visit chichen itza from cancun

How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza: Drive, Tour & Bus

The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are one of the most spectacular sights in Mexico, and there are a bunch of easy ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza on a day trip. This place was once one of the biggest and most important cities for the Mayan civilization.

You can get from Cancun to Chichen Itza by booking a tour , driving yourself in a rental car , or taking the ADO public bus. In this travel guide, I’ll explain how to use each of these transport options, as well as their pros and cons.

Overall, it’s not very complicated to visit this wonder of the world on a day trip from any of the tourist towns in the Yucatan peninsula, and it’s also pretty budget friendly, so you should definitely add it to your Mexico to do list!

Table of Contents show 1) Where To Stay In Cancun 2) Where is Chichen Itza? 3) How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza 4) • Join A Group Tour 5) • Book A Private Tour 6) • Rent A Car & Drive Yourself 7) • Take The ADO Public Bus 8) Cancun To Chichen Itza FAQ 9) More Cancun Tours 10) Cancun Hotels

Where To Stay In Cancun

Wyndham Alltra

Hotel Bonampak

Emporio Cancun

Where is Chichen Itza?

First things first — where is Chichen Itza located in Mexico?

Chichen Itza is located in the middle of the Mexican state of Yucatan, and the distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is about 200 kilometers (125 miles), so it can be reached in 2 or 3 hours of driving.

The Chichen Itza ruins are located near the 16th century city of Valladolid, as well as many nice cenotes (natural sinkholes) to swim in, so there are lots of other great things to see in the area near the ruins.

How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza

• join a group tour.

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza is by joining a group tour with other travelers, which you can book online or arrange with your Cancun hotel when you arrive in Mexico.

Chichen Itza tours are very popular, so there are many companies offering them every day of the week. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning, driven by van or bus to Chichen Itza, and then given a guided tour of the ruins.

We used one of these tours ourselves and had a great experience. There are even early morning tours where you can beat the crowds and be one of the first people to enter the Chichen Itza ruins at the start of the day.

Oftentimes these group tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza also include other great sights of the Yucatan peninsula, like the Coba ruins, Tulum, Valladolid, and a swim at one or two of the many scenic cenotes in the area. These tours usually include a buffet lunch and hotel pickup / drop-off as well.

The only downside of a group tour is that you have a fixed itinerary, so you usually only get to spend about an hour or less in each location you visit on the tour. Personally, we could have stayed a bit longer, but for most people this is probably plenty of time. We tend to take a lot of photos.

In an arrangement like this, you’re also sharing the tour with a bunch of other travelers, although we didn’t mind that since Chichen Itza is going to be crowded anyway, and the bus ride is a chance to meet other travelers.

Book Now: Chichen Itza Cancun Group Tour

• Book A Private Tour

If you want to visit Chichen Itza with a tour but don’t like the idea of joining a big group, there are also private tours and small group tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza departing every day of the week.

This option is more expensive than a group tour, but if you have the budget then it can be a great way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza! This way you’ll have a private driver and a multilingual tour guide to transport you to each location and explain the history of the archaeological sites in detail.

Some of these private tours also include the nearby Mayan ruins of Coba and Tulum, with buffet lunch and hotel pickup / drop-off from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, or other locations in the Riviera Maya.

Book Now: Chichen Itza Cancun Private Tour

• Rent A Car & Drive Yourself

Renting a car and driving yourself is another common way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza, and it’s fairly easy as far as Mexico goes.

This arrangement gives you the most freedom to plan your schedule, and it can be very cost effective if you’re traveling with friends or family, that way you can split the cost.

The journey by car from Cancun to Chichen Itza (or vice versa) takes about 2.5 hours of driving, and the roads are in great condition. The distance is about 200 kilometers (125 miles). You can use this map for navigating to Chichen Itza, although you’ll come to the parking area a little bit before you reach the actual ruins.

You’ll be driving on the 180D highway, which is a toll road. At the time of writing, the toll is about 400 pesos (~$21 USD) each way, and it can only be paid in Mexican pesos (no credit cards or US dollars), so make sure you bring enough cash.

Along the way, you can also stop at other sites like the 16th century city of Valladolid, and the many beautiful cenotes near Chichen Itza.

Remember to book your rental car through a reputable company and take photos of the whole vehicle body to avoid any possible rental damage scams.

For Chichen Itza, keep in mind you will still need entrance tickets to visit, even if you drive yourself. It’s a good idea to book your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online in advance, that way you can skip the line when you get there and spend more time touring the ruins.

Book Now: Rental Cars In Cancun

How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza Drive Tour Bus

Welcome to Chichen Itza! A wonder of the ancient world.

• Take The ADO Public Bus

One of the cheapest ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza (especially as a solo traveler) is by taking the ADO bus, which departs daily from downtown Cancun at 8:45 AM and returns to Cancun at 4:30 PM.

This can be a good option if you’re a solo traveler on a budget and don’t mind a bit of extra hassle in arranging your own transportation rather than taking a tour. You can get to the Cancun bus station by taking a quick taxi or Uber.

The bus journey from Cancun to Chichen Itza (or vice versa) takes about 3 hours of driving and costs about 250 pesos ($13 USD) for a one way ticket. You can buy these tickets online at the ADO Bus website , or in person at the bus station in Mexico.

The ADO buses are clean, with air conditioning and bathrooms. Just be careful and keep a good eye on your bags and any valuables, because theft is common in the buses and at the bus terminal. You’ll also want to show up to the bus station early, because the check-in process on a busy day can be tedious and messy.

The main drawback of going to Chichen Itza by bus is that you’ll have 5 hours to walk around at the archaeological site, which may be more time than most people need. One workaround for this is to instead take the bus from Cancun to Valladolid, where more departures are available, and then take a colectivo (shared van) to Chichen Itza.

If you still have extra time left over, you could also hire a local taxi to take you to one of the cenotes near Valladolid while you’re at it! That way you get to see more places in the same amount of time.

For Chichen Itza, keep in mind you will still need entrance tickets to visit, even if you go without a tour. It’s a good idea to book your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online in advance, that way you can skip the line when you get there and spend more time touring the ruins.

Book Now: ADO Bus To Chichen Itza

The Chichen Itza ruins were a highlight of our trip to Cancun, Mexico

Cancun To Chichen Itza FAQ

What is Chichen Itza? From 600 AD to 1200 AD, Chichen Itza was one of the biggest and most important cities for the Mayan civilization. The centerpiece of this archaeological park is the giant pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulcán (El Castillo). Even though you can’t climb it anymore, it’s still a spectacular wonder of the world!
Is Chichen Itza worth visiting? Yes! Chichen Itza is definitely worth visiting! It’s a wonder of the ancient world, and the main pyramid is really impressive. This was the highlight of our trip to Mexico.
What is the distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza? The road distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is about 200 kilometers (125 miles).
How hard is it to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun? It’s easy to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun, regardless of which kind of transport you use (car, bus, or tour).
Can you fly to Chichen Itza? No, there’s not an airport at Chichen Itza. The closest airport is the Cancun International Airport (code: CUN). You can shop for international flights to Mexico at Skyscanner.
Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza? Yes, the general consensus is that it is safe to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza. The roads are in great condition and it’s a fairly easy route. Yucatan is the safest state in the country of Mexico, and many tourists drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza every day without any issues.
What are the best things to see on the way from Cancun to Chichen Itza? There are lots of great things to stop and see while driving from Cancun to Chichen Itza. One of the best places to visit nearby is the 16th century city of Valladolid, and there are also many beautiful cenotes where you can go for a swim. Tour packages to Chichen Itza often include some of these sights as well. The tour we used , for example, included a visit to Cenote Saamal, which is a nice open air sinkhole where you can go swimming and take photos.
What is the best Chichen Itza tour? Here is a high rated Chichen Itza Cancun full day group tour with pickup from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Riviera Maya. We used this tour ourselves, and had a great experience!

The 16th century city of Valladolid is a great place to stop and visit on the way to Chichen Itza

How can I go from Tulum or Playa Del Carmen to Chichen Itza? If you’re starting from Tulum or Playa Del Carmen, you have the same basic options as in Cancun. You can book a tour to Chichen Itza , rent a car and drive yourself, or take the ADO public bus.
How many people visit Chichen Itza? Chichen Itza got 2.6 million visitors in 2017, and daily numbers can be as high as 18,000 visitors. Needless to say, it’s a very popular tourist attraction, but there’s a lot of wide open space surrounding the ruins so it doesn’t feel as crowded as you might expect. If you want to beat the crowds, get there early in the morning, and try to avoid weekends and holidays. If you want to see some other epic Mayan ruins in Central America without as many people, check out Tikal Guatemala !
What is the entrance fee for Chichen Itza? At the time of writing, the total entrance fee for Chichen Itza is 538 Mexican pesos (~$26 USD) for adults, and kids under age 13 are free. Tour prices usually don’t include the entrance fee, so it’s something you pay yourself. You should be able to pay the fee with credit card, but it’s a good idea to bring enough cash just in case the machines aren’t working. Another thing to note is that there’s also a parking fee of 80 pesos (~$4 USD) if you self drive to Chichen Itza. I think the best thing to do is to book your Chichen Itza entrance tickets online in advance, that way you can skip the line when you get there and spend more time touring the ruins. Happy travels!

More Cancun Tours

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How To Get From Tulum To Chichen Itza (Mexico)

5 Ways To Get From Cancún to Chichén Itzá

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Chichén Itzá is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico , and many travelers like to visit the site as a day trip from Cancún . This amazing Maya site is located in the state of Yucatan, about 120 miles west of Cancún, which is in the state of Quintana Roo. The amount of time it takes to get there depends on the method of travel you choose. Each option has advantages and disadvantages; the best one for you will depend on your budget and how important it is to you to have a say in the timing of your visit. Here are the five best ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itzá.

Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is fairly easy in comparison to some other places in Mexico, so renting a car can be a good and convenient option for independent travelers. The highway from Cancún to Chichén Itzá is quite flat and straight, it's in decent shape, and has good signage, and the drive typically takes about two hours. The advantage to this option is that you can make your own schedule and decide when and where to stop. Once at the site, if you like, you can hire a licensed guide to take you around and explain the history and background of the site and the Maya civilization . Guides are available for hire at the entrance where you purchase admission tickets for a fixed price. When looking for a car rental, keep in mind that the price quoted usually doesn't include insurance and the inclusion of this in the fee will raise the cost considerably.

Join a Group Tour

The easiest way to get to Chichén Itzá from Cancún is by joining an organized group tour. You can easily book one of these tours online before your trip or at your hotel once you've arrived. A van or bus will pick you up at your hotel in the morning, and you'll travel the distance to Chichén Itzá along with your group and have a guided tour of the site. Most tours include a visit to a nearby cenote for a quick dip either before or after visiting the archaeological site, as well as a buffet lunch somewhere along the way. This is an easy and convenient way to get to Chichén Itzá, but you may be squeezed into a vehicle at its maximum capacity for the hours long drive, which may be made longer as the vehicle goes around to various hotels to pick up people in the morning and drop them off at the end of the day. You'll also arrive at the archaeological site at the time when it's most crowded.

Hire a Private Guide

Another option is to hire a private guide or driver to take you to Chichén Itzá. This is more costly than a group tour, but will allow you to set your own timetable and cut out the wait times involved with group travel. You can arrange for an early departure time to arrive at the archaeological site before the crowds, travel more comfortably, and visit other spots as you desire. If you get a good guide, he or she should provide information and background during transit times as well as giving you a tour of the site. Check Tripadvisor for recommendations for private guides.

Take the Bus

Independent travelers on a budget may prefer to get to Chichén Itzá by bus. The ADO bus company offers service from the ADO station in downtown Cancún to Chichén Itzá daily at 8:45 a.m. with a return bus departing at 4:30 p.m. from the archaeological site. According to the ADO website, the journey takes a little more than three hours. If those times don't work for you, another option is to first take the bus to the town of Valladolid , since there are many more departures throughout the day, and get another bus from there to Chichén Itzá. Bus tickets are available for purchase online through the ADO website , or in person at any ADO bus station in Mexico.

Want to see amazing aerial views of Chichén Itzá and the surroundings as well as avoid long driving times? Possibly the most glamorous way to get to Chichén Itzá from Cancún is to fly. There's a small airport near Chichén Itzá and a few companies offer transportation by plane or helicopter. The flight takes a little under an hour each way, and you'll get to enjoy amazing views as you go.

Fly Tours Cancun has a fleet of three small airplanes and offers private and shared flights to Chichén Itza and a few other locations in the region.

Cancun Helicopter offers a similar service with transportation in a Bell 206 helicopter.

You can travel to Chichén Itzá by renting a car, joining a tour group, hiring a private guide, flying, or taking a bus.

Chichén Itzá is located in the state of Yucatan, about 120 miles west of Cancún. The amount of time it takes to get there depends on the method of travel you choose.

Yes, the ADO bus company offers daily service from downtown Cancún to Chichén Itzá. The bus departs Cancun at 8:45 a.m., and the return bus leaves from Chichén Itzá at 4:30 p.m. The journey is about three hours each way.

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5 Ways to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza [Info & Prices]

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If you are wondering how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza, you have landed in the right place.

In this post, I will share all the possible options that you have to visit one of the seven wonders of the World from Cancun.

It is my promise to you, that after reading this article you will be able to decide which one is the best option for you to get to the most visited Mayan archaeological site in Mexico.

That’s right! Chichen Itza receives an average of 10.000 visitors per day, a number that can reach 15.000 in peak season. It’s really a lot.

One of the most important cultural centers for the Mayan civilization (but not the most glorious of all times) Chichen Itza made it to the list of the new seven wonders of the world and it’s a UNESCO world heritage site .

That is why it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico.

Although I must say, I am more fond of other Mayan sites such as Mayapan, or the small site of the Ruta Puuc, I reckon the grandeur of the Chichen Itza archaeological site and the well-preserved structures.

So, I do believe visiting Chichen Itza is a must, at least once in a lifetime.

I went three times, one on a guided tour, one by bus and the latest one by car, which was the best decision ever.

And therefore I decided to write this post and help you find out which way is the most suitable way for you to visit the spectacular Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.

First thing first, where is Chichen Itza Located?

Chichen Itza is located in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula at only 120 miles from Cancun (194km) and 44 km (32 miles) from Valladolid, which makes it an obvious stop if you are planning an itinerary in the Yucatan Peninsula .

But what if you just want to visit Chichen Itza on a day trip from Cancun ? That’s easy and you have so many available options to choose from.

How to get to Chichen Itza from other Mexican cities:

► How to get to Chichen-Itza from Playa del Carmen ► How to get from Tulum to Chichen-Itza ► How to get from Merida to Chichen-Itza ► How to get from Valladolid to Chichen-Itza

Important things to know about visiting Chichen Itza

Before moving forward to the list of ways to reach Chichen Itza from Cancun I would like to share a couple of important facts that you need to take into consideration when choosing the best option for you.

✔ Chichen Itza covers a huge territory and includes many interesting structures and the Sacred Cenote , where you cannot swim but it’s still worth looking at and photographing, enjoying the peaceful surrounding, and waiting for the beautiful Mot Mot bird to come and pay a visit.

✔ Therefore I would calculate approximately 3 hours for a good visit. One time I calculated 2 and I regretted it.

✔ Because of the outrageous number of visitors you will want to avoid the crowds and the lines at the ticket office. So make sure you arrive for when it opens at 8 am if you can.

✔ Entering with big backpacks is not allowed, let alone with professional cameras for which you need to ask for a specific permit. You can do that at the entrance or at the inha website before getting there. For drones, you will have to pay an outrageous amount of money at the INHA . Phones are permitted.

How to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza

Buy Chichen Itza Entrance Ticket in Advance

Avoid the lines and the hassle of carrying extra cash!

Now that we have covered all the basic stuff, let’s get to the point. Here below you will find all the possible ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza.

1. Cancun to Chichen Itza by car rental

Getting to Chichen Itza by car is the best idea.

The time to get there from Cancun would be 2.5 hours but I would suggest you should either leave very early (meaning that you need to rent your car the day before) or plan a two-day itinerary from Cancun where on the first day you take your time and swim in a few cenotes nearby and visit Valladolid and early morning the second day you will be the first to enter Chichen Itza .

You can sleep in one of the hotels close to Chichen Itza or in Piste, the nearest town.

This way, you will avoid the crowds and will be able to visit the archaeological site at your own pace but also to learn about the many things to do in the surrounding, the spectacular cenotes and old towns.

Car Rental to Chichen Itza costs

about 40 to 50 USD for a car rental with full insurance
25 to 40 USD for a full tank ( depending on the type of car obviously)
Toll fees (cuota) 686 MXN (35 USD) return – although I would rather use the toll road to get there because it’s quicker, I would go for the local road on the way back so that you can take the time to drive through small villages and maybe bump into another lesser-known cenote.

If you are on your own, renting a car may seem a little more expensive than joining one of the organized tours but it will pay off if you love to travel on your own and stay away from crowds.

If renting a car in Mexico is your concern as much as driving in Mexico , worry not because I have got you covered as well.

Make sure you have a Mexico Sim Card so that you can open google map or Waze and avoid getting lost 🙂

Discover Cars Mexico Review

Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:

✔︎ straight forward information ✔︎ full coverage add-on ✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews

2. Getting from Cancun to Chichen Itza by tour

If you don’t mind sharing your transportation with a big group and following a set schedule, then visiting Chichen Itza with an organized full-day tour is your best option.

Usually, with these organized tours, you will visit Chichen Itza first and then you will go to a nearby cenote and Valladolid, the beautiful nearby colonial city and you will be accompanied by a certified tour guide who will share his knowledge about the Mayan Culture besides the history of Chichen Itza

You can also book a private tour if you want to be accompanied but you want to avoid groups. A private tour can be organized by the below companies upon request. Custom rates will be provided.

Is it safe to take a tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

Yes, is completely safe to take a tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza if you do it with legit companies. This is why I have selected these highly-rated tours from Viator to have a double level of security.

Not only these companies have been through a check from Viator, but they have been reviewed by other customers. So you can be sure they are legit.

No matter whether you decide to purchase your tour, as long as you avoid street vendors, where you can’t prove they are authorized companies.

Top-rated tours to Chichen Itza

Please keep in mind that the cost of these tours is so low because the entry fee to Chichen Itza is not included. That alone would be 25 USD.

What do the above tours include instead?

Generally speaking, these kinds of tours include transportation to the Mayan Site , a cenote, and Valladolid, buffet lunch, and of course, they pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

A tour guide is also usually included.

But make sure to read all the details in the tour description before confirming and paying, in order to avoid surprises.

Here below I am sharing the top-rated Chichen Itza tours. Click on the link to read the tour details and prices.

➢ Chichen Itza Early Access, Tequila Tasting & Buffet Lunch (Avoid the crowds)

➢ Chichen Itza, Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

➢ Chichen Itza All-Inclusive, Buffet Lunch, Cenote,Tequila tasting & Valladolid

➢ Chichen Itzá, cenote and Valladolid Small groups day Trip

➢ Chichen Itza Combo Tour with Cenote Swim and Lunch from Cancun

3. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by private transportation

If you don’t feel like driving but want to have private transportation from Cancun to Chichen-Itza, so that you can make your own schedule, we’ve got you covered as well.

Here below I am going to share some Chichen Itza tours that have the best ratings.

This option includes private transportation from your hotel to Chichen Itza first, then to visit a cenote, and then to Valladolid. You can make your own schedule although it would be ideal to leave quite early 7 am max, to beat the big busses and the crowd. You can spend a couple of hours in the archeological site and then move on to a cenote where you can swim and the last stop to Valladolid for the remaining time. The cost depends on the number of people in the group and includes a 10-hour day trip but not the entrances, the food, and tips. (Make sure you read the policy and all the detail. Read more .

