chichen Itza

I often get questions on whether it is possible to do both Chichen Itza and Ek Balam in one day . Short answer: Yes. Because that is exactly what I did when I visited the Yucatan Peninsula for the first time. I stayed in Valladolid and took an early morning ride to Chichen Itza and then followed it up with an afternoon trip to Ek Balam.

Long answer: If you are staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen , or anywhere else in Riviera Maya, a combo tour is long but still possible.

Booking a guided tour is, honestly, the best way to do it. You don’t have to worry about transport and that’s a big relief. Plus, you get a knowledgeable tour guide who lets you into the little secrets of these 2 iconic Mayan ruins.

Here’s an excellent guided tour on Viator that gets you early access to Chichen Itza with an archaeologist guide, a cenote swim, and a visit to Ek Balam.

If you are someone who doesn’t mind long, history-filled days, then go for a Chichen Itza + Ek Balam tour. If you do not enjoy them, I would advise you to take it slow and just do Chichen Itza and follow it up with a relaxing dip in a cenote. 

Chichen Itza self-guided tour

If you love exploring historical sites on your own, a self-guided tour of Chichen Itza is the best way to do it . It is not difficult to plan one if you are equipped with my Chichen Itza travel guide and know the basics of colectivo travel in Yucatan. Be sure to read these 11 intriguing facts about Chichen Itza because they will help you appreciate the ruins much better.

I would recommend staying in Valladolid if you are planning a DIY tour because Chichen Itza is just an hour away. Just hop into a Chichen Itza colectivo (a big van that seats 10-12 people) between Calle 44 and 39. Drivers will call out to you and show signboards. There’s no way you will miss these colectivos. 

If you are staying in Cancun, Chichen Itza is a longish day trip. Travel takes about 3 hours one way.

But Cancun is ahead of Chichen Itza by one hour between October – April, so you save an hour on your onward journey. There is one ADO bus that starts from Cancun at 8:45am and goes back from Chichen Itza at 4:30pm. 

Go early. The site is open from 8:00am – 5:00pm. Last access at 4:00pm. Admission is 571 MXN (approx $28). Check the latest admission price on the official website here .

Buying Chichen Itza tickets online

I do not recommend buying Chichen Itza tickets online especially if you can make it to the ruins early in the morning.

One, because online tickets are more than double the price of original Chichen Itza tickets. Two, because you just skip the ticketing lines with these tickets and not the entrance line. All the queues are pretty long if you arrive after 10:00am.

A better idea is to arrive before 9:30am and get a ticket from the counter at the archaeological site . The queues aren’t that long in the early hours.

But there is one cache. Because Chichen Itza tickets (571 MXN) are made of 2 sums – access charge of 85 MXN and Yucatan tax of 486 MXN, you’ll need to queue separately to pay each of them. This means you’ll have to spend twice as much time to buy tickets in person.

I feel that online Chichen Itza tickets are exorbitantly priced. A normal ticket sells for $28 while an online ticket sells for $64! You can check the prices on Get Your Guide and Viator .

However, the queues get really long after 10:00am. In such a case, buying a skip-the-line ticket for Chichen Itza makes sense.

Getting an audio tour before your trip

If you are doing a self-guided Chichen Itza tour, it makes sense to buy an inexpensive audio guide (narration and map include) like this one . It helps you easily navigate the archaeological site and gives you a peek into some of Mayan civilization’s long lost secrets.

The best bit about this audio tour is that you can re-listen to the narration after the visit too which makes it so much easier to digest all that information.

Chichen Itza virtual tour

I had never imagined I would write about a virtual tour for Chichen Itza. But the recent pandemic has made us view the world with a different lens, the virtual lens.

If, for some reason, you are still not able to travel to Chichen Itza, you can enjoy this World Wonder from the comfort of your home.

My first virtual stop is always AirPano, a website which gives us great 360-degree views from around the world. They have a similar page for Chichen Itza (you can check it here ). Remember to hover over the question marks for some interesting facts about Chichen Itza. 

Plano Public Library also has an amazing virtual field trip of Chichen Itza here . You can download the trip and follow the instructions for a real life simulation.

Frequently asked questions about Chichen Itza tours

How much does a chichen itza tour cost.

Entrance to Chichen Itza costs 571 MXN ($28 approximately). Guided tours can cost between $40 – $400 or even more depending on what sights they include and whether they are private, small group, or large group tours.

How long does a Chichen Itza tour take?

A Chichen Itza site tour can take anywhere between 2 – 4 hours. It depends on your interests and how much time you wish to spend at each monument. If you are asking about duration of guided tours, Chichen Itza tours from Cancun can take anywhere between 10 – 14 hours minimum.

Can you visit Chichen Itza without a tour?

Yes, you can visit Chichen Itza without a tour. Once you purchase your Chichen Itza tickets (either online or at the site), you can access the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and explore them on your own. There’s no need to be part of a guided tour for that.

Be sure to carry your official ID and some Mexican pesos to pay for your ticket. The ticket offices accept dollars but may give you Mexican change.

Are there tours at Chichen Itza?

There are tour guides at Chichen Itza. You can hire one right at the entrance to the ruins. It will cost you anywhere between 600 MXN ($30 approx) – 1000 MXN ($50 approx) for a 2-3 hours tour.

How long is the drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

The drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza takes 2.5 – 3 hours.

Loved this list of best Chichen Itza tours? Pin it for later!

You may also like:

• Chichen Itza vs Tulum Ruins - 9 Factors That Will…
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• How To Get From Valladolid To Chichen Itza - Updated 2024

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How to visit Chichen Itza: the ultimate guide

What is chichen itza .

Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven wonders of world, was one of the greatest Mayan cities in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Chichen Itza, meaning mouth of the waterhole of the Itza tribe, is one of the most popular tourist sites in Mexico.

Mayans left Chichen Itza in 1300AD and the limestone temples were soon subject to the jungle and trees which hid Chichen Itza. Only for the site to be rediscovered in 1843 and the first restoration took place in 1920. Today, only 10% of the city has been restored, with the rest still being covered by jungle and trees. 

The religious part of the city was protected by a city wall which was 4m high.Only those in the higher class could be inside the city. Chichen Itza wasn’t just home to Mayans though. They faced an invasion by the Toltecs who brought a different culture to Mayan’s and this culture was human sacrifice. They also bought a new God who replaced the most important Rain God, Chac, for Mayans. This new God, Kukulkan, was known as the feathered serpent.  

Chichen Itza should definitely be on your list of places to visit when in Mexico. You’ve come this far, it would be a shame to not see one of the wonders of the world! 

When to visit? 

It’s best to visit Mexico between November and April. This is when the weather is best and it’s outside of hurricane season.  Also, try to avoid visiting on a Sunday, as Mexicans get free entry on Sundays so there are more crowds. 

It’s best to try to arrive when it opens, we arrived at 8:30am after reading that it opened at 8am. There already was a slightly queue, but no ticket offices were even open! So we had to queue for a while until they opened at 9am. I’m glad we arrived early though, as there were less people around when we started our tour compared to when we finished the tour. 

Where is it & how to get there? 

Chichen Itza is located in the Mexican state of Yucatan. It is about 2 hours from Tulum and 2 hours 30 minutes from Playa Del Carmen. 

I’d recommend hiring a car and driving to Chichen Itza. It will give you much more flexibility with getting their early and also visiting the cenotes later. Parking at Chichen Itza costs 80MXN.

However if you don’t want to hire a car, then it’s probably best to join a tour. Transport will be included and they’ll often include a visit to Cenote Ik Kil as well.

How much is it?

The entrance fee for Chichen Itza is comprised of two parts, and costs 571MXN per person. This is split into 486MXN ticket and then 85MXN Government tax. The tax has to be paid by cash so make sure you have some. But don’t worry there is an ATM if you do forget. Also when paying, there was only 1 cashier that took a credit card so the queue was much longer. Bring enough cash to pay the whole fee if you don’t want to wait. 

You can also purchase your tickets online before and skip the queue here .

How long does it take to visit Chichen Itza?

Guided tours take around 1.5 hours, but the overall experience will take you around 2-3 hours. This includes queuing up to get your tickets, finding a tour (explained below), and time for photos after.

How to get a tour? 

First of all, should you get a tour? The answer is…absolutely yes! Without the tour it’s very hard to appreciate the culture and understand all of the context surrounding the ruins around the site. 

If like us, you don’t go with an organised tour, don’t worry. You can get a tour when you arrive, tour guides cost a fixed rate of 1000MXN regardless of how many people on the tour. If you hoever round the common area where the shops are, you will likely find other small groups of people looking to form a larger group for a tour. The tour guides themselves, also help to find people and pull groups together. We ended up in a group of 10 people, so it only cost us 100MXN for the same tour that would’ve cost 500MXN per person if it was just the two of us. 

Top things to see at Chichen Itza

Kukulkan temple .

This is the main temple in Chichen Itza, standing at 30 metres high and it is the best representation of the Mayan Calendar. It comprises of 91 steps on each side and with four sides this equates to 364 steps plus one at the top, this adds up to 365 steps equivalent to the number of days in a year.

There are also 9 platforms to the left, and 9 to the right which add up to 18 representing the number of months in the Mayan year. It’s amazing how intentional the architecture of these temples were!

Mayan’s built these huge temples so that they good be up high and close to the Gods, before 2007 you could actually go inside this main temple but it is now hollow. Inside you would see 2 figures, a jaguar and a messenger. The messenger was there for speaking to the Gods and the jaguar is a local animal and is a symbol of love and power.

The Great Ball Court 

The 168m long ball court, is the largest one where the popular Mayan game Pok-a-Tok was played. The game was played by two teams, one local and one away, each consisting of 7 players. The aim of the game was the get a 6lb ball made from gum from the local rubber trees into a hoop 8m high off the ground. Doesn’t sound too tricky right? There’s a catch…you can only hit the ball with your hip. The game ends when one person scores, this means that it could last anywhere from 1 or 2 minutes, to 1 or 2 days to even a week!

Along the ball court, you can see these amazing detailed engravings telling the story of the beheading of the sacrificed winner, even down to seeing the blood gushing out after they’ve been beheaded. You may think why on earth would the winner be sacrificed, well back then being sacrificed was an honour. Whilst standing in the middle of ball court, if you clap loud and strong enough you’ll hear the echo following your clap. This resembles what the audience heard, as the game was very quiet and so they would just hear the echo of the ball as it hit the walls of the stadium.

Temple of the Warriors and Thousand Columns

Here you’ll see not 1000 columns as the name suggests but 200 made up of two different types of column, square and round. These columns signified the entrance to the market place and to the left you’ll see the Temple of the Warriors. At the top of the temple you can see two walls and between the two walls, 2 columns, between the two columns the messenger, the one who can talk to the gods. During the summer solstice, the sun rises behind this building and shines on the messenger.

Skull Platform

Behind the ball court you can see this platform with hundreds of engraved skulls to remember those who were sacrificed.

Throughout all of Chichen Itza you will see beautiful detailed engravings. These engravings all tell a story and describe the culture. You’ll see many engravings depicting jaguars, snakes, warriors and eagles it really is amazing!

Cenote Sagrado

This cenote was used as a place of sacrifice, for humans and other precious items like jewellery. In fact, if you reached the bottom of the cenote you would see 680 skulls and hundreds of jewels! Guess what, all of the skulls will be female! This is because both the females and jewellery were a good gift to the gods. The way in which females were chosen was that the most beautiful Mayan princess was selected at the main temple. Then they walked to the cenote were she was part of a private ceremony. During the ceremony, her body was tied with rope and jewels, then she was dropped in the water and left to drown.

What to do after?

After visiting Chichen Itza, an absolute must do is visiting the nearby cenotes. Cenote Ik Kil and Cenote Suytan are two popular ones to visit. For more information on each of these have a read of my cenotes post . With more time, you may want to explore the city of Valladolid. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to do this so is on the list for next time!

• Get there early. It gets very busy later in the day and this also means you’ll get to the cenotes earlier as well. 
• Take cash if you don’t want to wait in line to pay by credit card.
• Join a tour if you want to understand things properly! Many tours congregate after the ticket queues so you should be able to find a group that’s looking for more people to join. Tour guides cost 1000MXN regardless of many people you have. If there are 10 of you like there were on our tour it will only cost 100MXN per person! 
• They don’t let you take food in so you’ll need to put it in a locker. This will cost 50MXN plus a 200MXN or passport as a deposit.
• There’s no shade so make sure you have enough water and take a cap
• Bring your swimming gear to visit the nearby cenotes, they are really stunning!

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A travellers guide to Chichén Itzá, Mexico's New World Wonder - Updated 2024

Looking to explore the incredible ruins of Chichén Itzá? I’ve got you covered! My travellers guide to Chichén Itzá helps you choose how to explore this New Wonder of the World – plus it informs you in terms of cost, how to get there, and where to stay.

It is a given fact that most of the travellers that board a plane to Mexico, have one clear mission – ticking off the incredibly beautiful ruins of Chichén Itzá of their bucket list.

As a result, Chichén Itzá is teeming with visitors from every corner of the world – it is said that the popular complex attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually.

And though Mexico is far more than its number-one tourist attraction, it is safe to say that visiting Chichén Itzá is one of the absolute highlights on any Yucatán itinerary .

The UNESCO declared New Wonder of the World is tucked away in a dense jungle, and holds a majestic bundle of impressive ancient structures, all reflecting the Mayans exceptional knowledge in terms of astronomy and math.

However, taking it all in can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially if you consider the fact that you share the experience with heaps of other travellers.

That’s where this guide comes in handy.

To help you have a more than awesome time at Chichén Itzá, I’ve put together this travellers guide, including what to see, how to explore responsibly, where to stay nearby, as well as all your essential travel information.

If you choose to use any of the links on this page, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. By using these links, you’ll have a direct impact on WTSW and my ability to continue to create free insightful travel content for you. If you find any of my tips useful, you can support me by buying a virtual coffee  here .

A TRAVELLERS GUIDE TO CHICHÉN ITZÁ, MEXICO

Where is chichén itzá.

The incredibly fascinating Chichén Itzá complex is acknowledged as a New Wonder of the World and is situated in a dense tropical jungle at the heart of Mexico’s popular Yucatán Peninsula state.

The extensive complex is settled at a roughly 45-minutes drive west of Valladolid, a lively colonial town that is considered the number-one base from which to explore Chichén Itzá.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHICHÉN ITZÁ

Before I get into the detail of my guide to Chichén Itzá, I wish to share with you a brief history overview.

The now world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá are one of Mexico’s most popular landmarks, but with over 1.000 years of history, the question remains: how did it all start?

Though it is acknowledged that Chichén Itzá was first established around 400 AD, it took quite a time before it started to flourish into the grandeur we behold today.

It was only after the arrival of Toltec warriors at the end of the 10th century, that Chichén Itzá truly claimed its fame.

Following their conquest of Yucatán, the Toltecs began the construction of what later became the famous El Castillo pyramid, right atop of an older structure.

From that moment on, Chichén Itzá elaborated its reputation, resulting in that it became the epicentre of Mesoamerican civilization, housing approximately 35.000 inhabitants at its peak.

For that reason, both historians and experts believe that this particular settlement is the most important event throughout the rich history of Chichén Itzá.

At present, the well-preserved Chichén Itzá complex is largely responsible for tourism in Mexico, attracting over 1.2 million visitors on a yearly basis.

And given that the Mayans left behind some of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in the world, it’s easy to understand why.

CHICHÉN ITZÁ TICKETS | ENTRANCE FEE 2024

Since my visit back in October 2019, the entrance fee to Chichén Itzá has slightly inflated and is 614MXN ($36.02) per person as of February 2024.

One thing worth noting though is that the entrance fee is made up of two separate fees – the actual admission and an added government fee, both equally important and required to enter Chichén Itzá.

During my visit, the ticket counters accepted payments with credit cards and cash. However, it is said that the government fee of 80 MXN ($3.80) can be paid in cash only.

If you forgot to bring cash, don’t worry, there’s an ATM in the common area near the entrance.

THINGS TO SEE AT CHICHÉN ITZÁ

The Chichén Itzá complex is spread over an extensive jungle, and is full of impressive and well-preserved archaeological highlights. The area itself is easy to navigate, and should take around 3 hours to uncover.

That said, here are some of my absolute favourite structures in Chichén Itzá:

EL CASTILLO

The now world-famous El Castillo pyramid is situated at the heart of the Chichén Itzá complex, and after wandering countless circles around it, it is easy to understand why.

But it is not just its picture-perfect appearance that turns El Castillo into the absolute highlight of a visit to Chichén Itzá.

No, the real lure of El Castillo lies within the fascinating story behind its construction.

The square-based stepped pyramid was built with perfect accuracy, making the construction the best reflection of the Mayans exceptional knowledge in terms of astronomy and math.

As a result, El Castillo was built in perfect alignment with the universe, and with a total of 365 steps, the pyramid is believed to be a physical representation of the calendar we use today.

For that reason alone, I believe Chichén Itzá is an essential stop for any visitor to Yucatán, Mexico.

TEMPLE OF THE WARRIORS

Located adjacent to El Castillo is the Temple of the Warriors, a massive stepped pyramid that owes its name to the surrounding columns, containing carvings of warriors – more on that later.

And though it is no longer possible to climb the temple, this structure in late classic Maya style is still considered one of the most memorable places to see at Chichén Itzá.

GROUP OF 1000 COLUMNS

As mentioned above, the group of 1000 Columns is a series of impressively crafted pillars, that are connected directly to the neighbouring Temple of the Warrior.

Experts believe that these columns once supported a roof, and that the former building was mainly used to house large, important gatherings.

While 1000 is slightly exaggerated, it is still a delight to admire the roughly 200 columns that remained.

WALL OF SKULLS

Built to memorialise those who sacrificed themselves to the gods, as well as warriors that had died in battle, the Wall of Skulls is a large platform decorated with skulls, snakes and eagles.

Mostly intact, the Wall of Skulls is further known as a Tzompantli, a wooden rack that displayed human heads impaled on top of each other, something commonly found in Mayan culture.

It is said, that this peculiar wall’s main purpose was to control the masses, while also scare off the enemy, and I must admit, it’s pretty frightful indeed.

THE GRAND BALL COURT

The Grand Ball Court in Chichén Itzá was considered the largest ball court in the Mayan civilisation, and truly is an impressive site to behold, especially if you imagine what it looked like back in the days.

Juego de Pelota, as it is named by the Maya’s, is an important ball game that was often played here, as it determined who received the honour of taking part in their somewhat cruel ritual – a religious, human sacrifice to the gods.

