Chichen Itza Tour From Cancun, Mexico
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Listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World Chichen Itza is not to be missed during your time in Cancun or Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. This guide will help you plan your next visit to Chichen Itza from Cancun.
Chichen Itza Day Trip: (Jump To)
What is Chichen Itza? Chichen Itza History
Chichen Itza is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. It is one of the most significant and well-preserved ancient Mayan cities, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The site combines various architectural styles and reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the Mayan civilization.
Chichen Itza's history dates back to the Early Classic period (600-900 AD), but it reached its peak during the Late Classic period (800-900 AD). Chichen Itza was a major city and served as a prominent center for political, economic, and religious activities within the Maya civilization.
The site features a mix of architectural styles, including the earlier Puuc style from the northern Yucatan and the later influence of the Toltec civilization, characterized by more elaborate and intricate designs.
Chichen Itza experienced a decline in the 10th century, possibly due to a combination of factors such as resource depletion, political unrest, and external pressures. By the time of the Spanish conquest, the city was mostly abandoned. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16th century, Chichen Itza was already in ruins. The site played a role in the religious practices of the indigenous people, even after the decline of the city.
Modern archaeological exploration and restoration efforts began in the 19th century and continue to the present day. Chichen Itza remains a significant archaeological site and a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world.
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How To Get To Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a major tourist destination in Mexico. There are numerous ways to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Closest Airport to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatan Peninsula. The closest major city is Cancun. Most visitors start their visit by flying into Cancun International Airport (CUN). It would take about 2 hours and 45 minutes to drive from the airport to Chichen Itza.
Alternatively, you could decide to fly into Mexico’s newest airport, Tulum International (TQO)(Aeropuerto Internacional de Tulum Felipe Carrillo Puerto). Most major US airlines will begin flights to the new airport in early 2024.
How to Get to Chichen Itza from Cancun
The best way to see Chichen Itza from Cancun is to book a Chichen Itza tour. Many offerings are available from our partners at Get Your Guide or Viator. See below for options.
If you’d rather book locally numerous booths at the airport offer affordable tours with many options. Most likely your hotel will also have a tour desk with knowledgeable salespeople who can help you find a tour that suits your needs.
If you prefer to go on your own, you could easily rent a car and make the drive to Chichen Itza from Cancun. The distance from Cancun to Chichen Itza is about 125 miles (200 kilometers). The drive typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Upon arrival, there is a paid parking lot located a short walk from the entrance. Parking costs under USD$5. If you decide to rent a car, it’s a good idea to check to see what your insurance will cover when driving internationally.
How to Get to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya
Much like visiting from Cancun the best way to visit Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya is by booking a tour locally or from one of our partners like Get Your Guide or Viator. There are many great options for Chichen Itza Tours from Playa del Carmen (Tours Chichen Itza Desde Playa del Carmen).
Renting a car and driving is also possible from Playa del Carmen. The distance from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza is slightly less than from Cancun. The 115-mile (184-kilometer) drive will take just over 2 hours.
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How to Get from Valladolid to Chichen Itza
The best place to stay if you’re only visiting the Yucatan Peninsula to see Chichen Itza is the town of Valladolid. The distance from Valladolid to Chichen Itza is just 25 miles (41 kilometers). You will save money on hotels in the smaller city of Valladolid and you can take a local taxi or Uber to Chichen Itza, saving you additional car rental or guided tour costs.
Chichen Itza to Tulum
For an ultimate tour of two of the best archeological sites in Mexico, you can pair your visit to Chichen Itza with a trip to nearby Tulum. It’s advisable to plan at least one day for each site, but you could easily visit each on different days from your hotel in Cancun, Valladolid, Playa del Carmen, or elsewhere on the Riviera Maya. The distance from Chichen Itza to Tulum is just 90 miles (150 kilometers). The drive should take just over two hours.
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Chichen Itza Hours (Chichen Itza hora)
Currently, the opening hours for Chichen Itza are daily from 8 am to 5 pm. The last entry cut-off time is 4 pm.
