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Tulum to Chichén Itzá Tours

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Guided Tours

Hotel Pickup from Tulum: Chichén Itzá, Cenote, and Valladolid Tour

A UNESCO-listed Mayan site, a hidden cenote & Valladolid’s charm in an intimate setting.

  • Day out: Enjoy a guided tour of Chichén Itzá in a group of no more than 10 people, swim in a stunning cenote with crystal-clear waters, and stroll through Valladolid’s charming streets. Round-trip transfers in an AC van from Tulum maximize convenience.
  • You’ll get: A guided tour of Chichén Itzá, a dip in a hidden cenote, free time to explore Valladolid, a buffet-style Mexican lunch, and all entrance fees and local taxes included.
  • Chichén Itzá: Explore the architectural wonder of this 4-5 square kilometers Mayan city, spotting key landmarks like El Castillo, the sacred cenote, and the Great Ball Court.
  • Valladolid: A charming colonial town with unmissable architecture, quaint, cobblestoned streets, and plenty of dining options serving local and global delicacies.
  • Cenote: A natural sinkhole set amidst Yucatán’s greenery, in which you get to take a refreshing dip to cool off after you tour Chichén Itzá.


Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
12 hrs
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included

A UNESCO-listed Mayan site, a hidden cenote & Valladolid’s charm in an intimate setting.

  • Day out: Enjoy a guided tour of Chichén Itzá in a group of no more than 10 people, swim in a stunning cenote with crystal-clear waters, and stroll through Valladolid’s charming streets. Round-trip transfers in an AC van from Tulum maximize convenience.
  • You’ll get: A guided tour of Chichén Itzá, a dip in a hidden cenote, free time to explore Valladolid, a buffet-style Mexican lunch, and all entrance fees and local taxes included.
  • Chichén Itzá: Explore the architectural wonder of this 4-5 square kilometers Mayan city, spotting key landmarks like El Castillo, the sacred cenote, and the Great Ball Court.
  • Valladolid: A charming colonial town with unmissable architecture, quaint, cobblestoned streets, and plenty of dining options serving local and global delicacies.
  • Cenote: A natural sinkhole set amidst Yucatán’s greenery, in which you get to take a refreshing dip to cool off after you tour Chichén Itzá.

Inclusions #

  • Guided tour of Chichén Itzá

  • Round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned van

  • Pick-up and drop-off directly at your hotel

  • Free time in Valladolid

  • A dip in a sacred cenote

  • Authentic Mexican lunch and snacks

  • All entrance fees (including local taxes and entrance fees to the cenote)

Exclusions #

  • Mandatory life vest rental (to be purchased for US$9)

  • Audio guides

What to bring

  • Carry a valid ID or passport to validate your tickets.
  • Make sure to carry adequate cash, including smaller denominations of the Mexican Peso, to pay for any food, souvenirs, or tips along the way.
  • Some places may not accept credit cards, and at those that do, you’ll incur a 7% fee. Cash is your best friend here.
  • Carry a swimsuit if you plan on taking a dip in the cenote.

What’s not allowed

  • Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed at Chichén Itzá
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at the site.
  • You’re not allowed to touch or climb any of the monuments at Chichén Itzá.
  • Carrying large bags inside the site is prohibited.
  • You’re not allowed to bring food and drinks into Chichén Itzá.

Accessibility

  • This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility.

Additional information

  • Your group will consist of no more than 10 people, excluding the guide, for an intimate experience.
  • Your ticket price includes the entrance fees to the cenote and all local taxes.
  • Renting a life vest is mandatory if you plan on swimming in the cenote. This will cost you US$9.
  • The pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before the tour.
  • Your tour includes travel insurance.
  • The tour will continue as planned, come rain or shine. You will be contacted in case of changes due to severe weather.
  • A minimum of four people is required for the tour to proceed. If this requirement isn’t met, you will be provided an alternative, or your tour will be cancelled with a refund.
  • If your hotel falls outside Tulum city or the Tulum Hotel Zone, an extra fee will be charged for pick-up.

