Visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun was one of the most powerful travel experiences I’ve had. It was my very first encounter with a historical and cultural monument in the New World, and in Mexico specifically. It was also the first time I came face to face with the heritage of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas – and it left a deep impression. The culture, the symbols, the architecture – it all felt so different from anything I had previously seen in Europe or Asia. Otherworldly, in the best sense of the word.
Why Chichen Itza is so much more than “just ruins”
You can’t visit Chichen Itza without pausing to understand why this place is so extraordinary. Once a thriving Mayan city, it flourished between the 7th and 10th centuries and became one of the largest and most powerful urban centers in the Yucatan Peninsula.
The most famous structure is the Temple of Kukulcan, or El Castillo, a step pyramid built with astonishing astronomical precision. During the equinoxes, sunlight hits the stairs in such a way that it creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid – a tribute to the feathered serpent god Kukulcan.
Just nearby is the Great Ball Court, where the Maya played a ceremonial game with a solid rubber ball. But this wasn’t just sport – it had religious meaning, and in some versions, the losing team (or even the captain) could be sacrificed. Another symbol you’ll see often: jaguars, which held deep spiritual importance, representing strength, the underworld, and the night. You’ll find jaguar imagery carved into stone walls throughout the site.
How to get there: Visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun or Valladolid
There are several ways of visiting Chichen Itza from Cancun or Valladolid, and your choice depends on your travel style and budget.
- From Cancun:
The site is about 2.5-3 hours by car from Cancun. You can rent a car and drive yourself (toll roads are well maintained), or join a group tour, which usually includes hotel pick-up, guide services, lunch, and sometimes a stop at a cenote. There are also ADO buses that go from Cancun to Chichen Itza daily, though you’ll need to coordinate your return carefully. - From Valladolid:
Much closer and more convenient. The journey takes just 40-45 minutes. You can take a taxi, a local bus, or again, rent a car. Valladolid is a great base for an early-morning visit, especially if you want to beat the tour crowds.
Whichever option you choose, arriving early is key – ideally by 8:00 or 9:00 AM.
Practical info: tickets, times, best season
- Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry around 4:00 PM)
- Ticket price: Approximately 648 MXN for foreigners (around 35 USD) – this includes all the fees
- Official site (site of the National Institute of Anthropology and History – Spanish only)
- Best months to visit: November to March – cooler and drier weather. Avoid peak midday heat if possible.
There are vendors on-site selling cold water, fresh coconuts, souvenirs, and Maya-inspired crafts. Prices can be a bit higher inside, so it’s a good idea to bring your own water and a hat. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and cash are highly recommended.