Chichén Itzá is the most famous Mayan archaeological site in Mexico, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World.

At the same time, it is expensive, touristy and full of souvenir sellers. Nevertheless, we wouldn’t leave it out of an itinerary around Yucatán.

We arrived by car from Valladolid at around 9.30 am. There were already quite a few people there, but we didn’t have to queue at the ticket offices, and apart from the area around the main Kukulkán Pyramid, the site was surprisingly quiet. Allow 1½ to 2 hours for a standard visit.

Basic information
Admission	697 mxn
Opening hours	Daily 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Last admission	4.00 pm
Recommended duration of visit	1.5 to 2 hours
Official car park	124 mxn for a car
Best base	Valladolid – view hotels
Nearest cenote	Ik-Kil, approximately 5 minutes’ drive
Can you climb the pyramid?	No

Is Chichén Itzá worth a visit?

I didn’t regret visiting, so as far as I’m concerned, yes.

If you’ve already seen Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá might seem less impressive. What’s more, there were fewer people at Teotihuacán and, overall, it had a bigger ‘wow factor’.

The site is much larger than I’d originally thought.

Most visitors tend to stay around the El Castillo pyramid and the Great Ball Court.

If you carry on to the El Caracol observatory and the Las Monjas complex, the crowds thin out considerably. It was these quieter parts that we perhaps enjoyed the most.

Admission and opening hours

Admission fees are as follows 697 mxn for foreign visitors. For the sake of interest, we’ll also mention the prices for local residents.

Visitor	Price
Foreign tourist aged 13 and over	697 mxn
Child under 13 years of age	free
Mexican citizen	310 mxn
Resident of the state of Yucatán	105 mxn

We recommend checking the entry requirements and opening hours on the official INAH website before you travel.

We bought our tickets on the spot at the official ticket office and paid by card.

At around 9.30 am, there was no queue at the ticket offices. On a normal working day, therefore, we see no reason to buy significantly more expensive tickets from touts in advance.

❗ Do not buy tickets from anyone other than the official ticket office! 

Make sure you have some cash with you. It might come in handy for parking, the colectivo, a quick snack or any camera fees.

GoPro and photography fees

We didn’t pay anything for taking photos on our mobiles. There’s a separate charge for using a GoPro 63 mxn. It’s a bit bizarre, but similar charges are levied at other Mexican attractions too.

I didn’t want to pay this fee, so I put the GoPro back in the car and only took photos and videos on my mobile.

Travelling by car and parking

We travelled around Mexico on our own in a hire car.

Getting to Chichén Itzá is a bit unusual.

Even before you reach the official entrance, you literally drive through a row of unofficial car parks. Their staff stand by the roadside, waving at passing cars, and some try to pass themselves off as employees or transport organisers.

The unofficial car parks are usually located around 80 mxn and it’s about a 5-minute walk from the entrance.

This in itself may not be a problem. However, we didn’t appreciate the way they tried to stop us. Some staff also offer overpriced tickets or supposedly ‘value-for-money’ packages.

If you want to park officially, carry on to the barrier directly in front of the visitor centre. We paid 124 mxn.

Parking can only be paid for in cash.

You don’t need to explain to anyone at the official barrier where you’re going. Buy your tickets at the visitor centre.

Journey time by car

From	Approximate journey time
Valladolid	40 to 50 minutes
Mérida	1.5 to 2 hours
Cancún	2.5 to 3 hours
Tulum	2 to 2.5 hours
Playa del Carmen	approximately 3 hours

A car is the best option if you want to combine a visit to Chichén Itzá with a trip to the Ik-Kil cenote and don’t want to be tied to timetables.

• 👉 Compare car hire prices at Cancún Airport

When to arrive and how much time you’ll need

Ideally, you should arrive when it opens at 8.00 am. The temperature will be more pleasant, and you’ll have the main pyramid to yourself for a while, without the biggest groups.

We arrived at around 9.30 am. It was already busy around El Castillo, but there were no queues at the ticket offices and the visit was perfectly manageable. After 10.30 am, more organised tours start to arrive.

For a standard visit, we recommend:

• 1½ hours if you want to see the main structures and carry on
• 2 hours, if you also explore the quieter southern part of the site
• 3 hours or more, if you’re taking a guide or want to explore the individual buildings in detail

On Sundays, Mexican citizens and residents are admitted free of charge, which is why the site tends to be busier.

