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 S$91 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
S$91
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
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! (597 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 26 Sep,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 S$280 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
S$280
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
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 6 Oct,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 S$72 per night from 12 Nov to 13 Nov
S$72
includes taxes & fees
12 Nov - 13 Nov
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 7 Sep,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 29 Dec,2023

Villa Unahana
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 1 Oct,2023

Hacienda Kankabal
La casa de piedra y colores
La casa de piedra y colores
3 out of 5
Calle 2C por Calle 13C, Pisté, 65, Tinum, YUC
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Tinum. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Ball Courts and Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza ...
La casa de piedra y colores
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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Reviews of Chichen Itza

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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3 - Okay
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wished we could have been there longer!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Special

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice to arrive night before, to see eve show and go again in morning. Can buy drinks on site and toilets. Little shade so hat good idea Site brilliant, expansive. Hawkers fine, much cheaper than in shops with haggling. Overall- brilliant.