Chichén Itzá is one of the new seven wonders of the world, and one of the most popular destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula and Mexico. The Mayan site is definitely worth a visit, and although it can get horrendously busy, follow these tips and you’ll get the most out of your trip!
Can I drive to Chichen Itza on my own? Can you visit Chichén Itzá on your own? Yes, it’s not required to book a private tour or guide. In fact, many travelers choose to rent a car and drive themselves to the various sightseeing locations around the Yucatan for a more flexible schedule.
Then, Are there bathrooms at Chichen Itza? There are several restrooms at the main entrance and several more behind El Castillo.
Is Chichen Itza closer to Tulum or Cancun? Cancun. If you are staying in Cancun, there isn’t much difference in distance. Tulum is about 2 hours away from Cancun by car, and Chichen Itza is about 2 and a half hours from Cancun by car.
FAQ
How long is bus ride from Cancun to Chichen Itza?
From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Bus
The ADO bus company offers service from the ADO station in Cancun to Chichen Itza. The bus leaves daily at 8:45am and has a return bus departing Chichen Itza at 4:30pm. It’s about a three-hour journey on the bus, and costs about 50 MXN.
How much is parking at Chichen Itza? If you plan to rent a car and drive to Chichen Itza, you can find plenty of parking spots on the site and you should bear in mind that you’ll have to pay around 80 Pesos parking fee so you can be assigned a parking slot.
How do I get to Chichen Itza by bus? From Cancun to Chichen Itza by Bus
The ADO bus company offers service from the ADO station in Cancun to Chichen Itza. The bus leaves daily at 8:45am and has a return bus departing Chichen Itza at 4:30pm. It’s about a three-hour journey on the bus, and costs about 50 MXN.
How long does it take to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza? The direct drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza is 130 mi (209 km), and should have a drive time of 2 hrs 15 mins in normal traffic.
Are you allowed to climb Chichen Itza?
Unfortunately for visitors, no, Chichen Itza Pyramid is not allowed to climb. Luckily for all the locals and culture lovers, the main Mayan Building of Chichen Itza can’t be climbed. In this way, we contribute to preserving this sacred site.
Are there ruins in Chichen Itza? At its peak, Chichen Itza was the most populous city in the entire Yucatan Peninsula. Even today, its ruins reflect a great civilization filled with architectural marvels and ancient secrets. Chichen Itza has several zones or “complexes” that reflect different architectural styles are periods of development.
How is Chichen Itza being protected?
Chichen-Itza is protected by the 1972 Federal Law on Monuments and Archaeological, Artistic and Historic Zones and was declared an archaeological monument by a presidential decree in 1986.
Which is better Tulum ruins or Chichen Itza? By virtue of being a UNESCO site and a World Wonder, Chichen Itza is pretty crowded throughout the year. Especially more so during the equinoxes. If you wish to explore Mayan ruins in some peace, then Tulum is a better option. Even better, go to Ek Balam or Coba.
Is Chichen Itza closer to Cancun or Playa del Carmen?
They are only 40 minutes away from Playa del Carmen or around 1.5 hours from Cancun. Located on the coast they offer a beachside experience. I prefer the scenery at the Tulum ruins but in terms of the ruins themselves, Chichen Itza knocks it out the park for me.
Can you visit Chichen Itza and Tulum in one day?
It is possible to visit Chichen Itza from Tulum in one day. Many tours are running daily. Tulum and Chichen Itza can be combined to make a very unique day trip. You can choose between joining an air-conditioned bus tour, book private transportation, or using commercial bus lines and taxis.
What is the best Mayan ruin to visit in Cancun? Chichen Itza is the best known, and therefore the most popular Mayan Ruins excursion from Cancun and Riviera Maya. However, as with most top tourist attractions, there is good reason for its popularity and therefore we consider it a must-see when you’re in Cancun.
Can you go inside the Chichen Itza? No, unfortunately you can’t enter the pyramids. over a year ago. only outside, they are actually fenced in.
Do they take credit cards at Chichen Itza?
one more thing about Chitzen itza, our credit cards were not accepted. One has to pay in cash only!
Is parking at Chichen Itza safe? Chichen Itza’s archaeological zone is visited by many tourist and locals and parking areas are not guarded. So be extra careful and if possible, find a place in the parking lot that is near public paths that are busy with groups and people going and coming.
Is Chichen Itza closer to Tulum or Playa del Carmen?
Chichen Itza is more than 2 hours away from Playa del Carmen. If you wish to avoid the hassle of planning your own logistics, here are 3 highly-rated Chichen Itza tours from Cancun which also usually include a cenote.
Is it safe to drive to Chichen Itza from Tulum? To get from Tulum to Chichen Itza by car, you can take the Gulf Coast/Valladolid – Merida/Mexico highway, which will take approximately 2 hours depending on traffic and the stops you make along the way. Generally, the highways in these areas are safe and well signposted for a better driving experience.
Why is Chichen Itza closed?
Federal authorities have decided to close the Chichén Itzá Maya ruin site in neighboring Yucatan state April 1-4 to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. The sprawling temple complex is Mexico’s second-most-visited archaeological site, and it usually draws about 1.8 million visitors a year.
Why can’t you walk up the Chichen Itza? Nope, you can’t climb anything at Chichen itza. And like Tulum, many of the monuments have rope barriers so you can’t touch them. You can climb a monument at Coba, Ek Balam, and Uxmal. But there are dozens of other sites where you climb everywhere and explore, but most of these are barely excavated.
Can you climb the Pyramids in Cancun?
Yes, Coba is the only Mayan pyramid you can still climb and tour. The pyramid is 42 meters (138 feet) tall with 120 stone steps that can get pretty steep towards the top. There is a thick rope in the middle for safety. When you arrive at the top, gaze off at the lush jungle and landscaping that make the climb worth it.
