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12 Best Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Looking for the best Chichen Itza tours from Cancun? 

Taking a day trip to Chichen Itza is not only a chance to witness history but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. Walking in the footsteps of ancient Mayan people is a truly humbling experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for their remarkable achievements. 

As you wander through the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza, you will feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The towering pyramid, El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Observatory are just a few of the impressive structures that still stand today. The intricate carvings and details on each building tell stories of the fascinating civilisation that thrived thousands of years ago.

We have gathered together the very best tours Chichen Itza from Cancun that are available, including short half-day tours, low-cost tours, action-packed multi-stop tours and the best private tours. 

⭐ In a rush? Book #1 🛕Chichen Itza tour from Cancun, including 🤿 swimming in a cenote. Enjoy a day filled with fun + a tasty lunch ➡️ CHECK RATES HERE.

There is also a section with tips for visiting the unique Mayan ruins, plus information on how to visit independently

You are guaranteed to find the perfect tour for you in this article. 

Taking one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun is a must-do!
Chichen Itza.

Is Chichen Itza Worth Visiting From Cancun?

The short and emphatic answer is yes, Chichen Itza is definitely worth visiting from Cancun – and from anywhere else in Mexico. As Chichen Itza is only 2.5 hours from Cancun, there is no excuse not to visit what is generally considered one of the Seven Wonders of The World

Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason. The excavated jungle site is packed with pyramids (El Castillo or Kukulkan is the most famous), several impressive temples (The Temple of the Skulls is a must-see), The Great Ball Court, and so much more. 

You will marvel at the ancient construction techniques, learn about Mayan history and culture and discover how the Mayans lived – and survived – in the jungle hundreds of years ago. 

You will need at least two hours to explore the site, ideally more but can make the most of your trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun by visiting nearby attractions such as a cenote or the colonial city of Valladolid. 

Booking one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun is the easiest way to visit the historic site and is an opportunity that should not be missed. 

Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun At A Glance

There are many different Chichen Itza tours from Cancun to choose from.

There are lots of Chichen Itza tours from Cancun to choose from, and each one varies in group size, itinerary and cost. Before you start searching for the best Chichen Itza tour from Cancun for your trip, think about the type of tour you want.

Do you want a direct, no-frills Chichen Itza half-day tour from Cancun, or would you prefer one of the multi-stop Chichen Itza private tours from Cancun? Are you happy to share a large coach with 50 other people, or do you want a small minivan just for your group or family?

All the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun featured in this article offer transportation to and from Cancun, and most of them offer individual hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.

Most of the highly rated tours we feature offer a guided tour of the Chichen Itza, and some include snacks, drinks or a traditional Mexican lunch. All tours include your entrance fees to Chichen Itza. 

The most variation you will find between tours is in the tour itinerary. Some tours provide a direct return trip where your only stop is Chichen Itza, whilst other tours visit places en route to and from Cancun, such as cenotes or Valladolid. 

Whichever day trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun that you choose, we advise booking a tour that offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. This enables you to keep your trip plans flexible or to claim a refund should you be delayed or fall ill. 

Before completing the booking process, always how long you will actually spend on site in Chichen Itza and exactly what is included – or excluded – on the tour. This will avoid any nasty surprises and disappointments on the day. 

It is also worth checking that the guide speaks your language and what sort of vehicle you will be travelling in. 

A little targeted research could make the difference between a tour which is fabulous or a tour which is a flop. 

TOP PICK Chichen Itza Tour From Cancun

These are our top picks of all the Cancun to Chichen Itza tours that are available. We chose these as our top picks because they fit a lot of attractions into one day, you have a considerable chunk of time at Chichen Itza, plus the tours are good value for money. 

#1 Chichen Itza Cenote + Valladolid 

Chichen Itza tours from Cancun can also include a visit to Valladolid and a stop at a cenote.
Valladolid Mexico

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This highly-rated tour Chichen Itza to Cancun packs a lot into one day and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. There is a maximum group size of 45 people. 

Considering all that this tour offers and includes, it is excellent value for money. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • A buffet lunch (including vegetarian options)
  • Services of a certified bi-lingual guide
  • A 30-minute stop at Valladolid 
  • Entrance ticket to a cenote
  • Hotel pick up
  • Tequila tasting
  • A light continental breakfast

ITINERARY

The tour starts with a one-hour breakfast stop at the Real Mayab Hotel before arriving at Chichen Itza around midday. 

You will then spend 2.5 hours on-site exploring with a guide and then on your own. From Chichen Itza, you travel to Cenote Chichikan, where you will spend two hours having lunch, swimming, sunbathing and tequila tasting. 

After leaving the cenote, you will drive to Valladolid for a quick 30-minute stop before returning to Cancun. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#2 Chichen Itza + Valladolid & Cenote Ik Kil

A tour Chichen Itza from Cancun can also include a visit to Valladolid.
Most Cancun to Chichen Itza tours also include a stop at  Cenote Ik Kil.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This private Cancun to Chichen Itza tour lasts the whole day (10 – 12 hours), which enables you to spend a lot of time in each fabulous location. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Transportation in a private vehicle
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off 
  • A professional guide
  • Entrance tickets and a guided tour of Chichen Itza 
  • Entrance to Cenote Ik Kil
  • A buffet lunch
  • Guided visit to Valladolid
  • Soft drinks and light snacks

ITINERARY

After an early start from Cancun, the first stop of the day is Chichen Itza, where you will spend three hours. You can enjoy a guided tour plus some free time to explore on your own. 

You will then travel to Cenote Ik Kil, ‘the place of the winds’. This stunning cenote is 48 metres deep and is set in an idyllic jungle setting. You will spend two hours relaxing and swimming at the cenote. 

The tour continues to Valladolid, where you will have three hours to explore its museums, markets, squares and parks. You can enjoy a guided tour plus free time to explore this magical city on your own before returning by your private vehicle to Cancun.  

Book your spot on this tour at the best rate here:

Tours To Chichen Itza From Cancun + Cenote

We always like to pack the most we can into our day trips, so consider the best Chichen Itza tours from Cancun are the tours that also visit other attractions during the day. 

We love visiting the Yucatans’ famous cenotes, so any tour that includes a cenote trip is a good tour!

The following Chichen Itza day trips from Cancun each visit a different cenote, so choose the cenote that fits your preferences and travel style. 

#3 Chichen Itza, Valladolid + Cenote Saamal 

Cenote Saamal Hacienda Selva Maya.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This Chichen Itza and Cenote tour packs a lot into 12 hours, offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and accepts a maximum of 50 guests.

This tour visits Cenote Samaal, one of the most picturesque cenotes in the region. The cenote lies in the Hacienda Selva Maya, which also has zip lines and bike rentals. 

Cenote Saamal is a large open-air cenote with its own picture-perfect waterfall. It is accessed by a long flight of wooden steps and is a perfect cenote for swimming or jumping.

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Transportation from Cancun
  • Hotel pick up and drop off 
  • Entrance to Cenote Samaal
  • A buffet meal with two drinks included
  • Admission to Chichen Itza
  • Visit to Valladolid

ITINERARY

The first stop of the day is Chichen Itza, where you will spend two hours exploring the site with a guide and on your own. 

You will then travel to Cenote Saamal, where you will spend 45 minutes swimming and sunbathing before enjoying a one-hour lunch stop. 

After lunch, you will travel to Valladolid, where you will spend one hour exploring the historic city on your own before returning to Cancun.

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#4 Chichen Itza, Valladolid + Cenote Oxman

Valladolid.
Cenote Oxman

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This Chichen Itza cenote tour from Cancun has an early 7.30 am departure time in order to get to Chichen Itza before the crowds arrive. It lasts for 12 hours, has a maximum of 60 guests and offers a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before departure. 

The tour visits Cenote Oxman, a popular and scenic semi-open cenote near Valladolid. The cenote is accessed by wooden stairs and is ideal for swimming and jumping; there is even a Tarzan rope if you are feeling brave enough. 

Cenote Oxman also has a swimming pool, sun lounger and hammocks, so it is a fun and relaxing place to visit.  

 WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Access to Cenote Oxman
  • Guided visit to Chichen Itza
  • Bottle of water
  • Visit to Valladolid
  • Transportation to and from Cancun
  • A buffet Lunch 
  • Services of a bilingual Guide

ITINERARY

After your early departure from Cancun, you will visit Chichen Itza for a two-hour guided tour plus free time. 

You will then travel to Cenote Oxman to swim, have lunch and relax for two hours. Once refreshed, you will drive to Valladolid for a quick 30 minutes of free exploring before returning to Cancun. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#5 Chichen Itza, Valladolid + Cenote Ik kil

Palacio Municipal Valladolid Mexico
Cenote Ik Kil

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This low-cost 11-hour Chichen Itza day trip from Cancun has an early 7 am departure time. It offers a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before departure and accepts a maximum of 50 guests. 

