Chichén Itzá, Mexico: Tours, Tickets & How to Get There
Chichén Itzá is Mexico's most famous Maya city — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Seven Wonder in the state of Yucatán, crowned by the great Pyramid of Kukulcán.
About Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is the most famous Maya site in Mexico — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Its centerpiece is the great Pyramid of Kukulcán (El Castillo), where, on the spring and fall equinoxes, light and shadow create the illusion of a serpent descending the staircase. It is an easy day trip from the Yucatán's main hubs.
How to get to Chichén Itzá
Most US travelers fly into Cancún (CUN) or Mérida (MID). From there, Chichén Itzá is a day trip by organized tour, rental car or ADO bus. Distances: about 120 km from Mérida, 190 km from Cancún and 214 km from Playa del Carmen. The colonial town of Valladolid is the closest base, about 45 minutes away.
Tickets, hours and the best time to go
The site is open daily; entry requires both a federal (INAH) and a state fee, so check the current prices and opening hours before you go. Arrive right at opening to beat the heat and the tour-bus crowds. The dry season (November–April) is most comfortable, and the equinoxes (around March 21 and September 22) are the most popular — and busiest — dates.
What to see at Chichén Itzá
Beyond El Castillo, don't miss the Great Ball Court (the largest in Mesoamerica), the Temple of the Warriors, the Sacred Cenote and the Caracol observatory. Many visitors combine the ruins with a swim in a nearby cenote and lunch in Valladolid.
Is Chichén Itzá safe?
Yucatán has a Level 1 “Exercise Normal Precautions” advisory — the lowest level and one of the safest states in Mexico for travelers. Use normal precautions and check the current US State Department Mexico Travel Advisory.
How to Combine Chichén Itzá with Other Destinations
Chichén Itzá is most often visited as a day trip from Cancún (190 km) or Mérida (120 km). You can also stay overnight in the nearby village of Pisté to visit the site at opening time and beat the crowds. Complete your Yucatán circuit with Campeche, Bacalar, and Playa del Carmen. Another great Mayan site is Palenque in Chiapas.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chichén Itzá?
In the state of Yucatán, about 120 km from Mérida, 190 km from Cancún and 214 km from Playa del Carmen. The town of Valladolid is the closest base.
How do I get to Chichén Itzá?
Fly into Cancún (CUN) or Mérida (MID) and visit as a day trip by organized tour, rental car or ADO bus from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Mérida or Valladolid.
What are the hours and ticket prices?
The site is open daily and entry requires both a federal (INAH) and a state fee. Check the current prices and opening hours before you go, and arrive at opening to avoid heat and crowds.
When is the best time to visit Chichén Itzá?
The dry season, November to April, is most comfortable. The spring and fall equinoxes (around March 21 and September 22), when the serpent shadow appears, are the most popular and crowded.
Is Chichén Itzá safe?
Yucatán has a Level 1 ‘Exercise Normal Precautions’ advisory — the lowest level and one of the safest states in Mexico for travelers.