A travellers guide to Chichén Itzá, Mexico's New World Wonder - Updated 2024

WHERE IS CHICHÉN ITZÁ

The incredibly fascinating Chichén Itzá complex is acknowledged as a New Wonder of the World and is situated in a dense tropical jungle at the heart of Mexico’s popular Yucatán Peninsula state.

The extensive complex is settled at a roughly 45-minutes drive west of Valladolid, a lively colonial town that is considered the number-one base from which to explore Chichén Itzá.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF CHICHÉN ITZÁ

Before I get into the detail of my guide to Chichén Itzá, I wish to share with you a brief history overview.

The now world-famous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá are one of Mexico’s most popular landmarks, but with over 1.000 years of history, the question remains: how did it all start?

Though it is acknowledged that Chichén Itzá was first established around 400 AD, it took quite a time before it started to flourish into the grandeur we behold today.

It was only after the arrival of Toltec warriors at the end of the 10th century, that Chichén Itzá truly claimed its fame.

Following their conquest of Yucatán, the Toltecs began the construction of what later became the famous El Castillo pyramid, right atop of an older structure.

From that moment on, Chichén Itzá elaborated its reputation, resulting in that it became the epicentre of Mesoamerican civilization, housing approximately 35.000 inhabitants at its peak.

For that reason, both historians and experts believe that this particular settlement is the most important event throughout the rich history of Chichén Itzá.

At present, the well-preserved Chichén Itzá complex is largely responsible for tourism in Mexico, attracting over 1.2 million visitors on a yearly basis.

And given that the Mayans left behind some of the most stunning architectural masterpieces in the world, it’s easy to understand why.

CHICHÉN ITZÁ TICKETS | ENTRANCE FEE 2024

Since my visit back in October 2019, the entrance fee to Chichén Itzá has slightly inflated and is 614MXN ($36.02) per person as of February 2024.

One thing worth noting though is that the entrance fee is made up of two separate fees – the actual admission and an added government fee, both equally important and required to enter Chichén Itzá.

During my visit, the ticket counters accepted payments with credit cards and cash. However, it is said that the government fee of 80 MXN ($3.80) can be paid in cash only.

If you forgot to bring cash, don’t worry, there’s an ATM in the common area near the entrance.

THINGS TO SEE AT CHICHÉN ITZÁ

The Chichén Itzá complex is spread over an extensive jungle, and is full of impressive and well-preserved archaeological highlights. The area itself is easy to navigate, and should take around 3 hours to uncover.

That said, here are some of my absolute favourite structures in Chichén Itzá:

EL CASTILLO

The now world-famous El Castillo pyramid is situated at the heart of the Chichén Itzá complex, and after wandering countless circles around it, it is easy to understand why.

But it is not just its picture-perfect appearance that turns El Castillo into the absolute highlight of a visit to Chichén Itzá.

No, the real lure of El Castillo lies within the fascinating story behind its construction.

The square-based stepped pyramid was built with perfect accuracy, making the construction the best reflection of the Mayans exceptional knowledge in terms of astronomy and math.

As a result, El Castillo was built in perfect alignment with the universe, and with a total of 365 steps, the pyramid is believed to be a physical representation of the calendar we use today.

For that reason alone, I believe Chichén Itzá is an essential stop for any visitor to Yucatán, Mexico.

TEMPLE OF THE WARRIORS

Located adjacent to El Castillo is the Temple of the Warriors, a massive stepped pyramid that owes its name to the surrounding columns, containing carvings of warriors – more on that later.

And though it is no longer possible to climb the temple, this structure in late classic Maya style is still considered one of the most memorable places to see at Chichén Itzá.

GROUP OF 1000 COLUMNS

As mentioned above, the group of 1000 Columns is a series of impressively crafted pillars, that are connected directly to the neighbouring Temple of the Warrior.

Experts believe that these columns once supported a roof, and that the former building was mainly used to house large, important gatherings.

While 1000 is slightly exaggerated, it is still a delight to admire the roughly 200 columns that remained.

WALL OF SKULLS

Built to memorialise those who sacrificed themselves to the gods, as well as warriors that had died in battle, the Wall of Skulls is a large platform decorated with skulls, snakes and eagles.

Mostly intact, the Wall of Skulls is further known as a Tzompantli, a wooden rack that displayed human heads impaled on top of each other, something commonly found in Mayan culture.

It is said, that this peculiar wall’s main purpose was to control the masses, while also scare off the enemy, and I must admit, it’s pretty frightful indeed.

THE GRAND BALL COURT

The Grand Ball Court in Chichén Itzá was considered the largest ball court in the Mayan civilisation, and truly is an impressive site to behold, especially if you imagine what it looked like back in the days.

Juego de Pelota, as it is named by the Maya’s, is an important ball game that was often played here, as it determined who received the honour of taking part in their somewhat cruel ritual – a religious, human sacrifice to the gods.

Another thing worth mentioning, is the fact that the construction of the court was measured out to perfection, making it exceptional in terms of acoustic performance.

EL CARACOL

Situated only just south of El Castillo lies El Caracol, a unique circular-shaped structure that was used as an observatory to examine the ever-changing sky.

The by jungle encircled El Caracol is said to date back as far as 600 AD, and though it is crumbling in every aspect, it is still a pretty awesome structure to take in.

HOW TO EXPLORE CHICHÉN ITZÁ | SOLO, WITH A GUIDE OR WITH A TOUR

Of course, it’s completely up to you in which manner you prefer to visit Chichén Itzá, and luckily, it’s pretty straightforward to find an option that suits your travel style.

There are three options available for those that wish to visit Chichén Itzá, all of which have their own pros and cons. To help you find the option that fits you, I have summed up those options below:

GO SOLO

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to visit Chichén Itzá independent, and given that it is still increasing in popularity, you’ll find no problems getting there.

The complex itself is rather compact and easy to navigate, while you’re also completely free to investigate the grounds at your own pace – which is a big plus if you ask me.

That said, I believe it should take about 3 hours to see the most important structures of Chichén Itzá.

If you choose to visit the complex on your own, I highly recommend taking your time, bringing a guidebook, and download a detailed guide like this one for offline use.

WITH A GUIDE

If you’re looking to understand more about Mayan civilization and their unique outlook on life, it’s worth considering the services of a knowledgeable, local guide.

Hiring an expert is a fun and easy way to uncover Chichén Itzá’s rich history, while it also ensures that you won’t miss out on important buildings and historical facts.

Though the cost alternate, the service of a well-trained guide should cost you between 650 MXN ($32.80) and 1.000 MXN ($48.50) for a three hour guided tour. These guides can be found directly after the entrance, and don’t require a reservation or whatsoever.

However, make sure you take enough time to select one, as experience, knowledge and language skills differ highly from guide to guide.

The reason why I prefer this option, is that you have the flexibility to arrive by bus or rental car – plus you’re supporting the local economy.

JOIN A GUIDED TOUR

Obviously, the simplest way to visit Chichén Itzá is by joining a guided tour, especially if you’re staying in one of the major tourist hubs in Yucatán, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum.

By joining a guided tour of Chichén Itzá, you won’t have to worry about arranging anything in terms of transport, guides, timetable and walking routes.

One small side note though, this extra comfort comes at a slightly higher price than the aforementioned options.

MY CHICHÉN ITZÁ TOUR RECCOMMENDATIONS

For those that prefer to book a guided tour of Chichén Itzá in advance, make sure to have a look at the options I listed below – do however note that none of those tours includes the entrance fee.

Chichén Itzá, Ik Kil Cenote & Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour | This awesome full-day guided tour of Chichen Itzá takes you along Chichén Itzá’s most impressive ruins, as well as Valladolid and the Ik Kil cenote.

Chichén Itzá Tour From Cancun or Riviera Maya | Learn about the fascinating history of Chichén Itzá, by joining this full-day guided tour provided by an Archeology-specialist guide. It also includes a stop in Valladolid, a delicious lunch spread, and your round-trip transport.

WHERE TO STAY IN VALLADOLID | THE PERFECT BASE TO CHICHÉN ITZÁ

As you probably already know by now, I’d highly recommend basing yourself in Valladolid when planning to explore Chichén Itzá and its surroundings.

The lively colonial town is situated at only 45 minutes from Chichén Itzá and has no shortage of wonderful accommodations, including backpacker-friendly hostels, comfortable apartments, as well as luxury hotels.

Not only is Valladolid positioned convenient, but I also believe that it’s the most authentic city in the whole of Yucatán.

HOTELS

Hotel & Suites Country | If you’re looking for a super comfortable hotel, that doesn’t break the bank, this is it. Situated at the heart of Valladolid, Hotel & Suites Country offers spacious and well-designed rooms, an inviting sundeck, and a large adjacent swimming pool, making it a great pick for those keen to relax after an exhausting day of exploring.

Hotel Casa Bamboo | This is one of the hotels where I stayed in Valladolid, and it was an outstanding experience, at only $27 a night. This charming boutique-style hotel has no problem in making guests feel welcome and comfortable, providing outstanding rooms, a pleasant kingsize bed, as well as a chilled-out vibe. All in all, a lovely place to stay.