The tour visits Cenote Ik Kil near Chichen Itza as part of its itinerary. Cenote Ik Kil is popular and can get very busy in peak season, but it is so beautiful that it is well worth visiting, despite the crowds.

The open cenote is surrounded by jungle greenery and is draped in lianas hanging down into the water. The water is up to 50 metres deep, so it is perfect for jumping into, and there is a 5-metre-high jumping platform for adventurous visitors.   

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Lunch
  • Round-trip transportation from Cancun
  • Bottled water
  • A guide
  • Entrance to Chichen Itza
  • Entrance to Cenote Ik Kil

ITINERARY

The first stop of the tour is a two-hour visit to Chichen Itza, where you can enjoy a guided tour followed by free time to explore on your own. 

You will then make a two-hour stop for a cooking demonstration, after which you will have lunch before journeying on to Cenote Ik Kil. 

After one hour of swimming and enjoying the cenote, you will travel to Valladolid for a very quick 20-minute stop before returning to Cancun. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

Unique Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun 

In addition to direct tours or tours that include cenotes, there are a few trips to Chichen Itza from Cancun that also offer something a little extra special. Both these tours include features that would be hard to do independently. 

#6 Chichen Itza Sunrise Tour 

Chichen Itza tours from Cancun.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This Chichen Itza private tour from Cancun is ideal if you want to avoid daytime crowds. However, you must like early starts as this sunrise tour has a departure time of 3 am!

The tour allows refunds for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure, and, as it is a private tour, there is no limit on maximum or minimum numbers. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • All entrance fees and tourist taxes
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bottled water
  • A private tour guide
  • Breakfast

ITINERARY

After your early departure time, you will arrive at Chichen Itza to enjoy the spectacular sunrise and the sounds of the jungle walking up. You will spend two hours on a guided tour plus some free time to explore on your own –  and all before the tour buses descend around 10 am. 

Afterwards, you will have two hours at Cenote Ik Kil, where you will also enjoy breakfast before heading back to Cancun. 

This Cancun to Chichen Itza private tour will also allow itinerary tweaks and add-ons to suit your party. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#7 Chichen Itza Night Show + Valladolid 

Chichen Itza tours from Cancun.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This 13-hour trip to Chichen Itza from Cancun departs at a family-friendly 10 am. It includes several attractions and the chance to see Chichen Itza’s incredible nighttime laser show. 

Note that the show is in Spanish, and your time at Chichen Itza is very short. If you want to fully explore the site, you cannot do it on this tour. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Lunch
  • Round trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entrance to Cenote Hubiku
  • Entrance to Tequila Museum Don Tadeo (plus tequila tasting)
  • Entrance to Kukulkan Night Show in Chichen Itza
  • Visit to Valladolid 

ITINERARY

The first stop after departing Cancun is Cenote Hubiku, where you can enjoy a swim and visit the Mayan village before indulging in a buffet lunch. 

You will then travel to Valladolid, where you will first visit the Don Tadeo Tequila Museum to learn about how tequila is made in this region. The one-hour tour includes tequila tasting.  

After the tour, you will have an additional hour to explore Valladolid on your own before travelling to Chichen Itza for the 45-minute sound, light and laser show. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

Best Private Tours To Chichen Itza From Cancun

If spending part of your precious day trip waiting for other people to board and disembark your bus at multiple stops does not appeal, there are several private Chichen Itza tours from Cancun to choose from. 

Each tour will have its own itinerary, but most tour operators are happy to allow some flexibility in timings and itinerary. However, any changes should be agreed upon in advance of the tour. 

#8 Chichen Itza + Cenote Chukum

Cenote Chukum Valladolid

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This 8-hour private tour to Chichen Itza from Cancun has a family-friendly duration and a good variety of stops. It offers a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure and has no minimum or maximum numbers. 

This tour includes a stop at Cenote Chukum, a perfectly circular 130-foot-deep semi-open cenote surrounded by jungle greenery. 

Note that a guide to Chichen Itza is not included on this tour, so if you want a guided tour, you will need to hire a guide when you arrive at the Mayan ruins.  

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Private round-trip transportation
  • Soft drinks
  • Lunch
  • Entrance to Cenote Chukum
  • Entrance to Chichen Itza
  • Optional visit to Valladolid

ITINERARY

After being picked up from your hotel or other accommodation, you will travel in comfort to Chichen Itza, where you will spend two hours on site. 

