Chichen Itza: World Famous Mayan Pyramids
Chichen Itza Archaeological Site Guide
Use our realist Chichen Itza Guide to plan your next trip to this archaeological site. Chichén Itzá, UNESCO World Heritage Site, is arguably one of the most well known Mayan archaeological sites in Mexico and beyond. We visited this famous site during our winter Mexican road trip.
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Getting to Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza was the first and only archaeological site on our way from Cancun. There are multiple ways to get to Chichen Itza. You should consider taking a toll road if you are traveling from either Merida or Cancun. The toll road will save you at least an hour while costing about 410 MXN ($20) at the time of writing. Check this website to plan your route and get a cost estimate. Please, note that the site is slow and unstable, so keep trying until it finally works.
Where to Stay
Valladolid is the closest major town to Chichen Itza site and could be a good starting point for your exploration. Alternatively, you could consider visiting Chichen Itza on the way from Cancun or Merida. While this plan involves an earlier start to beat the crowds, the accommodation options are more plentiful in these cities. Therefore, you are more likely to get a great deal compared to securing a spot in a small town.
Entrance Requirements & Passes
We recommend arriving in Chichen Itza as early as possible to avoid tourist crowds. Most tourist buses arrive there between 10 am and 11 am. Therefore, arriving around the opening time (9 am) could give you about an hour to explore the site and take pictures with minimal obstructions.
There are several “official” websites for Chichen Itza and they are often unavailable. This makes getting an accurate estimate for entrance fees quite challenging. We recommend budgeting at least MXN 1,200 ($50) in parking and entrance fees for two people.
Sights & Places of Interest
Chichen Itza’s structures were built between 750 AD and 900 AD and were rediscovered in the 19th century. Since the rediscovery the site has become a major tourist attraction on the Yucatan peninsula. Mexico became a tourist magnet thanks to its favorable location and historical significance. Millions of tourists visiting Cancun and Merida make a trip to Chichen Itza every year.
El Castillo Pyramid
When you enter Chichen Itza archaeological site, you will proceed directly to the El Castillo pyramid, the central structure of the Northern Group.
The Pyramid is impressive and picturesque. To preserve Chichen Itza, it is prohibited to climb and enter chambers of El Castillo and any other structures of the archaeological site.
Temple of the Warriors
While Chichen Itza is most known for the El Castillo pyramid the site has several other structures worth exploring. One of them, Temple of the Warriors, is located right behind El Castillo.
The Hall of the Thousand Columns
It is an impressive group of structures surrounded by numerous columns. Unsurprisingly, the group is called “The Hall of the Thousand Columns”.
Steam Bath
The Northern Group also features the Steam Bath and the Marketplace.
Marketplace
The Marketplace is the furthest structure of the Northern Group. Although the Marketplace is the closest structure to the Central Group, there is no path connecting it with the other structures. To explore the Central Group you would need to come back to El Castillo via the Hall of the Thousand Columns.
Osario
The Central Group starts with the Osario, a smaller pyramid, also known as the High Priests’ Temple.
El Caracol
El Caracol is the next major structure. It is believed to serve as an observatory based on the shape of its roof.
Nunnery
The Nunnery is the furthest structure in the Central Group. While it is in comparably worse condition to other structures, the Nunnery is still worth exploring.
Curious visitors could soon uncover the Nunnery’s true beauty. This structure has fascinating masks, mosaics, and artistic architectural elements.
House of the Deer
On the way back, we visited the House of the Deer. It is a well preserved structure with Mayan mosaics and ornaments. After the House of the Deer, we returned to the path, exited the site, and headed to Merida, our largest city on the way to Uxmal, Edzna, and Palenque.
Takeaways: Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza is a must see destination if you are visiting the Yucatan peninsula. Take a toll road, arrive early, avoid crowds, and enjoy the site for a couple of hours. The Sacred Senote was not worth a fifteen minute walk and extra fees for us. You can use the time spared to admire El Castillo, El Caracol, The Nunnery, the House of the Deer, and The Hall of the Thousand Columns for a little longer.
Take a look at our Chichen Itza Video Guide and visit our YouTube channel for the latest videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
El Castillo pyramid, El Caracol observatory, Nunnery, House of the Deer, Hall of the Thousand Columns, and Temple of the Warriors are major structures at Chichen Itza Archaeological Site.
Budget at least MXN 1,200 ($50) in parking and entrance fees for two people to visit Chichen Itza Archaeological Site.
Take a toll road if driving from Cancun or Merida and arrive at the opening of Chichen Itza Archaeological Site.
Chichen Itza Archaeological Site opens at 9 am.
Safe realist travels!
