Chichen Itza

The basics

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage site composed of stone buildings in various states of preservation, all of which are connected by a network of roads called sacbeob. The three most well-known are El Castillo (Kukulcán Pyramid), the Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court.

Chichen Itza tours and private day trips tend to depart from nearby cities on the Riviera Maya & the Yucatan and often combine a stop here with visits to Ek Balam, Cobá, or the town of Valladolid. Alternatively, choose a tour with access to the Mayaland Resort and a buffet lunch.

Things to know before you go

• Many tours are led by archaeologist tour guides, who are well-versed in Maya culture.

• The Ossario group and Central group are open to everyone; Chichén Viejo (Old Chichén) is only open to archaeologists.

• Come prepared for the heat with light clothing, sunscreen, bottled water, and a hat.

• This popular site can get extremely crowded—book an early-access tour to beat the crowds.

• Skip Sundays, when the site is free to enter for Mexican nationals and incredibly busy.

How to get there

Chichen Itza is between 2–2.5 hours by car from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun respectively. Visitors to those coastal resorts will have plenty of options for day trips to the archaeological site, and departures are also available from Cozumel and Merida.

When to get there

The best time to get to Chichen Itza is right around opening, before the crowds arrive and the sun is high in the sky. Some private tours and small-group tours offer early access to the ancient ruins. At sunrise and sunset on the spring and fall equinoxes, the corner of the pyramid casts a shadow of Kukulkán, a feathered serpent god, and creates the illusion of a snake slithering down the north side of the pyramid.

How to visit the Mayan ruins without the crowds

One of the best ways to experience the magic and mystery of the Mayan ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula—without feeling like you’re at Grand Central Station during rush hour—is by visiting before most tour buses arrive. Early-access tours of Tulum, Chichen Itza, or Coba ensure you’ll be one of the first visitors there, so you can get that perfect photo without all the tourists in it. As an added bonus, you’ll also get expert insight into Mayan civilization from an archaeologist tour guide. It’s worth the early-morning wakeup.

Do you need to book Chichen Itza in advance?

No, but buying Chichen Itza tickets in advance can be a good idea to avoid disappointment and save time on the day. This is because tickets often sell out and there tend to be long lines at the ticket desk. Plus, you don't need to worry about bringing cash on the day to cover your admission fee.

How long do I need at Chichen Itza?

Plan to spend half a day at Chichen Itza, or up to four hours. This will give you enough time to explore the main sights, cenotes, and more without feeling rushed.

What is the best day of the week to visit Chichen Itza?

Early morning on a weekday is the best time to visit Chichen Itza because you can avoid the tour bus crowds which tend to arrive mid-morning. Sunday is perhaps the worst day for a non-Mexican resident to visit Chichen Itza, as Mexican residents enjoy free entry on Sundays and the ruins fill up fast.

Can you swim in the cenotes at Chichen Itza?

No. The only cenote which forms part of the Chichen Itza site is known as the Cenote Sagrado and while you can observe it from above, you can't swim in it. There are, however, dozens of nearby cenotes where swimming is permitted.

Can you still climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza?

No, you cannot climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza. Climbing any structures at Chichen Itza is prohibited, including that of the main pyramid which has been off-limits to visitors since 2008.

What do you wear to Chichen Itza?

As Chichen Itza is located in the Yucatán Peninsula, the weather tends to be hot and humid year-round. Wear light layers and shoes that are comfortable for walking, as the site is huge and well worth exploring in its entirety. You may also want to pack sunscreen and plenty of water.

Ways to explore

Chichen Itza is composed of stone buildings in various states of preservation, all of which are connected by a network of roads called sacbeob. The three most well-known are El Castillo (Kukulcán Pyramid), the Temple of Warriors, and the Great Ball Court. Chichen Itza tours and private day trips tend to depart from nearby cities on the Riviera Maya & the Yucatan and often combine a stop here with visits to Ek Balam, Cobá, or the town of Valladolid.

Accessibility

The flat and mostly even site is wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bring bug spray and plenty of bottled water, as products inside the complex are charged at a premium.

What to wear

Come prepared for the heat with light clothing and a hat.

Not allowed

The Chichén Viejo (Old Chichén) section is only open to archaeologists.

Amenities

Restrooms, souvenir stalls, several hotels, and a wellness spa are within walking distance of the entrance.

Address

Chichen Itza is between 2–2.5 hours by car from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun. Visitors to those coastal resorts will have plenty of options for day trips to the archaeological site, and departures are also available from Cozumel and Merida.

Driving

From Cancun, follow the Cancun-Kantunil/México 180D to Dzitás - Pisté/YUC 79 in Yucatán. Then, take the YUC 79 exit from Cancun-Kantunil/México 180D. Take Carr. Costera del Golfo/Mérida - Valladolid/Valladolid - Merida/México 180 E to Acceso a Zona Hotelera Chichen Itza.

Public transportation

Take an ADO bus from Cancun ADO Bus Station to Valladolid, from which you can take another ADO bus for the remaining 40 minutes to Chichen Itza.

Best times to visit

Arrive as close to opening time as possible to beat both the crowds and the midday heat.

Best days to visit

Skip Sundays, when the site is free to enter for Mexican nationals and thus incredibly busy.

Best months to visit

November through April are the driest months; as the complex is mostly outdoors, the clear skies during this season are best for exploring.

Special events

The Spring Equinox sees a natural phenomenon occur on the main El Castillo pyramid for a few days—shadows make it appear as though a serpent is slithering down the stairs of the monument.