Is Chichen Itza Worth It to Visit In 2023? It’s a Wonder!

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Wondering if Chichen Itza is worth it to visit? I’ll give you the full rundown!

Quick Rundown on Chichen Itza

If you’re visiting Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, you’ve likely heard of Chichen Itza, and might be wondering if it’s worth a visit.

There are a lot of things to do in Mexico, so asking if Chichen Itza is worth it is a perfectly valid question. So, let’s talk about it!

There are a lot of ways to visit Chichen Itza, and a lot of cities on the Yucatan Peninsula to visit it from, and we’ll get into all of it in this post.

But first, here’s our top pick for the Chichen Itza tour!

What is so Special About Chichen Itza?

Chichen Itza is an archeological site in Yucatan, Mexico. It has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. This means something to some people, but to me, it’s just words.

The real allure of Chichen Itza to me is its history. Mayan culture is fascinating. I always make a point to visit Mayan ruins whenever I’m in Mexico. Each is distinct in its own way, and similar in other ways, tying the Mayan world together.

Of all the Mayan sites, Chichen Itza is considered to be the king, because of its massive main pyramid, “El Castillo.” It’s the only site in Mexico and the only Mayan site on the list of the Seven Wonders of the New World.

Where is Chichen Itza Located?

Chichen Itza is located in the center of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, in the state of Yucatan, about halfway between Merida and Cancun, which are your airport options.

It’s accessible from either city, as well as the smaller destinations around such as Tulum, Valladolid, and Playa del Carmen. It’s the capital of Mayan Mexico and is one of the biggest tourist sites in the country. Wherever you are on the peninsula, you’ll have options to go to Chichen Itza.

Where To Stay Near Chichen Itza

One of the great things about this site is that it’s accessible from pretty much anywhere on the peninsula, even as a day tour.

For my taste, I like to get outside the big cities of Cancun or Merida and see the site outside of the times when all the tour groups go.

If that’s you too, then you might want to stay in Valladolid, a small town less than 30 minutes away from Chichen Itza.

Staying here will help you get to the ruins earlier than everyone else so you can take the best pictures possible.

I’ve scouted some hotels so I can recommend three options for you based on your budget. I stayed at Mayan Majesty and loved it!

Is Chichen Itza Worth Driving To?

Is Chichen Itza worth going to? Absolutely yes! But, is Chichen Itza worth driving to? Also absolutely Yes! Renting a car and driving yourself will give you more freedom to explore the site on your own terms.

If you do drive, I recommend paying to park. It’s only 30 pesos and lasts all day. The free parking along the narrow road to Chichen Itza is asking for problems if you ask me. Pay the 30 pesos, it’s only about $1.50.

Cell service is spotty once you get outside of the cities, so your GPS might not be reliable. Driving the countryside highways is stress-inducing, but the route is easy if you make sure to watch for the signs.

I’d recommend going either early in the morning or later in the afternoon, outside of the biggest volumes of tour buses. The drive takes between three and three and a half hours, so plan accordingly.

How to Get to Chichen Itza

Driving yourself isn’t the only way to find your own way to Chichen Itza. You can take a taxi for a high price. If you want to get there the cheapest way possible, hopping on a collective, or shared taxi service will likely be the cheapest option.

Collectives have a reputation for being an unsafe mode of travel, but if you’re smart about it, it works out just fine.

• Catch one at a terminal where the buses and vans stop, not just on the side of the street.
• Double-check the destination with the driver.
• Keep your backpack or purse with you if possible.
• Make sure they’re not charging you more than the locals.

This has been the cheapest and most adventurous method of travel that I have experienced in Mexico. There are also larger commuter buses to Chichen Itza from all the surrounding cities. Some of these can take a lot longer than you’ll want, so I wouldn’t recommend them.

If you’re not feeling the public transportation though, and I can’t say that I blame you, I recommend taking a guided tour. This is one of those experiences I believe is worth being seen on a tour.

Tours Also Include

Exact mileage will vary, since those tours all start and return to different cities, but here are some things that are generally included in the tours, and some general guidelines.