4. Take the ADO Bus to Chichen Itza

It is possible to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza by ADO bus . You can find buses every hour from the ADO bus station.

The service is provided by Autobuses ORIENTE which is the lowkey brand of ADO group . Unfortunately, it’s not possible to book it online on the ADO website, so you will have to get to the ticket office at the ADO station terminal in Cancun.

Here below is the picture of the ORIENTE bus departure time and the prices in MXN.

I would go on the one at 5 or 6 max. To go back you will find the same bus departing from the Chichen Itza parking lot . Ask the driver the exact point, because the parking lot is quite big.

5. Take a private plane from Cancun to Chichen Itza

Did you know that now you can get from Cancun to Chichen Itza by private jet? Obviously, it’s going to be quite costly but if you have the financial resources, why not?

You can make your reservation from the BookAway site where you can choose the time that best suits your schedule.

This is a private Flight from Cancun to Chichen Itza for a maximum of 5 passengers. The price is for the plane not per person. It’s a direct flight that will get you to Chichen Itza in 1 hour only. But you should consider transport to the airport and the waiting time which is 45 minutes approximately.

Onboard you will be offered food, and drinks and you will have an English-speaking assistant.

Click on the picture below to read more and check availability or go directly to the BookAway page to make your reservation.

from Cancun to Chichen Itza flight schedule

Pictures and Video in Chichen Itza

As I already mentioned, photos with professional cameras are unfortunately forbidden and a permit is required.

You can take pictures with your phone with no problem, though.

If you really want to take professional pictures you can ask at the dedicated office at the archaeological site entrance.

There are different kinds of licenses and you are asked to explain your purpose and what the use of the photos will be.

If you are a professional photographer and would like to take your equipment to Chichen Itza, you can apply for a permit through the INAH office.

Chichen Itza Opening Hours

Chichen Itza opens every day from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm, the last entrance is at 4 pm, and you can get the tickets on-site.

However the following areas inside the site close at 4 pm

Juego de pelota, Cenote sagrado, Plaza de las mil columnas, Plaza del Osario, Observatorio y Grupo de la Monjas.

Cost of Chichen Itza entrance

General Admission

Adults $533 MXN

Child (3-12) $80 MXN

Mexican Citizens $237

Locals $80

Sundays are free for Mexicans and foreigners with permanent residency

What to take to Chichen Itza

✅ Light wicking clothing

✅ Comfortable walking shoes

✅ Sunscreen

✅ Hat , sunglasses , or even an umbrella

✅ Refillable water bottle

✅ Bathing Suit

✅ Camera /Phone (but no tripods)

✅ Insect repellant (remember to shower it off when you go visit a cenote, before getting in the water)

✅ Mexican Pesos to pay all entrance fees

✅ Passport with immigration card – nowadays immigration officers are doing random checks and stopping busses along the road checking if you are here with a valid permit whether it’s a tourist or resident. So make sure you don’t lose your immigration card.

What NOT to take to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen

Some items are either not allowed in Chichen Itza, or require special permits or charges. Avoid problems and fees and skip packing the following items:

🔴 Food 🔴 Drinks other than water 🔴 Professional Camera Equipment – you can take any DSLR camera but tripods are not allowed 🔴 Drones (you need a special permit that you have to apply for a few weeks in advance and pay hundreds of $$)

Cancun to Chichen Itza FAQ

Chichen itza cancun distance.

Chichen Itza – Cancun distance is about 120 miles or about 193 kilometers. If you go directly from Cancun International Airport to Chichen Itza with a car rental it’s 112 miles.

The most popular way to visit Chichen Itza

The most popular tour is a full-day trip from Cancun to Chichen Itza which includes also a swim in one of the nearby cenotes (the most popular is Ik-Kil) and visits to the colonial city of Valladolid . But I personally prefer to go on my own, or at least choose a tour with a few people.

How much does it cost to go from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

That depends on how you get there. If you go by car it’s probably more expensive but you will have a better experience.

Is it safe to travel to Chichen Itza from Cancun?

Absolutely safe. Yucatan is the safest state in Mexico and driving around the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best experiences. Quintana Roo is also a safe state to drive around, especially on the Riviera Maya all the way down to Bacalar and Mahahual.

Can I hire a guide in Chichen Itza?

Yes, you can totally do that. At the entrance and once you are inside you can find certified guides offering their service. It’s really worth it and the majority of them speak English.

The price starts from 40 USD/ person but it’s cheaper for groups.

But you can get a self-guided tour as well for just 7 USD – click here to learn more

How long is the bus ride from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

The bus ride from Cancun to Chichen Itza is about 3 to 3.5 hours.

Is Chichen Itza really worth it? And worth the drive?

Yes, Chichen Itza Is really worth it especially if you have never seen it.

If you drive to Chichen Itza, which is the best way to visit, in my opinion, make sure you spend the night in Valladolid and use your time left to visit the nearby cenotes and the beautiful colonial town.

✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨

👉 do i need travel insurance to travel to mexico.

I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master w hich is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.

🚰 Can I Drink Tap Water in Mexico?

No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.

🚗 Is It Safe to Drive in Mexico?

The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.

Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico .

📱 Will My Phone Work in Mexico?

It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card . It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!

🤕 Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?

The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.

Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.

Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico . If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:

Is Cancun Safe?
Is Tulum Safe?
Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

💉 Do I Need Any Vaccine to Travel to Mexico?

No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico

🇲🇽 Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?

If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine. Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards. It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa

💸 Where Do I Find the Best Travel Deals for Mexico? 💸

A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:

👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August. 👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts 👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals! 👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia . 👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals

Happy travels!!

Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

How to Go to Chichen Itza from Cancun

If you're wondering how to go to Chichen Itza from Cancun, you'll be glad to know that it's a popular day trip destination, and there are many ways to get there.Chichen Itza, a breathtaking archaeological site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, is a must-visit destination in Mexico. If you are staying in Cancun, a bustling tourist city located in the Mexican Caribbean, getting to Chichen Itza is quite easy, and you have multiple options available to you. We will discuss the different ways to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza and help you choose the one that suits your needs the best.

If you want a hassle-free and comfortable way to visit Chichen Itza, booking a tour from Cancun is an excellent option. Tour options to Chichen Itza from Cancun , from classic tours to deluxe tours, private tours, and more. When you book a Chichen Itza tour from Cancun, the tour operator will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Chichen Itza in a comfortable vehicle. The tour includes an expert guide who will provide you with detailed information about the archaeological site, its history , and significance. You will also get ample time to explore the site, take photos, and shop for souvenirs.

Must Checkout: Chichen Itza Tours

If you prefer to travel independently and have the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car and driving to Chichen Itza is a great option. The Yucatan Peninsula has excellent highways that are easy to navigate, and the landscape is mostly flat, making driving a smooth and comfortable experience. Depending on the size of your group, you can rent a small car or a bigger SUV or van. The drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza takes about 2.5 hours using the toll road highway 180D. Alternatively, you can take the free highway 180, which will take you through small towns, adding 9 kilometers to your route and making the trip take about three hours.

Book Chichen Itza Tickets

Stroll through the UNESCO world heritage site, see the holy pyramid temples, and gain insight into the old Mayan civilizations

Admire the outstanding architecture of sacred pyramids i.e. Great Ballcourts, Interior Temple, and Sacred Cenote

Head out to religious and ceremonial site of the Mexican state which served as a hub for politics, economy, religion, the military, and architecture

Grab an opportunity to see one of the Seven Wonders with the Chichén Itzá tickets and delve into the ancient history of Mayan-Toltec culture

All foreign nationals must share their passport and visa details at the time of arrival.
ID proof is mandatory for each individual guest at the time of arrival.
The guided tour is in English & Spanish.
Lockers for bags and suitcases are available on-site.
The government tax is included in the ticket price.
Last admission will be done 1 hour before closing.

FAQ’s About How to Go to Chichen Itza from Cancun

What is chichen itza.

Chichen Itza is a world-famous archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It was one of the largest and most important cities of the Mayan civilization and is now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

What is Cancun?

Cancun is a popular tourist destination located on the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch resorts and amenities.

How to Go to Chichen Itza from Cancun?

There are several options for getting from Cancun to Chichen Itza, including tours, car rental, and bus.

What are the different types of Chichen Itza tours from Cancun?

There are several tour options available, including the Classic Chichen Itza Tour, Chichen Itza Tour Express, Chichen Itza Tour Plus, Private Chichen Itza Tour , Chichen Itza Tour Diamante, and Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour. Each tour offers a different level of service and amenities, so it's important to research and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

What is included in a Chichen Itza tour from Cancun?

Depending on the tour you choose, your package may include transportation from your hotel in Cancun to Chichen Itza and back, a guided tour of the archaeological site, entrance fees, and sometimes even a meal.

How long does it take to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

The distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is approximately 197 km or 122 miles, and it takes about 2.5 hours to drive there using the toll road highway 180D. If you take the free highway 180, it will add an extra 9 kilometers to your route and take about 3 hours due to slowing down in small towns.

Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

The highways between Cancun and Chichen Itza are generally safe and well-maintained. However, it is important to follow standard safety precautions such as wearing your seatbelt, driving defensively, and avoiding driving at night.

What is the ADO bus and how do I take it from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

The ADO bus is a popular and reliable bus service in Mexico. To take the ADO bus from Cancun to Chichen Itza, you can purchase a ticket at the bus station or online in advance. The bus will take approximately 2.5 hours to get to Chichen Itza and will drop you off at the entrance to the archaeological site.

What should I bring with me to Chichen Itza?

It's important to wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you will be doing a lot of walking. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are also recommended to protect yourself from the strong sun. It's also a good idea to bring a water bottle and snacks, as food and drinks can be expensive inside the archaeological site.

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How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza: 6 Great Options

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Are you wondering how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza? If so, this post is for you!

Learn all the different ways to reach one of the new seven wonders of the world from Cancun, including by public transportation, private shuttle, group or private tour, and more.

Ancient temples, sacred cenotes, and masks carved from stone await visitors to Chichén Itzá. This Mayan city dates back to the pre-Columbian era and offers intriguing insights into the life, beliefs, sciences, and culture of bygone peoples.

The Maya of old were master astronomers, mathematicians, engineers, and artists. They also played interesting athletic games on the great ball court.

No trip to the Yucatán Peninsula would be complete without spending at least a few hours exploring this UNESCO world heritage site!

But how do you get there?

Let’s dive in!

In a rush? Check out the top-rated tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza!

Chichen Itza Castillo Mayan Ruins tours from Cancun

Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour

10.000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reviews This full-day tou r is the top-rated tour on VIATOR with excellent reviews. It’s very cheap and includes a delicious local lunch, entrance to the cenote, a bilingual guide and hotel pick up and drop off. It doesn’t include the entrance to Chichen Itza which is 32 US

Where is Chichen Itza Located?

Chichen Itza is located in the state of Yucatan in eastern Mexico. It is roughly halfway between Mérida, Yucatan, and Cancún, Quintana Roo. In general, it takes 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Chichen Itza from Cancun and the rest of the Riviera Maya.

How to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza

You can get from Cancun to Chichen Itza by tour, rental car, private transportation, and ADO bus. Keep reading to learn about each option in depth and choose the one that suits you best.

1. Cancun To Chichen Itza by Tour

One of the most popular ways to get to Cancun from Chichen Itza is to go on a day tour of the ancient Mayan city. Tour options can vary from large group tours with jam-packed itineraries to private customizable tours which give you the freedom to choose your own schedule.

Top Chichen Itza tours from Cancun

➡️ chichen itza, cenote and valladolid all-inclusive tour.

5 ⭐️ rating – over 10000 reviews
Duration: 12 hours

If you’re in the market for Chichen Itza tours from Cancun, this all-inclusive excursion to the ancient city could be a great choice.

See all the stops on this full-day tour, including visiting the Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza, swimming in the cool waters of Saamal Cenote, and eating a mouth-watering Mexican buffet lunch. Next, you’ll visit Valladolid where you can learn some Spanish colonial history and wander scenic streets.

This tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff, transportation, a certified guide who speaks English and Spanish, entrance fees to the cenote, and a buffet meal. Beverages, the Chichen Itza entrance fee, lockers, life jackets, and tips are not included.

Tip: Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit and a water bottle!

What other clients say :

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Excellent day trip This is a long day trip of around twelve hours but well worth it. We had Osvaldo as our driver and Martin as our guide (Group 13) both were excellent. We started at Chichen Itza where Martin gave us a tour of the site with a lot on information about the history of the site and the Mayan people. We then visited Cenote with swimming and lunch. Then a short visit to Valladolid town square. Martin gave excellent information on the history and practical information for the day. Thoroughly recommend this tour. Andrew_S, Jan 2023

➡️ Chichen Itza English Tour, Buffet Lunch, Cenote,Tequila tasting & Valladolid

4.5 stars rating – Over 6,310 Reviews – Badge of Excellence
Duration 12 hours

Another wonderful tour to Chichen Itza from Cancun is this tour of Chichen Itza, Valladolid, and a cenote. It includes a buffet lunch and tequila tasting. Oh yeah!

Start your day off with hotel pickup followed by comfortable transportation to Chichen Itza, the most important city of the Mayan culture. Once you’re there, you’ll see all the most interesting structures such as El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Sacred Cenote.

By then, the weather will have warmed up and you’ll be ready for a refreshing swim at a cenote. Enjoy a yummy lunch, tequila tasting, and a quick stop in the colonial city of Valladolid .

Finish the day with transport back to your hotel. Talk about a wonderful day trip!

What other clients say:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wonderful Experience Wonderful experience for the family. We planned this trip over a year ago and knew that Chichen Itza must be a stop on our trip to Cancun. We were not disappointed. Chris_J, Jan 2023

➡️ Chichen Itza Express

Duration: Approx 8 hours

Let’s face it, adding all those extra stops can get exhausting, especially when you have the heat and the crowds to contend with. That’s where the Chichen Itza Express tour comes in! On this simple and straightforward tour, you’ll be transported from your hotel directly to the capital of the Mayan world.

During the drive, you’ll learn lots of interesting facts about Chichen Itza and the people who lived there.

Spend two hours exploring the ruins, first with a tour guide and then on your own. Eat your included box lunch whenever you get hungry.

Once your time is finished, you’ll hop back into the air-conditioned vehicle for the return trip to your hotel. You should be back in Cancún by 3 pm with time to relax and recharge. This is one of the best top-rated Chichen Itza tours available

➡️ Private Chichen Itza Tour

Duration: 10 hours

If you would like to visit Chichen Itza and have complete freedom over your itinerary, this tour may be just the thing.

Start the day with an early pickup from your hotel so you can beat the crowds with an 8 am arrival, well before standard group tours start pouring in. (Of course, you can also choose to go later in the day if you hate mornings).

Explore the ruins at your leisure and at your own pace. You can choose when you want to leave and what you want to do next. Want to eat lunch at a specific restaurant? You can do that! Visit an off-the-beaten-track cenote? Head to Cenote Ik Kil like most tourists? It’s up to you!

This tour includes an English-speaking driver, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a cooler with ice, water, and beer.

➡️ Luxury Private Chichen Itza Tour

If you want to travel to Chichen Itza in style, this Luxury Private Chichen Itza Tour from Cancun will do the job nicely. This tour is exactly like the private tour listed above, but with an added benefit: you’ll be transported in a comfy Suburban.

Suburbans may be gas-guzzlers, but man are they comfortable for long trips! Cushy seats, plenty of legroom, and great air conditioning await!

This private tour includes an English-speaking driver, water and beer, and a fully customizable itinerary. You have ten hours to spend as you will!

Pros and Cons of Chichen Itza tours from Cancun

Pros of chichen itza tours.

The advantage of going on a Chichen Itza tour is that you don’t have to worry about transportation. Many tours include pickup and drop-off from the hotel zone, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a guided tour of the ancient Mayan civilization, and extra stops.

Another benefit of going on a tour is that the price often includes entrance fees, bottled water, a buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide. An organized tour is undoubtedly the most convenient option for getting from Cancun to Chichen Itza.

Cons of Chichen Itza tour

One of the cons of going on a tour is that most of them are not customizable, unless you go private, of course. That means that you are herded along from one activity to another on a strict schedule.

While you’ll get to see the main structures at Chichen Itza (such as the iconic pyramid of El Castillo), you won’t be able to explore the complex fully or travel around at your own pace.

Some travelers also find the jam-packed itinerary exhausting. Many tours to Chichen Itza last 12 hours. If you prefer to take your time doing things, you may be better off skipping a tour or going with a private customizable tour option.

Now that you know the pros and cons of these kinds of excursions, here are the five top tours to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza.

2. Cancun to Chichen Itza by car rental

If you don’t like the idea of going on any of the available Chichen Itza tours from Cancun, you could choose to rent a car instead to visit the ancient ruins.

Although renting a car might sound scary or difficult to some travelers, it could be a great option. Read the pros and cons listed below to find out if a rental car would be a good choice for you.

Personally, this is my top favorite way to travel around Cancun and the entire Yucatan Peninsula, besides other parts of Mexico.

Pros and cons of a car rental

The main advantage of going to Chichen Itza by car rental is that you will have complete freedom over your time and itinerary.

It also gives you the freedom to spend several days in the region. If you are a history buff, you won’t be limited to a mere couple of hours at Chichen Itza.

You can hit off-the-beaten-track and less-touristy destinations, explore more in-depth, spend the night in Valladolid, and travel on quieter local roads if you choose. You can even find all the best cenotes.

The con of a car rental is that there are a few scams and pitfalls to be aware of before signing on the dotted line.

Although the roads to Chichen Itza from Cancun are in good shape, you’ll still need to drive in Mexico. Some travelers find that daunting, especially if they don’t speak the language.

Fortunately, all of these cons are manageable with the right information. Read on to find out everything you need to know to rent a car like a pro and drive in Mexico without incident.

Car Rental to Chichen Itza costs

A car rental to Chichen Itza can cost anywhere from $30 to $70 per day. The total price will vary depending on how many days you rent the car, the time of year, how old you are, and the make and model of the car you rent.

In case you don’t have your favorite car rental company, recommend booking with Discover Cars because it allows you to compare different rates from many companies so that you can decide which one is best for you.

Also, Discover Cars has more than 80.000 Reviews on Trust Pilot with an average of 4.5/5 ⭐️

They also offer insurance, it’s cheaper than car rentals but, of course, it has its faults as well. Make sure you read their policy before purchasing it.

Discover Cars

Discover Cars is a great Car rental search platform to compare different car rental companies and choose the one that fits your needs. With more than 70000 Reviews and an average of 4.5/5 Score , Discover Cars helps you find the best Car Rental company in Cancun.

Car rental tips

✔️ One of the most common problems people encounter when renting a car is hidden costs.

If you find what looks like a too-good-to-be-true daily rate, it IS too good-to be true. The price you see is likely the base rate minus mandatory liability insurance, taxes, etc.

✔️ Make sure you have enough of a credit limit on your credit cards in order to cover the security deposit.

✔️ Rent through Discover Cars to find the cheapest rates, and opt to pay a little more for full coverage insurance.

✔️ Take photos of the entire car–both inside and out–and make note of any damages, the fuel level, etc. Repeat the process when you return the car.

✔️ Re-fuel before returning the car to avoid extra charges.

Driving tips

► Drive Defensively – Expect the unexpected when driving in Mexico. Keep a careful eye on other drivers and don’t expect them to follow traffic laws. Be alert to obstacles in the road such as large speed bumps, deep potholes, animals, children, and vendors.

