Chichén Itzá is one of the new 7 wonders of the world and one of the top tourist attractions in all of Mexico, welcoming over 2.5 million visitors a year. Chichén Itzá is an iconic archeological site in Mexico that has become a must-see destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. But before you book your ticket, take a moment to read our guide to visiting Chichén Itzá to make the most of your visit.

From a brief history of this ancient city to insider tips for an unforgettable trip, we have everything you need to know to make the most out of your visit. We will share all of the information that we learned from our own visit to Chichén Itzá including what we wish we had known before our trip!

So sit tight and get ready to embark on a journey that will take you back in time and leave you in awe of the grandeur and mystery of this incredible site.

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What is Chichén Itzá: A brief history of Chichén Itzá

So, what is Chichen Itza? The short answer: Chichen Itza (Chichén Itzá) is the ruins of an ancient Mayan city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “New 7 Wonders of the World”, recently given this honor after a worldwide vote in 2007! Chichen Itza is located in the south-central Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, about two hours west of Cancun.

While accounts differ as to when exactly Chichen Itza arose, some place the establishment of the city in the early 400s A.D, and as a significant urban center of the Mayan empire from A.D. 750 to 1200. Over the years, the city grew to become a thriving metropolis with impressive architectural and engineering feats. The city also played an important role in the political and economic history of the region, acting as a hub for trade and commerce.

According to National Geographic, the people of Chichen Itza abandoned the city during the 1400s. They left no record as to why they abandoned their homes, but historians speculate the fall of Chichen Itza could be attributed to overpopulation, disease, political turmoil, and drought.

Chichen Itza was rediscovered in the 19th century and remains an important cultural and religious center for modern-day Maya communities.

Understanding the fascinating history of Chichen Itza is crucial for fully appreciating the awe-inspiring architecture and cultural significance of this ancient city. So, before you explore these must-see ruins, take a moment to reflect on the deep history of this incredible site.

How to get to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum

Now that you've learned a little about the history and significance of Chichen Itza, it's time to plan your trip.

The site is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, about two hours west of Cancun. So if you're staying in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum it is very easy to get to and makes for a perfect day trip. To get to Chichen Itza, you can take a bus, book a tour, or rent a car.

Take the bus to Chichén Itzá

The cheapest way to get to Chichen Itza from any of the major cities on the Yucatan Peninsula is by taking the public bus. The public bus system is called ADO and you can buy tickets online on the ABO Bus website or in person at the bus stations. Depending on where you are coming from, tickets cost about $13-15 each way and the bus ride will take about 3 hours.

However, the public bus system runs on a set schedule and some routes will have limited time options. Like from Playa del Carmen – there is only one ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza a day that leaves at 8:10am and one return bus at 4pm, so you will be restricted by the bus schedule and will need to get to bus stations early to ensure you don’t miss your bus.

In a nutshell, here are the pros and cons of taking the public bus to get to Chichen Itza:

Pros: Cheapest option, and you don’t have to drive.

Cons: Extra hassle and stress, takes longer, set bus schedule, be aware of your belongings are the bus station and on the bus to avoid theft.

Personally, I would rather pay a little extra to take a tour over taking the public bus to visit Chichen Itza. One of the larger group tours won’t cost much more than the bus and you will have the extra convenience, security, and a built in tour guide. You shouldn’t have to stress about missing your bus while you’re on vacation. But if you’re set on taking the bus to save some money, more power to you!

Take a tour to Chichén Itzá

The easiest option to see the famous ruins of Chichen Itza is to book a tour! You can take a tour to Chichen Itza from just about anywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula, especially the popular tourist destinations of Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum. You can choose to book a group tour or pay a little extra for a private tour.

Here are the general pros and cons of taking a tour to Chichen Itza:

Pros: Everything is planned for you, they usually pick you up directly from your hotel, you won’t have to worry about driving (yay for tour bus ride naps!), and you will most likely have a guide at the ruins themselves to provide information about the historical sites.

Cons: Your schedule won’t be flexible, your tour could show up about the same time as all the other tour groups so you won’t beat the crowds, you will be stuck in a group of people (unless you pay extra for a private tour).

