Chichen Itza

Introducing Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is an ancient Mayan city site located in the east-central Yucatán state of Mexico. It is 3 kilometers long from north to south and 2 kilometers wide from east to west, with hundreds of buildings.

"Chichen Itza" means "wellhead," and the natural well served as the foundation of the city. A road now divides it into two halves. The southern section, Old Chichen Itza, was built between the 7th and 10th centuries AD and features Mayan cultural features, including pyramid temples, pillared halls, a ball court, a marketplace, and an astronomical observatory, all decorated primarily with stone carvings. The northern section, New Chichen Itza, is a gray building with Toltec characteristics, featuring the Pyramid of Kukulkan and the Temple of the Warriors. Its decoration is primarily simple lines and stucco carvings of the feathered serpent.

Climate and best time to travel

tropical semi-humid climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

El Castillo Pyramid

El Castillo (also known as the Quetzalcoatl Pyramid, the Castle, the Mayan Pyramid, or the Mexican Pyramid), towering 23 meters in the center of Chichen Itza, was built as a temple dedicated to the Quetzalcoatl god. The pyramid has a square base, with steps ascending on each side to the temple at the top. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, at sunrise and sunset, the corners of the structure cast a feathered serpent-like shadow on the north steps of the pyramid, which glides downwards to the north as the sun moves.

Warrior Temple

The "Temple of the Warriors" at Chichen Itza was clearly modeled after Temple B in the Toltec capital of Tula, but thanks to the skill of Mayan architects, it surpassed its prototype. The Temple of the Warriors is a stone structure (originally roofed with wood and stucco) topped by a stepped pyramid, with interior pillars carved into the shape of warriors. At the top of the pyramid steps leading to the temple entrance is an altar statue of the Chac Mool angel.

court

Chichen Itza boasts seven Mesoamerican cull courts, but the one located approximately 150 meters northwest of the pyramid is particularly striking. This is the largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica, measuring 166 meters long and 68 meters wide. Stone slabs carved with images of players line the interior.

Recommended 1-day tour

Tickets

80 pesos, re-entry within 1 day, free on Sundays

Attraction opening hours

8:00-17:30

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Most Popular FAQs for Chichen Itza

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Chichen Itza is a major Mayan archaeological site in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, once a powerful city and ceremonial center. It’s renowned for its architectural, astronomical, and cultural significance, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Located in eastern Yucatán, about 120 km from Mérida and 200 km from Cancún.
• Accessible by car, taxi, or guided tour from major cities like Mérida or Cancún.
• Public buses are available from nearby towns like Valladolid.
• Walking inside the site is the primary mode of exploration.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
• Dry season (November to April) offers more comfortable weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

• Adult tickets: approximately MXN 533 (includes federal archaeological site fee and Yucatán state tax).
• Children under 13 may have reduced fees.
• Tickets can be purchased on-site or online through official tourism websites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season or holidays. Booking 1–2 weeks ahead is usually sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Approximately 3–4 hours are recommended to explore the main structures and surrounding areas. Guided tours may extend the visit to 5 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán)
• Great Ball Court
• Temple of the Warriors
• Observatory (El Caracol)
• Sacred Cenote
• Group of a Thousand Columns

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are widely available in Spanish and English. Some tours also offer French, German, and Italian. Audio guides may be available at the entrance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Front and side views of El Castillo pyramid
• From the top of Temple of the Warriors (where permitted)
• Around the Great Ball Court for wide-angle shots
• Overlooking the Sacred Cenote

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at El Castillo, proceed to the Great Ball Court, visit the Temple of the Warriors and Thousand Columns, then explore El Caracol and finish at the Sacred Cenote.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

• Yes, the “Light and Sound Show” illuminates El Castillo in the evening with historical narration.
• Special guided tours may be offered during cultural events or holidays.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site is busiest between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, especially during holidays and peak tourist season. Visit early morning on weekdays for fewer crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Restrooms are available at the entrance and main plaza areas
• Snack stands and small cafes outside the site
• Water fountains and shaded rest areas are limited—bring water and sun protection
• Souvenir shops are located near the entrance

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The site has uneven terrain and sand paths. Wheelchair access is limited. Children can walk the paths but require supervision. Elderly visitors should plan for moderate walking.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is recommended for entrance, shops, and food stalls. Credit/debit cards may be accepted at some souvenir shops, but mobile payments are limited.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• Local restaurants in the nearby town of Pisté
• Cafes and snack stands near the site entrance
• Hotel restaurants offering Mayan and Mexican cuisine

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available in some restaurants; vegan and halal options are limited and may require advance inquiry.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Mayaland Hotel & Bungalows
• Hotel Villas Arqueológicas
• Chichen Itza Piste Hotels
• Nearby guesthouses and eco-lodges

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Cenote Ik Kil for swimming
• Cenote Sagrado and other natural sinkholes
• Valladolid, a colonial town with colorful streets and markets
• Ek’ Balam archaeological site

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

• Handcrafted Mayan jewelry and textiles
• Pyramids and Mayan figurines
• Postcards, magnets, and local crafts
• Traditional food items like honey and chocolate

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• Bus services to Valladolid, Mérida, and Cancún
• Car rentals for exploring nearby cenotes and towns
• Private taxis or transfers to nearby resorts and cities