If you are looking for an amazing archaeological adventure, look no further than the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Mexico! If you’re going to see this unique site in the Yucatan Peninsula for the very first time, here’s my complete guide to visiting Chichen Itza that includes EVERYTHING you need to know, from how to get there, costs, whether or not you should take a tour and my personal tips as well!
Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most famous ruins – and potentially the most popular tourist destination in all of Mexico, with more than 2 million visitors per year!
Let’s get started!
Here’s a little bit of history and some interesting Chichen Itza facts before we jump right into it!
The ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza was one of the largest and most important cities in all of the Mayan empire. The city was originally built around 600 AD, and at its peak, it is estimated that there were over 100,000 people living there.
The city was originally built as a ceremonial centre, and was home to many large temples and pyramids. Soon enough, Chichen Itza grew and became one of the biggest economic powerhouses in the area – and its impressive architecture was there to prove it. The city fell into ruin around 1200 AD, and was abandoned soon after.
The exact reason for the abandonment of Chichen Itza is unknown, but it is thought to be due to either environmental reasons or political unrest. The Spanish conquistadors found the lost Mayan civilization in the 16th century, but Chichen Itza remained largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by archaeologists in the early 1900s.
Today, the ruins of Chichen Itza ancient Mayan city are one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations and it is also listed as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World”. The archaeological site has been extensively restored, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
RELATED READ: Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum – Which One Should You Choose for Your Travel Style?
Chichen Itza, officially known as Zona Arqueológica de Chichén Itzá, is not far from Riviera Maya in the Yucatan Peninsula, so only a day trip away. The archaeological sites are almost halfway on the main highway between Merida and Cancun.
Now, before we get into all the details, here’s a little map of Chichen Itza so you can really visualise the grandeur of this once thriving civilisation, as well as some of the most important tourist attractions on-site such as the El Castillo pyramid and the Sacred Cenote:
Google Maps location – here.
Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are open every day year-round, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Last entry is at 4 PM and the site closes at 5 PM.
NOTE: Sometimes, due to extreme weather conditions (hurricanes, storms), the site may close. Be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand!
The Chichen Itza entrance fee in 2022 is 571 MXN, which converts to 28.6 US$, split into two components. Here’s the explanation:
This means that, unless you have online tickets bought beforehand, you’ll have to queue in two different lines at two different booths in order to get your “complete” entrance ticket. Both of these booths are close to the main entrance.
In order to avoid queueing, I strongly advise you get your ticket beforehand. There are a couple of hidden advantages here.
First, you avoid going there and finding out that all the tickets are sold out (there’s currently a 3.000 person limit at Chichen Itza in order to avoid overcrowding). That would be a real bummer! Second, you avoid queuing at two different booths to pay the two entrance fees. And third, you avoid the hassle of making sure you have enough cash on you!
You can get skip-the-line tickets online here:
TIP: Make sure you bring cash, as the card machines are often not working.
TIP #2: The admission fee changes often (it already increased two times in 2022), so it’s better to check the updated prices on Chichen Itza official website before going.
NOTE: You can use your phone camera, DSLR or point-and-shoot camera on-site for free. If you want to use a video camera or GoPro, on the other hand, you’ll have to pay an extra fee that usually ranges from 10 to 25 US$.
NOTE #2: There’s also a special event happening at night called “Kukulkan Nights”. This is basically a light and sound show on El Castillo Pyramid (also known as Kukulkan Pyramid) starting at 8 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. Admission to the show is 600 MXN (30 US$) and you must get a separate ticket for it from the ticket booth on-site (available from 5 PM to 8 PM).
Personally, I think it’s a bit overpriced and not that interesting to make me return to the pyramid at night. I would skip it and go visit a cenote or a different attraction.
There’s a parking lot there with a 80 MXN (4 US$) parking fee, as well as luggage lockers for 40 MXN (2 US$) and even an on-site restaurant called Oxtun, with air conditioning. Being the only restaurant in the complex, the prices are rather high and the food is not that good, so I’d recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks instead. Alternatively, you can go and eat in Pisté after your visit.
If you want to buy a souvenir, you’ll see dozens of sellers in the complex FIGHTING to get you to buy memorabilia from them – and most of them can be quite pushy. They even have whistles that they blow, which can be really annoying. Be prepared to say a firm “no” and walk away when needed. I know this is how they pay for their living, but most of them enter the site unauthorised.
And just like with any other crowded attraction all around the world, it’s best to always be aware of your belongings and surroundings – just to be safe! The lockers at the entrance are a safe place to leave your bags.