It is definitely the most convenient option to get to Chichen Itza from the Yucatan Peninsula, especially if you don’t plan to rent a car during your trip to Mexico. If we did not rent a car for our trip, we would have personally booked a private tour to visit Chichen Itza.

Top Chichén Itzá Tours on GetYourGuide

Driving to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum

This is the method we recommend in order to visit Chichen Itza because it offers the most flexibility and allows you to beat the crowds. Of course, that is if you plan on renting a car for your trip. Which we totally recommend if you don’t mind driving, plus a US citizens driver’s license is valid in Mexico (you do not need an international driver’s permit).

The cost of renting a car for your trip to Mexico is cheaper than booking various tours that you can easily drive yourself to and gives you total freedom and flexibility with your schedule. We found driving around the Yucatan Peninsula to be very easy and straightforward.

Pros: Flexible schedule (arrive and leave whenever you want), you can get there early and beat the crowds, you won’t be a part of a large tour group, you can hire your own guide at the ruins and have a private tour, and you can make whatever stops you want to along the way (like Cenote Ik Kil and stopping for lunch wherever you want).

Cons: Requires renting a car for your trip and you have to drive there and back (about a 2 hour drive) from where you are staying.

Here is a Google Map of the driving routes to get to Chichen Itza and back, with a stop at the nearby Ik Kil Cenote, from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum. Just select your start city to see the directions you need. To save the map to your Google Maps, simply click the star icon next to the map title. To use the map, click the sidebar icon in the top left corner to reveal the list of places and driving route marked on the map.

To get to Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen where we were staying, we took the toll road route which takes about 2 hours. The toll road was 344 pesos one way (about $18 USD). The toll roads accept pesos only so make sure to have some on hand.

We just plugged the directions into Google Maps and we were navigated there on major roads and highways – it was an easy drive! There was also tons of signage on the roads that said “Chichen Itza” so we always felt assured that we were going the right way.

As I mention later, it is recommended to get to Chichen Itza as early as possible to beat the crowds (it opens at 8am), so we left Playa del Carmen at 6:45am. *Keep in mind, Chichén Itzá is on Central Standard Time which means they are an hour behind Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum!

Visiting Chichen Itza from Playa del Carmen? Check out our 11 Things to do in Playa del Carmen post to help you plan your trip!

Parking at Chichén Itzá

If you do choose to rent a car and drive yourself to Chichen Itza, the next question that naturally comes up is parking. Luckily, parking at Chichen Itza is super easy as there is a large shaded parking lot just in front of the entrance to the ruins! And the cost to park in this lot is only 60 pesos.

It is a spacious parking lot that is easy to navigate (much more established and easy to find than the parking at the Tulum Ruins).

Peter and I arrived at the ruins just before 9am and the parking lot was still pretty empty. We even got a parking spot right next to the entrance and didn’t have to walk far at all (another perk of arriving early!).

What you should know before visiting Chichén Itzá: Tips for making the most of your visit

If you're planning a trip to Chichen Itza, you're in for a treat. This ancient Mayan city is a wonder to behold and there's so much to see that you could easily spend an entire day there. To make the most of your visit, be sure to prepare yourself with these tips:

You don’t need to buy a ticket ahead of time

While you can buy tickets ahead of time on the official Chichen Itza website, you don’t have to buy them ahead of time. The only reason you might consider buying your ticket ahead of time is if you will be visiting on a busy day (weekends and holidays) or at a peak time when the line to buy tickets might be longer.

Especially since we knew we would be arriving very early, Peter and I waited to buy our tickets upon arrival. We had zero wait time and got in right away! I’m sure that is not usually the case, but it goes to show that it isn’t always necessary to buy tickets ahead of time.

If you are visiting Chichen Itza as a part of a group tour, the entrance ticket will most likely be included in the cost of booking the tour.

The cost of a general admission tickets are as follows (at the time of writing):

Adults (13+): $614 MXN pesos (about $36 USD)
Mexican Citizens: $272 MXN pesos (about $16 USD)

Arrive early to avoid the crowds

Chichen Itza can get incredibly crowded, so it pays to arrive early. Chichen Itza’s opening hours are 8am–5pm. It is recommended to arrive before the gates open or as soon as they open at 8am to beat the swarms of tour groups. Especially if you are driving yourself to Chichen Itza, you will be able to arrive before the buses of tour groups arrive!

