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Why choose a Chichén Itzá tour from Playa del Carmen

Tourist exploring ancient ruins at Chichen Itza, Mexico.

Visit an iconic Mayan site

A pre-Columbian city built by the Maya, Chichén Itzá is one of the most well-known remnants of the Mayan civilization and a must-visit in Mexico.

bus to chichen itza
Iguana perched on ancient stone ruins at Tulum archaeological site, Mexico.

Things to know before booking tours from Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá

  • Located about 194km from Riviera Maya, reaching Chichén Itzá will take you about two and a half hours. Some tours also offer pick-ups from shared meeting points in Playa del Carmen, a city in the Riviera Maya region. Going from Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá will take you about two hours and fifteen minutes. 
  • If you choose a guided tour, such as the Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour with Lunch, you’ll also get the benefit of round-trip transfers from a shared meeting point or directly from your hotel, depending on which option you choose. 
  • If you choose the Skip-the-Line ticket, you’ll be able to explore the site at your own pace. This could take anywhere between 1-3 hours, depending on how much you want to learn about the site. 
  • On the other hand, if you choose a guided tour that also includes a visit to other attractions such as the Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch or the Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch, you’ll need a minimum of 8 hours from start to finish. 
  • These longer tours also typically include a Mexican buffet-style lunch that includes dishes like cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) or lime soup.
  • The Chichén Itzá Early Access Guided Tour starts early in the morning, giving you early access to the site before the crowds build. This tour, however, ends before noon, and thus doesn't include a meal.

Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá: Choosing the ideal tour

ExperiencesKey FeaturesBook Now

From Riviera Maya: Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch

Entry to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid |Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide

Book Now

Chichén Itzá, Ekʼ Balam & Cenote Tour with Lunch

Entry to Chichén Itzá and Ekʼ Balam | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide

Book Now

Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch

Entry to Chichén Itzá & another archaeological site | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide

Book Now

Early Access Tour Chichén Itzá

Entry to Chichén Itzá | Round-trip transfers | English or Spanish-speaking guide

Book Now

Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour with Lunch

Entry to Chichén Itzá and Valladolid | Access to a sacred cenote | Round-trip transfers | Mexican-style buffet lunch | English or Spanish-speaking guide

Book Now

Getting to Chichén Itzá from Playa del Carmen

The best time to go for your Chichén Itzá tour

  • Weekdays vs weekends: Chichén Itzá can get incredibly busy, especially over the weekends. Moreover, Mexican citizens and residents also enjoy free entry on Sundays. This makes weekday mornings the best time to book Chichén Itzá tickets when the weather’s at its best and the site is less crowded. 
  • Peak season vs low season: The best time to go from Riviera Maya to Chichén Itzá in terms of weather is during the dry season (November to April), more specifically in winter (December to February). This is when the weather is comfortable, which also makes this a busy period. However, reaching the site early can help you skip the queues and crowds.

Key highlights of Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza pyramid in Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing ancient Mayan architecture.

El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán)

A massive step pyramid that aligns with the sun during the equinoxes, creating the illusion of a serpent slithering down the steps.

Tourist exploring Chichen Itza Ball Court, ancient Mayan site in Mexico.
Temple of the Warriors at Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing ancient Mayan columns and carvings.
Cenote near Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, showcasing natural limestone formations and turquoise waters.
El Caracol (The Observatory)

Key tips for the perfect visit to Chichén Itzá 

  • Visit the site on a weekday as far as possible, as weekends and Sundays can get extremely busy. 
  • If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of organizing your own transportation to and fro, opt for a guided tour. These include round-trip transfers from shared meeting points or from your hotel. 
  • A visit to Chichén Itzá can involve a lot of walking, so a pair of comfortable shoes and plenty of water are a must. 
  • Make sure to wear respectful attire, as this is a heritage site. Avoid keeping shirts unbuttoned and don’t wear swimsuits. However, you can carry a swimsuit if your tour includes visiting a sacred cenote. 
  • Avoid littering the site and climbing the various structures. 
  • While you’ll find several souvenir shops around the site’s vicinity, the shops near the parking lot offer cheaper options.

Frequently asked questions about Riviera Maya/Playa del Carmen to Chichén Itzá tours

If you want to go to Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya or Playa del Carmen, you can choose to travel by car, bus, or opt for a guided tour that includes round-trip transfers.