After spending a few days basking in the beautiful waters of Cancun, we decided to explore some of the rich, cultural history of the Yucatán peninsula by visiting Chichen Itza. We had both studied the Mayan civilization in school history classes so we were very excited to get to see the massive step pyramid, known as El Castillo or Temple of Kukulcan in person. It did not disappoint and our time there was fascinating. Here are some practical tidbits to make your visit just as fabulous!

Getting to Chichen Itza from Cancun

There are several ways to reach Chichen Itza from Cancun, each with its pros and cons:

• By Rental Car: Renting a car is a flexible option that allows you to explore at your own pace. The drive takes approximately 2.5–3 hours each way via Highway 180D, which is a toll road. This is the option we chose and the road was well-maintained and easy to follow. We rented a car for a 24 hour period from Avis on Hotel Row and it cost us $16, we paid $55 for the gas, $50 in tolls. 
• By Bus: ADO offers daily bus services from Cancun to Chichen Itza. While affordable, the bus has fixed departure times and takes longer due to multiple stops.
• By Guided Tour: Many tour operators in Cancun offer day trips to Chichen Itza, often including transportation, a guide, and stops at cenotes or Valladolid.
• By Private Transfer: For a more comfortable experience, private transfers are available, providing direct transportation and more flexibility.

Accessibility at Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza is partially accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. The pathways around the sites are fairly navigable. A wheelchair should do okay but the smaller paths leading from the main ones are very uneven and difficult to not stumble when you don’t have any issues. While El Castillo and most structures cannot be climbed, there are benches and shaded areas for resting. Restrooms are available at the entrance, and guides can assist with accessibility needs.

Things to Note

• Note the time difference. Chicen Itza is an hour behind Cancun. This works out great when you are trying to get there early.
• Parking is $6 and entrance tickets were $31. Park only in the official Chichen Itza parking lot to avoid unauthorized attendants charging extra fees. You will drive by lots of people trying to get you to stop and park in their unauthorized lots. KEEP DRIVING! The official lot will be after a manned booth at the end of the road.
• Get there as close to opening time as you can. The crowds when we left were building by the minute and it was getting a lot hotter.
• We spent two hours there touring on our own. There are plenty of tour guides available to hire on site. Consider how interested you are in detailed history, there are plaques in English and Spanish next to each ruin giving an explanation. If you use a tour guide, you will probably be there 3 hours. 
• Tons of places to buy souvenirs, plenty of food and drink options, clean bathrooms available.
• We stopped at Villadaldo on our way back to wander and have lunch. A safe, vibrant traditional Mexican town .

Visiting Valladolid

On your way back to Cancun, consider stopping in Valladolid, a charming colonial town about 40 minutes from Chichen Itza. Some things to consider doing:

• Cenote Zací: A beautiful open-air cenote perfect for a refreshing swim.
• San Servacio Church: A stunning 16th-century church in the main square.
• Local Cuisine: Try traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil or lomitos de Valladolid at a local restaurant.