Day trip
Cancun & Riviera Maya: Chichen Itza Sunrise with Lunch
- Pickup available
- Skip the line
- Duration options: 10 - 12 hours
From US$ 51
From
US$ 30.60per person
Top pick
Chichén Itzá: Tours & Tickets
Get free cancellation up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.
Chichen Itza: Top 5 facts
Supposedly the great mythical city in Mesoamerican literature, this Mayan city stands today as one of the most popular archeological sites in Mexico. Read on for more on Chichen Itza history and Chichen Itza facts.
1. Origins: El Castillo & Kukulcan
Archeologists believe the main monument, El Castillo, was dedicated to Kukulcan, the Mayan snake god, and was built between the 9th and 12th centuries A.D.
2. The Meaning Behind the Name
Chichen Itza translates to “at the mouth of the well of the Itza.” The Itza were a sea-warding subset of Mayan people.
3. Why was it built there?
It is likely that the city was built in this location on the Yucatan Peninsula because of two large natural “cenote” nearby that would have provided water to the population.
4. The Mayan Calendar
The total number of steps on the pyramid El Castillo, including the temple platform at the top, is 364—the total number of days in the Mayan calendar.
5. Take Me Out to the Ballgame
The Mayans were great athletes. Archeologists have found 13 ball courts for their Mesoamerican game; the best preserved and largest lies on this site just northwest of El Castillo.
Planning Your Visit
Chichen Itza Weather: How to pack & What to Wear
Nothing is worse than setting out for a big day of exploration and getting hit with a spell of dehydration. Prepare ahead and bring lots of water, it cannot be overstated how hot this place can get. Bring a sturdy set of shoes and a hat or umbrella for sun. Bug spray is a must, especially in the rainy season when mosquitoes are running amok.
Rent A Car or Hire a Defensive Driver
If you decide to rent a car, make sure to purchase a map and have a friend in the passenger’s seat navigating on the way to Chichen Itza. Be careful—some of the road is rocky or in disrepair. Be sure to keep your gas tank full, because there aren’t many gas stations along the toll highway. For a day trip from Cancun, the drive will take a little more than two hours.
Take a Dip in the Cenote for a Quick Cool off
Stop at Ik Kil to go swimming in this ancient water source, a popular spot open to the public.
Good to know
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- When should I visit?
- Open daily, 8:00AM to 5:00PM, year-round.
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- Is it expensive?
- Adult tickets start at 64 MXV (about $4) and continue upwards with tours, packages and other perks available.
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- Will I need a guide?
- With so much history to learn about, a guide is a great idea.
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- How to get there
- You can rent a car (parking is 10 pesos), take public transportation, or take a tour from Cancun or Cozumel.
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- Additional information
- Try to arrive in the morning or later in the afternoon, as the sun is hottest at midday.
- A light and sound show is put on each evening, and times vary by season, so plan to stay late if you can!
Top Attractions in Yucatán
- 2 Ik Kil
- 5 Ek Balam
- 7 El Cuyo
- 10 Chunyaxché
- 19 Cenote Peba
Things to Do in Yucatán
Cities in Mexico
Other Sightseeing Options in Chichén Itzá
Want to discover all there is to do in Chichén Itzá? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about Chichén Itzá
The experience and the tour were excellent. Luis, our guide was very knowledgeable about the Mayans, he was very friendly and nice. The company as such was very diligent when looking for us at the hotel, they had good communication if there was any change. I would go on a tour with them again, for me it was a 10/10. Highly recommended! La experiencia y el tour fueron excelente. Luis , nuestra guía tenía mucho conocimiento sobre los mayas, fue muy amable y agradable. La compañia como tal fue muy diligente a la hora de buscarnos al hotel, tuvieron una buena comunicación si había algún cambio. Volvería a ir un tour con ellos, para mí fue un 10/10. Altamente recomendados!
Realmente una experiencia única, súper responsables Tino, Ruth & Ivan se encargaron de que este tour se quede como un recuerdo inolvidable. Todo el itinerario fue cumplido y muy responsables con los horarios. Los recomiendo al 100%. Muchas gracias por esta experiencia
The travel was great, the cenote and the temple are awesome. However, I would change the Valladolid Tour for more time in the other places. Also the explanations provided by Karla and Gustavo were very good and the driver, Henrique, drives very safely.
This tour was excellent. We also visited Tulum and Coba with SAT Mexico. We will use them again on a future visit.
Awesome tour and great tour guide (Cesar). We highly recommend this tour.
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