Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza
4.5
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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08:00 - 17:00
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
08:00 - 17:00
About
Chichén Itzá is one of Mexico’s most important cultural landmarks, famous for its treasure trove of pre-Columbian architecture and artifacts. Dating back nearly 1,500 years, the archaeological city was built with the iconic pyramid of Kukulcán at its center, the greatest symbol of Mayan society and an important astronomical and mathematical achievement.
Book a day tour from the cities of Cancun or Mérida to be guided through the site while learning about the magnificence of Mayan culture. Alternatively, you can catch an early morning colectivo (minibus) from the town of Valladolid to self-tour and beat the heat and for fewer crowds. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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from €59.81
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4.5
26,053 reviews
Excellent
18,198
Very good
5,713
Average
1,455
Poor
433
Terrible
255
Jill H
Williamsville, United States101 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
The site is absolutely breathtaking. Although climbing the pyramids is forbidden, you can see how treacherous it could be. The site is quite large and to take it all in, you must spend several hours there. It is well worth the visit.
Written 25 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GBJ-Cookies
South Shields, UK1,507 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Our ship had docked in Cozumel for the day, so it was a half hour boat ride followed by a two hour bus journey to these ancient Mayan ruins. There is a few shops/restaurants in the reception area and countless number of stalls on the path to the ruins.
The site is evenly spread out and when we visited the place was not too busy. Our guide gave us a 45 minute tour and then some free time for pictures, a quick toilet break then back on our bus for the return trip to the ship.
This was one for the bucket list so when the chance arose to see it we couldn't resist, but in hindsight we wished we could have had a more leisurely visit.
The site is evenly spread out and when we visited the place was not too busy. Our guide gave us a 45 minute tour and then some free time for pictures, a quick toilet break then back on our bus for the return trip to the ship.
This was one for the bucket list so when the chance arose to see it we couldn't resist, but in hindsight we wished we could have had a more leisurely visit.
Written 24 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MartynO123
United Kingdom10 contributions
Mar 2023
Not as impressive as Tikal nor some Mayan sites in Belize but compact and interesting. It would have been more interesting without the guide who insisted on banging on about the "upper class" and "working class" as if such terms existed then. He kept on and on about it when he should have left his politics at home and informed us better. Guides cost MX$1000 for about an hour; they skive off as soon as they can. Use a guide book instead. Admission at US$28 is steep and the place is marred by endless stands selling the same tourist tat. There is peace to be found away from the Castillo and the ruins are impressive in places. Avoid all the hype about the Cenotes there- just a couple of overgrown holes with green water.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martina B
Petersfield, UK23 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Guided tours are 1000 peso and can be shared, 5 of us paid 200 each for about and hour.
Our guide was constantly going on about the “Ruling Class” and the “Working Class”. The history of the Mayan culture was a bit lost in the negative attitude towards the Upper class! I had read a lot before going there and didn’t learn much from the experience which was disappointing! If you have read up before going you don’t really need a guide! About 3-4 hours is a good amount of time to explore. The echoes are amazing and you will see people clapping to demonstrate the phenomenon.
Our guide was constantly going on about the “Ruling Class” and the “Working Class”. The history of the Mayan culture was a bit lost in the negative attitude towards the Upper class! I had read a lot before going there and didn’t learn much from the experience which was disappointing! If you have read up before going you don’t really need a guide! About 3-4 hours is a good amount of time to explore. The echoes are amazing and you will see people clapping to demonstrate the phenomenon.
Written 20 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ClunkNebbermorth
Cardiff, UK448 contributions
Feb 2023
It's a fabulous place to visit, but crowded. We left Merida at 8-00 and got there at 10--00, but we should have left earlier. The queue to pay was a bit chaotic and seems you need 2 tickets, but you need to go to 2 counters! Then there is security, and they nearly didn't let me in because they deiced that one of my camera lenses was too professional!
Overall, the management of the site is poor with shambolic parking. Considering how significant the place is on the world stage, not just Mexico, it needs sorting out - Mont St Michel is eqully fabulous and is much better organised! It's not cheap either!
That apart, the place is definitley special and well worth visiting. Just go as early as you can!
Overall, the management of the site is poor with shambolic parking. Considering how significant the place is on the world stage, not just Mexico, it needs sorting out - Mont St Michel is eqully fabulous and is much better organised! It's not cheap either!
That apart, the place is definitley special and well worth visiting. Just go as early as you can!
Written 19 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tampaite
Tampa, FL93 contributions
Mar 2023
We rented a car at the Cancun airport and on the day of the trip, had a quick breakfast at the hotel and left around 7am. It takes about 3 hrs on 180D(toll road) and very easy drive with hardly any vehicles.