You will then travel to Hacienda Chukum for a 1.5-hour visit to Cenote Chukum, where you can swim, go ziplining or bounce on trampolines before enjoying a buffet lunch with unlimited soft drinks. 

After lunch, you will travel to Valladolid for a quick 30-minute stop before returning to Cancun. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#9 Chichen Itza, Full Tour Of Valladolid + Ik Kil

Valladolid and Chichen Itza Tours from Cancun.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This 12-hour tour only visits three locations, so you will have sufficient time to fully explore and enjoy each location. This private Chichen Itza excursion from Cancun offers a full refund if you cancel 24 hours before departure and has no minimum or maximum guest requirement.  

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Round-trip transportation from Cancun in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • All tourist taxes
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fees to Chichen Itza
  • Entrance fees to Cenote Ik Kil

ITINERARY

After departing from Cancun, the first stop on tour is Chichen Itza, where you will have approximately three hours to explore on your own, or you can hire a guide on site. 

You will then travel to Cenote Ik Kil, where you will spend two hours swimming, relaxing and enjoying a freshly cooked buffet lunch. 

After lunch, you will drive to Valladolid, where you can spend three hours exploring the charming colonial city before returning to your hotel in Cancun. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#10 Chichen Itza & Cenote Ik Kil

Cenote Ik Kil
Cenote Ik Kil

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This private tour also visits Chichen Itza and Cenote Ik Kil and is ideal for anyone who prefers shorter day trips. The six-hour tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Lunch
  • Bottled water
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • All tourist taxes
  • Entrance fees

ITINERARY

The private tour begins with a guided tour of Chichen Itza, followed by free time to explore on your own. You will have around two hours on site. 

Afterwards, you will drive to Cenote Ik Kil for one hour of swimming and fun before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant. You can try ‘Conchita Pibil, an award-winning traditional Mayan dish made from slow-roasted pork and citrus fruit, plus a range of different flavour tamales. 

You will return directly to Cancun after lunch. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

Combo Chichen Itza Day Tours From Cancun

The following combination tours of Chichen Itza from Cancun showcase some of the best attractions that the Yucatan has to offer. If you want to see and learn a lot in a short space of time, these are the tours for you. 

#11 Chichen Itza, Coba + Cenote Saamal 

Coba Ruins can be combined with visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This highly rated 12-hour tour packs a lot into one day and is a must-do tour for history lovers. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and sets a maximum number of 18 passengers. 

For the small group size and the itinerary on offer, this tour is good value for money. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • A picnic lunch including a sandwich, fruit, juice and sweet dessert
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen
  • Private transportation by air-conditioned minivan
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance to Chichen Itza
  • Entrance to Coba 
  • Entrance to Cenote Saamal

ITINERARY

The first stop of the day is Chichen Itza, where you will take a guided tour which will show you the highlights of the UNESCO site. You will have approximately 1.5 hours to explore.

You will then drive to Cenote Saamal, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the Yucatan region. Descend the wooden steps to the water at the bottom of the open cenote to enjoy swimming, jumping and diving for one hour. 

In the afternoon, you will visit the Mayan ruins at Coba, much of which remains to be excavated from the jungle. Coba is best known as the home of the 42-metre-high Ixmoja, the tallest Mayan pyramid in the Yucatan. 

After a guided tour and some free time to explore on your own, you will be whisked back to your hotel. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

#12 Chichen Itza, Ek Balam + Cenote Saamal 

Ek Balam can be combines with visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This 12-hour tour has an early 5 am start so you can beat the crowds at Chichen Itza. It has a varied and interesting itinerary and allows a good amount of time in each location. 

The tour has a maximum group number of 20 and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. 

WHAT’S PROVIDED?

  • Round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • A bilingual guide
  • A buffet lunch
  • Entrance to Ek Balam
  • Entrance to Chichen Itza
  • Entrance to Cenote Saamal

ITINERARY

The tour starts at Ek Balam Village, where you will have a guided tour plus free time to explore on your own. You will spend around 1.5 hours on site. 

You will then travel to Chichen Itza for a three-hour visit before travelling to the Hotel Real del Mayab to enjoy a freshly cooked Mexican-style buffet lunch. 

After lunch, you will drive to Cenote Saamal to spend one-hour swimming and relaxing in this popular and picturesque location before returning to your hotel or meeting point. 

