Elle’s Guide to Chichén Itzá in Mexico

Chichén Itzá, located on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once a bustling Maya metropolis, Chichén Itzá is now one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world. While most tourists come to see the famous Temple of Kukulkán pictured above, there are many more must-see spots located in and around Chichén Itzá which showcase the city’s spiritual, cultural, and scientific achievements. In this guide, I’ll share how to plan the best day trip to Chichén Itzá.

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How to Get to Chichén Itzá

Chichén Itzá is located in the Mexican state of Yucatán, but is easily accessible from Cancun, Riviera Maya and Tulum. Chichén Itzá is open daily (including all holidays) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission to the site at 4:00 PM. To take the hassle out of planning, I booked a Chichén Itzá excursion which also included: round trip transportation from Tulum, an English-speaking tour guide, Mexican buffet lunch, cenote visit, short stop at Valladolid and a shaman encounter at Kaua, a Maya village cooperative. With a total of four stops, my only pet peeve is that Chichén Itzá turned out to be the third stop and not the first as listed in the itinerary. They did give the disclaimer that the itinerary is subject to change though. My guide said that this was the better way to skip the crowds, so we’re working with that. Driving time roundtrip lasted 5 hours. Guided + free time to explore each site is incorporated, so expect this excursion to be an entire day event.

Cenote Saamal

I was crestfallen when my guide announced that we were visiting the cenote first, but my feelings were quickly repaired when we arrived and I saw how beautiful this cenote was! Cenote Saamal was absolutely breathtaking. As it shimmered in the morning light, I could understand why the Mayans believed that cenotes were the entrance to Xibalba, the Underworld. Cenote Saamal is approximately 46m (150 feet) deep. My group was the only one there at 10am. Life vests were available for rent at $4USD, and thankfully we were allowed to leave our belongings in the bus so I didn’t need to rent a locker. Even with the vest on, I didn’t spend long inside. I’m not a fan of deep water, but the water was cold and invigorating.

Lunch & Shaman Encounter at Kaua

Our next stop was the municipality of Kaua for a local shaman blessing and lunch. The shaman spoke to us in fluent Mayan and we learnt basic Mayan words like Dyos bo’otik which means thank you, but directly translates to “We give God.” We learnt about the significance of obsidian (a volcanic rock) to the Maya, and how to tell the difference between real and fake obsidian souvenirs. For the Maya, obsidian was considered more valuable than gold. We got to try a Mayan corn wine which was quite delicious, then we had free time to shop for souvenirs followed by lunch. Our lunch was a Mexican regional buffet consisting of rice, tortillas, fish, pulled pork, shredded beef, steamed vegetables and pico de gallo (fresh salsa). The meal wasn’t memorable, but it was filling.

The Temple of Kukulkán

After lunch, we boarded our bus to head to the spot we’d all been waiting for: Chichén Itzá. Sure enough, it was hot but not very crowded. Our guide seemed to have made the best choice by delaying our Chichén Itzá visit until afternoon. The Temple of Kukulkán, also known as El Castillo, is the crown jewel of Chichén Itzá. Rising 30 meters (98 feet) high, this pyramid is both a temple and a calendar in stone. Each side has 91 steps, adding up to 365 steps (days in a solar year). During the spring and autumn equinox, shadows create the illusion of a serpent slithering down the staircase, symbolizing the feathered serpent god, Kukulkán.

Fun Fact: Chichén Itzá is built on top of a cenote!

This pyramid embodies the Maya’s mastery of astronomy, mathematics and architecture, and is the most photographed landmark at Chichén Itzá. Climbing the pyramid has been prohibited since 2008 to protect the structure and for visitor safety, but you can walk around the base to admire its impressive architecture. Clap in the correct spot near the pyramid to hear an echo which sounds like the call of a quetzal bird. My guide explained all these facts and more during the tour. Walking among the ruins feels like stepping into another world.

Other Chichén Itzá Attractions to See

The Great Ball Court is the largest ancient sports arena in Mesoamerica, measuring 545 feet by 225 feet. Here, the Maya played a ritual ball game called pitz with deep spiritual meaning. Players used hips, elbows, and knees to strike a heavy rubber ball and get it through the hoops pictured above. Some matches may have ended in ritual sacrifices, symbolizing life, death, and rebirth. The acoustics are so precise that a clap at one end echoes clearly across the court. Interestingly enough, winners were the ones sacrificed– not the losers.

The Temple of the Warriors is flanked by the Group of the Thousand Columns, thought to have supported a vast roofed hall. The temple features a Chac Mool statue, where offerings and sacrifices were placed, as well as carvings of warriors, jaguars, and eagles— symbols of military might. There’s also an observatory nicknamed El Caracol for its spiral staircase, which showcases the civilization’s advanced astronomical knowledge. Overlooking the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Jaguars contains murals of warriors, jaguars, and serpents. The artistry reflects Maya battles and conquests, and the symbolic power of the jaguar as a protector and warrior.

Perhaps the most chilling spot in Chichén Itzá, the Tzompantli is a stone platform decorated with carved skulls. It is believed to represent decapitated heads of sacrificial victims or war captives. The platform demonstrates the Maya belief in sacrifice as essential to cosmic balance. All these sites are worth paying attention to at Chichén Itzá.

Chichén Itzá Visitor Tips

• Arrive early (before 9 AM) or late (after 2 PM) to beat the crowds.
• Hire a certified guide to learn the stories, myths and astronomy behind each structure.
• Plan for 2–3 hours to explore Chichén Itzá.
• Wear lightweight clothing and bring a hat or umbrella.
• Take water in a reusable bottle, or purchase refreshments on-site. You’ll need it with the heat.
• Mobile phones with cameras and personal cameras (like DSLRs) are allowed for taking photos and videos for personal use. Special fees and permission are needed for drones and professional equipment.

A Visit to Valladolid

San Servacio Cathedral

After two and a half hours at Chichén Itzá, we headed to our fourth and final stop: Valladolid. Nestled in the heart of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Valladolid is a colorful colonial town that has become one of the region’s most beloved travel stops as it’s only 40 minutes away from Chichén Itzá by bus. Valladolid is famous for its pastel-hued architecture, lively plazas, and proximity to cenotes and Maya ruins. With cobblestone streets, restored 16th-century churches and brightly painted houses, Valladolid feels like a living museum, much like Guatapé in Colombia. My tour allotted thirty minutes to Valladolid so we only wandered around central park, the church pictured above and got churros. I’m sure there’s more to do in Valladolid though, so spend longer if you can.

Churros in Valladolid

Wrap Up

Chichén Itzá is far more than a single pyramid. From the acoustic and astronomical genius of the Temple of Kukulkán to the chilling Platform of Skulls and the mystical Temple of the Warriors, every corner of Chichén Itzá tells the story of Maya brilliance, faith and connection to the cosmos. A visit to Chichén Itzá isn’t just about history—it’s about experiencing one of the most fascinating civilizations the world has ever known. To think that NASA still uses their calendar! Truly fascinating stuff. Have you ever visited Chichén Itzá or would you like to? Sound off in the comments section below. This is my second New World Wonder down; five more to go!

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:

• 48 Hours in Panama City
• Elle’s Guide to Machu Picchu
• 8 Reasons to Visit Medellin, Colombia
• Is Tulum, Mexico Still Worth Visiting?

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