Foreign tourists pay the standard admission fee even on Sundays. Large numbers of visitors also arrive during the equinox and on Mexican public holidays.

What to see in Chichén Itzá

El Castillo, or the Pyramid of Kukulcán

The most famous structure in the entire complex stands just a few minutes from the entrance. It is approximately 30 metres high and its four staircases refer to the Mayan calendar.

Climbing the pyramid is now prohibited. The ban also applies to other major monuments within the complex.

The Great Ball Court

The Gran Juego de Pelota is one of the largest surviving pre-Columbian ball courts. As well as its sheer size, be sure to take a look at the stone circles and the reliefs on the walls.

The Temple of the Warriors and the Group of a Thousand Columns

The Temple of the Warriors stands on the edge of the main plaza.

Adjoining it is a vast complex of stone columns, which shows that Chichén Itzá was not just a single pyramid, but a real city.

El Caracol, Las Monjas and La Iglesia

The southern part of the site was almost deserted during our visit. Here you will find the circular observatory El Caracol, the tomb El Osario and the richly decorated complex of Las Monjas, which includes the smaller structure known as La Iglesia.

It is here that you can clearly see the distinct decorative style and the abundance of masks of Chaak, the god of rain. If you have at least 90 minutes to spare, be sure not to miss this part.

You’ll also see a replica of a typical dwelling where the inhabitants of that time lived.

The sacred cenote

A path leads to the Cenote Sagrado from the northern part of the main square. You cannot swim in the cenote.

The site is primarily of historical and religious significance and is not as visually impressive as the Ik-Kil swimming cenote.

Chichén Itzá and the Ik-Kil cenote in a single day

Combining a visit to Chichén Itzá with a trip to the Ik-Kil cenote makes perfect sense. The cenote is situated just a few kilometres from the ruins, and it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to drive between them.

Recommended itinerary for the day:

1. Chichén Itzá from 8.00 am to 10.00 am
2. Drive to Ik-Kil
3. Swimming before the arrival of the largest tour groups
4. Lunch and return to Valladolid with a stop at the Hacienda Oxmán cenote

We didn’t arrive at Chichén Itzá until around 9.30 am, and even so, we managed to visit both places without any stress. Bear in mind, however, that the majority of coach tours arrive at Ik-Kil between 11.30 am and 2.00 pm.

If you don’t have a car, you can take a taxi from the entrance to Chichén Itzá.

The fare is negotiable, and prices for tourists are usually in the region of a few hundred pesos. Agree on the total price in advance, including any waiting time and the return journey.

Some colectivos travelling between Chichén Itzá and Valladolid also stop at the turn-off for Ik-Kil. However, the timetable is not reliable. Ask the driver about the possibility of a stop before you board.

Be careful with organised tours as well. Not every tour advertised as ‘Chichén Itzá and cenote’ actually goes to Ik-Kil.

Often, the smaller and less attractive cenotes of Chichikan, Saamal or Nool Ha are visited instead.

Where to stay: Chichén Itzá or Valladolid?

For most travellers, we recommend staying in Valladolid.

Location	Advantages	Disadvantages
Valladolid	restaurants, cafés, a beautiful city centre, a wide choice of hotels	40 to 50 minutes’ drive
The track and the area around the ruins	option to be at the entrance as early as 8.00 am, ideal if arriving by train	a local town with nothing of particular interest
Hotel right next to the resort	Comfort, swimming pool, minimal early-morning travel	Higher prices

Valladolid was a pleasant surprise, and it would be a shame to use it merely as a place to stay the night.

We stayed at the Hotel Colonté, which we can recommend based on our own experience.

Staying near Chichén Itzá makes sense mainly if you want to be at the entrance at 8.00 am sharp, are arriving late in the evening on the Tren Maya train, or are planning to attend the Noches de Kukulkán evening show.