The site is open late on most weekends for a 30-minute night show. Sound and spotlights are used to create an impressive spectacle. Tickets for this show are available on-site. The show schedule varies depending on sunset times. On these show nights, the hours are typically extended as late as 8 pm, but access to some areas may be restricted.
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Chichen Itza Entrance Fee (Precio Chichen Itza)
There are a few options for tickets to Chichen Itza. Most guests over age 13 will pay the general admission price of MXN 614 (about USD 35). Guests aged 3-12 pay MXN 90 (about USD 5). Younger children enter for free.
Mexican citizens and Yucatan residents receive a discounted admission price.
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What To Do in Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a vast archaeological site with numerous structures and features to explore. If you’re visiting on your own, it might be worthwhile to hire a local guide at the entrance to deepen your understanding of the history under your feet. These are a few of the must-see locations at Chichen Itza.
El Castillo (Pyramid of Kukulcan)
The iconic El Castillo is the central pyramid at Chichen Itza. This is probably what you visualize when you think about the site. Climbing the pyramid, once a popular activity, was banned in 2008 to help preserve the ruins.
Great Ball Court
Explore the Great Ball Court, the largest and most well-preserved ancient ball court in Mesoamerica. Admire the intricate carvings and learn about the significance of the ballgame in Mayan culture.
El Caracol (The Observatory)
Visit El Caracol, an astronomical observatory with unique round architecture. The building was likely used for tracking celestial events, showcasing the Mayans' advanced knowledge of astronomy.
Temple of the Warriors
Discover the Temple of the Warriors, a complex of structures with impressive columns and statues. Admire the Chac Mool sculptures and the Thousand Columns, creating a striking visual effect.
Group of the Thousand Columns
Marvel at the Group of the Thousand Columns, a forest of columns located near the Temple of the Warriors. The columns are adorned with intricate carvings and represent one of Chichen Itza's architectural highlights.
Jaguar and Eagle Platforms
Visit the platforms dedicated to the jaguar and eagle, which are adorned with sculptures representing these animals. These platforms are located near the Great Ball Court.
Sacred Caves and Other Structures
Chichen Itza has several smaller structures and sacred caves worth exploring. Wander through the site to discover hidden gems and lesser-known archaeological features.
Cenotes by Chichen Itza
A cenote is a natural sinkhole or pit, typically formed by the collapse of a cave roof, exposing groundwater underneath. These geological formations are found in areas with soluble bedrock, such as limestone. Cenotes are particularly common in the Yucatan Peninsula near Chichen Itza. Here are some of the best cenotes near Chichen Itza, along with suggestions on how to visit them. Note that some cenotes rent snorkeling gear or life jackets, but it's a good idea to bring your own if you have them.
Cenote Ik Kil
Location: Approximately 5 minutes from Chichen Itza.
Map: Google Maps
Ik Kil is a stunning open-air cenote with lush vegetation and vines hanging from the edges. It has a platform for diving, as well as stairs leading down to the water. There are changing rooms, showers, and restaurants on-site.
Cenote Yokdzonot
Location: About 20 minutes from Chichen Itza.
Map: Google Maps
Yokdzonot is another picturesque cenote surrounded by tropical vegetation. It has a wooden platform for swimming and offers a more tranquil atmosphere compared to some of the more popular cenotes. It's a good option if you prefer a quieter experience. Local guides are available to provide information and assist with equipment rental.
Cenote Hubiku
Location: Around 20 minutes from Chichen Itza.
Map: Google Maps
Hubiku is an underground cenote located within a cave. It has crystal-clear water and is adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. The site also has facilities such as a restaurant and changing rooms.
Cenote X'canche
Location: Located in Ek Balam, about 30-40 minutes from Chichen Itza.
Map: Google Maps
X'canche is part of the Ek Balam archaeological site. It is surrounded by a lush jungle and has a zip line for adventurous visitors. The site also offers walking trails and a more off-the-beaten-path experience.
