Day trip from:
Mérida1 hr 40 min
Tulum2 hr 10 min
Playa del Carmen2 hr 40 min

Chichén Itzá

New Wonder of the World—Maya and Toltec architectural marvel with equinox serpent shadow

Full day (3-4 hours at site minimum)
671 MXN(Foreign visitors pay two separate fees: INAH (federal) + Yucatan State/Cultur fees combined at entrance. Total 614-671 MXN (~$36-40 USD). Free Sundays for Mexican citizens.)
Arrive at 8 AM opening to beat tour bus crowds. Weekdays less crowded than weekends. Avoid midday sun—bring hat, sunscreen, water. Equinoxes (March 21, September 21) draw massive crowds requiring months-advance hotel booking.

Overview

Chichén Itzá's El Castillo pyramid is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and Mexico's most visited archaeological site. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the sophisticated blend of Maya and Toltec architecture at the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. The famous serpent shadow descends Kukulkán pyramid during the March 21 and September 21 equinoxes, drawing enormous crowds that require months-advance accommodation booking. Located approximately 120 km east of Mérida (1.5-2 hours), the site can be visited as a day trip from Mérida, Valladolid, or the Riviera Maya. ADO buses run direct from Mérida's CAME terminal. For the best experience, arrive at 8 AM when gates open to beat the tour bus crowds that arrive mid-morning.

Highlights

El Castillo (Kukulkán Pyramid)—91 steps on each side totaling 365 (one for each day)
Equinox serpent shadow descending the pyramid (March 21 & September 21)
Temple of the Warriors with its famous Chac Mool sculpture
Great Ball Court—largest in Mesoamerica at 168 x 70 meters with remarkable acoustics
Sacred Cenote where Maya made offerings to rain god Chaac
Observatory (El Caracol) demonstrating advanced astronomical knowledge
Temple of the Skulls (Tzompantli) with carved skull reliefs
Evening light and sound show with projections on the pyramid

Practical Information

Suggested Duration

Full day (3-4 hours at site minimum)

Entrance Fee

671 MXN

Foreign visitors pay two separate fees: INAH (federal) + Yucatan State/Cultur fees combined at entrance. Total 614-671 MXN (~$36-40 USD). Free Sundays for Mexican citizens.

Best Time to Visit

Arrive at 8 AM opening to beat tour bus crowds. Weekdays less crowded than weekends. Avoid midday sun—bring hat, sunscreen, water. Equinoxes (March 21, September 21) draw massive crowds requiring months-advance hotel booking.

How to Get There
BusCar/RentalOrganized Tour
Location
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Plan Your Base

Explore the destinations where you can make this a day trip.

MéridaPlaya del CarmenTulum