Visiting Chichen Itza In Mexico | Stories by Soumya

Visiting Chichen Itza Mexico: 18 Best Things To Do And The Ultimate Travel Guide


Last Updated on January 29, 2024 by Soumya

Visiting Chichen Itza on your next trip to Mexico and need the best tips? Looking for the best things to do in Chichen Itza and nearby? Wondering how to get to Chichen Itza?

Well, I have just the perfect Chichen Itza travel guide for you where I have answered all your questions plus some more.

Chichen Itza is one of the largest Mayan ruins in the Yucatan peninsula and also one of Mexico’s most incredible world heritage sites. It was named a World Wonder in 2007.

Of all the wonderful things to do in Mexico, if ever I had to pick just one it would always be visiting Chichen Itza. Filled with ancient stories, intriguing fact, and lots of history, Chichen Itza is every heritage lover’s dream destination.

This ultimate travel guide will help you with everything that you need to plan your visit to Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula including the best things to see in Chichen Itza, how to get there, best times to go, tickets, recommended tours, and other logistics.


Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this post. This will be at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links help me keep this website up and running. Thanks for your support!


Ultimate travel guide to visiting Chichen Itza Mexico

The ultimate travel guide to visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico. Things to do, how to get to Chichen Itza, the best tours to take, best time to visit, and so much more.

A brief history of Chichen Itza, Mexico

Chichen Itza is an ancient city located in central Yucatan in Mexico. It was founded around 600 AD and was one of the most important centers of the Mayan Civilization.

The name Chichen Itza literally means “the mouth of the well” or the “city by the sacred cenote”.

According to Britannica, the buildings at Chichen Itza were built over a period of many years.

The earlier buildings were built by the Mayans in the Puuc style. These include the Church, the Nunnery, and the Red House – all in the Osario Complex.

The latter buildings were built by the Toltecs, who invaded Chichen Itza in the 9th and 10th centuries. These include the Main Pyramid, the El Castilo, and the Ball Court – all in the Great North Platform.

Interactive map of Chichen Itza attractions

Interactive map of the best things to do in Chichen Itza
Click on the interactive map to access directions to all the best places to visit in Chichen Itza.

The above interactive map of Chichen Itza gives you walking trails and directions within the archaeological park so that you can figure your own best way to see Chichen Itza. Click here to access the directions on Google Maps.

If you are looking for a pdf version of the Chichen Itza map, you can download one on the official website here.

Now, let’s get started with all that you can see at Chichen Itza. If you are only looking for practical information to plan your Chichen Itza visit, feel free to skip to my section on logistics.

Best things to do at Chichen Itza

Wondering what to do in Chichen Itza? Let me tell you there’s lots to see and soak in.

The archaeological site of Chichen Itza is filled with ancient Mayan ruins that cover more than 2.5 square miles of area. 

Of course, it is not possible to see all of them in one visit. So, I have curated this list of THE BEST CHICHEN ITZA ATTRACTIONS.

Pro tip: In this post, I have classified the monuments into two broad groups – the Great North Platform and the Osario Group

If you look at the map above, you will notice that the Great North Platform is marked in yellow whereas the Osario Group is highlighted in purple.

This classification helps me understand the layout better every time I visit Chichen Itza. Hope it helps you too. 

The Great North Platform

This group includes the main pyramid or El Castillo and occupies the northern side of the Chichen Itza archaeological complex. This is usually the most visited part of the complex, hence more crowded.

El Castillo or Temple of Kukulkan

Temple of Kukulkan | Stories by Soumya
The Temple of Kukulkan – A must-see while visiting Chichen Itza.

El Castillo or the temple of Kukulkan (Mayan Serpent God) is the main Mayan pyramid located at the center of a vast open court. It is the most iconic landmark of the entire Chichen Itza ensemble.

The temple is a Mesoamerican step pyramid and consists of 9 square terraces. You’ll see sculptures of Mayan Plumed Snake God, Kukulkan, near the stairs.

The Temple of Kukulkan is a strong testimonial to Mayan love for astronomy. Each of the 4 sides consists of 91 steps which added together with the temple pediment make it 365, the number of days in a year.

Also, this pyramid does not stand alone. Within it are nested two smaller pyramids exactly like the Russian matroyshka dolls.

El Castillo is sacred because every year, during equinoxes, Kukulkan descends on the stairs of this very pyramid. Find out how in my article about Chichen Itza facts.

The Castillo is where the light and sound show happens at night. Starts around 8:00pm in summers and 7:00pm in winters. Here’s the official website where you can book tickets to the Chichen Itza Light and Sound Show. 

Temple of Warriors

Temple of Warriors at Chichen Itza | Stories by Soumya
A must-have on your Chichen Itza bucket list – The Temple of Warriors.

Located right next to El Castillo, the Temple of Warriors is another impressive structure in the Chichen Itza complex. It is named after the warrior carvings that adorn the columns surrounding it.

This temple is also a stepped pyramid and was built by Toltec conquerors in the 10th century.

A statue of Chac Mool – the Mayan Rain God – sits on top of this temple. Chac Mool is sitting in a reclining position with a bowl on its tummy. Some believe this bowl was where the hearts of sacrificial victims were placed as offerings. 

Plaza of a Thousand Columns

Plaza of a Thousand Columns

This plaza is located to the south of the Temple of Warriors and is one of the most interesting things to add to your Chichen Itza visit.

Believed to have been built between 900 – 1200 CE, these columns once housed large meeting halls, the city market, a steam bath, other civic and religious structures.

The columns were probably covered by a thatched roof of some sort to provide protection from rain and sun. They were adorned in colorful and attractive stucco and decorated with Chaac masks. 

Temple of the Great Tables

Located right next to the Warriors Temple, the Temple of the Great Tables is named so because of multiple tiers that give it the shape of a stepped pyramid. 

In front of the temple, you’ll find a stone frieze that displays a procession of jaguars walking among trees and spears. The frieze was once colored in Mayan blue and shades of red and yellow. You can still see some remains of it. 

Platform of Venus

Venus Platform at Chichen Itza

One of the underrated structures in the ruins of Chichen Itza, the Venus Platform, held great significance in its heyday. 

It was probably used as a place to worship planet Venus, who the Mayans tracked extensively in their astronomical laboratory at El Caracol. Or maybe it was a shrine for Chac Mool, the Mayan Rain God because his stone sculpture was found on this platform.

You’ll see intricate carvings of jaguars, eagles, and serpents all over the walls. 

Great Ball Court or Gran Huego de Pelota

One of the most interesting things to do in Chichen Itza is to pay a visit to the Great Ball Court, located on the northwestern side of the complex.

This is one of the largest and most preserved ancient ball courts anywhere in the world. The court is built in the shape of an I and has sloping side walls. There is a temple at each end.

Mayans regularly played ball games here, especially ones that were part of religious rituals. 

Mind you, these games were no fun. At the end of the day the loser was sacrificed at the altar and his skull hung up for everyone to see!

Great Ball Court and Temple of Bearded Man at Chichen Itza Mexico
The Great Ball Court and the Temple of the Bearded Man at the far end of the court.

Temple of the Bearded Man

You’ll find the Temple of the Bearded Man at one end of the Ball Court. 

It is a curious structure because it looks very different from the other monuments at Chichen Itza. And that’s because it introduces a new architectural style in the Chichen Itza ensemble – the slope and the vertical walls. 

The temple has several amazing reliefs on the back wall depicting the deity Kukulkan, priests, and warriors. 

Skull Rack or Tzompantli

Probably the most gruesome thing to see at Chichen Itza is the Tzompantli or the Skull Rack. And it was actually a rack for displaying the skulls of decapitated humans! 

Located right by the Great Ball Court, the skull rack was where ballgame losers would be beheaded and their heads hanged. The same happened with humans who were sacrificed at religious altars.

Skull rack
The skull rack at Chichen Itza, Mexico.

Eagles and Jaguars Platform

Between the Skull Rack and the Temple of Venus, lies a small platform that speaks lots about life, war, and rituals of the Mayan era. This is the Platform of Eagles and Jaguars.

It is a small pyramid (built in Mayan + Toltec styles) with its balustrades capped off by images of the descending serpent, Kukulkan. On the walls, you will see several carvings. The most intriguing carvings are the ones of eagles and jaguars viciously holding on to human hearts. 

Eagles represent skilled archers whereas jaguars stand for warriors who were adept in hand-to-hand combat. These warriors were also responsible for bringing back losers and sacrificing them at Chichen Itza altars. That’s why they are holding on to hearts in the carvings. 

Sacred Cenote or Cenote Sagrado

Also known as the Cenote of Sacrifices, the Sacred Cenote forms an important part of the whole Chichen Itza ensemble. However, it is often missed because of its offbeat location. If you look at the Chichen Itza map here, you’ll see the cenote on top right (to the northeast of the Great North Platform).

The Sacred Cenote was used for numerous religious and sacrificial rites that took place on-site between 800-1500 CE. Hundreds of historical artifacts, human bones, and remains were found here.

The Osario Group

This group includes the Osario pyramid and the rounded observatory and occupies the southern end of the complex.

The Osario

The Osario or the Ossuary is a smaller pyramid that was probably used for burial purposes. At the top of the pyramid, there is an opening that leads to a cave that once had seven burial chambers. It is also called the High Priest’s Grave.

Red House or Casa Colorada

Casa Colorada or the Red House or the Chichanchob is a highlight of the Osario Group. The building gets its name from the red color that once adorned the interior walls of the building. Apparently, the Red House was used as a local hospital where Mayans were treated and healed using natural medicines.

Deer House or Casa del Venado

This partially broken house once had the carving of a deer. But that is no longer visible.

What we can say for sure is that the Deer House was part of a residential complex like the Red House.

Cenote Xtoloc

Another cenote in the complex, Cenote Xtoloc is named after a common iguana. Unlike the Sacred Cenote which was used for sacrificial purposes, Xtoloc was used as a water storage tank. 

Nearby, there is a temple that has carvings of people and nature. The temple was probably used for religious ceremonies. 

Mayan Observatory at El Caracol

Observatory at Chichen Itza | Stories by Soumya
Image by Andreas Schau from Pixabay.

El Caracol is the rounded Mayan observatory that dates back to the early 10th century. 

Here, the ancient Mayans carried out astronomical observations that were crucial to agriculture and religious festivities. 

Las Monjas or The Nuns Ensemble or The Nunnery

The Nuns Ensemble is at the southern end of the complex and literally the last stop on your Chichen Itza tour. 

The Nunnery is actually an ensemble of several buildings, each with several rooms. This reminded the Spanish conquistadors of their convents and nunneries. Hence, the name stuck. 

Highlights at Las Monjas include lintel inscriptions (one of them dates the structure to the 9th century), Puuc-style murals, and stone mosaics. 

La Iglesia or The Church

The church is part of the Nuns complex and has elaborate carvings of masks and faces all over it. 

Cenotes near Chichen Itza

Cenote Ik Kil is the most famous cenote near Chichen Itza. Given its natural beauty and proximity to the ruins of Chichen Itza, Ik Kil is hugely popular among tourists. You can get a taxi from Chichen Itza to Ik Kil for $5.

There are other cenotes near Chichen Itza such as Yokdzonot Cenote, Cenote Saamal, Chihuán Cenote, and the Sacred Cenote.

The Sacred Cenote is right inside the archaeological park of Chichen Itza and was a place for sacrificial rituals during the Mayan times. You are not allowed to swim here.

Best time to visit Chichen Itza

The best time to visit Chichen Itza is early in the morning (check out this special sunrise tour with amazing reviews) or later in the day when crowds are sparse. 

The busiest time in Chichen Itza is between 11:00am – 2:00pm because that is when bus loads of tourists start arriving from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Sundays are also busy because Mexicans can enter for free on Sundays.

The best months to visit Chichen Itza are between March – May because temperatures are mild and there is not much rain. Also, because it is the shoulder season, you’ll get better deals in accommodation/tours/flights. 

Winters are more comfortable in terms of weather but everywhere in the Yucatan Peninsula is crowded at the time. That is because winters are literally the best time to visit Cancun and every other place in this part of the world. If you don’t mind crowds, then winter works great.  

Chac Mool and Iguana - a common sight while visiting Chichen Itza
Chac Mool statues and Iguana – a common sight to see when visiting Chichen Itza.

How to get to Chichen Itza?

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited places in the Yucatan Peninsula. No doubt, there are several ways to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and everywhere else in Riviera Maya.

However, I highly recommend staying close by in the colorful city of Valladolid (just an hour away from the ruins) and doing a day trip to Chichen Itza. It will save you some precious sleep and you do not have to spend hours on the road.

Chichen Itza from Cancun

The ruins of Chichen Itza are about 3 hours away from Cancun each way. Still, Chichen Itza is one of the most popular Cancun day trips. You’ll have to leave pretty early if you wish to get to the archaeological site when the gates open at 8:00am in the morning.

You can get to Chichen Itza from Cancun by bus, taxi, car, or guided tour. Taxi is the most expensive option.

You can drive to Chichen Itza if you have your own car. Rent a car here.

ADO buses depart at 8:45am everyday from Cancun and get you to Chichen Itza in 3 hours. There’s a bus back to Cancun from Chichen Itza at 4:30pm, so be sure you don’t miss that one.

It is easy to pick a Chichen Itza guided tour from Cancun because there are so many great options to choose from. One of my favorites (also one with the best reviews) is this early access tour that includes Cenote Saamal and lunch.

Chichen Itza from Valladolid

Chichen Itza is just an hour away from Valladolid, Mexico. 

You can get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid by car, ADO bus, taxi, tour, and colectivo. Colectivo is the cheapest option and you’ll find frequent colectivos departing from the stand 

ADO buses are great but not that frequent. If you plan to rent a car, be sure to do it in Cancun or Tulum, because you won’t find many rental options in Valladolid.

I just finished writing an entire post on how to get to Chichen Itza from Valladolid. Be sure to read it before planning your trip. 

If you are looking for a great guided tour option from Valladolid, here’s a highly-rated full-day tour that includes Chichen Itza ruins, a lesser-known cenote, and the Yellow City of Izamal.

Parking at Chichen Itza

If you are arriving in Chichen Itza by car, remember that parking is available right next to the entrance and costs about 80 MXN ($4) per car.

Practical information for visiting Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza ruins

Chichen Itza opening hours

The archaeological site of Chichen Itza is open every day of the year between 8:00am – 5:00pm. Last entrance is at 4:00pm.

Depending on your interest in Mayan history and architecture, you can spend anywhere between 2 hours to a day exploring the ruins.

If you stay in the nearby town of Valladolid (just an hour away with some amazing accommodation options) and start really early in the morning, then you can try and fit in another smaller Mayan ruin, such as Ek Balam, along with your visit to Chichen Itza. This highly-recommend full-day tour helps you see Chichen Itza and Ek Balam together.

Chichen Itza entrance fee

Tickets to visit the archaeological site of Chichen Itza are split into two components – access charge + general admission fee that is paid to the local state government.

Access charge for Chichen Itza is 85 MXN. General admission for foreigners is 486 MXN and for Mexicans is 168 MXN.

In summary, Chichen Itza entrance fee is 571 MXN ($28) for foreigners and 253 MXN ($12.5) for Mexicans. Mexicans can enter for free on Sundays.

Video cameras are charged for separately.