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  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Guided Tours

Chichén Itzá Skip-the-Line Ticket + Guided Tour (All Taxes Inclusive)

Enjoy expert-guided insights and save about 30-45 minutes as you enter an ancient Mayan wonder.

  • Everything you get: Skip the lines as you enter Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its ancient pyramids, temples, and observatory with a bilingual English and Spanish-speaking guide. Your ticket also includes all local taxes, so you won't have to pay anything on site.
  • Why choose this: Dive deep into Mayan history in a small, intimate group with a knowledgeable guide, seamless entry to the site, and all local taxes included.
  • Upgrades: Choose to go on a full-day tour from Cancún, with a visit to Valladolid, a dip in Cenote Chichikan, and round-trip transfers directly from your hotel.


Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr 30 mins - 12 hrs
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included

Enjoy expert-guided insights and save about 30-45 minutes as you enter an ancient Mayan wonder.

  • Everything you get: Skip the lines as you enter Chichén Itzá, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its ancient pyramids, temples, and observatory with a bilingual English and Spanish-speaking guide. Your ticket also includes all local taxes, so you won't have to pay anything on site.
  • Why choose this: Dive deep into Mayan history in a small, intimate group with a knowledgeable guide, seamless entry to the site, and all local taxes included.
  • Upgrades: Choose to go on a full-day tour from Cancún, with a visit to Valladolid, a dip in Cenote Chichikan, and round-trip transfers directly from your hotel.

Inclusions #

  • Skip-the-line entry to Chichén Itzá

  • Bilingual guided walking tour of Chichén Itzá

  • Expert English and Spanish-speaking guide

  • Local taxes worth USD $42

  • Small group with a maximum of 15 guests

  • Panoramic visit to Valladolid and a dip in a sacred cenote (as per option selected)

  • Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs from Cancún (as per option selected)

  • Mexican-style buffet with tasting session (as per option selected)

Exclusions #

  • Round-trip transfers

  • Lunch

What to bring

  • Bring a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking to get your tickets verified.
  • Bring water, sun protection (such as a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses), and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Carry your own snacks, as food and drinks are not included.
  • Make sure to carry adequate cash in the local currency to purchase souvenirs, food, or drinks.

What’s not allowed

  • Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the archaeological site for security reasons.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on this experience.
  • Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited on the premises.
  • Drones, selfie sticks, and tripods are strictly prohibited.

Accessibility

  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible or suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

Additional information

  • Your ticket includes all local taxes worth USD $42. Mexican citizens with a valid ID receive a discount.
  • Mexican citizens, children, students, and teachers (residents of Mexico) will receive a discount upon presenting their official ID.
  • Children under the age of 12 can enter the site for free.
  • Large groups will be split into smaller groups of up to 15 people for a better experience.
  • Your guide is bilingual and will speak in both Spanish & English during the tour.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Combos

2-Day Cancun Adventure: Jungle ATV, Ziplines & Cenote Swim + Chichen Itza Tour

Spend less going from ATV jungle trails to Chichén Itzá's pyramids across two days instead of arranging each trip alone.

  • What you get at Extreme Adventure Cancun park: Guided access to the park with ATV jungle ride, 5-zipline circuit, cenote swim, safety gear, snacks, and round-trip transfers handled by bilingual guides.
  • What you get on the Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid tour: Guided day trip from Cancún with entry to the ruins, colonial town and a sacred cenote, time to swim, travel insurance and round-trip coach transfers.
  • Upgrades: Choose shared or single ATV rides, plus either a Cancún meeting point without lunch or hotel pickup with buffet lunch.
  • Why this combo works: Most visitors want both an off-road day in the Mayan jungle and time at Chichén Itzá's pyramids. This combo secures that mix in one purchase across two days, saving money and avoiding separate tour decisions.


Free cancellation
4 hrs - 12 hrs
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included

Spend less going from ATV jungle trails to Chichén Itzá's pyramids across two days instead of arranging each trip alone.

  • What you get at Extreme Adventure Cancun park: Guided access to the park with ATV jungle ride, 5-zipline circuit, cenote swim, safety gear, snacks, and round-trip transfers handled by bilingual guides.
  • What you get on the Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid tour: Guided day trip from Cancún with entry to the ruins, colonial town and a sacred cenote, time to swim, travel insurance and round-trip coach transfers.
  • Upgrades: Choose shared or single ATV rides, plus either a Cancún meeting point without lunch or hotel pickup with buffet lunch.
  • Why this combo works: Most visitors want both an off-road day in the Mayan jungle and time at Chichén Itzá's pyramids. This combo secures that mix in one purchase across two days, saving money and avoiding separate tour decisions.

Inclusions #

ATV, Ziplines & Cenote Park Extreme Adventure

  • Professional English & Spanish-speaking guides

  • Round-trip transfers from Cancún

  • Single or shared ATV ride (as per option selected)

  • 5-zipline circuit

  • 3 suspension bridges

  • Cenote swim

  • Regional snacks & tacos

  • Tequila tasting at Colonial Hacienda Reserva Palacios

Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

  • Entry to Chichén Itzá

  • Panoramic visit to Valladolid

  • Access to a sacred cenote

  • Bilingual English & Spanish-speaking guide

  • Round-trip AC coach transfers

  • Meeting-point transfers or hotel pickups (as per option selected)

  • Buffet-style lunch (as per option selected)

What to bring

Chichén Itzá

  • Carry a valid ID or passport for ticket validation.
  • Carry adequate cash, including smaller denominations of Mexican Peso, for food, souvenirs, or tips.

Adventure park

  • A valid driver's license may be required to drive an ATV.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required for the ATV ride and zipline circuit.
  • Bring a swimsuit and towel for the cenote swim.
  • Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are required to help protect the cenote ecosystem.

What’s not allowed

Chichén Itzá

  • Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed.
  • Large bags are prohibited.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed inside the site.
  • Touching or climbing monuments is prohibited.

Adventure park

  • Participants under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted.
  • Cameras, phones, and loose items cannot be carried on ziplines unless securely attached.

Accessibility

Chichén Itzá

  • The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility.

Adventure park

  • The experience is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Activities involve uneven terrain, stairs, and moderate physical effort.
  • Pregnant guests and visitors with certain heart, back, or mobility conditions should not participate.

Additional information

Chichén Itzá, Cenote & Valladolid Tour

  • A USD $42 local tax is payable at Chichén Itzá by credit card; children are exempt.
  • A mandatory USD $9 life vest rental applies at the cenote.
  • Pickup time is confirmed 24 hours before the tour.
  • Travel insurance is included.

Adventure Park

  • ATV rides may be shared unless a single-rider option is selected.
  • Round-trip transfers are available from selected hotels and meeting points based on the ticket option.
  • The order of adventure activities may vary on the day.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Combos

Combo (Save 28%): From Cancún: Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Tour + Chichén Itzá Tour

Discover the Yucatán’s prized historical site and its coastal wonders with a single combo.

  • Everything you get on your Isla Mujeres catamaran tour: Set sail from a common meeting point in Cancún on a shared catamaran, with snorkeling gear, an international buffet at Zaza Yacht & Beach Club, and local blends. Enjoy expert commentary in English and Spanish along with an immersive audio guide.
  • Everything you get on your Chichén Itzá tour: Enjoy a bilingual guided tour of Chichén Itzá in English & Spanish, round-trip transfers from a common meeting point in Cancún, a visit to Valladolid, and access to a sacred cenote.
  • Why choose this combo: Save 10% as you experience Cancún’s best treasures, from a stunning cruise along the Caribbean to its most prominent Mayan site.
  • Upgrades: Maximize convenience with the option to get seamless transfers directly from your hotel in Cancún, eliminating the need to reach a common meeting point.


Free cancellation
8 hrs - 12 hrs
Audio guide
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included

Discover the Yucatán’s prized historical site and its coastal wonders with a single combo.

  • Everything you get on your Isla Mujeres catamaran tour: Set sail from a common meeting point in Cancún on a shared catamaran, with snorkeling gear, an international buffet at Zaza Yacht & Beach Club, and local blends. Enjoy expert commentary in English and Spanish along with an immersive audio guide.
  • Everything you get on your Chichén Itzá tour: Enjoy a bilingual guided tour of Chichén Itzá in English & Spanish, round-trip transfers from a common meeting point in Cancún, a visit to Valladolid, and access to a sacred cenote.
  • Why choose this combo: Save 10% as you experience Cancún’s best treasures, from a stunning cruise along the Caribbean to its most prominent Mayan site.
  • Upgrades: Maximize convenience with the option to get seamless transfers directly from your hotel in Cancún, eliminating the need to reach a common meeting point.

Inclusions #

Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour

  • 7-hour tour on a shared catamaran

  • Round-trip transfers from a common meeting point in Cancún (as per option selected)

  • Hotel pick-ups & drop-offs in Cancún (as per option selected)

  • English and Spanish-speaking guide

  • Audio guide in English and Spanish

  • Snorkeling gear

  • International buffet & complimentary drinks at the Zaza Yacht & Beach Club

Chichén Itzá

  • Bilingual guided tour of Chichén Itzá in English and Spanish

  • Round-trip transfers from a shared meeting point in Cancún (as per option selected)

  • Round-trip transfers from your hotel in Cancún (as per option selected)

  • Panoramic visit to Valladolid

  • Access to a sacred cenote

  • Buffet-style lunch (included in the tour with hotel pick-ups)

Exclusions #

Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour

  • $20 dock fee per person (payable on site)

  • Tips

Chichén Itzá, Valladolid & Cenote Tour

  • Local taxes worth USD $42 per adult and USD $7 per child

  • Mandatory life vest rental of USD $9

What to bring

Isla Mujeres

  • Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
  • Bring comfortable clothing suitable for a day on the water.
  • Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at check-in.
  • Carry additional cash for any tips or other discretionary expenses.

Chichén Itzá

  • Carry a valid ID or passport to validate your tickets.
  • Make sure to carry adequate cash, including smaller denominations of the Mexican Peso, to pay for any food, souvenirs, or tips along the way.

What’s not allowed

Isla Mujeres

  • Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on board.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on the tour.
  • Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited before boarding.
  • Dangerous items, sharp objects, and flammable materials are not allowed on the catamaran.

Chichén Itzá

  • Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed at Chichén Itzá
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at the site.
  • You’re not allowed to touch or climb any of the monuments at Chichén Itzá.
  • Carrying large bags inside the site is prohibited.
  • You’re not allowed to bring food and drinks into Chichén Itzá.

Accessibility

Isla Mujeres

  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Chichén Itzá

  • This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility.

Additional information

Isla Mujeres

  • This experience is suitable for guests of all ages.
  • Children up to the age of five can participate in the tour free of cost.
  • The maximum group size for this tour is limited to 60 people.
  • Please note that this tour does not include the dock fee. A fee of €20 per person must be paid upon arrival at the site.
  • If you choose a tour without pick-ups, you'll need to arrange transportation to the common meeting point - the Marina Adventure Bay at Playa Tortugas
  • The snorkeling activity may be cancelled in the event of bad weather, which could lead to rough waters.

Chichén Itzá

  • You’ll need to pay the tax on site via credit card (USD $42 per adult and USD $7 per child).
  • You’ll need to pay US$9 for the mandatory life vest rental at the cenote.
  • The pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before the tour.
  • Your tour includes travel insurance.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Guided Tours

Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Archaeological Sites Tour with Lunch

Explore Chichén Itzá**, a cenote, and a choice of fascinating archeological sites—history, adventure & lunch in one epic trip!**

  • Everything you get: Walk through the legendary ruins of Chichén Itzá, home to the famous El Castillo pyramid. Enjoy a refreshing cenote swim and explore Tulum, Coba, or Ek Balam. A buffet lunch of local Yucatecan dishes completes the experience.
  • Why choose this: This tour offers a perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation, with a choice of iconic archeological sites to explore.
  • Upgrades: For a hassle-free experience, opt for hotel pickup in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya.


Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
12 hrs - 16 hrs
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included

Explore Chichén Itzá**, a cenote, and a choice of fascinating archeological sites—history, adventure & lunch in one epic trip!**

  • Everything you get: Walk through the legendary ruins of Chichén Itzá, home to the famous El Castillo pyramid. Enjoy a refreshing cenote swim and explore Tulum, Coba, or Ek Balam. A buffet lunch of local Yucatecan dishes completes the experience.
  • Why choose this: This tour offers a perfect mix of history, adventure, and relaxation, with a choice of iconic archeological sites to explore.
  • Upgrades: For a hassle-free experience, opt for hotel pickup in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Riviera Maya.

Inclusions #

  • Round-trip transfers (Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen)

  • Bilingual expert guide (English/Spanish)

  • Entry to Chichén Itzá and a sacred cenote

  • Entry to Tulum, Coba, or Ek Balam (based on option selected)

  • Buffet lunch with authentic Mexican cuisine

Exclusions #

  • Drinks

  • Chichén Itzá tax

  • Mandatory life vest rental of US$9

  • The tour will last between approximately 12 to 16 hours (based on option selected)
  • The Chichén Itzá tax ($39 for adults & $6 for children) must be paid on-site (only via credit card).
  • The mandatory life vest for the cenote can be rented at $9 and is not included in the ticket price.
  • Bring swimwear & a towel for the cenote experience.
  • The pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before the tour.
  • Not suitable for pregnant women or those with limited mobility.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Combos

Combo (Save 18%): 2-Day Holbox Island + Chichén Itzá Day Trips with Pickup

Discover Chichén Itzá's legendary ruins and Holbox's unspoiled islands in one seamless two-day adventure.

  • Everything you get at Holbox Island: Set off on a full-day island adventure with round-trip transfers, a certified guide, and a covered boat tour to Isla Pasión, Punta Mosquito, and Yalahau Spring. Enjoy snacks, beverages, a beach lunch, and free time to soak up Holbox's laid-back Caribbean charm.
  • Everything you get at Chichén Itzá, Sacred Cenote & Valladolid: Travel in an AC coach with a bilingual guide to explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Chichén Itzá, stroll through Valladolid, and cool off in a sacred cenote. Entry to all three sites is included, with an optional hotel pickup upgrade available.
  • Why choose this combo: Book Cancún's top cultural and island adventures together, save 10%, and enjoy the flexibility of exploring them over 2 separate days.
  • Upgrades: Upgrade your Chichén Itzá tour to include hotel pickup and enjoy a buffet-style lunch after your archaeological adventure.


Check availability
Free cancellation
12 hrs
Guided tour
Transfers available
Pickup available
Meals included

Discover Chichén Itzá's legendary ruins and Holbox's unspoiled islands in one seamless two-day adventure.

  • Everything you get at Holbox Island: Set off on a full-day island adventure with round-trip transfers, a certified guide, and a covered boat tour to Isla Pasión, Punta Mosquito, and Yalahau Spring. Enjoy snacks, beverages, a beach lunch, and free time to soak up Holbox's laid-back Caribbean charm.
  • Everything you get at Chichén Itzá, Sacred Cenote & Valladolid: Travel in an AC coach with a bilingual guide to explore the UNESCO-listed ruins of Chichén Itzá, stroll through Valladolid, and cool off in a sacred cenote. Entry to all three sites is included, with an optional hotel pickup upgrade available.
  • Why choose this combo: Book Cancún's top cultural and island adventures together, save 10%, and enjoy the flexibility of exploring them over 2 separate days.
  • Upgrades: Upgrade your Chichén Itzá tour to include hotel pickup and enjoy a buffet-style lunch after your archaeological adventure.