Book your trip at the best rate here:

Visiting Chichen Itza From Cancun Independently

Chichen Itza tours from Cancun.

If you are wondering how to visit Chichen Itza without taking a tour, there are several options. 

You can catch a public bus run by ADO from the Cancun central bus station to Valladolid, from where you can grab a local colectivo bus to the Chichen Itza site. There are also a few ADO buses per day that offer direct service, but the bus schedule may not be the most convenient. Generally, the ride is cheap, but it will be very hard to make a round trip in one day.

If you prefer opting out of the tour option, we recommend self-driving to Chichen Itza. The driving route is one of Yucatan’s major roads, so the road is in good condition with good signage. The drive to Chichen Itza from Cancun will take around 2.5 hours. 

🚗 We always rent a car with Discover Cars when we travel in Mexico. They have proved reliable with accurate descriptions of the vehicles for rent. Discover Cars are also cost-effective and have no hidden fees or charges. 

It is possible to take a taxi to Chichen Itza from Cancun, but you can expect to pay high prices. 

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Tips For Visiting Chichen Itza

chichen itza

Whether you join one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun or visit the site independently, there are certain things you do and bring to help make your visit the best it can be. 

✔️Protect from the heat

Chichen Itza is a large exposed site, and there is very little shade or cover from the sun. It is essential to wear loose-fitting cotton clothes and a wide-brim sun hat that gives good head and neck coverage.

Make sure you apply a high-factor sunscreen before visiting and reapply if you are spending a long time on site. Try to get some shade when you can to recharge for more sightseeing. 

✔️Wear comfortable shoes

You will inevitably do a lot of walking at Chichen Itza, so wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes is a must. The ground can be uneven underfoot, so any shoe with a heel is not a good idea. 

We would also advise wearing closed-toe shoes or good-gripping sandals rather than flip-flops. Flip flops can catch easily and have no grip, so are not safe for walking on slippery stones on the site. 

✔️Bring plenty of water

The sun and exposed site, coupled with lots of walking, means that it is essential to stay hydrated when visiting Chichen Itza. If you are travelling with children, keep an eye on their water intake. 

Make sure you bring plenty of water per person. It is also a good idea to pack a couple of rehydration sachets or something sweet, like concentrated fruit juice, to add to one of your water bottles just in case you need a sugar boost. 

Ideally, bring water in a reusable bottle to avoid adding to the single-use plastic waste at Chichen Itza. 

✔️Take a guided tour

Chichen Itza is an incredible site, but you will only gain so much from an information board or a guidebook. 

To really get the most out of your visit and to learn about the history and culture of the ancient Mayans, you will need to take a guided tour. A tour guide can delve into the stories and myths surrounding Chichen Itza and bring the ruins and the people who once lived there back to life. 

Trust us, you will learn and enjoy Chichen Itza a lot more with the services of a professional guide. If you are not visiting with one of the Chichen Itza tours from Cancun, there will be official guides available for hire just inside the entrance to Chichen Itza. 

✔️Tripods, drones & loudspeakers are not allowed

Photography and video is permitted inside Chichen Itza, but you are not allowed to bring camera tripods without a pre-arranged (and costly) permit. Even small pack-away tripods are forbidden. 

Drones are also not allowed in Chichen Itza, so don’t expect to be able to take Insta-worthy aerial shots of the site. There are a lot of security personnel monitoring photography and drone usage, so leave your drone and tripod at your hotel. If you bring them with you, you quill be required to leave them in a locker.

Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun: FAQ

How much does it cost to go to Chichen Itza from Cancun?

The cost of Chichen Itza tours from Cancun varies according to the tour you choose. Tours start from as little as £45  / $53 per person for short-duration tours with a large group. 

You can expect to pay well over £100 / $125 per person for the best private tours to Chichen Itza from Cancun. 

If you are wondering how to get to Chichen Itza on a budget, it will be cheaper to take the bus to Chichen Itza from Cancun. A round-trip ticket costs around £23 / $28. 

You will then need to pay the Chichen Itza entrance fee, which is currently $614 MXN / £28 / $35. A ticket to the Kukulkan light, sound and laser show which takes place after hours at 7 pm, costs $708 MXN / £32 / $40. 

Is it safe to take a tour from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

Taking a tour is probably one of the safest and easiest ways to travel from Cancun to Chichen Itza ruins. You will not have to tackle public transport or navigate unfamiliar roads by self-driving. 

However, it pays to do your research. Always know what is, and what is not included in the tour, how long you will spend at each site and always, and always read recent reviews to check if the tour is suitable and safe, particularly if you are a solo traveller. 