HOSTELS

Hostal Tunich Naj | Located at only a short walk from Valladolid’s lively main square, this budget-friendly hostel provides a wide array of comfy rooms, both shared and private. On top of that, there is a spacious common area, ideal for backpackers looking to make new travel buddies. Doubles at only $18 a night make Hostal Tunich Naj an absolute steal.

Alternatively, search for accommodations on booking.com.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT CHICHÉN ITZÁ

With the Yucatán Peninsula being situated in the Caribbean, it is considered a year-round travel destination, enjoying excellent weather most of the time.

However, given that Chichén Itzá is one of seven new world wonders, visiting during the high season (November to March) means that you’ll be sharing the complex with a large number of other travellers.

If you somehow wish to avoid these crowds, I believe it’s better to plan your trip for the off-season months of October and April.

I visited late October and can say from first-hand experience that the weather was pleasant – plus there were an enjoyable amount of people at the complex.

Additionally, it is good to know that the Chichén Itzá complex is open to visitors every day of the year, meaning you have all the flexibility to visit on your own conditions.

BEST TIME OF DAY TO VISIT CHICHÉN ITZÁ

In my belief, it’s best to explore Chichén Itzá right after sunrise or in the late afternoon, especially if you’re into photography.

During these times, there will be significantly fewer people at the complex, the lighting is perfect for photography, while you’ll also avoid the sizzling heat that a visit in the middle of the day brings.

Every day, Chichén Itzá is open to visitors between 08:00 and 16:30.

The one thing I can’t stress enough is that a visit around lunch should be avoided at all costs.

It is generally known, that large groups and guided tours start arriving at Chichén Itzá around 10:00, meaning that it becomes pretty hectic at times.

Also, given that Mexican citizens have free entrance on Sunday, I suggest to try and plan your visit on another day – there is a great chance that Chichén Itzá is packed with locals on Sundays.

HOW TO GET TO CHICHÉN ITZÁ

For those that look to visit Chichén Itzá without taking part in a guided tour, be at ease, there are a number of excellent options available to visit independently.

The duration of the journey to Chichén Itzá is, however, highly dependent on two factors – your starting location, and the method of travel.

Personally, I believe it’s best to choose Valladolid as your base to visit Chichén Itzá. This lovely colonial town is only a short drive away from the complex, which makes it significantly easier to beat the crowds.

If you’re keen to visit Chichén Itzá during sunrise, it is worth noting that Quintana Roo (Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum) is an hour ahead of Chichén Itzá during the peak months of October to April.

Below is my take on the options to get to Chichén Itzá independently, including the ins and outs.

BY CAR | In my view, the best way to uncover Yucatán is by car, this is clearly also the case if you’re thinking of visiting Chichén Itzá.

In the matter of fact, the Yucatán Peninsula has excellent roads throughout and is the perfect size to navigate by car, making it a perfect destination for an adventuresome road trip.

In terms of parking, the Chichén Itzá complex caters to the many visitors that it draws daily, and at the moment of writing, the parking fee in 2024 is only 60 MXN ($3.50) for the day.

One word of caution, on your way to Chichén Itzá you’ll pass several toll roads. For that reason, make sure you have enough cash at hand.

For car rental in Yucatán, I would strongly recommend Rentalcars.com. They offer excellent service, additional insurance, and a wide selection of cars, all at an affordable price. More information, rates and availability here.

BY BUS | One of the easiest ways to get to Chichén Itzá is by making use of the ADO buses. This excellent service is extremely popular among locals and travellers alike, and that’s for a great reason.

Not only are the ADO busses comfortable, airconditioned and clean, but they also service the major tourist places in Yucatán, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid, and Mérida.

If you’re looking to visit Chichén Itzá by bus, I’d recommend booking your tickets online, and in advance, especially during the peak months.

For online tickets, availability, departures, and additional travel information, visit the ADO website.

BY COLECTIVO | ONLY FROM VALLADOLID | Another great option, and the one that I used for my visit to Chichén Itzá is a Colectivo, a small shared minivan that is perfect for independent travellers on a budget.

Do note that this budget-friendly option is only available for those planning to visit from Valladolid.

Local Colectivos leave Calle 46 every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 18:00, meaning you can arrive at Chichén Itzá prior to the people that take part in a guided tour.

In general, the colectivo’s leave when they’re completely full. A one-way journey will cost around 35 MXN ($1.65) per person, and should take roughly 45 minutes.

SAFETY IN YUCATAN | TRAVEL INSURANCE

While Yucatan is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

World Nomads | If you’re an adventure seeker, backpacker, or planning your once-in-a-lifetime world trip, make sure you check out World Nomads, they designed the perfect travel insurance to help you travel safer and smarter. Do note that they’re not covering COVID-19-related claims.