Chichen Itzá is one of the 7 wonders of the world and is located in the state of Yucatán in Mexico. It is a most visited and popular archaeological site so if you want to organize your visit here I will explain everything you need to know with the updated costs for 2023.
👉 If you prefer a video about what it is like to visit Chichen Itzá, you can check it here.
🚗 Tour to visit Chichen Itzá from Mérida available here
How do I get to Chichen Itzá on my own?
Getting to Chichen Itzá is very easy, since it is located a couple of hours by car from different cities in Mexico such as Cancún or Mérida. Two options that have international airports so you could look for a flight to one of these cities and from there complement with ground transportation.
From Cancún, Mérida, Tulum or Valladolid, getting to Chichen Itzá is very easy on your own. You can go by car, there are also direct buses, buses and taxis. One of the safest and most economical options to go to Chichen Itzá on your own is to take a bus, the ADO company has this route and you can buy your tickets on their official website. I recommend doing it in advance to ensure your place on the bus and get a better price since you can get discounts of up to 50% 👉 www.ado.com.mx
- From Valladolid it is 50 minutes and 125 MXN in ADO / Approximately 6 USD. Although due to the proximity of this destination you will also find many buses that you do not have to book in advance, just keep in mind that they are not the most comfortable means of transportation.
- From Mérida, Yucatán the journey is close to 2 hours and the cost is 164 MXN or 8 USD.
- From Cancun it is more than 3 hours and the cost is 414 MXN in ADO / Approximately 20 USD
- From Playa del Carmen it is 3 hours and 40 minutes and the cost is 386 MXN in ADO / Approximately 18 USD
VERY IMPORTANT. Check the availability of your route since not all routes operate every day.
👉 If you prefer a tour you will go with a set schedule, but you will have the advantage of having a guide the entire time. You can book a tour from Mérida here.
How much does it cost to visit Chichen Itzá in 2023?
Entry has a general cost for foreigners of 614 MXN / 37 USD. While Mexicans, with official identification, have to pay 272 MXN or less than 15 USD. Access to the Archaeological Zones is free every day for teachers, students, seniors, children (up to 12 years old), retirees, INAH researchers with a valid credential.
Nationals enter Chichen Itzá for free on Sundays
If you are Mexican and your itinerary allows it, you can save 90 pesos on the entrance fee if you visit the place on a Sunday.
If you don’t pay, don’t wait in line.
A very common mistake that I found among Mexicans who did not need to pay was that they would line up at the ticket office. If you are entitled to free entry, go directly to collect your ticket, which is in front of the normal ticket offices.
There is no official website to buy the ticket to Chichen Itzá
Chichen Itzá does not have an official website to buy your tickets and it is not necessary to buy in advance, you will find a place on the day of your visit at the box office. Despite this, there are some intermediaries who can avoid you waiting in line upon arrival and here I leave you a safe alternative to buy your ticket.
But this option is only recommended for foreigners, since there is no discount for nationals.
When should you visit Chichen Itza?
Visiting hours are Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closing of ticket offices and accesses at 4:00 p.m., closing of distant accesses to the interior of the site at 4:30 p.m. However, it is advisable to arrive first thing in the morning to avoid the large groups of travelers who arrive on tours around 10 in the morning. There are also night shows. The official informative website is: https://www.inah.gob.mx/zonas/146-zona-arqueologica-de-chichen-itza
Plan your route or go with a guide
Visiting Chichen Itzá with a guide is recommended but NOT mandatory. Don’t fall for scams, it’s your decision to hire someone or visit on your own. If you do not go with a guide, it is important that you get a map with some information to know what you are seeing and, above all, to give a logical order to your visit.
Basic information to visit Cancun
✈️ How do I get from Cancun airport to the hotel?
🏨 Where do I stay in Cancun?
🏖️ Buy your tours to visit Cancun and surroundings here.
📍 Do you prefer a complete route through the Yucatán Peninsula? Here I explain
Cool off in a cenote
Have you visited Chichen Itzá and are you already thinking of returning to the city where you are staying? Before leaving, you should stop by and cool off in a cenote.
The Ik Kil Cenote, the obligatory stop for those who go to Chichen Itzá because it is only 3 kilometers away. But there are many other alternatives close to the archaeological site.
Another alternative is to combine the visit with the magical town of Valladolid, where you will also find several cenotes.
Bring water and heat protection
Both at Cenote Ik Kil and at the archaeological site of Chichen Itzá, it is recommended that you bring water throughout the visit to prevent dehydration and make the visit more pleasant. The heat in the Yucatan Peninsula can be suffocating. You can carry liquids in plastic containers, while cans and glass containers are prohibited.
Be prepared, but don’t bring anything prohibited
Although you can find practically everything in the stores in and around Chichen Itzá, the costs are higher than in regular stores. Don’t forget comfortable shoes, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen (biodegradable if you plan to visit a cenote later), and some cash for tips and small purchases. In current times of pandemic, don’t forget the mask either.
On the other hand, do not bring flags (they are prohibited), weapons (even nail clippers can be considered weapons), pyrotechnics, wedding dresses (sessions are prohibited). It is allowed to record with cell phone cameras, but if you have a GoPro or similar camera, you can record but paying the 50 MXN fee. Tripods and professional equipment are prohibited.
Extra tip. Do you carry luggage?
There is no problem if you travel with luggage or carry any prohibited items, there is luggage storage at the archaeological site to leave your objects from 50 MXN / 2.5 USD.
⚠️It is mandatory to travel with insurance
Insurance is an essential requirement to travel to many countries in the world such as those in the Schengen Area. You can get it from 20 USD and if you use my code you receive 20% discount. Get an insurance quote here.