Another thing worth mentioning, is the fact that the construction of the court was measured out to perfection, making it exceptional in terms of acoustic performance.

Situated only just south of El Castillo lies El Caracol, a unique circular-shaped structure that was used as an observatory to examine the ever-changing sky.

The by jungle encircled El Caracol is said to date back as far as 600 AD, and though it is crumbling in every aspect, it is still a pretty awesome structure to take in.

HOW TO EXPLORE CHICHÉN ITZÁ | SOLO, WITH A GUIDE OR WITH A TOUR

Of course, it’s completely up to you in which manner you prefer to visit Chichén Itzá, and luckily, it’s pretty straightforward to find an option that suits your travel style.

There are three options available for those that wish to visit Chichén Itzá, all of which have their own pros and cons. To help you find the option that fits you, I have summed up those options below:

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to visit Chichén Itzá independent, and given that it is still increasing in popularity, you’ll find no problems getting there.

The complex itself is rather compact and easy to navigate, while you’re also completely free to investigate the grounds at your own pace – which is a big plus if you ask me.

That said, I believe it should take about 3 hours to see the most important structures of Chichén Itzá.

If you choose to visit the complex on your own, I highly recommend taking your time, bringing a guidebook, and download a detailed guide like this one for offline use.

WITH A GUIDE

If you’re looking to understand more about Mayan civilization and their unique outlook on life, it’s worth considering the services of a knowledgeable, local guide.

Hiring an expert is a fun and easy way to uncover Chichén Itzá’s rich history, while it also ensures that you won’t miss out on important buildings and historical facts.

Though the cost alternate, the service of a well-trained guide should cost you between 650 MXN ($32.80) and 1.000 MXN ($48.50) for a three hour guided tour. These guides can be found directly after the entrance, and don’t require a reservation or whatsoever.

However, make sure you take enough time to select one, as experience, knowledge and language skills differ highly from guide to guide.

The reason why I prefer this option, is that you have the flexibility to arrive by bus or rental car – plus you’re supporting the local economy.

JOIN A GUIDED TOUR

Obviously, the simplest way to visit Chichén Itzá is by joining a guided tour, especially if you’re staying in one of the major tourist hubs in Yucatán, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum.

By joining a guided tour of Chichén Itzá , you won’t have to worry about arranging anything in terms of transport, guides, timetable and walking routes.

One small side note though, this extra comfort comes at a slightly higher price than the aforementioned options.

MY CHICHÉN ITZÁ TOUR RECCOMMENDATIONS

For those that prefer to book a guided tour of Chichén Itzá in advance, make sure to have a look at the options I listed below – do however note that none of those tours includes the entrance fee.

Chichén Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour | This awesome full-day guided tour of Chichen Itzá takes you along Chichén Itzá’s most impressive ruins, as well as Valladolid and the Ik Kil cenote.

Chichén Itzá Tour From Cancun or Riviera Maya | Learn about the fascinating history of Chichén Itzá, by joining this full-day guided tour provided by an Archeology-specialist guide. It also includes a stop in Valladolid, a delicious lunch spread, and your round-trip transport.

WHERE TO STAY IN VALLADOLID | THE PERFECT BASE TO CHICHÉN ITZÁ

As you probably already know by now, I’d highly recommend basing yourself in Valladolid when planning to explore Chichén Itzá and its surroundings.

The lively colonial town is situated at only 45 minutes from Chichén Itzá and has no shortage of wonderful accommodations, including backpacker-friendly hostels, comfortable apartments, as well as luxury hotels.

Not only is Valladolid positioned convenient, but I also believe that it’s the most authentic city in the whole of Yucatán.

Hotel & Suites Country | If you’re looking for a super comfortable hotel, that doesn’t break the bank, this is it. Situated at the heart of Valladolid, Hotel & Suites Country offers spacious and well-designed rooms, an inviting sundeck, and a large adjacent swimming pool, making it a great pick for those keen to relax after an exhausting day of exploring.

Hotel Casa Bamboo | This is one of the hotels where I stayed in Valladolid, and it was an outstanding experience, at only $27 a night. This charming boutique-style hotel has no problem in making guests feel welcome and comfortable, providing outstanding rooms, a pleasant kingsize bed, as well as a chilled-out vibe. All in all, a lovely place to stay.

Hostal Tunich Naj | Located at only a short walk from Valladolid’s lively main square, this budget-friendly hostel provides a wide array of comfy rooms, both shared and private. On top of that, there is a spacious common area, ideal for backpackers looking to make new travel buddies. Doubles at only $18 a night make Hostal Tunich Naj an absolute steal.

Alternatively, search for accommodations on booking.com .

CHICHÉN ITZÁ | The essentials

Best time of year to visit chichén itzá.

With the Yucatán Peninsula being situated in the Caribbean, it is considered a year-round travel destination, enjoying excellent weather most of the time.

However, given that Chichén Itzá is one of seven new world wonders, visiting during the high season (November to March) means that you’ll be sharing the complex with a large number of other travellers.

If you somehow wish to avoid these crowds, I believe it’s better to plan your trip for the off-season months of October and April.

I visited late October and can say from first-hand experience that the weather was pleasant – plus there were an enjoyable amount of people at the complex.

Additionally, it is good to know that the Chichén Itzá complex is open to visitors every day of the year, meaning you have all the flexibility to visit on your own conditions.

BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT CHICHÉN ITZÁ

In my belief, it’s best to explore Chichén Itzá right after sunrise or in the late afternoon, especially if you’re into photography.

During these times, there will be significantly fewer people at the complex, the lighting is perfect for photography, while you’ll also avoid the sizzling heat that a visit in the middle of the day brings.

Every day, Chichén Itzá is open to visitors between 08:00 and 16:30.

The one thing I can’t stress enough is that a visit around lunch should be avoided at all costs.

It is generally known, that large groups and guided tours start arriving at Chichén Itzá around 10:00, meaning that it becomes pretty hectic at times.

Also, given that Mexican citizens have free entrance on Sunday, I suggest to try and plan your visit on another day – there is a great chance that Chichén Itzá is packed with locals on Sundays.

HOW TO GET TO CHICHÉN ITZÁ

For those that look to visit Chichén Itzá without taking part in a guided tour, be at ease, there are a number of excellent options available to visit independently.

The duration of the journey to Chichén Itzá is, however, highly dependent on two factors – your starting location, and the method of travel.

Personally, I believe it’s best to choose Valladolid as your base to visit Chichén Itzá. This lovely colonial town is only a short drive away from the complex, which makes it significantly easier to beat the crowds.

If you’re keen to visit Chichén Itzá during sunrise, it is worth noting that Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum) is an hour ahead of Chichén Itzá during the peak months of October to April.

Below is my take on the options to get to Chichén Itzá independently, including the ins and outs.

BY CAR | In my view, the best way to uncover Yucatán is by car, this is clearly also the case if you’re thinking of visiting Chichén Itzá.

In the matter of fact, the Yucatán Peninsula has excellent roads throughout and is the perfect size to navigate by car, making it a perfect destination for an adventuresome road trip.

In terms of parking, the Chichén Itzá complex caters to the many visitors that it draws daily, and at the moment of writing, the parking fee in 2024 is only 60 MXN ($3.50) for the day.

One word of caution, on your way to Chichén Itzá you’ll pass several toll roads. For that reason, make sure you have enough cash at hand.

For car rental in Yucatán, I would strongly recommend Rentalcars.com . They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a wide selection of cars, all at an affordable price. More information, rates and availability here .

BY BUS | One of the easiest ways to get to Chichén Itzá is by making use of the ADO buses. This excellent service is extremely popular among locals and travellers alike, and that’s for a great reason.

Not only are the ADO busses comfortable, airconditioned and clean, but they also service the major tourist places in Yucatán, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid, and Mérida.

If you’re looking to visit Chichén Itzá by bus, I’d recommend booking your tickets online, and in advance, especially during the peak months.

For online tickets, availability, departures, and additional travel information, visit the ADO website .

BY COLECTIVO | ONLY FROM VALLADOLID | Another great option, and the one that I used for my visit to Chichén Itzá is a Colectivo, a small shared minivan that is perfect for independent travellers on a budget.

Do note that this budget-friendly option is only available for those planning to visit from Valladolid.

Local Colectivos leave Calle 46 every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 18:00, meaning you can arrive at Chichén Itzá prior to the people that take part in a guided tour.

In general, the colectivo’s leave when they’re completely full. A one-way journey will cost around 35 MXN ($1.65) per person, and should take roughly 45 minutes.

SAFETY IN YUCATAN | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Yucatan is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here .

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering COVID-19-related claims.

KEEP ON READING WITH THESE IN-DEPTH MEXICO GUIDES

After spending nearly a month in Mexico, I created plenty of in-depth guides that might interest you too.

My 3-week Mexico itinerary

11 Wonderful things to do in Tulum

11 Awesome things to do in Valladolid

7 Incredible things to do in Bacalar

11 Incredible things to do in Mérida

A traveller’s guide to Chichen Itza

A complete guide to Uxmal (Coming soon)

I’ve been on this travel blogging journey since 2019.

If you appreciate what I do here, these are some ways you can support me.

PLAN YOUR MEXICO ITINERARY WITH THESE ESSENTIAL GUIDES

11 incredible things to do in mérida, yucatán’s capital of culture.

