Visit one of the most important and visited archaeological sites in the Yucatan, Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the pyramids, temples, and statues witnessing the extraordinary skill of the ancient Maya
Price 57.76€
For centuries, Chichen Itza has been an archaeologically significant site for history and architecture enthusiasts. This site has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and attracts thousands of visitors each year. It’s time for you to discover the wonders of Chichen Itza.
What can we see at Chichen Itza?
Kukulcan Pyramid: Considered one of the seven modern wonders of the world, this pyramid is one of the most iconic buildings at Chichen Itza. It is impressive in size and beauty.
Temple of the Warriors: This temple is remarkable for its statues of warriors and important Maya historical figures. It is also famous for its steep steps.
El Castillo: This is one of the largest and best-preserved pyramids at Chichen Itza. It is often used as a backdrop for photographs.
How to get to Chichen Itza?
There are several ways to get to Chichen Itza from the city of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. The most common ways are:
- by car: It takes about 4 hours from Cancun and 2 hours from Playa del Carmen
- by bus: There are daily direct buses from Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the trip takes about 4 hours
- by plane: There are regular flights from Cancun to Valladolid airport, near Chichen Itza. Then you’ll need to take a bus or taxi to get to the site.
How does the visit of Chichen Itza take place?
A visit to Chichen Itza typically takes place as follows:
- Arrival: Visitors can park near the entrance and buy entrance tickets.
- Site Exploration: Visitors can explore the different buildings on the site, such as the Kukulcan pyramid, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Great Ball Court. It’s possible to explore the site by own means or take a guided tour.
- Sound and Light Show: Some evenings, visitors can participate in a sound and light show that recounts the history of Chichen Itza.
- Departure: Once the visit is finished, visitors can head towards the exit.
It’s worth noting that there are some restricted areas in the Chichen Itza site that visitors
What is the best time to visit Chichen Itza?
The best time to visit Chichen Itza depends on individual preferences in terms of temperature and tourist crowds. The coolest months are from December to March, but it’s also the high season for visitors. The warmest months are from April to May, but it’s less crowded. It’s also possible to visit the site in the summer, although the temperatures are high, it’s less crowded.
Overall, The best time to visit Chichen Itza will be during the low season, which means avoiding the busiest months such as Christmas, Easter, and summer vacation, that way you could enjoy less crowd, less heat and more availability in guided tours.
What are the accommodations options near Chichen Itza?
There are different types of accommodations near Chichen Itza, such as:
- Hotels: There are several hotels of different categories (luxury, economy, etc.) near the site.
- Option 1 – Hacienda Chichen Resort: This is a luxury hotel located just a few minutes away from the Chichen Itza archaeological site. It features a spa, a swimming pool, and several dining options. The hotel also offers Mayan-themed activities and tours of the surrounding area.
- Option 2 – Mayaland Hotel: This is a historical hotel that was built in the 1920s and is located directly across the street from the Chichen Itza archaeological site. It features a swimming pool, a restaurant, and several activities for visitors, including tours of the surrounding area.
- Hostels: There are affordable hostels for budget-minded travelers.
- Vacation rentals: There are vacation rental options such as houses or apartments to rent in the area.
It’s worth noting that most of the lodging options are located in the city of Valladolid and other nearby towns, which are located around 30 minutes to 1 hour by car or bus from the site, they offer a good range of prices, amenities, and services.
Fun fact about Chichen Itza
One of the most interesting features of the Kukulcan pyramid at Chichen Itza is that it’s designed to create the illusion of a snake descending the stairs during the spring and autumn equinoxes. This is possible due to the precise alignment of the pyramid relative to the sun, as well as the addition of steps on the inside of each side of the pyramid.
What are the activities to do in the vicinity of Chichen Itza?
There are several activities to do near Chichen Itza, including:
- Visit the cenotes: Cenotes are natural swimming pools carved into limestone rock. There are several near Chichen Itza, ideal for swimming and scuba diving.
- Visit the town of Valladolid: It is a colonial town located a few kilometers from Chichen Itza. It has interesting churches, plazas, and museums to visit.
- Do outdoor activities: It’s possible to go hiking, zip-lining, or rent bikes to explore the surroundings of Chichen Itza.
- Visit the Ek’ Balam ruins: The Ek’ Balam ruins are located around 30km from Chichen Itza, they are lesser known but equally interesting to visit.
- Discover Maya culture: There are Maya cultural centers near Chichen Itza where you can learn more about Maya culture, local cuisine
5 practical tips for a pleasant stay in Cancun
here are some practical tips for having a great stay in Cancun:
- Plan ahead: It’s important to book your flights and hotel in advance to avoid surprises. It’s also helpful to plan your activities and excursions to make the most of your time there.
- Pack sunscreen and protective gear: Cancun is known for its white sandy beaches and hot temperatures, it is important to protect your skin from the UV rays using sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and wearing light and loose clothing.
- Be aware of safety warnings: As with any tourist destination, it’s important to stay alert and respect safety warnings. Avoid risky areas and be aware of pickpocketing risks.
- Sample the local cuisine: Cancun is famous for its fresh seafood and local dishes, don’t hesitate to explore different restaurants to discover the unique flavors of the region.
- Bring cash: Some activities and excursions do not accept credit cards, it is important to have cash on hand, especially if you’re planning to shop or eat at local places.
-Be aware of the Mexican laws and customes, specially when it comes to alcohol, especially when it comes to drinking and driving.
It’s also good to have a decent level of Spanish, as not everyone in the local tourist industry will speak English fluently.
