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Chichén Itzá
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Chichén Itzá, Cobá Ruins, Valladolid & Cenote: Day Tour with Lunch from Cancún
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Chichén Itzá: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
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Chichén Itzá Tickets and Information
Chichén Itzá: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
BESTSELLER
What's Included
- Prices from: US$70.00
- Chichén Itzá Admission Entry Ticket
- CULTUR tax (524 MXN)
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Is Chichén Itzá Worth Visiting?
Chichén Itzá is one of the 'Seven Wonders of the World' so we definitely think so, yes. With 2.5m people visiting the site each year would also suggests they likely agree!
As one of the largest cities from the Mayan age, Chichén Itzá is steeped in history and the architecture of the remaining buildings you see when visiting is just incredible, especially when you think about the technology that we have today to construct buildings versus what they used then.
Chichén Itzá - A Guided Tour - or just walk around?
This depends on the experience you are looking for. If you want to learn more about Chichén Itzá and its history, then a guided tour is the way to go. Whereas if you are happy just to walk around and enjoy it yourself, then just opt for the standard Skip-The-Line Entry ticket.
Chichén Itzá Ticket Prices - "CULTUR TAX"
- Be careful when booking Chichén Itzá tickets as they are bestsellers so there are a lot of websites that offer tickets.
- When looking and comparing ticket prices ensure the website you are on confirms whether the "CULTUR TAX" is included or not.
- A lot of websites offer what appears to be cheaper tickets because they don't include the Mexican governments "CULTUR TAX" in their prices and this means you will need to pay extra charge onsite when you arrive or the website will try and sneak it in on their checkout page.
- Our BESTSELLER ticket above, for example includes the 'CULTUR TAX' already, which is why it may look a bit more expensive than other websites.
About Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Built by the Mayan's around the 6th century and used for around 1000 years by both the Maya and the Toltec, Chichén Itzá is also now included as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Chichén Itzá welcomes around 2.5 million visitors each year to enjoy the mystical historical location and the incredible stone structures that the Maya’s created and that have survived time including the 'Warrior's Temple', 'El Castillo' and 'El Caracol', which can all been seen when you visit the site.
The name 'Chichén Itzá' come from a blend of Maya words including ‘Chichén’ which means ‘mouth of the well’ and references the Sacred Cenote, which is a local natural sinkhole that the Maya’s believed held great religious significance and was incredibly important to them.
The Maya city rose to prominence during the Late Classic period between 600-900 CE and then began its decline as the Maya civilisation started to end in around the 10th century CE.
Open every day of the year, Chichén Itzá welcomes anything up to 8,000 visitors a day during peak periods with normal numbers being around 3500 visitors a day.
What you can see on a visit to Chichén Itzá
The Pyramid of Kukulcan (El Castillo)
Some of the structures that Chichén Itzá is most famous for is its incredible stone pyramids and the mysterious history they hold. One of the most famous of all is the 'Pyramid of Kukulcan' or 'El Castillo' as its also referred and it remains a major focal point of the site today.
The Pyramid of Kukulcan also suggests the Maya’s had an incredible and advanced understanding of astronomy as it aligns with precision to mark the equinoxes and during the events the sunlight creates an illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid’s staircase and its jaws open when it reaches the bottom of the stairs. Its said the illusuion symbolises the feathered serpent god Kukulcan.
The Great Ball Court
The Great Ball Court or as it was called - the 'Tlachtli' is a large and well-preserved ancient ball court which its suggested held great ritualistic and symbolic importance.
A game called 'ollama' would have been played on the court, however its believed to have possibly been more ceremonial that actual sport as It’s suggested that the losing team’s captain was often sacrificed!
The great ball court also offers a special acoustic feature which must have been a design feature - if you speak in the temple in the southern end, the voice can be heard at the opposite end as the sound travels along the walls of the court!
Tzompantli or The Platform of Skulls
The Tzompantli, or The Platform of Skulls as its often referred is a platform where skulls are etched out in the side of the bricks. The structure is dedicated to the dead and similar ones can be found at other Mayan archaeological sites but the one at Chichén Itzá is said to be the oldest.
The Platform of Eagles and Jaguars
The Platform of Eagles and Jaguars is a much smaller platform and was possibly another ceremonial platform. It's got stairs on each of the four sides that go to the top and is adorned with Eagles, Jaguars and a serpent (with the serpent believed to represent the God Kukulcan. It has has images on the side which refer to the sun's journey across the sky as it descends into the underworld at night as it sets.
The Venus Platform
Another square platform that measures 25 meters in each side with a set of stairs rising to the top. The sides are etched with stars and references to Venus along with symbols of power. Its believed the platform may have originally been painted with the colours of yellow, blue, red, green and black, and some of the remnants of the colours can still be seen today.
Observatory (El Caracol)
The Observatory is believed to have been used for astronomical purposes. Circular with a spiral staircase and small windows that are also precisely aligned with astronomical events, similar to the Pyramid of Kukulcan, and shows how the Maya’s had a very intricate calendar system that allowed them to track time.
