Chichén Itzá
Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Chichén Itzá
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the awe-inspiring ruins of Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
"One of the 7 wonders of the world and seeing it up close with my family was an amazing experience."
🎯 Arrive Before Noon
Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving before 12 PM. Tours often arrive after this time.
🚫 No Climbing the Pyramids
Climbing is forbidden and can lead to fines. Respect the rules to preserve the site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan)
Central Plaza
The iconic step pyramid, famous for its astronomical alignments and the serpent shadow during equinoxes.

The Great Ball Court
West side of the site
The largest ball court in Mesoamerica, where ancient Maya played a ritualistic ball game with high stakes.

Temple of the Warriors
North of the Great Ball Court
A large, stepped pyramid adorned with numerous columns depicting warriors, showcasing impressive Maya architecture.

The Sacred Cenote
Northeast of El Castillo
A large natural sinkhole used for rituals and sacrifices, adding a mystical element to the archaeological site.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Respect the Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Noon
Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving before 12 PM. Tours often arrive after this time.
🚫 No Climbing the Pyramids
Climbing is forbidden and can lead to fines. Respect the rules to preserve the site.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Protected
Bring water, wear a hat, sunscreen, and consider an umbrella for shade. It gets very hot!
📸 Best Photo Spot
Find the tree and bench near Kukulkan for an iconic photo with the pyramid.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Noon
Beat the crowds and the heat by arriving before 12 PM. Tours often arrive after this time.
🚫 No Climbing the Pyramids
Climbing is forbidden and can lead to fines. Respect the rules to preserve the site.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Protected
Bring water, wear a hat, sunscreen, and consider an umbrella for shade. It gets very hot!
📸 Best Photo Spot
Find the tree and bench near Kukulkan for an iconic photo with the pyramid.
💰 Mexican Resident Discounts
Mexicans and Yucatan residents get discounted or free entry on Sundays.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are a must.
🗣️ Hire a Guide
A guide can enhance your understanding of the history and significance of the ruins.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chichén Itzá as a must-see wonder, highlighting its fascinating history and impressive ruins. Many recommend visiting with a knowledgeable guide to fully appreciate the site's significance. While the heat and aggressive vendors can be challenging, the overall experience is considered unforgettable and a true bucket-list achievement.
"This was a great experience for us to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. We had a full day of activities which included a guide and ride to and from our resort in Cancun. We rode a charter bus back and forth. We were provided drinks, fruits and pastries along the way. Everyone was very friendly.
We were also provided lunch which I enjoyed. My favorite part was the Cenote. It was very refreshing after an extremely hot day.
Our guides were very knowledgeable and had a sense of humor which made everyone feel welcomed.
I highly recommend visiting at least once in your lifetime.
As I always say don't take my word for it.
Try it for yourself.
Happy Vacationing!"
LaKrisha Spivey
"One of the 7 wonders of the world and seeing it up close with my family was an amazing experience for us all. We had a 1 hour tour with a guide then an hour exploring on our own. Very busy with lots of people doing the same and taking pictures of the great ruins which are in great condition considering the age of them."
Danny Wilson
"Beautiful site, definitely a bucket list item for those travelers looking to add one of the ancient wonders to the list. Be prepared for very warm and humid weather and street vendors that will be pretty aggressive in trying to sell you stuff, which are always overpriced."
AndyS303
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Chichén Itzá from Cancun or Playa del Carmen via organized tours, ADO buses, or by renting a car. Tours are popular and often include transportation, a guide, and sometimes a cenote visit.
ADO buses offer a more independent option, and driving yourself provides flexibility. The journey typically takes 2-3 hours.Driving offers flexibility and allows you to control your schedule, but tours provide convenience, guided insights, and often include other attractions like cenotes. Many travelers find tours efficient for a day trip.
The most common transportation options include organized tours from major tourist hubs like Cancun and Playa del Carmen, public buses (ADO), and rental cars. Each has its pros and cons regarding cost, convenience, and flexibility.
Yes, Chichén Itzá can be visited as a day trip from Tulum. It's a longer day, but many tours and independent travelers make the journey. Consider an early start to maximize your time.
Be cautious of unofficial 'entrances' advertised by street vendors, as they may lead to overpriced services or scams. The main entrance is well-marked and managed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The general admission fee for Chichén Itzá is approximately 619 MXN (around 36 USD) for foreigners. Mexican nationals and residents of Yucatan often receive discounted rates.
It is advisable to check the official Chichén Itzá website for the most up-to-date information on ticket purchases and booking procedures. Some tours may include tickets in their package.
Chichén Itzá is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's best to verify these hours closer to your visit, as they can sometimes change.
Yes, Mexican citizens and residents of the Yucatan Peninsula often receive significantly discounted entry fees, and sometimes free admission on Sundays. Bring your identification (INE or passport) to avail these discounts.
Yes, you can hire official guides at the entrance of Chichén Itzá if you are visiting independently. This is a great way to learn about the history and significance of the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
To avoid the largest crowds, aim to arrive right when the site opens (around 8:00 AM) or in the late afternoon, closer to closing time. Midday is when most tour buses arrive.
No, climbing the pyramids, including El Castillo, is strictly prohibited. Visitors must stay on designated paths to protect the ancient structures. Violators face fines.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. An umbrella can also be useful for shade.
There are vendors and small eateries outside the main entrance selling food and drinks. Inside the site, options are limited, so bringing snacks or planning for a meal outside is recommended.
You can spend anywhere from 2 to 4 hours exploring Chichén Itzá, depending on your interest level. A guided tour typically lasts about 1-2 hours, with additional time for independent exploration.
📸 📸 Photography
A popular photo spot is near a specific tree with a bench, offering a great view of El Castillo.
Also, explore different angles around the Great Ball Court and Temple of the Warriors for unique shots.Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, tripods and professional video equipment might require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.
Yes, the Temple of Kukulkan is designed to produce an echo that mimics the call of the Quetzal bird when a person claps in front of it. This is a remarkable acoustic phenomenon.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. Visiting during these times also coincides with fewer crowds.
Drone usage is typically restricted at archaeological sites to protect the structures and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with site authorities or your tour operator for specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Acoustics of El Castillo
This acoustic marvel served multiple purposes. It may have been used in religious ceremonies, to communicate with the gods, or as a way to impress and awe visitors and worshippers. The precise replication of the Quetzal's call, a bird deeply revered in Mayan mythology as the 'God of the Air,' highlights the Maya's intricate connection between their architecture, their natural environment, and their spiritual beliefs. Experiencing this echo firsthand is a truly magical and humbling moment for many visitors.
Navigating Chichén Itzá: Tours vs. Independent Travel
On the other hand, visiting independently provides greater flexibility. You can rent a car or take an ADO bus, allowing you to set your own pace and spend more or less time at each structure. While you might miss out on the curated narrative of a tour guide, you can hire local guides at the site entrance for a more personalized historical overview. This approach is ideal for travelers who want to avoid large groups or have specific interests they wish to explore further. Regardless of your choice, arriving early is key to a more enjoyable experience.
The Significance of Cenotes
Today, many cenotes near Chichén Itzá are accessible for swimming and offer a refreshing escape from the heat after exploring the ruins. Popular cenotes often visited in conjunction with Chichén Itzá tours include Ik Kil and Suytun. Swimming in these crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and unique geological formations, provides a different, yet equally captivating, perspective on the Yucatan Peninsula's natural and historical wonders.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit