




Hello there! We have just come back from Mexico, and Chichén-Ítza was definitely one of the best places we’ve ever visited. Called “one of the new seven wonders of the world”, Mayan ruins is a must visit when in Cancun. However, there are so many things that I was not aware of or couldn’t find when I was making preparations for the trip (I am a major planning nerd), so here is everything you need to know about Chichén-Ítza:
- From Cancun to Chichén-Ítza by car: freeway or tollway?
The difference is more or less 1.5 hours and 400 pesos one way. I would suggest using tollway: the money that you pay for the road will save you a lot of time that you can spend exploring the ruins. If you choose this option, make sure to bring enough cash with you. Also, keep in mind that Chichén-Ítza is open from 8 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., so 1.5 hours that you save by using tollway make a big difference after all. - Public parking or private entrance?
After you enter Yucatan, you will see a rest area with the information stand where the guides will tell you about the ruins, provide with a free map and talk about two options to enter Chichén-Ítza. There will be 1000 reasons to buy a private entrance package, BUT! I would suggest going for a free one, because: there is plenty of free parking spots availible, it took us 10 mins max in line to purchase tickets (we went on Saturday), and the free parking is way closer to the entrance than a paid one. Also, if you have a Mexican passport, you will save additional $$. - The cost:
The entry to the Mayan ruins is 242 pesos, and the price goes down to 162 pesos for Mexicans. I would highly recommend paying in pesos and getting a tour guide for the best experience.
Other things to consider:
- there are only a few food options availible in the park, so bring enough water and at least some snacks with you;
- you are not allowed to swim in the Cenotes of Chichén-Ítza, so swimsuit is not something you’d worry about;
- comfortable shoes and sunscreen is a must;
- be ready to deal with salespeople from the moment you leave your car;
- stop by “Hacienda Xaybe“ on the way back for a traditional food of Yucatan.
Thanks,
Gena.
Love your blog. And I really want to get to Chichén-Ítza for the amazing views
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thank you, Jerry! I hope you’ll get a chance to go soon. I would really love to hear about your experience when you visit!
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Hopefolly somewhere in the future. But traveling from Europe to another continent is maybe a bit to far for me right now
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I know exactly what you’re talking about! It’s the same thing for me: I wish I could go explore Europe more often, but it’s so far and kind of expensive, tbh
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I wish I knew people from around the world and have them as close friends. It would be alot easier to get a few nights at their place
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We were just passing through Cancun on our way to Isla Mujeres in January but I hadn’t heard of Chichén-Ítza until now. I’d so love to check this out. It looks like a fun place to explore!
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Thank you, Lori! We went to Isla Mujeres as well. It was a day trip, but still. Did you like it there?
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Oh, fun! Yes, we loved it there. It was really quaint and less touristy than some areas so that was nice.
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My favorite vacations are the ones like these, where you can learn so much history. I can’t wait to go back to Mexico.
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Thank you so much! I hope you will get back soon 😉
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I wish I could go soon!
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But I wish I could go to Chichén-Ítza soon and you did a great job recapping it.
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A dream of mine is to one day travel the world and come to places like this. I love exploring the history of a place.
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I feel you, Adam! I am now dreaming about the rest of the world! Hopefully will go back to Europe for a month this summer
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I haven’t been to Mexico in years, but anytime we went, it was all about the beaches. We really need to add this to the list for the next time we visit!
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I have never been to Mexico, but it is on my bucket list to visit, this looks like a great place to visit when we are there, if we are nearby
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Love the pictures. I am ashamed to say I have been to Cancun twice and didn’t make it there yet. I guess it’s a very good reason to return. On my list!
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no shame at all, Jen! I have been there before but this was the first time I made it to Chichen-Ítza.
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This looks so cool, what a neat place to visit!
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These place is so wonderful. Thanks for the very detailed way of how to get in here. Gotta keep this blog for future purposes.
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Thank you for this, definitely will save these on my bucket list board as I know my husband would really like to visit!
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Wow, Chichén-Ítza is beautiful. I have never been to Mayan ruins and the info you posted!
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I have been there 10 years ago, you have brought back to me so many memories now, love this place’great destination for traveling
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Ahhh! Good to know about this place. Never been anywhere far. I’ll add to my run away list of places to go. Will definitely pack some snacks too!
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Stunning photos! This is somewhere I would love to see with my own eyes and explore.
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This place is amazing, the pics are so great! I love having day trips with the family. We recently went to San Antonio to the Alamo it was amazing!
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Honestly, I am not one to travel, but I would love to visit the Mayan Ruins. Thanks for the details.
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This sounds like such an amazing trip. My in laws went a few years ago and they said it was absolutely amazing.
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This looks amazing! I wish we had visited there when we were in Cancun. Next time! It looks awesome!!
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This is a great guide to ensure an awesome experience in Chichén-Ítza. Your pictures are very beautiful and it looks like a great place to go for the day. -Jessica Martin
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it is such a beautiful place to visit! I got to visit a few years back and absolutely loved it too
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Thanks for the info. I need a day trip like this. Looks like you had a great time.
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What a day trip that is! I would love to visit!
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oh wow what an amazing place to visit and I love all your tips!
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I love knowing what to expect when traveling, so this post is perfect! Thanks for the tips. And these pictures are beautiful!
-Jennifer
https://maunelegacy.com
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Seems you had a wonderful trip. I would love to spend my vacations there after reading your blog.
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Chichén-Ítza must be such a magic place, full of ancient energies. It’s important when we are in such paces to know and respect all rules!
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We visited here a few years ago while vacationing in Cancun! It is a really cool place to see and a must see if you are in the area.
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Wow! Things like this are still so amazing to me. What a great guide, and I guess I’ll have to visit!
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It’s been so long since I’ve been to Chichen Itza! Thanks for the wonderful reminder. I definitely need to come back soon.
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Thank you for the recommendation, i hadn’t heard of chichen itza! Adding it to my list of places to visit in mexico!
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Looks pretty cool. Oh, those pesky salespeople. Oh, wait, I am one of them lol
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Ohh wow what an amazing place to visit. I would LOVE to visit Mexico one day.
Ami xxx
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Wow! I love that place and those pictures you captured. I really enjoy your post, it makes me feel that I am there too. Love it!!
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Ughh salespeople are everywhere, definitely not my favorite part. The place looks so mysterious though, very interesting. Thank you for sharing this with us!
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hahahaha same here! I know it’s their job but they take it to the next level in Mexico
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