Arriving early will give you a chance to explore the most popular structures before the crowds arrive, and to maybe snap some instagram pictures free of other people in your background. Another benefit of arriving early is to avoid the midday sun which can be overwhelmingly hot.

Note: Chichén Itzá is on Central Standard Time, which means they are an hour behind Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and Tulum! Keep this in mind when planning your visit.

What to wear to Chichén Itzá: Come prepared for the heat

Inland Mexico is much hotter than by the coastal cities like Playa del Carmen and Cancun. When we visited in early March it reached nearly 100-degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius)!

Wear light, breathable clothing that won’t show sweat (again, it gets super hot here so come prepared to get sweaty). Ladies, if you’re like me and are hoping to get a cute picture in front of the ruins, consider a light sundress or skirt and a tank top. Think breathable fabrics like linen, chiffon, etc.

Most importantly: wear comfortable walking shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking at Chichen Itza, so comfortable shoes are a must. Avoid flip-flops or any shoes with a slippery sole, as some of the surfaces can be slick. I have a pair of leather Steve Madden sandals that look cute for pictures and are super comfortable for me to walk in. Peter wore a pair of comfortable boat shoes. If you have a pair of light, breathable tennis shoes that would also be perfect.

Even with the proper attire, you are bound to still get hot at Chichen Itza. If you still need to cool down, there are vendors selling cold drinks and popsicles all across the ruins. We picked up a fresh fruit popsicle near the sacred cenote that was heavenly.

What you should pack for a trip to Chichén Itzá

Before you head out to the Chichen Itza ruins, there are a few items you will want to be sure to bring to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

Your Chichen Itza packing list should include:

Sunscreen: A must have. The sun here hits different. We reapplied sunscreen a couple times during our visit and still managed to get a slight sun burn! My favorite sunscreen is COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 because it goes on light like lotion, without those dreaded white streaks.
Bug spray: It depends on the time of year that you visit whether or not the bugs will be a nuisance, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Luckily during our visit in early March the bugs didn’t really bother us. We brought out DEET-free, All Terrain Herbal Armor bug spray just in case though!
Hat: Preferably something with a wide brim for added sun protection. Here I wore a Lack of Color hat, but I usually wear my Sloggers Wide Brim hat which stays on easier and can be rolled up or flattened to pack for travel.
Sunglasses: Don’t forget your sunglasses! Peter and I usually wear our classic, polarized Ray Ban Aviator sunglasses, but take them off for pictures of course. Worse case, I’m sure some of the vendors at the ruins sell cheap sunglasses.
Water and snacks: There are plenty of vendors selling food and drinks at Chichen Itza, but they can be expensive. Be sure to bring your own water and snacks so you don't have to pay extra and you’ll be sure to have what you like. Water is especially important because, as I’ve mentioned, it gets super hot here!
(Optional) Swimsuit and towel: And if you plan on visiting the Cenote Ik Kil afterwards, make sure to add a swimsuit and a towel to your packing list! There is a changing room at the cenote so you don’t have to wear your swim suit all day while exploring the ruins.

We wish we had hired a guide

Our one biggest regret from our visit to Chichen Itza was not hiring a guide. We were trying to save a little money and thought that we would get enough information from brochures given at the entrance and from the research we had done ahead of our visit. Unfortunately, the brochures and light reading we had done ahead of time only scratched the surface.

We didn’t comprehend the sheer scale of the Chichen Itza site and just how many structures there really were, so, many of the ruins that we saw we had no idea what they were and received zero information about them. Only the main sites are generally covered by the maps and brochures.

While it's certainly possible to explore Chichen Itza on your own, taking a guided tour can provide you with a wealth of information that you might not get otherwise. You'll get insights and historical context that you might not get on your own.

If you are visiting the ruins on your own and do decide to hire a guide, there is no need to hire a guide ahead of time. In fact, it is recommended to hire a guide at the ruins. Wait until you get inside the complex for the official guides and best rates.

But if you prefer to explore on your own, grab a map at the entrance and plan your route accordingly. There are plenty of signage and information boards throughout the site to help you navigate and give you the basic information about the sites.