RELATED READ: 21 Best Cenotes in Tulum and How To Visit Them
Chichen Itza is a great place to visit any time of year, but if you want the best experience possible, then aim to visit during the dry season. November-April offers beautiful weather and plenty less people so your trip will be more enjoyable!
Avoid December and January as these are the peak months when tourism can get pretty busy. November or February tend to be the best as these are the two shoulder season periods, meaning slightly cooler days and a smaller chance of this Mayan site being swamped by other travellers flooding in from Playa del Carmen!
As for the time of day, I naturally recommend arriving as early as possible in order to beat the crowds and the horrible midday heat. Chichen Itza opens at 8 AM, and there will already be a small line at the entrance at that point. The busiest time of day starts from 10-11 AM onwards, usually ‘till 2 PM, when tourist buses arrive from Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
Best day of the week to visit Chichén Itzá? Definitely NOT Sunday. That’s when Mexican citizens get free entrance, so it will surely be more crowded. Avoid this day of the week as much as you can!
On the bright side of things, the current 3.000 person limit means that Chichen Itza will not be as crowded as it used to be.
The archeological complex at Chichen Itza covers an area of around 5 square kilometres, but here are the main attractions you should not miss during your trip there:
El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan or Kukulkan Pyramid is hands-down the main attraction at Chichen Itza, located right in the heart of the site.
This massive pyramid stands at a whopping 30 metres (98 ft) tall and is surrounded by a staircase with 91 steps on each of the four sides (plus one more final step at the end), leading up to the temple at the top. In total, there are 365 steps to the top, the exact number of days in a solar year.
And here’s another fun fact: the pyramid is dedicated to Kukulcán (the Mayan Serpent God, also known as Quetzalcoatl) and it’s a wonderful symbol of both day and night. Twice a year, on the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun sets in such a way to create an illusion: the shadow of the serpent can be seen crawling down the steps of El Castillo.
Located right next to El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors is the second most impressive structure at Chichen Itza. It’s a massive complex that consists of a large plaza, as well as several temples and pyramids.
The Warriors Temple gets its name from the hundreds of columns that adorn the complex. These columns are carved to look like Mayan warriors, each one unique in its own way. The temple is also home to the famous Chac Mool statue (the Mayan rain God), which is a reclining figure that was once used in religious rituals.
The Great Ball Court is the largest ball court in all of Mesoamerica and it’s also one of the most popular things to see at Chichen Itza. It’s located in the northwestern part of the archeological complex. The ball court is huge – it measures 166 x 68 m (545 x 225 feet), with walls that stand up to 8 m (26 feet) tall.
The ball game played here was a Mayan sport similar to hockey or lacrosse. The game was often used as a way to settle disputes between two communities, and sometimes even served as a form of human sacrifice. While the rules of the game are still largely unknown, it is believed that the object of the game was to score goals by hitting a small ball through a stone hoop that was high up on the wall. It was all fun and games until, at the end of the day, the loser was sacrificed and his skull was hung up!
The Skull Platform (also known as The Skull Rack) is one of the most gruesome places at Chichen Itza and gets its name from the decorations that adorn it – and its literal purpose! The platform is decorated with carvings of skulls, said to depict the people that were sacrificed here. After all, this was literally a rack where the skulls of the ballgame losers were hanged!
The Observatory, also known as El Caracol, is one of the most interesting structures at Chichen Itza. The building is relatively small, but it is believed to have been used by the Mayans for astronomical purposes.
The Observatory has a unique design that consists of a circular platform with a staircase leading up to it. On the platform, there are two temples that face in opposite directions. The temples are thought to have been used to track the movement of the sun and the stars, as they line up perfectly with certain astronomical events. The Mayans were extremely skilled in astronomy, and this building is a testament to their knowledge.
While the Mayan Observatory may not be as grand or imposing as some of the other structures at Chichen Itza, it is definitely one of the most fascinating.
The Sacred Cenote is a large natural sinkhole that was of great importance to the Mayans – it is thought to have been used for both religious and ceremonial purposes.
Mayan legend says that the gods created the cenote as a way to provide water for the people of Chichen Itza. Cenote Sagrado was also used as a place to offer human sacrifices.
The Mayans believed that cenotes were portals to the underworld, and that they held great power. Offerings to the Gods were often made here in order to appease them and prevent disaster from striking.
NOTE: Swimming is forbidden at the cenotes inside Chichen Itza archeological site (they’re considered to be sacred cenotes). Moreover, there’s literally no way in or out of this particular cenote – and this is one of the reasons why the Mayans would throw people there.