My 3-week Mexico itinerary: uncover the absolute best of Yucatán

9 Incredible things to do on Isla Holbox, Mexico

10 Awesome things to do in Tulum, Mexico

11 Awesome things to do in Valladolid, Mexico’s colourful colonial town

7 Incredible things to do in Bacalar, Mexico

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How To Visit Chichen Itza: Guide For First-Timers

Have you ever seen pictures of Chichen Itza and wondered how to visit? This post will guide you through everything you need to know to make your first trip there a breeze!

We’ll cover tickets, transportation, where to stay, what to see, and more. So read on for all the info you need to plan your dream vacation to one of Mexico’s most famous sites!

If you’re looking for an unforgettable Mexican vacation, look no further than Chichen Itza.

This ancient Mayan city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, and it’s easy to see why.

With its awe-inspiring architecture and rich history, Chichen Itza is a must-see for anyone visiting Mexico. But if it’s your first time visiting, it can be a little daunting knowing where to start.

That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide on how to visit Chichen Itza – so you can make the most of your trip! Keep reading for everything you need to know.

How To Explore Chichen Itza

It’s no question that visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula should take the time to go and see Chichen Itza.

You should know that the area is massive and it is more than just the one pyramid that is typically pictured in postcards or on social media.

Depending on how interested you may be in the details and how much time you will want to dedicate to roaming around, we suggest giving it at least 2 hours to make it a worthwhile visit.

While it was difficult for us to tour Chichen Itza fully with a small child, it was, nevertheless, very interesting and fun to go!

To enter you will need a ticket. Yes, you have to pay to see Chichen Itza! Tickets cost MXN$80 for children and MXN$533 for adults.

You can buy tickets online or at the entrance to the ruins. There is also a light and sound show in the evening for a higher priced admission.

2. Transportation

The easiest way to get to Chichen Itza is by car. The drive from either Cancun or Playa Del Carmen takes about two and half hours.

It takes an hour less to get there if you are driving from Merida.

Other options include shared taxis or bus. Getting a private tour shuttle is the best and most hassle-free way to do it (this was our choice and we loved it!)

It may take a few days to visit all of Chichen Itza’s sites.

And if you want to spend even longer in Mexico (which we recommend!), there are several nearby towns where you could stay or do day trips from.

The “Pueblo Magico” of Valladolid is probably our favorite option because it has so much charm and character!

This town makes for a great base while visiting Chichen Itza because it allows easy access without any major crowds.

3. Accommodations

Our top picks for where to stay near Chichen Itza include:

• Casa San Juan ($),
• Casa Tia Micha ($$),
• Hotel Posada San Juan  ($$$)

Once you have your ticket, it’s time to start planning what you want to see! Chichen Itza is a large site, and it’s easy to spend a whole day exploring here. 

Archeological Highlights To See

If you’re short on time, we recommend focusing on these three sites:

• El Castillo (the Temple of Kukulkan) is the most iconic building at Chichen Itza, and it’s hard to miss.
• The Ball Court was used for ceremonial purposes rather than sporting events, but how cool does that sound? Our guide mentioned that there is a theory that either the winning team or the loosing team may have been sacrificed, so that part is not cool!
• Finally, the Observatory provides an unparalleled view of the surrounding area – you really can’t beat this perspective!

In the same vicinity of the main pyramid are the Temple of the Warriors and Venus Platform so you can easily explore those without having to venture too far out.

If you have a little extra time, you should also check out Sacred Cenote which is about a 15 minute walk, round-trip. 

We didn’t get a chance to see it because we had to start heading back to Playa Del Carmen but hopefully will go back and check it our next time as it is one of the top things to see at Chichen Itza.

Should You Go With Or Without A Tour?

The short answer would be to go with a tour guide.

Unless you are purely there to see the structures and just take photos simply because they look “cool” you may want to actually learn about what you are seeing.

Some might argue that they can just learn about it online and that may work.

However, it’s just not the same as getting the information and connecting it to the site while actually being in it.

If you get a good tour guide, they will probably fill you in on some bonus information that may not be available easily elsewhere.

For instance, our tour guide went into detail about the four cenotes (one on each side) that surround the main temple (some are at a distance and may not appear on site maps) and how the waterways from those “wells” connect to one cenote or underground lake) right under the pyramid.

This is, perhaps, why the name refers to “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.”  

At the very least, it would be best to get an audio tour. This gives you both the freedom to enjoy the site on your own terms as well as giving you interesting information about this amazing World Wonder.

By the way, this was our fourth World Wonder. We have been fortunate to have see the Great Wall of China, Petra, and the Colosseum in Rome!

Interesting historical facts to know:

• There are 4 cenotes , one on each side of El Castillo with rivers connecting to big lake under main temple.
• Girls around age 14/15 were sacrificed in wells during ceremonies. Valuable items were also sacrificed in the cenote. Among some of the things that have been discovered are items made in places in South America like Costa Rica!
• The main pyramid was originally painted red . As guests entered they were given a drink and hallucinogen to enhance the magnificence and splendor of this place. Other ways that visitors were rattled and intimidated were with the many skull carvings at the entrance where thy walked through. 
• Sound carries well from the top of the pyramid . This was helpful when speeches were given to masses of people down below. Sound carrying far is also a characteristic of the Ball Court.
• If you clap at the base of the stairs, the sound will echo and sound like the quetzal bird , which was an important symbol in Mayan culture.
• Two times a year, during spring and autumn equinox , a shadow of a snake will be cast on the side of the stairs as a result of the design of the pyramid. As the sun slowly sets on those days, it gives the illusion of the serpent moving down the stairs where its head is sculpted.
• The Temple of Kukulkan and nearby monuments were built by slaves .
• There are a total of 365 steps (No, you cannot walk up the pyramid) at The Temple of Kukulkan representing the days of a year and the four sides for each season. In a way, the monument is like a calendar they used to help determine when to plant and harvest crops.

Suggested Itinerary

We were coming from our visit in Playa Del Carmen, but this itinerary can also be utilized by those leaving from Cancun.

We ate breakfast and packed Petra’s breakfast to go in order to get out and on the road around 8:15ish am.

We wanted to get there early so that temperatures would be a bit cooler and to deal with less crowds.

Our goal was to stay at least 2 hours and explore whatever that time would allow us so that we could be back by 4pm.

Our tour cost $180USD per person. We used My Quest Concierge Tour for our private tour and transportation.

We brought Petra’s car seat to Mexico with us so that came in handy. The cost included the tolls along the highway that our driver had to pay along the way.

For our on-the-go lunch we packed sandwiches and chips and we also packed food and water for Petra.

Be aware that there is no food option on the drive to Chichen Itza until you are about 20 minutes out in Piste area where you will have some local food options as well as a Subway and convenience store for snacks.

Also, there are no bathroom stops either!

The drive to Chichen Itza is pretty easy and flat with little scenery so we were ready with toys for Petra to keep her entertained a bit.

The key thing that helped us is that we time the drive to overlap with her nap time, so she was asleep a good portion of the 2 hour drive.

Quick Tips For Visiting Chichen Itza

• Plan your time – know how much you want to see. You can spend anywhere between 2 to 4 hours there realistically.
• Get there early (but late afternoon works, too)
• Have cash handy
• Eat outside . Food is limited to snacks once inside so eat at nearby Piste or Valladolid.
• Get a guide for full experience
• Dress appropriately . You will need: sunblock, hat, water, comfortable shoes/sandals – limited shade available
• Be prepared to walk through lots of souvenir vendors (bargain if you want to make purchases)
• It is stroller-friendly, but if you have a small baby, a carrier is more suitable
• Do not to touch any structures or climb them

With these tips under your belt, you should be ready to go on the adventure of a lifetime.

From getting there early and wearing comfortable clothes with plenty of snacks and water, to going with an expert guide who can answer all your questions about this amazing site- Chichen itza is waiting for you!

Have any other questions? Let us know in the comments below so we can help out as much as possible before you embark on one of Mexico’s most popular tourist attractions.

Is Playa Del Carmen Or Cancun A Better Starting Point To Chichen Itza?

When comparing Playa del Carmen and Cancun as starting points for visiting Chichen Itza, it’s important to consider your priorities.

Playa del Carmen offers a more relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, while Cancun provides a bustling and lively environment.

Both have easy access to the iconic Mayan ruins, so it ultimately depends on your preferred vacation vibe.

Is Visiting Chichen Itza One Of The Top Things To Do Near Valladolid?

Yes, visiting Chichen Itza is definitely included in the top things to do in Valladolid . The ancient Mayan ruins are a must-see attraction, showcasing incredible architecture and history.

The city of Valladolid also offers charming colonial architecture, cenotes to explore, and delicious Yucatecan cuisine.

Can Chichen Itza Be Included In A Day Trip From Merida?

Yes, Chichen Itza can definitely be included in a day trip from Merida .

Although it’s about a 2-hour drive each way, it’s definitely doable to visit Chichen Itza and be back in Merida by the end of the day.

Many tour companies offer day trips to this iconic archaeological site.

Can Visit Chichen Itza While Exploring Wildlife In Cancun?

Yes, absolutely! While exploring wildlife in Cancun, you can easily incorporate a visit to Chichen Itza.

The ancient Mayan ruins are just a few hours away from major wildlife viewing locations in Cancun , offering a perfect combination of cultural exploration and natural wonders.

Should We Explore Merida Or Valladolid Before Going To Chichen Itza?

When deciding between Merida and Valladolid for a historic city to explore before heading to Chichen Itza, consider our comparison.