Admission charges change very frequently. Always good to check the official website for the latest charges before visiting.

Tickets to heritage sites in the state of Yucatan always have steep prices when compared to other sites such as Teotihuacan near Mexico City. That is because of the significant state government component which is called general admission, as we have discussed above.

Chichen Itza guided tours

Depending on your choice, you can either do a self-guided or guided tour of Chichen Itza.

Personally, I always prefer to take guided tours of archaeological sites. Guides, inevitably, add personal theories and local myths to their narratives which makes the experience even more thrilling.

There are tonnes of tour options available in the market. Some of them combine a lot of other places such as Valladolid, Coba, Ek Balam, and many cenotes together. Doing a lot in a day can be tiring. So, make sure you choose carefully.

  • This eco-certified full-day tour includes a tour of Chichen Itza, a dip in Cenote Saamal followed by delicious lunch and stroll around the magical city of Valladolid. Guests love the guides and the seamless planning. Check out some amazing reviews here.
  • On this GetYourGuide exclusive, early-access tour, you’ll be one of the first to enter the gates of Chichen Itza and see the ruins without the crowds, swim in Saamal Cenote, and enjoy a buffet lunch. This is one of the best Chichen Itza tours in the market.

If you wish to add in one more Mayan ruin to your day (though I would recommend one complete day for visiting Chichen Itza alone), then try these tours.

  • This small-group tour includes early access to Chichen Itza, followed by swimming in a cenote, and ending the day at the ruins of Ek Balam.
  • On this guided tour from Cancun, you will discover two fascinating Mayan sites on the same day – Chichen Itza and Coba. You’ll also get a chance to swim in Cenote Ik Kil.
Stone carvings at Chichen Itza

Best tips for visiting Chichen Itza

  • Go early in the morning or later in the day to avoid the crowds and the sun.
  • Get a guided tour online or hire a tour guide at the site so that you can get some interesting insights into the history of Chichen Itza. A guide will tell you exactly where to clap so that you can listen to the song of a sacred Mayan bird and many more interesting Chichen Itza facts.
  • Stay in Valladolid and visit Chichen Itza from there. You’ll get here earlier than the tourists from Cancun or anywhere else in Riviera Maya. 
  • Do not miss the monuments in the Osario Complex. There are some hidden gems waiting for you there.
  • Tripods aren’t allowed at the historic site. Do not carry them with you.
  • Carry lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat. Wear light, cotton clothes and good walking shoes.
  • There are several toilets at the main entrance plus a few behind the main pyramid if you need them.
  • If you are traveling to another destination from Chichen Itza, then you can use lockers available at the entrance gate to store your luggage.

Chichen Itza Travel Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit Chichen Itza on my own?

Yes, you can visit Chichen Itza on your own. You can get to Chichen Itza either by colectivo, ADO bus, or car and see the ruins on your own without a tour guide. 

Is it worth visiting Chichen Itza?

It is absolutely worth visiting Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Chichen Itza is home to the magical El Castillo where the Mayan Serpent God descends every year, a massive ball court with some gory history, and several ancient structures that tell us tons about Mayan life and culture. 

Can you visit Chichen Itza for free?

Yes, you can visit Chichen Itza for free on Sundays only if you are a citizen of Mexico. Otherwise, you cannot visit Chichen Itza for free. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 571 MXN ($28) to access the heritage site of Chichen Itza.

Can you still climb the pyramid in Chichen Itza?

No, you cannot climb the pyramid in Chichen Itza anymore. It was open to climbing until 2006 when a woman slipped and died on her way down. 

Why are you not allowed to climb Chichen Itza?

You are not allowed to climb Chichen Itza because the stairs have turned too slippery after centuries of wear and tear. In 2006, a woman slipped and fell (and died) while climbing down the pyramid after which Chichen Itza has been closed for climbing.

How much time do you need in Chichen Itza?

