Chichen Itza Unesco Site

Take a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Chichen Itza (proper spelling is Chichén-Itzá – see note at the end of this paragraph). Located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, the ancient Mayan City is just 2.5 hours drive from Playa del Carmen, and 1 hour from Merida. It is a must-see attraction, since it is one of the seven wonders of the world. Each year, 2.6 million people visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site (1988). Due to SEO, we will no longer be utilizing accents in this article – see correct spelling above.

Chichen Itza Unesco Site

The most photographed portion of the Chichen Itza is El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán). This enormous pyramid features large steps to the top. While climbing the steps is no longer allowed, it is certainly an impressive structure to behold. With its numerous buildings, Chichen Itza showcases a unique fusion of Maya and Toltec architecture.

Chichen Itza is translated to ”Mouth of the Well of the Itzaes.” It refers to both the Itzá Mayan people as well as to the natural cavities such as cenotes or sink holes near the city that drew early settlers to the area. See below for article link about cenotes.

ETG Tips, Visiting Chichen Itza

This is an extremely popular attraction especially during high season (October – April), so if you want a tour don’t forget to purchase tickets online, prior to arriving in Mexico. Remember, this UNESCO World Heritage site is large, so wear sunscreen, good shoes, or a sun hat, and bring water. Unlike Tullum, visitors are encouraged to bring their own water in.

*Mayan Carving, Chichen Itza; photo by Richard Bilow*

You don’t have to schedule an expensive tour. In addition to the Chichen Itza tours listed on their website, there are many offered from Playa del Carmen that include transportation. However, you can save a bit of money if you take the ADO bus. We did it just for the experience. You can catch up on sleep or meet some friendly locals or other adventurers. We had a great time, everyone was so nice and helpful. If you tend to get cold, bring an extra shirt or light sweater for inside air conditioned bus. You can also rent a car, however security can be an issue. Be aware, if you are taking a local bus, sometimes, it may be stopped while police officials bring on a dog for a drug test.

Chicen Itza UNESCO Site — *Las Monjas (the Nuns House); photo by Kathy Leonardo*

Hire a Tour Guide at Chichen Itza

You can hire an official guide at the entrance of the site. That person will also help you move through the ticket line more quickly. We had a wonderful guide who was kind enough to explain how to check in with a camera.

We met an American couple at the entrance who were very frustrated. Since they did not speak Spanish, they did not understand that they had to pay two fees (federal and state-level fees). There is also a third payment due if you are bringing in a professional camera, GoPro or selfie stick. However your guide can help you with all that. So the couple paid two fees (not three), and then had to go back to the ticket line. Now you know, so that won’t happen to you.

Templo Los Guerreros (Temple of Warriors); Photo by Richard Bilow

If you decide to go it on your own, bring a list (organized by priority) of what you really want to see. It is a lot of walking and this way you will make certain to see everything you want. If you don’t approach it with an order, at some point, you may decide you are just to hot and tired.

When to Visit Chichen Itza

We tend to always travel on shoulder season (this is usually when kids are in school). There is a lot less people, and it tends not to be as hot. Of course if you travel during the equinox the beginning of Spring (3rd week of March) or in the Fall (3rd week of Sept), you can catch a special view of the famed temple. Basically at that time the sun creates shadows on the sides of El Castillo and the result is an image that resembles a descending serpent. It is a120 ft length snake slinking downwards with a serpent’s head at the bottom.

There is also a nighttime event that takes place at the iconic site called Kukulkan Nights light and Sound Show.

ETG’s Top Five Chichen Itza Picks

1. El Castillo/The Castle also called Pyramid of Kukulkan
2. Las Monjas/The Nuns House
3. El Caracoal/The Observatory
4. Templo los Guerreros/Temple of the Warriors
5. Grupo de las Mil Columnas/Group of a Thousand Columns

Climbing any of the ruins at Chichen Itza is illegal. Don’t do it, you will be fined and escorted to the exit. Chichén-Itzá, 120 Carretera libre 180-Puerto Juarez, Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico C.P. 97751; https://www.chichenitza.com/

Read my ETG article An Early Morning Visit to Chichen Itza. Or see the ETG Mexico Page for more articles.