Chichen Itza

Travel Guide
Chichen Itza featuring heritage architecture as well as a small group of people
Travel back in time by exploring a sprawling Mayan city that dates back over 1,000 years. This spectacular UNESCO site is one of Mexico’s most famous treasures.

Visit one of Mexico’s biggest and best-known Mayan ruins, Chichén Itzá. Wander among ancient temples and pyramids, many of them incredibly well preserved, and imagine the Mayan people who called this area home over 1,000 years ago. Discover the rich religious and astronomical significance of the site’s towering structures. Get insight into the fascinating, and often brutal, nature of everyday life in Mayan society.

See the astonishing El Castillo pyramid, the most famous landmark in Chichén Itzá. This imposing pyramid is built from 365 steps which represent the 365 days of the solar year. Try to spot the wealth of other astral symbols embedded in the structure, too. For example, the pyramid includes 52 panels, representing the 52 years in a single cycle of the Mayan calendar. Enter the pyramid to discover the temple contained within.

El Castillo is just one of the overwhelming number of sacred sites here. Marvel at the many pillars of the nearby Court of a Thousand Columns, attached to the Temple of the Warriors. Visit El Caracol, with its impressive winding staircase, which once served as an observatory. And see numerous temples featuring captivating stone reliefs that have given them poetic names. These include the Temple of the Bearded Man and the Temple of the Jaguars.

A famous Mayan tradition is the ball game. Visit the Grand Ball Court to see one of the largest pitches where the Mayan’s elaborate ball games were played for the entertainment of massive crowds. It is believed losing the game may have had bloody consequences. Look for the relief that depicts the beheading of one of the players.

Chichén Itzá is located a little under 125 miles (200 kilometers) from Cancún. Stay in the scenic town of Valladolid to be closer by. Pay the entrance fee and explore at your own pace, or book a guided tour to be led by an expert guide.

Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza
Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza
3 out of 5
Km 120 Carretera Merida-valladolid, Chichen Itza, YUC
The price is ¥8,567 per night from Nov 5 to Nov 6
¥8,567
¥10,366 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 5 - Nov 6
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Chichen Itza. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions El Caracol and Red ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (598 reviews)
"Did a quick overnight here to visit Chichen Itza and the local cenotes at first crack and it was so worth it! Zero crowds and a very personal experience. The hotel staff was fantastic, as I was coming and going at odd hours, and they were always very helpful. The hotel is scattered with interesting ..."

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024

Villas Arqueologicas Chichen Itza
Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa
Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa
3.5 out of 5
Carretera Libre 180 KM 120, Chichen Itza, YUC
The price is ¥27,322 per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
¥27,322
¥33,491 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Chichen Itza. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (315 reviews)
"Excellent services"

Reviewed on Oct 6, 2024

Hacienda Chichen Resort & Yaxkin Spa
Hotel DORALBA INN Chichén
Hotel DORALBA INN Chichén
3 out of 5
Km 122 Carretera Merida- Cancun, Chichen Itza, YUC
The price is ¥6,864 per night from Nov 12 to Nov 13
¥6,864
¥8,306 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 12 - Nov 13
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Chichen Itza. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (639 reviews)
"This place was convenient. We stayed 2 nights and that was just enough. Nothing bad. We felt safe, but the place needs some care and upgrades. It is def a fixer upper. The reception was lacking, and the person working there was not helpful. This is just a motel, that is clean enough to stay close ..."

Reviewed on Sep 7, 2024

Hotel DORALBA INN Chichén
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Villa Unahana
Villa Unahana
3.5 out of 5
YUC 79, Pixoy, Valladolid, YUC
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Valladolid. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Cenote Zahamal and Cenote Samula are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"Awsome place, but a bit out of the city centre and taxi communication was hard"

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2023

Villa Unahana
Encantadora Villa a solo 10 minutos de Valladolid y a 45 minutos de Chichén Itzá
Encantadora Villa a solo 10 minutos de Valladolid y a 45 minutos de Chichén Itzá
Pixoy Valladolid
Stay at this villa in Valladolid. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Cenote Zahamal and Cenote Samula are located nearby.
Encantadora Villa a solo 10 minutos de Valladolid y a 45 minutos de Chichén Itzá
Hacienda Kankabal
Hacienda Kankabal
2 out of 5
kilómetro 21 carretera Izamal- Tunkas, Tunkas, Yuc.
Stay at this villa in Tunkas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Un luggar sin duda extraordinario y más si te gusta la introspección, como yo. Oara fotografía fantástico."

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2023

Hacienda Kankabal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Things to do

Reviews of Chichen Itza

4.8
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
47
" "5 - Excellent 87.03703703703704%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 11.11111111111111%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.8518518518518519%
1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We have a guide offered to us by the hotel, It was excellent and recommended

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Visitors should be aware that once they leave the ruins, they cannot re-enter even if it's the same day. The crowds can be overwhelming...as can the heat and humidity.

5/5 - Excellent

Steve

Magical place.

4/5 - Good

Cia

I thought that the first week of December that the archeological site would be cooler than it was, but it must have been 90 degrees Fahrenheit when we were there on December 4. I was surprised that there weren't more signs identifying the buildings a

5/5 - Excellent

PK

Chichen Itza is a paradise.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It is beautiful. The pyramids at sunrise are a must-see.