You need a minimum of 2-3 hours to explore the Great North Platform, the Osario Group, and the two cenotes of Chichen Itza. The duration can easily go up to 4-5 hours if you choose to linger (which I am sure you will) at one or all of these monuments. 

Do you need a guide for Chichen Itza?

No, you do not need a guide for Chichen Itza. You can easily explore the ruins on your own especially if you are equipped with a comprehensive Chichen Itza travel guide like the one that you are reading now. 

Conclusion

Chichen Itza is one of the most visited places in the Yucatan Peninsula and it is definitely one of Mexico’s best. It is one of my favorite historical destinations in the world.

While planning your trip to Mexico, be sure reserve at least a day for Chichen Itza and the cenotes nearby so that you do not miss out on the fun.

Experience more of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Read our posts on
Yucatan Peninsula | From visiting the mighty Chichen Itza to roaming the streets of a colonial town, there are many wonderful things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Chichen Itza | Grab this ultimate guide to visiting Chichen Itza. Or read some surprising facts about Chichen Itza before your trip.
Mayan Ruins | Visit some lesser-known Mayan ruins near Cancun or check out some of the magnificent pyramids of Yucatan.

Loved our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Chichen Itza? Pin it for later!

Visiting Chichen Itza, Mexico? Wondering what to do at Chichen Itza? Here's an epic Chichen Itza travel guide that has the best things to do in Chichen Itza, best time to visit, how to get there, and lots of Chichen Itza travel tips. #ChichenItza #Mexico

Soumya is an acclaimed travel writer who has traveled to 30+ countries and lived in 8 while pursuing her passion for history and culture. Her writings have been published in BBC Travel, Architectural Digest, National Herald, and many more. She loves exploring world heritage sites and has a deep affinity for everything ancient, especially the lost civilizations of Mesoamerica!

56 thoughts on “Visiting Chichen Itza Mexico: 18 Best Things To Do And The Ultimate Travel Guide

  1. I would love to visit Mexico one day as it has so many ancient ruins, unique culture, food and beautiful nature. Your post on Chichen Itza is very informative about when to visit, first timer tips, and how to reach here. The Plaza of a Thousand Columns looks very interesting to me. I never knew that Mayans were great in observatory and therefore visiting ancient observatory would also be very interesting. It must be interesting to see all those ancient ruins which depicts the lifestyle of Mayans.

    1. Yes, Yukti. The Mayans were great astronomers. It was truly interesting to see these age-old monuments with traces of life from centuries ago.

  2. Such an in-depth guide of Chichen Itza. When planning to visit somewhere new I always look for the must-know details (operating hours, how to get there, admission, etc.). I would love to visit the ruins someday and hope to when visiting Mexico.

    1. Yes, the must-know details are key when planning the trip. Especially in a new country. Hope this guide helps you when you are visiting Chichen Itza.

  3. I love ancient ruins and the The Plaza of a Thousand Columns sound very interesting,. It’s a very grisly end at A Huge Ball Court, being decapitated just for losing. Thanks for the advise with using a guided tour for this visit to Chichen Itza, I would also agree in most cases it’s best for a guided tour too, the knowledge the guide has is invaluable.

    1. Agree. Earlier, I never hired a local guide. I would try to figure out things on my own. But local guides always come with tonnes of local folklore, myths, interesting connections – all of which can take the tour to a completely different level.

  4. I’m actually heading to Mexico tomorrow so this was a really fun read! Unfortunately, I won’t be anywhere near Chichen Itza which is on my bucket list. The Temple of Skulls sounds frigentning.. but I would still be fascinated by it.

    1. I am sorry you are not able to visit the Chichen Itza this time. Hopefully soon. It has so many components, interesting and fascinating at the same time!

  5. I first read about this place many years ago as world’s one of the most mysterious places. Among the places I want to visit, I would also love a trip to Tulum. Not related but these are top two places in Mexico for me.

