Chichen Itza – The Ultimate Travel Guide

Chichen Itza is the most well-known Mayan ruin in Mexico. With its centuries-old remains, the Chichen Itza complex is undeniably also one of the most prominent archaeological sites in the world.

Even seasoned travelers are amazed by the remarkable Mayan pyramids, which are easily accessible on a day excursion from most of the Yucatan Peninsula’s towns and cities.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s “New Seven Wonders,” Chichen Itza is comprised of massive temples, sacred cenotes, and odd Mayan ballcourts. During its heyday, Chichen Itza was the most populous metropolis on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Even today, its ruins reveal a magnificent civilization rich in architectural wonders and old secrets. Within its zones or “complexes”, Chichen Itza showcases various styles of architecture reflecting specific eras of advancement.

History of Chichen Itza

The name “Chichen Itza” is of Maya origin, which stands for “At the mouth of the Itza’s well”. The name is derived from the Maya words chi’, which means “mouth” or “edge,” and then, which means “well.” Itzá is the name of an ethnic-lineage group that ruled the northern peninsula politically and economically.

Itza, meanwhile, is translated as “water enchanter (or enchantment).” In Spanish, the name is spelled Chichén Itzá. Occasionally, accents are retained in other languages to show that both names have an emphasis on the final syllable.

Established by Mayan tribes migrating from the south around AD 450, Chichén Itzá was assumed to have remained inhabited even long after the Mayas left. Toltec tribes from the central Mexican highlands were believed to have also been in Yucatán in the 7th century and mingled with the indigenous Maya.

Chichén Itzá bears a strong similarity to the old Toltec capital of Tollán, thanks to the union of these advanced civilizations. This fusion resulted in a resurgence of Mayan architecture heavily influenced by the Toltec.

By 1533 during the start of the Spanish occupation of Mexico, the Chichén Itzá was nearly abandoned but remained to be a pilgrimage site. Chichen Itza evolved into a different kind of pilgrimage by the nineteenth century, when many archaeologists from all over the world came and excavated many of the site’s most significant structures.

Still, even with its archaeological zone spanning eight square kilometres, much of Chichen Itza is unexplored.

Chichen Itza’s ruins are now federally owned and managed by Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History).

A Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza

How to Get to Chichen Itza

Located in northern Yucatan, Chichen Itza is accessible to most parts of the peninsula. Here are the ways to get to Chichen Itza from different nearby cities.

From Cancun

● By Bus – Coach buses are not only cheap but also safe and pleasant. Cancun’s ADO bus terminal serves Chichen Itza daily, departing at around 8:45 a.m., then rreturningin in the afternoon. The bus journey takes around three hours and costs around 50 MXN.

You will find the ADO bus terminal on the other side of the lagoon, near Puerto Cancun. Bus tickets can be purchased at any ADO bus station or online at the ADO website.

● By Car – Renting a car in Cancun and driving to Chichen Itza is an alternative for people who prefer to travel at their own pace. A parking lot is located near the archaeological site. Chichen Itza is around 120 miles from the city and takes approximately two hours to reach.

● By Tour – An organized tour that departs from Cancun is another option when going to Chichen Itza. This usually entails less fuss, but also less flexibility when it comes to scheduling your appointment.

These tours usually include a private vehicle, site entrance, guide, lunch stops, and visits to cenotes as well as nearby towns. Day trips to Chichen Itza from Cancun come in different forms, like this tour to Chichen Itza and other ruins, as well as cenotes.

Buy your ticket online here.

From Merida

● By Bus – There are two bus options from Merida to Chichen Itza: ADO first-class which departs at 6.30, 8.30, or 9.30 a.m., and ADO second class departs at 8.30, or 9.30 a.m.

The journey to Chichen Itza will take around an hour and will cost around 150 pesos. You can also take the Oriente 2nd class bus for 95 pesos. They go to Chichen Itza every hour and return at 10 p.m.

