Chichén Itzá

Chichen Itza, Yucatan

Hours

Open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. *Last entry at 4 p.m.

Kukulkan Nights - Entry starts at 3 p.m. (show begins at 7 p.m.)

Cost

Here are the costs associated with visiting Chichén Itzá:

Adults (13+): $650 MXN
Children (3 - 12): $100 MXN
Mexican nationals Adults: $290 MXN
Yucatecan residents $100 MXN
Kukulkan Nights (Wed to Sun): $755 MXN
Kukulkan Nights (Mexican nationals): $355 MXN
Sundays free for Mexican citizens, or foreigners with residence in Mexico - ID required

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

1 855 577 9836

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About

One landmark near Merida that should be at the top of your things-to-do list is visiting Chichén Itzá.

Listed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World by UNESCO, this magnificent ancient ruin represents the ingenuity and astronomical knowledge of the Maya civilization. It is a sacred city and Mayan pilgrimage center founded by the "sorcerers of the water" known as the Itza.

There are many archaeological ruins to explore at Chichén Itzá, but the main draw is the iconic structure of El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulcán. This four-sided pyramid served as a temple and a calendar. There are 365 steps to the top of the pyramid, which are aligned with the sun during the equinoxes. Such alignment casts a serpent-like shadow down its steps, an homage to the feathered serpent deity, Kukulcán.

The Great Ball Court at Chichén Itzá is an example of the Maya's passion for a ball game with athletic and ceremonial significance. The Temple of the Warriors is also nearby, a large complex with rows of carved columns depicting warriors.

When visiting Chichén Itzá, be sure to walk the 300 meter path connecting the Kukulcan pyramid to the Sacred Cenote within the grounds.

Located about 1½ hours from Merida, a trip toChichén Itzá is an enlightening exploration of one of the world's most fascinating archaeological treasures.

Chichen Itza: Fun Facts & Cool Features

Let's begin with the star attraction, El Castillo, or the Temple of Kukulcán. As mentioned, it was designed with 365 steps to correspond to the days of the year and reflects the Maya's meticulous attention to the calendar and astronomical events.

A cool feature at El Castillo is that during the spring and autumn equinoxes the setting sun casts a serpent-like shadow down the staircase. As you'd expect, this event attracts thousands of spectators worldwide.

Sports fans will be impressed with The Great Ball Court, the largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica. It is 554 feet long and 231 feet wide, demonstrating the importance of the ball game in Maya society. Unlike our sporting event, this game was a ritual steeped in religious and political significance.

A fun fact about The Great Ball Court is its acoustics. You can hear a whisper from one end of the wall to another! This natural phenomenon demonstrates the Maya's advanced understanding of sound engineering.

The Cenote Sagrado, or the Sacred Cenote, is a natural sinkhole filled with freshwater. Not only did it provide hydration, it was also a place of pilgrimage and sacrifice, where Mayans offered gold, jade, pottery, and even human beings to their gods. While visitors can't swim or dive in this cenote, Explorer Divers Merida offers tours of other area cenotes that make for a fascinating adventure.

Top off a trip to Chichén Itzá by grabbing a bite at Taco Maya by Oxtun near the entrance to the site. If exploring beyond the gates of Chichén Itzá is an option, you’ll also be pleasantly surprised with the authentic Yucatecan cuisine at La Tia Poloc.

Getting There

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Chichén Itzá from Merida:

Start by heading east on Calle 63 toward Calle 60.
Turn right onto Calle 60 and continue for about 1 mile.
Merge onto Carretera Mérida-Puerto Juárez/Mexico 180D via the ramp to Cancun.
Continue on Mexico 180D for approximately 75 miles.
Take the exit toward Chichén-Itzá/Yokdzonot.
Continue straight and follow the signs to Chichén-Itzá.

Local Tips

Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the midday heat.
Bring plenty of water; staying hydrated in the Yucatán heat is essential.
Consider hiring a local guide to enrich your understanding of the site's history.
Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and uneven terrain.
Don't forget to apply sunscreen and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Location

Chichen Itza, Yucatan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good way to spend a day in Merida, Mexico?

Start the day off with authentic Yucatecan cuisine at La Chaya Maya in the center of Mérida. Wake your senses with their huevos con chaya dish, highlighting the endemic chaya plant of the Yucatan. Try the cochinita pibil, salbutes or panuchos for a true culinary experience. Be sure to get an early start to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá. The impressive archaeological site is one of the most important and most visited in Mexico. This will immerse you in the history of the Mayan civilization. Try to arrive early to avoid crowds and the heat.

After exploring Chichén Itzá, visit a nearby restaurant such as La Tía Polóc to further your culinary journey with handmade tortillas and traditional pork poc chuc. After lunch, visit a nearby cenote to cool off and relax. Cenotes, strewn about the Yucatan Peninsula, are natural underground water reservoirs, each offering an absolutely magical experience. There are severl cenotes in the area, so choose one that suits your preferences, whether for swimming, snorkeling or simply to enjoy the natural beauty.

Once you’ve explored pyramids and cenotes, return to Mérida to spend the afternoon exploring the city. Stroll through the historic center, visit the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, or wander along the Paseo de Montejo and admire the colonial architecture. Don’t miss the light and sound show in the Plaza Grande, offering a fascinating view of the city’s history! Top the evening off by treating yourself to the signature cuisine at Kuuk. The renowned fusion restaurant offers tasting menus that change regularly to highlight the best of the season.

What are the biggest main events in Merida, Mexico?

Fiesta is a way of life in Mexico, and Mérida is no exception! Festive celebrations in Mérida highlight Mayan Culture, the musical genre of Yucateca trova, as well as traditional Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), folk art fairs, and colorful Carnival parades, y más! Each night in Mérida’s Plaza Grande is a fiesta of its own, as music and dance fill the iconic square to the delight of vacationers and residents.

Among the many celebrations in and around Mérida, each Fall provides the opportunity to delight in culture and art at the International Festival of Mayan Culture (FICMaya). This festival offers a wide range of cultural events, including music, dance, theater, conferences, exhibitions and more, all focused on the rich cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization. Fall is also marked by Mexico’s traditional Day of the Dead (Nov 1st and 2nd), celebrated in Mérida with parades of catrinas, impressive altars, musical performances, and a series of cultural activities.

Paying further homage to the rhythmic vibe and sounds of the Yucatan, the Festival de la Trova Yucateca in December showcases this traditional musical genre of the region. Concerts, contests, workshops, and more all focus on music and troubadour poetry. Visitors in November and December will also be amazed at the X’matkuil Fair on the outskirts of Mérida. In the spirit of any fair, there are mechanical rides, food exhibits, a variety of handicrafts, and rich gastronomy.

In February, the Carnival of Mérida is one of the largest and most colorful in Mexico! It includes parades, live music, dances, costume contests, and a festive atmosphere that attracts people from everywhere!

Whenever your vacation getaway brings you to Mérida, there’s always something to celebrate with a fiesta!