Merida offers a bustling city with vibrant colonial architecture, while Valladolid provides a quieter, more traditional atmosphere with colorful streets and cenotes nearby.

Both are worth exploring.

Is Chichen Itza One Of The Main Attractions In Merida?

Yes, Chichen Itza is a must-see attraction in Merida . The ancient Mayan ruins, including El Castillo and the Great Ball Court, are impressive.

Visitors can explore the history and mysteries of Chichen Itza while soaking in the vibrant culture of Merida. Don’t miss this iconic site in Merida.

Is Tulum Or Playa Del Carmen Closer To Chichen Itza?

When comparing Tulum and Playa Del Carmen , it’s important to note that Tulum is closer to Chichen Itza for a visit.

Tulum is approximately 90 miles away from Chichen Itza, making it a more convenient choice for travelers looking to explore the ancient ruins.

Which Area In Playa Del Carmen Is Closest For A Chichen Itza Day Trip?

The area to stay in Playa Del Carmen closest to Chichen Itza for a day trip is located is the downtown area.

From there, visitors can easily access transportation to the ancient Mayan ruins and explore the wonders of Chichen Itza without traveling too far.

Are There Family-Friendly Activities In Playa Del Carmen?

Absolutely! There are plenty of things to do with family in Playa Del Carmen .

Apart from visiting Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the theme parks and cenotes.

Which Mayan Site Is Better For First-Time Visitors?

For first-time visitors to the Mayan sites, our Tulum ruins vs. Chichen Itza comparison may help in making a decision.

While Chichen Itza boasts the iconic El Castillo pyramid and impressive ball court, Tulum Ruins offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and a more relaxed, picturesque setting.

Check out these articles:

Chiang Mai Vs Chiang Rai: Best City Comparison for Northern Thailand Travelers

Ultimate 5-Day Oaxaca Itinerary: Discovering the Best of Oaxaca City

Where To See Wildlife In Cancun And The Mexican Caribbean

Taiss Nowrouzi

Hi! I’m just a California girl addicted to travel and adventure with a passion for art and dance on the side. Born in Iran, but I consider myself a citizen of Earth, adhering to the belief that “The world is but one country and mankind its citizen.” I strive to make a positive impact on everyone I meet and learn as much as possible from them. My degree out of college is in Marketing. However, I entered the hospitality business at an early age and worked my way up to hotel management. After about 13 years in that industry (5 of which I was a hotel assistant manager), I made the decision to move to Thailand and leave the 9 to 5 grind behind. My husband and I set off for a life of living abroad and hopes to continue traveling the world, just 3 months after our wedding. It all started with the two of us, along with our cat, together in Thailand. Can’t wait to see where life takes us next!

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A Detailed Guide to Chichen Itza

By: Author Charles

Posted on July 28, 2023

Chichen Itza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World and one of the most incredible feats of architecture on earth. No trip to the Yucatan peninsula is complete without a stop at this world wonder to explore all that it has to offer.

This article will be your go to comprehensive guide for all you need to know to take part of a day around the ruins. It will go over everything from how to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun to important facts about the site to Chichen Itza private tours options.

Whatever questions you may have I am hoping this guide can take care of it all and more!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) History of Chichen Itza

Before jumping into everything you need to know about a visit to Chichen Itza, I just wanted to go over some helpful info about the history of the site and its significance in the Mayan Empire.

» Chichen Itza is not just the beautiful pyramid you see in all the pictures. It is actually an entire city with numerous structures and temples built all throughout.

The Temple of Kukulkan or El Castillo is the name of the famous pyramid front and center that most people are familiar with.

» The name Chichen Itza is thought to be translated to “the mouth at the well of Itza” (Itza meaning high class rulers or water magicians).

» The city began to be built in the 400AD – 500AD time period and around the year 600AD, it soon become one of the most important cities in the region.

It was a center for trade and was full of mathematicians, engineers, architects, and astronomers (not surprising given the intense detail behind the structures built in the city).

» It was not until about the 1200’s that the city began to collapse and the Mayans began to move away from it. Around the year 1540 the Spanish took over Chichen Itza, although most locals were already gone by then.

» Throughout the 1800’s and into the 1900’s the site was brought to life, first by exploration and then by restoration. Some of these early explorers included John Lloyd Stephens, Frederick Catherwood and Edward Thompson.

The site is still being studied to this day, and there have even been some new discoveries given the advancement in technology.

2) Important Facts To Know

Since Chichen Itza is a World Wonder, you can imagine there are A LOT of people who want to experience a visit there. Below are some important facts to know about Chichen Itza to better prep you up for your trip.

» The complex is open every day from 8:00AM – 4:30PM. The best time to go to avoid the crowds are right at opening time or a couple hours before closing (to avoid those tour groups).

Believe me it does get very crowded at mid day and it is also the hottest time to visit.

» Price to enter Chichen Itza is 481 pesos / $25 USD (406 pesos for the state ticket and 75 pesos for the federal ticket). This can ONLY be paid in Mexican Pesos and there is an ATM nearby if you are low on cash.

» If you want to get more of a private feel around Chichen Itza you can also opt for an after hours ticket. The cost is ~200 pesos / $10 USD (in addition to the regular ticket if you go earlier as well) and it gives you access to Chichen Itza from 5:00PM – 6:30PM.

» Every night at Chichen Itza you can also view the famous light and sound show by the main Kukulkan pyramid. Buy tickets in advance here (510 pesos / $27 USD).

The gates open at 7:00PM or 8:00PM depending on time of year. You can then tour the area for about 45 minutes using a special audio guide and the show then starts about an hour later for a 20 minute performance (when purchasing tickets you can see what time the entrance opens).

» If you opt to stay at one of the hotels on the Chichen Itza complex (i.e. Mayaland Hotel or  Hacienda Chichen ) you can organize a private tour before the complex opens (6:00AM) and it will be like having the entire place to yourself. These tours can costs around $100+ per person.

» There are no tripods allowed in the complex (same goes for drones). If you were planning a professional photo shoot that will not be possible unless you get permission ahead of time. They also charge a small additional fee if you come in with a video camera or GoPro.

» Do not forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and water – it can get very hot out there with little shade in the main areas of the complex

» Be prepared for hundreds of vendors lining the pathways of Chichen Itza. They are selling anything and everything you can think of when it comes to a tourist attraction.

While prices are pretty cheap to begin with, there is always room to negotiate a bit. Note that some vendors will have authentic hand made goods while others will be selling made in China items – so be aware if you want to purchase the real thing.

» TIME ZONE IMPORTANT NOTE : A pretty important last note here – the Quintana Roo timezone (aka Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen) does not change its clocks for daylight savings. This was done to increase the amount of sunlight hours during the winter time. As a result, during the winter months (November to March) when it is 8AM in Cancun, it is 7AM at Chichen Itza. During the rest of the year, the two time zones will match – Chichen Itza’s timezone will leap up an hour in March and it will be the same time as Quintana Roo until the winter comes by again. What does this mean for you? Well for example, if you are visiting Mexico in January and want to visit Chichen Itza at opening (8:00AM), you would only need to leave Cancun at 7:00AM (not 6:00AM). The two hour drive will get you to Chichen Itza at 8:00AM local but 9:00AM Cancun time. So it will save you an hour of sleep there. On the way back you will lose that hour and jump ahead one hour as you make your way back to Quintana Roo.

3) How to Get to Chichen Itza from Cancun

There are three main ways to go about visiting Chichen Itza. You can choose to rent and car and get there on your own, you can use public transportation, or you can hire a group or private guide.

Below I will go into further detail about each one of these options with some pros and cons along the way.

The first option here would be to rent a car and make your way to Chichen Itza on your own time. You could be coming from Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Valladolid, etc and head to Chichen Itza as part of a day trip or a stop along the way of a longer route.

I won’t cover the ins and outs of renting a car around the Yucatan Peninsula but this post will highlight all you need to know.

By renting your own car you will be on your own schedule and you can head to Chichen Itza right at opening or later in the day in order to avoid the crowds and not worry about relying on a tour/public transport schedule.

You can do what you want, when you want and add stops along the way such as exploring cenotes (although a private guide can get you there too).

So if you are all for freedom and don’t mind driving on your own in Mexico, then this option could be for you. Note that parking costs 80 pesos / $4 USD at the site.

Public Transport

The second choice here would be to leverage public transportation to get to Chichen Itza. You can do so a day trip from any of the aforementioned towns.

There is a company called Ado Bus that has public busses in the AM that will get you to Chichen Itza with return routes later on in the afternoon. The advantage of taking the bus is that it is cheap ($5-$15 each way) and you will not need to worry about driving/renting a car.

However do note that the busses will be arriving at peak hours for visitors which means a much more crowded site.

With choices #1 and #2, you can opt to hire a tour guide at the entrance of the site. If not, no worries as you can just roam the complex on your own as well.

The third option would be to take a group tour to the ruins. There are many companies that you will comes across that will offer such a tour for around $50-$75.

The downside to these tours is that you will spend the first hour of the day picking up people all throughout Cancun (or Tulum, Playa, etc), and then arrive at Chichen Itza at the peak and hottest hours of the day.

These group tours can also have a fair share of people joining along which can take away from the experience and make it difficult to ask questions to your guide. For the price though – transport and guide, it is a pretty good deal all things considered.

On the other hand, some companies offer group tours that are a bit different than the mainstream ones. You can opt for a small group tour where the max number of people is limited to say 10 people or so.