► Be wary of bus drivers and taxis – bus and taxi drivers tend to be the most aggressive of all the drivers on the road. Keep your cool and let them pass you.

► Avoid driving at night –Drunk driving, poor lighting, and cars without headlights are common at night. Most accidents occur after dark.

► Be prepared –Have a working cell phone with an off-line maps program enabled, extra cash for emergencies, and emergency phone numbers handy.

► Prevent theft –Pay to leave your car in a secure parking lot rather than in the street.

3. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by private transportation

Another one of the best options for getting from Cancun to Chichén Itzá is by private transportation.

My favorite choice for a private transfer is Cancun Airport Transportation , which offers a wonderful trip to the most important city of the Mayan culture.

Much like an organized tour, this private option will give you access to an English-speaking driver and an air-conditioned vehicle during your journey to and from Chichen Itza.

You’ll also have the freedom to change the departure times and itinerary so you can get to the ruins first thing.

You can choose to add a trip to one or more of the natural sinkholes in the area and eat a delicious buffet lunch at a top-rated restaurant.

Pros of private transportation to Chichen Itza from Cancun

The pro of private transportation is that you won’t have to drive yourself or go through the hassle of renting a car. Your driver can fill you in on the rich history of the ruins, and facts about Mexico during the drive. You can also take pit stops whenever you wish.

This is probably the easiest way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza! Save yourself the exhaustion of a long drive. Instead, you can enjoy the scenery or nap along the way!

Private transportation puts you in charge of the day, all the stops, and how long you spend at each beautiful place.

Cons of taking private transportation to Chichen Itza

The cons of taking private transportation are that it is one of the more expensive travel methods (though cheaper than the luxury option of traveling in a private plane!).

Take the ADO Bus to Chichen Itza

If you are on a budget or enjoy traveling local style, taking a public bus will get you to Chichén Itzá for the best price. I recommend traveling on an ADO bus.

ADO bus tickets are available online. You can choose which ADO bus station to leave from in Cancún, and travel backpacker style.

Pros and cons of traveling by ADO buses

One of the main pros of traveling to Chichen Itza by bus is the price. This method can cost as little as 13 USD per person one way. The buses are safe, clean, reliable, and equipped with air-conditioning and bathrooms.

One of the cons is that the travel time will be longer. Because of the bus schedules, you won’t arrive at Chichen Itza until the afternoon. If you plan to return the same day, you won’t have much time to spend at the ruins. (Although spending the night nearby could be a nice option).

You will also need to factor in the extra costs of the entry fee and a local guide (if you choose to hire one) and hiring a guide on-site is more expensive than joining a guided tour with everything included.

Factor in plenty of time to check in at the bus station, as things can be a little bit disorganized.

Chichen Itza grand Cenote - Cancun to Chichen itza

Cancun to Chichen Itza FAQ

Is it safe to go to chichen itza from cancun.

It is considered relatively safe to go to the Chichen Itza ruins. Since they are one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, security is usually quite good.

The local roads are usually in pretty good condition and are well-marked (especially if you take the toll roads). Toll roads are guarded by the federal police.

One thing to note once you reach “the heart of the Maya world” is that there are many many aggressive vendors on site. This can detract from your feelings of safety, but just be firm in your “no.”

Is visiting Chichen Itza worth it?

Yes! If you have any interest in Mayan history and culture, it is absolutely worth it to visit this famous archeological site.

Although you’ll have to contend with masses of people, sometimes aggressive vendors, and extreme heat, visiting Chichen Itza is an experience unlike any other.

If you find an expert and enthusiastic guide, the experience will be even more worth it. Some guides do an incredible job of explaining the history and beliefs of the ancients in an engaging manner.

This “city of the water sorcerers” covered 4 square miles, so there is plenty to discover and explore!

Can you go to Chichen Itza without a tour?

Absolutely! You can visit the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza without a tour. Some travelers prefer this method.

Although it requires a little more logistics on your end, the experience can end up being a lot more pleasant. You’ll have more freedom to decide how to spend your day.

First, choose your favorite method of getting from the Riviera Maya or Cancun to Chichen Itza on your own.

Pay your entrance fees online in advance so you don’t have to wait in line. Book a guide if you wish. Remember to pack sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and pesos.

Is Chichen Itza cash only?

Many blogs claim that the only way to pay at Chichen Itza is by cash.

Technically, Chichen Itza is not cash only. However, there is no guarantee that you can pay the entrance fee with a foreign credit card. The card readers don’t always work, and the ATMs can be unreliable.

It is a good idea to go prepared to pay in cash if you need to. After all, you wouldn’t want to go all that way to see the Maya civilization of Chichen Itza and then have trouble getting in.

One of the best things to do is to pay for your entrance tickets online in advance.

How to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza: Final thoughts

As you can see, there are many great ways to visit the Chichen Itza ruins.

You can opt for one of the many excellent Chichen Itza tours from Cancun, rent a car, book private transportation, or travel by bus. All of these options have different advantages and disadvantages.

The important thing is that you are happy with your choice and have an awesome time at the ruins.

So what do you think? Which method will you choose to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

Hey there! This is Isabella, the founder and author of this site. I have been living in Cancun for the past 13 years and although I have been roaming around Mexico, Cancun's spectacular turquoise waters and pristine beach draw me back to this popular Mexican beach destination. That is why I decided to start this blog, to show you all the beauty you can find in Cancun and share helpful travel tips to help you plan a fabulous vacation in Cancun!

12 Best Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun

Looking for the best Chichen Itza tours from Cancun?

Taking a day trip to Chichen Itza is not only a chance to witness history but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. Walking in the footsteps of ancient Mayan people is a truly humbling experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for their remarkable achievements.

As you wander through the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, you will feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The towering pyramid, El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Observatory are just a few of the impressive structures that still stand today . The intricate carvings and details on each building tell stories of the fascinating civilisation that thrived thousands of years ago.

We have gathered together the very best tours Chichen Itza from Cancun that are available, including short half-day tours, low-cost tours , action-packed multi-stop tours and the best private tours.

⭐ In a rush? Book #1 🛕 Chichen Itza tour from Cancun , including 🤿 swimming in a cenote . Enjoy a day filled with fun + a tasty lunch ➡️ CHECK RATES HERE .

There is also a section with tips for visiting the unique Mayan ruins, plus information on how to visit independently .

You are guaranteed to find the perfect tour for you in this article.

Taking one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun is a must-do!

Is Chichen Itza Worth Visiting From Cancun?

The short and emphatic answer is yes, Chichen Itza is definitely worth visiting from Cancun – and from anywhere else in Mexico. As Chichen Itza is only 2.5 hours from Cancun, there is no excuse not to visit what is generally considered one of the Seven Wonders of The World .

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. The excavated jungle site is packed with pyramids (El Castillo or Kukulkan is the most famous), several impressive temples (The Temple of the Skulls is a must-see), The Great Ball Court, and so much more.

You will marvel at the ancient construction techniques, learn about Mayan history and culture and discover how the Mayans lived – and survived – in the jungle hundreds of years ago.

You will need at least two hours to explore the site, ideally more but can make the most of your trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun by visiting nearby attractions such as a cenote or the colonial city of Valladolid.

Booking one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun is the easiest way to visit the historic site and is an opportunity that should not be missed.

Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun At A Glance

There are many different Chichen Itza tours from Cancun to choose from.

There are lots of Chichen Itza tours from Cancun to choose from, and each one varies in group size, itinerary and cost. Before you start searching for the best Chichen Itza tour from Cancun for your trip, think about the type of tour you want.

Do you want a direct, no-frills Chichen Itza half-day tour from Cancun, or would you prefer one of the multi-stop Chichen Itza private tours from Cancun? Are you happy to share a large coach with 50 other people, or do you want a small minivan just for your group or family?

All the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun featured in this article offer transportation to and from Cancun, and most of them offer individual hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.

Most of the highly rated tours we feature offer a guided tour of the Chichen Itza, and some include snacks, drinks or a traditional Mexican lunch. All tours include your entrance fees to Chichen Itza.

The most variation you will find between tours is in the tour itinerary. Some tours provide a direct return trip where your only stop is Chichen Itza, whilst other tours visit places en route to and from Cancun, such as cenotes or Valladolid.

Whichever day trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun that you choose, we advise booking a tour that offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure . This enables you to keep your trip plans flexible or to claim a refund should you be delayed or fall ill.

Before completing the booking process, always how long you will actually spend on site in Chichen Itza and exactly what is included – or excluded – on the tour. This will avoid any nasty surprises and disappointments on the day.

It is also worth checking that the guide speaks your language and what sort of vehicle you will be travelling in.

A little targeted research could make the difference between a tour which is fabulous or a tour which is a flop.

TOP PICK Chichen Itza Tour From Cancun

These are our top picks of all the Cancun to Chichen Itza tours that are available. We chose these as our top picks because they fit a lot of attractions into one day, you have a considerable chunk of time at Chichen Itza, plus the tours are good value for money.

#1 Chichen Itza Cenote + Valladolid

Chichen Itza tours from Cancun can also include a visit to Valladolid and a stop at a cenote.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This highly-rated tour Chichen Itza to Cancun packs a lot into one day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. There is a maximum group size of 45 people.

Considering all that this tour offers and includes, it is excellent value for money.

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

The tour starts with a one-hour breakfast stop at the Real Mayab Hotel before arriving at Chichen Itza around midday.

You will then spend 2.5 hours on-site exploring with a guide and then on your own. From Chichen Itza, you travel to Cenote Chichikan, where you will spend two hours having lunch, swimming, sunbathing and tequila tasting.

After leaving the cenote, you will drive to Valladolid for a quick 30-minute stop before returning to Cancun.

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#2 Chichen Itza + Valladolid & Cenote Ik Kil

A tour Chichen Itza from Cancun can also include a visit to Valladolid.

This private Cancun to Chichen Itza tour lasts the whole day (10 – 12 hours), which enables you to spend a lot of time in each fabulous location.

After an early start from Cancun, the first stop of the day is Chichen Itza, where you will spend three hours. You can enjoy a guided tour plus some free time to explore on your own.

You will then travel to Cenote Ik Kil, ‘the place of the winds’. This stunning cenote is 48 metres deep and is set in an idyllic jungle setting. You will spend two hours relaxing and swimming at the cenote.

The tour continues to Valladolid, where you will have three hours to explore its museums, markets, squares and parks. You can enjoy a guided tour plus free time to explore this magical city on your own before returning by your private vehicle to Cancun.

Book your spot on this tour at the best rate here:

Tours To Chichen Itza From Cancun + Cenote

We always like to pack the most we can into our day trips, so consider the best Chichen Itza tours from Cancun are the tours that also visit other attractions during the day.

We love visiting the Yucatans’ famous cenotes, so any tour that includes a cenote trip is a good tour!

The following Chichen Itza day trips from Cancun each visit a different cenote, so choose the cenote that fits your preferences and travel style.

#3 Chichen Itza, Valladolid + Cenote Saamal

This Chichen Itza and Cenote tour packs a lot into 12 hours, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and accepts a maximum of 50 guests.

This tour visits Cenote Samaal, one of the most picturesque cenotes in the region. The cenote lies in the Hacienda Selva Maya, which also has zip lines and bike rentals.

Cenote Saamal is a large open-air cenote with its own picture-perfect waterfall. It is accessed by a long flight of wooden steps and is a perfect cenote for swimming or jumping.

The first stop of the day is Chichen Itza, where you will spend two hours exploring the site with a guide and on your own.

You will then travel to Cenote Saamal, where you will spend 45 minutes swimming and sunbathing before enjoying a one-hour lunch stop.

After lunch, you will travel to Valladolid, where you will spend one hour exploring the historic city on your own before returning to Cancun.

#4 Chichen Itza, Valladolid + Cenote Oxman

This Chichen Itza cenote tour from Cancun has an early 7.30 am departure time in order to get to Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. It lasts for 12 hours, has a maximum of 60 guests and offers a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before departure.

The tour visits Cenote Oxman, a popular and scenic semi-open cenote near Valladolid. The cenote is accessed by wooden stairs and is ideal for swimming and jumping; there is even a Tarzan rope if you are feeling brave enough.

Cenote Oxman also has a swimming pool, sun lounger and hammocks, so it is a fun and relaxing place to visit.

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

After your early departure from Cancun, you will visit Chichen Itza for a two-hour guided tour plus free time.

You will then travel to Cenote Oxman to swim, have lunch and relax for two hours. Once refreshed, you will drive to Valladolid for a quick 30 minutes of free exploring before returning to Cancun.

#5 Chichen Itza, Valladolid + Cenote Ik kil

This low-cost 11-hour Chichen Itza day trip from Cancun has an early 7 am departure time. It offers a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before departure and accepts a maximum of 50 guests.

The tour visits Cenote Ik Kil near Chichen Itza as part of its itinerary. Cenote Ik Kil is popular and can get very busy in peak season, but it is so beautiful that it is well worth visiting, despite the crowds.

The open cenote is surrounded by jungle greenery and is draped in lianas hanging down into the water. The water is up to 50 metres deep, so it is perfect for jumping into, and there is a 5-metre-high jumping platform for adventurous visitors.

The first stop of the tour is a two-hour visit to Chichen Itza, where you can enjoy a guided tour followed by free time to explore on your own.

You will then make a two-hour stop for a cooking demonstration, after which you will have lunch before journeying on to Cenote Ik Kil.

After one hour of swimming and enjoying the cenote, you will travel to Valladolid for a very quick 20-minute stop before returning to Cancun.

Unique Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun

In addition to direct tours or tours that include cenotes, there are a few trips to Chichen Itza from Cancun that also offer something a little extra special. Both these tours include features that would be hard to do independently.

#6 Chichen Itza Sunrise Tour

This Chichen Itza private tour from Cancun is ideal if you want to avoid daytime crowds. However, you must like early starts as this sunrise tour has a departure time of 3 am!

The tour allows refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure, and, as it is a private tour, there is no limit on maximum or minimum numbers.

After your early departure time, you will arrive at Chichen Itza to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and the sounds of the jungle walking up. You will spend two hours on a guided tour plus some free time to explore on your own – and all before the tour buses descend around 10 am.

Afterwards, you will have two hours at Cenote Ik Kil, where you will also enjoy breakfast before heading back to Cancun.

This Cancun to Chichen Itza private tour will also allow itinerary tweaks and add-ons to suit your party.

#7 Chichen Itza Night Show + Valladolid

This 13-hour trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun departs at a family-friendly 10 am. It includes several attractions and the chance to see Chichen Itza’s incredible nighttime laser show.

Note that the show is in Spanish, and your time at Chichen Itza is very short. If you want to fully explore the site, you cannot do it on this tour.

The first stop after departing Cancun is Cenote Hubiku, where you can enjoy a swim and visit the Mayan village before indulging in a buffet lunch.

You will then travel to Valladolid, where you will first visit the Don Tadeo Tequila Museum to learn about how tequila is made in this region. The one-hour tour includes tequila tasting.

After the tour, you will have an additional hour to explore Valladolid on your own before travelling to Chichen Itza for the 45-minute sound, light and laser show.

Best Private Tours To Chichen Itza From Cancun

If spending part of your precious day trip waiting for other people to board and disembark your bus at multiple stops does not appeal, there are several private Chichen Itza tours from Cancun to choose from.

Each tour will have its own itinerary, but most tour operators are happy to allow some flexibility in timings and itinerary. However, any changes should be agreed upon in advance of the tour.

#8 Chichen Itza + Cenote Chukum

This 8-hour private tour to Chichen Itza from Cancun has a family-friendly duration and a good variety of stops. It offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure and has no minimum or maximum numbers.

This tour includes a stop at Cenote Chukum, a perfectly circular 130-foot-deep semi-open cenote surrounded by jungle greenery.

Note that a guide to Chichen Itza is not included on this tour, so if you want a guided tour, you will need to hire a guide when you arrive at the Mayan ruins.

After being picked up from your hotel or other accommodation, you will travel in comfort to Chichen Itza, where you will spend two hours on site.

You will then travel to Hacienda Chukum for a 1.5-hour visit to Cenote Chukum, where you can swim, go ziplining or bounce on trampolines before enjoying a buffet lunch with unlimited soft drinks.

After lunch, you will travel to Valladolid for a quick 30-minute stop before returning to Cancun.

#9 Chichen Itza, Full Tour Of Valladolid + Ik Kil

Valladolid and Chichen Itza Tours from Cancun.

This 12-hour tour only visits three locations, so you will have sufficient time to fully explore and enjoy each location. This private Chichen Itza excursion from Cancun offers a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before departure and has no minimum or maximum guest requirement.

After departing from Cancun, the first stop on tour is Chichen Itza, where you will have approximately three hours to explore on your own, or you can hire a guide on site.

You will then travel to Cenote Ik Kil, where you will spend two hours swimming, relaxing and enjoying a freshly cooked buffet lunch.

After lunch, you will drive to Valladolid, where you can spend three hours exploring the charming colonial city before returning to your hotel in Cancun.

#10 Chichen Itza & Cenote Ik Kil

This private tour also visits Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil and is ideal for anyone who prefers shorter day trips. The six-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

The private tour begins with a guided tour of Chichen Itza, followed by free time to explore on your own. You will have around two hours on site.

Afterwards, you will drive to Cenote Ik Kil for one hour of swimming and fun before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. You can try ‘Conchita Pibil, an award-winning traditional Mayan dish made from slow-roasted pork and citrus fruit, plus a range of different flavour tamales.

You will return directly to Cancun after lunch.

Combo Chichen Itza Day Tours From Cancun

The following combination tours of Chichen Itza from Cancun showcase some of the best attractions that the Yucatan has to offer. If you want to see and learn a lot in a short space of time, these are the tours for you.

#11 Chichen Itza, Coba + Cenote Saamal

Coba Ruins can be combined with visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun.

This highly rated 12-hour tour packs a lot into one day and is a must-do tour for history lovers. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and sets a maximum number of 18 passengers.

For the small group size and the itinerary on offer, this tour is good value for money.

The first stop of the day is Chichen Itza, where you will take a guided tour which will show you the highlights of the UNESCO site. You will have approximately 1.5 hours to explore.

You will then drive to Cenote Saamal, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan region. Descend the wooden steps to the water at the bottom of the open cenote to enjoy swimming, jumping and diving for one hour.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Mayan ruins at Coba, much of which remains to be excavated from the jungle. Coba is best known as the home of the 42-metre-high Ixmoja, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan.

After a guided tour and some free time to explore on your own, you will be whisked back to your hotel.

#12 Chichen Itza, Ek Balam + Cenote Saamal

Ek Balam can be combines with visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun.

This 12-hour tour has an early 5 am start so you can beat the crowds at Chichen Itza. It has a varied and interesting itinerary and allows a good amount of time in each location.

The tour has a maximum group number of 20 and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

The tour starts at Ek Balam Village, where you will have a guided tour plus free time to explore on your own. You will spend around 1.5 hours on site.

You will then travel to Chichen Itza for a three-hour visit before travelling to the Hotel Real del Mayab to enjoy a freshly cooked Mexican-style buffet lunch.

After lunch, you will drive to Cenote Saamal to spend one-hour swimming and relaxing in this popular and picturesque location before returning to your hotel or meeting point.

Visiting Chichen Itza From Cancun Independently

If you are wondering how to visit Chichen Itza without taking a tour, there are several options.

You can catch a public bus run by ADO from the Cancun central bus station to Valladolid , from where you can grab a local colectivo bus to the Chichen Itza site. There are also a few ADO buses per day that offer direct service, but the bus schedule may not be the most convenient. Generally, the ride is cheap, but it will be very hard to make a round trip in one day.

If you prefer opting out of the tour option, we recommend self-driving to Chichen Itza. The driving route is one of Yucatan’s major roads, so the road is in good condition with good signage. The drive to Chichen Itza from Cancun will take around 2.5 hours.

🚗 We always rent a car with Discover Cars when we travel in Mexico. They have proved reliable with accurate descriptions of the vehicles for rent. Discover Cars are also cost-effective and have no hidden fees or charges.

It is possible to take a taxi to Chichen Itza from Cancun, but you can expect to pay high prices.

Renting A Car In Cancun?

In this blog post, we will tell you how easy it is to rent a car in Tulum, covering everything from prices, rental conditions, insurance requirements, tips for driving in Mexico, and so much more.

Tips For Visiting Chichen Itza

Whether you join one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun or visit the site independently, there are certain things you do and bring to help make your visit the best it can be.

✔️Protect from the heat

Chichen Itza is a large exposed site, and there is very little shade or cover from the sun. It is essential to wear loose-fitting cotton clothes and a wide-brim sun hat that gives good head and neck coverage.

Make sure you apply a high-factor sunscreen before visiting and reapply if you are spending a long time on site. Try to get some shade when you can to recharge for more sightseeing.

✔️Wear comfortable shoes

You will inevitably do a lot of walking at Chichen Itza, so wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes is a must. The ground can be uneven underfoot, so any shoe with a heel is not a good idea.

We would also advise wearing closed-toe shoes or good-gripping sandals rather than flip-flops. Flip flops can catch easily and have no grip, so are not safe for walking on slippery stones on the site.

✔️Bring plenty of water

The sun and exposed site, coupled with lots of walking, means that it is essential to stay hydrated when visiting Chichen Itza. If you are travelling with children, keep an eye on their water intake.

Make sure you bring plenty of water per person. It is also a good idea to pack a couple of rehydration sachets or something sweet, like concentrated fruit juice, to add to one of your water bottles just in case you need a sugar boost.

Ideally, bring water in a reusable bottle to avoid adding to the single-use plastic waste at Chichen Itza.

✔️Take a guided tour

Chichen Itza is an incredible site, but you will only gain so much from an information board or a guidebook.

To really get the most out of your visit and to learn about the history and culture of the ancient Mayans, you will need to take a guided tour. A tour guide can delve into the stories and myths surrounding Chichen Itza and bring the ruins and the people who once lived there back to life.

Trust us, you will learn and enjoy Chichen Itza a lot more with the services of a professional guide. If you are not visiting with one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun, there will be official guides available for hire just inside the entrance to Chichen Itza.

✔️Tripods, drones & loudspeakers are not allowed

Photography and video is permitted inside Chichen Itza, but you are not allowed to bring camera tripods without a pre-arranged (and costly) permit. Even small pack-away tripods are forbidden.

Drones are also not allowed in Chichen Itza, so don’t expect to be able to take Insta-worthy aerial shots of the site. There are a lot of security personnel monitoring photography and drone usage, so leave your drone and tripod at your hotel. If you bring them with you, you quill be required to leave them in a locker.

Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun: FAQ

How much does it cost to go to Chichen Itza from Cancun?

The cost of Chichen Itza tours from Cancun varies according to the tour you choose. Tours start from as little as £45 / $53 per person for short-duration tours with a large group.

You can expect to pay well over £100 / $125 per person for the best private tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun.

If you are wondering how to get to Chichen Itza on a budget, it will be cheaper to take the bus to Chichen Itza from Cancun. A round-trip ticket costs around £23 / $28.

You will then need to pay the Chichen Itza entrance fee, which is currently $614 MXN / £28 / $35. A ticket to the Kukulkan light, sound and laser show which takes place after hours at 7 pm, costs $708 MXN / £32 / $40.

Is it safe to take a tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

Taking a tour is probably one of the safest and easiest ways to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza ruins. You will not have to tackle public transport or navigate unfamiliar roads by self-driving.

However, it pays to do your research. Always know what is, and what is not included in the tour, how long you will spend at each site and always, and always read recent reviews to check if the tour is suitable and safe, particularly if you are a solo traveller.

How long does it take to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

If you are wondering how much of your day will be spent travelling and how far Chichen Itza is from Cancun, the distance between the two locations is approximately 129 miles or 207 kilometres.

Driving to Chichen Itza from Cancun will take between 2 and 2.5 hours each way.

Do you need to book in advance for Chichen Itza?

If you want to book one of the Chichen Itza tours Cancun has to offer, you will need to book in advance to secure the tour you want, especially if you are travelling in peak season.

If you are self-driving or visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun independently, you do not need to book entrance tickets in advance, but you need to be prepared to queue on the day to get your tickets and to enter.

For peace of mind and to avoid long queues, it is also possible to buy tickets online in advance, including ‘skip the line’ tickets with online sellers such as Viator.

Is Chichen Itza or Tulum better?

Comparing the two sites is difficult as both ancient sites are unique and well worth visiting if you have time to do both.

Chichen Itza is a larger site with more buildings and structures to explore. However, Tulum, although smaller, has an idyllic and atmospheric coastal setting.

We would advise making the time to visit both sites, but if you can only choose one, we would choose the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza over Tulum.

Can I visit Chichen Itza on my own?

It is possible to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun on your own – though it is always easier and less stressful to join a tour.

If you are not self-driving, you can catch the Cancun to Chichen Itza bus. This public ADO bus departs from Cancun’s central bus station and drops passengers right outside the entrance to Chichen Itza.

Departures start around 8 – 9 am, so unfortunately, you will arrive at Chichen Itza at the same time as all the other tour buses. You will also be limited as to how long you can stay on-site as you will have to follow the bus schedule to catch your return bus.

The bus is easy and cheap, and at around £23 / $30 per person for a return trip, it is a great option for solo travellers or travellers on a budget.

Once inside Chichen Itza, you can keep costs down by exploring on your own with a guide book but to fully appreciate the history and culture you are seeing, we recommend hiring a private, official guide from just inside the entrance to Chichen Itza.

What is the best day to visit Chichen Itza?

If you are a Mexican resident or a foreigner with Mexican residency, the best day to visit Chichen Itza is on a Sunday, as you will receive free entry.

For everyone else, any day of the week is a good day to visit Chichen Itza. However, we would recommend avoiding national holidays, school holidays or weekends if you can, as these will be the busiest times at Chichen Itza.

If possible, try to visit during the dry season from November to April, as you will avoid rain or extreme summer heat and humidity. However, try to avoid the peak visitor months of December and January if you don’t like sharing your tourist attraction with huge crowds.

Whichever day or time of year you choose to visit Chichen Itza, try to visit as early in the day as you can. Chichen Itza’s hours are from 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week, with the last entry at 4 pm.

If you can, arrive before 8 am and join the already forming queue. Your early start will be rewarded with two hours of a quieter Chichen Itza before the majority of tour buses arrive.

Can you climb to the top of the Chichen Itza Pyramid?

Chichen Itza’s largest pyramid is the mighty Kukulkan Pyramid which stands at an impressive 91 feet / 28 metres tall.

Unfortunately, visitors are no longer allowed to climb the pyramid’s impossibly steep stone steps. Millions of people have climbed the steps, which over time, have become worn and smooth, plus increasingly slippery and dangerous.

After a visitor tragically slipped and died whilst climbing the pyramid in 2006, Mexican authorities prohibited visitors from climbing Kukulkan. This rule is unlikely to change.

How long is the walk in Chichen Itza?

The walk in Chichen Itza is as long or as short as you want it to be but to fully explore the sit, we recommend staying for between 2 – 3 hours (or ideally four hours if you want to see everything at a comfortable pace).

Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun Final Word

Visiting Chichen Itza is a must-do activity if you are visiting Cancun or the Yucatan peninsula.

It is a unique, fascinating and memorable location which allows you to learn about Mayan history and culture, which in turn, will help you understand modern Mexico.

How to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun is up to you, but if you want an easy, stress-free trip with the opportunity to learn or visit other amazing locations in the region, book one of the fantastic tours featured in this post.

You won’t regret visiting Chichen Itza – but we guarantee you will regret not visiting it.

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Mal is a Polish-British travel photographer and writer with over 4 years experience. As the co-owner of multiple travel websites, her work has been featured in places like USA Today and Seattle Times.

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From Cancun to Chichen Itza: 5 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Oct 27, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Only 120 miles from Cancun, one of Mexico's most important and iconic cultural sites, Chichen Itza is easy to get to and close enough for a day trip from the idyllic beach capital . This sprawling pre-Columbian city was built by the Maya people of Central America, who occupied southern Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala for centuries.

Chichen Itza was a major regional capital for this part of the central and northern Yucatan peninsula. Today, it is one of Mexico's biggest tourist attractions and still an active archaeological site. It is classified as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Chichen Itza rises out of the jungle in the state of Yucatan. A single highway connects Cancun with Chichen Itza, and there are a variety of ways for visitors to get there. Options vary from self-drive to organized tours to private plane. Below are details on a variety of ways of getting from Cancun to Chichen Itza.

1. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Tour

One of the most convenient and hands-free options for getting to Chichen Itza from Cancun is to take an organized tour. You'll have your pick of options, and your hotel can help you organize them, as well. We like this Chichen Itza Day Trip from Cancun option.

The full-day tour packages together a variety of activities to make sure you're getting a well-rounded experience. In addition to visiting the Chichen Itza archaeological site , the tour includes a stop in colonial Valladolid, as well as a swim in a nearby cenote (Ik Kil), lunch, and complimentary round-trip hotel transfers.

Departure times are around 8am, depending on your hotel location. Admission to Chichen Itza is not included, however admission to the cenote is included.

The entire experience is about 12 hours.

2. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Car

Perhaps the most direct way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza is to rent a car and drive yourself. Driving in this part of Mexico, between the states of Quintana Roo and Yucatan, is incredibly easy. The land is flat, the highways are relatively straight, and it's a tourist-heavy section, meaning it is safe and protected.

The drive is about two hours each way, with ample opportunity to stop and take in extra sights along the way. For example, pass through the lovely colonial town of Valladolid to take in the pastel-colored buildings and Spanish architecture. Valladolid is one of Mexico's famed "Magic Towns," and was founded in the mid-16th century.

Another option might be to stop at one of the gorgeous cenotes along the way. Cenotes are natural sinkholes that expose an entire network of underground rivers across the Yucatan Peninsula.

The number one advantage of the self-drive option is that you make your own schedule. Organized tours, while convenient and seamless, can often take significantly longer simply because of the number of people.

Of course, when renting a car anywhere, it is important to note a few things. Mexico has many affordable rental car options, but when booking a rental car, often fees are hidden, so that it looks like cars can be rented for less than $5 a day. Once the insurance is added on, the price goes up significantly. Expect to pay around $30 to $50 a day, depending on the season.

It's also important to note the highways. To get to Chichen Itza from Cancun, drivers will be taking highway 180. There is the local 180 and the toll 180. The local road has many speed bumps and is much, much slower. The toll roads are much more efficient, and in much better condition. Tolls can only be paid in pesos and in cash so be sure to carry cash with you.

3. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Bus

The base of the feathered serpent pyramid at Chichen Itza

Traveling on a budget? No problem. Not only is it affordable to take coach buses around Mexico, it's incredibly safe and comfortable, as well. The ADO bus company offers service from the ADO station in Cancun to Chichen Itza.

The bus leaves daily at 8:45am and has a return bus departing Chichen Itza at 4:30pm. It's about a three-hour journey on the bus, and costs about 50 MXN. The problem with this option is that you are at the mercy of the bus schedule, and using this option means you will be at the archaeological site for roughly five hours.

If you don't want to spend that much time at Chichen Itza, another option is to take the bus to and from Valladolid and take another bus from there to Chichen Itza, as more departures are available.

The ADO bus station is located near Puerto Cancun, on the other side of the lagoon from the Hotel Zone. Bus tickets can be purchased online at the ADO website, or in person at any ADO bus station.

4. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Air

Aerial view of the Temple of the Warriors, Chichen Itza

And then, of course, there's the option to completely splurge and visit Chichen Itza in true rockstar style - by plane, of course. The benefit to taking a private or shared plane to Chichen Itza is the sheer exclusivity of it all, not to mention the unforgettable experience and the incredible time saver.

Fly Tours Cancun , for example, offers a shared flight to Chichen Itza every Wednesday. Travelers are taken by plane to the archaeological site in less than an hour. The price includes round-trip flight, a visit to the archaeological site, hotel transfers, soft drinks, and the entrance fee to Chichen Itza. Flights depart at 9am, and travelers are given 2.5 hours to explore the site before returning back to the Cancun airport.

Along the way, be prepared for some truly unique and mesmerizing views. The company has other tours, as well, which include other archaeological sites in the region, if you haven't had your fill with just Chichen Itza.

5. From Cancun to Chichen Itza with a Private Guide

Ik-Kil Cenote, a popular stop on a Chichen Itza tour with a private guide

Another splurge-worthy option (though less pricey than a private flight) is to hire a private guide. Private guides offer you the convenience of an organized tour, but with the flexibility to move at your own pace. Plus, it's guaranteed that all your questions will be answered.

Private tours are also efficient because you can skip a lot of the waiting that is associated with group travel. And anything that might not interest you on a tour, you can also skip, allowing you to have a more customized itinerary. Alternatively, if you have a particular area of interest, a private tour allows you to spend more time exploring that.

We like this Chichen Itza, Cenote, & Valladolid Private Tour , which allows travelers to skip the crowds of the bus tours. The highly personalized experience includes round-trip transportation from Cancun, where you get to set your own pickup time.

Much like the group tours, this trip also includes a dip in Ik Kil or Xcajum cenote, as well as a buffet lunch. If you choose not to swim in a cenote, the tour also offers the option to explore the Maya jungle.

This tour is anywhere between eight and 11 hours. Transportation is air-conditioned, as well.

More on Mexico

Best Ways: How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza

Are you looking for the best ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza? Cancun is the perfect place to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary from where you can easily reach Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Chichen Itza.

Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Getting to Chichen Itza may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are several ways to get there. You can easily get to Chichen Itza by bus, taxi, rental car, or private transfer.

In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get to Chichen Itza, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

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Cancun to Chichen Itza Distance

The distance between Chichen Itza and Cancun is about 200 km, which is 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

Good to know The nearest airport to Chichen Itza is in Merida, 2 hours away.

Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a taxi or bus ticket will cost.

Book this top-rated Chichen Itza, Cenote, and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour via Viator or GetYourGuide .

Cancun to Chichen Itza by Car

One of the best ways to get to Chichen Itza is by car. Cancun is the best place to start your Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary , as there are many cheap and direct flights to Cancun. Once you arrive at Cancun International Airport (airport code CUN), you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car.

During our travels, we always use Discover Cars for car rentals. Because they always offer the best deals and provide free cancellation 48 hours before your reservation.

Car rental will cost around 30-35 USD per day with full coverage. Book your car in advance to get the best price! Check car rental prices and availability HERE.

Is it Safe to Drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

Yes, driving is generally safe in most tourist areas of Mexico, such as the Riviera Maya and Cancun. The roads from Cancun to the Mayan Ruins are well-maintained.

We did a 14-day Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary by rental car and enjoyed exploring the sights at our own pace. We have a complete guide to safe car rental in Mexico, which includes how to avoid Mexican scams and some Yucatan Peninsula driving tips.

Recommended post → How to Renting a Car in Cancun

Driving from Cancun to Chichen Itza

Driving time is usually 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

The 180D highway connecting Cancun and Chichen Itza is a toll road costing 385 MXN (21 USD). They don’t accept credit cards or dollars, so make sure you bring enough Mexican pesos! There are no ATMs and few petrol stations between Cancun and the highway. If you arrive by car, there are plenty of parking spaces around Chichen Itza, and parking costs 80 MXN (4.50 USD) for the day.

Read our → Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza

TIP To learn more about the mysterious Chichen Itza, hire a guide or join a guided walking tour.

Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza by Taxi, Private Transfer

One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Chichen Itza is by taxi. The journey takes 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic.

A taxi cost from Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza starts from 150 USD , depending on the number of passengers, time of day, etc. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable.

Before you get in the taxi, be sure to agree on a price with the driver. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!

Alternatively, you can book a private transfer to Chichen Itza starting from 239 USD, and 8 pax are allowed.

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Cancun Airport to ADO Terminal

There are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza, so you must first take an ADO bus or taxi to the ADO Terminal and then another bus to the Mayan Ruins.

One of the best ways to get to Downtown Cancun is by air-conditioned ADO bus, which allows 1 trolley bag (maximum 21 kg) + 1 handbag/small backpack per passenger.

The travel time is approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs 9 USD per person.

Get Bus Tickets here.

The A/C buses run all day from Cancun Airport to ADO Terminal Autobuses Cancun every 20-30 minutes from 08:10 to 23:50.

Cancun to Chichen Itza by ADO Bus

The cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza is by the ADO bus. ADO is the largest and most popular bus company in Mexico. The Mexican ADO buses are safe, air-conditioned, comfortable, and cheap.

The travel time is approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic , and the bus tickets start from 25 USD.

The bus departs once a day at 08:45 from Cancun (ADO Centro) to the ADO bus station, close to the Mayan Ruins. Once you arrive, you can take a short walk or taxi ride to the entrance of Chichen Itza.

Book a self-guided tour with audio narration and map, or join a Chichen Itza guided walking tour.

After visiting the Mayan Ruins, take a bus to Valladolid and spend 2-3 days exploring this charming colonial town. The journey takes just 40-50 minutes, and bus tickets start from 7 USD.

Cacun to Chichen Itza Tours

You can easily join group tours from Cancun to visit the famous Mayan Ruins, Cenote Saamal, and Valladolid.

The tour price includes roundtrip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle, a certified bilingual guide, a buffet meal, and entrance fees.

Book your best Chichen Itza tour from Cancun via Viator or GetYourGuide .

Alternatively, book this top-rated Chichen Itza early access tour with a visit to Cenote Chichikan, tequila, and traditional lunch tasting.

Cancun to Chichen Itza Day Trip

The private tour starts with a short guided tour of the beautiful colonial town of Valladolid, then a stop at Cenote Chichikan for a refreshing swim. Afterward, enjoy a typical buffet lunch and tequila tasting, explore the famous archaeological site , and learn more about why this pre-Columbian city was important to the Mayan civilization.

Check the tour prices and availability HERE.

Alternatively, book this top-rated tour , which includes a visit to Chichen Itza, 1 cenote of your choice (Cenote Oxman, Cenote Suytun, or Cenote Chukum), and Valladolid.

TIP The Chichen Itza complex area is quite large, and you will have to walk a lot. So wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

Where to Stay near Chichen Itza

Most people take a day trip to Chichen Itza. But for the best experience, stay in Valladolid, the perfect base for visiting the Mayan Ruins. These are our accommodation recommendations.

Best hotels in Cancun

Luxury: Oleo Cancun Playa Boutique
Mid-Range: Cancun Plaza or Bed and Breakfast Pecarí
Budget: Suites Malecon Cancun

Best hotels in Valladolid

Luxury: Oriundo Luxury Nature Villas
Mid-Range: Hotel Waye or Meson del Marques
Budget: Hotel Casa Bamboo

More Travel Guides about Mexico

2 Weeks in Mexico: Ultimate Yucatan Peninsula Itinerary
How to Renting a Car in Cancun, Mexico
10 Best Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico
How to Visit Yellow City of Izamal, Mexico
14 Best Tulum Instagram Spots
Valladolid Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days
7 Best Things to Do in Bacalar, Mexico

We hope our post on how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza will help you plan your next trip to Mexico. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com Car Rentals – Discover Cars Flights – Skyscanner Travel Insurance – SafetyWing Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

How to Renting a Car in Cancun, Mexico (2024)

9 Best Things to Do in Merida, Mexico

Best Ways: How to Get from Tulum to Bacalar

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Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico | A Complete Guide [2023]

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: March 14, 2024

Categories Mexico , North America

Visiting Chichen Itza in Mexico? Here you’ll find a complete guide to the Chichen Itza ruins – what to visit, how to get there + practical info and prices (2023).

What would be a trip to Yucatan without a day trip to Chichen Itza, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site? This archaeological site, built sometime before the 6th century AD, is definitely worth a visit.

I personally, after having visited quite a few Aztec and Mayan ruins in Mexico , prefer other sites such as Palenque and Coba because they are quieter, but the ever-present crowds at Chichen Itza don’t make this site less impressive. From wherever you’re staying in the Yucatan peninsula, the Chichen Itza ruins are easy to get to, and you should set apart half a day to visit the pyramids.

Getting to Chichen Itza is pretty easy, no matter your budget or where you’re coming from. This super comprehensive guide will give you instructions for visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Valladolid.

You can follow the tips below to get to Chichen Itza via public transport, with a rental car, or by booking a tour in advance.

Table of Contents

Best Chichen Itza Tours

You’ll find thousands of tours to Chichen Itza online, and choosing the best one can be a bit overwhelming. I’ve done the research for you, and these are the tours that offer the best value for your bucks.

➤ With over 1200 great reviews, the Chichén Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour is the top-rated Chichen Itza tour on Get Your Guide. This tour leaves from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum. This Chichen Itza full-day tour includes pick-up from your hotel , all entrance fees, and a buffet meal. After exploring the grounds of Chichen Itza, you’ll head for a swim to Cenote Ik Kil. The tour will end with a short visit to the colonial city of Valladolid, which is definitely worth a visit. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ If you prefer a quieter experience without the crowds, check out the Chichen Itza Early Access with Tequila Tasting . This tour leaves from Cancun and Riviera Maya. You’ll have to get up pretty early for this tour, but you will get to Chichen Itza by opening time, which means no crowds! You’ll enjoy a guided tour through the ruins. A buffet lunch is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ And finally, this is the tour for you if you believe that two is better than one: Chichen Itza, Ik Kil, and Coba Small Group Tour . This tour leaves from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. In one day, you’ll be able to visit both Chichen Itza and the fascinating ruins at Coba where you can climb the main pyramid. The tour includes a guided visit to both sites and a swim at Cenote Ik Kil, plus lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

How to Get to Chichen Itza On Your Own

How to get from valladolid to chichen itza, • by colectivo (shared van).

If you are traveling from Valladolid , a city near Chichen Itza, head to the Valladolid ADO bus station. Colectivos (shared vans) leave from right next to it. You can get there as early as 7 AM and you can catch the first departure to Chichen Itza. Valladolid is much closer than Cancun and the trip will take approximately an hour, so you’ll get to the ruins right at 8 AM when they open the gates.

If you want to visit the site with a guide, you can find official guides at the entrance when you buy your tickets, that you can hire a for a few hours.

Looking to skip the line? Check out the Chichen Itza Entrance Ticket with Hospitality Suite . You’ll enter the site through a separate entrance, and when you’re done visiting the ruins you can use the Mayaland Hotel pool and facilities to relax after a busy morning. ➥ BOOK YOUR TICKET

How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza

I’ve written a whole post about how to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza , but here below you can find some quick info.

• TAKE THE ADO BUS FROM CANCUN TO CHICHEN ITZA

If you are based in Cancun , you can also take the ADO bus to get to Chichen Itza. The bus departs daily every hour starting at 5 AM (you can take it at around 7 AM) and it takes about 3 hours to arrive at the place. The ticket costs around 250 MXN, and you have to buy it directly at the terminal.

On your way back from Chichen Itza to Cancun, you’ll need to take the same bus that departs at 5 PM, otherwise another idea is to stop somewhere around Chichen Itza or Valladolid to spend the night. It’s really not a bad idea, considering you can go swim at the cenotes near Valladolid , or go visit Las Coloradas pink lakes .

• GET FROM CANCUN TO CHICHEN ITZA BY CAR

It’s totally possible to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza (and recommended, as Chichen Itza is one of the best archaeological sites near Cancun ). The roads are pretty good and people respect the rules, so it’s an option I recommend since it gives you so much freedom. I recommend booking your rental car in advance online to avoid any scam.

I usually use Discover Cars to compare prices and find the best deals when booking a car. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

The 180D Highway that connects Cancun and Chichen Itza is in great condition. It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Chichen Itza.

The highway is a toll road that costs 600 MXN per way (about $30 at the time of writing), but you’ll save a ton of time. Keep in mind that credit cards or US dollars are not accepted, so make sure you bring cash in pesos. There are no ATMs between Cancun and the toll road.

Before deciding to come by car, it’s also important to consider the toll fees and gas money (depending on which road you choose to take to get to Chichen Itza) to make sure it’s the best choice financially speaking.

• VISIT CHICHEN ITZA WITH THE GO CANCUN PASS

If you’re staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya for a few days and are planning to visit a few parks and attractions, it might make a lot of sense to buy the GO Cancun Pass.

I explain in detail how you can use the GO Cancun Pass to save a considerable amount of money in this post – it includes calculations so you can really see for yourself that by using it smartly you can save hundreds of dollars. But why am I telling you this?

➤ The Go Cancun Pass includes your entrance ticket to Chichen Itza plus transportation from/to Cancun and access to the Mayaland pool and facilities where you can relax after visiting the ruins. ➥ BUY YOUR GO CANCUN PASS HERE

How To Get to Chichen Itza From Playa del Carmen / Riviera Maya

I’ve written a whole post about how to get from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza , but here below you can find some quick info.

• GET THE BUS FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN TO CHICHEN ITZA

➤ There is one bus a day direct from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza . It departs a few minutes after 8 AM and the ticket costs 428 MXN (approximately 21 USD) at the time of writing. The bus departs from the ADO station on 5th Avenue and the bus ride takes about 3 hours 40 minutes.

On the way back, the bus leaves from Chichen Itza at 4.00 PM. Make sure not to miss it as it’s the only one!

➤ If you’re coming from one of the hotels scattered around the Riviera Maya, you’ll have to take a taxi or a colectivo (shared van) going toward Playa del Carmen. You just need to stop one on the highway and tell the driver where you’re going (Playa del Carmen) – the ride won’t cost you more than a couple of dollars.

• GETTING TO CHICHEN ITZA BY CAR

Again, totally possible to drive from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, but I do suggest booking a rental car in advance online to avoid any scams. I usually use Discover Cars to compare prices. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

Take the new 305 Highway that connects Playa del Carmen to 180 Highway, which leads to Chichen Itza. Both are toll roads, the total cost is 344 pesos per way (about $18 at the time of writing).

The drive from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. No US dollars or credit cards are accepted, make sure you have pesos in cash before departing.

Another option would be taking the slow road (a free one). You’d have to take the 307 to Tulum, head to Valladolid, and then take the 180 Highway to Chichen Itza. It will take you approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.

How To Get from Tulum to Chichen Itza

I’ve written a whole post about how to get from Tulum to Chichen Itza, but here below you can find some quick info.

• TAKE THE BUS FROM TULUM TO CHICHEN ITZA

If you’re based in Tulum , you can take the ADO bus directly from Tulum to Chichen Itza . At the time of writing, there is only one bus to Chichen Itza a day, at 9.20 AM. The bus ride takes about 2 hours 35 minutes and the ticket costs between 194 and 294 MXN (approximately 9 and 14 USD), depending on the date.

On the way back, there is one daily bus from Chichen Itza to Tulum, at 4.30 PM. The ticket costs between 144 and 294 MXN (approximately 6 to 14 USD).

• DRIVING TO CHICHEN ITZA FROM TULUM

It’s very easy to find a rental car in Tulum. You can book your rental car in advance for greater peace of mind. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

Take the QROO 109 road towards Coba. When you see the sign for Chemax, turn left to stay on 180 Highway. Pass Valladolid and keep going till you reach the Chichen Itza Mayan ruins.

The drive takes approximately 2 hours. This is a free road.

How to Get from Merida to Chichen Itza

• getting from merida to chichen itza by bus.

If you’re based in Merida, taking the ADO bus is a good option if you’re willing to wake up early. There’s a daily bus from Merida to Chichen Itza departing at 7.15 AM, which arrives at Chichen Itza at 8.20 AM, so right at opening time. Otherwise you can take the bus which departs at 12 PM and arrive in the early afternoon.

At the time of writing, the ticket costs 156 MXN, although it may vary depending on the promotions available.

On the way back, you can take the bus that leaves from Chichen Itza at 5.30 PM, which gives you enough time to check out Chichen Itza and Ik Kil Cenote.

• DRIVE TO CHICHEN ITZA FROM MERIDA

It won’t be a problem finding a rental car in Merida. In fact, I personally rented a car in Merida twice when I was living there for a month or so. If you prefer to rent a car online, here you can compare prices. ➥ COMPARE PRICES HERE

The road from Merida to Chichen Itza is very straightforward. Take the 180E towards Cancun, and in Kantunil turn left to continue on the 180D. Take exit number 79 and follow the signs towards Chichen Itza.

The drive takes approximately 1 hr 25 minutes. This is partially a toll road.

How to Get from Cozumel to Chichen Itza

If you’re staying in Cozumel , you’ll have to take one of the many ferries from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, and then follow the directions from Playa del Carmen. Would I recommend visiting Chichen Itza from Cozumel in one day though? Probably not. I would definitely make it an overnight trip or part of a bigger Yucatan itinerary .

Practical info for Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico

If you are planning to visit Chichen Itza, make sure you plan your trip ahead of time to make the best out of your day trip.

Where is Chichen Itza located?

The Chichen Itza ruins are located in the Eastern part of Yucatan state in Mexico, approximately 25 miles from Chichen Itza. The location of Chichen Itza in Yucatan Peninsula makes it easy to visit as a day trip. It’s indeed 2 hours 20 minutes from Cancun, 2 hours 10 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and 2 hours from Tulum.

What are the Chichen Itza opening hours?

Chichen Itza hours are from 8 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

How much is the Chichen Itza entrance fee?

Currently, the Chichen Itza entry fee is 533 Mexican Pesos per person (only applies to foreign tourists). The admission fee includes two tickets, one for the Federal tax, and one for the State tax. If you pay by credit card, you’ll have to make two separate payments.

Can I buy Chichen Itza tickets online?

I heard you can buy the simple Chichen Itza tickets online, but I honestly wasn’t able to find this option when I looked for it. At this time, though, you can buy the skip-the-line tickets here .

What about parking at Chichen Itza?

If you plan to rent a car and drive to Chichen Itza, you can find plenty of parking spots on the site and you should bear in mind that you’ll have to pay around 80 Pesos parking fee so you can be assigned a parking slot.

Can I find Chichen Itza souvenirs here?

Trust me, you’ll have no problem finding souvenirs at Chichen Itza. On your way to Cenote Sagrado you’ll find tens of souvenir stands. Make sure to bargain!

Guided Tour vs Visiting Chichen Itza On Your Own

I’m not the biggest fan of organized tours, but this is one case where I do recommend going with a guided tour if it’s your first time visiting Chichen Itza. A guide will be able to explain to you the history of the pyramids and tell you the stories that you won’t find on your Lonely Planet.

When you book a tour to get to Chichen Itza, it will usually include transportation, a skip-the-line ticket, food, and maybe a visit to a cenote or other attractions but, as you may imagine, it will cost more for the convenience.

I would recommend a Chichen Itza self-guided tour to those visitors who are either on a budget, or are really not into history and are ok with just knowing the information you can find on the panels or online.

I visited Chichen Itza in Mexico twice, the first time with a tour and the second one on my own, and I felt it was the right choice. On my first visit, I was able to learn about the site from an experienced guide, while on the second visit I took my time to wander around and take approximately a thousand or a million Instagram pictures. Both experiences were great in their own way, so it really depends on what you’re looking for!

On the “Best Tours to Chichen Itza” section above you can find a list of the tours that are worth your money and give you the best value for your bucks.

➤ If you’ve decided to go on a Chichen Itza day trip on your own but still want a more comfortable experience, you can buy a special ticket in advance that will let you skip the line, which sometimes can be really long. ➥ BOOK YOUR TICKET

A Brief History of Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

Now I want to tell you a little bit about Chichen Itza (nothing too long, don’t worry!) so you know what you’re going to see! Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city that was built in the middle of the jungle in the Yucatan Peninsula.

While it’s known today as a major tourist attraction in Mexico, it used to be the home to a thriving civilization during the pre-Columbian era and there are many historic accounts about how and when the Chichen Itza was built.

When was Chichen Itza built?

Most of the historic accounts point to the early 400 AD, but there’s also evidence that shows that the ancient structures were constructed a few years later (some citing the middle of the 5 th century).

Why was Chichen Itza built?

While the date when the ancient civilization was built remains a debate, one thing is undeniable– the structures served as the center of political and economic power, and as the heart of the Mayan culture.

This is not a small place, the entire archaeological site spans 3.2 square kilometers, which means that there are more sites that could be unearthed. In fact, archaeologists have continued their study and research on the site in order to further understand how the ancient Mayans lived and what led to the decline of such a powerful civilization.

Curious to know more? Here are some fun facts about Chichen Itza that I’m pretty sure you didn’t know!

What to Visit at Chichén Itzá, Mexico

When you visit Chichen Itza, you should explore the following famous constructions on the site to really take advantage of your trip.

El Castillo Pyramid (Temple of the Kukulkan)

The El Castillo is the most important structure in Chichen Itza archaeological site, and what people refer to when they talk about the Chichen Itza pyramid. It’s in fact a pyramid structure that still stands today after all this time, mainly because of the restoration efforts they made at the site to preserve the ancient monuments.

El Castillo of Chichen Itza is also known as the Temple of the Kukulkan, and literally dominates the site.

This structure consists of square terraces that have stairways on all four sides of the pyramid and there are also sculptures of plumed serpents that run down the balustrade of this pyramid, which is really something you should look at closely.

And if you manage to visit at the right time, the Chichen Itza snake comes down! There is a really amazing phenomenon that happens only during the spring and autumn equinoxes where the sun strikes at the balustrade in the late afternoon, particularly the northwest corner of the pyramid. As the light of the sun hits the balustrade, it creates the illusion of the serpent slithering down the pyramid.

PHOTO TIP : You want to know how I managed to take pictures of the pyramid of Chichen Itza with no one in the background? I came here early! I spent the previous night in Valladolid , was at the entrance by opening time and rushed directly to El Castillo before visiting any other structure. I must say though that for the first full hour the complex was pretty quiet…after that, forget it!

Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza

The Great Ball Court, also known as the Grand Ball Court, is another striking structure in the Chichen Itza Mayan city. This is the largest rectangular arena (about 2.2 times the size of an American football field!) that was used by the ancient Mayans.

It’s quite unclear, however, with what purpose they actually used it, researchers don’t know if it was used as a playing field or as a ceremonial site. Aside from the elaborate design that decorates the structure of the arena, this place is also known for its astounding acoustics.

Chichen Itza Temple of the Warriors

This Chichen Itza temple is a complex with a large stepped pyramid that features numerous columns carved to look like warriors. This one is built on a large scale – it’s composed of 200 columns on both the south and west sides.

Unfortunately, climbing this pyramid is no longer allowed. If you really want to climb a Mayan pyramid, you should definitely head to the Coba ruins though, where it’s still possible to do so (and honestly, the Coba ruins are pretty underrated in my opinion) .

The statue of the Chac Mool, which is considered a messenger of the Gods for the ancient Mayans, is located at the top of this pyramid. The Temple of the Warriors also features the same serpent design that you can see in El Castillo.

Cenote Sagrado (Chichen Itza Cenote)

Another must-see site when you visit Chichen Itza is the Cenote Sagrado, or Sacred Cenote (or again Cenote Xtoloc in Mayan). This is a large cenote at the northern end of the archaeological site, valued for its archaeological and cultural significance.

It’s not spectacular like many of the cenotes in Mexico, and it’s forbidden to swim in the Chichen Itza cenote, but it’s an important cenote as it was the site of many ceremonial practices that were performed by the Mayans.

In fact, researchers believe that human sacrifice was performed at the cenote at Chichen Itza. Tons of human remains were in fact unearthed by the archaeologists during their explorations of the cenote and other structures within the site.

Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show

Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show is one of the most special ways to visit Chichen Itza if you’re up for visiting at night. When the sun sets, you’ll have the opportunity to see the magnificent Mayan structures transform with dramatic lighting and 3D mapping projection.

This light and sound show retells the history of the Mayans in a unique fashion, in which impressive light and image mapping display are complemented by rhythmic sounds.

➤ If you’re interested in witnessing the show for yourself you can get tickets directly at Chichen Itza. You’ll start your day with a swim at a cenote, followed by a buffet lunch and a skip-the-line guided tour through Chichen Itza. You’ll then have time at Mayaland hotel to relax by the pool, before heading back to the ruins for the Light and Sound show. The tour also includes a light dinner. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Cenotes Near Chichen Itza Ruins

After you are done visiting Chichen Itza, you’re probably going to be hot and sweaty. Scratch the “probably”. Why not head to one or more of the beautiful sinkholes, in Spanish cenotes , by Chichen Itza, where you can relax and refresh? For me, there’s no better way to complement your visit to the ruins.

READ ALSO : 6 Best Cenote Tours from Valladolid [2023]

Visit Cenote Ik Kil near Chichen Itza

Cenote Ik Kil is one of the most popular cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, partially because of its proximity to Chichen Itza. Many tours that visit Chichen Itza also include a stop at this cenote which is arguably one of the most beautiful cenotes in the region.

Whether or not you book a tour to Chichen Itza or Yucatan Peninsula, this cenote is a must to stop. There is no doubt that you have seen photos of Cenote Ik Kil as it’s one of the most photographed cenotes in Mexico.

This cenote near Chichen Itza is an open sinkhole surrounded by circular walls that are covered in vines and branches. Those vines and roots that hang from the trees at the mouth of the opening of the cenote create a spectacular, and picture-worthy, look.

It’s always really busy, but if you visit Chichen Itza right at opening time and then head straight here, you probably won’t find the bus tours.

Cenote Ik Kil is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. As one of the most popular cenotes for tourists, there are plenty of tourist facilities on-site including a restaurant, changing rooms, lockers, and life vests for rent.

At the time of writing, the entrance fee to Cenote Ik Kil is 80 Pesos for adults and 40 Pesos for children.

Other Cenotes by Chichen Itza

However, Cenote Ik Kil is not the only cenote worthy of your time around Chichen Itza. There are a few others that in my opinion are even better than Cenote Ik Kil minus the crowds.

READ MORE: A Guide to 11 Incredible Cenotes in Valladolid & Near Chichen Itza

Cenote Zaci is an interesting one because it’s located right in the middle of a city – Valladolid -, which is not the usual location for cenotes. This cenote close to Chichen Itza (45 minutes by car) is a half cave half-open cenote, and a pretty deep one. You can jump from one of the ledges if you’re feeling adventurous! The best part? You won’t find nearly as many people as at Ik Kil. When I visited in the middle of the afternoon, we were maybe 15 people total.

READ MORE : Cenote Zaci, Valladolid – Prices & Info [2023]

I’ve written many posts on this blog about my favorite cenotes in Mexico, so you can click on the individual posts for each cenote on this list to plan your trip. You’ll find info on how to get there, admission price and opening hours, and what are the facilities available at the cenote.

The next one on this list is Cenote Suytun , which you might have already seen as it’s become Instagram famous in the last couple of years. With its man-made peninsula and the ray of light that at certain times of the day illuminates the circle, this cenote is definitely unique. Check it out for a chance to take some incredible shots.