Cenotes

There are a number of Cenotes that are included depending on which tour you book and where you’re coming from.

Some of the cenotes right around Chichen Itza see a lot of visitors every day, but I’ve done my best to recommend tours that go to the best cenotes for you!

They might not be as Instagrammable as the ones around Tulum, but they still make for a great afternoon and a refreshing break from the sun after Chichen Itza.

Cenotes are unique and fun, so take your swimsuit so you can go for a swim!

Mayan Lunch Buffet

We’re playing fast and loose with the adjective Mayan here, but that’s how they describe it. There are a few buffet-style places that serve the throngs of tourists on their way to or from Chichen Itza.

Food is included but drinks likely will not be. The food will range from some pretty basic Mexican offerings like chicken or beef tacos (some assembly required), along with grilled meat or fish as an additional entree.

The food is not going to be your favorite that you’ll encounter on your vacation, but it’s fine and serviceable. Just make sure to get your money’s worth, as it’s a buffet.

Valladolid

Some tour companies tout a quick stop in a “colonial town” after Chichen Itza and the cenotes. This to me is a marketing failure. The colonial town is Valladolid, and it’s a wonderful little town that is well-known among travelers.

Depending on the tour and where you’re returning to, your stop in Valladolid could be a few hours or just thirty minutes.

Make sure you walk around the square and try and try a couple of snacks from the street vendors making food. Small towns like Valladolid always have the best (and cheapest!) street food.

Bonus: Cocktails

Some tour companies will offer you a drink or two during your tour. It’s often not mentioned on the descriptions since it depends on the guide and group.

As I got back on the bus at Chichen Itza, I was dripping sweat and ready to relax and refresh.

Lo and behold I was offered my first-ever Paloma. I wasn’t sure what the guide was doing when he poured tequila into a red solo cup with Squirt soda, but man was it good!

A Paloma is now my drink of choice when they’re an option.

Tips For Visiting Chichen Itza

Wear Sun Block

Whether you go in January or July, it’s going to be warm and the sun will be strong. Even if it’s overcast that day, I recommend hats and sunblock.

There’s not much shade once you get to Chichen Itza, especially in the main pyramid courtyard. I’ve let sunburn ruin one too many of my vacations. Don’t make this mistake!

See The Whole Site

El Castillo in the main plaza is amazing, but don’t get stuck there the whole time. Wander around and check out the ball court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Group of One Thousand Columns.

The trail to El Caracol is an extra half a mile or so, but it’s more shades and provides some additional ruin viewing that you’ll appreciate.

Also…

• Bring pesos. You’ll need cash at Chichen Itza.
• Wear your walking shoes.
• Don’t swim in the cenotes inside Chichen Itza, there are better ones nearby.
• Prep yourself for the vendors, there will be a TON!

Chichen Itza Vs Tikal

Chichen Itza and Tikal are two of the biggest ruin sites to visit in Latin America, so let’s do a little comparison.

Chichen Itza is far more famous than Tikal, but for my money, Tikal is a far superior experience, and it’s not even close. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy Chichen Itza, as some bloggers say. I did enjoy it! I was totally enamored by Tikal though, as you’ll see in the Tikal post.

Here’s why Tikal beats Chichen Itza for me:

• It’s more beautiful
• It’s much bigger
• There are way fewer people
• The experience felt less touristy and more exploring
• More chances to observe wildlife

It’s also worth noting that the entrance fee to Tikal is cheaper, though an entire trip to Tikal would likely cost more than an entire trip to Chichen Itza. It’s so far out in the jungle and requires some extra travel steps.

Tikal is the superior experience, but if you’re on the Yucatan Peninsula, you’ll want to visit Chichen Itza.

The Bottom Line: Is Chichen Itza Worth Visiting?

There’s no bad way to visit Chichen Itza. The important thing is to go! It’s one of the Seven Wonders of the New World! You don’t see one of those every day.

It’s out of the way, there might be a ton of tourists there, it might be hotter than hot, but it’s a historic site and you really feel it when you’re there, especially if you can find a place to marvel by yourself away from the people.

There’s no doubt that it’s worth visiting.

Have fun out there!