  6. I first went to Chichen Itza 45 years ago. Back then, we could climb all over the ruins and there was hardly anyone there. We were recently nearby with our kids in Valladolid, very near to Chichen Itza, and had to decide whether we would brave the crowds or go to another Maya ruin. We ended up not going and now, I wish we had. Your article is very informative and I love the photos.

    1. Sometimes I feel the same too, Nicole. Everything is just so overcrowded now. But it is good that they have stopped climbing on the Chichen Itza. Hope you can get their again with your kids.

  7. Great information Soumya, I’ve seen so many pictures of Chichen Itza but have never read the history in detail like this. It seems there are so many different archaeological sites in the area, not just the famous pyramid. Imagine being decapitated for losing a ball game – harsh!

    1. That’s true Freya. The ruins of Chichen Itza are so much more than just the pyramid. While the pyramid is iconic and has been eulogized, I feel the other monuments deserve so much more.

  8. We visited Chichen Itza the last year they let people go to the top. I am not a fan of heights, but I went up anyway. I’m glad I did. Really great pictures and interesting post too. I’ve been to Mayan Ruins in other places and they all have such close similarities, but a few differences too.

    1. Really? I thought Chichen Itza was closed to climbing. No one was allowed to go up the last time we went which was a couple of years ago. Have they reinforced the structure or something? It can get dangerous otherwise.

  9. Wow, this looks like something. Has made me intrigued around Mayan architecture. The meaning, mouth of the well got me thinking. The sculptures of snakes sounds like Indian architecture.The Plaza of a Thousand columns and Skull Temple make it sound all the more interesting. Loved every detail. Great pictures.

    1. Thanks, Manjulika. Chichen Itza hides so many mysteries underneath. It would be amazing to discover all of them.

  10. These are great tips on enjoying Chichen Itza. I think I did everything wrong – from going when it was too hot, too late in the day, etc. My biggest regret was not taking a guided tour. Great to know that you take an ADO bus and that there are lockers for big bags.

    1. I realised that a guided tour can make a great difference for all your experiences. And I would highly recommend one for Chichen Itza. Gives us a much finer perspective.

  11. I haven’t been in Mexico and I really want to visit Chichen Itza. It’s very historical and mythical for me. I love the structures and I really want to see real artifacts. I’ll definitely put it in my travel wish list.

    1. Chichen Itza is an absolute must-do on your Mexican itinerary. Hope you have a good time in Mexico.

  12. I visited Chichen Itza many years ago, on a very long bus ride from Cancun! This brings back such good memories and I’m happy to see that it looks exactly the same. I totally agree with going early in the morning, it was so so hot when we went mid afternoon! We were there in the summer and it got to be pretty unbearable after a while.

    1. Yeah, there are so many things that we wish we could have done differently. Going early in the day to Chichen Itza makes a lot of difference.

  13. Mexico has been on my travel list for so long. Mainly because of Chichen Itza and the Mayan Civilization. Thanks to this post now I have all the information I need to visit it. Loved the tup on how to get good pictures.

  14. This is high up in my wishlist! The Mayan Civilization is a very intriguing one and the Mayan Pyramids are just as fascinating as Egyptian ones!
    The architecture, massiveness and the science behind it is just mind blowing. The day we actually find out how the knew all the astronomy would be such a revelation and shock to mankind!!!

    1. Absolutely. Totally agree with your statements. Mayans were such great astronomers. They even designed the main pyramid to function as a huge calendar. Hats off to their ingenuity!

  15. Including Chichen Itza’s history is a nice touch to a very comprehensive article. I have long wanted to visit Chichen Itza and this guide further sparks my desire. The tips for when you go will be helpful during my trip planning.The complex reminds me of Angkor Wat. Both are beautiful and full of history!

  16. I would love to explore the Mayan ruins someday. What a detailed and vivid tour of the Chichen Itza. Temple of skull sounds gruesome indeed. Excellent photography as usual. I like your new logo!

    1. Thank you Sinjana for your kind words. Some more interesting facets of Chichen Itza apart from the platform of skulls coming up in my next post.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel.

Back To Top