You can also find tours such as the early bird option which leaves Cancun early AM and gets there right at opening. These options will be a bit more expensive, but could be a better experience altogether.

Chichen Itza Private Tours

The last option and the one I went with during my time in the Yucatan was a private tour from start to end. By far the most expensive option (~$150+ per person) but at the same time the most rewarding in my eyes.

I came across a company called Mayan Expeditions , a local, reliable and highly rated company in the Cancun area (there are sure to be similar ones in other cities as well).

For a 10+ hour day, you will get both a driver and a guide for your private group. This was fantastic as during the 2 hour ride to Chichen Itza, Pepe our guide, was educating us all about the history of Chichen Itza, answering all of our questions, and telling us interesting facts about the area.

Since I wanted to get there before the big group tours arrived, Pepe was able to pick us up from our hotel right at 7AM, which meant we would arrive directly at 8AM opening (due to the time change in the winter).

Once we arrived at Chichen Itza, we walked ALL around the complex, learning about each structure of the area, taking plenty of pictures, and continuously going back and forth asking questions.

For a site like Chichen Itza, it was incredible having someone like Pepe teach us about each and every detail of how the place was built.

After about 4+ hours touring the complex (and once all those tour groups began to arrive), we hopped back into the van and headed to Valladolid for lunch.

We got dropped off at a fantastic restaurant (recommended by Pepe but if you have done your own research, they can bring you there as well) and spent an hour enjoying a local Mexican meal.

It was then time to head to a cenote to wind down and hang out in the water. We ended up at a great one called San Lorenzo Oxman , which is part of a hacienda that has a pool and restaurant. The cenote itself was incredible to swim in and also had a rope swing to get yourself into the water.

Note with some of (not all) the group tours, they may also add a cenote to the itinerary – most likely Ik Kill, which is just a few minutes away from Chichen Itza.

Once we were all done with Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and the San Lorenzo Cenote, it was back to Cancun to end one unbelievable day in the Yucatan. If you want to contact Pepe directly he can be reached at pepelopezjr(at)mayanexpeditions(dot)com.

4) The Chichen Itza Complex

As mentioned Chichen Itza is not just the great pyramid that lays in the center of the complex. While the Temple of Kukulkan / El Castillo is the center piece of Chichen Itza, there are actually 18 places pinned down on the map that you can visit all throughout the complex.

As you enter you will first buy the tickets from the booth and you can use the restrooms / buy some drinks & snacks prior to heading in. You will then make your way through the turnstiles and into the complex itself.

Before you know it you will start approaching the center of Chichen Itza and see the vast area that it covers.

A) The Temple of Kukulkan

The Temple of Kukulkan is truly massive in size and if you have a tour guide with you, you will learn all about the history of how it was built and the intense detail that went into its construction.

Literally every part of the pyramid has a meaning – from the number of levels, to the indentations of stone, to the angle the sun hits it – the Mayans were a step above the engineering game.

The Temple of Kukulkan is actually one pyramid built on top of a second pyramid and unlike the pyramids in Egypt, this one is not built with blocks.

Instead, it was more so built with piles of stones until the outer walls were put into place on top of them. As you circle the pyramid you will see that only two sides were fully restored (with stones found around the area).

On the other two sides you can actually see what it looked like when it was discovered. These are the inner layers of stone piles that were put in as a base to the pyramid as a whole.

B) The Great Ball Court

After spending enough time around El Castillo itself, it is time to walk around the rest of the complex to take a look at what else the area has to offer. Your next stop should be the famous Great Ball Court.

Now this was not your typical game. The game was played with two teams of players on the field and 1 captain up on the ledge. The goal of the game was for the players to get the ball to their captain and have the captain bounce the ball into the circular hole up above.

Here is the catch though – players were not allowed to use their hands or feet – that means they had to use elbows, thighs, shoulders, chest, etc to get the ball to their captain and into the hole. Since the difficulty of this game was so intense, once a team scored, the game was over.

That did not leave too much time to celebrate though as the captain of the winning (not losing) team was killed and sacrificed. Quite a game is was!

C) Sacred Cenote

Once your time at the ball court is over, head over to the Sacred Cenote. Here is where more sacrifices happened as people plunged 90+ feet into the water down below.

Unlike many other cenotes around the Yucatan, this one does not have that nice clear color. That is because the underwater water system has been blocked off after so many years.

It is still a remarkable place to see though and take in. One interesting fact here was that Edward Thompson actually used some heavy machinery back in the early 1900’s to dig the bottom of the cenote.

There he found skulls, bones, jewelry etc, which helped experts better understand what happened back in the Mayan era.

D) Temple of the Warriors & Square of the 1,000 Columns

Make your way back to the main field area to the Temple of the Warriors and Square of the 1,000 Columns. The temple was one of the largest of the complex and the columns were thought to be the home of a marketplace for locals.

E) El Caracol – The Observatory

Finally it is time to head to the famous Observatory. Here was the area of study for many of the mathematicians, engineers, and astronomers in Chichen Itza.

As you might imagine it took quite the expertise to understand the astronomy and architecture back then without any technology. This is where those people studied for years on end to become experts in their fields.

F) Other Structures & Temples

Those are just some of the main sites of the Chichen Itza complex.

Along the way however, you will pass by other structures such as the Tomb of the High Priest, Platform of Venus, and the Red House Chichanchob, among many others

Once you have had enough time roaming around, make your way back to the entrance and end a successful day exploring Chichen Itza.

From there it is either heading out to lunch, a cenote, and/or back to your hotel. However you decide to go about your day, you are sure to enjoy what Chichen Itza has to offer.

5) Where to Stay

You can be visiting Chichen Itza from a variety of places. Below are some top hotel options in the various cities.

I have also listed down a couple spots that are basically in the Chichen Itza complex (by staying at the site you can take advantage of the early morning and/or evening options to explore Chichen Itza mentioned earlier).

1. Le Blanc Spa Resort

2. Westin Lagunamar

3. Fiesta Americana

Playa del Carmen

1. Grand Velas Riviera Maya

2. Petit Lafitte Hotel

3. Hilton Playa del Carmen

1. Mezzanine Colibri Boutique Hotel

2. Teetotum Hotel

3. Mestizo Gallery

Chichen Itza Options

1. The Lodge at Chichen Itza

2. Mayaland Hotel

3. Hacienda Chichen

That about does it for a comprehensive guide to Chichen Itza! Everything from how to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun to Chichen Itza private tours options.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to add them in below. Have fun out there and safe travels!

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CHICHEN ITZA TICKETS

Get your Chichen Itza tickets here!

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As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza applies admission fees to enter the most impressive archaeological site in the Yucatan Peninsula. Mexican Mayan ruins usually got two different rates, for Mexicans and for international visitors.

When you visit Chichen Itza there are two types of fees included in your tickets. One is for the Institute of History and Anthropology of Mexico (INAH) and another for the Ministry of Culture of Yucatán (Cultur).

Chichen Itza Entrance fee

General admission.

• Adults (13+) : $614 MXN
• Mexican Citizens : $272 MXN
• Locals (Yucatan ID) : $90 MXN

Free admission on Sundays for Mexican citizens and foreigners with residence in Mexico, ID is required.

Explore the most amazing Mayan site, walk around and admire the main Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins such as El Castillo Pyramid , also known as the Kukulkan Pyramid . Get to see The Great Ball Court , El Caracol and more. Experience the real Mayan spirit in every corner at Chichen Itza. Learn the hidden secrets behind the ancient walls and surround yourself with the Mayan Culture.

Kukulkan Nights

A Chichen Itza trip is not only exciting during the day, Chichen Itza at night becomes a magical experience. Enjoy the most incredible light and sound show in one of the Seven  wonders of the world, admire how the Kukulkan Pyramid is filled with colorful images and Mayan representations. The show begins at 7:00 pm, you can get your tickets at Chichen Itza’s entrance starting at 15:00 hrs.

From Friday and Saturday

General Admission: $708 MXN

General admission: $450 MXN

Chichen Itza Opening Hours

Chichen Itza is open from Monday to Sunday

from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

*Last entry is at 4:00 pm

*These prices are only valid for box office purchases.

Unravel the wonders of Chichen Itza with our expert guides! Explore ancient pyramids and temples with insightful commentary. Book your Chichen Itza Tour Guide now for an extraordinary experience!

Visiting Chichén Itzá on Your Own in 2021: Top FAQs

If you’re traveling to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, a trip to Chichén Itzá is a must.

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Mayan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect side or day trip from Playa del Carmen , Cancun, or Tulum.

Fortunately, visiting Chichén Itzá on your own without a guide or tour group is still possible in 2021. 

Take a look at these tips and answers to frequently asked questions in order to plan your visit to the iconic archeological ruins!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up!

Chichén Itzá Basics

What structures can be found at chichén itzá.

• Temple of Kukulcán/ The Castle (El Castillo) Pyramid
• Great Ball Court (Gran Juego de Pelota)
• Skull Platform (El Tzompantli, Plataforma de los Cráneos)
• Platform of Eagles and Jaguars (Plataforma de Águilas y Jaguares)  
• Platform of Venus (Platform de Venus)
• Temple of the Tables (Templo de las Mesas)
• Temple of the Bearded Man (El Templo del Hombre Barbudo)
• Sacred Cenote (Cenote Sagrado)
• Temple of the Warriors (Templo de los Guerreros)
• Group of the Thousand Columns (Grupo de las Mil Columnas)
• Thompson’s Temple (Palace of Ahau Balam Kauil)
• Marketplace (El Mercado)
• Osario Pyramid (El Osario)
• Temple of Xtoloc
• Red House (Casa Colorada)
• The Nunnery (Las Monjas)
• The Snail Observatory Temple (El Caracol)
• Old Chichen (Chichén Viejo)
• Caves of Balankanche (Gruta de Balankanche)

FAQ About Visiting Chichén Itzá on Your Own

Here are some of the most common questions regarding visiting Chichén Itzá . As with all things— especially in the COVID era— accessibility, rules, and fees are always changing so be sure to verify details for yourself prior to your trip for the best experience possible.

Can you visit Chichén Itzá on your own?

Yes, it’s not required to book a private tour or guide. 

In fact, many travelers choose to rent a car and drive themselves to the various sightseeing locations around the Yucatan for a more flexible schedule.

Although hiring a local tour guide may be helpful if you’re looking for in-depth information about the history behind the site, it’s not necessary to explore the archeological grounds.

How much does it cost to go to Chichén Itzá?

As of March 2021, the Chichén Itzá general entrance fee is 533 MXN. 

Do note that the total fee is paid in two separate payments (federal and state) and also at different windows.

Can you still climb the pyramid at Chichén Itzá?

Unfortunately, access up the El Castillo Temple of Kukulkan was closed in 2006 after a woman fell to her death.

The pyramid steps are roped off and visitors are only allowed to view it from the outside.

How much time do you need at Chichén Itzá?

On average, 3 hours is usually enough time to see Chichén Itzá. 

Depending on your sightseeing style (i.e. if you just want to take a quick look around or if you want to learn the history of every feature), you might stay between 2-4 hours.

Can you swim in the cenote at Chichén Itzá?

No, you cannot enter Chichén Itzá’s Sacred Cenote ( Cenote Sagrado ).

You can, however, swim in Cenote Ik Kil, which is located just an eight minute drive from Chichén Itzá and a popular stop for those visiting the ancient Mayan city.

Is Chichén Itzá open during COVID?

Yes, you can still visit Chichén Itzá as long as you follow their COVID guidelines. This includes wearing a face mask inside the archeological zone and keeping six feet from others.

Sadly, tourists not adhering to face mask rules have caused officials to close the site temporarily such as during Holy Week (April 1-4).

There are also limitations in place restricting the number of visitors allowed inside the grounds at a time and a cap on how many people can be together in a tour group (10).

Certain structures and special access hours may also be limited or suspended.

It should go without saying that if you do choose to travel at this time, please be respectful of the local health regulations and be a responsible visitor.

• How to Get a COVID Antigen Test in Playa del Carmen from Farmacias del Ahorro
• FAQ: Mexico Health Declaration Form for Air Travel

Hours of Operation

Chichén Itzá is open daily between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with last access at 4 p.m. 

Keep in mind that some sites inside the grounds may close at 4 p.m.

Tips for Visiting Chichén Itzá Solo

Although you might be able to pay the entrance fee by card, in my experience in Mexico, I’ve found that it’s better to always have cash on hand as technical difficulties with card payment machines occur quite often.

There’s also no shortage of vendors at the site to purchase food, drinks, or souvenirs from, and having pesos is the easiest way to ensure that you can buy things quickly without worrying about getting ripped off from a bad conversion rate or withdrawing cash from a sketchy ATM.

If you want to avoid the busiest time of day, plan on visiting Chichén Itzá as soon as it opens.

By around 10 or 11 a.m., tour buses start to arrive and that’s when it begins to get crowded.

Visiting early in the morning also means you’ll be able to enjoy the sights while it’s not blazing hot out!

Check the weather forecast

While the weather is often unpredictable, checking the forecast can give you a better idea of how hot or cold it’ll be when you’re visiting so that you can dress appropriately for your visit.

I just assumed it would be extremely hot during my trip to Chichén Itzá as that had been the case at the Tulum and Coba Ruins , but to my surprise, it was so cool when I went to Chichén Itzá that I had to buy a poncho to stay warm!

Wear comfortable shoes

Chichén Itzá is very large and you’ll need to walk a lot between the structures.

Make sure you’re wearing a pair of comfy shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty.

Bring a hat and sunscreen

Chances are that the sun will be very strong and hot when you visit.

There’s little to no shade around and most of the grounds are exposed to direct sunlight, so be prepared with appropriate head coverings and protection.

Additional Mexico Guides

• Visiting the Coba Ruins in 2021: 6 Most FAQs
• 10 Tips for Visiting Isla Mujeres on a Budget [2021]
• The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love
• The Best 15 Day Trips from Playa del Carmen

Mexican Candy Taste Test Review + First Impressions

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Michelle is a freelance writer who has traveled to all seven continents and 60+ countries through various forms of employment. Over the last ten years, she’s worked as an ESL teacher in Japan, a youth counselor aboard cruise ships, and a hospitality manager in Antarctica.

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BEST Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza On Your Own [2024]

• March 22, 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our  full disclosures here .

Are you considering visiting Chichen Itza on your own? I’ve got all the details you need to know before you go without a tour!

I get it. You want to visit the majestic wonder of the world, Chichen Itza! But you don’t want to stress your bank account or feel like you’re missing out by not joining a guided Chichen Itza tour .

I was in the exact same boat not too long ago! My husband and I were determined to visit Chichen Itza during our recent trip to Mexico. 

And of course, we wanted to do it in the most budget-friendly way possible, truly living up to our motto of   #SeeTheWorldSaveADollar

So here’s the deal, this article will ensure you’re fully prepared before you go to Chichen Itza on your own in 2024.

How much will it actually cost you? Are there any restrictions you need to know about?

And what are the absolute must-see spots during your self-guided tour of Chichen Itza ?

These burning questions are probably on your mind, and I’m here to share our recent first-hand experience and guide you through it all.

With the right preparation and a small dose of adventure, you’ll be well on your way to an unforgettable experience at this world wonder.

Continue reading for a complete guide on how to visit Chichen Itza on your own.

Key Takeaways :

• Consider driving and factor in tolls and parking.
• Arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday sun.
• Dress in lightweight, sun-protective clothing.
• Essential items: Bring cash, bug spray, and water.
• Explore the temples, platforms, and cenote using this self-guided tour .

Table of Contents

Where To Go to Visit Chichen Itza?

First things first, let’s talk about the logistics.

Chichen Itza is located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, approximately 95 miles west of Tulum or 125 miles west of Cancun.

If you’re planning to drive to Chichen Itza yourself , it’s essential to factor in the cost of tolls . 

It’s important that you have Mexican pesos on hand to pay the toll when driving to Chichen Itza. 

During our visit, we made the mistake of not having enough Mexican pesos and found ourselves unable to pay with US dollars.

As a result, we had to pull over and search for someone to exchange our currency with.

Needless to say, it wasn’t the most ideal scenario.

To avoid any inconvenience, I highly recommend exchanging some currency for Mexican pesos before heading on this journey.

Do better than us!

The amount you should set aside for roundtrip toll expenses typically falls within the range of 500 to 1000 Mexican pesos. 

That’s pretty broad, I know, but the exact toll fees depend on your starting location and the route you choose.

I recommend using Goole Maps to get a more accurate estimation of toll costs.

Simply input your destination and Google Maps will provide an estimate of the toll costs.

This will help you determine the exact amount you should carry for tolls.

You can also toggle on the “avoid tolls” option when using Google Maps. 

However, depending on your starting point, it may not always be possible to completely avoid toll roads.

Take this into consideration when planning your journey.

You’ll also need to budget 80 Mexican pesos for Chichen Itza parking. 

Once you’ve parked, get ready to explore! The Chichen Itza entrance fee is 614 Mexican pesos.

Keep in mind that the Chichen Itza ticket price may vary, so it’s always a good idea to double-check the official website before your visit.

US Dollars and other foreign currency are not accepted, so have Mexican pesos on hand. 

You can pay with a credit card but that is not always reliable and you’ll need to present identification with the credit card.

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When To Go to Chichen Itza?

Timing is everything when it comes to visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site .

To make the most of your experience and capture stunning photos without the crowds at Chichen Itza, it’s essential to arrive early.

Chichen Itza opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm, but the last tickets are sold at 4 pm. 

Make it a priority to arrive before the tour buses roll in to have a more exclusive experience at this world wonder. 

The early wake-up call is definitely worth it. During our visit to the Chichen Itza ruins, we arrived at 9 am. 

We managed to beat the crowds and had the opportunity to explore Chichen Itza without the hordes of tourists.

As the late morning and afternoon rolled around, hundreds of visitors started flooding in. 

Having those precious moments of uninterrupted exploration in the early hours made all the difference.

So set that alarm clock, get there early, and enjoy Chichen Itza before the rush begins. 

Also, of note, every Sunday there is free admission for Mexican citizens and foreigners living in Mexico with proof of identification. 

What this means for you - Sundays are likely the most crowded in general.

It might be best to plan your visit to Chichen Itza on a different day of the week.

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What To Wear to Chichen Itza?

As you plan your Chichen Itza adventure, keep in mind that it is located in an area with maximum exposure to sunlight. I’m talkin', no shade.

To protect yourself from the scorching sun, wear light-colored clothing that covers your skin. A wide-brimmed hat is a must-have accessory. 

