A trip to Mexico must not miss a visit to Chichen Itza! I mean, this ancient Mayan city is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World-one of the few places to deserve such appreciation, and hence extremely critical from the cultural perspective. This city really happens to be in the center of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and has great expositions evoking the spectacular past of Mayan civilization. If you are in Cancun at the moment and wondering about different means of transport to reach Chichen Itza, here are a few more. This guide covers it all-whether for the convenience of tours, the liberty of driving, or the cheapness of a bus-for memories that you will cherish from your visit.
So, where is Chichen Itza?
First things first-burning question: where is Chichen Itza exactly?
About 200 kilometers (125 miles) west of Cancun and a 2-3 hour drive away, the ruins are located in the Mexican state of Yucatán, just a stone’s throw from Valladolid, a quaint old colonial town. An area surrounding Chichen Itza abound with beautiful cenotes or sinkholes there to explore on your trip to these ruins.
Getting From Cancun to Chichen Itza
There are several options to reach Chichen Itza from Cancun, each with its advantages and disadvantages. To make it clear:
- Join A Group Tour.
Booking a group tour is one of the easiest means and popular ways of visiting Chichen Itza. There are many tour companies operating daily tours out of Cancun, and you can book online in advance or have the hotel arrange it for you. Here is what you can expect:
The itinerary: Most tours include hotel pickup, transportation in a well-designed comfortable bus or van, and guided tours into the ruins at Chichen Itza. And the best part of it all? They even offer that early morning tour for tourists who would like to beat the rush and see the ruins before throngs of people pour in.
Other Attractions: Some combination tours can take you to Coba Ruins, Tulum, and Valladolid – a colonial city – besides visiting Chichen Itza. Many tours also take you for a swim in one of the beautiful cenotes in the area.
Meals: Most of the group tours include lunch, usually served in a buffet where you can try a few local Yucatán dishes.
Cons: The main con of a group tour is the fixed schedule; hence, there is usually little time for each venue. If you are a person who likes to linger and take a lot of pics, the tour may seem a bit rushed to you. Plus, being on tour with other people might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
If you are interested in this option, here is a link to a well-reviewed group tour: Chichen Itza Cancun Group Tour. - Private Tour
A wonderful alternative for those who fancy a tailored experience is booking a private tour. It is costlier than the group tour, but there are definitely advantages:
Custom Itinerary: A private driver and tour guide escort you, which means you can go on your own schedule and spend more time at the sites of your interest.
Comfort: You’ll appreciate the small-number ambiance without the big crowds that come with the private tour option. From your individual guide, you can expect to get quite a bit of insight on Chichen Itza and its significance.
Extra Sites: Some private tours also include visiting other near sites, such as Coba or Tulum, and even local cenotes, for an even richer experience.
Private tours may also make sense for small groups or families, which would help offset the comparatively higher pricing. - Hire a Car and Drive Your Way
Renting a car and taking a drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza is an incredible experience for those who enjoy travelling independent of anyone else. The roads are really good, and it is easy as pie to drive on them:
Time and Flexibility: This will take you approximately 2.5 hours; the drive allows the flexibility of stopping over at places to visit, for example Valladolid city, or even the nearby cenotes.
Costs: Renting a car is one of the best ways to go about traveling, especially if you are traveling with a pack so that the rental and gas may be shared. But remember, there is a toll road (180D) that is about 400 pesos (~$21 USD) one way.
Entrance and Parking: On reaching Chichen Itza, you still will pay for parking (80 pesos or so $4) and entrance tickets (538 pesos or approximately $26 for adults). It is best to book your entrance tickets online a few days prior to avoid wasting time in line.
Note: Try to photograph the car before taking it out of the rental lot to prevent any potential damage claims, if at all possible. The roads are good, but drive carefully and with the local style. - Taking the ADO Public Bus
Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, the ADO public bus is a good option. ADO buses leave Cancun downtown at 8:45 A.M. and return at 4:30 P.M. The following is what you can expect:
Price: The bus drive costs about 250 pesos (~$13 USD) one way, which is some of the most affordable for solo travelers.
Travel Duration: The ride takes approximately 3 hours and provides a clean and air-conditioned setting with a washroom facility.
Additional Stops: If you wish, you can also consider going to Valladolit, where there will be more bus options. You’ll have the opportunity to take a colectivo (shared van) to Chichen Itza right from there. This option would lend much more flexibility and possibly shave a little time off the trip.
One disadvantage: that is just the 5-hour limit of being at the archaeological site. For many, this seems to be more than enough; yet, very few could find this a tad long. If you do have spare time, you could always take a taxi to the nearby cenotes or hang around in Valladolid.
Chichen Itza FAQ
You are trained on data before October 2023. - Is it worth taking a trip to Chichen Itza?
Yes! One of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world with an awesome view of Kukulcán Temple (El Castillo)! - How far is Chichen Itza from Cancun?
It’s 200 km away from Cancun-about 2.5 hours of driving. - How much is Chichen Itza’s entrance?
538 pesos (~26 US $) for adults. Children under 13 can enter free of charge. - Is it safe to drive from Cancun to Chichen Itza?
Final Thoughts
Nevertheless you might go from Cancun to Chichen Itza, an unforgettable experience awaits. Whether you will do a tour or drive there yourself and take a bus, you will sooner or later submerge in one of the most stunning sites of Mexico. Bring your camera, hat, and tons of water. There is so much to see there, so do not forget to stay hydrated!