Recommended hotels near Chichén Itzá

Hotel	Who it’s suitable for
Hotel Puerta Chichen	Best combination of location, price and facilities; swimming pool, restaurant and car park
La Casa de las Lunas	Simple and affordable accommodation in Pista
Villas Arqueológicas Chichén Itzá	a peaceful hotel with a swimming pool near the archaeological site
Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa	A more stylish and luxurious stay with a garden, swimming pool and spa

How to get to Chichén Itzá by public transport

Chichén Itzá is very easy to reach by public transport.

ADO, Oriente and Mayab buses stop right outside the main entrance.

The Tren Maya railway station is also about a 10-minute shuttle bus ride away.

• ADO bus bookings:ado.com.mx
• Bookings for the Tren Maya train:ventaboletostrenmaya.com.mx

I explain in detail how buses and trains work (for example, how to buy tickets for the connecting Tren Maya shuttle buses) in the Transport section.

From Valladolid

Valladolid has the busiest transport links.

Type	Journey time	Frequency	Price
Colectivo	60 minutes	30 minutes	60 mxn
ADO buses	50 minutes	3–4 times a day	from 170 mxn
Tren Maya train	70 minutes	6–7 times a day	239 mxn

Colectivo

The best option if you don’t have a car is the colectivo. The minibuses depart from Calle 39 between Calle 46 and Calle 48, a few minutes’ walk from the ADO coach station.

• View the departure point on Google Maps

The first minibuses set off at around 7.00 am. They leave once full, usually every 20 to 30 minutes throughout the day. The journey takes 45 to 60 minutes and the fare is around 60 mxn per person.

Please check the time of the last return journey with the driver upon arrival. In the late afternoon, intervals may be longer.

• 🕜 approx. 60-minute journey
• ✅ frequent service
• ✅ Runs all day
• ✅ are cheap
• ❌ no fixed timetable
• ❌ you can only pay in cash
• ❌ the minibuses aren’t very comfortable and are often overcrowded

ADO’s modern buses

ADO is more comfortable, but only runs 3–4 times a day.

They’re a good option if you want to be sure of your ticket in advance and know the exact departure time. Prices are dynamic, depending on occupancy, and range from 75 mxn to 100 mxn.

They run from the centre of Valladolid.

• 🕜 approx. 50-minute journey
• ✅ comfortable, modern coaches
• ✅ Suitable even for larger pieces of luggage
• ✅ A reliable, well-known company
• ✅ easy online booking
• ❌ infrequent service (sometimes only 2 services a day)
• ❌ you’ll often only arrive at your destination at midday, in the peak heat and amidst the biggest crowds

Tren Maya trains

Very frequent trains run from Valladolid roughly once every two hours. The trains are comfortable, clean and reliable, and run throughout the day.

The downside is that the train stations are a long way from both the city centre and Chichén Itzá.

Each train is connected to a modern, comfortable Tren Maya shuttle bus, but this is charged for separately (card payments are accepted). This makes the journey both more expensive and longer.

• The train fare is 148 mxn and the journey time is 25 minutes
• The price of the bus from Valladolid to the railway station is 36 mxn and the journey time is 15 minutes
• The bus fare from Chichén Itzá to the railway station is 55 mxn and the journey time is 20 minutes
• Total: 239 mxn and approx. 70 minutes including waiting time

So, for short distances, the Tren Maya isn’t actually that good value.

• 🕜 approx. 70-minute journey
• ✅ comfortable, modern trains
• ✅ Reliable connections to shuttle buses
• ✅ Frequent services
• ✅ Runs all day
• ✅ Easy online booking
• ❌ stations are a long way from the city centre and from Chichén Itzá
• ❌ high price

From Mérida

You can take a bus or train from the city.

Type	Journey time	Frequency	Price
ADO buses	2.5 hours	3–4 times a day	from 170 mxn
Tren Maya train	2.5 hours	6 times a day	545 mxn

Buses

Direct ADO buses take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. There are usually around 4 services a day, most frequently between 7.30 am and 11.00 am. The fare is around 150 mxn one way.

The cheaper Oriente buses cost around 170 mxn, but they take longer and may stop in Pisté. When buying a ticket, make sure the bus terminates directly at the Chichén Itzá visitor centre, or only in the town of Pisté.

If you want to be at the site by 8.00, it’s more practical to stay overnight in Valladolid or near the ruins.

The Tren Maya train

Trains run throughout the day roughly once every two hours and are therefore much more frequent than buses.