Although not part of Chichen Itza, Cenote Ik Kil is relatively close to the Sacred Cenote and is also a pretty place to visit – with quite a gruesome past, if I may say. Ik Kil Cenote is thought to have been used as a place to sacrifice children. The Mayans believed that sacrificing children would please the Gods and bring rain to the dry land. Cenote Ik Kil is also home to a variety of Mayan artefacts that have been found at the bottom of the cenote such as pottery, jewellery, and even human remains.
To get there, you can take a collectivo taxi at the main road towards Valladolid. The entrance to Ik Kil Cenote is only 7 minutes away by car. And because this cenote is not part of the archeological complex, swimming is allowed. There’s a taco restaurant on-site, as well as lockers and changing rooms, all making this cenote the perfect spot to refresh after visiting Chichen Itza!
Cenote Ik Kil entrance fee: 100 MXN (5 US$)
RELATED READ: If you want to read more about the most famous cenotes such as Cenote SuyTun, as well as some of my favourite hidden gems near Tulum, here’s my dedicated post: 21 Best Cenotes in Tulum and How To Visit Them
Of course, there are numerous other notable things to see at Chichén Itzá such as Las Monjas, The Ossuary or La Iglesia, but the ones above are definitely the highlights. For a complete list of Chichen Itza ruins, click here to access the official website.
There are two main ways of visiting this place: you can either join a guided tour or visit Chichen Itza without a tour.
If you’re looking to visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, the easiest way to do so is by joining a tour. Tours depart from all hotels along the Riviera Maya, from Cancun down to Tulum. There are also lots of tours available from Merida.
There are many different guided tours available, some will bring you to visit Chichen Itza via tour buses (and some other attractions as well if you choose to), others you can simply join on arrival and they will help you to learn more about the rich Mayan history. You just need to find the one that fits you best! My recommendation would be to join a day trip tour that offers transportation as well.
Here are some of my top hand-picked options, check them out to find the best Chichen Itza tour for you and your group:
You can definitely enjoy the Chichen Itza site on your own without a guide, you just need to be in charge of transportations yourself! Don’t worry, I’ll explain everything below.
Chichen Itza is halfway between the tourist resorts of Cancun and Yucatan’s capital and largest city, Merida. Both of these destinations have airports, but Cancun has by far the best international flight connections. Once arrived, you have the following options to get to Chichen Itza:
Hiring a rental car is the best way to go. You’ll have the freedom to explore Chichen Itza independently at your own pace and make any stops along the way. The journey from Merida or Cancun will take between two or three hours, but don’t worry, the roads are in good condition and it’s perfectly safe to drive around Mexico. It costs around 70 US$ to rent a car per day.
Distances:
Another option is to take an ADO bus. There are regular ADO buses from both Cancun and Merida to Chichen Itza. ADO buses drop you off by the main entrance, but be aware that you’ll be limited on departure times. Be sure to book tickets in advance if you are day tripping. For example, an ADO bus ride from Cancun to Chichen Itza takes 3 hours and costs around 9 US$. The buses depart from the central bus station.
This is a shared taxi service in Mexico. The price for a shared ride from Valladolid to Chichen Itza is around 2 US$.
TIP: If you want to visit this place on your own, I recommend this 8 US$ Self-Guided Tour with Audio Narration & Map that will definitely come in handy!
TIP #2: If you want to visit by rental car, make sure to rent one in Cancun or Tulum, as Valladolid (the closest city to Chichen Itza) doesn’t have many options.
Here are some extra tips for visiting that you should definitely know before going. I learned all these after I visited Chichen Itza myself!
This is probably a no-brainer and a piece of advice that’s applicable to all famous attractions around the world – but still! If you want to get in before the gates of Chichen Itza open, you can buy this early entry ticket which allows you to enter before the official 8.00 AM opening time. This is perfect to beat the crowds and get some unobstructed photos of the Mayan Ruins. These tickets need to be booked in advance.
Another perk to getting to Chichen Itza early is that you can avoid the worst of the midday sun. Regardless of your arrival time, I strongly recommend you come prepared with sunscreen and lots of drinking water.
Because the entire archeological site is open, there are few spots with shade and you’ll be walking around a lot, so I definitely recommend bringing a hat, cap or a sun umbrella.
In case you don’t buy your ticket online beforehand, you’ll have to pay for it in cash at the entrance. Same applies if you want to eat on-site or buy some souvenirs, so it’s always a good idea to have some cash on you.
The site is literally located in the jungle and it covers a large area, so it is important to wear appropriate clothing (light cotton) and footwear (keyword: comfortable for walking!). And don’t forget about mosquito spray for the bugs – very important!
Cancun and Quintana Roo are 1 hour ahead of Chichen Itza from October to April. So if your visit falls in one of these months, make sure you know what time is at the site.