Naturally, if you are visiting the Chichen Itza ruins as a part of a group tour, a guided tour of the site will be included in your booking.

Don’t waste your money on the food at Chichén Itzá

It is not recommended to eat at the ruins as food is “overpriced and mediocre”. Instead, it is recommended to drive just outside of Chichen Itza to get food. It’s a 5 minute drive to the town of Pisté, where several eateries come highly recommended. Pisté also has gas stations if you need to fill the tank before driving back to the coastal cities.

One recommended spot to eat in Pisté is The Mexican Chicken, which is a family-run restaurant which serves entire spit-fire roasted chicken, with rice and salad for about $9 USD which is plenty for two people. Or Loncheria Fabiola (shown below), which serves local specialties such as roast pork tacos.

After walking around the ruins for most of the day, Peter and I had worked up quite an appetite and we actually ended up driving to Loncheria Fabiola for lunch. It was delicious! We ordered the pork tacos that they are known for and they definitely lived up to the hype, along with an order of empanadas which were very tasty.

Be prepared for overwhelming souvenir vendors

Lining the walking paths all across the Chichen Itza grounds are stall after stall of souvenir vendors. Many of the vendors try to get the tourists’ attention is hopes of selling their wares, but this can be overwhelming and distracting from the otherwise awe-inspiring landscape of the Chichen Itza ruins. In particular, vendors selling a whistle that imitates the growl of a jaguar will be heard all across the grounds and can be loud and jarring.

In the early morning just after Chichen Itza’s opening, there were few vendors as many stalls were just getting set up for the day (another reason to get there early!). By late morning / early afternoon, the walking paths were full of vendors and you could hardly walk without a seller trying to intercept your path and get your attention. Which is really not that big of a deal – just politely decline or ignore them and move on. It’s just something to be aware of before your visit so you aren’t taken off guard.

I had read many reviews and blog posts complaining about this ahead of our visit so I was as mentally prepared for it as I could be and want to do the same for you.

Apparently, in recent years the Chichen Itza officials have tried to move vendors to a designated, covered marketplace area and encourage tourists only to buy souvenirs from vendors selling in this marketplace. However, vendors complain that this area receives less foot-traffic and so there is resistance. I can definitely see both sides and will let you draw your own conclusions, but just want to arm you with the knowledge so that you know what to expect.

You can’t climb any of the Chichén Itzá ruins

In the past, tourists could climb the steps of the famous Chichen Itza pyramid, El Castillo. However, in 2008 the Yucatan government banned climbing the ruins over safety concerns and in order to protect the ancient structures.

From the official Chichen Itza website: “There is no question that tourists, climbing the sites, had left their marks in the form of graffiti, and even the stone steps of monuments were already showing heavy signs of rapid erosion. Letting tourists climb up monuments has severely damaged the pyramid and other buildings in Chichen Itza. In order to avoid deterioration, Chichen Itza definitely needs permanent maintenance and attention.”

While it is a little sad to no longer be able to climb the steps of this iconic wonder of the world, it is certainly for the best in order to protect this monument for years to come. This also allows visitors to better view and appreciate the ancient structures without the view being blocked by the throngs of tourists climbing the steps.

So no, you cannot climb the Chichen Itza pyramid and don’t think about ignoring the signs and ropes to climb it anyway because it is illegal!

How to spend the day at Chichén Itzá: Chichén Itzá’s must-see attractions

Before you venture into the heart of Chichen Itza, take a moment to appreciate the site's most iconic attractions. These awe-inspiring structures offer a glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization and are sure to leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Important sights of the Chichén Itzá ruins include: the 98-foot tall pyramid Temple Of Kukulkan (aka “El Castillo”), the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Cenote de los Sacrificios (the Sacred Cenote).

Chichen Itza ruins grounds map — *Map Source:* *Chichen Itza official website*

Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours here exploring and admiring these ancient structures (though you could certainly spend the whole day here).

Temple Of Kukulkan (El Castillo)

What you should know before visiting Chichen Itza

One of the most recognizable landmarks at Chichen Itza is the towering pyramid known as the Temple of Kukulcan or El Castillo. This magnificent structure served as a temple and astronomical observatory, and is renowned for the precision of its construction.

On the equinoxes, the sun creates the illusion of a serpent snaking down the pyramid's steps – a testament to the Maya's advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. (Visiting Chichen Itza again someday on an equinox to witness this incredible phenomenon is seriously on our bucketlist!)

Great Ball Court

Another impressive sight is the Great Ball Court, the largest known ancient ball court in Mesoamerica. It's an imposing 547 feet long and 231 feet wide, and features intricate carvings and sculptures of ballplayers and gods. The acoustics of the court are also noteworthy - the sound of a single clap or whistle can be heard clearly across the entire space.

If you’ve seen DreamWorks’ animated movie The Road To El Dorado, you will be familiar with the Maya ball game scene! Peter and I were excited to see the Great Ball Court for this reason and of course Peter reenacted a scene from the movie there.

Temple of the Warriors

The Temple of the Warriors is an intricately detailed complex of pillars, statues and platforms that served as both a temple and a military barracks, measuring 40 feet high and 133 feet wide. Its many columns are adorned with depictions of warriors, jaguars, and eagles. The building's impressive size and scale are a testament to the power and influence of the ancient Maya rulers.

Cenote de los Sacrificios (Sacred Cenote)

The Sacred Cenote is a naturally formed open well whose diameter from north to south is 165 feet, and from east to west, 200 feet (source: Chichen Itza website). This cenote was used as a place of offering and sacrifice by the ancient Maya people. They would throw many precious objects into the well as an offering to their gods, as well as human sacrifices.

Unlike other cenotes in the area, swimming is off limits here. But who would want to swim in an ancient sacrificial cenote, am I right?

And many more sites across the Chichen Itza ruins

what you should know before visiting chichen itza, chichen itza ruins mexico

The must see attractions described here are just a few of the incredible structures that await you at Chichen Itza. You can learn more about the rest of the many structures on the official Chichen Itza website.

There are countless ruins to be enjoyed, many with fascinating architecture and covered in intricate carvings that you could easily spend an entire day inspecting and admiring.

So, take your time, explore at your own pace and let the awe-inspiring history of these incredible ruins wash over you during your visit.

After Chichén Itzá – Visit Cenote Ik Kil

If you are already in the area to visit Chichen Itza, it is worth visiting the famous Cenote Ik Kil which is located nearby. Cenote Ik Kil is only about a 8-minute drive from the ruins of Chichen Itza. Many of the group tours to Chichen Itza include a stop at Cenote Ik Kil since it is so close by.

Cenote Ik Kil is undoubtedly the most famous cenote in the Yucatán Peninsula, but because of this it is usually crowded. If you would like to visit the cenote when it is less busy, it is advised to arrive closer to the opening time of 8am. However, this will conflict with arriving early to Chichen Itza, so you will have to decide which is more important to you.

One of the very cool features of this cenote is that you can swim here! So if you are planning to stop by Cenote Ik Kil, make sure to pack your swim suit and a towel. After a hot day exploring the Chichen Itza ruins, a swim in the blue waters of the cenote would be the perfect way to cool off.

Peter and I stopped by Cenote Ik Kil after our visit to Chichen Itza, around 2-3pm, and as you can see in the photo above it was quite busy. The line to swim in the cenote was very long and we were tired from our long day walking around the ruins, so we personally decided against it. But I am still glad that we stopped by and were able to see this incredible natural wonder and get some photos. I certainly think it is worth visiting even if you don’t end up swimming in the cenote.

Plan your visit to Cenote Ik Kil

Entrance fee: $100 MXN pesos (about $6 USD), life vest and lockers at an additional fee.
Changing rooms available, shower off required before swimming in the cenote
Website: Cenote Ik Kil
Address: 97756 Yucatan, Mexico [Google Maps link]
Hours: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Are you planning to visit Chichén Itzá in Mexico?

iguana at chichen itza ruins, chichen itza mexico

Are you currently planning a trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula? Then you should definitely take the time to visit the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza! Even this iguana agrees. It is well worth the trip. If you have any questions about visiting Chichen Itza, feel free to ask in the comment section below. We would love to help if we can.

As the famous explorer, John Lloyd Stephens, once said, "To those who have not yet visited the ruins of the ancient city of Chichen Itza, we would say, do not fail to do so." Safe travels!

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