Chichén Itzá: A gateway to the past

Chichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city that thrived between 600 and 1200 CE. Today, the famous archeological site spans about 4-5 square kilometers and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It’s also considered to be one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Some of Chichén Itzá’s key highlights include the iconic step-pyramid and centerpiece of Chichén Itzá, the El Castillo. Others include the Great Ball Court, the largest ancient ball court in Mesoamerica, and the Temple of the Warriors and Thousand Columns, among others.

The entrance to Chichén Itzá offers most of the facilities you’ll need. You’ll find restrooms, lockers to store your bags or luggage in, a souvenir shop, and plenty of vendors selling snacks and drinks.

The main site is relatively flat and partially accessible for those using wheelchairs. Additionally, the entrance area and the plaza around El Castillo are wheelchair accessible. However, some structures are difficult to access due to the uneven terrain leading up to them.

Yes, you can bring a professional camera or a GoPro to Chichén Itzá. However, you will have to get a special permit at a fee of about $50 MXN at the ticket counter.

Yes, you can choose to explore Chichén Itzá with an English or Spanish-speaking guide if you want deeper insights into its historical, cultural, and architectural significance.

Yes, on select evenings, you can witness the nighttime light and sound show at Chichén Itzá. It recounts key moments from Maya history while illuminating its many attractions, like the El Castillo in a series of changing colors. If you want to witness this, check the schedule and book your tickets in advance.

You’ll find a few restaurants right outside Chichén Itzá’s archeological site, along with plenty of options in nearby towns like Valladolid. The entrance to the site does have vendors that sell snacks and drinks.

When getting to Chichén Itzá, you’ll find several ADO buses to the site from major cities like Cancun, Valladolid, or Merida. If you’re driving from Cancun or Riviera Maya, you can take the toll highway 180D westward to reach Chichén Itzá.