Inclusions #

  • Entry to Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, Yalahau spring, and a sacred cenote

  • Bilingual expert guide (English and Spanish)

  • Round-trip transfers in an AC coach

  • Transfers from a shared meeting point in Cancún (as per option selected)

  • Transfers from your hotel in Cancún (as per option selected)

  • Buffet-style lunch on the Chichén Itzá tour (included with hotel pickup option)

  • Life jackets for the Holbox boat tour

  • Beach lunch on the Holbox tour

  • Snacks & beverages on the Holbox tour

Exclusions #

  • Chichén Itzá entrance fee (payable on site)

  • Mandatory life vest rental at the cenote (payable on site)

  • Holbox Protected Area Conservation Fee (USD 20 per person, payable in cash)

  • Infant car seat on Holbox tour (USD 20, on request, payable in cash)

  • Tips and personal expenses

What to bring

  • Valid ID or passport
  • Cash in Mexican Pesos for mandatory on-site fees and personal expenses
  • Swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes for Holbox and the cenote

What's not allowed

  • Drones, tripods, and selfie sticks at Chichén Itzá
  • Large bags inside Chichén Itzá
  • Pets, except registered service animals
  • Touching or climbing the archaeological monuments
  • Food and drinks inside Chichén Itzá

Accessibility

  • Not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or visitors with limited mobility

Additional information

  • Chichén Itzá conservation tax is payable on site (USD 42 per adult); children are exempt.
  • Mandatory cenote life vest rental costs USD 9 and is payable on site.
  • Holbox Protected Area Conservation Fee (USD 20 per person, aged 3+) is payable in cash on board.
  • Hotel pickup time will be confirmed 24 hours before each tour.
  • Travel insurance is included.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

Overview

Explore Chichén Itzá on a well-planned day trip from Tulum, with round-trip transfers directly from your hotel, a visit to Valladolid and a cenote, and a delectable Mexican buffet lunch.

Distance from Tulum: 152.5km

Travel time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes by AC coach/bus

Tour duration: 11-13 hours

Meeting/drop-off point: Transfers directly from your hotel in Tulum

Key attractions you’ll cover: Chichén Itzá, Valladolid, and a hidden cenote

What to expect on a Tulum to Chichén Itzá day trip

Travelers on a coach to Mount Fuji, enjoying views of cherry blossoms.

Pick-up from your hotel in Tulum

Your tour begins at around 7am with a pick-up from your hotel in Tulum in a comfortable AC coach. This means you won’t have to hail a cab to a shared meeting point.

Passengers seated in an air-conditioned coach during a scenic tour.
Tour group at Chichen Itza pyramid, Mexico, with guide explaining site history.
Vibrant street scene with colorful colonial buildings in Valladolid, Yucatán, Mexico.
People swimming in a cenote surrounded by lush vegetation in Chichen Itza, Mexico.

Must-see highlights at Chichén Itzá

Tourists exploring El Castillo pyramid at Chichen Itza, Yucatán, Mexico.
1/5

El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán)

This iconic step pyramid dominates the site, perfectly aligned with the sun during equinoxes, when a shadow forms the illusion of a serpent descending the stairs. It’s a brilliant representation of the Maya’s astronomical genius.

Temple of the Warriors

The Temple of the Warriors features carved columns depicting warriors and the famed Chac Mool statue. It symbolizes ritual sacrifice and the city’s militaristic might during the Toltec-Maya period.

Great Ball Court

This is the largest and best-preserved Mesoamerican ball court. Players competed in ritual games that symbolized cosmic battles between life and death. The courts' acoustics remain remarkably intact today.

Sacred cenote

The cenote is a natural sinkhole once used for ceremonial offerings and sacrifices to the rain god Chaac. Archaeologists have uncovered gold, jade, and human remains at its depths.

El Caracol (The Observatory)

The El Caracol was a circular tower used by Mayan astronomers to track celestial movements. It showcased their advanced understanding of the stars and planets centuries ahead of their time.

Chichén Itzá

The star of the show, Chichén Itzá, is an ancient Mayan site that dates back to the 5th century. Over the years, it’s become a symbol of the Maya’s military might and serves as a reminder of its political and economic importance.

Valladolid

Dotted with beautiful churches along its vibrant streets, Valladolid is one of the most iconic reminders of the region’s colonial past. Here, you’ll enjoy free time to stroll through its charming lanes, interact with the locals, and pick up a souvenir or two to remember your experience.