We reached the Chichen Itza area around 10am and beware that, lot of guides will try to cajole you into buying their services well before you get to parking.
You pay for parking and then walk into the main entrance where they collect two fees(one is for federal govt and another state govt), they do accept credit cards and you can hire official guides at the entrance or choose to go with group tours.
They do check your bags and on-site they have a restuarant, restrooms and currency exchange(rates are bad)
We skipped hiring a guide and wandered around on our own.
El Castillo is a wonder - to imagine they built this place in the middle of a jungle, hats off to Mayan Engineering skills.
You do come back with Qs - as to why this location was chosen, why not closer to beach and what happened to all the people that built and lived near it.
It takes 2-3 hours and do visit the sacred cenote which is right across El Castillo(take a photo of the overview of the map) and at the end they have a shop where you can purchase cold drinks/ice cream bars etc
Watch videos from 1990s where they allow people to climb - wish they bring it back or maybe have an option to pay to climb
We didn't purchase any souvenirs since we had planned to purchase them at a local market in cancun but do purchase if you are running short of time.
Apparently, there is a light show for nighttime but unsure if it was availble.
Make sure you go during the week since Sundays are most crowded.
As always, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are a MUST.
We reached the Chichen Itza area around 10am and beware that, lot of guides will try to cajole you into buying their services well before you get to parking.
You pay for parking and then walk into the main entrance where they collect two fees(one is for federal govt and another state govt), they do accept credit cards and you can hire official guides at the entrance or choose to go with group tours.
They do check your bags and on-site they have a restuarant, restrooms and currency exchange(rates are bad)
We skipped hiring a guide and wandered around on our own.
El Castillo is a wonder - to imagine they built this place in the middle of a jungle, hats off to Mayan Engineering skills.
You do come back with Qs - as to why this location was chosen, why not closer to beach and what happened to all the people that built and lived near it.
It takes 2-3 hours and do visit the sacred cenote which is right across El Castillo(take a photo of the overview of the map) and at the end they have a shop where you can purchase cold drinks/ice cream bars etc
Watch videos from 1990s where they allow people to climb - wish they bring it back or maybe have an option to pay to climb
We didn't purchase any souvenirs since we had planned to purchase them at a local market in cancun but do purchase if you are running short of time.
Apparently, there is a light show for nighttime but unsure if it was availble.
Make sure you go during the week since Sundays are most crowded.
As always, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are a MUST.
Written 18 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JBirch2023
7 contributions
Mar 2023
I visited Chichen Itza by car, arriving at 8:30am and leaving around lunch time (12:30pm). It's best to go early to beat the heat and the crowds. Parking is free, and I was able to hire a guide quite easily near the entrance. Know what to expect: there is an entry fee and there are tons of vendors selling souvenirs throughout the ruins/sites. If you go early, like I did, they will likely still be setting up their booths/tables until 10ish, so you can walk around and explore the area without being tempted to stop and shop. I'd love to go back again one day.
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lucianotelman
Curitiba, PR5 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Its an incredible historic cenario but is far away from Cancun and you can't stays for too loong as the temperature is to hot. When we visited is was 37 degrees.
Written 7 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nancy g
19 contributions
Feb 2023
We took the “express tour” with Adventures Cancun, and had a fabulous experience! Tour Guide Freddy was knowledgeable, entertaining and we received lots of water/snacks. Loved arriving early in the day, bypassing lineups and leaving before it became too hot in the day! Delicious lunch with entertainment was included!
There are lots of vendors throughout the grounds!
There are lots of vendors throughout the grounds!
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karen P
Anchorage, AK6 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Beautiful and amazed at the structure of the ruins! So big! Just beautiful! A must see! It is very hot here I recommend wearing light clothing a sun hat or umbrella. Wear comfortable shoe’s. They have a restaurant and shops and a Starbucks if you want cold drinks. I used a backpack. They won’t let you bring food into the ruins, you have to go through security and they check your bags. They wouldn’t let my son bring his leftovers into the ruins sight, they made him throw it away. There are many tables of people selling their souvenirs and you can bargain! I did and got my price!
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nithya T
1 contribution
What is the ticket cost at the counter for adults & kids? Without any excursion or tour guide. Just for entrance and parking.
missjfoxx
New York City, NY125 contributions
The website says the below, however, I was on a day tour with other stops for $120usd We got there mid-day and it was crowded. Luckily for us, it started raining and people left so we had it all to ourselves. Word of advice the vendors are super aggressive and you can find the same souvenir cheaper elsewhere.