The Temple of Warriors
The Temple of Warriors is covered with very intricate carvings and statues of warriors, eagles and jaguars and it is believed the structure was used for ceremonial purposes. Standing at around 40 feet high the building also contains representations of the gods Tlalchitonatiuh and Chaac Mool. The structure has serpent columns on the top which also feature astronomical signs.
The Group of a Thousand Columns
The Group of a Thousand Columns is situated near the Temple of Warriors and is incredible to look at. Its believed that each column represents a feathered serpent and are set out in a quadrangle shape. The remains of four chambers can be found at one side with two having been filled in possibly to create extra support for another floor. It is believed the columns used to support a roof structure which is no longer present.
The Sacred Cenote
The Sacred Cenote is a huge natural sinkhole and its believed it was the site of the religious ceremonies and sacrifices for such things as offering gods gifts to ensure fertility and prosperity. Now listed by UNESCO as a "Patrimony of Humanity" it has been through various restoration attempts over the years. There is some controversy surrounding the cenote as the US removed jewels such as jade and gold from the site that are believed to have been put there as gifts for the gods, the controversy that they were taken out of the country illegally.
Preservation of Chichén Itzá
Because Chichén Itzá has become such a popular tourist attraction over the years, it’s preservation has become crucial as we need to ensure it can be enjoyed for decades to come. On that basis, some access has now been restricted, for example restrictions to climbing the stairs of the pyramid structures.
Chichén Itzá Ticket Options
Chichén Itzá: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
BESTSELLER
What's Included
- Prices from: US$70.00
- Admission to Chichén Itzá with Entry Ticket
- CULTUR tax (524 MXN)
Chichén Itzá: Skip The Line Entry + Guided Tour
What's Included
- Prices from: US$70.00
- Professional, bilingual English/Spanish tour guide
- Chichén Itzá Entry Ticket
- CULTUR TAX (524 MXN)
Cancún Full Experience Pass
What's Included
- Prices from: US$198.00
- Chichén Itzá: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- CULTUR tax (524 MXN)
- Catamaran tour from Cancún to Isla Mujeres
- rinks at the beach club
- Meals at the beach club (only if Food & Drinks or All-inclusive option selected)
- Hotel pick-up (only if All-inclusive option selected)
- Xcaret Park: Fast Track Entry
- 1 buffet meal, 1 beer, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (Xcaret PLUS option only)
Chichén Itzá + Mayan Ruins of Tulum Combination Ticket
What's Included
- Prices from: US$66.60
- Chichén Itzá: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- CULTUR tax (524 MXN)
- Mayan Ruins of Tulum: Fast Track Ticket
Chichén Itzá + Xcaret Park Combination Ticket
What's Included
- Prices from: US$176.79
- Chichén Itzá: Skip The Line Entry Ticket
- CULTUR tax (524 MXN)
- Xcaret Park: Fast Track Ticket
- 1 buffet meal, 1 beer, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (Xcaret PLUS option only)
Useful Information About Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá Address
Chichén Itzá, Tinum, Yucatán, 97757, Chichén Itzá
Chichén Itzá Opening Hours
Monday: 08:30 - 17:00 | Tuesday: 08:30 - 17:00 | Wednesday: 08:30 - 17:00 | Thursday: 08:30 - 17:00 | Friday: 08:30 - 17:00 | Saturday: 08:30 - 17:00 | Sunday: 08:30 - 17:00
Tips for Visiting Chichén Itzá
1. Best Time to Visit Chichén Itzá
Plan your visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the site's magic in more serene surroundings.
2. Guided Tours and Local Insights
Consider joining a guided tour to gain in-depth knowledge about the site's history, significance, and fascinating stories associated with Chichén Itzá.
3. Respect and Preservation
Chichén Itzá is a protected heritage site. Be sure to respect the rules and help preserve this historical treasure for future generations.
Chichén Itzá Tickets
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Chichen Itza is during the cooler, drier months from November to February. The spring and fall equinoxes are particularly popular as they create a fascinating shadow illusion on El Castillo.
Chichen Itza has a natural sinkhole called the 'Sacred Cenote', and its believed it was used for religious ceremonies and sacrificial offerings. Artifacts found in the cenote include gold, jade, and human remains, indicating its importance in Mayan rituals.
Chichen Itza was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its historical and cultural significance.
It's believed that the large ball court at Chichen Itza is where the ancient Maya played a ritualistic ballgame. The game had religious and symbolic significance, possibly representing the cosmic struggle between opposing forces. It is also believed that the losing captain may have also been sacrificed.
Its believed Chichen Itza served as a major political, economic, and religious centre for the Maya civilization. It was likely a hub for trade and cultural exchange. The site contains various structures, including temples, ball courts, and observatories.
El Castillo which is also known as the 'Temple of Kukulcan', is one of the most famous structures at Chichen Itza. A stepped pyramid with a temple at the top which was dedicated to the feathered serpent god Kukulcan. The pyramid is known for its unique astronomical features which includes an illusion during the equinoxes.
It's believed the construction of Chichen Itza started in the 7th century AD and continued over several centuries. It reached its peak during the 10th century and remained a significant city for centuries before being abandoned.
Chichen Itza is a major tourist attraction. Originally a large pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico. At the time it was a major city of the Maya civilization and is known for its impressive architecture, including the iconic El Castillo pyramid.