There’s an official, secured parking lot at Chichen Itza, so you don’t have to park your car randomly on the side of the road. Parking is 80 MXN / 4 US$.
There are toilets at the entrance, as well as close to the main pyramid.
Tripods are banned from Chichen Itza ruins, so make sure you leave it at home to save you having to pointlessly lug it around the archaeological site. If you really DO want/need to bring your tripod, you need to contact them in advance to arrange for a permit.
Stick to the rules, kids! This may be an impressive structure, but it’s forbidden to climb the temples while visiting Chichen Itza.
In case you want to visit Cenote Ik Kil or other swimmable cenotes near Chichén Itzá during your trip, don’t forget to bring your bathing suit. The best thing about the cenotes, besides their natural beauty? You get to cool off by jumping in!
I think I told you about all of the most important things to keep in mind when visiting this site, but if you still have some unanswered questions, here are some frequently asked questions that I answered to myself:
You should reserve at least 2-3 hours to spend inside Chichen Itza. Guided tours usually allow for 2.5 hours inside the site and in the last half an hour you get to explore the place by yourself. This is not enough time to see everything there, but you’ll tick the most important spots. If you really want to see as much as possible or simply take your time during your visit, you may consider reserving 4-5 hours for this. I would also recommend you reserve some separate time to visit the nearby Cenote Ik Kil – definitely worth it! Some guided tours will stop there in their itinerary, but you can also take a collectivo taxi there.
Not necessarily. I recommend booking a guided tour only if you don’t want to be in charge of transportation/planning the itinerary yourself or if you want a knowledgeable local to tell you information and fun facts about the site and Maya people as well. I think this will surely add to the experience, but it really depends on your preference! You can find my hand-picked guided tour recommendations in this section above.
Yes, you definitely can! You just need to do your own research beforehand, read a bit about the history of Chichen Itza and the meaning of the place and then find the best means of transportation for you and your group. You can get there by Collectivo shared taxi, ADO bus or rented car.
Most tourists do it as a day trip, but if you want to spend longer visiting Chichen Itza or want to be one of the first people inside the gates in the morning, there are several hotels within walking distance of the archaeological site.
These hotels are located on the road leading into the ancient Mayan ruins and have limited capacity, so they can often be sold out and over priced. Sure, in terms of convenience, these hotels can’t be beat. But honestly, you will find a much better deal in the nearby colonial town, Valladolid. And while you’re there, you can visit Ek Balam too, some pretty underrated Mayan ruins near Chichen Itza.
Click here to find all hotels available near Chichen Itza for the time of your visit.
Sadly, no. Climbing the pyramid has become forbidden since 2006, when a woman slipped, fell and died while she was making her way down. The steps are really steep and they’ve also become very slippery over all these years of wear and tear so, really, this is for your own good.
Although archeologists are unsure when exactly the building of Chichen Itza began, it is said that it was either in the early 400s A.D. or in the middle of the 5th century. Either way, this place is more than 1.500 years old!
In Mayan language, Chichén Itzá means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza”. Still confused, right? Itza was an ethnic group of Maya people that had great power in the northern part of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, where this impressive ancient city was located. What’s up with the well, though? Well, (hehe) there were a number of precious underground rivers in this area that served as the main water source for this city. And we all know that water was crucial in the development of such a powerful empire! It is said that these rivers created the perfect setting for the rise of Chichen Itza, hence their recognition in the naming, too.
If you ask me, yes! There are some famous attractions around the world that have left me disappointed (such as the Da Nang Golden Bridge in Vietnam, for example) and I would recommend against them, but a trip to Chichen Itza and seeing El Castillo pyramid is definitely something to do at least once in your lifetime if you are lucky enough to set foot in Mexico. After all, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the New Seven Wonders of the world and an impressively mysterious place that still tells us tales about some very interesting past worlds and civilizations.
So there you have it! That was my complete guide to visiting Chichen Itza, from the interesting history of the ancient Mayans to the incredible temples you can see at this sacred site, starting with El Castillo.
In this post I’ve included the best Chichen Itza tours, a breakdown of all the Chichen Itza ruins worth seeing, the best time to visit and ways of travelling to the place, a little bit of the history of Chichen Itza and much, much more. Hopefully my best tips for visiting Chichen Itza will be useful to you!
If you had any doubt before, hopefully I have convinced you that you need to add this incredible Mayan ruin to your itinerary when visiting Mexico. And if you want to read about some other incredible places to visit and things to do in Mexico, I recommend clicking here to find all my articles on the subject.
xoxo,
Melissa
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