Explore tours to Valladolid

Cenote Chichikán

Known for its crystal clear waters surrounded by limestone rock formations carved over centuries, you get to enjoy a refreshing dip that’ll help you beat the harsh Yucatán sun.

Plan your visit to Chichén Itzá

Crowd gathered at Chichen Itza during equinox, observing serpent shadow on pyramid.

Chichén Itzá is open every day of the year between 8am and 5pm. Last entry to the site is capped at 4pm.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the site is in the dry season between November and March, when temperatures range between a balmy 25–30°C. However, the site can get fairly crowded during this period. If you’d prefer exploring it with fewer people around, you should plan your visit during the off-season between June and November.

Timings to Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is located in the municipality of Tinúm, in Mexico’s Yucatán. It’s located about 180km from the popular coastal city of Cancún, and about 115 km from the state’s capital, Mérida.

Address: 97751 Yucatán, Mexico | Find on Google Maps

Best ways to reach the site:

  • By car: If you’re driving from Tulum, you can take the toll highway 180D westward. It’ll take you about 2.5 hours to reach the site from Cancún. 
  • Take a day trip: If you want a completely hassle-free experience, a day trip from Tulum is your best option. You get the benefit of round-trip transfers directly from your hotel, and cover other major sites over 11-13 hours.
Getting to Chichén Itzá
Cars parked on grass at Keukenhof parking area.
  • Parking: The site has paid parking available for $100 MXN. You’ll also find other parking lots close by in case the one at the site is full.
  • Restrooms: The restrooms are conveniently located near the entrance. However, keep in mind that there aren’t any restrooms within the site, so plan ahead. 
  • Souvenir shops: You’ll find a selection of shops where you can buy memorabilia near the entrance or when walking inside. Pro tip: The vendors near the entrance are easier to haggle with.
  • Lockers: You’ll find lockers at the entrance to store your backpacks after a quick security check. Renting a locker will cost you about $40 MXN.
Plan your visit to Chichén Itzá
No drone flying sign in a park setting.
  • You’re not allowed to climb any of the monuments in Chichén Itzá, both for your safety and to aid in their conservation. 
  • Food and drinks are not allowed within the site, except for water. However, several vendors sell snacks near the entrance, so you still have several options should you want to grab a bite.
  • Tripods and drones are not allowed at the site.
  • You cannot bring large bags and luggage into the site, so plan your visit accordingly. I you want to store a small backpack during your tour, you can rent a locker at the entrance. 
Al Pastor tacos with pineapple, onions, and cilantro on a colorful tablecloth.
  • Oxtun:** Talk about convenience, this restaurant is located right at the main site’s entrance. It offers a wide selection of burgers, tacos, pasta, and steak, all of which come in substantial portions. 
  • La Palapa Tinum:** This family-run restaurant is located at the edge of one of the free parking lots close to the main site. Patrons consistently highlight the warm atmosphere and the delicious food. The drinks are particularly refreshing, especially as a way to beat the heat.
  • Puerto Chichén:** Located just 5km from Chichén Itzá, this restaurant has an extensive menu with plenty of vegan options. Customers particularly appreciate the food’s presentation.

Helpful tips for a memorable visit

  • If you want to see the Maya’s astronomical genius on full display, you should aim to visit during the spring (March 21) and autumn (September 23) equinoxes. This is when the shadows formed by the play of light cast by the setting sun against the Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza reveal a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s steps. 
  • Carry adequate cash on your trip, including the smaller denominations in the Mexican Peso, as some places may not accept credit cards or e-payments. 
  • You’ll also need enough cash ($9 USD) to rent the life jacket for your stop at the cenote. This is mandatory if you plan on taking a dip in the sinkhole. 
  • Carry a hat with you, as the Yucatán sun can be quite sharp, especially during the dry months between November and March. Also, don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated.

Frequently asked questions about Tulum to Chichén Itzá tours

Your guide on your day trip will be bilingual, offering commentary in both Spanish and English.