The Captivating Ancient Citadel, Chichen Itza!
Cancun might be regarded as one of the best destinations for nightlife, but no trip is complete without a visit to the legendary Chichen Itza. The charismatic Chichen Itza is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Mexico and a must-see for any history or architecture enthusiast. This ancient Mayan city is located in the Yucatan Peninsula, about 120km west of the city of Cancun. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting this magnificent world wonder:
History of Chichen Itza
The celestial ruins of Chichen Itza are 1,500 years old and is one of the most well preserved archaeological structures in the world. Chichen Itza is the name give to the ancient Mayan complex of buildings which was a significant cultural and economic hub. It quickly grew into a regional capital with a population of over 50,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in the ancient world. The city also became a center of religious and cultural significance, with numerous temples and pyramids dedicated to the gods of the Maya pantheon.
Chichen Itza’s most iconic structure is the Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo. This pyramid-like structure was built in the 10th century and is dedicated to the feathered serpent god, Kukulkan. The temple’s design is an architectural marvel, with precise alignments that allow the sun’s rays to create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid during the equinoxes. The structure was designed with a total of 365 steps to represent the calendar via astronomical engineering. Unfortunately, it is forbidden to climb to the top since some tourists in 2008 faced a tragic demise.
In the centuries that followed, the ruins of Chichen Itza were left largely untouched until the 19th century when archaeologists began to uncover the site’s history and significance. Today, Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a popular tourist destination, attracting over 2 million visitors each year.
Best Time to Visit Chichen Itza
The best time to visit Chichen Itza is during the off-season, which is from September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. If you want to avoid the heat and the crowds, try to arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon. We visited in December and we were still sweating in the light of the sun. It was around 84°F, so I couldn’t imagine what a crowded summer day would feel like.
Tours to Chichen Itza
The best way to experience the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza is participating in a guided tour. Private guides are more expensive, but it is much easier to interact and set your own pace. Group tours are much cheaper, but the groups are quite large and you are on a much stricter schedule. You can also purchase tickets at the gate but be prepared to wait in long lines during peak seasons. We signed up for a group tour which included hotel pickup as well as 2 extra excursions (swimming in a cenote and visiting the town of Valladolid).
Tickets to Chichen Itza
Tickets to the heritage site are $32 USD ($613 MXN) which can be paid in Mexican Pesos or credit card. However, keep in mind the credit card readers can be unreliable so have some extra cash just in case. There are a ton of vendors selling artisanal merchandise so have some spare pesos for that as well. Be mindful that the group tour price does not include the entrance fee.
Getting There
The most convenient way to get to Chichen Itza is by car or organized tour. If you’re coming from Cancun, you can rent a car or book a tour that includes transportation. If you’re already in the Yucatan Peninsula, you can take a bus from Merida, Valladolid, or Playa del Carmen. It is about 3 hours from Cancun so be prepared for an all day event. I highly recommend the organized tour to avoid getting lost, tolls, rental fees, and for the added cultural insights the guides provide.
What to Bring
Here are a few of the essential itmes you’ll need for your visit:
- Breathable clothing – It’s super hot
- Sunglasses – To look extra cool if the sun shines
- Sturdy shoes – Lots of rocks and uneven surfaces
- Water bottle – Like really hot
- Bug spray – There’s tons of mosquitos in the Yucatan
- Sun screen – There isn’t much shade around the main complex
- Swimming clothes – Some tours take you to swim in cenotes after
- Passport – You can get it stamped to prove you’ve been to Chichen Itza!
- Cash – For interesting souvenirs, just don’t get ripped off!
What to See in the Chichen Itza Complex
Chichen Itza is a large site, so make sure you have plenty of time to explore. The must-see attractions include El Castillo, the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, the Sacred Cenote and the Observatory. The total time spent in Chichen Itza was 2 hours, but it flew by so fast. Allot some time to take pictures and visit the vendors selling handcrafted goods. Just be mindful that they might try to overcharge you as a tourist, so negotiate a price that makes sense. $1 USD is around $18 MXN.
Food & Drinks
There are several food vendors and restaurants near the entrance of Chichen Itza, but the prices can be high. It’s a good idea to bring your own, especially if you’re on a budget. However, You’ll have to finish any consumables before passing the entrance gate. I recommend leaving your bag or frivolous items on the bus. The tour includes a free authentic Mexican buffet after, but be sure to have a big breakfast and snacks for the bus ride.
Kukulcan Nights
After the sun sets, prepare to be dazzled by colorful illuminations projected directly on the temples of Chichen Itza! The show starts at 8pm and showcases a magical spectacle of the Mayan civilization. Tickets are available daily from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the ticket office. This is a good option if you are staying at a hotel nearby.
Added Excursions: Saamal Cenote
After the Chichen Itza tour, we headed to the mystical Cenote Saamal to swim in its cerulean waters. It is super refreshing after walking in the sun all day. The sinkhole surrounded by lime stoned walls has a man made waterfall and is an amazing experience. Keep in mind you’ll have to pay $5 for a life vest and a locker.
Valladolid
Valladolid is a charming little city nestled in the heart of the Yucatan, famous for its colonial architecture. Just strolling past the pastel-colored walls and cobble stoned streets to gaze at the imposing cathedral makes for a splendid afternoon. This was the last stop on our tour, with only about 30mins left to explore.
Chichen Itza is a marvelous archaeological site with fascinating history, stunning architecture, and beautiful surroundings. It is one of the most accessible wonders of the world and ranked number 1 on our Top 10 Best Things to do in Cancun list. Make sure not to deprive yourself of this ancient cultural experience if you do visit Cancun. After the Colosseum in Rome, Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero, and Machu Picchu in Peru, Chichen Itza is our 4th wonder. Stay tuned as we travel to the remaining 3 of the 7 wonders of the world! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Check out our full Chichen Itza full day tour experience!