In Merida, the bus terminal is divided into two buildings: one for first-class buses and the other for second-class buses. You should be at the station 15 minutes before departure.

● By Car – Chichen Itza is miles away from Merida (or around 116 kilometers). The journey takes less than two hours by car, which is a fantastic option if you’re traveling with a partner or a group of friends.

Renting a car from Merida to Chichen Itza is a wonderful option if you want to visit the famous Mayan ruins on a day trip. After insurance and taxes, renting a car in Merida takes around $40 per day.

● By Tour – You can also visit Chichen Itza via a day trip from Mérida. There are various organized tours from Merida to Chichen Itza, with most of them easily booked online or with help.o f the hotel where you’re staying in Merida.

Day tours usually include private transfers, admission tickets, a tour guide, and visits to nearby destinations. We like this Chichén Itzá tour that also includes a visit to Cenote Tsukán.

Buy your ticket online here.

From Playa del Carmen

● By Bus – If you’re on a budget and want to travel from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, taking the bus is your best option.

From Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza, there is just one ADO bus per day which leaves at 8 a.m. The ticket costs 402 pesos (about $20) and departs from the ADO station on 5th Avenue.

Travel time takes about 3.5 hours. There is also only one bus that departs Chichen Itza at 4.30 p.m. to return to Playa del Carmen. Remember to keep an eye on the time!

● By Car – You can rent a car in Playa del Carmen to get to Chichen Itza if you enjoy driving and have a valid driver’s license and insurance. After insurance and taxes, a basic automobile rental will cost between $40 and $50.

Follow the 305 Highway from Playa del Carmen to t80 Highway, which will take you right to the ruins. The trip will cost you 344 pesos each way because they are both toll highways (17 dollars). Tolls are only payable in Mexican pesos, so carry plenty of cash.

● By Tour – The most convenient way for most travelers to visit Chichen Itza is via a day trip from Playa Del Carmen. You can sit back and relax in a private vehicle, and there is no need to line up at the entrance.

The cost of a day trip may be a bit higher but worth it because Chichen Itza is a “must-see” for everyone traveling to this part of Mexico. A recommended day tour from Playa del Carmen is this Chichen Itza and other ruins, as well as cenotes.

Buy your ticket online here.

Things to see and do in Chichen Itza

Chichén Itzá is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, receiving over a million visitors each year and earning a spot on any traveler’s must-see list when visiting the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula. Going there soon? Here are some of the best things to see in Chichen Itza.

1. El Castillo Pyramid(The Kukulcan Temple)

 

The majestic and massive El Castillo Pyramid rises directly amid the courtyard, just a short distance from the entrance to Chichen Itza. The 30-meter high pyramid is noteworthy not just because of its appearance, but also because of its connection to Mayan astronomy and religious systems. The pyramid has four sides, and each side has 91 steps on each side which amounts to 365 steps for each day of the solar calendar.

Archaeologists recently discovered two smaller pyramids inside the pyramid. With the help of 3D technology, images suggest that the current structure was built on top of the earlier pyramids.

2. The Great Ball Court

Chichén Itzá has the largest ball court in Mesoamerica as well as the Americas. This was where men played the Mayan game Pok Ta Pok.

The goal of the game, according to anthropologists, involves tossing a ball through a ring constructed on a seven-meter-high wall. Each team had six field players who would try to pass the ball to their captain, using a racket-like instrument.

The challenge is to pass the ball using any body part other than their hands. The captain of the squad that made the first successful shot was then beheaded as a sacrifice to the gods. This was regarded as a privilege and a guarantee of admission to heaven.

3. Temple Of The Warriors

Another noteworthy structure at Chichen Itza is the Temple of the Warriors. This area features 200 columns on the south side, all adorned with bas-relief warriors. This magnificent space is also known as the Hall of the Thousand Columns, also believed to have been a former gathering place or an indoor market.

Along with the columns, a Chac Mool — a magnificent figure seen throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, sits atop the grand stairway. These figures depict reclining individuals carrying bowls in their heads that are twisted at a 90-degree angle and their elbows raised. It is said that they represent temple guardians or dead soldiers bearing gifts to Chac, the rain god.

4. The Sacred Cenote

Cenotes are natural sinkholes that can be found all across the Yucatan Peninsula. The Mayans considered cenotes to be sacred and are always found around Mayan villages. Cenotes were originally used as water sources but gained religious significance over time.

One of these cenotes is in Chichen Itza, the Sacred Cenote, which was used for rites. Human remains have also been discovered at the bottom of the Sacred Cenote, hinting that it was once used for sacrificial rituals.

Today, the Sacred Cenote in Chichen Itza serves as a refreshing break after exploring the temples. The cenote is beautiful to look at, although you cannot swim here because it has a spiritual significance for the Maya.

FAQs About Chichen Itza

What times is Chichen Itza open to visitors?

Chichen Itza is open to visitors from 09:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day. The last entry is at 4:00, though certain parts of the site may not be accessible. The entire Chichen Itza closes at 5:00 PM.

If a storm or hurricane is coming, the site may close earlier so be updated about the weather before you go.

How much is the entrance fee to Chichen Itza?

The entrance fee to Chichen Itza for foreigners or non-citizens is 533 Pesos, as of early 2022. The price covers 80 for the site custodians and 453 Pesos in taxes.

In US$, that’s around US$26 for an adult. If you are a Mexican citizen, you only add 157 Pesos to the 80 Pesos general entry fee, except on Sundays.

Is there parking available in Chichen Itza?

There is an official designated parking area for visitors to Chichen Itza. Parking costs MX 30, and that guarantees the safety of your vehicle.

Take note, however, that you must not park your rental car on the roadside to avoid getting a ticket and paying a hefty fine.

How much time do I need to explore Chichen Itza?

Covering three square miles, Chichen Itza can be easily explored within a day. If you’re pressed for time and go for a brisk walk around, you can see all the temples in around three hours. If you are on a day tour and want to look around more and take photos, around five hours or more is ideal.

Can I spend the night at Chichen Itza?

No, you can’t spend the night inside the Chichen Itza complex. However, if you want to be the last person inside and see the temples at almost sunset, there are several hotels nearby where you can stay instead.

Villa Arqueologica

 

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Average rate: 8.2 Very Good

Villa Arqueologica is a short walk from the magnificent Chichen Itza. Offering accommodations with gorgeous colonial decor and views of the garden, guests also have access to a large swimming pool and spa, as well as free wifi and parking.

With quirky Mexican artwork and a homey atmosphere, this hotel is the best place to relax after a day of exploring the Chichen Itza Ruins.

Hacienda Chichen and Yaxkin Spa

 

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Average rate: 8.5 Very Good

This eco-friendly Hacienda Chichen is situated close to Chichen Itza, which is accessible via the hotel’s own entrance. Here, guests can relax in beautiful colonial rooms, swim in the outdoor pool, or get pampered in the spa. Hacienda Chichen also has a restaurant that serves organic Mayan Fusion cuisine, as well as a bar and a library-lounge.

Travel Tips

● Take note of the time if you’re visiting Chichen Itza from October to April. During these months, Cancun and Quintana Roo State are one hour ahead of Chichen Itza and the rest of the country. On the day of your visit, make sure to verify the time in Chichen Itza.

● Apart from the entrance, there is no shade whatsoever in most parts of Chichen Itza. Bring a hat, wear sunscreen to protect your skin, and bring something to drink to hydrate.

● Bringing a tripod and other professional photography equipment requires a permit, which can be rather pricey. Invest in a good camera phone instead so you’re guaranteed of taking stunning photos in Chichen Itza.

● Bring some cash. At least a portion of the entrance charge must be paid in cash so make sure you have enough.