Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza · Pisté, Yucatán, Mexico 97751 (between Valladolid and Piste, Yucatan Peninsula)
Last updated 2026-10-29
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Chichen Itza was a major Maya city of the northern lowlands, flourishing from about 600 CE before declining around the 13th century. El Castillo rises 30 metres in nine stepped terraces, and on the equinoxes the late sun traces a serpent down its north stair. Around it stand the Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, El Caracol observatory and the Sacred Cenote. Foreign adult tickets cost MXN 697, paid at two separate windows, so bring cash and ID. Opening is 8:00 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:00. Buses from Cancun take about 2.5 hours.
Ticket Price
Foreign adult MXN 697 (≈ USD 35-39), split into INAH MXN 99 and CULTUR MXN 598, paid at two windows; children under 13 free. Bring cash and ID.
Opening Hours
Daily 8:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00); Equinox days (March 20-21 and September 22-23) have special early entry but expect enormous crowds; Night show (Son et Lumière) select evenings. Check the official site before visiting.
Transportation
From Cancun: colectivo (shared van) ~2 hours, bus (ADO / Mayab) ~2.5 hours, organized tour ~2.5 hours; From Merida: bus ~1.5–2 hours; From Playa del Carmen: bus/collectivo ~2 hours; Driving: car rental from Cancun or Merida
Best Season
November–April (dry season) for pleasant temperatures and little rain; Equinox weekends (March 20-21, September 22-23) are incredibly crowded (30,000+ people) — go a few days before or after if you want to see the effect without the crush; May–October is hot, humid, and rainy
Pro Tip: Enter at opening
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
1
Enter at opening The site is hot and crowded by mid-morning. Arrive at opening, hire a licensed guide near the entrance, and carry water and sun protection.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions3 questions
At opening around 8:00, before the heat and tour buses; late afternoon is also cooler. The equinox shadows draw huge crowds in March and September.
No, climbing El Castillo has been prohibited since 2006 to protect the structure. You can walk around it and see the serpent shadow from the ground.
Allow 2-3 hours for the main pyramid, ball court and cenote; a licensed guide adds context. Bring water and sun protection, as shade is limited.