{"id":25472,"date":"2023-05-02T12:11:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T11:11:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/?p=25472"},"modified":"2023-05-03T16:54:48","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T15:54:48","slug":"guide-to-visiting-chichen-itza-mexico-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/guide-to-visiting-chichen-itza-mexico-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete First Timer\u2019s Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are looking for an amazing archaeological adventure, look no further than the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Mexico<\/a>! If you\u2019re going to see this unique site in the Yucatan Peninsula for the very first time, here\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>What is Chichen Itza?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Here\u2019s a little bit of history and some interesting Chichen Itza facts before we jump right into it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u201cNew Seven Wonders of the World<\/a>\u201d. The archaeological site has been extensively restored, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED READ:<\/strong> <\/strong>Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum – Which One Should You Choose for Your Travel Style?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Where is Chichen Itza located<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Chichen-Itza-Map\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chichen Itza, officially known as Zona Arqueol\u00f3gica de Chich\u00e9n Itz\u00e1, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Chichen Itza map<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Google Maps location – here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Chichen Itza opening hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chichen Itza Mayan ruins are open every day year-round, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Last entry is at 4 PM<\/strong> and the site closes at 5 PM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NOTE: <\/strong>Sometimes, due to extreme weather conditions (hurricanes, storms), the site may close. Be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>Chichen Itza entrance fee<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Chichen Itza entrance fee in 2022 is 571 MXN<\/strong>, which converts to 28.6 US$, split into two components. Here\u2019s the explanation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n