However, Mérida-Teya station is a long way from the city centre, and the journey by shuttle bus takes over 30 minutes.

The total cost, including the shuttle buses, is around 540 mxn.

From Cancún

ADO buses run just once a day directly from the centre of Cancún.

Trains run much more frequently, but their station is at Cancún Airport, which is about a 45-minute shuttle bus ride away.

Type	Journey time	Frequency	Price
ADO buses	2 hours	Once a day	from 414 mxn
Tren Maya train	3.5 hours	6 times a day	780 mxn

From Tulum and Playa del Carmen

ADO buses run once a day directly from the city centres of both Tulum and Playa del Carmen.

You can also take the train from both places, but in Tulum and Playa del Carmen (as everywhere else), you’ll need to take a shuttle bus (or a taxi) to the railway station.

Both the train and the bus run only once a day.

Organised trips to Chichén Itzá

An organised trip is particularly worthwhile from Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. From Valladolid, it’s cheaper and quicker to make your own way there.

Departure	Typical price	Duration	Rating
Cancún	from 57 usd	around 12 hours	a good option without a car
Tulum	from 72 usd	around 12 hours	more practical than public transport
Mérida	from 73 usd	10 to 12 hours	comfortable, but long
Valladolid	from 69 usd	around 8 hours	worth it for the guide and the cenote

Be wary of very cheap offers. Trips costing between 50 and 70 usd often do not include the entrance fee to Chichén Itzá ( 697 mxn), a life jacket at the cenote or collection directly from your hotel. Always check the ‘What’s included’ section before booking.

A short stop in Valladolid on a coach tour usually lasts only 20 to 30 minutes. It is not a full visit to the city.

We’ve always compared all tours in Mexico via GetYourGuide, where most local agencies operate.

Practical tips

• Most of the main area is not shaded. Bring a hat, sun cream and water
  • unlike at the Tulum Archaeological Zone, they have no problem with water at the security checkpoint here
• At the entrance, there are free toilets, cafés, refreshment stalls and plenty of souvenir shops.
• Inside the site, we found one bistro and other stalls.
• Souvenir sellers line the paths throughout the site. It’s a bit tacky and can be a bit of a nuisance at times, but compared to Egypt or Zanzibar, it’s still very relaxed.
• There are four cash machines behind the ticket offices.
• Sturdy shoes are advisable. The paths are mostly flat, but dusty and uneven in places.
• If you want a guide, hire one at the official entrance. Confirm the language, duration of the tour and price for the whole group in advance.
• For a standard visit, you don’t need a booking or a ‘skip the line’ ticket.
• The evening show, Noches de Kukulkán, has its own ticket and schedule. Check the dates before booking a hotel near the site specifically for this show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you climb the pyramid at Chichén Itzá?

No. You are not allowed to climb the Pyramid of Kukulkán or any of the other main structures.

How long does a visit take?

For the average visitor, 1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient. If you’re taking a guided tour or visiting the museum, allow at least 3 hours.

Is it better to travel from Valladolid or from Cancún?

Definitely from Valladolid. The journey takes just under an hour and you’ll easily arrive before the biggest crowds. From Cancún, you’ll spend around 2½ hours travelling.

Book a hotel in Valladolid

Do I need to buy a ticket in advance?

Not on a normal working day. We bought ours by card on the spot at around 9.30 am without having to queue. Buying in advance is mainly worth it during public holidays and the equinox.

Is it possible to swim in the sacred cenote within the complex?

No. The nearby Ik-Kil cenote is a good place for swimming.

Chichén Itzá or Teotihuacán?

In our opinion, Teotihuacán is more monumental and had a greater ‘wow’ factor.

Chichén Itzá, however, is more architecturally varied, and we particularly enjoyed our visit thanks to the quieter areas away from the main pyramid.

Our rating

Chichén Itzá is commercial, expensive and very crowded. Nevertheless, it’s well worth a visit.

Arrive in the morning, don’t stop at the first unofficial car park, and after visiting the main pyramid, carry on to the more remote parts of the site. That’s where we enjoyed our visit the most.

I thought it was brilliant to be able to combine Chichén Itzá with a variety of other places, such asthe Ik-Kil cenoteor the city of Valladolid.

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