Cenote Oxman is one of my favorite cenotes near Valladolid . It might be because it’s inside a beautiful Yucatecan hacienda, or maybe because even if it’s just a 20-minutes bike ride from Valladolid, you can easily have the cenote all for yourself as it doesn’t seem to be as popular as others. I don’t really understand why, because Cenote Oxman is so beautiful!

READ MORE : Why You Shouldn’t Miss Cenote Oxman

Here it’s a short video I took of Cenote Oxman.

And finally, Cenote Samula and Xkeken .

What’s better than one cenote? Two cenotes, of course! Cenote Samula and Xkeken are right next to each other, and it’s worth visiting both. They are both enchanting, with tree vines dangling from the sky, a dim sunlight from the top, and blue water… they are definitely worth your time.

READ MORE : Cenote Samula: A Magical Spot Near Valladolid Cenote Xkeken: All You Need to Know

Best Time to Visit Chichen Itza

There are plenty of tours that operate within the Chichen Itza archaeological site. These tours come in masses so when they arrive, expect a huge flock of tourists on the site. To avoid the crowd, I recommend you to visit right after the site opens. This will give you a chance to explore the area without the huge crowds, as the group tours haven’t arrived yet.

Another option is to go late in the afternoon, right before the site closes (around 3 PM). The tours usually arrive around midday so you can go there after they have left.

It’s also a no-no to visit on Saturdays and Sundays as the weekends are typically when there is a higher amount of visitors on the site, but during the weekend you can find tons of Mexican tourists as well. Sundays experience the peak of tourist visits. The best day to visit Chichen Itza in my opinion is either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

What to Pack for Chichen Itza

To maximize your enjoyment of Chichen Itza and the archaeological ruins on the site, it’s important to pack a few essential items with you on the tour.

• Comfortable clothes : remember to wear comfortable clothes. If you visit during the summer, expect the weather in Chichen Itza to be hot and humid. Make sure you wear something that is lightweight, breezy, and comfortable. This will help keep you cool as you explore the ruins right under the sun.

• Good quality walking shoes : make sure to bring your trusted pair and don’t even attempt to break in your shoes.

• Sunscreen : again, do not underestimate the heat in Mexico so make sure you are protected from the intense heat of the sun.

• Hat and sunglasses : it’s also a good idea to pack other types of sun protection such as a hat and sunglasses. This will make it easier for you to explore the ruins without worrying about the heat. Plus, a hat always makes for great Instagram pictures!

• Drinking water : when it’s so hot, it’s very important to stay hydrated at all times. You can’t drink tap water in Mexico, so either bring bottled water or go sustainable and buy a LifeStraw or similar product. This is a straw that filters the water while you drink, so you can save money and plastic by filtering tap water.

• Bug spray or insect repellent . A bug spray or insect repellent is a must too. Remember: the ruins are built in the middle of the jungle so make sure you are protected from all kinds of bugs and insects that are present in this type of environment.

This is all the info you need to plan the perfect day trip to Chichen Itza. I hope this Chichen Itza guide was helpful, but if you have any questions, leave them in the comments below!

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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CHICHEN ITZA TOUR FROM CANCUN

About the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Cancun

This is the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Cancun , and it’s named Classic because it’s the most used to go to Chichen Itza, but it has nothing about “boring classic”.

With this Chichen Itza Tour from Cancun you’ll enjoy a journey full of adventure, exploration, culture and Mayan knowledge. Lets know forget that Chichen Itza is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Begin with an early pick up to make the most out of the day. You’ll be taken by bus from your hotel to Chichen Itza, along the way you’ll get to know some info about this astonishing Mayan Archaeological Site.

The first stop with the Chichen Itza Tour is CHICHEN ITZA. When you arrive to Chichen Itza you’ll enter the great Mayan city and the first thing you’ll see is the Chichen Itza Pyramid called El Castillo or “The Castle” which was built to honor the God Kukulcan. You will have 2 hours onsite, divided with a guided tour and some free time at the Mayan Ruins so you can explore on your own all the Chichen Itza Ruins and buildings.

After visiting the great Mayan City in the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll be taken to a buffet lunch, where you’ll enjoy traditional Mayan food and refreshing drinks.

After having your delicious meal, you will be able to enjoy the visit to the Cenote and actually swim in it! The Cenotes were sacred to the Mayans and swimming in them will not only be amazing but also refreshing.

With the Classic Chichen Itza Tour from Cancun you will also visit Valladolid, Yucatan, a colonial town in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula really close to Chichen Itza. Valladolid will show you a typical Mayan living style, calm and relaxed people and nice small business around the plaza.

The reason why you should book this Chichen Itza Tour is because it’s simply perfect to get to know this ancient Mayan City that’s now part of the New 7 Wonders of the World. You’ll end up knowing more about the Mayans and its culture and knowing a great place named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture.

Not Included
Recommendations

What is included in the Chichen Itza Tour

1. Round trip on board our luxury air-conditioned panoramic buses.
2. Shared transfer
3. Certified guides specialized in archaeology and Mayan culture who will accompany you throughout the tour.
4. Buffet with a wide variety of typical foods of the region
5. Guided access (bilingual) to Chichen Itza and free time to walk around and take pictures at the archaeological site.
6. Visit to the Cenote (swimming is allowed, life jackets are provided on site and have an additional cost of 4 USD)
7. Brief visit to the historic city of Valladolid, Yucatan.

Not included in the Chichen Itza Tour

1. Any type of drink throughout the tour.
2. Photo or video services.
3. Use of lockers, life jackets or towels in the cenote.
4. Snacks or box lunch, outside of what is contemplated in the buffet meal.
5. Other activities in Chichen Itza, the cenote or Valladolid.
7. Any other product not mentioned in the list of what the tour includes.
8. If you wish to have a more “All Inclusive Tour” you might want to check the Chichen Itza Tour Plus or the Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour .

Recommendations for the Chichen Itza Tour

Please confirm with us by dialing the number indicated on our home page that we have transportation service to and from the lobby of your hotel in Cancun, or if you must travel to a meeting point for the transfer.

The details of the transportation, time of arrival and return, as well as meeting points will be sent to you by email at the end of the reservation process.

The rates for minors are valid for children between 3 and up to 11 years of age.

Infants below three years of age do not pay.

1. Carry a certain amount of cash with you for products and services not included in the package.
2. Avoid carrying heavy or bulky backpacks or bags.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as sunglasses.
4. Bring a hat or a cool hat to protect yourself from the sun.
5. Remember to use biodegradable sunscreen.
6. Bring a towel and swimsuit.
7. If you suffer from any health problem or physical impairment, please contact us before booking so we can advise you about it.

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How to plan a visit to Chichen Itza from Cancun

Access to the Ultimate Guide to visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun. Chichen Itza is the most important city of the Mayan Culture in Mexico and is located on the Yucatan peninsula. The name literally means: “At the mouth of the well of the Itza,” Located 75 miles east of Merida.

The capital of the Mayan World covers approximately six square miles, where hundreds of buildings once stood. The best-known construction is Kukulkan’s Pyramid, a square-based, stepped pyramid about 75 feet tall.

So if you visit Mexico and specifically the area of Yucatan, you do not want to miss one of the World’s new seven wonders of the World.

But if you’re looking to visit on your own and you don’t want to be one of the thousands of other tourists, in this article, you will find most of the information you need to plan a visit to Chichen Itza from Cancun.

Guide to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun

The perfect itinerary to visit chichen itza , so, how to get to chichen itza from cancun, cost of chichen itza, opening time, pictures and video in chichen itza , other tips for planning your visit to chichen itza .

Since we do not know your type of travel constraints or possibilities you might have, we will show you what we believe could be the best itinerary to plan a visit to Chichen Itza from Cancun.

There are many tours out there with very good intentions. Still, it is impossible to have the best result when simultaneously planning for hundreds of participants.

So, if you have the chance to do it on your own, this is what we could recommend you do. Also, it would be best if you considered that this place is “far away” from Cancun, so we recommend waking up early.

We hope this guide with tips to get around to Chichen Itza from Cancun helps you discover one of the world’s seven new wonders.

The perfect schedule to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun.

6:00 am – Departure from your Hotel in Cancun
7:30 am – Coffe Stop
8:30 am – Arrival at Chichen Itza and Guided tour
11:00 am – Departure to Cenote and swim
12:30 pm – Departure to Valladolid and Lunch
14:00 pm – Visit Valladolid and drive back to Cancun
17:00 pm – Arrive at your Hotel in Cancun

If you do this, you will avoid the masses. You will always be in advance of all the tourist companies and travelers that will arrive simultaneously at all the attractions.

Here are some of my favorite tips for creating your own Chichen Itza tour from Cancun.

The Archeological site is about 196 km from Cancun Airport or a 3-hour drive from Cancun. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and, therefore, one of the busiest.

Getting to know your way before can save you money and disappointment.

1. From Cancun to Chichen Itza with an organized Tour

There are a few different ways to get there. Still, the most popular is a guided tour that includes transportation and a few hours of guided exploration. This is also the most economical way.

For instance, if you take our tour to Chichen Itza, it costs just USD 69 per person, and the tour includes:

Transportation round trip
A professional Tour Guide
Entrance to one Cenote
Buffet meal
Shortstop guided in Valladolid
and most importantly, we do not take you to tourist traps

So we have done the math, and taking a tour is more convenient if you have a party of fewer than 6 people.

2. From Cancun to Chichen Itza with an organized Private Tour

If you are a Family of 5 – 6 participants or more, you might consider taking a private tour of Chichen Itza. The extra investment is not much, but the benefits are.

Some of the Benefits of taking a private Tour are:

When you take an organized tour, you must consider that the tourist companies will pick up most of the hotel participants, which could take time. This is not necessarily bad since you spend some time reducing the trip’s cost.
You can choose your schedule if you take a private tour.
The Tour company could recommend places you can go that are not that common for tour companies. Most of the tours you will see out there are planned quasi-in the same way since the most convenient way for big groups.

3. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Car

The other way is to rent a car in Cancún. Highway 180 D is in perfect condition and has a straight line until Piste Town’s deviation. From the deviation, drive 20 minutes to Chichen Archeological Zone.

If you choose to Rent a Car and drive independently, I recommend you be there as early as possible. The earlier you arrive, the more chance you have to see the Archeological Area without many tourists. Chichen Itza usually receives +10,000 visitors a day. Consider $410 pesos ($21 USD) for the toll road.

4. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Bus

In the past, the commercial buses ADO used to have a bus running to Chichen Itza once a day. The Bus departed every day at 8:45 am and back from Chichen Itza at 4:30 pm. But I guess due to the restrictions of travel and COVID, I can not find this option anymore.

I will make a note and come back in the future to update this post.

5. From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Air

If you are adventurous enough and not restricted by budget, this could be a great option to visit Chichen Itza. One company called Fly Tours offers private plane and share basis tours from Cancun.

You should consider this option to save time since the flight is around 50 minutes flight, and they include transportation and a guided visit to the ruins.

The cons of this option are that you won’t see the area’s surroundings like beautiful cenotes and local culture, try the local gastronomy and visit Valladolid.

There are two entrance fees that you need to consider. The regular entrance fee and the government’s special taxes will require you to pay according to the type of visitant you are.

The general access is $613 Pesos for Adults ($33 USD approx.) and $90 Pesos for Children ($5 USD approx.)
Access for Mexican Citizens is $ 272 Pesos ($ 14 USD)

The best source of information will be the Offical website of the INAH , where you find recent updates. Due to health and travel restrictions, we strongly recommend you check it before you go.

There are other extra costs you might consider.

Another cost you need to consider is if you would like to take photos or videos. For reasons I don’t understand, I am prohibited from making professional videos and pictures inside Chichen Itza. Therefore you need to pay for permits. Drones are prohibited.

The permits’ cost could vary according to what you would like to do. Still, they can range from $600 USD for professional video and $250 USD for professional Cameras. Drones are prohibited.

Open hours in Chichen Itza are from 8 am to 5 pm.

The last access is at 4 pm.

Organized tours are permitted to visit the Archeological Zone from 11 am to 5 pm.

As we mentioned before, professional pictures and videos are restricted, and you must pay for a permit.

You can arrange this permit at the entrance of the Archeological Zone. Consider at least 1 hour to explain what you would like to do and get the license. You can always contact the administration office to explain in advance.

Traveling in Mexico with your camera could be uncomfortable since, at every Archeological Zone, the local administration will consider whether your camera is professional.

If you can smuggle your camera inside and consider taking pictures with your camera, you could get a fine. Photos and videos with your mobile phone are Ok.

The aim of his article is to explain how to plan a visit to Chichen Itza. We recommend you read our articles on Top things to do in Chichen Itza and What to do in Chichen Itza’s with Kids to get to know the area better.

But we didn’t want you to leave aside some extra tips for you to plan to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun.

Fuel – If you drive, consider tank fuel before you leave Cancun. The closest Station will be 130 km from Cancun on the same highway or Valladolid, 160 km from Cancun.
Cash – Overall, in Mexico, you need cash since many places do not accept credit cards, like handicraft shops, street food, tips, etc.
Tips – in Mexico, all we do is about service. It is always appreciated to receive some contribution but is not mandatory. Usually, tips at restaurants are from 10% -20 %; tour guides $3 – $5 USD per person, and Drivers $2 USD per person. This is a recommendation and is not mandatory.
The best place (for us) to buy handcraft will be the Market of Valladolid; prices are the lowest of all the places you will see. But consider that even if all look the same 🙂 There might be some pieces that you won’t find in the market. So if you like it and think it is fair, you should buy it.
Bargain Prices – You can bargain prices in some handicraft shops, but in the end, the person who is making the handicraft receives less for their work. If bargaining is a sport for you, we only recommend buying directly from the person doing the craft. In this way, you will directly benefit the family that produces it.

Suppose you have never been to this site before could be a place you might not want to miss. It is a UNESCO site and one of the most visited archaeological sites in the World. And definitely, this guide to visiting Chichen Itza will help you to discover it the best way.

There are a few different ways to get there. Still, the most popular is a guided tour that includes pick up at our Hotel, transportation, a few hours of guided exploration, and maybe swimming in a Cenote.

This guide to visiting Chichen Itza is intended to be general advice for all types of travelers. We hope we have covered most of your doubts. If not, you can contact us.

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How to Visit Chichen Itza from Cancun on a Day Trip

Cancun isn’t normally my kind of place, but it’s cheap to get to and it’s a great hop-off point onwards to Belize. Not only that but it’s also the closest airport to one of the new 7 wonders of the world , Chichen Itza! As soon as I knew I’d be in Mexico I was super keen to check it out so Cancun was promptly added to my schedule. Getting to Chichen Itza from Cancun is very doable, it’s about 2 hours or so away so you can either book a return day trip from Cancun (that’s what I did, and I used these guy to book the trip ) or you can take local transport.

Where is chichen itza from cancun, public transport:, a chichen itza day tour from cancun:, arriving at chichen itza, don’t miss the ikil cenote on your chichen itza tour, merida stop, final thoughts on visiting chichen itza from cancun.

I’m writing an article for my blog about my visit to all the 7 Wonders of the World. This one is Chichen Itza, near Cancun, in Mexico. Gorgeous! Do you know the other 6?! #chichenitza #cancun #mexico #yucatan #7wondersoftheworld #sevenwondersoftheworld #UNESCO #unescoworldheritagesites A post shared by Johnny Ward 🌍🌎🌏 (@onestep4ward) on Jul 29, 2017 at 6:33am PDT

Chichen Itza is about 250km from Cancun so it’s very doable in one day. Check out how far it is in the google map here;

HOW TO GET TO CHICHEN ITZA FROM CANCUN:

There are basically 2 options to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun. A tour or public transport.

There is a bus departing at 08.45 am each day, it takes 3 hours and costs 250pesos ($25ish). You can book public transport tickets here .

There is a 16.30 bus for the way back with the same company. That gives you about 4 hours or so at Chichen Itza. That’s plenty of time.

There are lots of companies that run day trips to Chichen Itza from Cancun. The prices vary between $60 to $150 USD. I used these guys and they were great.

Personally, I think a day trip tour is the better option. The bus is $15 each way, plus the $15 entry ticket so you spent $45 or so with public transport, to pay around $60 for a tour, but also you get to visit the gorgeous town of Valladolid and a swim in a cenote means it’s much the better choice.

TOP-TIP: For just over $50 you can use the same company I used to see Chichen Itza from Cancun, and it includes a visit to a sinkhole !

Chichen Itza from Cancun Day Trip Tour

If you choose the day trip then, the buses normally leave around 8am in the morning, picking you up from your hotel. The drive takes about 3 hours or so. But it’s a very easy drive with fully reclining chairs and TVs screens.

The backpacker in me didn’t pay the additional $10 for drinks on the journey, but if you do it’s unlimited soft drinks and beers (I should have done it actually, next time I will for sure).

Just before midday, you arrive at Chichen Itza (tickets are $232 pesos/$13USD).

And when you arrive at the park your guide from the tour will walk you around the whole complex, talking about the Mayan history, about their astronomy, maths, calendar etc. It’s so fascinating how advanced they were while we Europeans were still focused on inventing the the wheel!

That section of the tour lasts about 90 minutes. And they don’t take you to the main event until the very last sight.

So as you emerge from the temples in the undergrowth you get hit with one of the most impressive sites on the whole planet – Chichen Itza sitting out in the open with nothing obscuring its view. This thing is right up there with the Taj Mahal , Great Wall of China , and the Sydney Opera house, it’s really that iconic.

The guide quickly shows you some of the amazing feats pulled off by the Mayans, clapping at certain angles in front of Chichen Itza. the clapping reverberates and echoes, coming back to you like the sound of various spiritual animals, really amazing.

Also, twice a year during equinox, the place is super full as the sun hits the perfect angle to allow a light ‘snake’ slither down the whole temple. I only saw pics, but that must be something truly awesome to watch.

You then have another 30 minutes or so to explore the area, take pics and fully take in the awe of this huge pyramid in front of you. I love ticking off bucket list items, and this was a big one for me, so I was carrying a cheesy irish grin on my face for a good 20 minutes after.

Once we met back at the bus we headed to the sacred cenote (sinkhole) Ikil, it’s about 20 minutes from Chichen Itza. My initial plan had been to take the local bus to Chichen Itza, but having this as part of the day trip sealed the deal for me. Ikil is a natural swimming pool under the ground, occurring due to a sink hole forming. Large reeds and branches stretch down towards the clear water making it look like something from Avatar.

There are platforms to jump in from, beers for sale, a restaurant (which is included in the day trip price), showers and changing rooms and it’s an awesome way to cool off after the crazy Mexican sun has been beating down on your while walking around Chichen Itza.

Finally, then you’re ready to head back to Cancun, but en route, you stop for 45 minutes or so for an ice-cream, a beer and a walk around the super cute Merida. It’s the perfect way to wind down, and a great little bonus on your day trip. Soak it up.

Finally, the day was up . Our Cancun to Chichen Itza tour, swimming in the cenote Ikil, Merida, Mexican buffet lunch and a 2-hour drive back to Cancun. The day trip was perfect and much easier than any notion to jump on the local bus. What was I thinking?! Massively recommended guys, enjoy and happy travels!

3 words. Book a tour . It was only about $50, and it’s so much easier. It’s also cheaper to book it online, don’t book it through your hotel! And push yourself to go, don’t sit in your resort all day. You’re so close to one of the wonders of the world , go check it out!