The very first thing I bought when I pulled up to Chichen Itza was a hat for 200 Mexican pesos. 

You can either bring your own hat or buy one once you get there to ensure you have some shade during your exploration.

And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes , as you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking. 

Since Chichen Itza experiences hot weather for most of the year (think 90F degrees hot), sunscreen is your best friend . 

Protect your beautiful skin from sunburns by applying a generous amount of sunscreen with a high SPF .

If you plan your visit to Chichen Itza during the cooler months of December and January, when temperatures can dip down into the 60s F, consider bringing an extra layer such as a poncho for added comfort.

Always check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure you dress appropriately.

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What To Bring to Chichen Itza?

Now that you know what to wear, let’s discuss what essentials to bring along . Below we'll go through a quick travel checklist.

Make sure to bring enough cash with you.

You’ll find numerous vendors at Chichen Itza, and bargaining is a common practice.

If you’re eyeing a souvenir, be prepared to negotiate the price.

Vendors often sell similar items, so don’t hesitate to explore your options and find the best deal.

Remember to stick to the price you have in mind and remain consistent.

If you’re patient and persistent, you might end up with a great item at a fraction of the initial asking price. 

The initial asking price is significantly inflated, specifically targeting tourists like yourself.

When we were browsing for souvenirs, we found an item we really liked.

However, the seller initially quoted a price of $450 Mexican pesos, which was more than what we were willing to pay.

It was negotiation time. We managed to strike a deal and purchased the same item for just $50 Mexican pesos. 

This price was much closer to what a local would typically pay for the same item, and it felt like a fair transaction.

You’d be surprised how much you can save by engaging in a friendly negotiation.

It’s a good way to strike a balance between budget-consciousness and supporting the local community. 

So don’t hesitate to haggle and find a price that works for both you and the vendor. It’s all part of the shopping experience at Chichen Itza.

2. BUG SPRAY

Chichen Itza is located in an area abundant with mosquitoes.

These pesky insects can quickly turn your visit into an itchy nightmare.

Arm yourself with insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay and ensure a more pleasant experience.

Hydration is key! The sun at noon shines directly overhead, intensifying the heat.

Stay hydrated throughout your adventure by carrying a water bottle with you.

It’s essential to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration . 

Trust me, you don’t want to pass out in the middle of exploring this incredible ancient city.

Last-Minute Travel Checklist

Don't let last-minute chaos stress you out. Download our essential travel checklist & embark on your adventures prepared!

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What To See at Chichen Itza?

Chichen Itza is one of the new seven wonders of the world and for good reason.

The detailed architecture is way before its time. 

When visiting the Chichen Itza ruins, there are several incredible sights that you shouldn’t miss. 

To make the most of your visit and gain deeper insights into these fascinating structures, consider downloading a self-guided audio tour .

For under $10 USD, the self-guided audio tour gives you access to detailed audio narration, informative text, and a live GPS map, enhancing your experience and helping you discover the hidden wonders of Chichen Itza.  

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The Temple of Kukulcan also known as the Castle (El Castilo) steals the spotlight at Chichen Itza. 

It’s the iconic pyramid that instantly captures your attention.

Prepare to be amazed by its intricate architecture and fascinating history.

This temple is a symmetrical masterpiece, featuring 91 steps on each of its four sides with one additional step at the very top.

That’s a total of 365 steps, representing every single day in the year.

But here’s the coolest part: when you clap your hands in front of the stairs, the sound of a sacred quetzal bird echoes through the air. 

Of course, Chichen Itza is not just about the Temple of Kukulcan.

You’ll come across several other temples, each with its unique charm and story. 

Here are some others that you don’t want to miss out on: 

• Temple of the Tables (Templo de las Mesas)
• Temple of the Beared Man (Templo del Hombre Barbudo)
• Temple of the Warriors (Temple de los Guerreros)
• The Nunnery (Las Monjas)
• The Snail Observatory Temple (El Caracol)
• Temple of Xtoloc (Temple de Xtoloc)
• Thompson’s Temple (Palace of Ahau Balam Kauil)
• Osario Pyramid (El Osario)

Every structure has its own tale to tell.

You can still catch snippets of their explanations and gain insights into the historical and cultural significance of each site by positioning yourself within earshot of the guided tours passing by.

Or, if snooping is not your thing, you could download a self guided audio tour for less than $10 USD.

By exploring Chichen Itza on your own, you can go at your own pace and delve into the details that captivate you the most.

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Great Ball Court

My husband used to play basketball in college so one of the first things he wanted to check out at Chichen Itza was the great ball court (Gran Juego de Pelota). 

As we took a look around we learned more about the game.

This massive court was used for a unique Mesoamerican sport that resembles basketball.

Players were sacrificed through decapitation when they lost this game, and sometimes even if they won the game because it was considered an honor to be sacrificed.

I guess you could say “Ball was life.”

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Chichen Itza boasts several remarkable platforms that are worth exploring.

Visit the Skull Platform (El Tzompantli, Plataforma de los Craneos) to witness a chilling display of skulls.

These skulls served as a warning to intruders, reminding them of the consequences of challenging Chichen Itza’s might.

Another impressive platform is the Platform of Eagles and Jaguars (Plataforma de Aguilas y Jaguares), adorned with intricate carvings depicting these majestic creatures.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out the Platform of Venus (Plataforma de Venus), which offers a glimpse into the celestial knowledge of the ancient Mayans.

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Sacred Cenote

The Sacred Cenote (Cenote Sagrada) is a natural sinkhole of great importance to the Mayan civilization. 

While swimming is not allowed in this cenote, you can still admire its beauty and learn about its significance in the Mayan religious practices.

If you’re looking for a great cenote experience, check out Cenote Oxman which is not too far from Chichen Itza.

We took a 40-minute drive to Cenote Oxman in Valladolid after visiting Chichen Itza. It cost only 150 Mexican pesos to enter Cenote Oxman.

You can watch our full experience below.

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Marketplace

The Marketplace (El Mercado) is a vibrant hub that offers a wide array of traditional crafts, jewelry, textiles, and more.

Remember to negotiate prices and find that perfect memento to commemorate your adventure.

The Group of the Thousand Columns (grupo de las mil columnas) is right across from the marketplace. 

It’s a captivating sight to see and provides a glimpse into the architectural wonders of the ancient Mayans.

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FAQs on Visiting Chichen Itza on Your Own

What are the Chichen Itza opening hours?

• Chichen Itza hours are from 8 am to 5 pm. The last tickets are sold at 4 pm.

How much time to visit Chichen Itza?

• The average time spent at Chichen Itza is around 3 hours.

Can you go to the Mayan ruins without a tour?

• Absolutely! You can visit Chichen Itza on your own without the need for a guided tour.  

Do you have to cover up at Chichen Itza?

• There is no strict dress code at Chichen Itza, but it is advisable to wear light-colored and breathable clothing that protects from the sun.

Is there a fee to enter to Chichen Itza archaeological zone?

• Yes, there is an entrance fee. We paid 533 Mexican pesos, but you can check for any updates or changes in prices before your visit on the official website.

Do I need bug spray at Chichen Itza?

• Definitely! Chichen Itza is in a region known for mosquitos, so it’s highly recommended to bring and apply bug spray before exploring the site.

What not to do at Chichen Itza? 

• Climbing the pyramids is strictly prohibited to preserve the ancient structures. Swimming in the cenote is not allowed either.

What structures can be found at Chichen Itza?

• Temple of Kukulcan, Temple of the Tables, Temple of the Bearded Man, Temple of the Warriors, The Nunnery, The Snail Observatory Temple, Temple of Xtoloc, Thompson’s Temple, Osario Pyramid, the Great Ball Court, Skull Platform, Platform of Venus, Platform of Eagles and Jaguars, and the Group of the Thousand Columns. 

Can you still climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza?

• No, climbing pyramids at Chichen Itza is prohibited.

Can you swim in the cenote at Chichen Itza?

• No, swimming in the Sacred Cenote at Chichen Itza is not allowed.

Why was Chichen Itza abandoned?

• This remains a mystery, but it’s believed that a combination of political unrest, ecological changes, and the decline of Mayan civilization played a role.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Chichen Itza On Your Own

Visiting Chichen Itza on your own is not only possible but also highly worthwhile. 

Now that you’re equipped with the essential details including the best times to visit, the must-see sights, and even an estimate of the costs involved - you can plan your trip with confidence.

After reading this article, you know the best way to visit Chichen Itza on your own, and you can explore at your own pace to make the most of every moment. 

Don’t forget to put your negotiation skills to good use at the marketplace, where you can snag the perfect deal on souvenirs to bring back home.

As you explore the temples and platforms, prepare to be amazed by the ancient history and architecture.

From the iconic Temple of Kukulcan to the fascinating Skull Platform, each site holds a unique story.

To make the most of your visit, remember to arrive early to beat the crowds, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, stay hydrated throughout the day, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of this world-wonder experience.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with your favorite travelers and pin it to your travel boards on Pinterest!

2 thoughts on “ BEST Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza On Your Own [2024] ”

I visited in 2019 & everything you’ve said was true to back then also. The drive is sooo lonnng, I did the guided tour & kept waking up thinking “are we there yet?” LOL! I can definitely see that you covered more ground doing it by yourselves so this is something for me to consider. Thank you!

Lol, sometimes doing it yourself is much more worth it. Thanks for your support and for reading the blog!

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