General Admission
Adults (13+): $613 MXN
Children: $90 MXN
Mexican Citizens: $272 MXN
Locals (Yucatan ID): $90 MXN
Enrique L
1 contribution
We are planning to visit Chichen Itzá this February. We have booked a hotel in Chichen Itzá. Are there tours that that pick you up and take you to all the sites? It seems that most tours are coming from Cancun. Our hotel is about 1.5 mile from the main entrance. We would like to go with a group.
jimbojim007
London, UK59 contributions
I also came from Cancun sorry
bibi_ngo
Manila, Philippines51 contributions
Are there any public buses I can take from just outisde Chichen Itza going to Cancun sometime around 12noon or 1pm?
Nikonpictures
Manchester, UK201 contributions
There is a big collection of buses and cars nearby, but not sure where they go. Sorry
Fionahbegg
London, UK20 contributions
My husband and I are wanting to visit Chichen Itza for a day but will have suitcases with us. Does anyone know if there is left luggage facilities?
My wife and I are staying in Cancun and want to take a trip to Chicken-Itza. We found and AirBNB in Piste. Looks legit over 250 reviews. Do you think it is safe for a tourist that does not speak the language to rent a car and drive from Cancun to Piste?
95Jacksonsmom
Colorado Springs, CO136 contributions
This is just an idea.. It's what I did in January 2022. I took a tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza. Then, instead of returning to Cancun, I stayed at Mayalands.
You can take a taxi to Piste from Mayalands. The down side is the taxi from Piste to Cancun is probably 200-300 dollars. I didn't want to pay that so I took a bus from near Piste to Cancun. It was cheap, but the bus station was a bit rough and not sure I'd do it if I didn't understand Spanish. All depends upon how much the rental car is.
Be careful of highway scams. I think there are tolls, too.
PeggySnanigan
Medina, OH4 contributions
Can you roam freely around the ruins and touch them? I know you can't climb the structures anymore but are you restricted in any other ways??
Cityzen1967
Eastbourne, UK18 contributions
They only allow 3000 people on the site at any one time so I would advise getting there early. Some of the structures you can touch but most are protected now, due to people putting graffiti on some of the stones.
Grasse M
Orlando, FL1 contribution
Recogen del hotel ?
Phil R
Kansas City, MO541 contributions
I answered in Spanish, but here's my answer in English. Wherever you stay, there's a tour company that will pick you up if you're happy paying for it. I was in Merida, and they also have public buses that run to Merida. You can also take a taxi. Chichen Itza is closer to Merida than it is to Cancun. I had my own rental car, and the drive was easy and safe on good roads. However you decide to get there it is worth the effort. At the front gate they have tour guides that speak various languages. I suggest that you spend a few dollars on one. It helps the experience.
Veronica
26 contributions
Does anyone know if the private entrance to chichen itza from Mayaland has reopened? Also has the night show at chichen itza resumed? Thanks
Mindy A
17 contributions
We were there last week and that entrance was not open. I do not know about the night show. Many of he light posts had been removed though.
Aaron323
Houston, TX66 contributions
A family member is having surgery about a month before going to Cancun. If she takes a day trip to Chicen Itsa, will she be expected to climb a lot of stairs?
Mindy A
17 contributions
No stairs, but very busy and a lot of walking. Ek Balam is the only Mayan ruin in the area that can be climbed on.
Buenas quiero saber si pagan entrada las personas con discapacidad, gracias
Zidane Zeraoui
Monterrey, Mexico1,006 contributions
No tengo el dato sobre si las personas descapacitadas pagan o no. Lo lamento.
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Chichen Itza
Frequently Asked Questions about Chichen Itza
- Chichen Itza is open:
- Sun - Sat 08:00 - 17:00
- Chichen Itza admission prices can vary. Entrance tickets currently cost €59.75, while a popular guided tour starts around €6.43 per person. See all 294 Chichen Itza tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Chichen Itza can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 294 Chichen Itza tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Chichen Itza:
- (0.54 km) The Lodge at Chichen Itza
- (0.50 km) Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows
- (0.81 km) Hacienda Chichen Resort
- (0.85 km) Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza
- (2.14 km) Hotel Chichen Itza
- Restaurants near Chichen Itza:
- (0.27 km) Taco Maya By Oxtun
- (0.31 km) We Proudly Serve Starbucks Chichén Itzá
- (0.52 km) Hotel & Bungalows Mayaland - Buffet Restaurant
- (0.51 km) Mural
- (0.80 km) Hacienda Chichen
- Attractions near Chichen Itza:
- (0.02 km) Temple of the Bearded Man
- (0.04 km) Xichen by Xcaret
- (0.05 km) Chichen Itza Noche de Kukulkan
- (0.05 km) The Red House Chichanchob
- (0.08 km) Flavio's Tours