Other World Wonders:

If you’re keen for the other 6 of the 7 world wonders, check out:

How to visit the Colosseum in Rome

Visiting Christ the Redeemer

Taking the train to Machu Pichu

Visiting the Great Wall of China from Beijing

How to visit the Taj Mahal

Petra in Jordan

And don’t forget these 7 wonders at the NEW wonders of the world . The 7 ancient wonders of the world are HERE, and the seven NATURAL wonders of the world are HERE. Gotta catch ’em all!

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How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza 2024

by Nellie Huang

What’s the best way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza? As a local expat, I will share the details on how to get to Chichen Itza.

If there’s one place you need to visit in the Yucatan Peninsula , it’s Chichen Itza. Immaculately preserved and perfectly restored, Chichen Itza is arguably the most famous archaeological site in Mexico. The pre-Hispanic city was one of the most important cities of its kind — and it’s easy to see why, from its impressive pyramids and intricate carvings.

To get to Chichen Itza, most people fly to Cancun Airport as it has regular flights from the US and other parts of the world. Cancun has the best beaches in Mexico and it’s got world-class resorts and archaeological sites in its proximity. [Read my Cancun travel guide here.]

In this post, I will explain the various ways on how to get to Chichen Itza, whether you’re planning to drive, catch a bus or join a tour.

Table of Contents

Where is Chichen Itza?

How far from cancun to chichen itza, mexico travel requirements, pros and cons of booking a day tour, pros and cons of renting a car from cancun, tips for renting a car from cancun airport, is it safe to drive from cancun to chichen itza, driving tips in mexico, 3. cancun to chichen itza, pros and cons of a cancun private transfer, 4. how to get from cancun to chichen itza, cancun to valladolid : ado bus schedule, is the ado bus safe, 6. cancun to valladolid by colectivo, by colectivo, is there uber around chichen itza, where to stay near chichen itza, things to know before visiting chichen itza, more info on mexico travel.

About a 2.5-hour drive west of Cancun , Chichen Itza is located inland in the state of Yucatan. The massive archaeological site is surrounded by thick jungle, without any hotels or towns nearby. Around 2.5 million people visit it each year, mostly on day tours from Cancun .

The nearest city to Chichen Itza is Valladolid, which is around a 40-minute drive away. It’s a small town, but I absolutely loved my time there. It feels like a Mayan town, with many locals dressed in huipil (embroidered blouses), despite its proximity to such a major attraction. There are plenty of things to do in Valladolid and around it: some of my favorite cenotes and archaeological sites are in the area.

To explore Chichen Itza without the crowds, I highly recommend staying overnight in Valladolid and heading to the archaeological site first thing in the morning. If you get there as it opens, you’ll be able to see it in its full glory — before the tour buses descend upon it.

Cancun is relatively big and spread out, so the amount of time it takes to get there depends on where in Cancun you’re coming from. Besides, current roadworks is causing a lot of traffic congestion on the Federal Highway so expect delays.

Here are the general driving distances and time from various parts of Cancun.

Driving distances and time from Cancun

Cancun Airport to Chichen Itza – 126 miles (200 km); 2.5 hours of driving.
Cancun Downtown to Chichen Itza – 119 miles (190 km); 2 hrs of driving.
Cancun Hotel Zone (beach) to Chichen Itza – 135 miles (217 km); 3 hours of drive time.

How to Get to Chichen Itza

Cancun airport is the main gateway to Chichen Itza and it’s about a 2.5-hour drive away (or 126 miles/ 200 km away).

But the closest airport to Chichen Itza is in fact in Merida, about 140km away. I recommend visiting the charming colonial city of Merida if you’re interested in Mexican culture and history [Read my list of things to do in Merida .] Its airport however is smaller than Cancun Airport and mainly serves other airports in Mexico.

There are many ways to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza. Since I live near Cancun, I’ve traveled the route many times and recommended various options to friends who are visiting. In this article, I’ll share the pros and cons of each of them.

Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.
However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. These days, it is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19. Read my travel insurance guide.
Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

1. Cancun to Chichen Itza by Day Tour

Going on a day tour is perhaps the most popular way to visit Chichen Itza, as it’s easy and convenient. It’s a good option if you’re short on time, but I always recommend people to spend some time in Valladolid and visit Chichen Itza from there (so you can spend all day there and take your time).

Here are some recommended day tours from Cancun to Chichen Itza:

Chichen Itza & Yaxunah Early-Access Tour: This tour allows you to be the first at Chichen Itza and see it before others enter. It also includes a visit of an unexplored exclusive archeological site just for the group. Meet a local guide from the Mayan community and see the secrets of Yaxunah.
Chichen Itza Early Tour with Cenote Swim : This tour also offers an early visit to Chichen Itza, with a swim in a nearby cenote, and a buffet lunch. The tour includes round-trip transportation from Cancun and a knowledgeable guide.
Chichen Itza, Cenote Suytun and Valladolid Tour : This tour offers a visit to Chichen Itza, a swim in the Insta-famous Cenote Suytun , and a stop in the charming town of Valladolid . This is the most complete tour but be prepared for a long and tiring day.
Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show Tour : This tour offers a visit to Chichen Itza during the day, followed by dinner and a light and sound show in the evening that illuminates the ruins with colorful lights and tells the story of the Mayan civilization.

Visiting Chichen Itza on a day tour can save a lot of time and headaches. The tour company takes care of all the logistics and you just need to show up. But keep in mind you’ll be traveling with a big group and that can always be tricky.

Pros – Saves time and trouble planning. You’ll also get a guide; a good guide can make the ancient site truly come alive.

Cons – You’ll be herded around the historical site like kids and there’s little time to explore on your own. You won’t get the chance to explore Valladolid and the cenotes nearby.

2. Cancun to Chichen Itza by Car Rental

In my opinion, renting a car is the best way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza, especially if you’re going to do a Yucatan road trip . It’s an easy and straightforward drive (on Hwy 180, with no deviations). Hiring a car in Mexico is relatively affordable; the average price ranges from 600-800 MXN (US$30-40) per day, including insurance and taxes.

I always use DiscoverCars.com to for car rentals worldwide. The search engine compares rental-prices from all the major companies and has consistently given me the cheaper rates and best services. Search for car rentals in Cancun here !

⚠️ Many bloggers accuse car rental companies in Mexico of scamming innocent travelers into buying insurance, as it’s not mandatory. It’s NOT true; you do need to have insurance when you rent a car in Mexico! It will cost more than what you were quoted online, but at least you’ll be covered in case of any accidents.

renting a car from cancun to chichen itza

If you can drive, I would definitely recommend renting a car as it’s the easiest way to get around the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s generally easy to drive in Mexico, and most signs are in Spanish and English. Just watch out for portholes and crazy drivers! Most rental companies accept drivers’ license from anywhere in the world, so you don’t need an international drivers’ license to drive in Cancun .

Pros – Allows you to travel at your leisure, make as many stops on the way as you want, and even make small detours to nearby areas.

Cons – Drivers in Mexico can be rather wreckless, just be aware of them. Parking at the archaeological site is limited, but just go early and you should have a spot.

Purchase a Personal Liability Insurance and a Car Insurance without fail Many bloggers tell you it's not mandatory to buy insurance, but that's no longer true.
Inspect and take good photos and videos of the car's interior and exterior. Focus on any visible dents, scratches, stain marks, rips in seat fabric, etc.
Keep a copy of all the rental agreements, booking information, and car papers.
In Mexico, a common scam among car rental companies is that they charge you with exorbitant fees on damages on the vehicle. The first time we rented a car here, we were told a safety device was missing from the car, which we didn't even remember having it in the first place (but sadly had no proof) and had to pay a fine of $50.
Always stay within the speed limit, even if you notice that nobody sticks to it! Tourists are often targeted by the police. We haven't encountered this ourselves, but several friends have been asked for bribes by the police because they were not following certain traffic rules.

Yes! Highway 180 is a 2-lane road that’s smooth and well maintained. It’s a toll road (toll fees are not expensive, around US$10 each way) and it rarely gets congested. Unlike the Federal Highway, there are no speed bumps or police checkpoints along the way. We have never had any issues driving this road.

In Mexico, you drive on the right side of the road.
Always keep your driving license, car rental papers, and proof of insurance handy.
The main road hazards are reckless drivers; they tend to go very fast, changing lanes as and when they like without signaling. Be wary of these drivers and keep calm!
When you see the signpost “ TOPE “, slow down and prepare for the bumps.
Avoid driving at night as you won’t be able to see the speed bumps and drivers go even faster than usual.

by Private Transfer

If you can’t or don’t want to drive, the second best option is booking a private transfer from Cancun to Valladolid. I always book with Cancun Airport Transportations , as they are reliable, responsive, and provide door-to-door service from Cancun Airport to Valladolid.

Booking a private transfer from Cancun to Valladolid not only saves you time, it’s also convenient and you won’t have to haggle with the drivers. It is expensive though, usually costing around US$300 one-way or US$555 round-trip . But if you’re traveling as a family or with a group of friends, you can split the cost!

You’ll have a bilingual driver who speaks English (and actually drives safely!), waits for you for arrivals even if your flight is delayed, and drives you in an air-conditioned car straight to your hotel in Valladolid. That said, a private transfer will only bring you to Valladolid and not Chichen Itza.

Pros –This is the fastest way to get from Cancun to Itza; you won’t need to waste time waiting for other passengers and your driver; you get picked up by a bilingual driver and in a nice vehicle.

Cons – It’s the most expensive transport option AND it only gets you to Valladolid. You will still need to find transport from Valladolid to Chichen Itza.

Taking a bus is the cheapest option to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza. All major cities in Mexico are well-connected with an extensive bus network. These buses are clean, safe, comfortable, and air-conditioned.

ADO is Mexico’s largest bus company that has regular departures from Cancun to Valladolid and then onwards to Chichen Itza throughout the day. I’ve traveled in ADO buses many times and can safely say the bus company is top notch. They always leave on time and boarding is pretty well organized.

Pre-book your bus tickets here before arriving to Cancun to ensure availability or visit the ADO counter at the airport to get tickets for the next bus. Prices for bus tickets from Cancun to Valladolid range from 190 MXN (US$9.5) to 322 MXN (US$16) each way, and tickets from Valladolid to Chichen Itza cost around 150 MXN ($7.5) each way.

The first ADO bus from Cancun to Valladolid departs at 04:00 AM, and the last bus leaves at 9.30 PM. It takes around 1.5 hours. There’s only one bus from Valladolid to Chichen Itza at 10.27am each day.

*NOTE: There are no direct buses from Cancun Airport to Valladolid . You must first get to the main ADO Cancun bus station in downtown, then head to Valladolid.

Yes! ADO Bus is generally very safe and secure. I’ve never heard of any theft, robbery, or crime taking place in the bus. Drivers also abide traffic rules (mostly).

You’ll be surprised by how well run and organized the bus company is. Just show your bus ticket on the phone before boarding. The driver scans your QR code, then you leave your baggage underneath the bus, and you can board! ADO buses are always air-conditioned and comfortable, with reclining seats and WiFi onboard.

The bus is definitely a cheap, safe, and comfortable way of traveling from Cancun to Chichen Itza. It’s really popular among locals and travelers.

Colectivos are shared minibus/minivan-like vehicles that run on set routes in Mexico. They are a cheap transport, without any fixed schedules. For those on a shoestring budget, this would be the cheapest way to go. A colectivo ride from Cancun to Valladolid costs only about 40-60 MXN (US$2-3) per person.

This trip takes much longer than the ADO bus thou (up to 4 hours sometimes), as colectivos stop many times along the way to pick up/drop off passengers. Colectivos do not service Cancun Airport. To catch one, you either have to walk from your terminal to the Highway 307 roadside and flag one down.

I personally wouldn’t recommend catching a colectivo for such a long distance. Firstly, it is not a comfortable ride, and secondly, there’s little to no luggage space. The colectivos also make many stops in between, taking way too long to get there.

H ow to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza

Once you get to Valladolid, Chichen Itza is just an easy 40-minute drive away. For those without a rental car, the fastest and most convenient way is to take a taxi. Official taxis usually charge around 500-600 pesos ($25-30 USD) each way, which is pricey considering how near it is.

I suggest asking your hotel to arrange a taxi for you or pre-arrange it yourself through this link. You’ll need to arrange a time for the driver to come and pick you up for the way back.

Colectivos are a cheap and easy way to get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza. They start as early as 7:00am in the morning from Valladolid and run till later in evening – past 5:00pm. The last colectivo from Chichen Itza leaves around 5:30pm.

Just show up at the Valladolid colectivo stop and wait for the mini-van to get full, and you’re on your way! A colectivo ride takes about an hour. The vehicle will make multiple stops to drop locals, so that takes up some time.

The colectivo stop in Valladolid is on Calle 39, between Calle 46 and Calle 48. Here’s the exact address: C. 39 2-215, Centro, 97784 Valladolid Yucatan. Click here to find it on Google Maps.

The colectivo fare to Chichen Itza from Valladolid is 40 MXN ($2 approx) each way. Bring some cash and pay the driver directly.

Uber works in Valladolid, and it is possible to find Uber drivers to get you from Valladolid to Chichen Itza, but it’s not easy. It’s best to use Uber a few times in Valladolid and get to know a driver then arrange it directly with him.

Uber does work in Cancun, but not at Cancun Airport. That said, it is possible to hail an Uber using the app from downtown Cancun. However, Uber drivers still face a lot of issues from the local taxi companies.

There are several hotels in the jungles surrounding Chichen Itza with a peaceful and magical setting. But remember if you stay here, you’ll be far from restaurants and conveniences. If you don’t have your own transport, I suggest staying in Valladolid to have easy access to the town attractions. Check out my Valladolid travel guide for hotel recommendations.

Meanwhile, here are the nearest hotels to Chichen Itza :

Mid Range: Hotel Okaan

Set amid the lush jungle, this laidback hotel is 5 km from chichen Itza. With a gorgeous pool featuring a sunken sofa, the rustic yet chic hotel has spacious rooms with balconies with jungle views. Check the rates here.

Mid Range: Hotel Chichen Itza

This beautiful colonial hotel off Highway 180 is the nearest hotel from Chichen Itza. While slightly dated, the hotel has suites with pyramid views and thatch-roofed bungalows with mosquito nets and carved wood accents. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hacienda Chichen Resort

This eco-friendly resort is located about 5 minutes from Chichen Itza and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The resort has a spa, yoga classes, and an organic restaurant. Check rates here.

Opening times: The ruins are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every day, but the busiest time to visit is usually between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Beat the crowds: Try to arrive at the site as early as possible, ideally before it opens at 8:00 am. This way, you can explore the ruins before the crowds arrive, and the temperature is cooler.
Tour guides: You can choose to explore the ruins on your own, but hiring a tour guide can enhance your experience and provide valuable historical and cultural context.
Bring bug spray: Mosquitoes and other insects are common in the Yucatan Peninsula, so be sure to bring insect repellent to protect yourself.
Wear comfortable shoes: The site is quite large, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that can handle uneven surfaces and stairs.
Visit nearby cenotes: There are several cenotes (natural swimming holes) located near Chichen Itza, Ik Kil is the most popular, and just 3km away. Theyt are a great way to cool off and relax after exploring the ruins. Bring your swimsuit and snorkeling mask!
Stay for the evening light show: Chichen Itza hosts a nightly light show that illuminates the ruins with colorful lights and tells the story of the Mayan civilization. It’s a unique and memorable experience that is worth staying for. Tickets are available from the booth from 3 to 8pm.

I hope this article has helped you decide on how you’re getting from Cancun to Tulum. Let me know if you have any questions in the comment section below.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

Cenote Suytun: My Complete Guide
Palenque Ruins: My Guide to Chiapas’ Pyramids
15 Things to Do in Cozumel
How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel
How to Get from Cancun to Tulum
How to Get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres
Tulum Travel Guide
30 Cool Things to Do in Tulum
Where to Stay in Tulum
30 Fun Things to Do in Cancun

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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4 thoughts on “How to Get from Cancun to Chichen Itza 2024”

Hi! All the info you provided is really useful! Thank you. I do have a question though: is there a bus that goes straight from Cancun to Chichen ItzA? because I read above that you mentioned buses from Cancun to Valladolid, and then you need to take a different transport to connect with Chichen Itza…so, aren´t there any buses that go straight from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

hi Marlene, thanks for your question! No, there are no buses that go straight from Cancun to Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza is located in the jungle, the nearest town to it is Valladolid. There are many plenty of tours that will bring you straight there, you’ll see all the options in my article above. Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi Nellie, wondering if the prices you’ve listed for car rental and the toll road are updated? I’m finding cars are way more expensive to rent and the toll road is now MXN $500-600 one way? Thanks

hi Riane, the prices are from 2023. We have our own car in Playa del Carmen, and have also rented cars a few times in different parts of Mexico. Keep in mind that you often have to pay more when you pick up your car rental, for insurance and other extras. The toll prices were from the last time we went in early 2023, they may have gone up already.

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How to Visit Chichen Itza the Best Possible Way in 2024

Visiting Chichen Itza in 2024

If you have been wanting to visit Chichen Itza ruins, 2024 is going to be an exciting year to visit! There are new parts of the ruins open and new transportation options for visiting Chichen Itza. The ruins of Chichen Itza are always one of the most visited attractions in the area and are the most visited Maya ruins in Mexico. In this guide we will talk about all the options to get to Chichen Itza, bus tours, private tours, things to see locally, self-driving plans and how to best be prepared for a day at Chichen Itza. After visiting these ruins about 30 times, we have put all our best tips in this guide so you can have the best possible day visiting Chichen Itza.

Our Video Guide for Chichen Itza in 2024

This is actually the third video we have done about visiting Chichen Itza. In this video we give you updates for 2024 and our latest tips. We hope you find this video helpful.

What things are new for 2024?

Here are 3 things that are new for this year for visiting Chichen Itza.

Viejo Chichen Itza

In English it would be called “old Chichen Itza”. This area of the ruins has never been open to the public before, the newly opened area has about 14 structures that are temples and possible places where the elite lived in Chichen Itza.

Tren Maya Station at Chichen Itza

The Tren Maya Station at Chichen Itza is open. The stop is along the Cancun Airport and Merida stops on the Tren Maya. The station is large and looks like brutalist architecture. It is an open-air station with a lot of concrete and passageways for the throngs of tourists that could be arriving on the train. From the Chichen Itza train station you connect to the ruins with a bus. In the station you pay the 50 pesos for the bus, and it takes about 12 minutes to get to the entrance of Chichen Itza.

Currently there are only two trains in each direction, so there are not enough trains to really give you time to see the ruins and get back on a train, unless you want to spend all day there and wait for the second train. You can check the current train schedules here on the Tren Maya website .

Currently we only recommend arriving on train and taking a bus from Chichen Itza to Valladolid or Merida since the train times do not allow for a good visit. This might be too much work for some, so the other options are tours, self-driving or taking buses to visit.

Aerus Airlines

Aerus is a new airline that will be making flights between certain Mexican destinations. Most people don’t know that there is an International Airport near Chichen Itza. There have been charter and private flights to the Chichen Itza Airport (CZA) in the past, but this time is a little different. Aerus will fly between certain Mexican cities including Cozumel to Chichen Itza route. There are three types of tickets, but the most basic is only about $100 USD one way from Cozumel to Chichen Itza and takes one hour.

This can be a good way to connect from Cozumel to the interior of the Peninsula or just visit Chichen Itza for the day and return to a cruise ship.

What is the best way to get to Chichen Itza?

How you want to visit Chichen Itza ruins is up to you. Do you want a tour and have everything planned, or do you want to travel more independently? Are you looking for the cheapest option or something that will be culturally enriching? Are you more active or are you looking for a more laid-back day visiting the ruins?