How long does it take to get from Cancun to Chichen Itza?

If you are wondering how much of your day will be spent travelling and how far Chichen Itza is from Cancun, the distance between the two locations is approximately 129 miles or 207 kilometres. 

Driving to Chichen Itza from Cancun will take between 2 and 2.5 hours each way. 

Do you need to book in advance for Chichen Itza?

If you want to book one of the Chichen Itza tours Cancun has to offer, you will need to book in advance to secure the tour you want, especially if you are travelling in peak season. 

If you are self-driving or visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun independently, you do not need to book entrance tickets in advance, but you need to be prepared to queue on the day to get your tickets and to enter.

For peace of mind and to avoid long queues, it is also possible to buy tickets online in advance, including ‘skip the line’ tickets with online sellers such as Viator. 

Is Chichen Itza or Tulum better?

Comparing the two sites is difficult as both ancient sites are unique and well worth visiting if you have time to do both. 

Chichen Itza is a larger site with more buildings and structures to explore. However, Tulum, although smaller, has an idyllic and atmospheric coastal setting. 

We would advise making the time to visit both sites, but if you can only choose one, we would choose the UNESCO-listed Chichen Itza over Tulum. 

Can I visit Chichen Itza on my own?

It is possible to visit Chichen Itza from Cancun on your own –  though it is always easier and less stressful to join a tour.

If you are not self-driving, you can catch the Cancun to Chichen Itza bus. This public ADO bus departs from Cancun’s central bus station and drops passengers right outside the entrance to Chichen Itza.  

Departures start around 8 – 9 am, so unfortunately, you will arrive at Chichen Itza at the same time as all the other tour buses. You will also be limited as to how long you can stay on-site as you will have to follow the bus schedule to catch your return bus. 

The bus is easy and cheap, and at around £23 / $30 per person for a return trip, it is a great option for solo travellers or travellers on a budget.

Once inside Chichen Itza, you can keep costs down by exploring on your own with a guide book but to fully appreciate the history and culture you are seeing, we recommend hiring a private, official guide from just inside the entrance to Chichen Itza. 

What is the best day to visit Chichen Itza?

If you are a Mexican resident or a foreigner with Mexican residency, the best day to visit Chichen Itza is on a Sunday, as you will receive free entry. 

For everyone else, any day of the week is a good day to visit Chichen Itza. However, we would recommend avoiding national holidays, school holidays or weekends if you can, as these will be the busiest times at Chichen Itza.

If possible, try to visit during the dry season from November to April, as you will avoid rain or extreme summer heat and humidity. However, try to avoid the peak visitor months of December and January if you don’t like sharing your tourist attraction with huge crowds.  

Whichever day or time of year you choose to visit Chichen Itza, try to visit as early in the day as you can. Chichen Itza’s hours are from 8 am to 5 pm seven days a week, with the last entry at 4 pm. 

If you can, arrive before 8 am and join the already forming queue. Your early start will be rewarded with two hours of a quieter Chichen Itza before the majority of tour buses arrive. 

Can you climb to the top of the Chichen Itza Pyramid?

Chichen Itza’s largest pyramid is the mighty Kukulkan Pyramid which stands at an impressive 91 feet / 28 metres tall. 

Unfortunately, visitors are no longer allowed to climb the pyramid’s impossibly steep stone steps. Millions of people have climbed the steps, which over time, have become worn and smooth, plus increasingly slippery and dangerous. 

After a visitor tragically slipped and died whilst climbing the pyramid in 2006, Mexican authorities prohibited visitors from climbing Kukulkan. This rule is unlikely to change.

How long is the walk in Chichen Itza?

The walk in Chichen Itza is as long or as short as you want it to be but to fully explore the sit, we recommend staying for between 2 – 3 hours (or ideally four hours if you want to see everything at a comfortable pace).

Chichen Itza Tours From Cancun Final Word

Visiting Chichen Itza is a must-do activity if you are visiting Cancun or the Yucatan peninsula. 

It is a unique, fascinating and memorable location which allows you to learn about Mayan history and culture, which in turn, will help you understand modern Mexico. 

How to get to Chichen Itza from Cancun is up to you, but if you want an easy, stress-free trip with the opportunity to learn or visit other amazing locations in the region, book one of the fantastic tours featured in this post. 

You won’t regret visiting Chichen Itza – but we guarantee you will regret not visiting it. 

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