Here are just a few pros and cons of each option:

Taking and ADO bus or the shuttle from Valladolid will be the cheapest options. This however only affords you to see Chichen Itza and no side trip.
Driving with your family or group will make it cost effective to drive. Plus, you have more freedom to choose your lunch and other sightseeing.
Currently the Tren Maya is not very efficient to see the ruins. the train can be more comfortable than the bus, but more improvements to schedules and speed are needed first.
Most people do go with tours to Chichen Itza. Tours make it convenient, and you don’t have to plan every detail out since that is what the tours do.

Taking a tour to Chichen Itza

What makes for a good tour.

Tour size. Most prefer a small group over a big bus tour. However, bigger busses can be more comfortable and cost efficient. Some large bus tours have two guides per bus, so it can still feel like a smaller group.
Lunch quality is really related to tour price. The cheap tours get buffets that have lots of starch and fruit or gelatin for dessert. Better tours have reginal buffet with very real tasting dishes that you would get at a local restaurant.
There is usually always a second stop on your tour. It usually is a cenote, but it can be Valladolid or somewhere else. Check to see what cenote you go to if you are looking for some special photos to take.
Good tours will include drinks on the bus, umbrellas, breakfast on the bus, sometimes headphones for listening to the guide on tour.
We do NOT recommend tours that include two ruins in one day. It is a lot to see and very similar things. A good tour is not going to rush you and focus on the things people want to see.

What are some good tours to book for Chichen Itza?

Bus tours to chichen itza:.

Two options that we recommend are the Xichen Clasico and Xichen Deluxe Tours to Chichen Itza by Xcaret. These are big bus tours but they are done with quality. We have been on both tours, the Clasico is a little less expensive and

Xichen Deluxe tour

This has been one of best tours to Chichen Itza in recent memory. The guides are very well informed, bilingual, and organized. Often there are two guides that help everyone get around during the day.

What makes this tour deluxe is the nice bus, very good reginal buffet at their own restaurant, drinks included during the day including beer, large sun umbrellas to use and some more extras. This tour is worth the price since going to Chichen Itza is a highlight of many people’s vacations. You do visit a cenote but do not have an opportunity to swim in it. If you want a cenote swim the next bus tour has that.

You can book and get more information in this link: Tour Xichen Deluxe with Transportation

For more about the Xichen Deluxe tour see our article here.

Xichen Clasico Tour

This tour is by the same company above and is a little less expensive. People like this Chichen Itza tour because you get to stop at a cenote and swim. Lunch is at the cenote as well but not the company’s restaurant, so it is more basic.

The guides are very good for this tour, and you will be in good hands for your day of exploration.

You can book and get all the information here in this link: Tour Xichen Clasico with Transportation

For more about the Xichen Clasico tour see our article here.

Private tours to Chichen Itza

Private tours to Chichen Itza fall into two categories. First there are private tours with a guide and driver that have everything included. These tours are more expensive, but much of the planning is already done and they take you to quality places. the second is more private transportation and you can plan on what you want to see.

If you have a group of people and want to have a private tour of Chichen Itza, here is a good local company that will provide and bilingual driver, airconditioned vans, and 10 hours to do whatever you want to see. This tour is for up to 8 people. Overall, this tour is similar priced to other tours, but the fact you can make decision on where to go and how long to spend at each destination makes it much more valuable.

Make sure you read about what is included and what is not. Also, if you do a little research on what you want to see, you can make this an enjoyable tour.

How to self-drive to see the ruins

From the Riviera Maya it is about a 3 hours’ drive to Chichen Itza. This allows you to stop along the way and make a fun filled day. Be sure to check out our guides about driving from the Riviera Maya to Chichen Itza and some of the side trips you can do along the way. When you drive you can stop anywhere you want and explore smaller cenotes that bus tours do not go to. You can also drive on the non-toll 180 road and see roadside Mexico. You will find small local restaurants, workshops of crafts people and people selling corn bread or fruits to you at speedbumps.

Just remember that driving to Chichen Itza is not that much of a money saver as you might think. Here are some expenses for the day:

Rental car for the day $50 USD.
Gas $40 USD.
Tolls, almost $50 USD.
Entrance to Chichen Itza, currently about $37 USD per person.
Parking $6 USD
Waters, snacks, lunch, hiring a guide, cenote entrance or second stop.

How to take the bus to Chichen Itza

You have two options for taking the bus to Chichen Itza.

Taking the ADO bus direct from Playa Del Carmen, Tulum or Cancun. There is usually one bus a day going to the ruins from these destinations. Check the return times, it might be 3.5 hours before you return. This is plenty of time to see the ruins and more. Check the ADO Bus website for schedules and prices. The prices for the bus are very affordable, often about $20 USD one way.
We like to use Valladolid as a base to explore the area. The closest town to Chichen Itza is Piste but it is a lost opportunity for tourism. It is mainly the workshop for all the souvenirs that are sold in the Chichen Itza. Valladolid is a charming colonial town that has a good tourist infrastructure. There are dozens of good hotel options and restaurants in Valladolid to choose from. From Valladolid it is possible to get a bus or (more popular option to get to the ruins) minivan shuttles. The shuttles leave just one block west of the ADO Bus Station in Valladolid. This is one option that can get you to the ruins as early as possible. The vans leave when full and take about 40 minutes. When you return to Valladolid, you can have lunch and pick up your bags from your hotel and you are on your way! (Unless you are on your way to Merida, then you would leave from Chichen Itza for Merida direct)

Taking the Tren Maya to Chichen Itza

The Tren Maya Station is open now at Chichen Itza. From the station there is a bus that costs 50 pesos. It takes 12 minutes to drive the ruins. When exiting the train, all passengers will go to the upper level of the station and line up to buy tickets for the bus. The entire process is about 30 minutes, then the bus departs for the ruins.

Currently there are only two trains a day coming from both directions to Chichen Itza. This means that if you want to take the train to and from Chichen Itza, you have very limited options. Most people are taking the train to Chichen Itza and then taking a bus from the parking lot. Buses leave for Merida, Valladolid, and on to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum. On the ADO website you can book a return ticket in advance. This is recommended since there are limited options for transportation. At Chichen Itza you can buy tickets in the entrance of the ruins in a gift shop. They sell local buses to destinations like Valladolid. These buses make stops along the way, but it might be one of the only options to get to where you want to go. The other option at Chichen Itza are mini vans that take people to near the center of Valladolid. These vans only cost 40 pesos.

Colectivo vans Valladolid to Chichen Itza

Tips for Visiting Chichen Itza Ruins

Chichen Itza is open daily from 8:00am- 4:00pm daily.
The cost of entrance is 643 pesos (currently about $37 USD). You can check official prices here on Inah’s website . There are two parts of the entrance fee, one part is federal, and the other is the state.
Big bags are not allowed into the ruins. Some camera equipment you can pay 50 pesos permit to use. Dones are not permitted in any ruin site. Some more professional camera equipment is not allowed. There are lockers in the entrance of Chichen Itza to use for pay.
Most people like to arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. In the winter months, Quintana Roo is one hour ahead of Yucatan State. The rest of the year the hour is the same. This is because Quintana Roo does not observe daylight savings time.
Even if your tour is all included, bring some cash for tips, snacks, and souvenirs.
Take a map (print or digital) with you so you can make sure you see all the side trails. Chichen Itza does not have good signs within the ruins, so it is possible to get turned around. One of the most famous buildings, the Observatory, is on one of these trails.
Since most people are on a tour and will visit a cenote afterward, use biodegradable sunscreen. All cenotes either ask for biodegradable or no sunscreen on your skin before getting into a cenote. The reason is the cenote water is the underground water for everyone and the contaminants in sunscreens damage the ecosystem.
Restaurants. There is a restaurant and a cafe in the Chichen Itza lobby. Most people do not find these places appetizing nor a good value. The town just outside of the ruins is called Piste. It has bus group buffets, some roast chicken stands, and few basic restaurants. For us, we like driving the 180 non toll road to Valladolid. There are some nice roadside restaurants with local food. You really have to get away from Chichen Itza to get better quality restaurants.

Thank you for reading our guide. We hope you found the tips to be helpful and you can plan your trip a little better to see the ruins. We know there are a lot of different circumstances that people have when visiting, so if you have a question about visiting, let us know in the comments below and we will be sure to get back to you.

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Excellent information about visiting Chichen Itza. Surprisingly, during my numerous visits to the park the vendors that line the various paths actually offer excellent prices for their local souvenirs. As one example I like the resin skulls and I did cross-comparisons with prices available in Cancun and Playa del Carmen and they were actually much cheaper at the Chichen Itza site. One possible reason is that they’re made in this region and then transported to the touristic coast.

A lot of the souvenirs are made in Piste. We find about 90% of the things being sold, kind of on the crappy side. There are a few true artisans in the ruins. For example, there is one table that we always pass, and it has the best wood carvings. This last time we stopped to talk to him. It was the son following in his father’s footsteps. We got his card so we can visit the workshop in Piste.

15 Facts About Chichen Itza, One Of The 7 Wonders Of The World

Chichen Itza is a top cruise attraction, with many tourists visiting from nearby ports on organized tours.
Local vendors sell goods near Chichen Itza, although tourists should be prepared for potential persistence.
Chichen Itza was discovered twice and was used as an observatory by the Mayans. It is being restored and may have been used for sacrifices.

Chichen Itza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and is a historic site situated in Yucatán, Mexico. While most people realize that Chichen Itza was built by the Mayans thousands of years ago, there are many things tourists don't realize about this marvelous attraction. There are many interesting facts about Chichen Itza that everyone should know before visiting.

Chichen Itza refers to an archeological site, not the pyramid within it, which is the site's most popular tourist attraction. The pyramid itself was built to serve as a temple and a castle and is known as El Castillo - there are a lot more facts about Chichen Itza that you may want to know about both the site and the pyramid before you visit.

UPDATE: 2023/10/26 16:37 EST BY NOAH STAATS

There Is Much More To Understand When Coming To See Chichen Itza

This article has been updated with new information regarding Chichen Itza, as well as two lesser-known facts about this world-famous monument. Whether someone is coming from their cruise, shopping with locals, or wanting to learn more about this iconic structure, Mexico is filled to the brim with history and Mayan culture!

Chichen Itza Is One Of The Most Visited Cruise Attractions

Cruise passengers account for much of the tourism at Chichen Itza.

Something to know about Chichen Itza in Mexico is that it brings most of its tourists from cruise ships porting in nearby areas. Cozumel is a landing point for many cruisers, with them hopping on a bus to witness the ancient Mayan structure in real-time. For this reason, people will almost always have the option of booking a tour of the site via their cruise company, as it's continuously one of the most in-demand choices among people coming to the country. From water to Chichen Itza!

Guachimontones is another prehistoric site in Mexico worth checking out for anyone with time to spare on the mainland.

Related: The Longest Bike Trail In The World Spans All The Way From Canada To Mexico

There Are Locals Selling Goods Near The Famous Monument

Local vendors line the streets entering Chichen Itza.

Although this sometimes doesn't sit well with tourists, there are hoards of vendors selling goods just hundreds of feet from Chichen Itza. Most people are fairly calm about selling to tourists, although it has been reported vendors bombarding buses filled with guests in the area, as well as flagging them down at the monument. It's best to say no thanks and move on from the area if this persists. Or, if you want a handcrafted gift, then supporting vendors is a great idea: whatever makes everyone feel most comfortable.

It Was Discovered Twice

Chichen Itza underwent two major discoveries, one in 514 AD and another in 1841.

One thing most people do not know about Chichen Itza is that it was discovered twice. In 514 AD, a priest by the name of Lakin Chan discovered the site that is known as Chichen Itza. It is believed that Chan was also referred to as Itzamna. Chichen Itza translates as “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.” Over the years following its abandonment, Chichen Itza was lost, and Mexico fell into turmoil and was ravaged by a series of wars. In 1841, American Explorer John Lloyd Stephens stumbled upon this site once again and turned it over to Mexico.

Related: Mayapan: Visit One Of The Yucatan's Most Stunning But Rarely Visited Mayan Sites

It Was Used As An Observatory

At one point, Chichen Itza was used as an observatory.

The Chichen Itza is a marvelous site due to its rich architecture and historical value, but it also houses evidence that the Mayans were definitely ahead of their time. For starters, the Chichen Itza housed craftspeople, artisans, and scholars and was by no means a civilization of simple people. The Mayans were people of science and math and especially excelled in the field of astronomy. For this reason, tourists can visit the Mayan observatory known as El Caracol, which once was used by the Mayans to gaze into the heavens and study the motions of Venus.

It's Built With Diverse Materials

The pyramids of Chichen Itza have been made with local materials, such as mica.

The pyramids of Chichen Itza have been a popular attraction for ages, but now they are being questioned, or rather, the method in which they were built. Historians have analyzed the buildings and structures located within this site and have found a variety of diverse materials that do not originate locally in Yucatan, Mexico . One of these materials is mica, which was used by the Mayans during construction to insulate their buildings, but there is one problem. Mica is found 2,000 miles away from the pyramids in Brazil, and scientists are baffled as to how it was transported without vehicles.

It Was Built Near Sinkholes

This structure was built near sinkholes, often believed to be used for human sacrifice.

Another thing most people do not know about Chichen Itza is that it was built near sinkholes. While your first reaction to reading that might be confusion or worry, there was a very good reason for the Mayans establishing their community near two sinkholes. The area is generally spotted with numerous sinkholes in the limestone earth and is stable. They actually provided the only source of freshwater to the people of the area as there are no rivers or lakes nearby. Therefore, Chichen Itza was built near two massive sinkholes to ensure water availability year-round. These sinkholes are called cenotes and have clean water in them ( cenotes are also one of the top tourist attractions of the Yucatán Peninsula ).

It Is Being Restored

Many restoration projects have kept Chichen Itza looking beautiful after all these years.

One thing most people find surprising about the buildings in Chichen Itza, particularly El Castillo, is the incredible condition it is in after all these centuries. This is due to the restoration projects headed by the Mexican government and some universities to ensure these structures stand the test of time.

Restoration efforts began in 1923 when Sylvanus Morley, an archaeologist, headed an expedition to the pyramid and realized it had suffered a great deal of decay. After gaining entrance to the pyramid, restoration efforts were started and continue to this day; due to this, El Castillo is stronger than ever.

It May Have Been Used For Sacrifices

Many believe that sinkholes surrounding Chichen Itza were used for sacrifices during times of heartache.

Next up on this list is a morbid fact about Chichen Itza, which is not entirely butterflies and rainbows. The Mayans were peaceful and smart people but also believed in curses and sacrifice to the gods they worshiped. The sinkholes mentioned above were frequently used for sacrifices during times of adversity, such as a drought or famine. The Mayans would choose a person to be sacrificed to the gods in hopes that this would bring them luck. In addition to sacrifices, the Mayans were also big fans of death penalties, which were gruesome and publicized to maintain order and spread fear.

It Isn't Entirely Mayan

The Chichen Itza was built in two stages: the pre-Classic and the latter period.

Next up is a fact that startles most people when they hear it, and it truly is shocking. Historians suggest that this famous Mayan community may not have been entirely Mayan, and that is true. The Chechen Itza was built in two stages, the pre-Classic and the latter period. The pre-Classic period was greatly influenced by the Mayans, but following an invasion of Toltecs in the 10th century, this all changed. As a matter of fact, the most iconic buildings of Chichen Itza, such as the Temple Pyramid El Castillo, may have been built by the Toltecs and not the Mayans.

There Are Smaller Pyramids Within

There is a smaller pyramid cluster hiding below the El Castillo.

Another fact to know about Chichen Itza is that while the huge pyramid of El Castillo looms at a whopping 98 feet , it is, in fact, hiding something beneath it. Within the pyramid are two smaller pyramids that stand at 65.5 feet and 33 feet. The smallest of the three pyramids is believed to have been built by the Mayans, as it features a unique Colombian-style architecture style. In contrast, the other pyramids have Mexican influences in them. Scientists are studying the smaller pyramid to learn more about the ways of the Mayans, as the ways of the Toltecs are shown on El Castillo with its carvings and sculptures.

Related: This Forgotten City Has The Tallest Mayan Pyramid (& Its Not Chichen Itza)

There Was A Death At The Itza

Tourists in modern times are not permitted to climb or even touch Chichen Itza.

Tourists at the Chichen Itza are frequently disappointed to know that they cannot climb to the top of the pyramid, and here is why. Until 2006 , tourists were allowed to climb to the top of El Castillo to gaze upon the sculptures at the top. That was until an American tourist stumbled on her way down and fell to her death. These accidents are increasingly common, and for this reason, the steps of El Castillo are restricted. In addition to providing an added layer of safety to tourists, this ensures the structure will not be damaged by the feet of hundreds of thousands of tourists climbing the steps.

That said, this Mayan pyramid in Mexico DOES allow climbing , so that's something to think about.

Chichen Itza's Glory Declined Mysteriously

The Mayans are said to have vanished sometime around the 14th century.

This once great empire met its sudden doom when the Mayans who once inhabited this land mysteriously left in the 14th century and never returned to it once again. The Chichen Itza was a symbol of perseverance and power to the Mayans, who had moved around, ravaged by warfare until settling in the Itza. Their civilization was one of the most advanced of its time. Still, it met its sudden end due to a series of issues, such as drought and famine. After the fall of Chichen Itza, the Mayans persevered in the North till the 16th century.

Chichen Itza Has The Largest Mayan Ballcourt

Chichen Itza is home to the largest Ballcourt known in Mesoamerica.

Much is not known about the Mayan Ballgame, but it would seem that for the Mayans, the game was more ritual in nature. The game was associated with human sacrifice, and the exact rules remain unknown (except it would seem players could only use their hips and thighs. Chichen Itza is home to the largest Ballcourt known in Mesoamerica .

Chichen Itza Has A Sacrificial Cenote

There is a sacred cenote at Chichen Itza, where sacrifices occur.

At Chichen Itza, visitors can find the Sacred Cenote . It is an ancient sinkhole that the Mayans believed was sacred. Numerous artifacts have been discovered at the bottom of this cenote, including things associated with sacrifice, like gold, jade, incense, and human bones. The human skeletons include warriors, children, and maidens. Also, at Chichen Itza, visitors can see the Mayan baths where sacrificial victims were ritually cleaned before their sacrifice.

Chichen Itza Is One Of The Most Touristic Mayan Sites

Chichen Itza remains one of the most popular Mayan sites in the world.

Chichen Itza is not only one of the most popular archeological sites in Mexico, but it is also likely the most popular Mayan archeological site in all of the ancient Mayan world. It is far from the only ancient Mayan city to have impressive ruins. Still, it is one of the most accessible and best known, and it benefits from being in Mexico (Tikal is remote in the jungle in Guatemala). Chichen Itza attracts around 2 million tourists every year.

15 Facts About Chichen Itza, One Of The 7 Wonders Of The World

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How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza: Drive, Tour & Bus
The bus journey from Cancun to Chichen Itza (or vice versa) takes about 3 hours of driving and costs about 250 pesos ($13 USD) for a one way ticket. You can buy these tickets online at the ADO Bus website, or in person at the bus station in Mexico. The ADO buses are clean, with air conditioning and bathrooms.
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The cost of Chichen Itza tours from Cancun varies according to the tour you choose. Tours start from as little as £45 / $53 per person for short-duration tours with a large group. You can expect to pay well over £100 / $125 per person for the best private tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun.
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Take the bus. Public transport-wise, the easiest and cheapest way to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza is to take the bus. There are a couple of ADO bus stations in Cancun but it is best if you can make your way to ADO Centro. (Calle Pino, SM23, MZ56, Lt 1 y 2, Centro, 23, 7750). There are currently only two direct buses that run to Chichen Itza ...
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How To Get From Cancun To Chichen Itza: Drive, Tour & Bus

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